Boxoffice-February.20.1978

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„K,Ai PICTOBES''"*^" 

• FEBRUARY 20, 1978 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

IncluitlnB All Scrtlonal Newi Pagts 

m 

EVERYBODY 

LOVES A 

WINNER! 

OWN INTERNATIONAL PICTORES presents tOACHl 

siamngCATHyLbtUKUbbY'lVIILHAtLbltHN'KttNANWYNN 

Wiih CHANNI^G CLARKSON'STEVE NEVIl-JACK DAVID WALKER-MERIDITH BAER-MYRON McGILL 

ROBYN POHLE'KRISTINE GRECO-BRENT HDFF-ROSANNE KATON-LENKA NOVAK-OTTO FELIX 

MILT OBERMAN-PAT TOWHSEND-IED DAWSON-BIIL HcLEA«-RON WRIGHT-sDetial atpearanoe by SIDNEY WICKS 

6X6CUtlV6 

producer NEWTON P. JACOBS'produced by MARK TENSER'directed by BUD TOWNSEND'associate producer WILL ZENS 

director of photography MIKE MURPHY'written by STEPHEN BRUCE ROSE'NANCY LARSON* Music by ANTHONY HARRIS 

pgI parental guidance suggested^^ 

SOME MAYERIAl M«Y NOT BE SUITASLE FOR PRE TEENAGERS. 

METROCOLOR® a crown international pictures release W I 

WCROWN INTERNATIONAL PICTURES 

^p 292 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, Ca. 90211 Tel: (213) 657-6700 

^ 

NEWTON P. JACOBS 

Chairman of the Board 

MARK TENSER 

President 

GEORGE M. JOSEPHS 

Vice Pres./Gen. Sales Mar.

— 

' 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

Published In Nine Sectional Editrons 

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Editor-in-Chief and Publisher 

RALPH M. DELMONT ..Manaoino Editor 

MORRIS SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mpr- 

GARY BURCH Enuipment Editor 

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Included in one Issue eacb month. 

Albuciuerque; Chuck .Mittlestadl. P.O. Box 

8514. Stalinn C 87108. Tele. 265- 

O.tTS. 265-171)1. 

^, ^ 

Atlanta: Genevieve Camp. 166 Lindbergh 

Drive, N.E. 30305. 

Baltimoie: Kate Savage. 3007 Springdale. 

21216. 

Boston: Ernest Warren, 1 Colgate Road. 

Needham, Mass. 02192. Tele. (617) 

444-1657. 

Bufliilu: Edward F. Meade, 760 .Main St.. 

14202. Tele. (716) 854-1555. 

Chicago: Frances B. Clow, 175 North 

Kenilvvorth, Uak Park. 111. 603O2. Tele. 

(:112) 383-8343. 

Cincinnati: Jeffrey Alexander, 7122 Carnation 

Ave.. 45236. Tele: (513) 791- 

7749. 

Cbarlotle: Blanche Carr, 1)12 E. Park 

Ave., 28203. Tele. (7041 37G-1815. 

Chiis. J. sr,, 31!) Leonard Queens Rd., 

28204. Tele: (704) 333-0444. 

Cleveland: Elaine Fried, 3255 Oienvvay 

Rd. 44122. Tele. (216) 9SI1-3797. 

Columbus: Jim Pearce, 230 Graceland 

Blvd., 43214. Tele. (614) 885-2610. 

Dallas: Mable Gulnan, 5927 Winlon. 

Denver: Bruce Marshall, 2881 S. Cherry 

Way. 80222. 

Des Moines: Cindy Vlers, 4024 E. Maple. 

50317. Tele. 266-9811. 

Detroit: Vera Phillips, 131 Eliot St. 

West, Windsor. Ont. N9A 5Y8. 

Hartford: Allen M. Widen, 30 Pioneer 

Drive, W. Hartford 06117. Tele. 232- 

3101. 

Indianapolis: Robert V. Jones. 6385 N. 

Park 46220. Tele. (317) 253-1536; 

Jacksonville: Robert Cninvvall, 3233 College 

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

5144. 

Memphis: Earllne Bans, 3849 Maid Marian 

Lane, 38111. Tele. 452-4220. 

Miami: Martha Lummns. 622 N.E. 98 St. 

Milwaukee: Wally L. Meyer, 13637 N. 

Green Bay Rd., 52 West, Mequon, Wis. 

53092. Tele. (414) 242-0643. 

Minneapolis: BUI Dlehl, St. Paul Dispatch, 

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

New Orleans: Mary Greenbaum, 2303 

Mendcz St. 70122. 

Oklahoma City: Eddie L. Greggs. 410 

South Bldg.. 2000 Classen Center, 

73106. 

Palm Beach: Lois Bauntnel, 2860 S. 

Ocean Blvd., No. 316, 33480, Tele. 

(305) 588-6786. 

Philadelphia: Maurle H. Orndenker, 312 

W. Park Towne Place, 19130. Tele. 

(215) 567-4748. 

Plltsbiirgh: R. F. Kllngensmllh, 516 

Jeanette, Wllkinsburg 15221. Tele. 

(412) 241-2809. 

Portland. Ore.: Robert Olds, 13640 SE 

King Rd., 97236. 

St. Louis: Fan R. Kraiisc, 818A Longacie 

Drive, 63132. Tele. (314) 991- 

4746. 

Salt Lake City: Keith Perry, 264 E, 1st 

South. 84111. Tele. (801) 328-1641. 

San Antonio: Gladys Candy. 519 Cincinnati 

Ave. Tele. (512) 734-5527. 

San Francisco: Cathy Meyer. Jan Zones 

Acencv, 1221 Jones St., Suite lOF, 

94109. 

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

4fith St., 98103. Tele. 782-5833. 

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

5 85705 

Washington: Virginia It Collier, 5112 

Connecticut Ave.. N W. 20008. Tele. 

(202) 362-0892. 

IN CANADA 

Calgary: Maxble McBean. 420 40th St., 

S.W.. I'\3C IWl. Tele. (403) 249- 

6039. 

Montreal: Tom Cleary. Association des 

Proprietalres de Cinemas du Quebec, 

3720 Van llornc. Suite 4-5, I13S 1R8, 

Toronto: J. W. Agnew, 274 St. John's 

Rd., M6P 1V5. 

Vancouver: Jimmy Davie, 3245 W. 12, 

V6K 2118. 

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F E t ^ U A R Y 2 0, 19 7 8 

-^2 

Vol. 

No. 20 

OUT OF THE EDITOR'S SCRAPBOOK 

THERE 

Me miie er ine /vleto&n. 

r^ctuAe SncLdî 

Underselling Begets Underselling 

long has been a tendency to blame 

exhibitors for boxoffice failures of pictures, 

the charge being that the exhibitors lay 

down on the job of selling the pictures in their 

communities. But, it appears, producer-distributors 

are just as guilty of underselling or just not 

selling many a picture that only a little extra 

push would put into the profit column. 

When a distributor bypasses a picture because 

it did not make an expectedly good showing in 

an initial opening—say in New York, Chicago 

or Los Angeles—he is overlooking the potential 

that may exist for it in many other cities, both 

nor are 

large and small. All tastes are not alike, 

conditions that may surround an opening situation. 

Time and again, a picture is "tested" in 

three or four spots and then, because it didn't 

turn up as a smash hit, it is thumbed down to 

oblivion. And this often has happened in instances 

where top star value exists, as well as 

other salable ingredients. The picture, in such 

cases, isn't even given the benefit of a single 

trade ad to inform exhibitors of what it has to 

offer that is salable and from which some idea 

or inspiration may be derived around which exhibitors 

could build a good local campaign. 

In the Exhibitor Has His Say department in 

the Nov. 27, 1961, issue of BoxoFFiCE, Al Zarzana 

and Ray Boriski, who operate the Venus 

Theatre in Houston, Tex., had this to say: 

"Ring of Fire" from MGM is a terrific, super, 

great motion picture tliat Hie! nothing ancl we must 

put the blame on somehody for not selling it from 

the start. Much junk has been ballyhooed with 

great results, and much good product such as this 

and "The Last Voyage" fell along the wayside because 

somebody made good films and then completely 

failed in selling them properly. Of course, 

by the time the films hit us they are either known 

or unknown as far as the public is concerned and 

it is quite a task for us to sell them this late. The 

film has action, suspense, terrific title, good color 

and swinging music. It will appeal to the teens and 

to all. Many people said they are seeing it again. 

There are producer-distributor complaints that 

it doesn't pay to make small-budget pictures, because 

they do not return even those small investments. 

Yet, there are many small-budgeters 

that could bring profitable returns, if only exhibitors 

were better informed— if not enthused 

about their possibilities. Nothing sells itself 

even the biggest and best pictures. This is evidenced 

liy the big campaigns given to the socalled 

blockbusters, even though they inay have 

more to offer. But that is no reason to neglect 

other good product that does have salable ingredients. 

Whether it clicks in opening or test 

engagements is beside the point. Surely, it would 

not have been made if the producer, in tlie first 

place, didn't believe it had attraction valu 

whether in cast, story or gimmick values, or 

the combination of the lot. 

Through the years, there has been too mui 

dependence on how a picture fared in its initi 

runs; and not enough attention has been givi 

to second, third and later bookings. Each 

these has a market value and should not 

downgraded or bypassed ; combined they ho 

the difference between profit and loss. And ti 

potential they afford can be made to be mai 

times greater. General Motors doesn't just s- 

its Cadillacs; it also sells—and with as muc 

if not more, constancy—its Oldsmobiles, Buicl; 

Pontiacs and Chevrolets and for those who wa, 

smaller, lower-cost cars, it has compact mode. 

Of the approximately 200 American-made f(j 

tures, more than half of them never see t| 

light of an individual trade advertisement! Prci 

uct-hungry exhibitors are eager for informati 

that will help them to buy, book and SELL 

available product, but this need is left wantu 

How can producer-distributors expect exhibit! 

to book or to be enthused to the point of exerti 

more effort and spending more money in p 

moling the pictures that the producer-distril 

• 

tors themselves show no interest in adverti?i 

< 

or selling? 

Periodic and spasmodic campaigns have th i 

value and do tend to stimulate theatre all' • 

dance. But these are peaks that do not rise of i 

enough to keep up a steady flow of patrona , 

which is this industry's crying need. As of i 

has been said, this is a 52-week, 36.S-day-a-V'i 

business whose stock in trade is not merely w I 

it has to sell, but how much and how well t ,1 

selling is done. The inspiration for this eff'l 

must come from the filmmakers and/or tli i 

distributing outlets. If thev don't want tli i 

pictures to be treated as more than fill-ins. to e 

played in and out at no profit to the exhibit 'i 

or to themselves—or not ])laved at all: if tly 

do want a good return on their picture invitments. 

whether they fall into the big-budget ir 

small-budget class, they've got to make tis 

known to the exhibitors by the trade back g 

they give their pictures. Otherwise, they give r- 

cent to the impression that if the picture i. '' 

worth advertising, it isn't ivorth playing. 

* The above, still applicable lo today's situation. > 

originally published on this page December 4. I I 

yj&uyj /mJL/t^*

Mark Hamill Is Selected 

S-A-R 'Star of Tomorrow' 

KANSAS CITY—Mark Hamill, star of 

MGM's "Corvette." will be honored as the 

^g/tSfi

ShoWesT Is Climaxed by Spectacular 

Awards Dinner at Hotel del Coronado 

By RALPH KAMINSKY 

SAN DIEGO—ShoWesT '78 climaxed 

its record-breaking convention Tuesday 

(14) with a spectacular awards show that 

went beyond bestowing the usual and wellestablished 

honors upon celebrities. It paid 

homage to the entire Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences for its 50 years 

of achievement and offered a special tribute 

to Ben Shlyen. founder, publisher and editor-in-chief 

of BoxoFFiCE, who was designated 

the "Tradepaper Publisher of the 

Half-Century." 

The award to Shlyen, whose Kansas Citybased 

magazine has been recognized by the 

nation's exhibitors as "The Bible of the 

Motion Picture Industry," was one of four 

special honors during the evening in which 

stars Henry Winkler and Mark Hamill captured 

the admiration of the more than 800 

convention delegates. 

Shlyen was presented his citation by Tichi 

Wilkerso,n Miles, editor-in-chief and publisher 

of the Hollywood Reporter, who described 

him as "a remarkable type of person 

who has been the backbone of our industry—a 

man we honor and respect." 

"I'm just happy I still am able to write 

an editorial," Shlyen quipped in accepting 

the citation saluting his more than 50 years 

of achievements as a publisher. 

Salute to Academy 

The award to the Academy was presented 

to producer Howard W. Koch, the president 

of the organization and producer of this 

year's Oscar show. Koch introduced a newly 

made short film, "Oscar's First 50 Years," 

narrated by Jack Lemmon, detailing many 

of the services and programs which the 

Academy sponsors. 

Composer-conductor John Green was 

cited as "Mr. Magic Man" and he promptly 

took a turn at the piano to play and sing 

a medley of songs which he had written and 

which have become a part of the American 

musical heritage. 

Twentieth Century-Fox dominated the 

awards with its blockbuster "Star Wars" 

reaping the honors. The film was named the 

"top grosser of the century." George Lucas, 

its director, was named "Director of the 

Year." Mark Hamill, youthful star of "Star 

Wars," was named "Most Promising New 

Star." 

Winkler 'Star of Yeai' 

Henry Winkler, star of "The One and 

Only" and "Heroes," was cited as "Star of 

the Year." Exhibitor Ross Campbell made 

the presentation and praised Winkler for 

bringing "a new kind of stardom to our 

screen." 

Winkler, good with the repartee, took 

note that Campbell had mispronounced his 

name and brought down the house with a 

quick "Thank you, Mr. Heniz." He added, 

"I love to do what I do, entertain people," 

and he won a burst of applause when he 

lauded the exhibitors, saying: "You do a 

great service to the world—you entertain 

them." 

Peter S. Myers, vice-president of sales 

for 20th Century-Fox, praised Alan Ladd 

jr., president of the company, for bringing 

director George Lucas and "Star Wars" to 

the studio. "I just pray the record will be 

broken soon," he said of the biggest grossing 

film, "by Lucas and by the picture he 

makes distributed by Fox." 

Lucas Praises 

Exhibitors 

Accepting his award, Lucas praised exhibition 

as the key to success. "I can give 

you the raw product but you show it in 

your theatres," he declared in lauding the 

showmen for entertaining the public. 

Hamill echoed his words and said that 

"this is a very special night for George Lucas, 

to whom I owe everything." The youthful 

actor, a resident of San Diego, left the 

dais to visit with his parents and other 

family members who occupied a table at 

the function. He was trapped by a bevy of 

autograph seekers who released him only 

when emcee Robert Selig pleaded to get the 

program started. 

Singer Debby Boone was honored as the 

"Personality of the Year." She had jumped 

to national prominence with her single record 

"You Light Up My Life," which topped 

the charts ten weeks in a row. She entertained 

by singing the hit song, backed by a taperecorded 

orchestra. 

Also honored were the Siegel brothers, 

operators of the Village Theatre in Coronado, 

for their cooperation with ShoWesT 

by making their house available for screenings 

of films which are a part of the convention 

highlights. 

Selig, dynamo and backbone of ShoWesT 

planning, was honored by the organization 

which added two more years to the fiveyear 

scholarship donated two years ago in 

his name to the University of Denver. 

Major Sneak, Champagne 

Breakfast Set by S-A-R 

KANSAS CITY—Show-A-Rama 21 

will 

be the scene of the first unreeling of "Our 

Winning Season" Wednesday, March 15. 

The film's producers disclosed that they 

have placed their lab on an overtime schedule 

in order to complete the first print in 

time for the sneak preview. 

Convention delegates will be transported 

from the Crown Center Hotel by bus to 

Dickinson Operating Co.'s Glenwood Theatre 

in suburban Overland Park, Kas., for 

the evening showing. 

Following the sneak, convention delegates 

will be feted with a late-night champagne 

breakfast, annually hosted by Sunn Classic 

Pictures. Sunn Classic will present two 

"Outstanding Exhibitor" awards to finalists 

in a competition held in conjunction with its 

"The Lincoln Conspiracy" release. 

Blind-Bidding Rapped 

By NATO President 

(Continued from page 3) 

business," touching on such criticisms as 

"quaint methods of accounting"; a variety 

of lawsuits against various segments of the 

industry; underreporting, and overcharging. 

"Who can blame the average reader and 

moviegoer from looking on us all as corrupt, 

money hungry jackals, feeding on one 

another for additional profit?" he asked. 

Expressing optimism that Hollywood will 

put its house in order, Goldman declared, 

"We can only hope that the public realizes 

that only a small part of the industry is 

involved— that most of us involved with the 

industry are honest, hard-working citizens, 

just as they arc." 

Before he launched into the main body 

of his speech Goldman took a scathing look 

at what he called the Beverly Hills "Polo 

Lounge Set," referring to one of the most 

popular meeting places of Hollywood—the 

Polo Lounge of the Beverlv Hills Hotel. 

For them, he said. "Besides enjoying record 

profits now. the future looks bright indeed. 

New technologies promise an expanded 

market for product, what with pay TV, 

two-way cable, videodiscs and still unborn 

techniques that may possibly enlarge the 

paying audience from its present 20,000,000 

a week to the prewar 80,000,000." 

Affiliated to Distribute 

'Homecoming Queen' 

HOLLYWOOD — Co-producers 

Frank 

Rubin and Gary Gibbs have set production 

plans for "Homecoming Queen," a youthoriented 

feature about high school students. 

Affiliated Film Distributors will handle 

the July release of the film. 

'Encounters' Hits Lofty 

$72,385,849 in 8 Weeks 

Burbank— "Close Encounters of the 

Third Kind," from Columbia Pictures, 

has grossed a record $72,385,849 at 

the boxoffice after only the eighth 

week of its national release. This figure 

includes the $1,076,927 achieved 

in the first four weeks of its engagement 

at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New 

York and the three weeks and five days 

of its engagement at the Cinerama 

Dome in Los Angeles. 

In the eighth week, 560 of the original 

long-run playdates were joined by 

69 smaller situations which opened between 

Wednesday (1) and Friday (3). 

Approximately 200 more engagements 

will be opening during this month. 

"Close Encounters of the Third 

Kind," a Columbia presentation in as- 

.sociation with EMI starring Richard 

Dreyfuss, Francois Tniffaut, Teri Garr, 

and Melinda Dillon, was written and 

directed by Steven Spielberg. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 20. 1978

Jack Valenti Decries 

'Attacks' by Press 

HOLLYWOOD—Jack Valenti. president 

of tiie 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America, in 

a statement issued Wednesday (S), lashed 

out at what he termed "irresponsible overkill 

attacks" on the U.S. film industry. Valenti 

said it was "an outrageous twist of 

truth to smear the entire American film industry 

(which) just completed the most successful 

year in its entire film history . . . 

returned to the U.S. Treasury almost a halfb'llion 

dollars in surplus balance of payments 

in 1977." 

"We are under attack," said Valenti in 

reference to general press publicity, "because 

of allegations which emerge from 

contractual misunderstandings and just plain 

difference of opinion, not deliberate misch'ef. 

It is an outrageous twist of truth to 

smear the entire American movie industry." 

Saying that the past year had been one 

in which executives, directors, writers, actors, 

producers and union craftsmen had 

developed the art of filmmaking in this 

country to its highest creative art level, 

Valenti declared: "Much of what has been 

written in the press is what I would call 

'family quarreling.' However else it may be 

described, by no stretch of the imagination 

can it be called wholesale cheating and corruption." 

He continued. "The fiscal disagreements 

that exist between filmmakers and distribution 

companies, differences of opinion over 

arithmetic and what should and should not 

be charged to a film's budget and distribution 

costs and the arguments between theatre 

owners and distribution have been going 

on for over 40 years without front-page 

attention." 

Valenti conceded, "We are not perfect. 

What group is? The essence of my outrage 

is that a few problems and misdeeds are 

allowed to blot and scar the integrity of the 

entire film industry." 

Terry Esbin Named Para. 

Ass't Director of Sales 

NEW YORK — Jerry Esbin has been 

named assistant director of sales for the 

motion picture division of Paramount Pictures 

Corp., effective immediately, and will 

report directly to Martin Kutner. director of 

sales, it has been announced by Frank G. 

Mancuso, vice-president, domestic distribution, 

for the division. 

In making the annoimcement, Mancuso 

said that the promotion was in recognition 

of Esbin's invaluable contribution to the 

sales organization while he was director of 

branch operations. Also, in view of the 

large number of Paramount releases in the 

next 18 months. Esbin's future contributions 

are considered a distinct asset. 

Esbin joined Paramount in 1975 as manager 

of branch operations. Previously, he 

was a film buyer covering the Northeast 

area for American Multi Cinema. Prior 

to that, he had been branch operations manager 

for Columbia Pictures. 

BOXOmCE :: February 20, 1978 

Harold Samboy Appointed 

V-P. Controller, at UA 

NEW YORK.— Harold E. Samboy has 

been appointed vice-president/controller for 

United .Artists Corp., it was announced by 

Vincent S. Giovinco, vice-president, finance. 

Samboy, 43, joined United Artists' international 

department in 1964 and held a 

number of key accounting posts with the 

company before being named corporate director 

of accounting in 1973 and a vicepresident 

in 1976. 

A certified public accountant, he had 

been employed by the accounting firm of 

Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. before joining 

UA. He is a graduate of City College 

of New York and took post-graduate 

courses at 

NYU. 

Knight & Pips to Unveil 

'One and Only' on TV 

NEW YORK—Gladys Knight and the 

Pips will introduce the title song from 

Paramount Pictures' "The One and Only" 

on "The Tonight Show" on WNBC-fv 

Tuesday evening (21). The title song, with 

mus'C by Patrick Williams and lyrics by 

.-Man and Marilyn Bergman, is performed 

by Gladys Knight and the Pips on their 

latest single for Buddah Records, to be 

released this month. 

"The One and Only," starring Henry 

Winkler, Kim Darby and Gene Saks, was 

produced by Steve Gordon and David V. 

Picker and directed by Carl Reiner from 

Steve Gordon's original screenplay. Robert 

Halmi was executive producer of the First 

Artists production of a Carl Reiner film. 

Joseph 'Pepi' Lenzi, 54, 

Dies of a Heart Attack 

HOLLYWOOD—Joseph "Pepi" Lenzi, 

54, veteran motion picture assistant director, 

production manager and sometime associate 

producer, died Wednesday morning 

(15) in his Beverly Hills home, the result of 

a heart attack. Lenzi had been in excellent 

health until the past two weeks. 

A native of Lucca, Italy, Lenzi held the 

rare distinction of fighting for both the Axis 

and the Allies during World War II. Drafted 

in 

the Italian Air Force, he became a fighter 

pilot during Italy's early years in the war. 

When America entered the conflict, he defected 

to England and flew fighter planes 

against Germany. 

After the war. he became friends with 

Stanley Hough, then a production manager 

for 20th Century-Fox, who helped him enter 

the U.S. motion picture industry as an 

assistant director. He was an intimate of 

Darryl and Richard Zanuck, Henry Hathaway, 

Henry King. John Wayne, Jean Negulesco, 

Richard Murphy. David Brown and 

Hough. 

Lenzi was scheduled to leave for Colorado 

this week to assume first assistant director 

duties on 20th-Fox's "Butch and Simdance: 

The Early Years." 

He is survived by his wife Nichole Ricliaudacu 

Lenzi. 

Jorjani Is Planning 

Two Films Per Year 

By 

JOHN COCCHl 

NEW YORK—From Iran to New York 

isn't such a big jump, as producer-director 

Fereidim G. Jorjani will tell you. The Iranian-born 

filmmaker did 19 TV films in his 

native country and has been in U. S. production 

seven years, unofficially, and the 

last three years in earnest. He and associate 

Spencer Compton also will tell you that 

their latest Panther production, an R-rated 

action comedy titled "The Fox Affair." now 

is being readied for release. Panther is based 

in New York City. 

Jorjani might volunteer the information 

that ihe film industry in Iran is split between 

commercial and new-wave productions. 

TV is more explicit there, although 

ihc Shah of Iran cannot be criticized in any 

way: as per the constitution, he is not responsible. 

However, the country's prime 

minister is open to criticism. 

Made Two Versions of Film 

Both Jorjani and Compton were film 

school students and met here when Jorjani 

was courting his wife Susan. Her brother 

Richard Power is an old friend of Compton. 

The first Jorjani-Compton venture was "Reunion," 

which was done in both R and soft 

X versions strictly for the money, they admit. 

The current film lists Compton as associate 

producer and production manager, 

with Power as executive producer. 

"The Fox Affair," filmed in New York 

and Hong Kong, features Kathryn Dodd. 

Robert Bosco, Yri Alexis and Steve Lincoln. 

It tells of two con men who try to 

avoid a svndicate hit man while enlisting the 

aid of a New York meter maid in blackmailing 

a financier to help pay off the 

racketeers. The original score was composed 

and conducted by Olubiji Adetoye 

and performed by the Traditional Symphony 

Orchestra. A soundtrack album with 

a heavy disco flavor now is being negotiated 

and will feature scenes from the film. A 

major independent distributor is being lined 

up for a scheduled March 15 release. 

Likes Working in 

NYC 

Jorjani likes making films in New York 

and says that the unions don't openly sanction 

non-union crews but feel that new 

members can be acquired as a result. .An 

upcoming film is "Centerfold," to be shot 

in New York, Paris. London. Rome, Greece 

and Texas. 

Because of the time and budget involved. 

Jorjani has decided to shelve a pet project, 

"July 13." for the time being. Set during 

New York's recent blackout, the downbeat 

tale focuses on a maimed Vietnam veteran. 

Scheduled for filming later this year, in 

Vermont, is "Regret," which is about two 

people who are leaving their mates and who 

meet at a deserted ski resort. 

make two films a year from now on 

The producer-director states that he expects 

to 

and that "The Fox Affair" will be his last 

film without a name cast.

THESWARiy. 

... to the laiêst number 

in the entire history of Wa 

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From Warner Bros 

A Warner Cofnmu meat ions Company 

1978 WARNER BROS INC,

NSS-NTS Announces 

Realignment of Staff 

tive 

NEW YORK—Norman Robbins, execu- 

vice-president of National Screen Service 

Corp. since 1974. has been assigned the 

responsibility of chief management for the 

National Theatre Supply division in addition 

to his other duties, it has been announced 

by Burton E. Robbins. president 

of the corporate parent company. The latter 

stated that the division has been restructured 

in 

the interest of better corporate control. 

Dan Miller. NSS corporate vice-president, 

is relinquishing his responsibility as 

managing director of NTS in order to devote 

fulftime to his duties as general sales 

manager of the division. Richard Green will 

contiriue as manager of general operations 

for NTS, reporting directly to Norman Robbins. 

Peter Koplik, assistant to the executive 

vice-president of National Screen Service, 

has been appointed to the newly created 

position of NSS field operations director, 

Norman Robbins announced. It was 

stressed that, effective immediately, all matters 

regarding NSS branch operations will 

be under Koplik's direct supervision and 

that all NSS branch managers will contact 

Koplik rather than Robbins in these matters. 

Koplik will continue as assistant to the 

executive vice-president in addition to assuming 

his new duties and responsibilities. 

He johied NSS four years ago as an execu- 

trainee and subsequently was appointed 

tive 

assistant branch manager for NSS in Cincinnati 

before being promoted to his present 

post. 

Stephen Rockabrand, NSS regional sales 

manager, has been appointed to the newly 

created post of Eastern division manager, 

NSS. it was announced by Stewart D. Harnell, 

general sales manager. As a result of 

his outstanding performance in executing 

his duties. Rockabrand was instrumental in 

the re-establishment of the division manager 

structure, a policy that was discontinued 

more than ten years ago. Harnell said 

that the restructuring will bolster the current 

sales thrust of the company. 

Rockabrand joined NSS in 1970 as an 

executive trainee and in 1972 was appointed 

office manager of the Philadelphia branch 

and thereafter was promoted to sales representative. 

In 1974 he became its branch 

manager and last year he was named regional 

sales manager. 

Marcia Nasatir to Post 

At Orion Pictures Corp. 

HOLLYWOOD — Marcia Nasatir, 

who 

resigned from United Artists shortly after 

the Messrs. Krim. Benjamin, Plcskow, Bernstein 

and Medavoy departed, will be joining 

the five executives in their new company, 

Orion Pictures Corp. Ms. Nasatir has been 

named vice-president and reported Monday 

(13) to new offices at the Burbank Studios. 

TBS will serve as West Coast headquarters 

for the new company. 

WB's Terry Semel Says 

'No Product Shortage' 

San Diego—Terry Semel. executive 

vice-president/ distributioa for Warners, 

announced at the ShoWesT luncheon 

hosted by the company Monday (13) 

that WB plans to spend approximately 

$30,000,000 on advertising and promotion 

of 22 new pictures charted for 

release this year. He declared "there is 

no product shortage" and predicted the 

coming autumn "will be the best in 

many years." 

With Sid Ganis, vice-president of 

advertising and publicity, Semel presented 

partial screenings and discussions 

of various products during the 

session. 

Semel also assured that WB is not 

"rushing major hits into the TV network 

market" but said it is building a 

library to draw upon for future releases. 

In addition to product made by Warners, 

Semel said some "fabulous" films 

would be acquired from independent 

producers. Further, he cited the company's 

recent association with "the five 

former United Artists executives" who 

are going into independent production 

as another source of product supply. 

Allied Artists 'Shocked' 

By Actors' Allegations 

NEW YORK—Allied Artists Pictures 

Corp. has issued a statement denying "any 

truth to allegations made by certain participants 

in the film 'The Man Who Would 

Be King.' " Insisting that "legal and accounting 

issues" which have been in dispute 

over a year are "in the process of being 

resolved," the company further stated that 

actors Sean Connery and Michael Caine 

already have received in excess of $600,- 

000. 

Allied Artists also plans to file a multimillion-dollar 

lawsuit for damages incurred 

as a result of the "defamatory statements" 

in previously published accounts of the matter. 

The company describes itself as "shocked 

and deeply disturbed." 

NATO Reports Membership 

Poll Returns, Problems 

NEW YORK—The executive 

committee 

of the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners 

met in New Orleans Thursday and Friday 

(2-3) to discuss major policy matters. Initial 

analysis of the membership survey undertaken 

in January also was begun and will 

culminate in "a 'position paper' covering all 

of the issues that the membership is concerned 

with for presentation to the national 

board of directors at its March meeting," 

according to Marvin Goldman, NATO president. 

Problems receiving most frequent mention 

in the survey's 60 per cent return rate 

so far include terms, blind-bidding, guarantees, 

quantity of releases, overheads, extended 

playing times and print conditions. 

Rehme to A-E as Senior 

V-P, Operations Chief 

LOS ANGELES — Robert 

Rehme has 

been named senior vice-president and chief 

operating officer of 

Avco 

Embassy 

Pictures, it was announced 

by William 

Chaikin, president 

Fj^B^^V 

'^PlPk^ and chief executive 

officer of the company. 

Rehme comes 

to his new post from 

New World Pictures 

where he was vicepresident 

and general 

Robert Rehme 

sales manager. 

In announcing the appointment Chaikin 

said: "We are delighted to have a man with 

so many varied talents. Not only does Bob 

have a great knowledge of sales but also is 

well versed in advertising and publicity. He 

will be a tremendous asset to our company." 

Born in Cincinnati, Rehme began his career 

with RKO Theatres, moving up 

through the ranks to manager of several 

of the theatres. Leaving RKO in 1961, he 

then served five years as advertising manager 

of the Cincinnati Theatre Co. 

After a stint as director of field advertising 

for United Artists, Rehme worked as 

director of worldwide publicity and assistant 

sales manager for Paramount in New York 

from 1969 "to 1972. He then became officer 

and general manager of Leisure Time America, 

Inc. In 1976, he moved to Southern 

California to join New World Pictures, from 

which he resigned to assume his duties at 

Avco Embassy. 

Rehme, his wife Kay and their two children, 

Robin and Tracy, live in Woodland 

Hills, 

Calif. 

Cougar to Be Distributor 

Of 4 Doty-Dayton Films 

HOLLYWOOD — Cougar 

Releasing's 

vice-president Richard Nash has announced 

the signing of final contracts in a deal with 

the Acton Corp. for distribution of four 

motion pictures produced by Doty-Dayton. 

According to Nash. "Acton selected Cougar 

Releasing as its distribution arm due to 

Cougar's familiarity with the pictures, as 

well as Cougar's depth of new unreleased 

properties." 

First to be released of the package is the 

G-rated "Baker's Hawk," starring Clint 

Walker and Burl Ives. Cougar will have 400 

prints available. 

The second Doty-Dayton production 

slated for Cougar release is "The Saga of 

Jimmy D," starring Silm Pickens and Jack 

Elam. The others will be announced at a 

later 

date. 

Sturdivant to Be Exhibitor 

Chairman for Will Rogers 

NEW YORK—Salah M. Hassanein. president 

of Will Rogers Memorial Fund, announced 

that B. V. "Sturdy" Sturdivant will 

be exhibitor chairman for the 197S Will 

Rogers campaign. 

BOXOFHCE :: February 20. 1978

Paramount Unveils 

Multi-Film Trailer 

SAN DIEGO—Paramount Pictures' top 

sales executives hosted delegates to Show- 

WesT '78 at a breakfast Monday morning 

(13) at which the company introduced an 

innovative trailer plan to ballyhoo its forthcoming 

releases. It is designed to "motivate 

and sell an audience long before the pictures 

open." 

Frank Mancuso, vice-president of domestic 

sales, describing Paramount's "strong 

program for the future," declared the company's 

motto to be "A Mountain of Entertainment 

for 1978." 

Others participating in the presentation 

were Martin Kutner, general sales manager; 

Jerry Haile, Western division manager, and 

Ed Bader, district manager for Salt Lake 

City, Los Angeles and Denver. 

The unique concept is a departure from 

the usual use of a trailer to sell only one 

film, usually the next forthcoming release, 

Mancuso explained. Paramount's innovation 

will be a multi-picture trailer showing 

excerpts from a number of new releases. 

Mancuso said the idea is based on the 

methods TV networks use to plug programs 

set for a new season. The trailer will be 

updated, removing pictures in release and 

replacing them with new product as it comes 

along. 

"It's 

an exciting form of pre-introduction 

for coming films," Mancuso said, urging 

exhibitors to support the new trailer plan 

by using those it will supply. 

The first of the new multi-picture trailer 

gave exhibitors a view of four forthcoming 

releases — "Foul Play," starring Goldie 

Hawn and Chevy Chase; "Grease," with 

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John; 

"The Bad News Bears Go to Japan," with 

Tony Curtis, and "American Hot Wax," the 

story of the birth of rock 'n' roll music. 

Also on Paramount's schedule are 

"Heaven Can Wait," starring Warren Beatty 

and Julie Christie; "Death on the Nile," 

based on an Agatha Christie novel, and 

"Goin' South." starring Jack Nicholson. 

Among future projects, Mancuso said, are 

"Oliver's Story"; two Dino De Laurentiis 

films, "King of the Gypsies" and "Hurricane"; 

"Rough Cut"; a feature version of 

"Star Trek," the classic TV science-fiction 

series; "Flash Gordon," and "Godfather 

Part 

III." 

Pact Extension Approved 

By Frank Yablans, Fox 

HOLLYWOOD—Alan Ladd jr., president 

of 20lh Century-Fox, announced that 

the studio has concluded negotiations on a 

new pact which extends Frank Yablans' association 

with 20th Century-Fox for three 

more years. First right of approval on any 

agreement. 

A move of production headquarters from 

New York City to Hollywood is planned by 

Yablans. 

Stomu Yamashta Is Signed 

For 'Simon' Soundtrack 

LOS ANGELES — Japanese 

project initiated by Frank Yablans Presentations 

has been retained by 20th Century-Fox 

under the terms of the nonexclusive 

musiciancomposer-producer 

Stomu Yamashta has 

been selected by Marquee International 

Films to work with writer-director Robil 

Hairman on the sotmdtrack of the rockfantasy 

feature "Simon." Yamashta will 

bring together some of the world's top rock 

musicians to synthesize the event. He will 

be arranging and scoring Hairman's compositions, 

composing and scoring incidental 

music and co-producing with Robin E. G. 

Welch, the film's producer. 

Previous soundtrack contributions by Yamashta 

include Robert Altman's "Images," 

Ken Russell's "The Devils" and David 

Bowie's "The Man Who Fell to Earth." 

A recently signed Arista artist, Yamashta 

presently is in England completing his own 

produced TV special of taped interviews and 

events of key film and rock contemporaries. 

He will be in Los Angeles later this year 

to work on the "Simon" soundtrack and to 

finalize label distribution deals with Marquee 

International. 

Lorimar and Joe Namath 

Sign Three-Project Deal 

NEW YORK—Merv Adelson, chairman 

of Lorimar Productions, and Lee Rich, 

president, announced that Joe Namath, recently 

retired pro football quarterback, has 

signed a three-project acting pact with the 

independent motion picture and TV production 

company. Namath will star in Lorimar's 

"Avalanche Express," $12,000,000- 

budgeted film toplined by Lee Marvin, Robert 

Shaw and Mike Connors, and is to appear 

in two TV projects, both involving 

agreements with NBC-TV. 

Namath will join the "Avalanche Express" 

company when production starts March 13 

in Munich. He previously has appeared in 

the motion pictures "C. C. & Company," 

"Norwood" and "The Last Rebel." 

Rosilyn Heller to Make 

Pictures for Columbia 

BURBANK— Rosilyn Heller, a longtime 

executive of Columbia Pictures, is moving 

from her post as vice-president, production, 

to enter the active production of motion pictures 

for Columbia, it was announced by 

Daniel Melnick, in charge of worldwide 

production. 

In her first film association. Ms. Heller 

will be the executive producer of "Ice 

Castles," the recently announced John 

Kemeny production to star Robby Benson 

and Lynn-Holly Johnson. The new motion 

picture, to be produced by Kemeny and 

directed by Donald Wrye, begins principal 

photography March 6 on locations in Minneapolis 

and Colorado Springs. 

Quartet Films Acquires 

Feldman's 'Think Dirty' 

NEW YORK — Quartet Films here 

has 

announced the acquisition of a zany new 

comedy, "Think Dirty," written by and starring 

Marty Feldman, for spring release. 

S-A-R 21 Announces 

3 Honored Showmen 

KANSAS CITY— Russ Beckner, Show- 

A-Rama 21 "Honored Showmen" search coordinator, 

has announced the selection of 

three showmen to be spotlighted during the 

March 13-16 convention. 

Winning entries were selected in three 

categories: outstanding print campaign, outstanding 

radio promotion and outstanding 

on-site promotion. The winning entries 

were: R. S. Johnson, Convention Center 

Cinema, Winnipeg. Canada, for his print 

campaign on "The Slipper and the Rose"; 

Fred lannarelli, lannarelli Theatres, College 

Station, Pa., for his radio promotion on 

"Star Wars," and Ms. Terri Smith, Northcross 

Six theatres, Austin, Tex., for her 

on-site promotion for "Saturday Night 

Fever." 

"We were swamped with entries this 

year," said Beckner as he made the announcement. 

"In fact, there were so many 

good entries it took a great deal of time to 

give each one careful consideration and 

rank them according to merit." The 1978 

competition received more entries than any 

previous year in the award's history. 

Each "Honored Showman" will receive 

transportation to Show-A-Rama 21, in addition 

to hotel accomodations and guest 

registration for the convention. During the 

gathering, each will be spotlighted as their 

award is presented. 

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BOXOFTICE :: February 20, 1978

Bob Dylan Personally Supervising 

Distribution of 'Renaldo & Clara' 

By BILL DIEHL 

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota's 

"native 

son" musical superstar Bob Dylan, of 

"Blowin" in the Wind" fame, currently is 

applying his talents to moviemaking, an endeavor 

the recording artist says he intends 

to pursue. Born in this state's port city of 

Duluth and raised in the Iron Range community 

of Ribbing, Dylan grew up as Robert 

Zimmerman. 

Now Dylan, at 36, has written, produced 

and starred in a feature titled "Renaldo & 

Clara," a nearly four-hour creation that has 

had openings on both coasts and locally 

opened Friday (17) at the Varsity Theatre 

here. "Renaldo & Clara" is distributed by 

Circuit Films, which is to say, by Dylan 

himself. 

Handling details of the business end of 

distribution is Dylan's 32-year-old brother 

David, who talked with Boxoffice in the 

offices of Circuit Films at 100 North Sixth 

St. here. 

Footage Ran 400 Hours 

According to David Zimmerman (for reasons 

of clarity, David will be referred to as 

Zimmerman while his brother will remain 

Dylan), the songwriter's motion picture is 

the result of ten years of planning. But if 

that "think" base seems enormous, consider 

the running time. Dylan accumulated some 

400 hours of footage. 

In addition to writing "Renaldo & Clara" 

and directing and starring in the film, Dylan 

not only is distributing it but also coedited. 

Somehow, he compressed that mountain 

of footage into four hours of screen 

time, which still tops "Gone With the 

Wind" by 20 minutes. 

Not Rock Tour Film 

That incredible amount of film was shot 

during the 1975-76 Rolling Thunder Revue 

but "Renaldo & Clara" is "not just another 

rock-concert-tour picture," Zimmerman 

stressed. Its players and performers, who do 

a variety of other things in addition to their 

revue duties, include Joan Baez, Ronee 

Blakley, Arlo Guthrie, Roberta Flack, Jack 

Elliott, Bob Neuwirth, Allen Ginsberg and 

David Blue. It's said the movie cost $1,250,- 

000 and that figure does not include perhaps 

as much as $600,000, the cost of 

launching the initial three-city agenda for 

the bicentennial tour. 

Zimmerman explained that "The Rolling 

Thunder One" tour, during which the film 

was shot, began in 1975 in Boston and 

moved through New England to Montreal 

and ended in Madison Square Garden. 

"What Bob did was to select the tour as the 

background for his story and he used the 

cities themselves as backdrops. He used 

whatever he could find; the tour footage, 

hotel lobbies—there's nothing manufactured. 

"It's a story of relationships. You learn 

who Renaldo and Clara are toward the end 

of the picture but, while you are seeing the 

picture, they are the symbol of a relationship 

between all kinds of people on the 

tour." 

Though Dylan is in the film, just one of 

its several offbeat approaches is that he does 

not portray himself. Ronnie Hawkins plays 

Dylan. Said Zimmerman, "Ronnie looks totally 

unlike Bob. You'll know immediately 

that it isn't Bob but that's part of the whole 

idea of the relationships that go on. That's 

just one level. It's a nonlinear picture." 

Dylan financed the movie personally, 

without any studio 

Zimmerman points out, 

involvement. "It's in MetroColor," he said, 

"but that's because we used Metro's processing 

lab. MGM had nothing to do with 

the movie. 

"It's rated R," Zimmerman continued, 

"and that's the rating we wanted. It's for 

the language, nothing else. If we had been 

given PG, we would have protested." But 

doesn't that discount a large potential audience 

by virtually eliminating the midteenagers? 

David Zimmerman shook his head. "No, 

because they really wouldn't appreciate or 

comprehend the storyline anyway. This is a 

movie for the mature viewers, one that will 

haunt them for days." Dylan's only other 

screen credit is "Billy the Kid," in which he 

played a minor role, although he was listed 

well up on the credits. Kris Kristofferson 

was one of the stars. 

Concert Concept Applies 

As for the booking of "Renaldo & Clara," 

Zimmerman said "We're treating this picture 

in the same manner as running the concerts; 

selecting the places we feel are the 

right places for the picture. We're not fourwalling, 

we're making traditional distribution 

deals. But we are dealing with theatres, 

not circuits. We do have circuits that are 

taking the picture but we are specifying the 

houses. We're not making any package 

deals." 

Surely 

a four-hour movie might not exactly 

excite an exhibitor eager for turnover? 

"Well." said Zimmerman, "there is 

an intermission. We are viewing this picture 

as an event. And we do specify that whatever 

a theatre's regular admission price is, 

they add 50 cents to it." 

Zimmerman gave a firmly negative reply 

to the suggestion of a possible soundtrack 

LP. He did say that an extended-play 

disc (called an EP in the trade and a rarity 

these days) might be processed for radio 

promotion purposes only. 

In its initial openings "Renaldo & Clara" 

has been given less than enthusiastic reviews. 

Critics have called it everything from overlong 

to confusing to jumbled to egotistic to 

amateurish and the immediate impression 

is that it is a real "brain-and-bultocks-buster." 

Still the film is certain to offer some 

collegiate appeal. And Dylan says that he 

will continue his cinematic commitment, regardless 

of the success or failure of "Renaldo 

& Clara." 

Isaacs Joins GCT as V-P, 

West Coast Film Buying 

Phil 

Isaacs 

HOLLYWOOD—Phil Isaacs, executive 

vice-president of Avco Embassy Pictures, 

has been appointed 

General Cinema Theatres' 

vice-president 

for West Coast film 

buying, taking up his 

new duties Monday 

(13) at General Cinema's 

headquarters in 

Beverly Hills. 

Isaacs late last year 

moved to executive 

vice-president of Avco 

Embassy from his 

position of general manager. Before joining 

Avco Embassy he had been marketing vicepresident 

of Tomorrow Entertainment, a division 

of General Electric, and was responsible 

for that company's motion picture division. 

He also served 

14 years as sales manager 

and marketing executive of Paramount Pictures. 

In 1967, he became vice-president in 

charge of domestic distribution of Cinema 

Center Films, a division of Columbia 

Broadcasting System. 

Univ.. Crown Host Events 

Marking Start of ShoWesT 

SAN DIEGO—Universal Pictures provided 

a superstar and a special screening of 

his latest picture to help kick off the opening 

day of ShoWesT '78 Sunday (12), while 

Crown International Pictures hosted conventioneers 

at its traditional cocktail party 

that added sparkle to the opening night of 

the annual tradeshow. 

Actor Anthony Quinn and his wife headed 

the Universal contingent which provided 

a smorgasbord dinner for convention delegates, 

the first major affair for the long 

list of film companies participating in this 

year's gathering of exhibitors from 12 Western 

states. 

Speaking briefly about his new feature 

"The Greek Tycoon," which also stars Jacqueline 

Bisset, Quinn asserted that, of the 

1 65 films in which he has performed, this 

was the first time he could declare with 

confidence that "I feel very secure that 

we've made a wonderful picture." 

"The Greek Tycoon" was screened for 

delegates at the Village Theatre, Coronado, 

and drew a long ovation from the exhibitors 

in attendance. In the Universal contingent 

present for the occasion were Charles Powell, 

vice-president of advertising and publicity; 

Robert L. Carpenter, general domestic 

sales manager; Kevin Genther, national 

promotion manager, and Jonas Rosenfield, 

special consultant. 

Preceding its annual cocktail party. 

Crown presented a product reel highlighting 

four of its new pictures and two reissues. 

New films were "French Quarter," "Dracula's 

Dog," "Malibu Beach" and "The 

Coach." Rercleases set 

by the company are 

the highly successful "The Van" and "The 

Pom Pom Girls." 

10 BOXOFHCE :: February 20, 1978

Thomas Crehon, RKO-SW 

Executive, Dead at 65 

NEW YORK—Thomas J. Crehan, vicepresident 

and general manager of RKO- 

Stanley Warner Theatres, died Monday (6) 

of a heart attack. He was 65 years old. 

This past summer, Crehan celebrated his 

50th anniversary with the RKO-SW circuit. 

He launched his show business career in 

June 1927 as a page boy with the B. F. 

Keith Organization in the Palace Theatre 

Building. He was appointed transportation 

director for B. F. Keith during the heyday 

of vaudeville and later became an assistant 

to Bill Howard, vice-president of RKO 

Theatres. Several years later, he became 

assistant to Harry Mandel, president of the 

RKO circuit. 

Crehan was promoted to vice-president 

when Matthew Polon became president of 

RKO and held this position under the presidency 

of Harry S. Buxbaum until his death. 

An active supporter of many charitable 

organizations, Crehan was affiliated with 

the Will Rogers Memorial Fund. Catholic 

Charities and many others. 

He is survived by his wife Kay. 

Don Guttman Dead at 63; 

Executive With Pacific 

LOS ANGELES—Services were held 

Sunday (5) for Don Guttman. 63, who died 

Thursday (2) after a lengthy illness. 

For over ten years Guttman was general 

manager of Pacific Theatres. Born in 

Minneapolis, he operated theatres there, 

later helping to pioneer drive-in development 

in Southern California. 

Guttman is survived by his wife Bette; a 

brother, Budd; three daughters, and seven 

grandchildren. 

Palmer to Shoot Encore 

Picture for Caribbean 

HOLLYWOOD—Caribbean Films, after 

viewing a rough-cut of Gail Palmer's new 

film "The Erotic Adventures of Candy," 

has signed Ms. Palmer to write and direct 

another film which will be titled "Candy 

Goes to Hollywood." Both films feature 

Carol Connors, who co-starred in "Deep 

Throat." 

Shooting on "Candy Goes to Hollywood" 

is scheduled to begin some time this month. 

A press screening of "The Erotic Adventures 

of Candy" is planned for May, just 

before the picture opens a 20-theatre multiple 

in Michigan. 

'Laserblast' Set to Bow 

in Southland 

March 1 

LOS ANGELES—Charles Band's production 

of "Laserblast" will world-premiere in 

the Southern California area March 1 and 

the feature has been booked in 80 theatres 

throughout the area by its domestic distributor, 

the Irwin Yablans Co. "Laserblast" then 

moves into national release in April. 

The film stars Kim Milford. Cheryl 

Smith, Keenan Wynn. Roddy McDowall and 

Gianni Russo. 

BOXOFHCE :: February 20, 1978 

MOTION PICTURES RATED 

BY THE CODE & RATING 

ADMINISTRATION 

The following feature-length motion pictures 

have been reviewed and rated by the 

Code and Rating Administration pursuant 

to the Motion Picture Code and Rating 

Program. 

Title PiatributoT Hating 

F.LS.T. (UA) 

Force Beyond (FVl) 

Good Guys Wear Black 

(Riddeli & Assoc.) 

A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich 

(New World) 

On Aura Tout Vu (Silverstein Films) 

PG 

\c\ 

m 

PG 

[Rl _ 

Pretty Baby (Para) 

[r] 

The Sea Gypsies (WB) 

\g\ 

Straight Time (WB) 

(r] 

The Tormented (Irwin Yablans) [r1 

20th-Fox Int'l Sets New 

Weekly Billing Record 

HOLLYWOOD—"Star Wars," which has 

opened in several overseas territories, was 

the principal factor boosting 20th Century- 

Fo.\ International to an all-time weekly 

billing record of $5,263,248, according to 

Emile Buyse, president, 

"Star Wars" has opened throughout Europe, 

Latin America and the English-speaking 

territories, Buyse said. The company's 

previous weekly billing record was $4,308,- 

056 in November 1976. 

Schmoeller Set to Direct 

'Tourist Trap' for Band 

HOLLYWOOD—Producer Charles Band 

has signed David Schmoeller to direct 

"Tourist Trap." fantasy-terror film set to 

roll March 1. Schmoeller will direct from 

his own original screenplay. 

"Tourist Trap" will be in simultaneous 

production with Band's "Auditions" feature, 

the latter to be shot on videotape. 

'God!' Over $45 Million 

Mark, WB's Semel Says 

Burbank— "Oh, God!" is turning out 

to be the biggest-grossing comedy of 

aU time, with more than $45,000,000 

registered to date, it was announced by 

Terry Semel, Warners' executive vicepresident 

and general sales manager. 

The George Burns-John Denver starrer, 

written by Larry Gelbart, directed by 

Carl Reiner and produced by Jerry 

Weintraub, is now playing over 900 

theatres—months after its Oct. 7, 1977, 

nationwide opening. 

"The number of theatres playing this 

film at this late date following its initial 

release is a testimony to its drawing 

power," Semel commented, "and the 

booking pattern hardly was noticeably 

altered by the year-end rush of major 

holiday attractions." 

Commended 

20th-Fox Is 

By Screen Writers Guild 

HOLLYWOOD—Praising 20th Century- 

Fo.\ for its "courageous and firm position" 

in rejecting demands of the Jewish Defense 

League to refuse future employment of 

Vanessa Redgrave, the board of directors 

of the Screen Writers Guild unanimously 

congratulated and supported the film company 

for its action. 

The JDL had urged picketing of "Julia," 

in which Ms. Redgrave stars, and had urged 

Fox to refuse to hire the actress in the future. 

The organization had voiced displeasure 

over the actress's political views and her 

alleged financing of a documentary film 

sympathetic to the Palestine Liberation Organization. 

Fox had strongly rejected the 

demand. 

Taking note of the blacklisting 

of actors 

in a previous era. SWG commented that 

"Today we look back in dismay but it is 

noteworthy that the experience has left its 

positive 

side." 

In a letter to 20th-Fox. SWG declared: 

"We are not making any judgment of 

Miss Redgrave's position. We all reserve the 

right to quarrel with her views but to start 

the old game of blacklisting must be immediately, 

totally and firmly rejected at the outset, 

bur board here expressed its views supporting 

your position and concurred by rejecting 

as intolerable blacklisting for political 

or anv other reasons." 

Retirement of Pat Cascio 

From Filmack Announced 

CHICAGO—Joseph R. Mack, president 

of Filmack Studios. Inc.. Monday (6) announced 

the retirement of Pat Cascio. vicepresident 

and production manager. Cascio 

had been managing Filmack's production 

for the past 43 years. 

Robert Mack, a third-generation Mack, 

will become Filmack's production manager 

effective March 3. 

Bunte Gives Best Picture 

Of Year Honors to 'Julia' 

HOLL'YWOOD — "Julia." 20th Century-Fox's 

hit film, has been named "best 

picture of the year" by the German weekly 

magazine Bunte. Its director Fred Zinneman 

was awarded the publication's Bambi Award 

as best director. 

Bunte has a 5.000.000 circulation and is 

considered a very prestigious magazine. 

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Kastner to 

Produce Shaffer's 

'Absolution/ Burton Stars 

Producer Elliott Kastner has scheduled a 

start this spring in England on "Absolution," 

an Anthony Shaffer film to be directed 

by Anthony Page and starring Richard 

Burton . . . James Caan will be the 

director as well as star of MGM's "Hide in 

Plain Sight." set to begin shooting in the 

spring. Robert Christiansen and Rick Rosenberg 

will produce the screenplay which 

Spencer Eastman based on the novel by 

Leslie Waller . Stark's Rastar Productions 

plans to begin production late this 

year or early in 1979 on "Seems Like Old 

Times," an original script by Neil Simon. 

Marsha Mason and Burt Reynolds will star 

. . . Dauntless Productions has set a March 

6 starting date for "Savage Harvest," a western 

to be produced by Michael Callie and 

Bob Levy with Donald Peters directing . . . 

Producers Lou Harris and Bruce Davison 

plan a 1979 start on "The Point Spread," 

based on the college basketball scandals in 

the early '50s. Davison wrote the sports 

drama and will play the star of a New York 

college basketball team. Locations will be in 

New York. 

Charles B. Pierce Directing 

His 'Norseman' Screenplay 

Charles B. Pierce began production Monday 

(13) on his $3,000,000 "The Norseman," 

about Vikings who land on the East 

Coast to investigate the disappearance of 

their king. Pierce wrote the script and will 

direct the film for American International 

release. Lee Majors, Mel Ferrer and Susan 

Coelho will star . . . Levy-Gardner-Laven 

Productions will film "The Ludendorff Pirates," 

based on a novel by John Herman 

Shaner and Al Ramrus about Germany's 

largest, most powerful battleship. The film 

will be released by United Artists . . Ramridge 

. 

Productions, recently formed by Con- 

rad Bain, will begin filming next year on 

"Scott's Last Expedition," the adventures of 

British Navy Capt. Robert Falcon Scott, 

who died searching for the South Pole in 

1912 . Marshall, Alan Mandel 

and Charles Shyer have formed a partnership 

to develop and produce "The Long 

Rainbow" for Paramount Pictures. Mandel 

and Shyer will write the script about a 

coach in a tough New York City school 

who falls in love with a dancer. Marshall 

will be the executive producer for the film, 

set to begin shooting in the fall . . . Ameri- 

. . . 

can International Pictures has acquired the 

rights to "The Amityville Horror," a book 

by Jay Anson about the eerie confrontations 

with the occult which forced the Lutz 

family from their Long Island home. Ronnie 

Saland will produce the film for Professional 

Films, Inc. . . Producer-director 

. 

George Laskay has acquired .Stefcn Gommcrman's 

original script "Pantyhose," a 

comedy about the Los Angeles garment industry. 

Shooting will begin in June 

Alex Winitsky and Arlene Sellers have acquired 

rights to the forthcoming Pamela 

Sanders novel "Miranda" for Warner Bros. 

Little Brown Co. will publish the novel this 

fall, and negotiations already are under way 

for a writer to adapt the screenplay. 

Jeff 

Bridges, Bianca Jagger 

Will Topline 'The Ringer' 

Producers Edgar J. Scherick and Daniel 

H. Blatt have announced the upcoming production 

of "The Ringer," to star Jeff 

Bridges, Bianca Jagger and Ned Beatty. 

Photography begins Tuesday (21) in Munich 

under the direction of Bill Richert. who cowrote 

the comedy adventure with Larry 

Cohen . . Walt Disney Productions is 

planning 

. 

a May start on "Trail's End," a 

sequel to "The Apple Dumpling Gang." 

Tim Conway and Don Knotts have signed 

for starring roles. Ron Miller will produce 

and Vincent McEveety will direct Don 

Tait's script . . . Columbia Pictures has set 

a March 6 starting date for "Ice Castles," 

a story involving a figure skating star. Lynn 

Holly, 18, a skater with the Ice Capades, 

will play a small town girl who is being 

groomed for world figure skating competition. 

Robby Benson also will star. The John 

Kemeny production will be directed by Donald 

Wrye from his own screenplay, based 

on an original story by Gary Bairn. Locations 

will be in Minneapolis and Colorado 

Springs . . . "Soft Explosions." a comedy 

set in a military prep school in the '60s, now 

is in preproduction by Photon Films. Paul 

Frizler is the producer-writer and David 

Buanno is executive producer. Stuart Millar 

will direct . . . Rising Sun Productions 

plans to begin lensing "The Chameleon" in 

late March. Jon Jost will direct his own 

script and Robert Glaudini has the leading 

role. 

New World Signs Rock Hudson 

And Mia Farrow to 'Avalanche' 

Roger Gorman's New World Pictures has 

signed Rock Hudson and Mia Farrow to 

star in the previously announced "Avalanche." 

a $2,000,000 disaster epic to be 

shot in Colorado. A July release is planned 

. . . Burt Reynolds will star in Paramount 

Pictures' "Rough Ciit," portraying a thief 

who comes out of retirement to pull off a 

seemingly impossible burglary. David Merrick 

is the producer and Blake Edwards will 

direct . . . Ron Moody has pacted with producer 

Joe Camp to star in Mulberry Square's 

"Benji's Very Own Christmas Story" . . . 

Lionel Stander has been cast in "The Rip- 

. . 

Off." a Raymond R. Homer/Carlo Ponti 

production . . . Joan Collins and Lylc Waggoner 

have signed for roles in First Artists' 

"Repo," produced by Katherine Brown and 

directed by John Weis . Tommy Reamon, 

running back for the Washington Redskins, 

will make his film debut in "Mr. Mean II," 

being produced and directed by former football 

star Fred Williamson . Roberts 

has joined the cast of John Schlesinger's 

"Yanks," for Universal Studios . . . Robert 

Klein will appear in "Hollywood Stuntman," 

a Burt Reynolds/ Lawrence Gordon production 

for Warner Bros. John Morley 

and Adam West (of TV's "Batman") also 

are recent additions to that cast . . . 

George Di Cenzo will have a starring role 

in "The Ninth Configuration." which William 

Peter Blatty will direct from his own 

script. Production is set to begin late this 

month in Budapest on a 15-week shooting 

schedule . . . Lionel Decker and Lucille 

Leonetti have been cast in feature roles in 

"The Woman Inside." slated to begin production 

March 6 in Los Angeles by Monty 

Productions . . . Robert Vaughn has the 

role of an Army colonel in MGM's "Brass 

Target." which begins filming March 6 in 

Germany and Switzerland. 

Jane Wagner Debuts Directing 

Tomlin-Travolta Love Story 

Jane Wagner has a contract with producer 

Robert Stigwood to direct her first 

film, "Moment to Moment," a love story 

which will star Lily Tomlin and John Travolta. 

Production begins April 17 on the 

Universal release . . . Producer Charles 

Band has signed David Schmoeller to direct 

his own screenplay "Tourist Trap," a fantasy-terror 

film set to shoot March 1 . . . 

Academy Award-winner Richard Halsey 

has been signed as editor, and Pato Guzman 

will be art director for MGM's "Hide in 

Thom Bell will compose, 

Plain Sight." . . . 

arrange and produce the original music for 

Lorimar Productions' "The Fish That Saved 

Pittsburgh." 

Columbia, Weitz Commission 

Houston Story, 'Cutting Edge' 

Columbia Pictures and Barry Weitz Productions 

have commissioned novelist Paige 

Mitchell to write a novel. "The Cutting 

Edge," involving a physician and his astronaut 

friend. The story traces the growth of 

Houston, Tex., from the 1800s to its boom 

town, space age status as one of the world's 

leading medical centers. Weitz will write the 

screenplay from Mitchell's novel . . . American 

International has signed Pacific Title & 

Art Studio to create the titles and some of 

the opticals for "Our Winning Season," set 

for a June release . . . Producer Walter 

Mirisch and the Mirisch Corp. have signed 

Richard Quine to direct a comedy version 

Leonetti will 

of "The Prisoner of Zenda" starring Peter 

Sellers. Shooting is set to begin June 1. Dick 

Clement and Ian La Frenais will write the 

screenplay based on the Anthony Hope 

novel. Universal will distribute . . . Farmhouse 

Films, headed by Fred Calvert, has 

signed John Bates to write "The Great Ape 

Caper." a comedy-mystery planned for film- 

ing in the fall . . . 

score the Albert Band production "She Came 

to the Valley" . 

has contracted Tom Mclntyre to write the 

script for "Living Legend." the story of a 

country rock superstar to be produced at the 

EO Studios in Shelbv. N. C. . . . Francon 

Enterprises has signed Gloria Vitanza Bastile 

to write the screen adaptation of her novel 

"The House of Lions." Production is expected 

to begin later this year. Executive producer 

Lcc Winkler is scouting locations. 

12 BOXOFHCE :: February 20, 1978

. . Exceptional 

. . Wilder 

I 

NATIONA 

I 1^ 

COUNCI^Comment 

SCREEN 

I 

-k 

The vote should be 100 per cent," wrote 

Bob Pate of the Jacksonville (Fla.) 

Journal, casting his vote for Warner Bros.' 

"The Goodbye Girl" as winner of the January 

Blue Ribbon Award. The National 

Screen Council never has voted unanimously, 

but the winner definitely was the most 

popular picture on a short list. Richard 

Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason star in Neil 

Simon's romantic comedy about survivors 

on the sidelines of show business. 

Not only did the NSC bestow its votes by 

a three-to-one margin for "The Goodbye 

Girl," but the picture also has drawn 327 

per cent of average business in key cities 

nationwide, according to the Boxoffice 

Barometer. The second place winner was 

Gene Wilder's "The World's Greatest 

Lover," closely followed by an almost even 

Day" and "The Lacemaker." 

split between two foreign films being distributed 

without MPAA ratings. "A Special 

Below are selected comments from the 

January ballots of the NSC: 

"The Goodbye Girl" 

A return to romance, with believable 

characterizations.—Mai Vincent, Norfolk 

(Va.) Virginian-Pilot . . . Probably the most 

enjoyable film we've seen in a long, long 

time. Superb performances.—Larry Thomas, 

exhibitor. Beckley. W. Va. . . . A hearty 

hello to "Goodbye." a wonderfully loving 

throwback to the boy-girl comedies of 

yesteryear. Dreyfuss is deliriously funny! 

Jim Moorhead, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Evening 

Independent. 

Neil Simon's best original movie script 

and three fine performances. A totally winning 

movie.—Jim Shertzer, Winston-Salem 

(N. C.) Journal . . . D-E-L-I-G-H-T-F-U-L! 

—Fred Souttar, retired district manager, 

Kansas City . . . Our choice for adults. No 

family films on list.—Dorothy A. Pearsall. 

Staten Island (N.Y.) BFC. 

The public has wanted romantic comedies 

for years, and thankfully, an excellent one 

finally has been made. Dreyfuss deserves 

Oscar recognition.—Bruce Westbrook, the 

Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City . . . Anyone 

who knows actors will see that Richard 

Dreyfuss is right on target as an aspiring 

"Richard III." completely loused up by his 

director. The film has enormous charm and 

poignancy. Neil Simon does it again, God 

bless him,—Gene Pack, KUER, Salt Lake 

City. 

Just plain fun. We need one a month 

like this! How the audiences love it!—Ronald 

J. Jones, exhibitor, Shawnee, Okla. . . . 

A funny, delightful picture.—Mrs. Frank 

J. Baldus, GFWC. Kansas City . . . One of 

the year's most delightful comedies. Neil 

Simon is still king of the one-liners and 

Dreyfuss is better than in "Close Encount- 

."—Fred W. Wright jr.. freelance 

ers . . 

critic, St. Petersburg, Fla. 

An excellent film full of imusiial situations 

and chock full of laughs. Real good 

entertainment for almost everyone.—Mrs. 

Paul Gebhart. WOMPI. Cleveland ... Not 

much to choose from here, but still no contest. 

"The Goodbye Girl" is a fresh, entertaining 

comedy.—Emery Wister, Charlotte 

(N. C.) News . . . Down to earth entertainment. 

Marsha Mason and Richard Dreyfuss 

give superb performances!—Bruce L. Nutter, 

exhibitor, Putnam, Conn. . . . Lx)ved 

it! One of the year's best. Marsha Mason 

was marvelous.—Jeanne Mannshardt, East 

Bay MP&TVC, Oakland, Calif. 

The best of the offerings—a return to 

good old-fashioned comedy romances, and 

a top one at that.—John Cocchi, Boxoffice, 

New York . . . Sheer delight. Warm, real, 

happy—superb!—Nancy Nelson, WTCN- 

TV. Minneapolis. 

Hilarious! Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha 

Mason are taken through their paces by 

veteran director Herbert Ross. One of the 

best of the year.—Elias Savada, American 

correspondent. Film Dope Magazine. Bethesda, 

Md. ... I enjoyed the rapid pace 

and wit of Neil Simon's script. The acting 

by all three was very good.—Yolanda Godfrey, 

Marin County MP&TVC, San Rafael, 

Calif. . . . Funny and touching—a pleasant 

film from the gifted and prolific Neil Simon. 

T don't know if I can choose between 

"A Special Day" and "The Goodbye 

Girl." Don't think I'll even try. 

Both deserve our gratitude as well as 

kudos. My decision is a tie. And isn't 

it great to .see the magnificent Sophia 

Loren back as an actress!—James R. 

Ruth, Sunday News, Lancaster, Pa. 

Three of this month's selections 

would be worthy of the Blue Ribbon. 

My vote goes to Goretta's "The Lacemaker" 

because of its originality . . . 

Goretta has produced films that make 

him a discerning, sharp and compassionate 

filmmaker.—Dr. Robert Steele, 

Boston University. 

"The Lacemaker" and "A Special 

Day" are two emotional films which 

take us out of the everyday robot-like 

existence we lead. Two gems.—Rene 

L. Ash, lATSE, New York City, 

* * * 

Have only seen two on this list, and 

since "The World's Greatest Lover" 

is so inept, my vote must go to "The 

Goodbye Girl," a good—but hardly 

great—comedy.—Joe Leydon, Shreveport 

(La.) Times. 

* * * 

"The Goodbye Girl" is undoubtedly 

the best (on a good list) for the whole 

family, but "The Lacemaker" is a 

superlative film, edged out because 

some viewers might be turned off by 

its nudity.—Don Braunagel, Oakland 

(Mich.) 

Press. 

Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason are 

first-rate.—Earl J. Dias, New Bedford 

(Mass.) Standard-Times. 

Up to Simon's usual standard. Wonderful, 

warm performance by Richard Dreyfuss. 

Philip Wuntch. Dallas Morning News . . . 

Predictable, but pleasantly so. Marsha 

Mason is great.—Lynn Hinds, WTAE-TV, 

Pittsburgh . 

script, acting and 

direction. One of the best films this year. 

Betty McCleery, WLCU-TV, Erie, 

Pa. 

"The World's Greatest Lover" 

As always. Gene Wilder is a delight. Brilliant, 

funny person.—Dennis Williams, 

SAG-AFTRA-AGVA. Van Nuys, Calif. . . . 

The supporting cast is one of the finest ever 

assembled. Gene Wilder may have called it 

his tribute to Chaplin and Keaton, but 

"Lover" is far more a tribute to those well 

known fac^s yet unknown names Hollywood 

has produced. Truly a tribute to Fritz Feld, 

Pat Ast and all the others.—Terry Flynn. 

Mann Theatres, Amarillo, Tex. 

How rare it is to see a movie suffused 

with an air of sweetness and innocence. 

Alvin Easter. Cinema Magazine. Minneapolis 

. . . This comedy provides a really hilarious 

evening with Gene Wilder competing 

in a Hollywood movie contest for "The 

World's Greatest Lover"—especially since 

it is vs. Valentino!—Mrs. E. H. Montgomery, 

Indianapolis (Ind.) NSC . 

gets 

wilder and funnier each time out.—Bill 

Kitchen. Ottumwa (la.) Courier. 

Miscellaneous 

(Listed in order of votes received) 

A Special Day: It was a special treat to 

see two special, dynamic stars who work so 

beautifully together (Sophia Loren and Marcello 

Mastroianni) escape from the drab 

realities of their everyday lives and engage 

in a beautiful, brief love affair of special 

significance. We can relate to them so beautifully 

because the picture recalls "a special 

day" in our lives.— Aileen Kandyba, Legion 

of Mary, Kansas City, Kans. . . . It's not on 

a par with the best Loren-Mastroianni films 

("Marriage. Italian Style" and "Yesterday. 

Today and Tomorrow") but it's a worthwhile 

reunion for the best Italian co-stars 

in movies. Good drama.—Edward L. Blank, 

Pittsburgh Press. 

I'm sure "The Goodbye Girl" will win but 

my vote goes to "A Special Day." Its director 

and stars took greater chances artistically 

than they have recently and it paid off in a 

movie with meaning. One of the ten best of 

1977.—John Crittenden, freelance film journalist. 

New York. 

"The Goodbye Girl" is perhaps a more 

fun film, but the screen performances of 

Loren and Mastroianni are too extraordinary, 

too magical to pass up. "A Special Day" 

is enchanting for that reason, a wonderful 

two hours with the brilliant Loren.—Jacqui 

. 

Tully. Arizona Daily Star. 

The Lacemaker: A unique 

Lerman. Vogue. New York . 

film. 

. Isabelle 

Leo 

Huppert is extraordinary in this Swiss 

film.—Andrew Sarris. Village Voice, New 

York. 

Disco 9000: This is entertainment of the 

times and will be enjoyed by the younger 

set. but not by the others.— Ralph L. Smith, 

Examiner-Enterprise, Bartlesville, Okla. 

BOXOFnCE February 20, 1978 13

I 

Equus 

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

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

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

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

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

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

23 

S^ 

Across the Great Divide (PIE) 

Akira Kurosawa's Dersu Uzala (New World) 175 

Another Man, Another Chance (UA) 60 

Bobby Deeriield (Col) 620_ 

130 270 225 55 245 335 200 100 212 

140 215 195 195 300 310 218 

230 250 50 250 185 100 55 85 175 200 75 100 139 

265 400 190 400 205 350 195 360 375 400 505 260 175 215 327 

Can I Do It Til I Need 

Glasses? (Natl American) 265 125 95 275 140 180 i 

Choirboys, The (Univ) 100 300 300 200 240 270 130 265 200 210 120 300 90 290 215 

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Col) 1200 740 570 995 900 760 800 1000 1200 775 750 900 865 845 515 740 847 

Disco 9000 (LongstOT Yellow Rose) 

400 255 105 600 205 313 i 

(UA) 

First Love (Para) 

110 500 200 100 510 110 255 

\i 225 300 105 300 450 175 185 135 115 225 145 225 100 110 95 185 

Gaunllel. The (WB) 190 250 420 260 400 350 350 300 255 340 270 325 395 235 230 304 

1 Goodbye Girl, The (WB)

2nd 

Phila. Telethon 

Tops $1 Million 

PHILADELPHIA— A record $1,021,234 

was raised by the Philadelphia Variety Club 

Tent 13 during its 19-hour Variety Club 

telethon on WPVI-TV. Ii was the first time 

that the telethon went over the million-dollar 

mark and all the lunds will help sustain 

the many charities supported by the local 

Variety Club in behalf of handicapped and 

crippled children, including its own Variety 

Club Camp here. 

With Malcolm P. Rosenberg serving as 

executive chairman and Mayor Frank S. 

Rizzo and Jack Pearson co-chairmen for 

the event, the telethon was broadcast from 

the Zellerbach Theatre at the University of 

Pennsylvania. TV personalities Monty Hall 

and Abe Vigoda were among the many national 

and local entertainers appearing, 

along with radio-TV personalities, sports 

figures, and prominent leaders from government, 

business and industry. 

One of the biggest individual contributions 

came from Mr. and Mrs. Carl Anderson 

.of Collingswood. N.J. They are the 

adopted parents a handicapped child who 

died recently at the age of foiu'. and they 

donated all the money from their child's 

life insurance policy— $25,000. 

'CATV Permit' Is Claimed 

By Pittsburgh Resident 

PITTSBURGH—Another departmental 

inefficiency in the city government made the 

news here when an electrician claimed he 

acquired rights to a CATV system after 

paying $7 for an electrical permit from the 

Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection 

for the privilege to lay coaxial cable for 

the purpose of communication in the city's 

32 wards. James S. Williams claims this 

permit is the same as a franchise. 

Williams utilized the same approach last 

May when an unsuspecting clerk approved 

a similar permit, which later was revoked. 

The FCC rejected Williams' claim that he 

held a franchise to install CATV in the city 

of Pittsburgh. 

Red-faced city officials scoff at the 

"coup" on cable TV, with the council preparing 

at this time to advertise for bids for 

CATV 30 years after innovation of community 

antenna systems which now carry 

a channel for pay TV. with first-rim motion 

pictures via telecast by any type of 

system, including cable, microwave, cassette 

tape, apartment projection, etc. 

Exhibitors in 

Campus Session 

PHILADELPHIA—Two local 

exhibitors 

participated in a discussion on "The Future 

of the Movies" Wednesday (15) at the Educational 

Activities Center of Drexel University 

here. The afternoon discussion was 

led by Ramon L. Posel, who heads the Posel 

Theatres, and Al Malmfelt, owner-operator 

of the TLA Cinema, the city's most successful 

repertory film house. 

Karen Black stars in "I Tried to Live." 

NJ Community Trying to 

Derail 'Boxcar Bertha' 

MANASQUAN. N. J.—Complaints from 

several churches, parent-teacher organizations 

and local Cub Scout leaders have been 

registered with both the local chamber of 

commerce and borough councilmen over the 

showing of "Boxcar Bertha" at the Algonquin 

Cinema here. It was one of the eight 

R-rated movies shown in double bills at 

the movie house last month. While Thomas 

Carr, the theatre's operator, has been asked 

to stop showing such pictures, Eric Goetz. 

president of the chamber of commerce, 

pointed out that Carr is not in violation of 

the law by showing such films and the 

chamber of commerce has no legal recourse 

in the matter. 

Goetz said that the residents can only 

appeal to Carr's "community mindedncss." 

city councilman John Winterstella, chairman 

of the law and order committee, said that 

the Algonquin Cinema has shown R movies 

before and is mindful of the fact that many 

current films are R-ratcd. He said that what 

the people object to mostly is the advertising 

of the movies as adult entertainment. 

While Carr is showing R-rated films at 

night, G-rated films are shown on Saturday 

afternoons for the "family and children 

trade." "Boxcar Bertha" was paired with 

"Savage Sisters" and coimcilman Winterstella 

also told the complaining residents that all 

the city council can do is to listen to the 

complaints and try to persuade Carr not 

to show such films. 

For Carr, the whole business of R-rated 

films is a matter of economy, trying to 

survive the winter months when movie audiences 

are small and the heating bills are 

big. He said the R-rated movies have been 

drawing crowds up to 300 people on a Saturday 

night, twice the size that PG movies 

are bringing in. Carr also said the R-crowds 

are quieter and less disruptive than the kids 

turning out for the PG films. 

Carr said he can't afford to book firstrun 

or current films that can cost a theatre 

up to $50,000 and must run for ten weeks. 

As a result, he has to turn to second-run 

product, dealing with small, independent 

film companies and making it necessary to 

buy their entire film package. Carr formerly 

worked for the Walter Reade Theatres 

and for United Artists Theatres. A second 

generation exhibitor, his father owned a 

movie house in North Jersey for 25 vears. 

Critic Will Be Moderator 

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 

Writers' Conference announced that its has 

obtained the services of Joe Baltake. film 

critic for the Philadelphia Daily News, as 

moderator at two scheduled film seminars, 

both dealing with the relationship between 

movies and criticism. The film-criticism 

arm of the conference is scheduled for June 

7-9, at the Philadelphia Hilton Hotel. Prior 

to the conference, for foiu' consecutive 

weeks in April. Baltake will host a Thursday 

"Critic's Choice" film series for the 

Walnut Film Center in the midtown Walnut 

Street Theatre. 

Snows Jumble Scene 

For New York Report 

NEW YORK—The snows made accurate 

reporting impossible and the figures were 

way down this week. The new French 

charmer from Jean Charles Tacchclla. who 

gave us "Cousin Cousine," is called "Blue 

Country" and it hit the top with a 340 opening 

at the 68th Street Playhouse. Second 

was the long rim champ. "Julia." a 325 

in the 20th Cinema I round before her showcase 

Ofwning. "Blue Collar" captured third 

place with an average of 205 for a threetheatre 

opening: 86th Street East (250). Rivoli 

(190) and Trans-Lux East (180). 

Lina Wertmuller's lengthy titled "The 

End of the World." etc.. took fourth position 

via a second-week 205 at the Tower 

East. "That Obscure Object of Desire" 

placed fifth, an even 200 in the 14th Columbia 

II week. 

Showcase's top performers were "The 

Goodbye Girl," the new "The Betsy." "Saturday 

Night Fever," "Close Encoimters of 

the Third Kind." "The Turning Point" and 

"Coma." 

(Average Is 100) 

Baronet Dersu Uzalo (New World), 5lh wk 100 

Cinema I Julia (20th-Fox), 20th wk 325 

Cinema II Padre Padrone (Cinema 5), 7th wk 160 

Cinema Studio Coup de Grace (Cinema 5) 185 

Columbia II, Embassy 4fith Street A Hero 

Ain't Notllin' Bui a Sandwich (New We'd) .150 

Columbia II That Obscure Object oi Desire 

(First Arnsls), 14lh wk _...200 

Coronet Ttie Serpent's Egg (Para), 3rd wk 165 

Festival, Waverly Renaldo & Clara 

(Circuit Films), 2n.i wk 115 

Fine Arts The Duellists (Para), 5th wk 135 

Guild Operation Thunderbolt (Cinema Shares), 

5th wk 120 

Pans The Man Who Loved Women 

(Cinema 5), 17th wk 115 

Quad 4 The Cliildren oi Theatre Street 

(Peppercorn- Wormser) , wk 180 

68th Street Playhouse Blue Country 

(Quartet Films) 340 

Three theatres—Blue Collar (Univ) _ 205 

Tower East The End of the World in Our 

tJsual Bed in a Night Full oi Rain 

(WB), 2nd wk 205 

Five New Pictures Arrive 

On Baltimore Screen Scene 

BALTIMORE—A quintet of new motion 

pictures arrived on the motion picture market 

to mixed reactions: "The Betsy" hit 205 at 

a pair of theatres, "The Boys in Company 

C" notched a 125 on three screens, "Coma" 

at the Cinema I recorded an even 200. "The 

One and Only" was rated 100 in two situations 

and "The Gauntlet" barely missed 

with a 95 in two hardtops. Most of the 

holdovers failed to make average grades and 

the local exhibition had a distinctly gray 

cast as a result. 

Cinema 1— Coma (UA) , 

200 

Liberty I, Patterson I The One and Only 

(Para) 100 

Liberty II, Senator The Turning Point 

(20th-Fox), 8th wk 60 

Mmi-Fhck I Equus (UA), 2nd wk 100 

Mini-Fllck II, Paramount The Gauntlet (WB) 

Patterson II Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

8th wk 85 

Playhouse The Good and the Bad 

(Para), 2nd wk 100 

Three theatres The Boys in Company C (Col) .125 

Towson, Westview I The Betsy (AA) 205 

Westview II High Anxiety (20lh-Fox), 2nd wk 80 

Westview IV Which Way Is Up? (Univ), 

8th wk 80 

Tolis' 

Meriden No'w a T-win 

MERIDEN. CONN.—Tolis Theatres 

have completed conversion of the Meriden 

Theatre to a twin. 

BOXOFHCE ;: February 20, 1978 E-1

B R O A D W Ay 

QLENDA JACKSON, two-lime Academy 

Award winner ("Women in Love," 

1970. and "A Touch of Class." 1973). will 

be in New York Monday (20) for a day of 

publicity activities on Universal's "House 

Calls." She stars in the comedy with Walter 

Matthau and Art Carney, fellow Oscar winners, 

and Richard Benjamin. Director Howard 

Zieff also will be available for interviews 

on the film, which opens here March 

15. 

"House Calls." a Jennings Lang production, 

was produced by Alex Winitsky and 

Arlene Sellers and written by Max Shulman, 

Julius J. Epstein. Alan Mandel and Charles 

Shyer, from a story by Shulman and Epstein. 

Henry Mancini composed the music. 

• 

A day-long Conference on Children's 

Films, presented hy the Media Center for 

Children in cooperation with Ass'n of Independent 

Video and Filmmakers, will be 

held at 221 East 71st St. Monday (20). The 

morning will be devoted to screening outstanding 

16mm shorts made for children 

and to discussing the films. 

Seminars will be the order of the afternoon 

proceedings. Workshops designed for 

filmmakers will feature Tom Davenport. 

Beverly Schaeffer and Jane Morrison, all 

professionals in the field. Other seminars 

are geared for librarians and teachers. 

• 

Joan Bennett became a bride for the 

fourth time Valentine's Day (14) when she 

was wed to retired publisher-writer-publicistinvestor 

David Wilde by State Supreme 

Court Justice Anthony Cerratto in the latter's 

White Plains chambers. The veteran 

actress, recently seen in the horror film 

"Suspiria," is 67 and will live with her husband 

in Scarsdale. 

• 

Actor-director Cyril Ritchard, who died 

last December 18 at the age of 79 in Chicago, 

was given a tribute on the stage of 

the Music Box Theatre Thursday (2) hy the 

Catholic Actor's Guild, of which he had 

been president at the lime of his death. 

Joshua Logan was master of ceremonies, 

with fond remembrances by such personalities 

and friends as Cornelia Otis Skinner. 

PERSONALIZED, 

Tammy Grimes, producer Roger Stevens, 

author Sumner Locke Elliott. Jack Gilford, 

manager Milton Goldman and A rmina Marshall. 

Recorded tributes were paid hy Mary 

Martin and Anthony Quayle. while Ritchard's 

voice could be heard singing the famed 

"Captain Hook" song from the nuisical version 

of "Peter Pan." 

Among Ritchard's few films, all British, 

was "Piccadilly" (1929). a late silent by E. 

A. Dupont. soon to he shown at the New 

School. 

"The Liars," described as an absurd comedy, 

will give its final performances Thursday 

(23) through Saturday (25) at the New 

City's Charles Stanley Theatre, 162 Second 

Ave, at 10th Street. Showtime is 8 p.m. 

Directed by Ken Buckshi with musical arrangement 

and direction by David Tice. it 

stars Martha McMahon and Bill 

Maloney. 

Of interest to buffs is that leading lady 

Missy McMahon is the daughter of the late 

Horace McMahon and of Louis Campbell, 

both veteran performers. Miss Campbell. 

a Paramount star in the '30s. currently is 

doing TV work. 

• 

Audrey Kupferberg, archivist from the 

American Film Institute in Washington, was 

in town Sunday (12) to discuss the Yiddish 

cinema at a Jewish center. The program, 

sponsored by the 92nd Street YM-YWHA. 

included a showing of Molly Picon's musical 

"Mamele" (Little Mother. 1938). made in 

Poland. The maker of that film. Joseph 

Green, has been operating Globe Pictures 

here for years. 

• 

"Broadway Comes to Broadway" is a special 

ten-week showing of many major 

musicals based on Broadway hits and is 

being presented at the Cinerama Theatre 

through April 25. 

Seven of the films will be shown in their 

original 70mm presentations, complete with 

six-track magnetic sound, while the remaining 

thre« will be shown in four-track magnetic 

stereo. All will be presented on the 

giant (over 65 feet) Cinerama screen. Each 

film will be shown daily at 1 1 a.m. (except 

Simday). 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

CROSSPLUGS, ANIMATED 

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The complete schedule is as follows: 

February 15-21, "Camelot" (1967. Joshua 

Logan). Richard Harris. Vanessa Redgrave. 

Franco Nero and David Hemmings; February 

22-28. "My Fair Lady" (1964. George 

Cukor), Rex Harrison (Oscar winner) and 

Audrey Hepburn; March 1-7. "Paint Your 

Wagon" (1969, Joshua Logan), Lee Marvin. 

Clint Eastwood and Jean Seberg; March 

8-14, "Oklahoma!" (1955, Fred Zinnemann). 

Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Rod Steiger. 

Gloria Grahame, Eddie Albert, Gene Nelson 

and the late Charlotte Greenwood; 

March 15-21. "West Side Story" (1961, 

Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins), Natalie 

Wood and Richard Beymer. 

March 22-28. "Funny Girl" (1968. William 

Wyler). Barbra Streisand (Oscar winner 

as Fanny Brice) and Omar Sharif; 

March 29-April 4, "South Pacific" (1958, 

Joshua Logan) Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor 

and John Kerr; April 5-11, "Cabaret" 

(1972, Bob Fosse). Liza Minnelli in multi- 

Oscar winner; April 12-18, "Hello, Dolly!" 

(1969, Gene Kelly), Streisand, Walter Matthau 

and Louis Armstrong, and April 19- 

25, "Finian's Rainbow" (1968, Francis Ford 

Coppola). Fred Astaire. Petula Clark and 

Tommy Steele. 

• 

Circuit Fihus announced that its Bob 

Dylan feature "Renaldo & Clara" earned 

a nice gross in its opening week at the 

downtown Waverly Theatre. The ensuing 

snows made accurate reporting difficult in 

recent weeks. 

• 

Showcases for Wednesday (15): "Annie 

Hall." Universal's bill of "The Choirboys" 

and "Slap Shot." "High Anxiety." "The 

One and Only," "Saturday Night Fever." 

"Tiger From Hong Kong." "The Boys in 

Company C." "Coma." "Close Encounters 

of the Third Kind," "Semi-Tough," "The 

Goodbye Girl." "The Turning Point." "Star 

Wars." "Starship Invasions" and the recently 

opined "The Betsy." 

"Beyond and Back" debuted Friday (17). 

Telemine Pay TV Project 

Launched in Puerto Rico 

NEW YORK—Robert F. Jacobs, president 

of the Telemine Co., announced that 

the newest franchise in the pay TV segment 

of its corporation, the Telemine Co. of 

Puerto Rico, owned by Allan J. Irizarry. 

began operations in Puerto Rico Wednesday 

(15). The Latin-American franchise, based 

in San Juan, will service homes, hotels, and 

hospitals. 

The Telemine Co. is supplying the Puerto 

Rico operation with its complete package of 

hardware and entertainment software. The 

program schedule includes major American 

film features as well as pictures with Spanish 

subtitles. 

Irizarry most recently was vice-president 

of Banco de San Juan and former senior 

accoimtant with Price Waterhouse. 

Larger Theatre Due in Seekonk 

SEEKONK. MASS. — The Redstone 

Showcase 4 has been expanded to a sixscreen 

complex. The theatres play first-run 

product. 

E-2 BOXOFFICE :: February 20. 1978

''A Mondo Cane, American style. 

Funny, reckless. . . underbelly view 

of the U.S.A. ought to tickle 

hell out of everyone."- PLAYBOY 

n THIS IS AMERICA W 

(INTERNATIONAL TITLE) 

Produced. Wtitten diid Directed by Roin.ino Vriiidcfbes with Steve Harris, 

fR i RESTRICTED -^^ 

Robert Campbell. Victor Zmiet. Eniduel Vdrdi. Noiman Rose 

" 

• ErfStmdncolor h;;— .^: , .,-.^... >^... .>...u>,V i 

TOP INDEPENDENT GROSSER US & WORLDWIDE!! 

LOS ANGELES 1 WEEK (38 theatres) $ 212,978. 

HONG KONG 2 WEEKS (HK$1, 516,220. ) $322,600. 

SPAIN 4 WEEKS (MADRID,BARCELONA) $138,748. 

AUSTRALIA 3 WEEKS (MELBOURNE,CANBERRA) $11 2,639. 

BELGIUM (BRUSSELS OPENING, PLAZA 834,720 bf) $ 27,824. 

ISRAEL (TEL AVIV OPENING, HOD 345,000£) $ 22,562. 

HARD TOPS 

Following are random, sample grosses across the U.S. in hardtop and drive-in situations.

. . That's 

WASH I 

pred Wineland, treasurer of Wineland Theatres. 

Maryland's secretary of state and 

a "nattv dresser," at age 51 "sees a role" 

for himself in the 1978 Maryland election. 

Althouah "a party (Democratic) scion." 

Wineland with his brother Lloyd over the 

years has spent considerable lime enhancmg 

the family movie business. As a result, during 

the "60s, the business grew to be an 18- 

theatre circuit. Fred Wineland, "Mr. Southern 

Prince Georges," now is quoted— in the 

Post Monday (13)—as saying. "Under some 

circumstances. I would run for governor 

this 

year." 

Charles J. Jordan, Warner Bros, branch 

manager. tradescreened "The Medusa 

Touch." starring Richard Burton, at the 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America headquarters 

Friday (17). Jordan also will tradescreen 

"Straight Time." starring Dustin Hoffman. 

Tuesday (21) at the MPAA. 

Larry S». John, Paramount branch chief, 

issued invitations to a preview screening of 

"Pretty Baby" at MPAA Friday (24). The 

invitees include exhibitors, buyers, bookers, 

friends and special guests. The Polly Piatt 

original screenplay is based on a true story. 

It i^s about a child prostitute who lived and 

worked in the legalized red-light district of 

New Orleans, called Storyville. according 

to St. John's invitation. Jack Howe, head 

booker-office manager, has his company's 

Easter release, "American Hot Wax," set 

to debut in a multiple March 17. The upcoming 

feature is set to open nationwide in 

700 situations during March. Barry London, 

locally based Eastern division manager, and 

Boston-based Jack Keegan, Eastern district 

manager, attended Paramount's two-day 

sales and distribution conference in Hollywood 

January .^0-31. 

Sovereign News, Cleveland-based conglomerate 

of X-rated movie theatres and 

adult bookstores, headed by Reuben Sturman. 

.53. has begim operating locally, according 

to law enforcement officials, it was 

stated in the Star. 

Frank Mankiewicz, nephew of writer-director 

Joseph Mankiewicz. is the new president 

of locally based National Public Radio, 

which broadcast live, to the network, 

debate Wednesday (8) through Friday (10) 

on the Senate floor in connection with the 

controversial Panama Canal treaty. Mankiewicz 

was highly pleased with NFR's exclusive 

coverage. It was the first time a 

Senate debate had been broadcast live. Coverage 

will be resumed Tuesday (21) and will 

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Equipment-—Ports—Service 

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Projection Equipment 

Call 301-699-5999 

continue four to five weeks. Mankiewicz estimates 

the cost will be more than $100,000. 

Actor Paul Rudd, who plays Laurence 

Olivier's son in the film "The Betsy," said 

in passing through that the part was his 

first screen role—but that hero-wise (getting 

to work with Olivier and having played 

John F. Kennedy in a TV presentation) he 

was "away ahead of the game." His theatrical 

credits, for the most part, include live 

theatre performances. Critic Gary Arnold 

wrote: " 'The Betsy' is a glossy and diverting 

movie version of a Harold Robbins best 

seTler. Director Petrie tries to keep it dignified. 

Olivier's skill and authority are evident 

always." He describes Lesley-Anne Down 

as the "most amusing and glamorous tantalizer 

to shimmer across the screen in quite 

some time. 

Candice Bergen, who co-stars with Giannini 

in Lina Wertmuller's latest film, "The 

End of the World in Our Usual Bed in a 

Night Full of Rain." will be here March 14 

to attend the film's benefit premiere showing 

at the K-B MacArthur. The National 

Women's Political Caucus, of which Bergen 

is a director, is the sponsoring organization 

. . . Wertmuller introduced a screening 

of "Seven Beauties . 

What 

They Call Him" at American University's 

New Lecture Hall Tuesday (14). 

The K-B circuit will start a three-month 

American film comedy retrospective at the 

MacArthiu- at month's end. Ingmar Bergman's 

"The Serpent's Egg" opened Friday 

(17) at the K-B Cerberus and Satyajit Ray's 

"The Chess Players" will be unreeled at the 

K-B Janus April 8. 

Fritz Goldschmidt, Avco Embassy branch 

manager, will sneak "The Manitou" at the 

RKO-SW Uptown Friday evening (24). with 

exhibitors invited. The presentation of this 

powerful story of horror, vengeance and 

sorcery, starring Susan Strasberg. Tony Curtis. 

Michael Ansara and Biugess Meredith, 

will be in 70mm with Dolby sound, reports 

Goldschmidt. 

Richard Benjamin stopped off on his tour 

promoting "House Calls." He enjoyed 

working in the picture with Oscar recipients 

Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson and Art 

Carney. Friday (24) Benjamin will start on 

"Quark." a science-fiction comedy series 

for NBC-TV, which he hopes "will keep 

people laughing for a long, long time." 

City, Library Host Film Series 

INDIANAPOLIS. IND. — The Indianapolis-Marion 

County public library and 

the city Department of Parks and Recreation 

are co-operating in offering free films 

for the family the third Saturday of each 

month at Holliday House in Holliday Park. 

Cartoon programs and features for preschool 

and grade school children will be 

offered at 10:30 a.m. on the selected Saturdays, 

while Saturday nights the programs 

will be aimed at teenagers and adults. 

Motion Picture Group Is 

Formed By Robert Steele 

CAPE MAY, N.J.—A new group, calling 

itself Project Moving Pictures, has been 

formed here at this South Jersey summer 

resort in order to bring classic old films, as 

well as more contemporary films, to the 

general community. Robert Steele, organizer 

of the project, said the idea got started 

because people have come to him asking 

about bringing good films to the community, 

and complaining there was nothing here for 

the kids to do on Saturdays. 

Steele is completing a Master of Fine 

Arts degree in film at Temple University 

in nearby Philadelphia and has produced a 

documentary film. He said the Project 

hopes to begin by showing films for children, 

later moving into more contemporary 

fare, as well as some foreign films. The 

f rst films will be those by Charlie Chaplin, 

Buster Keaton, and Laurel and Hardy. 

The project has requested the use of the 

city hall auidtorium because of its inclined 

floor making it more suitable for viewing 

movies, than other available places as convention 

hall or the community center. A 

contract is being drawn up by the city council 

to allow use of the auditorium on a trial 

basis. Steele said the Project plans to begin 

showing films on Saturday, March 18. Films 

will be shown at 2:30 and at 8 p.m.. with 

admission at $1.50 for children and $2 for 

adults. 

UA's 'Coming Home' Debuts 

At Cinema I in New York 

NEW YORK—United Artists' "Coming 

Home." starring Jane Fonda. Jon Voight 

and Bruce Dern. opened Wednesday (15) at 

the Cinema I Theatre in New York City. 

Produced by Jerome Hellman and directed 

by Hal Ashby, "Coming Home" was filmed 

from a screenplay by Waldo Salt and Robert 

C. Jones based on a story by Nancy 

Dowd. 

Academy Award-winner Haskell Wexler 

was director of photography on "Coming 

Home," described by producer Hellman as 

"a story of the regenerative powers of love 

as well as of the senseless destruction 

brought about by war." 

Although the story concerns the Vietnam 

conflict, it is set in California. 

Plan Second Film Course 

PHILADELPHIA — Its current film 

course, "Close Encounters." a complete 

sell-out, The Film Center at the midtown 

Walnut Street Theatre is scheduling a second 

course. Starting April 5. the Film Center 

will offer a coiuse titled. "Up and Down 

the Ladder." providing six Wednesday evening 

sessions exploring the quality of work 

and fun in America. The course carries a $12 

charge. The "Close Encounters" film course 

started its six-week session Wednesday (15). 

While the class is filled up. the weekend 

films related to the course are open to the 

public, coming in alter the 7 p.m. class sessions. 

E-4 

BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978

CENTURY -still the only one 

ot Its kind with the 

Underwriters' Laboratories, inc. 

listing el its complete 

prolecdon and sound systems. 

No other projection and sound 

equipment, foreign or domestic, 

has this complete system listing 

by Underwriters'. 

For you, as a theatre owner, this 

listing means many things: in meeting 

all Underwriters' requirements, your 

Century equipment, when installed as a 

complete system, complies 

incontestably with local fire department 

and other municipal inspection 

ordinances, and with the increasing 

number of state safety codes. It speeds 

and facilitates these inspections and 

certifications. It means "peace of mind" 

in your provision for the safety of your 

patrons. With none of the hazards of 

"non-standard" equipment, 

you protect yourself against 

fire loss of theatre and 

equipment—and against 

prolonged "show interruption", 

a fire loss that insurance can 

never repay. 

In achieving this Underwriters' listing. 

Century fulfills in still another way 

its continuing commitment to provide 

the very best in projection and 

sound equipment. 

Century's Complete UL listing: projector mechanisms, 

magazines, pedestals, sound reproducers, amplifiers, 

motor drives— all Century components, individually, 

or collectively when installed as a complete projector 

and sound system. 

CENTURY—the very best in projection and sound equipment 

See your Century Dealer — or write: 

CENTURY PROJECTOR CORPORATION 

32-02 QUEENS BQULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. 11101 

Albany Theatre Supply Co. 

443 North Pearl St. 

Albany, New York 12204 

Phone: (518) 465-8894 

Allied Theatre Equipment Co., Inc. 

12 E. 25th St. 

Boltimare, Md. 21218 

Phone: (301) 235-2747 

BOXOFFICE Ffbruarv 20, 1978 

Capitol Motion Picture Supply Co. Joe Hornstein Inc. 

630 9th Avenue 341 West 44th Street 

New York, N.Y. 10036 New York, N.Y. 10036 

Phone: (212) 757-4510 Phone: (212) 246-6285 

ROAR Industries, 

Inc. 

Suite 300 

3001 Veazer Terrace 

Washington, DC. 20008 

Phone (301) 652-7058 

Allied Theatre Equipment Co., Inc. 

3430 Progress Drive, Suite F 

Cornwells Heights, Pa. 19020 

Phone: (215) 638-8181 

Theatre Equipment & Service Co. 

100 Lighthill St. 

Pittsburgh, Pa. 15233 

Phone: (412) 322-4600 

E-5

BUFFALO 

Toe Garvey held a screening of Columbia's 

"The Amsterdam Kill," starring Robert 

Mitchum, at the Holiday Theatre Thursday 

(9). 

Dave Hammond, controversial WBEN 

radio program director who implemented 

some of the station's first major attempts 

to modernize, will become program director 

of WWSW in Pittsburgh. He will not remain 

when the new WBEN management 

takes over. 

"This is Noel Coward," documentary narrated 

by Sir John Gielgud, was presented 

Sunday (5) in the Communications Center 

East of Buffalo State College. 

Tlie Waterfront Community Center Saturday 

(4) presented a documentary film 

series that included "The Desert People," 

"I, An Actress," "Accident" and "Precautions 

Against Fanatics." 

The American President course film, 

"Man and the State: Hamilton and Jefferson 

on Democracy" was shown Wednesday 

(8) in the Newton Lecture Hall of Geneseo 

State 

College. 

Jacques Cousteau's "The Coral Jungle" 

was shown Saturday and Sunday (4-5) in the 

Aquarium of Niagara Falls. 

"The Pink Panther Strikes 

Again," comedy, 

was shown Saturday (4) in Farber Hall, 

University of Buffalo. 

"The Love of Jeanne Ney," drama, was 

presented Friday (3) in Acheson Hall, University 

of Buffalo Main street campus. 

"Chac," a mystical drama dealing with a 

rainmaker was shown Thursday and Friday 

(9-10) in the Squire Hall Conference Theatre, 

University of Buffalo. 

"The One and Only" is a "dopey new 

movie which is set around 1950, it seems 

and calls up images of the silly musicals of 

that time, except that it doesn't have any 

music," wrote critic Doug Smith in awarding 

the film two chairs. Continuing, he said: 

"The rating of PG refers to a lot of very 

coarse language. Since the picture has appeal 

mostly for juveniles, this language is 

totally 

out of place." 

UPSTATE 

NEW YORK 

300 CAR D.I. 

Excellent and Profitable for family 

operation—Present owner last 11 

years, physically unable to continue 

operation. 

Located 36 miles N.E. of Rochester 

and 38 miles N.W. of Syracuse. 

Fully equipped, plus own snack bar. 

5 acres of land asses.sed at $71,500. 

For sacrifice sale $48,000 cash for 

land and Drive-In. 

Write: Boxoffice, 4042. 

"Bus Stop" with Marilyn Monroe, Friday 

(3) and "Modem Times" Friday (10) were 

presented at Royal George Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 

Ont., Canada. "Sleuth" with 

Olivier and Caine. Wednesday (8) at Shaw 

Festival Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. 

"1776." light-hearted film adaptation of 

the hit Broadway musical about the Revolutionary 

War, was shown Friday (3) at the 

Albright-Knox Art Gallery as part of a 

junior group series. 

Variety Week is the kick-off of Telethon 

Time at Tent 7. Pat Corey is Variety Week 

chairman, with Charlie Stutzman and Cy 

Marter as co-chairmen. The week will start 

with a hockey game Sunday (12) between 

Niagara Frontier Police A. C. and Royal 

Canadian Mounted Police, at 2 p.m. in Memorial 

Auditorium. Tickets $1.00 per person. 

Monday will be the crowning of the 

King and Queen at the Rehabilitation Center 

of Children's Hospital. Thursday will 

be the Media Luncheon and Friday will be 

Emil Noah's Super Fish-Fry Night. The 

Man of the Year luncheon will not be until 

March 4. John Serfustino, a past chief barker, 

has been asked to chair the selection 

committee. 

Variety Club of Buffalo Tent 7, 

has given 

lo the Children's Hospital the sum of $3,- 

New York Human Growth Foimdation 

really can be considered a part of Children's 

Hospital. Donations have also been made to 

numerous other children's charities. 

105,786.99 since 1956. This figure doesn't 

include all of the monies given to the Western 

and the Ellicott Eye Clinic which both 

"Fulfillment," X-rated film on marital relations, 

was shown at 1 1 p.m. performances 

at the Downtown Cinema (Friday and Saturday 

(10-11). Single admission $2.50; couple 

$3.00. 

Campus Rock Film Showing 

ALLENTOWN, PA.—Unable to bring 

the rock music favorites to its campus in 

person Moravian College did the next best 

thing and booked in the rock movies. With 

a $2 admission charge, the Concert-Film 

Committee of the program board at Moravian 

College here is sponsoring a weekend 

Rock Film"^ Festival. Radio Station WSAN 

here has jomed in to promote the festival. 

Films scheduled for showings are 

"Scruggs: His Family and Friends," with 

Earl Scruggs, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan; 

"Magical Mystery Tour" with The Beatles; 

"Journey Through the Past" with Crosby, 

Stills, Nash and Young; and "Sympathy for 

the Devil" with The Rolling Stones. Added 

to the film program is a half-hour slide 

show of concerts which have been presented 

at the college in the past. 

New World's 'Dersu Uzala' 

Wins Golden Halo Award 

HOLLYWOOD — Roger Corman's New 

World Pictures has been presented the Golden 

Halo Award for its "EJersu Uzala," which 

is now playing at the Royal Theatre in Los 

Angeles and other selected houses around 

the country. 

PHILADELPHIA 

Washington's Birthday Film Festival will 

J^ 

be sponsored Saturday (25) by the 

Friends of Independence National Historical 

Park here. Films focusing attention on 

George Washington will be shown throughout 

the morning and afternoon at the Visitor 

Center with admission at $1. 

Plans to restore the old Globe Theatre by 

Lehigh Valley Stage ran into a money hangup 

in Bethlehem, Pa. The group sought a 

share of the $1,500,000 grant from the 

State Department of General Services to 

convert the old movie house into a performing 

arts center, but the city planner 

decided to keep the funds for two other 

restoration 

projects. 

Films, music, drama and dance will be 

offered every Saturday night on a rotating 

basis at the new "Every Saturday Night 

Cafe" being set up at the First Unitarian 

Church in center city. "David and Lisa" is 

the first film program, scheduled the first 

Saturday of each month. Admission is $3. 

Etage, the environmental theatre and art 

gallery here is presenting a series of experimental 

film programs started Thursday (16) 

with "The Films of David Fithian." Films 

by Sharon Kulich will be shown March 

9-11, and an intriguing program of "Puppetry, 

Films and Video" for March 16-18. 

Paul Rudd was in town in advance of the 

opening to promote his first film, "The 

Betsy," having its first showing at the Stage 

Door Cinema in center city, and at two 

suburban houses—Lawrence Park in Broomall 

and Valley Forge in King of Prussia. 

Karen Lynn Gorney, co-star of "Saturday 

Night Fever," makes her East Coast cabaret 

debut here at Stars, performing as a jazz 

singer rather than as a disco queen. 

The University of Delaware's freshman 

honors program will present two free public 

film series on its Dover campus. A Wednesday 

night series, opening with "Inherit 

the Wind" and "The Great Train Robbery" 

will continue through May 3 when the 

double bills end with "Faust" and "Magic 

of Melies." Another series for Saturday 

night screenings opens with "A Nous La 

Liberte" and "Garbage," completing on 

May 6 with "The Man Who Knew Too 

Much." 

The Emnianus (Pa.) Film Society will 

sponsor the showing of five classic films in 

its spring subscription series at the Emmaus 

Theatre. A $6 series ticket takes in 

the showing of "Traffic," "A Man and a 

Woman," "Five Easy Pieces," "Swept 

Away" and "La Grande Bourgeoise." 

Paul Winfield was in town to meet the 

press for interviews in advance of the opening 

of his "A Hero Ain't Nothin But a 

Sandwich." 

Woodbridge Theatre in the Korvette 

(Continued on page E-S) 


I HAWAII 

Don 

. . . Barbara 

"The 

. . Veteran 

NORTH JERSEY 

Mearly aJI North Jersey indoor and outdoor 

theatres were closed Monday (6) 

and Tuesday (7) as the result of a near 

blizzard-like snowstorm which dumped as 

much as two feet of snow on many areas 

of New Jersey during that time. The storm, 

the second major snowstorm to hit this area 

in slightly over three weeks, was the worst 

in Jersey's history since Dec. 26. 1947, 

when 26 inches of snow fell in this area. 

Nearly every North Jersey theatre was 

closed all day Monday and Tuesday afternoon. 

Some houses did open in time for 

Tuesday evening performances but most 

did not resume normal operations until 

Wednesday. 

Gov. Brendan Byrne, on the second day 

of the near-blizzard, had declared a "limited 

state of emergency," during which time he 

had requested that all "non-essential businesses" 

remain closed. In addition to theatres, 

the storm closed nearly all other commercial 

businesses, as well as all public and 

private schools, all airports and, for the first 

time in New Jersey's history, the U.S. Postal 

Service. 

"The Boys in Company C" was held for 

a third week in exclusive area engagements 

at General Cinema's Woodbridge in Woodbridge 

and UA's Cinema 46 in Totowa. reporting 

good bo.xoffice at both locations. 

Most media film critics in the area gave the 

film very favorable reviews, with some 

calling it a "sleeper" and predicting that 

the Columbia release should become even 

more popular after it receives more exposure 

to the public. Free T-shirts were given out 

on opening night to the first 500 patrons 

attending each theatre. 

Andy Sulh'van's Brook Theatre in Boimdbrook 

recently presented a special stage and 

film show on a Saturday night at 11:30 

p.m. Onstage was a popular local rock 

group called the Rock Kids, while the screen 

show featured the Rollin' Stones in "Gimme 

Shelter." Admission for the special late 

show was $4 at the door and $3.75 in 

advance. Sullivan recently acquired the 

1,000-seat Brook Theatre from Richard 

Nathan. 

A Committee to Save-the-Stanley has 

been formed in Jersey City for the purpose 

of turning RKO-SW's Stanley Theatre in 

Journal Square. Jersey City, into a civic 

auditorium and cultural center through the 

use of federal and state fimds. During the 

past year, there have been numerous reports 

that RKO-SW has plans to close the 

North Jersey landmark. At one time, the 

CINERAMA IS IN 

SHOW BUSINESS IN 

HAWAII TOO. 

When you come to Waikiki, 

don't miss the famous 

Ho 

I 

Show. . 

. at 

[Honasj Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel 

IN WAIKOa REET REEF TOWERS EDGEWATER 

company had set an actual closing date but 

this was later rescinded. At another time, 

there had been serious discussion of converting 

the 4,300-seat theatre into a quad 

operation. These plans, too, were dropped, 

supposedly due to a lack of film product. 

The newly formed committee said its intention 

is to use the Stanley for plays, ballet, 

opera, concerts and art exhibitions, as well 

as motion pictures. 

Opened in March 1928 as a film-vaudeville 

house, the Jersey City showplace is 

second only to Radio City Music Hall in 

New York City in seating capacity in the 

New York metropolitan area. The condition 

of the Stanley's interior, with it's huge stage, 

is considered excellent. Jersey City Mayor 

Thomas F. K. Smith, who described the 

theatre as "one of the most grandiose in 

the 

nation when it was built originally," said 

he would "do anything I can to help" save 

the Stanley. He stated he is anxious to see 

specific plans from the committee. 

"Saturday Night Fever" was held for a 

ninth week at over a dozen Red Carpet theatres 

in the area and continues to report respectable 

business. 

Robert Miller, a lifelong resident of Hoboken 

and a doorman for RKO-Stanley 

Warner Theatres for the past more than 20 

years, died. Most recently he had been employed 

at the circuit's Stanley in Jersey City 

and, prior to that, had served several years 

at its Fabian in Hoboken. imtil it's closins 

in 1965. 

Feature film 

premieres on UA-Columbia 

Cablevision's Home Box Office channel for 

the month of February include "Rocky," 

"Voyage of the Damned." "The Eagle Has 

Landed," "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," 

"Boimd for Glory" and "Carrie." 

Recently, a brand new CATV company 

in this area called Wometco Home Theatre. 

Box Seat, popped onto the scene. Reportedly, 

Box Seat is "an uncable cable company" 

specializing in movie offerings. According 

to local town officials, they need no franchise 

approval. Richard Levinson, vice-president 

of Box Seat, says he's been overwhelmed 

by the response to his new company 

from several Bergen County towns, 

including Paramus and Fair Lawn. Interestingly. 

Levinson is the former marketing 

director with UA-Columbia Cablevision of 

Oakland, perhaps the leading CATV company 

in the North Jersey area. He served 

with the Oakland-based outfit for over seven 

years. Moreover, the president of Box Seat 

happens to be Fred Horowitz, another former 

UA-Columbia employee. So, this turns 

out to be a sort of O. Henry-type of narrative. 

"High Anxiety," the latest Mel Brooks' 

starrer, opened exclusive area engagements 

at General Cinema's Menlo Park in Menlo 

Park and RKO-SW's Route 4 Quad in 

Paramus. 

The Outlaws, a popular rock group, will 

appear onstage Saturday (25) at John 

Scher's Capitol in Passaic, to be followed 

March 4 by the New Riders of the Purple 

Sage at the Passaic stage and film house. 

PITTSBURGH 

^llied Artists' 'The Betsy" is showing first 

rim at the Cheswick, McKnight, Manor, 

World, Cinemette East and Cinemette 

Area theatres have been ex- 

South . . . 

hibiting "Scorpio," "Condemned Pleasures." 

"Fringe Benefits," "Caressing Cousins," 

"Fireworks Woman," "The Gaimtlet," 

"You Light Up Me Life," "Beyond and 

Back." "Love Slaves," "Sweet Sixteen," 

"Little Mother," "Linda Lovelace Meets 

Miss Jones" and "The Life and Times of 

Xaviera Hollander." 

Crown International's "Coach" will be 

screened at 8 p.m. Tuesday (28) at the Village 

Theatre . Max Shabason 

now manages the S. Perilman and Wheeler 

Films Co. recently purchased by Ross Wheeler 

.. . Turning Point" is now into 

its third successful month at the Chatham 

Cinema . . . Cinema Follies Club has licensed 

for early showing, "Long Johns." 

"Homecoming," "Muscle Bound," and 

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

appeared on stage at the CFC as 

have Mark Stevens, Jayson MacBride, Johnny 

Canuck and others. Adult books are now 

sold at the CFC boxoffice, second floor, 

619 Liberty Avenue. Free refreshments are 

served 8 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday, opening 

day for a weekly change of stage and 

screen program. 

The Palace and Mini-Ritz continue operation 

imder Katz family management. They 

had been closed for a week or so at the time 

of the sudden death of Gilbert "Gibby" 

Katz, a few days prior to New Year's Day. 

These burlesque houses feature exotic stars 

and reviews plus adult movies. "Gibby" was 

one of this city's most colorful theatremen, 

often emceeing his shows which featured the 

famous "Gibby Girls." 

Milton Katselas, whose father was an 

East Pittsburgh exhibitor some years ago, 

will direct "When You Comin' Back, Red 

Ryder?" . . . Vincent Price discussed art at 

the Carnegie Music Hall Wednesday (15) 

Karp. artistic director of the 

Pittsburgh Opera, has been awarded a grant 

by the American Film Institute to do a film 

based upon the Poulenc opera "La Voix Humaine." 

Her excellent screenplay won over 

the 

1,500 other entrants. 

Liberty adult movie, which changed management 

several months ago. is a one man 

operation. Opened a decade ago by Tom 

Parker (Topar Films. Inc.) this small-capacity 

house adjoining Doc Rubin's large Art 

Cinema has had several proprietors through 

the 

vears. 

Lee ARTOE WATER COOLED' CONTACTS 

1243W. BELMONT CHICAGO 

AJiHtKAM 

SC10I-SCI02,NLW 

We Rebuild \nd Recast CXIOI CX102 

ôur Old. Worn ( onlacts scioi 

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$90 00 

srio2 S35.00 

CTonuf^ 90836 lOmm Posiliwe Contact Assembly '»!}• 

sirtunu 90837 11 mm Positive Contact Assembly HJ». 

BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978 E-7

A LT I 

M O R E 

rjonald Miller, business agent, and Walter 

Rohoblt. secretary, 

both of lATSE Local 

181, will make a on2-day round trip to 

New York Sauirday (25) to attend a testimonial 

dinner for the union's president Walter 

Diehl , , . "In the spring a young man's 

fancy lightly turns to thoughts of . . 

." renovating 

his theatres. Hank Vogel. of the cir- 

planning spruce up 

cuit of the same name, is 

operations at his Bengies Drive-ln. Carrollwood 

I & II and Edgewater Twins. The "fixup" 

includes painting the buildings, surfacing 

the ramp areas, screen painting (exterior 

drive-ins) and new fencing. 

Jean Dauses, wife of Bill Dauses. the installation 

manager for Claude Neon Signs 

Inc.. broke her leg in a snowmobile accident 

in Pennsylvania. Sunday (12). Dauses. 

a 23-year vetjran with Claude, was in the 

Keystone State at the time . . . Fells Point's 

575-seat Cluster Theatre, fully equipped, is 

up for lease or sale. Interested parties may 

call (301) 577-4706. 

"Better Late than never," cliched Associated 

Pictures chief Phil Glazer when he 

was told that the 1978 booking calendars 

had finally been mailed. Glazer said that a 

printer's error caused the foul up in the 

original shipment adding that those who 

have not received a calendar, or who want 

additional copies, should contact him at 

Associated Pictures Co., 19 W. Mt. Royal 

Ave.. Baltimore. Md. 21202 . . . The film 

magnate also revealed that his son Charles. 

13, has found the key to the free enterprise 

system—snow. The future tycoon garnered 

$40 shoveling snow off of neighbor's driveways 

and sidewalks. The elder Glazer has 

made an appointment to discuss the possibilities 

of a merger with his son. 

"When you care enough to give the best." 

may well be Helen Back's philosophy when 

it comes to giving gifts to her spouse. NATO 

of Md. chief and Rome TTieatre's general 

manager. Leon. She might have had a hard 

time wrapping and hiding his birthday present 

in a closet. On his natal anniversary he 

found the gift was a sparkling new, black 

Oldsmobile. Happy motoring through the 

years, Mr. B. 

Marriott Corp. has mailed formal tender 

offers to some 1,200 shareholders of Five 

Star Foods Inc.. proposing to pay $3 for 

each outstaonding share. Marriott is trying 

to purchase Five Star and its parent organization. 

PEI Foods Inc. The initial offer may 

expire March 6. Marriott reserved the right 

ot terminate the agreement if fewer than 

411,714 or the 525,403 outstanding shares 

are tendered. The company is the Maryland 

franchisee of Roy Rogers Family Restaurants, 

operating 13 eateries throughout the 

state. 

Robert Horton, 53, and his wife Marilynn 

are in town appearing in the comedy "The 

Girl in the Freudian Slip," at the Limestone 

Valley Dinner Theatre, through Sunday 

(26). Horton, who also does National Premium 

commercials, said that he had no regrets 

over his departure from the popular 

TV western series. "Wagon Train." 17 years 

ago. The star was quoted as stating that 

there was a "chemistry between us." referring 

to the Oater's star Ward Bond .that did 

not exist between Horton and Bond's successor 

in 

the series. 

The New Glen Theatre's sign and marquee 

came down as the first step in the X- 

rated cinema's demise, Thursday (9), in Glen 

Burnie. County councilman Ronald Mc- 

Guirk was one of the few mourners for the 

hardtop he used to attend long ago. It was 

part of an eight-acre parcel the county 

bought for around $1,200.00 as a 42-acre. 

urban renewal district section. H. Erie 

Schafer. Glen Bumie's urban renewal administrator, 

said the county paid $128,000 

for the theatre. 

The long-anticipated gala opening of the 

Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick 

featured a superb performance of the "Rob- 

. . 

ber's Bridegroom," Thursday (9). directly 

from Broadway . "L'Altalante," directed 

by Jean Vigo, was presented at the Baltimore 

Museum of Art as part of the "Classics 

of French Cinema" series (9). The film 

was made just before Vigo's death in 1934. 

A lecture by William Poulos. Towson State 

University, followed the screening of the 

Michel Simon starrer. 

"Girl Shy," starring Harold Lloyd, the 

great comedian of the '20s, was shown at 

the Pratt Library's Fells Point center, 606 

Ann St., Wednesday (8) . . . Bernard Slade's 

play "Tribute," starring Jack Lemmon. will 

be presented on Broadway by Morton Gottlieb, 

this season. Rehearsals are slated to 

begin March 13. Prior to the New York 

opening June 1. possibly at the Brooks Atkinson 

Theatre, the show will be seen at the 

Colonial in Boston April 19-29 and from 

May 1-27 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre 

in Toronto. 

Film star Vincent Price will appear as 

Oscar Wilde in "Diversions and Delights," 

at the New Mechanic Theatre, March 13- 

April I. The show was written by John Gay 

and is directed by Joseph Hardy . . . "Twentieth 

Century." starring Carole Lombard. 

was the featured film in the Friday Film 

Series (17) at the University of Maryland 

. . . Ringling 

Bros,. Barnum and Bailey Circus 

is slated for the Civic Center March 7- 

19. produced by Irvin and Kenneth Feld. 

it is the "Big Top's" 108th season. 

A Filmfare awards double winner, "Arjun 

Pandit," was screened at the Schwaber 

World-Fare Cinemas' Paramount Theatre 

Sunday (12). Sanjeev Kumar won the best 

actor trophy and Dr. B. Mukherjec was 

named as the best slorywriter in the national 

competition. The film was directed by 

Hrishikcsh. It relates the story of a village 

tough who turns into a guardian angel. 

Valentine's Day, Tuesday (14). was Ladies 

Day at .Security Square Mall under the 

sponsorship of the Mall merchants. Included 

in the salute was a free, ladies-only. 10 a.m. 

showing of "A Touch of Class." starring 

George Segal and Glenda Jackson, at the 

shopping center's theatre. Free prizes were 

distributed and a queen was selected as additional 

facets of the observance . . The local 

film festival's volunteer kickoff party, 

originally planned for Monday (6), was 

scratched as a result of a snow storm and 

held Monday (13) at the Theatre Project. 

'Bizarre, Bizarre,"' a Marcel Carne film, 

was screened at the Museum of Art Thursday 

(16). as a feature of the series "Classics 

of the French Cinema," sponsored by the 

local film forum, art museum and Enoch 

Pratt free library. Johns Hopkin's Leo 

Braudy was the key speaker. 

PHILADELPHIA 

(Continued from page E-6) 

Shopping Center at Woodbridge, near Asbury 

Park, N.J., is promoting a coloring 

contest with a trip 

for two to Disneyland as 

the grand prize, for the engagement of 

"Pete's Dragon." 

The Express, daily newspaper in Hasten, 

Pa., set up a UFO Report station for its 

Newsline feature since so many UFO sightings 

have been pouring into the newspaper 

following the opening of "Close Encounters 

of The Third Kind," still playing 

at 

Eric's Twin there. 

Film star Vincent Price in the area with 

his one-man presentation, playing at the 

Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Del., 

and at Wilkes College. Wilkes-Barre. Pa. 

His presentation is billed as "Villains Still 

Pursue Me." 

Hy Klaus, one of Israel's leading motion 

picture and theatre producers-directors, will 

be guest speaker on Sunday (26) at the 

campaign kick-off of the teachers division of 

the 1978 Federation of Jewish Agencies- 

Israel Emergency Fund. Born in Providence, 

R.I. and settling in Israel in 1953, 

his most recent production is "Operation 

Thunderbolt." 

OK Optional CATV Rates 

TRENTON, N.J. — An optional rate 

structure for cable television, which will increase 

the cost to consumers but will enable 

the cable TV companies to serve thinlypopulate 

dareas they now consider unprofitable, 

has been adopted by the state Board 

of Public Utilities Commissioners. The optional 

rates, to become effective in mid- 

April, were recommended by the New Jersey 

Cable Television Ass'n, an industry 

group. 

The new rates divide cable firms into 

various categories and allow them to increase 

rates with minimal state review by 

50 cents per month the first year, and 75 

cents the second year. The new rate structure 

will be renewed or abolished after three 

years. 

E-8 BOXOFFICE :: February 20. 1978

HONOLULU 

n studio preview on a Friday night at Waikiki 

2 featured MGM-UA's "Coma," 

which began regular performances at the 

Waikiki 2 and the Kam Drive-In Wednesday 

(8). Another studio preview, this one at 

Queen Theatre Friday (10). offered Walt 

Disney Productions' newest, "Candleshoe." 

slated to open its regular run at the New 

Royal and the Royal Sunset Drive-In Thursday 

(16). 

"Star Wars" (20th-Fox) and "Ciose Encounters 

of the Third Kind" (Col), with 

record-breaking runs backed up at Cinerama 

and Waikiki 3 theatres, still are going 

strong and now have bowed at two ozoncrs 

—Kam and Kailua. Continuing runs for 

several other pictures in Honolulu include 

Warner Bros." "The Goodbye Girl." Kuhio 

2; Universal's "The Choirboys," Kapiolani; 

Paramount's "Saturday Night Fever." Royal 

Marina 1: United Artists" "Annie Hall."" 

King's Alley, and 20th Century-Fox's "The 

Turning Point." Varsity. 

There's much celebration in this city 

when it is Chinese New Year. Pageants, 

parades, feasts of food, fine arts and fireworks, 

dances, contests and movies make 

up the festivities. The downtown Empress 

is favoring an old Chinese classic, "The 

Dream of the Red Chamber." while the 

midtown Golden Harvest is playing it safe 

with an action-jammed kung fu film. "The 

Mysterious Heroes." 

DENVER 

pene Bursteen, who was in sales with 

Paramount Pictures in their Chicago 

office, has moved to Denver and opened 

the new branch for Mid-America Releasing 

here. The new office will be located in 

Building 6. Suite 261. 2600 South Parker 

Road. Mary Smith, who had been with 

Buena Vista Distributing here, will be the 

booker-cashier with Mid-America. 

In the offices to set datings were Andy 

Webdeli. El Grande Theatre, Granby; Ron 

McClure. Cinema West Theatre. Sinclair, 

t 

FINER 

PR( 

iAik You 

HURLEY 

26 Sarah DrIv

Hollywood 

Happenings 

ÂLT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS will 

honored April 9 at the annual awards 

banquet of Delta Kappa Alpha, national 

honorary cinema fraternity at the University 

of California. Achievements in the 

studio's 55-year history will be highlighted 

at the tribute. 

* 

A special motion picture edition of Harold 

Rohbins' "The Betsy" has been published 

by Pocket Books to tie in with the 

national openings of the Allied Artists 

• 

be 

film. 

Frank Dickenson, secretary-treasurer of 

Studio Utility Employees Local 724, has 

been elected chairman of the board of trustees 

of the Motion Picture Industry Pension 

Plan to succeed Eugene Arnstein. Gene 

Allen. Art Directors Local 876. was named 

vice-chairman succeeding Paul Westefer, 

Walt Disney Productions. R. W. Bachmeyer. 

Technicolor, succeeds Dickenson as secretary 

and Richard Schonland. Paramount, 

succeeds Howard Smith, Makeup Artists 

and Hair Stylists Local 706, as vice-secretary. 

• 

Five new companies have become members 

of the Ass'n of Motion Picture & 

Television Producers, including: Suncrest 

Cinema Cinema Corp.. theatrical production, 

with A. J. Leydton, president, and 

Richard Abramson, vice-president; Marble 

Arch Productions, TV production, with Sir 

Lew Grade as chairman and Martin Starger, 

president; Lassie Films, Inc.. TV production, 

with J. D. Wrather jr., president, and 

Edward D. Tisch, vice-president; Proserco 

of California, Ltd., TV production, Leonard 

Hollander, president, and Martin A. Litwack, 

secretary, and Cinema Payments, 

Inc., TV production, headed by Sidney 

Tager. 

* 

United Artists plans a June 28 release 

of EMTs "Convoy" in 289 theatres in the 

U.S. and Canada. The action-adventure 

about a massive convoy of truckers revolting 

against police harassment stars Kris 

Kristofferson and Ali MacGraw. 

PERSONALIZED, 

Alan M. Brunswick has been named vicepresident 

and secretary of the Ass'n of 

Motion Picture & Television Producers, 

succeeding Alfred M. Chamie, who retired 

Wednesday (1). 

• 

WarBick Productions will 

release "Rooster" 

March 1 in 35 locations in Missouri, 

including St. Louis and Kansas City, it was 

announced by sales chief John J. McGetti- 

Warner Books has acquired paperback 

rights to the novelization of "Meteor" now 

being produced by Arnold Orgolini and Ted 

Parvin. Edmund H. North, who wrote the 

script with Stanley Mann, will convert the 

screenplay into a book. 

* 

"The Best Way." nominated for six 

French Academy Awards, opened its Los 

Angeles engagement exclusively at Laemmles' 

Los Feliz Theatre in Hollywood Wednesday 

(15). 

• 

"Coming Home." United Artists' feature 

starring Jane Fonda, Jon Voight and Bruce 

Dern, bowed Wednesday (15) at the Avco 

Cinema 3 in Westwood and at the Cinema 

I Theatre in New York City. 

*• 

Girls Friday of Show Business will elect 

officers and directors at the monthly dinner-meeting 

Tuesday (21) at the Smoke 

House at Toluca Lake. Guest speaker will 

be actor Edward Winter. 

• 

Mary Anne Harrison-Thorpe, general 

counsel for Buena Vista Distribution Co.. 

has been named a vice-president of the company 

by president Irving H. Ludwig. 

• 

Journalist-author Adela Rogers St. John 

was the principal speaker at the Wednesday 

(15) luncheon meeting of the Hollywood 

Women's Press Club. 

• 

Stephen M. Kravit has been appointed 

vice-president of business affairs for 20th 

Century-Fox, moving up from his post as 

vice-pres'dent of the business-legal affairs 

department. He joined Fox in December 

1977. 




Studios^ 

INC. 


(312) 427-3395 


TUCSON 

jyfovieland Wax World, a franchised Josephine 

Tussaud wax museum, opened 

just outside the main gate of Old Tucson. 

Created by Norm Rollingwood, Calgary. 

Canada, the official designer of Tussaud 

museums around the world, the displays will 

feature lifelike representations of film and 

TV stars by Gems Wax Models of London. 

Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 

5:30 p.m.. the admission is $1.75 for adults 

and 75-cents for kids between the ages of 

4-11. Youngsters four and younger are admitted 

free. 

A motion picture theatre is included in 

the announced plans for the city's third 

largest regional shopping mall on the thriving 

southeast side . . . "Coma" and "Semi- 

Tough" were sneaked and major-studio-previewed, 

respectively, early this month at 

Park Mall 4. 

It's a real selling job (unless your name 

is "Glib Gib") selling snowbirds who have 

migrated from such arctic way-stations as 

Kansas City. Boston and Miami, that the 

white stuff clinging to the peaks of the 

9,000-foot Catalina Mountains is merely 

Mexican cotton that was snagged as it was 

wafted northward. The infidels keep asking 

how one skis on cotton. The answer is obvious—through 

the liberal application of gin 

(to the skier, not the cotton.) 

The "River Rhine" coursed through the 

spacious University of Arizona main auditorium 

Sunday (12), traveled by Eric 

Pavel narrating his travel documentary 

marking his 15th appearance at the popular 

Sunday Evening Forums. In addition to his 

personal film lectures, Pavel has produced 

classroom films for Encyclopedia Britannica 

and for TV. The Pavel program was cosponsored 

by Worldwide Travel, Inc. SEF 

was founded by the Methodist church in 

Tucson and has grown to become one of the 

country's outstanding public forums for 

films and world-renowned lecturers. 

"Roots" was screened Monday through 

Friday (13-17) at 1 p.m. as a featured part 

of "Black Culture Week" at Pima Community 

College with events on two of PCC's 

three citywide campuses. Another film was 

shown at noon Wednesday (15) at the downtown 

campus. All events were free and open 

to the public. 

"The Boys in Company C" was directed 

by Sidney J. Furie and produced by Andre 

Morgan. 



HAWAII TOO. 



WW 

Don Ho Show. . . at 

Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF . REEF TOWERS EDGEWATER 

. 

W"2 BOXOmCE :: February 20, 1978

ÎBtti 

uIM 


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Western Theatrical Equipment Co. Pacific Theatre Equipment Co. John P. Filbert Co., Inc. Theatre Service & Supply, Inc 

187 Golden Gate Avenue 

142 Leavenworth Street 

1100 Flower Street (P.O. Box 5085) 

1250 Host Walnut 

Son Froncisco, California 94102 

Son Froncisco, California 94102 

Glendale, California 91201 

Pasadena, California 91106 

Phone: (415) 861-7571 

Phone: (415) 771-2950 

Phone: (213) 247-6550 

Phone: (213) 792-7158 

Western Service & Supply, 

2100 Strout Street 

Denver, Colorado 80205 

Phone: (303) 534-7611 

Inc. Peterson Theatre Supply 

455 Beorcat Drive 

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

Phone: (801) 466-7642 

S. F. Burns & Co., Inc 

2319 2nd Avenue 

Seattle, Washington 98101 

Phone; (206) 624-2515 

BOXOFHCE :: February 20, 1978 

W-3

— 

! 

SAN FRANCISCO 

Qjancario Gianinni and Lina Wertmuller 

were in town last week for a speaking 

engagement at Stanford University. While 

here 'they attended a party at the home of 

rock concert promoter Bill Graham, as well 

as soing to see '"Saturday Night Fever" at 

the'^Reeencv Theatre, (this last item reported 

by Shirley Stimmel. the recipient of 

a hug from Gianinni for setting up theatre 

passed) . . . Jane Fonda, here to tape a 

"Dick Cavett Show." was also in attendance 

at the Regency last week. Perhaps the 

Blumenfelds should set up a little cafe at 

the entrance to the theatre so that we could 

all do our stargazing in comfort! 

Children of Surprise Valley, near Cedarville. 

California, received the local movie 

theatre as a Christmas present this year. 

The theatre—screen, projector and all 

was given to the Surprise Valley Unified 

School District by owners Bea and Paul 

Atchison when they found no buyers for the 

1934-vintage building. The school district 

has 263 students: the theatre has 262 seats. 

Local WOMPIs will hold their annual 

Boss of the Year luncheon on Friday (241. 

at the Holiday Inn in Civic Center. No host 

cocktails start at 11:45 a.m.: lunch will be 

served at 12:.30. The tickets are going for 

$8.50. Contact any WOMPI member for 

tickets. 

The local chapter of Uno Mas held its 

first 1978 meeting recently. New members 

Mike Bisio, Jim Cargile and Bill Brumfield 

were welcomed. This year's officers are Bob 

Lippert jr., president; Bob Pearl, vice-president: 

John Daly, secretary-treasurer and 

golf chairman Jerry Harrah. The 12th Annual 

Uno Mas golf tournament will be held 

at the Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton 

on Friday. April 7. Invitations will be 

sent out in March and those planning to 

attend should return their entries 

possible. 

as soon as 

UATC's David Van is hoping that someone 

will have the nerve to double bill 

"Equus" with "They Shoot Horses, Don't 

They?" He says that the booker to commit 

this brazen act would be a shoo-in for the 

Lencioni Award! Meanwhile, we'll have to 

be satisfied with this week's winner, in the 

"how do you suppose they came up with 

that?" category ... the East Bay theatre 

showing "Equus" with "Outrageous!" 

Columbia salesman Jerry Tevrow married 

Judi Traighten in a December 26 ceremony 

in Short Hills. N.J. They toured California 

on their honeymoon. 

The WOMPI Club has selected a nominating 

committee to prepare an election 

slate for the 1978-79 term. Chairing the 

committee is Sylvia Foote of Martin Foster 

Enterprises. Other committee members include 

Cathy Fitzgerald. NovoTransport, 

Inc.; Carol Bergamine, Westland Theatres; 

Jenny Sommerville, Buena Vista, and Ann 

Bosch, Martin Foster Enterprises. 

Exhibitors viewed 30 minutes from "The 

Buddy Holly Story" recently and believe 

that rock 'n' roll fans will be thrilled by the 

film . . . Also screened recently: Product 

reels for "Jaws 2," "I Want to Hold Your 

Hand" and "National Lampoon's Animal 

House." all from Universal; "The Incredible 

Melting Man," American International Pictures: 

"The Amsterdam Kill," Columbia; 

"Gizmo," Far West; "The Billion Dollar 

Hobo": a product reel on "Big Wednesday" 

from Warners: "Sand Pit Generals," Transmedia, 

and "Blue Collar," Universal. 

The local WOMPIs announced that a cash 

donation will be given to Laguna Honda 

Hospital to be used as prize money in the 

bingo games conducted by members of the 

WOMPI Club. Winners of the special blackout 

games will receive credit at the hospital 

general store or soda fountain. WOMPIs 

wish to thank Filmrowites for the successful 

Christmas party which made this donation 

to 

charity possible. 

SALT LAKE CITY 

putt Theatres division headquarters was the 

site of an area meeting attended by 

Ernest Hoffman, division manager: Bert 

Turgeon, circuit auditor; Charlie Huggard. 

division advertising director; John Mc- 

Cashin, Utah 1 & 2 theatres; Calvin Ellertson. 

Centre Theatre: John Malone, 

Parkway Triplex, Las Vegas: Kent Peterborg, 

Ada Theatre, Boise; Jann Dixon, 

Midway Drive-In. Boise; Ron Page, Wilshire 

Triplex, Ogden; Robert Bathey, Uinta 

and Paramount Theatres. Provo; Bijan 

Katebini, Utah 3: Dean Handsaker, Woodland 

Drive-In and Richard Easter, Regency 

Theatre. In addition to the routine business, 

Hoffman announced Page's transfer from 

the city to Ogden and Handsaker's move to 

the Woodland. 

. . . "Star 

. . . 

John Travolta's vehicle, "Saturday Night 

Fever," has exceeded expectations in drawing 

power and staying power 

Wars" surpassed the $1,000,000 mark and 

the milestone was turned into a media happening. 

Only "The Sound of Music" 

KRSP 

has 

earned this distinction in Utah 

and Plitt's Regency teamed up in a contest 

to promote the already successful "Close 

Encounters of the Third Kind." Entrants 

built replicas of the Devil's Tower and the 

two winners were awarded a trip to the Wyoming 

site of the mythical encounter. Other 

awards included record albums, T-shirts, 

film tickets and cash prizes. 

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Times Square Park 

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Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

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W-l 

BOXOFTICE :: February 20. 1978

KANSAS CITY 

n terrific snowstorm walloped the Heart 

of America (it was enough to cause fibrillation, 

so to speak) Sunday and Monday 

(12, 13) bringing the heaviest snowfall in 

16 years to the Kansas City area. Reports 

of 12 inches of snow throughout the city 

were common, while many western Kansas 

cities received even greater amounts. Filmrow 

was virtually deserted Monday (13). 

with employees stranded at home and only 

the very hardy and determined able to 

fight 

their way into the office. Kansas City 

Mayor Charles B. Wheeler asked all businesses 

to close between 12 noon and 4 p.m. 

to expedite the flow of traffic on the snowcovered 

streets. Things were somewhat back 

to normal Tuesday (14). although some exchanges 

closed early to allow employees a 

chance to navigate the still-snowy routes 

home before they became dangerously congested. 

Naturally, many theatres did not 

bother to open and those few that did probably 

wondered why they did. Did someone 

mention that spring is just a month away? 

Members of the WOMPI Club had little 

time to rest after the Variety Club telethon 

last month. The following weekend—Janu- 

. . . 

ary 28-29, they participated in the Cystic 

Fibrosis telethon at the Oak Park Mall 

American Multi Cinema staffers who 

worked on Tent 8"s first and highly successful 

telethon included, besides co-chairman 

George Kieffer, Midwest film buyer, 

Nadine Mummaw. operations; Fran Frame 

and Sue Moyer. national auditing; Mike 

Forsythe. Midwest division advertising coordinator, 

and Susie Nance of the Midwest 

division 

office. 

Children of the Kansas State School for 

the Blind were given a party Thursday (9) 

by the WOMPIs. About 20 youngsters 

housed at the school participated in games 

and were served punch and cookies by the 

dedicated Filmrow group. 

Kathy Clark is the new assistant advertising 

director for American Multi Cinema. 

Kathy, who began her duties Wednesday 

(15). previously had worked for AMC. 

Monday (20) is a legal holiday observed 

by the film industry (that doesn't include 

the tradepress) in honor of George Washington's 

birthday. Most exchanges are closed 

that day. 

The next meeting of the WOMPI Club 

will be held Tuesday (28) at Cascone's 

Restaurant. 3733 North Oak. Kansas City, 

Mo. Be ready to tie the feed bag on. because 

ning. Woid has il that they have planned 

a delightful program which should be of 

interest to all women and a consultant from 

Macy's will give a cosmetics demonstration. 

The board meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. 

and dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. 

John Shipp, Thomas & Shipp Films, returned 

from a visit to Springfield, 111., with 

St. Louis representative Jerry Banta. The 

two called on executives at Kerasotes Theatres 

and John then spent some time in St. 

Louis making business contacts. 

Thursday (16) members of the WOMPI 

Club returned to the Senior Estates Nursing 

Home to host another party. The nursing 

home residents particularly enjoyed the previous 

WOMPI party, at which films were 

shown and Christmas corsages and boutonnieres 

given to the women and men. At the 

most recent party, residents were served 

punch and cookies while they played bingo. 

Prizes were awarded. 

Frank Rhodes, Warner Bros, branch manager, 

hosted a tradescreening of "The Medusa 

Touch" Friday afternoon (17) at the 

Commonwealth screening room. Richard 

Burton, Lino Ventura, Lee Remick and 

Harry Andrews star in the 110-minute long 

color picture. 

Bob Enoch Unveils Plans 

For Elizabethtown Twin 

INDIANAPOLIS— It has been learned 

here that Bob Enoch of Elizabethtown. Ky., 

has announced plans to start construction on 

a twin theatre here as soon as weather permits. 

The duo, to be known as the Valley 

Cinemas 1 and 2, will bring the number of 

screens in the area to six. 

This total includes the Cinema, State and 

Starlite Drive-In, all in Elizabethtown, and 

the Knox Drive-In, Radcliff, Ky. 

Enoch, who is well known to this trade 

territory, said that the twin will carry on 

his company's "tradition of excellence in 

theatre building and motion picture presentation." 

He added that projection and sound 

engineering will be supplied by Hadden 

Theatre Supply Co. of Louisville. 

A late summer opening is planned for the 

Valley Cinemas 1 and 2. 

Dreyfuss Speaks on Fame 

PROVIDENCE—Richard Dreyfuss, star 

of Columbia's "Close Encounters of the 

Third Kind," in a Rhode Island press interview, 

remarked: "I never sought fame or 

money, but I suppose everyone wants to 

be famous. I didn't seek it out. though. 

I never met anyone who could tell me why 

they wanted fame." 

KC Winners ShuHle 

To Add Newcomers 

KANSAS CITY— loppers m the first 

week grosses race here shuffled somewhat 

as three newcomers made their dents in the 

market. Columbia's "Close Encounters of 

the Third Kind" still came out ahead with 

a stunning 650 in its eighth week, but "High 

Anxiety" leaped to a score of 450 in its 

debut week. Other newcomers that followed 

closely were "The One and Only" with 435. 

and "The Turning Point," 425. Three other 

pictures scored in the 300s, making it a 

big week for exhibitors despite the depressing 

weather. 


Brywood. Empire Tolefon {MGM-UA). 8th wk .. 

35 

Embassy—lulia (20lh Foz), 15th wk -120 

Fme Arts—A Special Day (SR), 7th wk 30 

Five theatres The Adventures oi the Wilderness 

Family (PIE.). 4lh wk 350 

Five theatres Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

8th wk -230 

Four theatres The Gauntlet (WB), 7th wk 40 

Four theatres Grayeagle (AIP), 7th wk 75 

Four theatres The One and Only (Para) .435 

Four theatres Pete's Dragon (BV), 8th wk 160 

Four theatres Semi-Tough (UA), 7th wk 190 

Glenwood- Close Encounters of the Third Kind 

(Col). 8th wk 650 

Glenwood— Star Wars (20th-Fox), 37th wk 350 

Metcalf The Turning Point (20th-Fox) 425 

Midland—Which Way Is Up? (Univ), 7th wk 85 

Plaza The Goodbye Girl (WB). 7th wk 390 

Three theatres The Choirboys (Univ), 7th wk 95 

Three theatres High Anxiety (20th-Fox) 450 

Three theatres The World's Greatest Lover 

20lh-Fox), 7th wk 85 

"High Anxiety' Is Winner 

With 330 in Chicago Bow 

CHICAGO—New films are arriving here 

gradually as a reminder that spring surely 

must come, but the winter weather still is 

at its peak, discouraging many people from 

venturing out. Even so. two newcomers 

scored very well for the week. Mel Brooks' 

"High Anxiety" scooped the local top spot 

in its first week with 330 per cent, nosing 

out the 325 scored by "Close Encounters of 

the Third Kind." The close third remained 

"Which Way Is Up?" now in its 13th week 

here, drawing a solid 300. Two other newcomers. 

"The Lacemaker" and "The One 

and Only," registered the respectable count 

of 250. 

Bolingbrook 3 The Gauntlet (WB), 7th wk 100 

Carnegie The Turning Point (20th-Fox), 

I3th wk 225 

Cinema The Lacemaker (New Yorker) «U 

Eleven theatres—High Anxiety (20th-Fox) 330 

Five theatres Semi-Tough (UA), 8th wk 125 

Gateway, Varsitv Grayeagle (AIP), 3rd wk 150 

Nine theatres Close Encounters of the Third 

Kind (Col), 8lh wk 325 

Nine theatres The Goodbye Girl (WB), 

7th wk 250 

Nine theatres Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

8th wk 

-.. 290 

Roosevelt The Incredible Melting Man (AIP), 

8th wk - 175 

State Lake Which Way Is Up? (Univ), 

13th wk 300 

Ten theatres The One and Only (Para) 250 

Three theatres The Adventures of the 

Wilderness Family (PIE), 2nd wk 180 

Water Tower 4 lulia (20th-Fox), 15th wk 250 

John Saxon will star in New World's 

"Bees." 

the dinner is featuring veal parmesan at $6 

a head (or mouth). WOMPIs from Commonwealth 

will be hostesses for the evetheSFTRe 

equipment 

"Everything for the Theatre" 

339 No. CAPITOL AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

BOXOmCE ;: February 20, 1978 

MID-CONTINENT 

Theatre Supply Corp. 

1800 Wyandotfe, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 

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

PROMPT • imCIENT • COURTEOUS 

C-1

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CHICAGO 

Milt Levins, Midwest division manager for 

Avco Embassy Pictures, is very encouraged 

about the potential of "The Manitou." 

Comments following a sneak preview 

were very complimentary. With "The Manilou" 

a probable winner and Joan Rivers' 

"Rabbit Test" also earmarked for success, it 

appears the company will be engaged in 

some lively booking sessions. Joan Rivers' 

film has. incidentally, been the recipient of 

a great deal of free public exposure . 

Milt Levins also has announced that Haywood 

Mitchusson will join Avco Embassy as 

a branch manager. Mitchusson, who has 

served with Universal Pictures and with 

Teitel Amusement Co., succeeds Paul .Silk, 

who resigned. 

Rick Rice, president of Mid-America Releasing 

Co., announced that Paul Silk has 

been named branch manager in their local 

office. The company's Denver office officially 

opened Monday (13). 

High patron interest in United Artists' 

"Coma" is hoped to continue. First-nighters 

indicated they liked the picture because it 

brings brand new story content to the screen. 

Welcome to Doug Hugelmaier, who has 

joined American International Pictures' 

staff here as head of advertising and publicity. 

He has represented AIP in the same 

capacity in the Eastern region with headquarters 

in Philadelphia. In covering the 

M'dwest, Hugelmaier will be concentrating 

on the Milwaukee, St. Louis. Indianapolis. 

Cleveland and Cincinnati territories as well. 

Association Films, a company specializing 

in shorts to be paired with features, 

now offers a new bit of informative entertainment, 

the 1977 Miss Universe Pageant. 

The 17-minute color film was sponsored by 

Miss Universe Pageant, Inc. Highlighted are 

scenes typical of the tropical Dominican 

Republic location, with parades and, in 

fact, a full view of behind-the-scenes activities. 

Information on the Miss Universe Pageant 

short can be obtained through Kaplan Continental 

Pictures, the distributor, or Association 

Films . . . "Ridin' the Edge," a short 

sponsored by Allstate Insurance Co., has 

been in distribution for only a year, and 

already it has been seen by 6.000.000 people 

.. . Arthur Lester, manager of Association 

Films' theatrical department, now is 

located in the New York offices at 866 

Third Ave., (212) 935-4234. 

. . . 

The S. B. Griever organization has been 

assigned to book the Palo Theatre in Lowell. 

Ind. Operators are Bessie and Harold Lappi 

The Ritz Theatre in Chenoa. III., a 

small downstate town, has been closed. The 

building has been sold for nontheatrical use. 

The Jack Botaros (he is 

head booker and 

office manager for Universal) recently became 

the parents of a girl named Stacy. 

Their son Tony now is five years of age. 

William Lange & Associates is distributing 

more kiddie shows with their primary 

features. For weekends in March, the Lange 

people have booked "Bugs Bunny, Superstar," 

and in early April "Hugo the Hippo" 

will 

be seen on neighborhood screens. 

Universal Pictures is enjoying a wide display 

of product, with more to come. "Which 

Way Is Up?" which has not grossed under 

300 per cent in 13 weeks at Plitt's State 

Lake Theatre in the Loop, goes into neighborhood 

houses Friday (24). Richard Pryor, 

the film's star, also has a leading role in 

"Blue Collar," which opened at Plitt's Chicago 

Theatre Friday (10). 

"Heroes," starring Henry Winkler, starts 

a third go-around Friday (24). And at this 

point there are indications that "Jaws 2" 

will become one of the year's top grossers. 

Exhibitors who saw the product reel didn't 

hesitate to express their enthusiasm. 

"Edvard Munch" had its local premiere at 

the Film Center of the Art Institute. Daily 

News critic David Elliott wrote "It is most 

valuable because it is one of the very rare 

films to show the manner in which the making 

of art becomes consuming, enthralling, 

and, even for an amateur, let alone a genius 

like Munch, an almost religious vocation." 

"A Special Day," recent winner of the 

Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, opened 

Friday (17) for a first exclusive showing 

at the Biograph Theatre. Stars are Sophia 

Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. Carlo 

Ponti produced the Canadian-Italian co-production 

which is being distributed domestically 

by Cinema 5. 

Twentieth Century-Fox hosted a screening 

of one of its newest films, "An Unmarried 

Woman." The story revolves around a 

woman coping with divorce after 16 years 

of marriage. While it is not definite, there 

is a possibility that director Paul Mazursky 

and star Jill Clayburgh may be in town in 

late February to help with the launching. 

"Julia," which has been a strong grosser 

in its 15-week run at Plitt's Water Tower 

theatres, started subrun showings Friday 

(10). Many patrons have said they found 

this film so entertaining they go to see it a 

second time. 

Ken Book was appointed manager of the 

Hilltop Drive-In, an L&M Management Co. 

property. 

Leo Fitzgerald, a projectionist at the 

L&M Mode Theatre in Joliet, III., died recently. 

Zev Braun, filmmaker and a 

former Chicagoan, 

reportedly has completed negotiations 

for Muhammad Ali to co-star in Howard 

Fast's "Freedom Road." Filming is 

scheduled to start in July, with two scripts, 

one for a TV mini-series and the other for 

a theatrical film for foreign distribution. 

It is also reported that Braun will be joining 

forces with MGM to produce a satire 

on Fu Manchu, with Peter Sellers portraying 

the well known Oriental criminal. 

It 

was reported recently that Robert Redford 

would be in the area this spring for 

the filming of "A Place to Come To." Since 

it now appears that he will start shooting 

"The Electric Horseman" in Nevada in 

March. "A Place to Come To" most likely 

will be a fall project. 

Mrs. Rose Kaplan, widow of the recently 

deceased Sam Kaplan, has announced that 

the operation of Kaplan Continental Pictures 

will continue. Mrs. Kaplan, who will 

serve as the company's president, will be 

assisted by Lillian Eigner, the late Kaplan's 

stepdaughter, and by Olive Podorsky and 

Nancy Rohl, long-time staff members. 

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BOXOFTICE :: Fcbruarv 20, 1978


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St. Louis, Missouri 63123 

Kansas City, Missouri 64108 

(314) 352-2020 

Phone: (816) 221-0480 

BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 197S C-3

ST. 

LOUIS 

The current attraction at Sunset Hills, Cinema 

4. Northland and Jamestown Mall 

is "The Other Side of the Mountain Part 

2." The Universal Pictures release continues 

the true story of Jill Kinmont, skier who 

was crippled while competing in tryouts for 

the Olympic team. She is carrying on her 

duties as a grade school teacher in Bishop, 

Calif., where she resides with her husband 

John Boothe, The film was directed by 

Larry Peerce, son of Metropolitan Opera 

tenor Jan Peerce, and stars Marilyn Hassett 

and Timothy Bottoms. 

Columbia's war comedy-drama. "The 

Boys in Company C," opened Friday (10) 

at Stadium 2, South County, Northwest and 

Northland. It is the saga of a group of 

zanies who. in their short tour of duty in 

Vietnam, kept a journal of the war on a roll 

of toilet paper and attacked a Viet Cong 

hill clad in their birthday suits! 

"Telefon" begins a city sub-run break 

March 1 and "Semi-Tough," from the same 

distributor. United Artists, is enjoying a 

de luxe city break following successful firstrun 

business in the late months of 1977. 

John Shipp of Thomas & Shipp was a 

recent visitor, meeting with local representative 

Jerry Banta in Springfield, 111., to pay 

a call on the Kerasotes circuit and then 

coming on here to contact local exhibitors. 

Shipp participated in the first national sales 

conference held at Osmond Distribution 

Co.'s new multimillion-dollar studios in 

Provo, Utah, to launch theatrical film 

projects of the noted theatrical and TV 

family. Thomas & Shipp will be one of the 

sub-distributors for the first production 

from the studio, "The Great Brain," starring 

young Jimmy Osmond, scheduled for 

summer release. Jimmy was selected to receive 

the TEXPO "78 "Star of Tomorrow" 

award at the Southwest regional convention 

of motion picture exhibitors held at the 

Fairmont Hotel in Dallas January 31 

through Thursday (2). 

Variety Club Tent 4's poster child Glennon 

Overkap helped 7-11 Stores executives 

kick off a "drop-in-the-bucket campaign" 

for the 1978 Variety Club telethon, 

to be held Saturday and Sunday (25, 26). 

The gallon paint buckets are on checkout 

counters in all 7-11 stores in the area prior 

to the telecast and executives will bring the 

money collected and present it to Monty 

Hall, who is headlining the 19-hour benefit. 

In August, Carol Lawrence, who will 

co-host the telethon, helped the Variety 

Club distribute more than $550,000 raised 

during the 1977 campaign to 194 children's 

agencies. KSD-TV, Channel 5, vice-president 

and general manager Ray Karpowicz 

and his staff again are contributing their 

services, equipment and time for the telecast, 

which airs following the 10 p.m. news 

Saturday (25). The 19-hour marathon will 

be preceded by a $100-per-person "Dinner 

With the Stars" in the Khorassan Room of 

the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel, from which the 

telethon will emanate. National and local 

talent, including singers, dancers and numerous 

bands, will be featured. 

The Creve Coeur Days committee is 

seeking queen candidates and a theme for 

its 1978 May Festival. The person submitting 

the winning theme idea will receive a 

$25 cash prize. Young women between the 

ages of 17 and 20 who live in the 63141 

postal zone may enter the queen contest. 

Deadlines are March 1 for theme ideas and 

April 15 for queen candidates. Entries 

should be mailed to 11631 Olive Blvd. 

What began as an interest in electronics 

at University City High School has developed 

into a career earning nationwide recognition 

for Stephen Ross. Ross was lighting 

director and designer at the Opera Theatre 

of St. Louis for Richard Gaddes, who also is 

artistic director of the Santa Fe, N.M., 

Opera. Ross was asked by Gaddes to design 

lighting for the Santa Fe Theatre, which 

he had never seen. He since has become 

lightiing designer for the Pittsburgh Opera 

Company, the Opera Company of Chicago 

and lighting coordinator for the Metropolitan 

Opera Company in New York. Currently, 

he is designing the lighting for Shakespeare's 

"Much Ado About Nothing," in 

rehearsal at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. 

Two Organizations Unite, 

Aim at Saving Old Cinema 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Marion County 

Historical Society and the Central Indiana 

chapter of the American Theatre Organ 

Society are both supporting a plan to form 

a nonprofit organization to save the downtown 

Indiana Theatre in its entirety, a move 

also supported by the Indianapolis News. 

This is a departure from the stand of the 

city administration and the Indiana Repertory 

Theatre, who are in favor of preserving 

the facade and certain sections of the 

building, but want to alter the main auditorium 

into a smaller theater. 

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Development 

Commission has approved a resolution 

declaring the Indiana Theatre and adjacent 

site of the old Claypool Hotel a 

blighted area, so the property can be acquFred 

by the city for a hotel project. 

It is the city's tentative plan to sell a 

general obligation bond issue to purchase 

the tract for an estimated $2,000,000, then 

lease or sell it to Lincoln Square Associates, 

a private firm, for development of a 

hotel complex, which would use the 50- 

year-old theatre for some of the hotel operations. 

Under the proposal, the hotel would be 

built on top of a parking facility on the 

Claypool site, now a ground-level parking 

lot. The proposed hotel would be connected 

to the Indiana Theatre building so the ballroom 

on the top floor of the structure could 

be used for hotel functions. The Radisson 

Hotel chain based in Minneapolis has been 

rumored as the probable occupant of the 

finished project. 

Plans of the developers call for the first 

floor of the Indiana Theatre auditorium to 

be remodelled for the Indiana Repertory 

Theater, which is seeking a new home in 

the downtown area. It was said the basement 

of the Indiana Theatre building would 

be suitable for a restaurant not connected 

to the hotel, and a shopping mall is being 

considered for the ground level of the proposed 

hotel-parking garage building. 

"There Should Have Been Castles" will 

be produced by Martin Ransohoff for Columbia 

Pictures. 

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SlIZ^HlCl^ 

[1^^ Don Ho Show. . . at 

i"«^l Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF . REEF TOWERS . EDGEWATER 

BOXOmCE :: February 20, 1978

CHARLOTTE 

gob McClure (Variety Films) spending a 

couple of days at Duke Hospital to 

check up on his eyes and he is being lilted 

for new eye glasses. 

Mary Buckley, American International 

Pictures" inspectress, is confined at Memorial 

Hospital. While she is hospitalized Bernice 

Ferguson and Edna Dixon will fill in. 

Congratulations to Mattie Lou Harris, 

retired from Astor Pictures, on her birthday 

Wednesday (1). 

New "Flicks" on the marquees: "The 

One and Only" (Tryon Mall)" and "The 

Late Great Planet Earth" (Charlottetown 

Mall) 

Top grosses of the week: "Close Encounters 

of the Third Kind" (Park Terrace). 

"The One and Only" (Tryon Mall) 

and "The Goodbye Girl" (Southpark"). 

Pineville Dinner Theatre which had a 

successful run of eight weeks with Neil Simon's 

play. "Promises. Promises." opens 

Will Abie's. "Baggy Pants." soon. 

Eddie Marks, promotional, advertising & 

publicity executive for Stewart & Everett 

Theatres, will promote "The Hazing" (Tar 

Heel Film) with a radio tie-in. on opening 

between 7-S p.m. and invites listeners to 

participate in a Hazing" contest (18 years 

of age or older) and have a radio personality 

on hand at the theatre to greet his fans offering 

the first 50 willing participants a chance 

to to see the movie free, providing they 

accept and perform a hazing determined by 

drawing from the list of disagreeable things. 

Deepest apologies to Harold Ducketl 

(Columbia Pictures Salesman) from your 

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HAWAII TOO. 



gl|M!«l>lil 

fji^J^ Don Ho Show. . . at 

[ aama l Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF - REEF TCWERS EDGEUMTER 

correspondent who. twice in a naive way. 

called him. .Mr. Duckworth. 

It!ll Glascr, branch manager of Tar Heel 

1 ilnis advises they will spend $15,000 on 

rv 

promotions and ads. 

Woiulcll Gill from Tampa. Florida dealing 

in theatrical equipment and his vvile 

"I?" visited Mr. & Mrs. Larry Phillips and 

Mr. & Mrs. Tommie Melton of Charlotte 

Iheatre Supply and took time off to go skiing 

at Beech Mountain, N. C. 

MEMPHIS 

T arry Vinson, new owner of the Village 

Cinema on Knight Arnold in Memphis, 

opened for business on Friday (10) with 

the Walt Disney film "Candleshoe." Vinson 

also operates Tri-State Booking Service 

which is located in West Memphis. 

Variety Club Tent 20 observed Heart 

Week Sunday (12) through Saturday (18). 

Tent 20 is the founder and sole supporter 

of the Variety Children's Heart Research 

Institute on Manassas Street. The Electro 

Limb Bank and the Sunshine Coach were 

also founded by Tent 20 and the club's support 

enables about 3.000 children to be 

treated annually. The Electro Limb Bank 

and the Heart Research Institute are adminstered 

by the University of Tenn. Center 

for 

Health Sciences. 

Activities for Heart Week produced the 

selection of "Miss Variety 1978" on Simday 

(12).. Ladies of Variety Luncheon on 

Wednesday (15); Open house at Variety 

Children's Heart Institute on Saturday afternoon 

( 1 8) and Valentine dance at Variety 

Club quarters on Saturday evening (18). 

S3 nipathy Is extended to the family of 

Paul Shafer who died Monday (7). Shafer 

was division manager of Malco Theatres. 

Inc. and the owner of theatres in Arkansas. 

He was an early promoter of Elvis Presley, 

who performed from Shafer theatre stages. 

He leaves his wife Pearl Shafer. three sons. 

Paul Thomas Shafer jr. of Columbus. Miss.. 

David Shafer of Los Angeles. Philip Shafer 

of Memphis and a daughter Mrs. Paulette 

Williams of Baton Rouge. Louisana. Services 

were held at Whitehaven United Methodist 

Church will burial in Marked Tree. Arkansas. 

lOOKING SERVICE 

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The Turning Point' 

Soaring in Memphis 

MEMPHIS— Ihe only newcomer in 

town zoomed to an incredible lead over stiff 

competition for the filmgoers' dollars. "The 

Turning Point." 20th Century-Fox's delicately 

woven tapestry of ballet, made its 

debut at the Malco Quartet 3 where it 

earned a richly-deserved 705. "Across the 

Great Divide." a P. I.E. release playing at 

the Ridgeway Four 3 and the Southbrook 

4. look second with an even 400 in its 

second week. United Artists' "Semi-Tough" 

hit 345 during its fifth week, while "Pete's 

Dragon" was measured at 315 in week number 

si.\. The remainder of the film fare, all 

holdovers, "hung tough" with respectable 

averages except for "The Choirboys" which 

hit a sour note in its fifth week. 


Malco Quartet 2— Pete's Dragon (BV), 6lh wk .315 

Malco Quartet 3—The Turning Point (20th-Fox) .705 

Paramount 1, Raleigh Springs 2— Saturday Night 

Fever (PaTa), 6lh wk 190 

ParamounI 2, Southbrook 3—The Gauntlet (WE), 

5th wk 145 

Plaza 2—The Choirboys (Univ). 5th wk 75 

Ridgeway Four 3, Southbrook 4—Across the 

Great Divide (PIE), 2nd wk .400 

Ridgeway Four 4—Looking for Mr. Goodbar 

(Para), 10th wk 240 

Three theatres—Semi-Tough (UA), 5th v/k ..315 

Three theatres—The World's Greatest Lover 

(20th-Fox), 5ih *k 155 

John Cochran to Chairman 

Of Hall County Heart Fund 

GRAND ISLAND. NEB.—John Cochran, 

city manager for Commonwealth Theatres 

here and manager of the Grand Theatre 

and Grand Island Drive-In. has been 

appointed business and publicity chairman 

for the Hall County Heart Fund drive, according 

to the Daily Independent. 

The fundraising drive, which began 

Wednesday (1) has a goal this year of 

$10,048. 

FINER PROJECTION-SUPER ECONOMY 

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H 

ATLANTA 

"The show inusl go on!" has been a saying 

among actors from time immemorial. 

This unwritten law however, had to be 

broken during the run of "Night Must Fall" 

at the Peachtree Playhouse when Sylvia Sidney 

came down with the flu and there was 

no understudy to take her place. So the 

performance had to be scrubbed. Without a 

murmur of protest from the audience of 585 

who showed up for the performance left. 

"The audience was wonderful." said Chris 

Manos, producer. "There wasn't one irate 

person among them, not even the couple 

who came in from Boston to see the show." 

All were given their chance to see Miss 

the suspense 

Sidney and David McCalium in 

play, however, when they were spread out 

over the last four performances of the play 

last weekend. Sidney indicated she was well 

enough to go on stage again and all of the 

ticket holders were made happy. 

In an interview before her "missout," 

Ms. Sidney, who had her first stage success 

in 1929, recalled that when she first went 

to Hollywood everyone said," Oh, you 

missed the good old days. Everything, you 

know, looks better on the other side of the 

fence. If I ever live that long, one day 

people will say, 'When you were 67, those 

were the good old days.' It's like finding an 

old dress in the attic and saying they don't 

make them like that anymore." Sidney has 

kept busy in her almost 50 years in show 

business. She starred in many important 

films in the '30s and '40s in major films 

FLORIDA THEATRE 

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opposite such leading men as Gary Cooper, 

Spencer Tracy, Fred MacMurray, Henry 

Fonda. Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March. 

Robert Young and James Cagney. Today is 

the "good old days' for people like La Sidney, 

who even defies the flu bug. 

Christo, a controversial environmental 

artist, screened and commented on a documentary 

film about his "Running Fence" 

Tuesday (14) in Symphony Hall at the 

Memorial Arts Center. An open question 

period followed the film. The Bulgarianborn 

artist appeared as a guest of the High 

Museum's Members Guild Arts World 

Speakers Series, with free admission to museum 

members. The "Running Fence" project, 

conceived by Christo, refers to an 18- 

foot high white nylon fabric fence put up on 

the rolling hills north of San Francisco. It 

ran 24 miles before plunging into the Pacific 

Ocean and it remained in place for just 

two weeks. 

Spring can't be too far away when people 

like Rik Barnes, National Screen Service 

salesman, announces that he is making a 

pitch for all those athletes associated with 

the film industry and who want to play slow 

pitch Softball— can register with him by 

calling the NSS office 351-1416. The deadline 

for registration is the last week in February 

and the season will open April 17. 

All games will be played at Hammond Park. 

The schedule will cover ten games and the 

league will be grouped in A and B classes 

to give all the athletes playing time. 

Irwin Allen is said to be toying with the 

idea of investing $15,000,000 in a picture 

to be titled "Circus, Circus. Circus." He 

seems to have forgotten that Samuel Bronston 

took a financial beating with a picture 

released in 1964 and titled "Circus, Circus," 

which could not be saved by John Wayne. 

Rita Hayworth and Claudia Cardinale or 

Cinerama, which was a hot item at that time. 

Harry Clark, president of the Jacksonville-based 

Clark Film Releasing Co., and 

his wife. Esther, visited the Atlanta branch 

last week. While in Atlanta, Harry took 

time to make calls on prospective clients 

and Mrs. C. went shopping. 

Bob Sedlak, National Screen Service 

Branch manager, and NSS salesman Rik 

Barnes attended a company sales meeting 

in Dallas at which time a new merchandis- 

WIL^KIE Inc, 

300 Lambert Drive N.E. 

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Members of: Theatre Equipment Association 

National Association of Concessionaires @Q© 

ing program was unveiled with competitive 

items for motion picture sales, such as 

buttons, shirts, lighters and posters. 

Pat Roberson and Wayne Chappell, of 

Chappell Film Releasing, have returned 

from Jacksonville, where they called on exhibitors. 

Kathy Morrison is a new addition 

to 

the Chappell staff. 

Installation of the new slate of officers 

of Variety Club Tent 21. will take place 

Thursday, March 16, at the Tower Place 

Hotel. A meeting was held Tuesday (14) in 

the club's new quarters. Suite 29-A. 4735 

Roswell Road, at which time the 1978 Telethon 

meeting was discussed. 

Film buffs who agree that film animation 

is a long underrated art form were in their 

glory the past weekend when the 1 1th International 

Tournee of Animation was held. 

Films were shown at 8, 10 and midnight, 

both nights, at the Hiland Theatre. The twohour 

program included 17 animated films 

from eight countries. 

New World honcho in Atlanta, Jack Rigg 

and his wife, are the first Atlantans to inform 

BoxoFFiCE that they have reservations 

for Show-A-Rama 21, which opens March 

13 in Kansas City. Pictures of Atlanta will 

have moved into their new quarters by that 

time. The new address will be 2200 Century 

Parkway, Suite 390, Atlanta and the zip is 

30345. The phone nimiber is the same, 

(404) 321-2910. 

Century Cinema has leased space adjoining 

its facilities at 1677 Tullie Circle, Suite 

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(Continued on page SE-4) 

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32-02 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y. 11101 

Standard Theatre Supply Co. 

125 Higgins St. 

Greensboro, North Carolina 27405 

(919) 272-6165 

1624 W. Independence Blvd. 

Charlotte, North Carolina 28208 

JACKSONVILLE 

Yeomen of the Motion Picture Industry. 

the WOMPl "group, sponsored a 

Valentine 

dance the night of Thursday (16) to 

provide congenial and heahhfiil contacts foi' 

menially and physically handicapped teenagers 

who are isolated from the normal 

social interchanges available to ordinary 

teenagers. It was held at the city-owned 

Woodstock Center and some 125 or more 

teenagers were to be brought to the I'tui 

Innction by WOMFI members, their grateful 

parents or other guardians, the estimated 

number of participants being based upon 

previous social events at Woodstock sponsoied 

by WOMPI. The affair was directed 

by Betty Poston of American Multi Cinema 

who said that a group of WOMPI volimteers 

also provided ample refreshments, as 

well as currently popular disco rock music 

for the dancing. 

Local theatre news of the week centereil 

around Kent Theatres' Normandy Twins, 

which Kent's president. J. Cleveland Kent, 

reopened the night of Friday (3) as a gala 

affair. The formerly somewhat drab twins 

have been completely redecorated and lemodeled 

in a new luxurious motif of bright, 

matching and contrasting color designs. 

Kent said, to best provide patrons not only 

with a sense of entertainment from the twin 

screens but also from their surroundings, 

and to enhance their evenings out from the 

routine of home. Just about everything in 

the twins was new except for Jack Darling, 

their manager, who remained the same 

genial host. New carpeting, new painting 

color designs, new concessions, new arrangements, 

ultra-comfortable, wide-spaced 

seating and on and on. The capacity opening-night 

crowds were swelled in numbers by 

a sneak preview of United Artists' "Coma" 

in Normandy I. also sneaked in Kent's Plaza 

1 and Neptune theatres the same night. 

President Kent pointed out, in addition to 

newspaper readers, that the two Normandys 

have acres of free, lighted parking space at 

n'ght and, inside the theatres, the latest and 

finest developments of sound reproduction 

and projection techniques. Carry on. Kent! 

The admission price-wars at local motion 

higher decibels. Tops, perhaps, is the $2 

per carload offer for triple features at Eastern 

Federal's University Drive-In, set in an 

area of some 2,000 college students. Not 

bad is Kent Theatres" $1.50 admission for 

adults in the Main Street and Southside 

drive-ins, with two regular features and a 

sneak. Also bargain time, a steady affair, is 

Cecil Cohen's $1 fare at the Five Points for 

single top films in second run. and usually 

the same going at ABC Florida State Theatres' 

San Marco ... A Friday night sneak 

came on at Eastern Federal's Town & Coimtry 

and AMC's Orange Park 5. It was "Elegant 

John and the Ladies," released by Dimension 

Pictures. 

During February, when cold weather up 

North puts a lag in Florida's tourist influx, 

prompted the marketing department of 

ABC's Weeki Wachee Spring to offer special 

senior citizen group discounts to 15 or 

more during February. The special rate 

for individuals is slashed almost in half to 

$2.50 (the regular group rate is $.3.95 and 

usual general admission $4.95) at 

this multiattraction 

theme-park complex highlighted 

by hourly underwater performances of 

acquatic dancers trained to ballet-like perfection. 

Hostess and WOMPI friend Florence 

Barron is set to present a "World's Gift 

Party" at the Tuesday (28) open WOMPI 

meeting in the recreational Hub House of 

westside Londontowne. 

The limited preview screenings of the 

week—away from theatre sneaks—consisted 

of (published by ABC FST's Vivian 

Ganas. who handles such things no matter 

where they are shown), were Columbia's 

"Amsterdam Kill" at EFT's little Capri: a 

13-minute reel of Universal's "National 

Lampoon's Animal House" and "Willie 

Boy" from Marvin Skinner's distribution 

firm, an independent. 

A welcome new service on Saturday, 

when people prepare themselves and their 

dates for evenings at the movies, is the 

morning when "Capsules," a Florida Times- 

Union mini-preview of first-run screen attractions 

compiled by Charles Brock, the 

talented T-U entertainment editor, is presented 

to the public. Actually, "Capsules" 

may give from two to ten lines for each 

film, depending on their quality and complexity 

as judged by Brock. And conveniently 

for readers, the new column is tucked on 

an entertainment page next door to 

"Movies," another compilation with theatre 

names, feature titles and feature times for 

all 48 motion picture units in the city's 

metropolitan area ... A real 

service. 

NEW ORLEANS 

Jônald D. Mungello worked with the Big 

Brothers of Greater New Orleans sponsoring 

a benefit performance of "The Miracle 

of Marcelino" at the Lakes'de 2 to be 

followed by engagements at the Chalmette 

and Elmwood Village Theatres. "The Miracle 

of Marcelino" is based on an ancient 

Spanish legend that was turned into a best 

selling novel by Jose Maria Sanchez Silva 

who collaborated on the screenplay. Six 

year old Pablito Calvo won the best child 

actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival and 

the film won prizes at both the Cannes and 

the Berlin festivals. 

Roy Barras, Transway, recuperating nicely 

at the Touro Infirmary after his recent 

operation . 

. . "Coma," 

a MGM-United 

Artists release, starring Genevieve Bujold, 

Michael Douglas, Richard Widmark and 

Elizabeth Ashley, was sneaked Friday (3) 

at the Gentilly woods and Oakwood Cinemas 

and the Saenger Orleans ... A special 

screening of Paramount Pictures. "The One 

and Only," starring Henry Winkler and Kim 

Darby, was held Tuesday (14) at the Saenger 

Theatre. 

MIAMI 

^{itchell Wolfson, chief executive officer 

of Wometco Enterprises, Inc. is reported 

to be better, alert and eager to leave 

Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, 

where he was taken for observation after 

his collapse at Hialeah Race Track. Wolfson 

owns a string of race horses. Wolfson 

will remain hospitalized several more days 

while tests are made and then return to 

work within a short time. He heart and 

blood pressure have been reported stable. 

picture houses have been stepped up to 

The Footlighters Club gave comedian Jan 

PERSONALIZED, CROSSPLUGS, ANIMATED 

Murray the hot foot at the Konover hotel, 

Miami Beach. Eddie Schaffer was the roastmaster, 

as usual. 

COLOR DATESTRIPSn Atlanta 


mao kStudioS; 

INC. 


(312) 427-3395 


(Continued from page SE-2) 

102. and will open a snack bar. tentatively 

titled the Cinema Snack Shoppe. March 1 is 

the target date for its opening. 

Bill and Marzell Cooley, who own and 

operate the Northgatc Cinema in Arab, Ala., 

visited Atlanta friends, Alan and Jone 

Ackerly. (Jone is the secretary to Tom Patterson, 

president of National Independent 

Theatre Exhibitors.) 

BOXOmCE :: February 20, 1978

. . Grand 

HOUSTON 

T arry Spangler, producer of Columbia Pictures 

"The Quick and the Dead" was in 

Houston on a promotional visit in behalf ot 

the film. The film is being shown at the 

Almeda 9 East. Champions 2, Northwest 4. 

Shamrock 6, Southway 6 and Town & 

Country 6 . 

opening of the 

Northoaks 6 was held on Friday (10) in 

North Oaks Mall. Wayne Rutledge and 

Lynn Zimmerman of the Houston Aeros 

were on hand to meet the first nighters. 

Patrons were able to take a screen test and 

winners were awarded prizes . . . The Allen 

Center 2 has reopened with "Moonshine 

County Express" on Screen I. "Smokey and 

the Bandit" on Screen II and "The Hills 

Have Eyes" on Screen III. 

A kiddie show, "Beartooth." starring Dub 

Taylor and introducing Sugar was shown at 

the Allen Center 2. Bellaire. Clear Lake 2, 

Gaylynn 2, Northshore, Northwood 6, Memorial 

2, Parkview, Southmore 6 and Windsor 

Canines are in the cast of two 

. . . 

films being shown here. Bo. the world's 

cleverest dog is seen in "The Billion Dollar 

Hobo" at the Champions 2, Festival 6, Gaylynn 

2. Shamrock 6, Westchase 5, Windsor, 

Southmore 6 and Northwood 6 and Sugar 

in "Beartooth," at the theatres I'sted at the 

top of this paragraph. 

"To Be or Not To Be", starring Jack 

Benny and Carole Lombard in her last film 

role will launch the Lubitsch Touch, a series 

of nine films directed by Ernest Lubitsch 

between 1925 and his death in 1947, in the 

Rice Media Center. The series, developed 

by the American Film Institute under a 

grant from Exxon, will present the films of 

the master of sophisticated comedy in new 

35mm prints struck from the original negative. 

A double bill of "Design for Living" 

with Frederic March. Gary Cooper and 

Miram Hopkins and "The Merry Widow" 

with Jeannette MacDonald and Maurice 

Chevalier was shown on Sunday (12). "Lady 

Windermere's Fan" and "So This Is Love 

Paris" was shown Tuesday (14). "Angels" 

on a double bill with "Monte Carlo" was 

screened Sunday (19). Jimmy Stewart and 

Margaret Sullavan in "The Shop Around 

the Corner" and Gary Cooper and Claudette 

Colbert in "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife" closes 

the series on Sunday (26). 

New film titles appearing and films returning 

for additional playing time include 

"The Boys in Company C" at the Greenspoint 

5, Loew's Town & Country 3, Meyerland 

2 and Northline 2; "Coma," at the 

Festival 6, Galleria 4, Gulfgate 2, Greenspoint 

5 and Loew's Town & Country 3; 

"Equus" at the Gaylynn; "Mean Dog Blues" 

will have a multiple showing with "The One 

and Only" at the Greenspoint, Clear Lake. 

Gulfgate, Meyerland and Northline: "The 

Quick and the Dead" at Almeda 9 East. 

Champions 2, Northwest 4, Shamrock 6. 

Southway 6 and Town & Country 6. 

Also, "The Other Side of the Mountain 

Part 2," at Memorial 2, Northoaks 6, Shamrock 

6, Westwood 3. Windsor and Woodlake 

3; "The Betsy" at Southmore 6. Westchase 

5, Shamrock 6, Greenspoint 5 and 

Festival 6; "Candleshoe" at Clear Lake 2. 

Northshore, Parkview, Gaylynn 2 and Memorial 

2; "The Late Great Planet Earth" 

at Almeda 9 East, Northwest 4, North Oaks 

6, Northwood 6, Shamrock 6, Southmore 6. 

Southway 2 and Town & Coimtry 6; "The 

Hills Have Eyes" at Airline, Gulfway, King 

Center, Thunderbird, Telephone Rd and 

McLendon Triple drive-ins and Allen Center, 

Northwood 6 and Southmore 6 theatres; 

and "Moonshine County Express" at 

Allen Center, Northwood 6, Southmore 6 

and Westchase indoor and Irvington and 

McLendon Triple drive-ins. 

Films to be shown at the Museum of Fine 

Arts includes "Strozek" by Werner Herzog. 

Truffaut's "Day for Night," "Double Suicide," 

a Japanese film and "Stavisky" by 

Resnais in Brown Auditorium , , . Rice 

Media Center showings "To Be Or Not To 

Be," "Red River" with John Wayne, "Alexander 

Nevsky," a double bill of "The Great 

Blondino" and "Man's Nature," "WR: 

Mysteries of the Organism," "Captains 

Courageous" and "Wives," a Norwegian 

film. 

Callaghan Duplex Reopens 

Under the Oriqinal Owner 

SAN ANTONIO~The Callaghan 

Twin 

Cinema has reopened under its original 

owner, Charles R. Nolter. The theatre complex 

had been closed since December and 

had been operated by Movie One Theatres 

of San Antonio. 

Managing and booking the twin theatre 

complex will be Peggy Hopkins, formerly 

city manager in San Antonio for Cinemas 

Southwest from 1974-76 when she went to 

Houston's Galleria I & II for the General 

Cinema Corp. 

This is her first position since leaving 

the theatre business last spring for the birth 

of her baby girl. 

The Callaghan will follow a policy of 

running sub-run features with an admission 

policy of $1 for all features. Grand re-opening 

screen programs were United Artist's 

"Spy Who Loved Me" and 20th Century- 

Fox's "The Other Side of Midnight." 

Veteran Callaghan employee and Providence 

high school graduate E. M. Kleffner 

is assistant manager. 

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PJIIa Hawes, Forgan Theatre, is back from 

an extended trip to California. She 

writes us that she wished she had stayed 

there longer and missed some of the heavy 

snows that greeted her on her return home. 

The United Theatre Owners of Oklahoma 

and The Texas Panhandle board meeting 

had to be cancelled because of snow and 

ice. G, R. "Dick" Crumpler, Gentry Theatre 

and 69 Drive-In, Checotah. made one of his 

rare trips in to buy and book. He plans to 

reopen his drive-in about the first of April. 

The local United Artists office set an alltime 

record gross for 1977. "Rocky" and 

"Carrie" were two of the big helpers. 

Bruce Westbrook of The Daily Oklahoman 

and Ronald E. Butler of the Tulsa 

World, were very high in their praises of 

Paramount's "The One and Only." 

William Jackson, producer of "Five Faces 

of Terror," made in and around Stillwater, 

hopes to have the world premiere there possibly 

as early as March. He says that making 

the picture in Oklahoma is no different 

than elsewhere. He is a native Oklahoman. 

Ronny Jones, co-partner and manager in 

Shawnee, has set some sort of a record in 

getting newspaper publicity for upcoming 

movies. Young Jones writes, edits and does 

most of his own layouts for the Shawnee 

News-Star amusement section. 

Paul Comwell, Video Independent Theatres 

home office, is back at work following 

tandem operations for removal of a cataract 

from an eye. 

The Video Granada Theatres, Plainview. 

Texas, while closed for remodeling into a 

twin, suffered a setback when it was ravaged 

by fire. They reopened the Cinema Theatre, 

so they could continue operation there 

the Granada Twin is ready to reopen. 

until 

The Top O" Texas Drive In, Pampa, 

Texas, is now a twin, with Charles Sartor, 

as manager. Video advises us. 

New films on city screens: "Candleshoe." 

Quail Twin. Apollo Twin. Reding 4 and 

Heisman 4, "The Betsy," North Park 4 and 

Reding 4, "The Other Side of the Mountain-Part 

2," Shepherd Twin and West Park 

Twin. 

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BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978 SW-1

. . San 

, BWNg'eM 

" 

SAN ANTONIO 

The Hiding Place," a 

motion picture about 

the religious faith and sacrifice of resistance 

fighlers during World War II. was 

shown Monday at San Antonio College's 

McAllister Auditorium. 

Bob Poliinsky, Flicker Footnotes columnist, 

v\rotc ihat there were some disagreements 

with his list of ten Worst Films of 

1977 and then gave out with his list of the 

Ten Disappointments of 1977. They include 

MacArthur." "A Bridge Too Far." "'New 

York. New York." "Semi-Tough," "Valentino." 

"The Last Remake of Beau Geste," 

•Bobby Deerfield." "Cassandra Crossing" 

and "Domino Principle." He defined a disappointing 

movie as meaning either the 

writing, direction or acting was off but not 

necessarily all 

three. 

The Century South Six has instituted a 

new price policy for "Star Wars." Admission 

is $1.50 seven days a week from opening 

until 5 p.m. The Century South is the only 

theatre in the city showing "Star Wars" in 

stereophonic Dolby sound ... A number of 

films will be screened at a Travel Show to 

be held at North Star Mall Thursday 

Charles Bronson is 

through Saturday . . . 

being seen in "The Mechanic," "White Buffalo," 

"Telefon," "Mr. Majestyk" and 

"Breakheart Pass" at the San Pedro Triple 

Screen. Mission Twin Outdoor and at the 

Judson 4 in "Telefon," "Chato's Land," 

Mr. Majestyk," and "White Buffalo" and 

at the Capitan Drive-In in "Telefon." "The 

White Buffalo" and "Mr. Majestyk." 

The Aztec 3, downtown, is also showing 

"Star Wars" with a $l..'iO admission price 

. . . 

policy from opening at 1 1 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

Admission for children is $1 at all times 

Kathryn Crosby, the widow of the late 



HAWAII TOO. 


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

l"Sms) Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: R£Ef REEF TOWERS EDGEWATEH 

Bing Crosby, will star in San Antonio in the 

hit Broadway comedy. "Same Time, Next 

Year" for one performance at the Theatre 

for the Performing Arts on March 10 . . . 

Rose Marie will be the next star at the Windmill 

Dinner Theatre opening Tuesday (28) 

in "Up A Tree." Currently on the boards 

there is Van Johnson in "Boeing. Boeing." 

New films opening and others returning 

for additional playing time include "Coma" 

at the North Star and UA Movies 4; "The 

Other Side of the Mountain—Part 2," at the 

Central Park Fox 3 and UA Cine Cinco; 

"Mean Dog Blues" at the Century South 

Six. San Pedro Triple Screen. Varsity Outdoor 

and UA Cine Cinco; "The Late Great 

Planet Earth" at the Northwest Six, UA 

Movies Four and UA Cine Cinco; a double 

bill of "They Call Me Bruce Lee" and "The 

Fury of the Black Belt" at the Aztec 3; 

"The Boys In Company C" at the Northwest 

Six. Century South Six and Aztec 3 

and "A Special Day" at the Wonder Twin. 

Midnight showings th's week included the 

KTSA late show midnight at the Cine Cinco 

and Movies 4 featuring John Travolta in 

"Saturday Night Fever" Wiith all seats at 

$1.50 ... At the New Laurel KITY-FM 

sponsored the showing of "The Concert for 

Bangladesh" in stereo sound with all seats 

$1.50 and KTFM-FM nvdnighters included 

22nd week of "The Rocky Horror Picture 

Show," "Smokey and the Bandit." "Friends" 

and "Flesh Gordon" at the Northwest Six 

and "Star Wars," "Smokey and the Bandit." 

"Mean Dog Blues" and "Flesh Gordon" at 

the Century South Six. 

San Antonio Film Society showed "The 

Story of a Love Affair," Michelangelo Antonini's 

first film on Tuesday (14), "A 

Simple History" on Tuesday (21) and on 

Tuesday (28), Robert Altman's first film 

"The Cold Day in the Park" . 

Antonio 

College showed "Tom Jones" on (14) 

and "Ramparts of Clay" on Wednesday (22) 

... "A Star Is Born," the original version 

was shown on Thursday (16) at a UTSA 

Student Representative Film Series . . . 

and "Lost Horizons" directed by Frank 

Capra was lensed on Friday (17) at the 

University 

of Texas Health Science Center. 

'Casey's Shadow' 

Starts Film Fest 

DALLAS—Weeklong screenings of "the 

most significant new films of 1978" will 

begin March 13th with Columbia Pictures' 

"Casey's Shadow," starring Walter Matthau 

and Alexis Smith and chosen for the Festival 

by selecting critic Judith Crist. The film 

will be accompanied by its director. Martin 

Ritt. who will join Crist in discussions with 

the audiences following the afternoon and 

evening screenings. 

This non-competitive event annually invites 

three prominent film critics to choose 

and present what they feel will be the rro^t 

important works of the upcoming season. 

This year a total of twelve new feature 

length films selected by critics Crist. Hollis 

Alpert, and Arthur Knight will 

receive their 

first national or southwest screenings at the 

Festival. Those interested in having their 

films considered for the Festival should contact 

Dr. G. William Jones, Executive Director, 

at (214) 692-2979 or P.O. Box 3105, 

Dallas, Texas 75275. 

Preceding the week of new films will be 

the weekend-long George Cukor Retrospective. 

March 10-12, when Cukor will present 

his films, "Holiday," "Dinner at Eight. 

"Gaslight." "Adam's Rib." "Born Yesterday" 

and "My Fair Lady." 

In addition to the 12 new films and 

the Cukor Retrospective, a day of new USA 

animation will be selected and presented by 

Dr. Barbara Bryant and John Canemaker, 

both of New York City. 

Other festival events include a special 

Smithsonian Travelling Exhibit on the work 

of Faith and John Hubley, two of America's 

foremost animators, and an exhibition of 

Andy Warhol's recent celebrity and sports 

portraits. 

All of Which Goes to Prove ??? 

DAYTON, OHIO—Bob Batz, Daily 

News columnist, had a slow day at the 

office so he came up with the following 

information; "One day in mid-January," of 

the 40 films in town, "16 had R ratings, 

13 were rated PG, 11 had X ratings and 

two were rated G." All of which clearly 

demonstrates that on a slow day you can 

count forever. 

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magazines, pedestals, sound reproducers, ampliliers. 


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Oklahoma Theatre Supply Co. 

628 West Sheridan Ave. 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 

Modern Sales & Service, Inc. 

2200 Young Street 

Dallas, Texas 75201 

Southwestern Theatre Equipment Co. 

1702 Rusk 

Houston, Texas 77003 

Phone: (713) 654 1461 

BOXOFHCE :: February 20. 1978 SW-3

DALLAS 

What with the inclement weather we are 

having in Dallas and the Metroplex 

niea. it was difficult to get much news, as 

those who were able to make it to their 

offices were so busy taking care of the 

work, they had no time to give a thought to 

news coverage. So far, we have heard of 

no serio'.'s illnesses from the ice and snow 

so, hopefully, no maior injuries hit those in 

our industry. From the sound of voices, one 

could readily detect bad colds all over the 

row. 

Robert Carpenter, general sales manager 

of Universal, was a visitor in the Dallas 

office this week. and. even though our snow 

looks shallow to him. I'm sure he could easily 

detect the concern in as much as we so 

seldom have this type weather we are not 

equipped to combat these conditions. 

New World Pictures has a new employee 

in their cashier's department. Marsha Lindley 

who replaced Lee Anne Efflandt who 

resigned to go into the cashier's department 

at Warner Bros. 

Mary Crump of Crimip Distributors is 

in Baylor Hospital for minor surgery and 

hopefully will be going home soon. 

Congratulations to Leon Couch, Goldstone 

Films of Texas. He is now the grandfather 

of little Stefanie Marie Baker, the 

7'/2 lb. daughter of Cheryll Anne Couch 

Baker born on Tuesday (7). The proud parents 

I've in Richardson. 

"Eric" Distributing Co. held a sneak preview 

of "Elegant John and the Ladies" at 

the Esquire Theatre. Friday night (3). The 

feature stars Henry Fonda. Eileen Brannan 

and John Byner. 

J. C. McCrary and Associates are having 

^/-4 

growing pains so 

they moved to larger quarters. 

They are now at 2901 W. Airport 

Fwy., Suite 101, Irving, Tx. 75062, their 

new telephone number is (214) 252-5573. 

Get out your new WOMPI Industry Directory 

and make this change before you forget 

it. 

Sympathy is extended to Charlie McKinney 

of Modern Sales and Service. His mother 

Nellie McKinney died of a heart condition. 

Funeral services were held at Weiland Merrit 

Funeral Home in Dallas with burial in 

Grove Hill Cemetery. Survivors, in addition 

to Charlie, are Oscar L. McKinney, three 

daughters, Mildred, Betty and Naomi, nine 

grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

S. G. "Mac" MacGilvray, of Modern 

Sales and Service is in Baylor Hospital's intensive 

care unit with a heart condition. 

We extend him our best wishes for a speedy 

recovery. 

Loree Butler of ABC Interstate is in 

Methodist Hospital, where she was admitted 

for pneumonia and while there it was discovered 

she is suffering from diabetes. This 

came as such a shock to her as she expected 

to leave the hospital on Sunday, only to 

learn of this problem for which she will be 

there for another week or ten days. It isn't 

often Loree is low of spirit but she is at 

this time so cheer cards would mean much 

to her, the address is Methodist Hospital. 

301 W. Colorado. Dallas. Tx. 75222. 

Sympathy is extended John Setzler. former 

shipper at Paramount and Central Shipping. 

His father John R. Setzler, 2902 S. 

Lewellyn, died Monday. Services were held 

Tuesday. 

Charles Humphrey is the new manager 

of the Belaire I and II theatre, Dallas. Humphrey, 

a native of Waco, has been with 

ABC Interstate Theatres since 1969. He 

formerly managed theatres in Waco until 

March 1976, when he was transferred to a 

Pinkston Sales & Service 

MOTION PICTURE EQUIPMENT 

Complete Sales Service or Repair 

AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR MANY MANUFACTURERS 

Ed Cernosek 

2017 Young St. 

Dallas, Tex. 75231 

"Go Modem...For All Your Theatre Needs" 

R.W. (Pinky) Pinkston 

214-741-1637 

or 741-1638 

^^yPloi/e/Ut. 

SALES & SERVICE, INC. 

"Co fAotUm . . . Equipmtml, .Suppiia & S*rrk^ 

:oo vouNc; .stuket 

• d.vllas, texas, 75201 • telephone 747-3191 

theatre in Edinburg. Tex. As the manager 

of the theatre, Humphrey is in charge of 

all operations. He said he is pleased with 

this new assignment because of the modern 

facilities and covenient location. The Assistant 

manager at the theatre is Beverly Dodd. 

Pioneer film booker, Blanche Bray Boyle, 

for many years shorts booker for R. E. 

Griffith Theatres, later Frontier Theatres 

now known as Commonwealth Theatres, 

was moved from Baylor Hospital, Monday 

(13) to Central Park Manor, 3922 Capitol, 

Dallas 75204. She fell recently and broke 

her hip and had a hip replacement. Cheer 

cards from her film industry friends would 

mean much to her. Her husband. Robert B. 

Boyle is also in the Central Park Manor. 

We are glad to report Norma Jean Thomas, 

MGM retiree has been released from the 

hosp'tal following a hip replacement surgery. 

The Country Dinner Playhouse will open 

with the well known Neil Simon hit comedy 

"Last of the Red Hot Lovers," starring 

Vivian Blaine and Al Lewis on Tuesday 

(22). Vivian Blaine won the Donaldson 

Award for her portrayal of Adelaide in 

"Guys and Dolls" in the Broadway presentation. 

Al Lewis is a veteran of 55 years as a 

performer and has worked in virtually every 

phase of show business, including radio, 

vai:deville, burlesque, circuses and carnivals 

as well as theatre. But he is best remembered 

for his role of Grandpa on "The 

Munsters." on the TV series. 

Silent Film Goddess Star 

Of Soiree in San Antonio 

SAN ANTONIO—Silent film star Pola 

Negri was the guest of honor at a dinner 

Saturday (11) night following a screening 

of her film "Gypsy Blood." 

The 1918 German film was shown at 7 

p.m. at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium. 

Based on the story of the opera 

"Carmen," the film was the first to tell a 

story based on a classical tale. The movie 

was the start of Ms. Negri's rise to stardom. 

The actress, who has retired to San Antonio, 

is consider-'d one of the first international 

movie stars. Her other films include 

"Madame Bovary," "Women of the 

World" and "Moonspinners." 

Following the screening of "Gypsy 

Blood," a dinner was held at the Trinity 

Refectory. 

Jack Chisholm Will Offer 

NFB Stock Shots Library 

MONTREAL—The National Film Board 

has reached an agreement with Jack Chisholm 

Productions whereby that company 

will handle all Canadian distribution of the 

NFB library of stock shots. 

Included in the library are outtakes from 

many 16mm and 25mm films produced by 

NFB and others over many years, making 

it one of the largest collections of its kind. 

Stock shots sold to certain organizations, 

such as educational institutions, will be 

offered at a discount under the terms of 

the agreement. 


Scheduled 

For Release 

July, 1978 

1 t 

This mule will kick you 

off your Blazing Saddle 

Angela Richardson • Richard Webb • Dee Cooper • Cathy Carricaburu • 

Doodles Weaver • Noble "Kid" Chissell • Frank OHerman • Arthur Roberts 

Written and Directed By Donald R. Von Mizener 

Produced By Robert F. Slatzer 

Animated By John Paul Jones 

Associate Producer Ross Hawkins 

Harry Weed Productions 

822 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069 • (213) 652-5254

— 

. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Jîdwest Entertainment. Inc., Cinemaland 

Theatres and Film Ad Ventures. Inc., 

all located at 704 Hennepin Ave.. Minneapolis, 

have combined their phone numbers 

to a single number. It's (612) 332-3303 . . 

Also now at that same number is Associated 

Film Distributors, Inc.. which moved from 

its 2901 Pleasant Ave. So. location to Suite 

225 at 704 Hennepin. Manning Associated 

are Roy Smith, owner: Morrie Buell, general 

manager and Steve Lundell, booker. 

One of those unable to attend the recent 

gathering of Finkelstein & Ruben originals 

and grads" was Mike Wainstock. Wainstock's" 

current address is 103 Gulf Way, St. 

Petersburg Beach. Fla. Wainstock entered 

the entertainment business in 1919, and he 

spent the last 36 years of that career with 

teh Berger Amusement Co. He retired in 

1975. Wainstock would appreciate cards and 

letters from old pals. 

Kenneth Newbert, Cokmibia branch 

manager, was laid low Monday (6) by the 

flu bug that's been on the prowl here. Meanwhile.Jean 

Wcingartz, secretary at the General 

Cinema offices, was back at her desk 

Also back after a 

after a similar siege . . . 

flu bout was Gloria 'Voss, Paramount branch 

cashier. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Campbell visited their 

daughter and son-in-law in Cornell, Wis. 

Campbell is the Paramount branch booker 

. . Forrie Myers. Paramount branch chief, 

and Joe Rosen, branch salesman, winged 

off to Chicago Tuesday (7) for a Paramount 

sales 

meeting. 

Dick Maiek, Warner Bros, branch boss, 

returned from the Warner's sales-and-product 

huddle held in Puerto Rico. The jaunt 

plucked MaIek out of this "winter wonderland" 

just when the mercury went exploring 

sub-zero levels. "The timing was great," 

grinned Malek, who came home by way of 

New Orleans, where he and his wife took 

in the Mardi Gras, which left him breathless. 

Malek is extremely enthusiastic about the 

Warner Bros, product slate, "We even discussed 

NEXT summer. Not this summer 

but next summer. And with pictures such as 

Someone is Killing the Great Chefs of 

Europe' and 'Superman.' " fall and winter 

- 

Dolby Stereo Optical 

Making Movies Sound Better 

look just great," said Malek. "The Clint Eastwoods 

are in the works, one for Christmas 

and one for summer of 1979." 

Malek voiced fascination with a Warner's 

picture due this coming August. It's titled 

"Double Feature"—and it's exactly that. 

Two films in one. Each screenplay is a bit 

over an hour in length—and each stars the 

same performers. One film is a comedy, the 

other a mystery. 'What's more," says Malek, 

"there even an intermission sequence on the 

screen with the players recommending the 

popcorn!" 

Paul Lundquist, who's been associated 

with the film business 'for at least 40 years" 

and perhaps close to 50. retired Friday (3). 

Formerly with 20th Century-Fox, Lundquist 

at the time of his retirement was buyer 

and booker with the Northwest Buying- 

Booking Service . . . Ray Vonderhaar, Tentilino 

Enterprises. Alexandria, Minn., returned 

from a San Diego, Calif., vacation 

swing. 

Dean Schaff, buyer-booker at Midwest 

Entertainment, Inc.. headed for Chicago 

and a vacation down Windy City way . . . 

Columbia's 'The Boys in Company C" was 

set for a Friday (24) bow at the Academy. 

Southdale, Shepard Park and Northtown 

Theatres and The Movies at Eden Prairie 

here and at The Movies at Maplewood in 

St. Paul. 

Universal's 'I Want to Hold Your Hand" 

has been posted for offerings by branch 

manager Frank Zanotti. It will be available 

April 21. Toplined are Allen, Bobby Di- 

Cicco and Susan Kendall Newman . . . and 

20th Century-Fox's Unmarried Woman" 

was to open March 17 with Jill Claybourgh 

and Alan Bates starred. 

The Palace Theatre, LLiverne, Minn., has 

been reopened by Larry Elliott . . United 

. 

Artists branch manager Chet LeVoir was 

all smiles and beaming, "The audience reaction 

was just great, just great!" All of 

this was in the wake of a sneak preview of 

Coma" held Fr'day (3) at the 1,200-seater 

Mann Theatre, with every seat taken. Audience 

reaction was completely "plus." The 

picture plays at 

at the Har-Mar in St. Paul. 

the Mann Theatre here and 

PES MOINES 

Qentral States: We extend our sympathy 

to Mrs. Steve Blank, whose sister 

passed away last week after an extended illness 

. . . Cleora Coates, recently retired, was 

^^c- 

6" câ Sf'"^' P.O. Box 16036 

Minneapolis, Minn. 

(612) 920-2910 

55416 

back briefly to give a helping hand to her 

replacement. 

It seems that CSTC employees feel a great 

attraction for Texas. In addition to Fred 

Teller's recent trip to Texas, Dorothy Korn 

of the Granada, Norfolk just flew to Texas. 

Dean Lively of S.E. 14th Drive-In in Des 

Moines has gone to Brownsville, Texas. 

Dorman Hundling, of Newton, and Mrs. 

have gone to Corpus Christi, Texas. 

. . 

Brady Frye, Ottumwa Drive-In manager 

was just married Saturday (4). Congratulations 

and best wishes . The George Catanzano's 

were off Friday-Sunday (3-5) to Lake 

Geneva. Wis. as her company took their entire 

staff for meeting and play ... It was 

very good to see Irving Shiffrin, West-Vue 

Drive-In manager, in the home office this 

week. After much illness Irv is starting to 

look more like himself again. Keep it up, 

Irv . . . District manager, Clinton Smestad's 

wife Ruth, is in Mercy Hospital recovering 

from surgery. 

Dubinsky Bros.: Carl Hoffman is happy 

to report that approximately 200,000 people 

have seen "Star Wars" at the River Hills 

Theatre here in Des Moines ... A promotion 

with KCCI TV is coming up on Wackiest 

Wagon Train in the West," in which 

kids are to make up their own idea as to 

what a "Wackiest Wagon Train" would look 

like. The winners will be annonunced on 

Dolph Pulliam's cartoon corner with a first 

prize of a $50 Savings Bond and a second 

prize of a $25 Savings Bond. 

Universal: Universal had a trade sneak of 

House Calls," Friday (3). "House Calls," a 

Jennings Lang production, stars Walter 

Matthau and Glenda Jackson. Matthau portrays 

a doctor who married at eighteen and 

remained faithful to his wife until her death. 

Now middle-aged, he is determined to sow 

some wild oats for the first time. He dates 

many ladies but falls in love with Glenda 

Jackson. A touching love story filled with 

hillarious comedy, the picture received an 

excellent response. It is slated to open at the 

Fleur 4 and Valley 3 theatres on March 

17th. 

Art Downard from Webster City was the 

sole visitor to filmrow this week. 



HAWAII TOO. 

When you come toWaikiki, 


WS^^ 


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IN WAIKIKI: REEF . REEF TOWEnS EDGEWATER 

EVERYTHINe IN TRAILERS 

MERCHANT SCREEN ADS 

SNACK BAR FILMS - DATE STRIPS 

C*U (415) t73-t1»2 • Jock or G.iry 

MOTION PICTURE SERVICE CO. 

125 HYDE STREET. SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94102 

NC-2 

BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978

CENTURY -Still the only one 

of its kind with the 



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••••••••••••• 





Des Moines Theatre Supply Co. 

1100 High St. 

Des Moines, Iowa 50309 

Phone: (515) 243-6520 

Minneapolis Theatre Supply Co. 

51 Glenwood Ave. 

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 

Phone: (612) 335-1166 

EOXOFRCE ;: February 20. 

Harry Melcher Enterprises 

3607-15 West Fond Du Lac Ave 

P.O. Box 16528 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53216 

Phone: (414) 422-5020 

iy7s 

Slipper Theatre Supply, Inc. 

1502 Davenport Street 

Omaha, Nebraska 68102 

Phone: (402) 341-5715 

NC-3

MILWAUKEE 

after keeping its waichfiil eye on Boston's 

combat zone, the downtown section 

which in November, 1974. had been zoned 

for sex-oriented businesses such as X-rated 

movie houses and porno bookstores (also 

topless bars). Milwaukee had only recently 

decided not to copy the idea. Now a report 

in the Journal reveals that the Boston porno 

zone is "reeling under a blizzard of police 

sweeps, license suspensions and bad publicity." 

Last year (1977) the liquor licenses of 

practically every bar and strip joint in the 

zone were suspended for prostitution or 

other transgressions, the suspensions ranging 

from one to 

four months. A .number of 

the theatres, bars and bookstores have closed 

and two builuings were destroyed by "suspicious 

fires." The zoned section had quickly 

became a magnet for prostitutes, pick 

pockets and other types and it became a 

crowded area. But this changed in time and 

in recent months the zone has been mostly 

deserted by all 

but police officers. 

The film, "Rocky Horror Picture Show," 

which has been building momentum as "a 

cult movie" around the nation, has now 

become the regular "nvdnight show" feature 

at the Or'ental Landmark Theatre on 

Milwaukee's east s;d;. Manager Kevin 

O'Neill tells Boxoffice the musical rock 

flick has "played for some 40 consecutive 

weeks at a movie house in Kansas City and 

we'd like to be able to do the same here. 

As people get to know the songs in the film 

they sing along, even dance in the aisles, 

and have a ball." Free admission has been 

given to these patrons who come dressed in 

a "Rocky Horror" character costume. The 

theatre had a tie-in with 1812 Records Shop 

and record albums have been given to those 

appearing in the best costumes. 

The Oriental continues to do well with 

the variety-type of movie format it adopted 

more than a year ago. When this correspondent 

checked with Kevin Saturday night 

(11), an audience of nearly 1,000 was enjoying 

three Woody Allen films. The "midnight 

show" comes on after a brief intermission 

following the regular show and requires 

separate tickets. 

When the Better Films & TV Council of 

the Milwaukee area held its meeting at the 

Tosa Theatre on Monday (6) it was treated 

to a special screening of "An Unmarried 

Woman," (20th-Fox). About 100 members 

members attended the meeting and at a 

show of hands called for by Fran Schmidtknecht, 

former council president and now 

head of the preview committee, the film was 

given a vote a "good" in the "adults only" 

category. 

President Loran Welcenbach announced 

that "Pete's Dragon" has been voted by 

the council as the "best G-rated Family 

Film of 1977." The next membership meeting 

is Monday. March 6, at the Wauwatosa 

Civic Center when there will be an election 

of officers with nominations being made 

from the floor. A green plant party will 

be held after the election. The next preview 

committee meeting is to be held at the Golden 

Anchor Restaurant on Monday (27) at 

10 a.m. 

Newest film releases evaluated in the 

Council's latest list includes: Adults & 

Young People — "The Turning Point," excellent; 


Kind." very good; "The Man Who Loved 

Women." fair. Adults and Mature Young 

People — "The Goodbye Girl," "Heroes," 

"The Hazing" very good; "A Special Day," 

"The Gauntlet," good. Adults only — "Looking 

for Mr. Goodbar," fair. 

Kathryn Crosby, the widow of Bing Crosby, 

was in her third week with the road 

company tour of "Same Time, Next Year," 

stage comedy, when two performances were 

presented recently at the Picket Auditorium 

in Armstrong High School in Neenah. Wis. 

Both performances were sold out (1,600 

êats). She had made more than 25 movies 

before marrying Crosby in 1957 but has 

done little acting while devoting herself to 

family life. She had agreed to appear on 

this current play tour before the recent 

death of her husband. Her co-star in the 

current road production is Tony Russel, 

originally Tony Russo from Kenosha, Wis. 

(whose relatives were in the audience). 

When the Chilton area Camp Fire Girls 

held a pow-wow recently with story-telling 

and campfire singing, the popcorn served

Varied Grosses Are 

Tallied in Cleve. 

CLEVELAND — Exhibitors reported 

grosses that ranged from a dismal 75 

through a barely above average 110 to an 

impressive 470. "Saturday Night Fever." the 

Paramount offering in its sixth week, tabbed 

the high mark as Sunn Classics' "Beyond 

and Back." in week number two. scored an 

even 300. "Which Way Is Up?" hit 230 for 

its second week. "Close Encounters of the 

Third Kind" notched a 220 in its fifth week 

and "The Turning Point" registered a 205. 

"The Goodbye Girl" was closed at 180 in its 

sixth week, while it was a 110 for "The 

Gauntlet" also into a sixth frame. Pete's 

Dragon," seventh inning, and "Semi-Tough," 

sixth week, both disappointing. 


Four thecrtres—Saturday Night Fever (Para) 

470 

wk 

6th 

Five theatres— Close Encounters oi the 

Third Kind (Col), 5th wl: 

,220 

Five theatres—The Goodbye Girl (WB). 

6th wk 

180 

Seven theatres—Semi-Tough (UA), 6th wk 75 

Six theatres—Which Way Is Up? (Univ), 2nd wk. 230 

Six The Gauntlet (WB). 6th wk 110 

Six theatres—Beyond and Back (Sunn Classics), 

2Tid wk 300 

Two theatres—Pete's Dragon (BV), 7th wk. 85 

Two theatres The Turning Point (20th-Fox), 

6lh wk 205 

'Deep Throat' is Source 

Of A University Tempest 

DAYTON. OHIO—Fifteen months after 

students of Wright State University filed a 

suit over the college administration's refusal 

to allow a student group to show X-rated 

"Deep Throat" on the campus, the university's 

board of trustees has approved a 

set of obscenity guidelines for films and 

plays to be shown on the campus. 

The obscenity guidelines were ordered by 

U.S. District Judge Robert Dtmcan, and call 

for a six member review panel to deal with 

any films or plays which might be objectionable. 

This panel would consist of two 

students, two faculty members and two administrators, 

making the students a distinct 

minority, 

unless they could swing the faculty 

members to their side, not considered an 

easy task. The guidelines would not be used 

to judge classroom activities and research 

work. 

The dispute arose after university officials 

ordered the students not to show "Deep 

Throat" at a campus entertainment program. 

Previously, the university had permitted 

campus showings of X-rated "Virgin 

President," "The New York Erotic Film 

Festival." "Pink Flamingos" and "Last 

Tango in Paris." 

The Ohio chapter of the American Civil 

Liberties Union had represented students 

who wanted to show the film, and Judge 

Duncan originally ruled that university officials 

could not stop the showing. However, 

after the judge learned that the college 

planned to ask the U.S. Circuit Court of 

Appeals a stay to counter to this decision, 

he reversed the ruling and decided to try 

for an out-of-court agreement. 

James Crabe has been signed as director 

of photography for "Eyewitness." 

Renaissance Triplex in Grand Bow 

MOTOR CITY'S RENAISSANCE—Architect's rendition depicting the spaciousness 

of the common lobby which serves the three auditoriums of Suburijan 

Detroit Theatres' recently opened Renaissance theatres 1-2-3 at the Renaissance 

Center in downtown Detroit. The functional decor is enhanced by the atmosphere 

of depth created by extending the lobby ceiling to the second level of the center's 

tower. Inaugural attraction in the triplex was the world premiere of Allied Artists' 

"The Betsy," based on the novel by Harold Robbins. Much of the motion picture 

was lensed on location in the Motor City. 

Ohio Geis $6.5 Million 

From Film. TV Lensing 

COLUMBUS. OHIO—An estimated $6,- 

500,000 was spent in Ohio during 1977 by 

the makers of four major film productions 

and two television pilots, according to Ohio 

Development director James A. Ducrk. The 

TV pilots were "Steubenville" and "The 

Yellow Bus." 

Among the films shot in Ohio last year 

were "The Deer Hunters," "The Gathering." 

"Harper Valley PTA" and "The Dark Secret 

of Harvest Homes." the latter made 

for television. Bud Brill, production manager 

of the TV film, said that the project 

meant $1,500,000 in business in northeastern 

Ohio. 

"Harvest Home" was filmed almost entirely 

in the state and out of 1,300 residents 

who auditioned for the film, 18 got speaking 

parts and more than 300 were used as 

extras. Housing and related services accounted 

for major portion of expenditures. 

In addition to rooms, meals, entertainment, 

phone bills, valet services, catering, 

traasportation, construction costs and city 

and state taxes, Ohio farmers were also paid 

for the use of their livestock and farm 

equipment in certain scenes. 

Edward F. Boza, 84. Dead 

TOLEDO. OHIO—Edward F. Boza. 84. 

for 50 years a film projectionist at various 

Toledo theaters, and a former president of 

Local #228, Moving Picture Machine 

Operators of the U.S.. died in Cedar Rapids. 

Iowa. January 31. He and his wife. Ruth, 

77. who died January 1 in Cedar Rapids, 

left Toledo in summer of 1977. A daughter 

survives. 

Low Attendance Threatens 

Dayton's Victory Theatre 

DAYTON. OHIO—The efforts to preserve 

and restore 

the historic Victory Theater 

have been notable, but the poor attendance 

at recent offerings means that the landmark 

is still not safe from the wrecker's 

ball, according to Jack Keyes, who became 

director of the Victory Theater Ass'n last 

November 1. He said that numerous repairs 

and improvements have been made 

since the project began two years ago, but 

work is nearly at a standstill until the roof 

can be repaired, requiring $50,000 that the 

association does not have. 

He said that to date the group has spent 

about $150,000 in money and about the 

same amount in labor that has been volunteered. 

This has resulted in re-upholstering 

the seats in the 1,200-seat house, repainting 

the theater's walls, remodelling the women's 

restroom and bringing the building up to 

fire safety standards. 

Keyes has a sentimental regard for the 

structure which was rebuilt by his father in 

1919 after the original building was destroyed 

by fire in 1917. He said the reconstruction 

at that time was done with fire 

prevention in mind, with walls, ceilings, 

and floors of concrete, plaster, and metal 

that will not burn. A new electrical system 

worth $25,000 has been installed and an 

anonymous supporter donated and installed 

a smoke detection system. 

Keyes said about 300 to 400 more patrons 

at their various performances are 

needed to make them a success, but the 

sight of water seeping from the roof 

through the ceiling onto the stage is very 

discouraging. 

BOXOFHCE :; February 20, 1978 ME-1

. .Cleveland 

CLEVELAND 

The "Trekkies" are coming! "The World 

of Star Trek" was brought to The 

Coliseum on Sunday (19). The 70 minute 

pilot film with Jeffrey Hunter as Captain 

Kirk was shown along with "blooper" 

reels. Gene Roddenberry, the creator and 

producer of the show was on hand to 

answer questions from the audience and to 

tell about his new movie; "Star Trek." 

WMMS radio presented a costume 

contest in conjunction with "The World of 

Star Trek." Five finalists were chosen on 

the basis of originality, creativity and effectiveness 

of their costumes. The five were 

judged by the audience at "The World 

of Star Trek." The grand prize winner 

received th; "Star Trek Technical Manual." 

a U.S.S. Enterprise model and various other 

gifts, including a visit backstage with Gene 

Roddenberry. 

Super film fare at budget prices at area 

theatres. The Center-Mayfield is showing 

"Oh. God" at $1.25. The Detroit on the 

. . . Variety 

west side is also showing "Oh. God" at $] .50 

as is The Lake Theatre, same movie and 

same price as the Detroit. The Mapletown, 

"Heroes" at 99c, The National also showing 

"Heroes" at $1.50, The National is on the 

opposite end of the Cleveland area. The 

Vogue on the east side. Shaker Heights is 

presenting "Heroes" at $1 and the Olympia 

Dollarodeon is showing "Darby O'Gill and 

The Little People" at' $1.00 

Theatre is presenting a karate special for 

$1.25. There are movies for everyone at 

every price! 

Danny Tliomas will fly in from Los 

Angeles to cut the ribbon for Revco Discount 

Drug Centers new store. In addition, 

Thomas will place the first of 1.000 canisters 

marked for contributions to his favorite 

charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 

in Memphis, in one of their stores. 

The drug chain is holding a warm fundraising 

drive for the hospital. After the ceremonies. 

Revco officers will entertain the 

comedian at a black tie dinner at the Clevelandcr 

Club. He will stay at the Cleveland 

Plaza. 

PERSONALIZED, 

actor Frank Coppola telephoned 

the Plain Dealer to tell them that he 

has a role in this week's "Maude." Coppola, 

started acting here with Signet Players and 

is ap|>earing in the Lowenbrau TV commercial. 

Two hot developments on the Beatle beat. 

A "Magical Mystery Tour" is being organized 

to go to London and Liverpool and a 

second Beatle Convention was held Sunday 

(12) at the Painesville, Agora. A new Beatle 

film. "Back In The U.S.S.R.", was shown 

at the convention. 

Cleveland Media is invited to a special 

news conference with Lina Wertmuller at 

Case Western Reserve this coming week. 

The Case Western Reserve University Film 

Society is sponsoring a two-part program. 

The first half Wertmuller will answer questions 

from a panel of film experts including 

Dr. Louis Giannetti, professor of film at 

CWRU and author of "Understanding 

Movies," Dr. Gary Engle, film critic for 

Cleveland Magazine and Adele Silver, arts 

critic for WKYC. TV. The second half of 

the program will be a special engagement 

Cleveland Premiere of her latest work. "The 

End of the World in Our Usual Bed in A 

Night Full of Rain," which is her first English 

language film. 

The Jewish Community Federation's Jewish 

Welfare Fund Appeal presented Hershel 

Bernardi and Theodore Bikel in a program 

entitled "Proclaim Liberty." The event 

honored of Israel's 30th anniversary and the 

Federations's 75th year. It took place Sunday 

(19). 

The three largest service organizations in 

Greater Cleveland will make their first annual 

brotherhood award presentation. Dorothy 

Fuldheim, TV news analyst, will receive 

the first annual award. Donald Perris, president 

of the Scripps-Howard Broadcasting 

Co. will make the presentation. Stars, producers, 

authors and directors all covet an 

interview with Fulheim on Channel 5 when 

they visit 

Cleveland. 




Fil 


(312) 427-3395 


One-liners (More or less.) Herb Brown, 

Loews division manager, escaped from the 

bitter cold and snow of Cleveland to soak 

up the warm sun. He returned to desk and 

winter on Friday (17) . . . The Leonard 

Mishkinds. General Theatres, are enjoying 

the warmth and sun in Aruba. He will be 

found at his busy desk in the Cedar-Brainard 

next week. 

Forum on Concessions Is 

Scheduled for March 31 

CINCINNATI—A free forum for the 

Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, northern Kentucky 

and southeastern Indiana Area on the 

operation of concession stands for youth 

baseball parks and recreation, municipal 

parks, campgrounds, swim pools, volunteer 

fire departments, school and religious fundraising 

groups, stores and others having an 

interest will be held starting March 31, 6:30 

p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Sharonville. 

1-75 at Sharon Road, 11029 Prince 

Lane, Sharonville (north Cincinnati). 

Representatives from any organizations 

operating snack bars are invited to attend. 

Audience participation will include: special 

snack bar sales promotions, ways to 

plan profitable menus, money safeguarding 

procedures, training, operation of Equipment 

and an "ideas" exchange between operators. 

Anyone in the Cincinnati-northern Kentucky-southeastern 

Indiana area interested in 

attending the affair may call (513) 381- 

1313. Anyone in the Dayton Area interested 

in attending may call toll free to Cincinnati 

by dialing 0, then asking the operator for 

Enterprise 1314. 

Presley Chain Letter Is 

Illegal in Buckeye State 

COLUMBUS. OHIO—A chain letter 

scheme that capitalizes on the popularity of 

the late Elvis Presley has been reported in 

Ohio. Warn'ng that chain letters are illegal, 

attorney general William J. Brown said a 

"Millionaire's Newsletter" and attached 

"Elvis Boom" chain letter are circulating 

throughout the state telling recipients they 

can receive up to $1,000,000 by adding 

their names to the letter. 

Participants are asked to send $2 to any 

or all of five names on the letter to purchase 

Presley photographs. They then are asked 

to copy the newsletter and chain letter, subtract 

one name, add their own, and send 

out 500 new letters. Given the 5 per cent 

response rate that the Elvis letter suggests 

participants will get, it is not very probable 

that one person could make $1,000,000 

according to Brown. 

Q k studios, ASCTECHNICAL SERVICES 

CORPORATION 

P.O. Box 5150 • Richardson, Texas 75080 

SERVING THE NATIONS EXHIBITORS SINCE 1937 

TOTAL BOOTH SERVICE. SOUND. 

PROJECTION. PARTS, INSTALLATION 

AND MAINTENANCE 

Wfile or call collect 214-234-3270 

•STAR TREATMENT SERVICE 

ME-2 BOXOFFICE :: February 20. 1978


of its kind with the 

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listing means many things; in meeting 


















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Century's Complete UL listing: proieclor mechanisms. 

magazines, pedestals, sound reproducers, amplifiers. 



and sound system 




32-02 QUEENS BQULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY. 11101 

Ringold Theatre Equipment Co. 

952 Ottowa, N.W. 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 

Phone: (615) 454-8852 

29525 Ford Rood 

Garden City, Michigan 48135 

Phone: (313) 522-4650 

Hadden Theatre Supply Co. 

3709 Hughes Rood 

Louisville, Kentucky 40205 

Phone: (502) 896-9578 

Ohio Theatre 

Supply Co 

2108 Payne Avenue 

CIcvelond. Ohio 44114 

Phone: (216) 7716545 

Moore Theatre Equipment Co 

213 Deiowore Ave (PC Box 782) 

Charleston, West Virginia 25323 

Phone (304) 344-4413 

COXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978 ME-3

— 

DETROIT 

The Weslniain Mall on Kalamazoo's wet 

side had a "close encounter of another 

kind" when part of the roof collapsed a few 

days ago, dumping tons of snow and d'bris 

in the theatre lobby. No one was injured, 

fortunately. — The feature being shown was 

what else? "Close Encounicis of the Third 

Kind." 

The Towne Theatre cnjoved a successful 

preview performance of the Paramount feature 

"The One and Onlv." starr ng Henry 

Winkler. January 31. The event had been 

rescheduled from January 26. 

United Artists sneaked "Coma" in eight 

theatres Friday (3) . . . LaParisien and Tcl- 

Ex sneaked "Elegant John and His Ladies" 

Friday (3) The Hampton presented a 

"major studio preview" Friday (3). 

Columbia Pictures held a special screening 

Simday (5) for area critics and opinionmakers 

at the Point-of-Vue screening room 

in Southfield. The feature. "The Boys in 

Company C." was rated R due to the "realistic 

language" used in the film. An actual 

Marine drill instructor re-enacts his real-life 

role in the picture, complete with "authentic" 

Marine vocabulary. Directed by S'dney 

J. Furie and starring Stan Shaw. Michael 

Lembeck, Andrew Stevens, James Whitmore 

jr.. James Canning, Craig Wasson, 

Scott Hylands and Noble Willingham, "The 

Boys in Company C" is the first film from 

a major studio dealing with the conflict in 

Vietnam. 

The action-adventure-drama is a tough, 

funny, explicitly entertaining movie. A story 

of five young men with diverse backgroimds 

who are drafted into the service, the film 

depicts how they learn—the hard way—to 

function as a team and find laughter in the 

stress and danger of war. "The Boys in Company 

C" is not a "war movie" in the traditional 

sense; it has honesty rather than 

glory, and humor rather than heroics. 

At a recent meeting the Greater Detroit 

Motion Picture and TV Coimcil heard guest 

speaker Mrs. Richard Mitchell, chairperson 

of the Mitchell Buddy Workshop for the 

Hard of Hearing. Deaf and Hearing, describe 

the activities of that organization. The 

main thrust of Mrs. Mitchell's program was 

to draw upon the influence of the coimcil 

to gain cooperation from the motion picture 

and TV industries in such areas as 

captioning, special showings of major films 

with captions, aiding in the further development 

of a "decoding" device so that captions 

on TV would not have to be visible to 

the viewer with normal hearing, etc. The 

We can handle it! 

'I 

"All your 

theotre 

„r> MOORE THEATRE 

equipment >a^ EQUIPMENT CO. 

needs and 

repairs" 

Call: 

(304) 344-4413 

213 Delaware Ave. 

P.O. Box 782 

Charleston. W. Va. 

25323 

council now is considering the formulation 

of a letter to be sent to industry affiliates as 

well as to member organizations according 

ot Mrs. R. R. Kanagur. Mrs. Mitchell's appearance 

was arranged under the auspices of 

the League of Jewish Women's Organizations 

of Greater Detroit. Any inquires on the 

Mitchell Buddy Workshop, its purposes, 

projects and a:complishments may be sent 

to Mrs. James Whitehead. 13660 LaBelle. 

Oak Park 48237. or Mrs. Esther Rosenblum. 

president of the league. 17242 Sherfield 

Place, Southfield 48075. 

Winter Weather is Factor 

In Theatre Opening Delay 

CANTON. OHIO—The old Palace Theater, 

an 1.879-seat house at 605 Market street 

North, which was saved last November 

from wrecking crews, was to have re-opened 

on January 28. but the weather has delayed 

the event. 

Closed since April. 1976. the Palace was 

purchased late last year by Ron and Alice 

Rocco. who plan to feature live entertainment 

regularly, including top contemporary 

and coimtry-western singers. 

Pop singer Bobby Goldsboro was booked 

for the gala re-opening, to headline the 7 

and 9:30 p.m. shows. The opening show 

also was to feature The Challengers, a musical 

group. Mayor Stanley Cmich was to 

officiate at the ribbon-cutting ceremonies 

and a special $2 per person reception was 

planned in the theatre lobby to follow the 

opening. The theater still bears the elegant 

decor of past eras. 

Aquarius Releasing Names 

Mideast Sub-Distributors 

NEW YORK—Terry Levene, chief operating 

officer of Aquarius Releasing, Inc., 

has annoimced the appointment of two subdistributors 

to represent Aquarius in their 

respective territories and to concentrate 

immediately on the March release of "Brutal 

Justice." 

They are Nat Levin of Levin Film Distribution, 

Detroit, to handle the Detroit exchange 

area, and Jack Kaufman, Cinepix 

Distributors of Cleveland, to take care of 

the Cleveland exchange area. 

'Most Watchable Man' List 

Topped by Four Film Stars 

SOUTH HADLEY. MASS.—Kris 

Kristofferson. 

Burt Reynolds, Robert Rcdford 

and Clint Eastwood were the first four 

winners in a local "Most Watchable Man" 

contest conducted by the town's chief librarian. 

Constance Clancy, " to get us cut 

of the winter doldrums." Fifty-four women 

cast ballots at the two town libraries. 

Singer-actor John Denver tied for fifth 

place with consumer advocate Ralph Nader 

and the Rev. Ralph A. DiOrio. Roman 

Catholic clergyman known as "The Healing 

Priest of Worcester." 

Noon Lunch—Ballet Combo 

A Winner for Film House 

DAYTON, OHIO—Downtown office 

workers, college students, shoppers and even 

a few retirees recently attended the first of 

a series of Tuesday and Thursday noontime 

shows offered at the Victory Theater for 50 

cents admission. The audience was allowed, 

no. invited, to eat their lunch during the 

performance, either from a home-brought 

brown bag or from a submarine sandwich 

concession stand in the theatre. Nearby 

restaurants also had lunch-bag sandwiches 

"to go". First performance was by the Dayton 

Ballet Company in two classical and 

one modern work in a program partially 

underwritten by a grant from the National 

Endowment for the Arts. 

The series, entitled "Ballets at Noon". 

will offer different programs each week 

through February. 

The Victory is currently trying to raise 

money in a city-wide campaign to finance 

restoration of the theater for various public 

uses. It books films regularly for weekend 

shows. 

Earle H. Payne Services 

Are Held in Louisville 

LOUISVILLE — Funeral services were 

held here Friday (10) for Earle Hall Payne, 

whd died in this city Wednesday (8) at the 

age of 76. Payne had worked for the M. 

Switow & Sons circuit 33 years until his retirement 

in 1974. 

City manager in Lexington. Ky.. for M. 

Swittow & Sons. Payne opened the Kentucky 

Theatre there in 1921. He also was 

city manager for the circuit in Washington, 

Ind.. later being promoted to general manager 

and head booker for Switow. 

He leaves his wife, two daughters and 13 

grandchildren. 

The fam ly suggests memorial contributions 

to the Heart Fund. 

Breisacher Gets 'New Hat' 

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO— Robert 

Breisacher, controller for Armstrong Theaters 

Inc., and Total Theatrical Services Inc.. 

has been given additional responsibilities as 

general manager, announced Fred Lentz. 

president of the Armstrong circuit. 

Breisacher. a resident of Lambertville, 

Mich., near Toledo, has been controller for 

three years. Armstrong Theaters operates 

nine indoor theatres and ten drive-ins in 

northwestern Ohio, while Total Theatrical 

Services is a booking organization servicing 

ten independent theatres in the area. 



HAWAII TOO. 


rj.rjitf-jij.i don't miss the famous 

\h^] Don Ho Show. . . at 

[HOTELS) 


IN WAIKIKI RTEF KEf F TOWERS EOGEWATB) 

ME-4 BOXOFFICE :: February 20. 1978

Boston Grosses Set 

Record for January 

BOSTON—January was a record-breaker 

for Beantown exhibitors despite the awesome 

weather that turned New England into 

a suburb of the North Pole. The ciimatc 

created a captive audience for theatre owners 

and operators. Holdovers maintained 

their high ratings and new product began 

their run with impressive statistics. Local industry 

people must look upon the new year 

with favor, hoping that January's grosses 

presage an outstanding year at the ticket 

window. 


Beacon HiU, Circle Cinema I The One and 

Only (Para) 350 

Charles 1 Star Wars (20th-Fox). 37th wk 220 

Cheri I—The Turning Point (20th-Fox). 7th wk 300 

Cher, n—The Goodbye Girl (WB), 7th wk 100 

Cheri III—Roseland (SR), 4th wk 100 

Chestnut Hill I, Cinema 57 I— Close Encounters 

lo the Third Kind (Col), 8th wk 300 

Chestnut Hill 11, Pi Alley High Anxiety 

(20th-Fox) 330 

Cinema 57 II Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

8th wk 360 

Exeter—A Special Day (SR), 8th wk 170 

Gary Sasquotch (SR), 2nd wk 185 

Gcrleria Cinema Dersu Uzala (New World), 

2nd wk 220 

Orson Welles I Iphigenia (SR), 4th wk 150 

Orson Welles II Monty Python Meets Beyond 

the Fringe (SR) 175 

Orson Welles III—Outrageous! (3R), 25th wk .,.125 

Savoy I—Which Way Is Up? (Univ), 5th wk 300 

Saxon—The Mack (AIP), 3rd wk 125 

New Haven Filmgoers 

Defy 

Mother Nature's Bad Mood 

NEW HAVEN—"The Fonz" and Neil 

Simon were the top attention-getters in 

town. Paramount's "The One and Only," 

starring Henry Winkler chalked up a hefty 

350, auditorium two, Redstone Showcase 5; 

Simon's newest screen comedy, Warner 

Bros.' "The Goodbye Girl," RKO-Stanley 

Warner Cinemart 2 and General Cinema 

Corp.'s Milford 2, hit 300. The week's third 

new show, Universal's "The Choirboys," 

Cines 2, rang up 200. 

Cine 1—The Choirboys (Univ) 200 

Cinemart I, Milford 11 The Turning Point 

(20th-Fox), 3rd wk 175 

Cinemart II, MilfortJ I The Goodbye Girl 

(WB) - 300 

Showcase I The Gauntlet (WB), 7th wk 150 

Showcase II The One and Only (Para) 350 

Showcase III Semi-Tough (UA), 7lh wk 150 

Showcase IV Close Encounters oi the Third 

Kind (Col), 8th wk 290 

Showcase V—Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

eth wk - 225 

York Square Cinema— Julia (20th-Fox), 15th wk, 115 

Four Major Openings Given 

A 'Warm Hartford Welcome 

HARTFORD—Four major openings, 

Paramount's "The One and Only" (400); 

20th Century-Fox's "High Anxiety" (350), 

UA Westfarms 3. UA East 3 and GCC 

Cinemas 3; United Artist's "Equus" (175), 

SBC Cinema City 4; and Cinema 5's "Outrageous!" 

(150), Atheneum Cinema, reflected 

far-ranging choices for moviegoers in 

bitterly cold weather. 

Art Cinema ^Feelings (SR), Felicia (SR), 

2nd wk 175 

Atheneum Cinema Outrageous! (Cinema 5) 150 

Cinema I The World's Greatest Lover 

(20th-Fox), 7th wk 125 

Cinema III Pete's Dragon (BV), 8th wk 75 

Cinema City I The One and Only (Para) 400 

Cinema City II Equus (UA) 175 

Cinema City III, UA Westfarms III The Turning 

Point (20th-Fox), 7th wk 75 

Elm, UA East III Close Encounters of the Third 

Kind (Col), 8th wk 350 

Showcase I The Gauntlet (WB), 7lh wk 125 

Showcase II Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

8th wk 200 

Showcase III—The Goodbye Girl (WB), 7lh wk 115 

Showcase V—Semi-Tough (UA), 7th wk 100 

Six theatres Sasquotch ;SR), 3rd wk 150 

Three theatres lulia (20th-rox), 2nd wk 200 

Three theatres High Anxiety (20th-Fox) 350 

Sci-Fi Marathon Is Held 

At Orson Welles Cinemas 

BOSTON—Sci-fi fans trekked to the 

Orson Welles three theatre complex in Cambridge, 

Simday and Monday (19-20), over 

Washington's Birthday weekend, for the 

third annual sci-fi marathon, which coincided 

with the Science Fiction Convention 

in 

Boston. 

Begtm three years ago, this year's film 

event, without repeating any films from the 

marathons of the two previous years, will 

include for the first time actual space footage 

from the Apollo missions. The festival 

included some surprises (unidentified). Last 

year's surprises included clips of "Star 

Wars," shown months before its national 

release. 

J. D. Pollack, the managing director of 

the Orson Welles, said "We feel this year's 

festival presents a broad range of certified 

classics, undiscovered gems, and fascinating 

Begun three years ago, long 

curiosities . . . 

before the Force was with us, it is a tribute 

to the world of sci-fi, fantasy, Utopian 

dreams and special effects in films. No 

genre, with perhaps the exception of mystery 

film, so lends itself to the magic of 

films as our fascination with the possibilities 

of the future and the exploration of 

both space and the range of science here 

on earth." 

Singer John R. Crowley, 

A NE Favorite Is Dead 

PROVIDENCE—John R. "Jack" Crowley, 

90, a professional singer for decades, 

died recently after a year's illness. A baritone, 

he sang on the old Keith, Loews and 

Orpheum circuits and was the first stage 

soloist at the former Albee Theatre here. 

Crowley also had served as New England 

states representative for M. Whitmark & 

Son, New York music publishing firm, retiring 

in 1945. 

Predeceased by his wife Madeline, he 

leaves a son, John T., with whom he lived; 

a daughter. Mrs. Genevieve Reardon; five 

grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. 

Burial was in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. 

John Spencer, 70, Dies 

BOSTON—John Spencer, 70, former reporter/ 

rewriteman for the defunct Boston 

Post and speech writer for three Massachusetts 

governors and a former Boston city 

censor, died recently. 

Pat McGilligan Named 

BOSTON—Pat McGilligan, former Boston 

Globe arts reporter, has been named to 

the newly created niche of arts editor of 

the Real Paper. Boston weekly newspaper. 

He had joined the latter publication in 1977 

as film editor. While with the Globe, Mc- 

Gilligan had books on James Cagney and 

Ginger Rogers published. 

SPRINGFIELD 

Mew titles in Western Massachusetts: Paranioimt's 

"The One and Only." 20th 

Centirry-Fox's "The Turning Point." Jason 

Allen's "Cria!", reprise of two Charlie Chaplin 

classics, "Modern Times" and "The 

Great Dictator" (on double-bill from Kino 

International Corp.), and North American 

Productions' "Sasquatch" (the Springfield 

Plaza Twin and the Agawam Twin had 

their own version of "Sasquatch" at both 

theatres Saturday and Sunday of the engagement: 

ads enthused, "Our own 'Sasquatch' 

in person exclusively at these two 

theatres, where you'll get more than your 

money's worth!") Auditorium two, Agawam 

Twin, brought in rerun of United Artists' 

"The Spy Who Loved Me." charging .$1.25 

for all seats at all times for the entire 

week's booking. Auditorium two, Springfield 

Plaza Twin, brought in rerun of Columbia's 

"You Light Up My Life," ads 

captioned, "The No. 1 record is the No. I 

surprise film of the year!" 

New states-rights openings included 

"Coming of Angels" and "Teenage Surfer 

Girls." 

Teaser advertising was extensively ahead 

of regional openings for Allied Artists' "The 

Betsy" . . . MGM-UA's "Coma" was sneakpreviewed 

at the Sack Palace, West Springfield 

Buena Vista's "Darby O'Gill and 

. . . 

the Little People," 1959 release, was slotted 

into the Bing, Springfield; admission was 

$1, all seats, Monday through Thursday; 

$1.50, adults, and $1. for children. Friday 

through Sunday. 

The city of Holyoke has approved a 95 

ccnts-per-month increase in cable television 

(CATV) rates, with the CATV firm involved 

(Video Enterprises Inc.) promising 

to improve subscriber service. Mayor Ernest 

E. Proulx said, in a statement accompanying 

announcement of the boost to $7.95-periiionth 

for subscribers, that Video Enterprises 

has proved "a willingness to expand 

their level of quality and service to meet 

the needs of the consumer in the community." 

The firm has agreed not to apply the 

increase to any of the city's housing projects 

for the elderly. At the same time, the hike 

is not affecting such other CATV charges 

as Home Box Office and installation, reconnection 

or relocation charges. What's 

more, for the benefit of Holyoke sports fans. 

Video Enterprises will institute a policy of 

continuing coverage of sports events for 90 

minutes past their normal end time to avoid 

overtime or extra-inning contents being 

blanked out in the middle, according to the 

mayor. 

Joanna Miquel at Cinema I 

FALL RIVER, MASS.—Leading lady 

Joanna Miquel signed free photos for patrons 

over a recent Friday and Saturday in 

conjimction with Cinema I showings of 

states-rights, X-rated "From Holly With 

Love." 

BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978 NE-I

NEW HAVEN 

21 downstate weekly new spaper is sponsoring 

a promotion reminiscent of some 

of the more colorful exploitation in area 

exhibition years ago: The Newtown Bee has 

announced its first Great Icicle Contest, 

•which will decide once and for all who. 

among other readers, has the longest icicle." 

Participants are asked to bring entries—they 

must be in one piece—to the newspaper 

during legular office hours. The individual 

icicle is to be measured and then photographed. 

All entries must be in by March 

15. One gallon of ice cream will go to the 

winner. 

"Live" stageshows continue at the Roger 

Sherman Theatre. 254 College St.. for 

many years New Haven zone flagship for 

then Warner Bros. Theatres and successor 

circuit. RKO-Stanley Warner Theatres. 

Film programs have been indefinitely shelved. 

Popular music "names" are appearing, 

with tickets scaled as high as $9.50 (rather 

unusual for a four-wall theatre in the immediate 

area). Producer Ron Smedley has 

been staging the shows, with considerable 

attendant advertising effort emphasizing the 

phrase. "The Roger Sherman Celebrity Playhouse—New 

Haven's Newest Live Entertainment 

Center." 

The New Haven Colony Historical Society. 

114 Whitney Ave., has been sponsoring 

a lunchtime film series. "The Ethn'c 

Experience." on five Wednesdays at 12 

noon; coffee, tea and hot chocolate are provided. 

Admission is free. Each attraction 

deals with a different ethnic group; programs 

include "Black History: Lost. Stolen 

or Strayed" (narrated by B'll Cosby); "The 

Irish" (narrated by Edmimd O'Brien); "Italian 

American" (director Martin Scorsese of 

"Taxi Driver" and "Mean Streets." interviewing 

his mother and father in their home 

in New York's "Little Italy"); "Rendezvous 

with Freedom" (Jewish immigration to the 

United States; narrated by newsman Herbert 

Kaplow. with principals including Sam 

.laffe. Zero Mostel. George Segal and Martin 

Seldes); and "An Island in America" 

(Puerto Ricans in the United States). 

The New Haven Register began carrying 

the Christian Science Monitor film review 

PERSONALIZED, 

capsules in its Friday weekend entertainment 

pages, with attractions considered suitable 

for family viewing labeled "Family" at 

conclusion of capsule comment. 

The Chesire Public Library screened the 

vintage "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" 

on a recent Saturday at 2 p.m., as part of 

its continuing "Feature Films for Favorite 

Folks" series. Admission was free. "My 

Man Godfrey" (Universal 1936 release with 

the late Carole Lombard and William Powell) 

was screened as a free attraction by the 

West Haven Public Library on a recent 

Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. 

WORCESTER 

lyjid-Massachusetts openings: Paramount's 

"The One and Only." 20th Century- 

Fox's "High Anxiety" and "Julia," North 

American Productions' "Sasquatch." Galleria 

Cinemas 3, Worcester, playing latter 

attraction, suspended conventional "Bargain 

Matinees" and pass list for the engagement 

(auditorium one); adults were charged $3 

and children $1.50 for the special attraction. 

Continuing titles in the region: Warner 

Bros.' "The Goodbye Girl" and "The Gaimtlet," 

Universal's "Which Way Is Up?" Cokmibia's 


Kind," United Artist's "Equus" and "Semi- 

Tough," 20th-Fox's "Star Wars," "Julia," 

and "The World's Greatest Lover," and 

Paramount's "Saturday Night Fever." 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Pxtended engagements of North American 

Productions' "Sasquatch" reflects a 

concerted sales pitch involving large-scale 

teaser advertising with emphasis on the 

words, "Special Limited Engagement Now 

Showina!" 

INCORPORATIONS 

— Connecticut — 

Connecticut Talent Corp., 163 Grumman 

Ave., Norwalk 06851; Dorothy M. Sheehan, 

president; Patricia P. Dobyns, secretary. 




Filmaok studios, 

INC. 


(312) 427-3395 


HARTFORD 

ITelene Dolgin, widow of exhibition pioneer 

Joe Dolgin, was a panelist on a program, 

"Gray Power: The Best Is Yet To 

Come," conducted at West Hartford's Beth 

El Temple. Jewish Conservative congregation; 

the forum-discussion followed regular 

Friday night services Friday (10). Mrs. Dolgin, 

long associated with the Mark Twain 

Masquers (the community theatre group), 

has directed the Senior Stage Group. Your 

BoxoFFicE correspondent's brother, Atty. I. 

Milton Widem. is immediate past president 

of Beth El Temple. 

The Sampson-Spodick-Rosen Norwich 

Cinemas 2 played special matinees of 20lh 

Century-Fox's "The Turning Point" . . . 

The Movies, same city, brought back, "Led 

Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same," 

Warner Bros.' release, charging $2,50 for 

adults and 99-cents for youngsters. The 

cinema, incidentally, was originally Loews 

Poli. easternmost Loews showcase in Connecticut 

Westfarms Mall has "Ladies' 

. . . Day" free film programs on Tuesdays, starting 

at 9:30 a.m., in the UA Movies 3; a 

recent attraction was "The Hot Rock," 20th- 

Fox 1972 release starring Robert Redford. 

Free admission tickets are distributed in the 

Mall information center. 

The downtown Atheneum Cinema 

brought back 20th-Fox's "The King and 

I," charging $1.75. general admission, and 

99-cents for "people under 12 and over 

65," at Saturday-Sunday (4, 5) matinee 

showings (1 p.m.) . . . Paul Rudd, who has 

appeared at the Hartford Stage Company, 

downtown professional repertory theatre, 

through the years, recently completed a 

feattired role in AA's "The Betsy." Back in 

town, he was interviewed by the Connecticut 

media, saying, among other things, "Shakespeare 

is the toughest stuff to do, but it's 

the most exhilarating. It's pretentious to do 

it but when it all works and people cheer, 

God! that's exhilarating!" 

Ernest A. Grecula, the independent exhibitor, 

has expanded operating hours for 

. . . 

his Art Cinema, 255 Franklin Ave.; the 

theatre is now open from 1 1 a.m. weekdays 

The Dolby Sound System equipment is 

being installed at Trinity College's Cinestudio; 

vintage and more recent product is 

screened regularly, admission listed as $2 

(general public); $1.50, "students or educators 

with IDs from any school anywhere." 

Double-features are the norm; familiar titles 

include "Dark Victory" and "Arsenic and 

Old Lace"; "Alice Adams" and "Citizen 

Kane"; "Catch-22" and "Welcome to 

L.A." 



HAWAII TOO. 



Qiia^ 



IN WAIKIKI: REEF REEF TOWERS . EDGEWATER 

BOXOFTICE February 20, 1978


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Phone: (617) 542-6797 

BOXOFHCE :: February 20. 1978 NE-3

. . 

MAINE 

JJew titles on Maine marquees; Statesrights' 

"Virgin Dreams" and 'Submision," 

among others . . . The Lincoln Cinema, 

Lincoln, brought back Paramount's 

"King Kong," charging $5-per-family as 

another "Sunday Special." Under the plan, 

the $5 admission fee is applicable to 

"Mom and/ or Dad and Kids." 

E.M. Loew's Fine Arts Twin cinemas, 

Portland, brought back Universal's "The 

Reluctant Astronaut," Don Knotts-starring 

1967 release, for 1:30 and 3 p.m. showings 

over a recent Saturday and Sunday, with 

$1 admission advertised for all seats. The 

ads were innovative in that the starting 

times were listed thusly: "1:30—Time for 

Laughs—3:30." 

A showing of Columbia's 1966 release. 

"A Man for All Seasons," opened the Bates 

College (Lewiston) symposium on Sir Thomas 

More. The motion picture was screened 

Friday (3) at 7 p.m. at the Belview Cinema 

The vintage "Rain." co-starring the late 

. . . 

Joan Crawford and Walter Huston, was 

shown at the Town Hall. Blue Hill. 

Robert L. Ellis, 82. formerly at the Opera 

House. Bangor, died recently. 

Marty MeUz, film critic for the Portland 

Press Herald-Evening Express-Sunday Telegram 

came out with his selections for "best" 

and "worst" attractions of 1977, long after 

his peer group across New England and the 

remainder of the coimtry had published 

theirs. "Due to limiting ourselves to the domestic 

product," Meltz explained, "we'll 

check out only five best and five worst 

instead of the usual ten." He sounded accolades 

for "The Turning Point," "Julia," 

"Black Simday," "Annie Hall" and "Three 

Women." Honorable mentions: "Looking for 

Mr. Goodbar," "Wizards," "Audrey Rose," 

"Star Wars" and "Equus." 

As for the "worst," Meltz singled out "in 

order of the least worst to the worst," these 

titles: "The Late Show," "Valentino," "Slap 

Shot," "The Choirboys" and "March or 

Die." 

The critic commented, too: "I've viewed 

all of the front-running domestic 1977 films 

but two, 'High Anxiety' and 'Outrageous!', 

neither of which has developed any impressive 

following ... As of this moment, 

neither is available within a 300-mile distance 

from Portland. So I'll just qualify this 

list of Best and Worst as being without these 

two contestants." 

RHODE ISLAND 

Jêw attractions: 20lh Century-Fox's "Julia," 

Paramount's "The One and Only" 

(opening preceded by "Major Studio Preview" 

at General Cinema Corp.'s Warwick 

and Lincoln Mall Cinemas 4), plus statesrights' 

"Black Silk Stockings," "Touch Me," 

"The Final Sin." "Strangers," "Revenge & 

Punishment," "My Husband, the Producer." 

"To Man From Women." "My Tongue Is 

Quick," "Leather Narcissus," "Cream De 

Banana," among others MGM-UA's 

. . • 

"Coma" was sneak-previewed at 8 p.m. on a 

Friday night at the Redstone Showcase 6 

. . . Test reprise engagement of Avco Em- 

. . . 

bassy's "Carnal Knowledge" reflected strong 

appeal, with continuing playdate at both the 

SBC Cinerama 2, Providence, and Mann 

Redstone 

Theatres' Warwick Cinema 

circuit ran advance teaser advertising for 

20th-Fox's "High Anxiety." 

VERMONT 

Qpeniiigs across the state: Paramount's 

"The One and Only," North American 

Productions' "Sasquatch," 20th Century- 

Fox's "The Turning Point," among others 

. . Merrill Jarvis boosted admission from 

. 

$L25 to $1.50 at the Essex Twin Cinema. 

Essex Junction, explaining in print advertising: 

"Due to the rising cost of doing 

business, it has become necessary to increase 

our admission prices slightly. How- 

. . . 

ever—we're still the best movie buy in 

town!" The two auditoriimis charge one 

admission for all seats at all times 

The film. "Gandi," was shown at the Chiu'ch 

Street Center, Burlington; the docimienlary 

and political 

covers main features of the life 

career of Mahatma Gandi. Admission was 

free and open to the public. 

Pointing up enormous public curiosity 

over unidentified flying objects with ongoing 

release of Columbia's "Close Encoimters 

of the Third Kind," the Burlington 

Free Press (largest newspaper in Vermont) 

carried a four-page section in its 

Sunday "Vermonter" magazine supplement 

over the era in science-fiction for motion 

pictures. The story said, in part: "Vermonlcrs. 

like people all over the coimtry. flocked 

to see 'Star Wars,' and 'Close Encounters 

.' 

has been doing well so far. Perhaps, 

that fabled Yankee stubborn realism has 

given way to a new openness, a flexibility 

concerning matters more ethereal. 

"It would, no doubt, be difficult to make 

any definite conclusions as to whether or 

not we are alone," the story continued. "But 

one thing seems sure, judging by the avalanche 

of interest in dramatic speculation as 

to what lies beyond, we are waiting." 

The state legislature has defeated a proposed 

measure calling for a study of the 

feasibility of requiring motorists to have 

their cars timed every six months. State senator 

Francis Howrigan (D-Franklin County), 

labeled the legislation "a gimmick to 

sell sparkplugs." Backers, however, had contended 

that tuneups might save energy, because 

well-tuned cars burn less fuel. 

'Close Encounters' a Record Breaker 

HYANNIS, MASS.—Columbia's "Close 

Encounters of the Third Kind" went into a 

record-shattering sixth week in auditorium 

one of the Interstate Theatre of New England's 

Cinema Centre 3. Cape Cod Mall; 

advertising is including the words, "No 

Passes." 

NEW BRITAIN 

Qentral Connecticut cinemas have had 

spectacular success with Warner Bros.' 

"Oh, God!" The George Burns starrer has 

been held over time and again in numerous 

situations, going into a fifth record-shattering 

week, for a striking example, at the 

Cinemas 2 (auditorium two), Bristol Centre 

Mall. 

The Central Connecticut State College, 

New Britain, is screening a winter-spring 

"International Film Series," in the Student 

Center, under sponsorship of the Student 

Center Program Council. Titles include 

"400 Blows," "Kwaidan," "Knife in the 

Water," "Black Orpheus," "Spirit of the 

Beehive," "La Strada" and "Smiles of a 

Summer Night." Showings are at 7 p.m. on 

Tuesday nights. 

The Forestville Boys' Club screened Columbia's 

"Bridge on the River Kwai," 1957 

release, on a recent Friday, with youngsters 

(both boys and girls) from the Forestville 

area invited to attend. Snacks were available 

for purchase and a small admission fee was 

charged. The program began at 6:15 and 

ran through to 8:30. 

Lou Bachnian, veteran editor of the 

Bristol 

Press, was in a nostalgic mood for a re- 

. . . local stores would 

cent column, saying, among other things: 

"Do you remember when—a movie starring 

balding, mustachioed but always virile Jack 

Holt would mean that the SRO sign would 

be in use at the old Princess Theatre on 

Riverside Avenue? 

get free movie passes for displaying poslcrs 

ballyhooing coming attractions?" 

Harwich Selectmen Change 

Minds Over Cable TV Fees 

HARWICH, MASS.—The town's board 

of selectmen has voted to 

rescind an earlier 

denial and grant the Cape Cod Cablevision 

Corp. authority for a rate hike from $6.95 

to $7.95 a month. 

The CATV company's president, Richard 

S. Leghorn, had told selectmen and the 

two townspeople who turned out for the 

most recent public hearing on the matter 

that 

the necessity for Cape Cod Cablevision 

to pay copyright fees, coupled with the cost 

of operating the public access channel, had 

turned what selectmen believed was an already 

healthy profit picture for the company 

into an almost no-profit situation. 

New Trade Name Filed 

BROOKFIELD, CONN.—A new trade 

name, Loma Amusements, P.O. Box 268, 

Brookfield 06804, was filed by L. Nanni 

with the office of the Brookfield Town 

Clerk. 

World Premiere at Center 

NEW BEDFORD, MASS.—The 

Center 

Theatre advertised world-premiered engagement 

of states-rights' X-raled "Seven Into 

Snowy." 

NE-4 BOXOFFICE :: February 20, 1978

REEF 

7lh 

Hollywood Honor Won 

By Nal'l Film Board 

N40NTREA1.—The Los Angeles Film 

Teachers Ass'n has presented the National 

Film Board with its Jean Renoir Humanities 

Award, given to commemorate the work of 

the great French filmmaker. 

The award was presented to the NFB's 

U.S. general manager. Roland Ladouceur, 

at a ceremony held at the Directors Guild 

Theatre in Hollywood. The board's acclaimed 

feature film "J. A. Martin. Photographe" 

and the prize-winning short "Sand Ca.stle" 

were screened for the more than 400 members 

of the 

association. 

Alice Ladine. president of the Los Angeles 

Film Teachers Ass'n, said the group 

honored the NFB because "its films have 

provided us an impetus toward the spiritual 

and have uplifted the heart of those who 

have seen them." 

Preamble to the scroll accompaning the 

award states that it is "given to commemorate 

the humanistic films of Jean Renoir, a 

spokesman for the human heart. Renoir has 

declared that any work of art that leads 

man to take a small comfort in the spiritual 

is a work worthy of our attention." 

"The National Film Board productions 

certainly fall within this definition and are 

widily used and appreciated by film teachers 

throuahout the U.S.." Ms. Ladine stated. 

Topar's 'SS Girls' Scores 

Hefty Gross in Toronto 

TORONTO—"SS Girls." a Topar Films 

release, which racked up a healthy gross in 

its opening week at the Coronet Theatre 

here, has been held over for a second big 

week in the hardtop. The picture additionally 

scored hefty boxoffice receipts during 

a three-day run at the Bufferin Drive-In. 

A spokesman for Topar also said the company 

is planning a six-theatre break with 

"SS Girls" in a major Canadian market. 

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CINERAIvIAISIN 


HAWAII TOO. 


h||WjHM 


rg^^ Don Ho Show. . 

Montreal Boxoffice Receipts Remain 

Solid, Most Holdovers Showing Legs 

MONTREAL — Those attractions which Colony Looking tor Mr. Goodbar (Para), 

bowed in this city during the Christmas holiday 

11th wk. ..._ ., 

season showed fine bgs during the past 

week, with excellent boxoffice receipts in 

four situations and a large share of "very 

good" ratings. Only "The Choirboys" appeared 

to be getting off-key. scoring only 

"fair" in the sixth stanza. The only newcomer 

on the local scene was the Frenchlanguage 

film "L'Home 

Northstar I— The Turning Point 

Qui Venait D'Al- (BVFD) 

Isur." which gave a very good opening-week 

performance at the Parisien. Top moneymakers 

at the boxoffice, not surprisingly, 

were "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." 

"The Goodbye Girl," "Saturday Night Portable Video System Is 

Fever" and "The Turning Point." 

Alwater 

Selling 

Close Encounters oi ttie Third 

to Logging 

Kind 

Camps 

(Astral), 7lh wk Excellent 

Avenue The Goodbye Girl (WB), 

VANCOUVER—A report in 

6th wk Excellent 

Cinema The Turning Point (BVFD), 

6th wk Excellent the headline "Blue Films for 

Palace The Gauntlet (WB), 6th wk Very Good 

Place du Canada—The Choirboys (Univ), 

6th wk Fair 

Loews Saturday Night Fever (Pata), 

7th wk - Excellent 

Loews—Semi-Tough (UA), 1th wk Very Good 

Loews Death Rage (IFD), 2nd wk Very Good 

Loews Telefon (UA), 6th wk Good Video Systems, based at 

Dragon (BV), 

_ Very Good 

Van 

6th 

Home Pete's 

wk 

York 

6th 

The World's 

wk 

Greatest Lover (BVFD), 

Good 

(French Films) 

Paricien Au Dela de L'Amour 

(C-P), 2nc} wk Very Good 

Parisien Une Journee Particuliere 

(AFD), 7th wk Good 

-Very Good 

Parisien 

Parisien 

Suspiria (C-P), 3rd wk 

L'Homme Qui Venait D'Alleur 

(AFD) 

Parisien Eeoma (KAR), 4th wk 

Very Good 

Good 

Only 'Excellent' in Vancouver 

Is Won by "Close Ejicounters' 

VANCOUVER—With the debut of 

"Short Eyes" at the Odeon marking the 

using helicopters. 

only opening in the city, there naturally 

Consequently the video projection 

was little significant change in the grossing 

pattern of the previous week. Without 

looking at the calendar, any experienced 

theatreman (or patron) could tell that it 

was February—all the way! 

Capitol 6 Teleion (UA), 6th wk Good 

Capitol 6 The World's Greatest Lover 

(BVFD), 6th wk Above Average 

Capitol t>^Looking for Mr. Goodbar (Para), 

15th wk „ Average 

Capitol 6 Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

7th wk - Good 

Capitol 6 Semi-Tough (UA), Ilth wk Average 

see 

Coronet The Choirboys (Univ), 

6th wk Very Good 

Downtov.Tr The Gauntlet (WB), 6th wk Aveerage 

Odeon Short Eyes (PR) Good 

Park The Turning Point (BVFD), 


Stanley Pete's Dragon (BV), 6th wk Average 

Vancouver Centre The Goodbye Girl (WB), 

6th wk 

Good 

Vancouver Centre lulia (BVFD), 6th wk Good 

Vogue Close Encounters of the Third Kind 

(Astral) , wk Excellent 

'Turning Point' a Real Tum-On 

For Theatregoers in Winnipeg 

WINNIPEG—Business was generally 

slower, with the best grosses still coming 

from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" 

and "Saturday Night Fever." Opening very 

strong was "The Turning Point" and "Death 

Rage," although "9/30/55" had an unsatisfactory 

week. "The Choirboys," "Semi- 

Tough" and "The Goodbye Girl," all hold- 

. at 

\^^m Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAOOXl: REEF - 

overs, continued well above average. 

Capitol Death Rage (IFD) Excellent 

..Good 

Convention Centre Heroes (Univ), 


Garden City Pete's Dragon (BV). 6th wk Good 

Gorrick 1— 9/30/SS (Univ) Average 

Garrick II The Choirboys (Univ), 


Grant Park The Goodbye Girl (WB), 

6th wk .. Very Good 

Hyland, Park The Adventures oi the Wilderness 

Family (PIE), 2nd wk Good 

Metropolitan Semi-Tough (UA), 


Excellent 

Odeon—Close Encounters of the Third Kind 

(Astral), 6th wk Excellent 

Polo Park Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

7th wk Excellent 

the January 

20 issue of the Vancouver Province under 

Blue Loggers" 

was of more than passing interest to area 

distributors of 1 6mm films. 

The films to which the story referred are 

distributed on videotape by West Coast 

5766 Victoria here. 

The company president is Doug Saxon. 

A presentation of the video projection 

system, its costs and the available films was 

made at the recent truck loggers convention 

which was attended by almost all the logging 

companies in British Columbia. 

Most of those companies operate many 

small, extremely mobile camps, using sophisticated 

machinery in place of the man 

with a saw or the snow sled and log-drive 

operations still largely prevalent in the East. 

Several firms are even starting a program 

of logging previously inaccessible slopes 

system 

which can play to about 60 people and is 

quickly transportable now seems ideal for 

entertainment at these smaller camps. Initial 

costs of the system total $2,000, 

Saxon already has supplied the system to 

30 camps. Since full-length films have been 

available for six months. Saxon expects to 

many more employers taking advantage 

of the video system as its availability becomes 

known. The company will sell the 

system outright or will install it and charge 

$8 per playing hour over a two-year period. 

The most popular films available for use 

with the video equipment reportedly are 

westerns, followed by action pictures starring 

such heavies as Charles Bronson. 

BOXOmCE :: February 20, 1978 K-1

VANCOUVER 

Mainstem theatres generally held their 

long-run pictures through the week on 

the lower mainland but several art and 

specialty houses offered new programs to 

their patrons. Francois Truffaut's "The 

Man Who Loved Women" opened at the 

Varsity; the Dunbar unspooled the National 

Film Board's award-winning "J. A. Martin, 

Photographe." while the Denman Place 

screened "A Special Day." The Broadway, 

now known as the "Home of Screen Classics." 

scheduled a potpourri to cover all 

tastes, with "Blue Hawaii," Garbo's "Camille" 

and Olivier's "Hamlet" . . . "Starship 

Invasions" broke in the Park Royal 

and Richmond twins and the Cokmibia 

New Westminster. 

Two visitors to the Northwest generated 

plenty of copy for the media. The veteran 

"Vagabond Lover." Rudy Vallee, was in 

for a one-night gig at the "Smockey Night" 

at the Coliseum which kicks off the Kinsmen's 

drive. Vallee also played one night 

at the Commodore, the date of which happened 

to coincide with the 48th anniversarx 

of the ozoncr's opening show at what was 

then Canada's largest nightclub. 

In media interviews prior to "Smockey." 

Vallee stressed that in 1949 he played a 

week at the Commodore with Fifi D'Orsay 

"for glamor" and Sammy Davis jr. as second 

banana. He could have used either or 

both this time out, as the 77-year-old per- 

. . . 

former bombed at the boxoffice and picked 

up additional brickbats for the show 

The other not-so-happv event started a oneliner 

amongst the "in crowd" when that 

nuclear-powered Russian satellite apparently 

disintegrated over the Northwest Territories 

upon re-entry into the atmosphere. 

As the realization sank in what might have 

happened with just a slight deviation in the 

angle of re-entry toward this city. Victoria, 

Edmonton. Calgary or other centers of population, 

it became obvious that we narrowly 

had missed a "Close encounter of the 

worst kind" ... At the same time our 

sympathies went to those in the East who 

got clobbered by that terrific series of 

storms. 

Branch manager Bryan Rudston-Brown 

of Universal annoimced that as of Monday 

(6) the company is doing business at the 

Bordignon Bldg.. Suite 506-1200. West 73rd 

Ave., V6P 6G5, telephone (604) 26.3-1 90S, 

Telex TWX 610-922-1625. The move 

brings ihcm into the same general locale 

as Bellevue, Paramount and Victoria Film 

Service, leaving only Astral, Warner Bros, 

and United Artists at 2182 West 12th. 

A harbinger of an early spring was Gordon 

Guiry of Saguenay, who always manages 

to beat the crocus on his first yearly 

visit to the exchange area. The weathei' 

was balmy, the exhibitors were happy to see 

him and all look forward to his company's 

spring releases, particularly for the ozoners. 

Margaret Oavis returned to Hosford Theatres 

after leg surgery but is still on a 

"go slow" order from her doctor. (And how 

long has it been since someone used the 

term "croaker" in reference to a doctor?) 

Speaking of medicine, this correspondent 

was very happy to read in this December 

19 issue of Boxoffice about the presentation 

of a $25,000 award to Dr. Shambhu D. 

Varma for further research in the field of 

prevention of diabetic cataracts, presented 

by Dr. Jules C. Stein and film director 

William Friedkin. 

As one who was in iminent danger of 

losing his sight until undertaking treatment 

by a graduate (now specialist) in diabetic 

eye problems, I can only say "thank you." 

After only two laser operations, the hope of 

permanent recovery now is held out; treatments 

should take only another six weeks 

or so, after which there will be no further 

excuse for "pied" copy as your reporter 

covers this "outpost of the empiah" for a 

time longer, bringing to readers the further 

exploits of our boondock Barnums such as 

friend Bill Young of Terrace. 

TORONTO 

gii.siness at theatres in this city almost came 

came to a complete halt January in the 

face of blizzard conditions that struck the 

area and a wide section of the continent. 

Receipts at the 3,000-seat imperial six for 

the evening were estimated at "about $100" 

and at the five-cinema uptown operating 

expenses hardly were met. Likewise, at the 

University, not many were "Looking for 

Mr. Goodbar." 

"Harlan County, U.S.A." finally has 

opened at the Fine Arts Cinema here and 

it will be remembered that this film won 

an Academy Award last spring for being 

the year's best documentary. In an interview 

with critic Clyde Gilmour of the Star, director 

Barbara Kopple claimed that she didn't 

consciously use her femininity as a weapon 

in making a film about a coal strike in 

Kentucky but said she was "quite sure" it 

served as a shield. 

Star staff writer Frank Rasky contributed 

a feature item to that paper's financial pages 

concerning Michael Zahorchak, whose St. 

Catherines, Ont. -based Canadian Theatres 

Group recently acquired the 170-screen 

Odeon Theatres (Canada) Limited, formerly 

controlled by England's Rank Organization. 

This Odeon circuit thus has become the largest 

wholly Canadian-owned theatre circuit 

in the country, second only to Famous 

Players, whose 350 Canadian theatres are 

controlled by the Gulf & Western U.S. conglomerate. 

Zahorchak has been thus hailed by the 

tradepress as "the emerging czar of Canadian 

film exhibitors" but this does not necessarily 

mean that he intends to cater particularly 

to Canadian film producers. As 

Rasky's article pointed out, Zahorchak opposes 

a 5 per cent boxoffice levy proposed 

by the 8,000 -member Council of Canadian 

Filmmakers. He likewise opposes a proposed 

government quota of Canadian-con- 4 

tent films. "Unrealistic and unreasonable," 1 

Zahorchak said. "We're already over-taxed. 

The house expenses of operating a theatre 

ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 a week. If 

we were forced to play a Canadian movie 

that grossed only $1,000 a week, we'd have 

to close. What we need is a commercial Canadian 

product that will sell. I'm strongly 

Canadian. 1 like to think of myself as a 

showman. If I were offered the right script, 

with the right potential for the world 

market, I'd be ready to get involved in it." 

Zahorchak was bom in eastern Czechoslovakia 

and at the age of 18 emigrated to 

Montreal. After working in a brass factory, 

he enlisted in the Army. His ambition, after 

his discharge, was to own a drive-in like the 

ones he had seen in the U.S. He saved the 

necessary capital, first by selling hot dogs 

on street corners from the back of a truck, 

then by buying and selling real estate in the 

Niagara Peninsula. The $185,000 Canadian 

Drive-In, built in St. Catherines in 1946, 

continues to be the flagship of his familyrun 

enterprise. His wife and three of his 

four children all learned the business by 

working there weekends. His oldest son 

Bob, 33, is moving to our town to take over 

as vice-president of the renamed Canadian 

Odeon headquarters in Willowdale. Zahorchak 

will commute here regularly but for 

the time being intends to make St. Catherines 

his home base. 

Four Countries Capture 

Hemisfilm 78 Trophies 

SAN ANTONIO—Four countries won 

the eight awards given by the judges to 

films submitted for Hemisfilm '78 International 

Film Festival held in San Antonio, 

Monday-Wednesday (6-8). 

The four countries are Canada, France, 

West Germany and the USA. 

Only four awards were given in the "best" 

categories, according to Louis Reile, executive-director 

of the twelve-year-old festival. 

Best animation was given to France's 

seven-minute film "Imprint." Both the long 

and short documentary prize went to USA 

makers for "My Hands Are the Tools of 

My Soul" and "Angela's Island," respectively. 

Werner Herzog of West Germany 

won the best short film nod with his spectacular 

45-minute film "The Great Ecstasy 

of the Sculptor Steiner." 

Three prizes were presented for best film 

in defined time categories. Among the winners 

was France's "Viva Le Tour," by Louis 

Malle. "The Armenian Case" by Michael 

Hapoginian scored. He is an American. 

National Film Board of Canada hit pay dirt 

with a 57-minute film on "Henry Ford's 

America." a film by Donald Brittain. 

A special jury returned a verdict in favor 

of "Spaceborne." a unique editing of footage 

taken in America's space exploration. 

The film is from Pyramid Films, a USA 

maker. 

Three nights of screening for prizewinners 

and other entries were held in the 

C.E.C. Auditorium of St, Mary's University. 

K-2 BOXOFFICE :: February 20. 1978


01 Its kind with the 

underwriters' Laboratoriesjnc. 

listing el its compioto 

proiecnon and sound systems. 
























never repay. 

s 







magazines, pedestals, sound reproducers, ampliliers, 





See your Century Deafer — or write: 



General Sound and Theatre Equipment, Ltd. 

7 Bonigan Drive 

Toronto M4H 1G4, Ontario 

Phone (416) 425-1026 

Branches througtiout Canada 

Best Theatre Supply 

1590 Est Avenue 

Mont Royal 

Montreal, P.Q. H2J 1Z2 

Phone (514) 526-7719 

BOXOFHCE :: February 20, 1978 K-3

L 

G A R y 

pick Garbutt, well known in local industry 

circles, has announced the formation 

of Cine-Chem, a company catering to the 

needs of motion picture film handlers in our 

territory. The company is handling a special 

cleaner, produced in England by Kanus 

Chemicals, on an exclusive basis for North 

America. Cine-Chem says il should prove 

a boon for renovating scratched and dirty 

film. If a film has been improperly oiled at 

the lab, this cleaner will act as a solvent, 

stripping off excess grease and, since it has 

the same optical qualities as film, it will 

lubricate with no optical distortion. At the 

same time, it will impart an antistatic quality 

to the film that reduces the amount of 

dirt that will cling to the surface. The company 

also is handling high-quality cleaners 

for records and expect to have an exceptional 

quality cleaner for guillotine splicers 

soon. Rick also can supply a restoration service 

for motion picture films for anyone 

needing this service. The new cleaner will 

almost completely return any film to its 

original quality except, of course, where 

emulsion has been damaged or the base of 

the film is damaged. 

Through the University of Calgary Theatre 

Services, silent films, in all of their 

glory (and with some added color), are returning 

to the silver screen in this city. Four 

outstanding films have been obtained from 

the Killiam's Collection of Silent Films 

through special arrangements with the university. 

These features have been reproduced 

in color tints, many of them directly 

from original negatives or prints. Each film 

has a custom score composed and performed 

by leading silent film composers 

such as William Perry, music director of 

the Museum of Modern Art in New York. 

Playing in this series will be "Blood and 

Sand," starring Rudolph Valentino; "The 

Mark of Zorro," featuring Douglas Fairbanks, 

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame," 

with Lon Chaney, and "The General," starring 

Buster Keaton. 

K-4 

Veleran film star and comedian Bob 

-44 M 

aiisircfl]- 

IT 

L C T R O N I C S LTD. 

ANNOUNCES THE 

Hope certainly is one of this city's favorite 

performers and we must rate fairly with 

with Bob as well. He will be presenting a 

dinner show April 6 in the Convention 

Centre and. as of now, there are only about 

500 tickets left. Then, July 12, Bob will be 

holding forth again for the entertainment 

of local cowboys and cowgirls as well as 

tourists and stempede visitors. 

Edmontonians were in for a gala evening 

Friday (10) when one of the city's first and 

most elegant theatres was scheduled for 

reopening. The Princess Theatre, more recently 

known as the Klondike Cinema, was 

built in 1915 as the first theatre on Edmonton's 

south side. The Garneau was built 

in that area in 1939 and, due to business 

reverses, the Princess was forced to close 

in 1958. It was not used until 1971, when 

it reopened as the Klondike Cinema and 

operated until closing a few months ago for 

renovations. The recreation was carried out 

as the initial project of the Old Strathcona 

Fondation's restoration program and the 

house will now become a classic and repertoire 

movie theatre. All of the original elegance 

has been restored. A Marx brothers 

double bill was screened opening night, 

"Horse Feathers" and "Duck Soup." 

Simple Suggestion to Save 

Radio City Music Hall 

NEW YORK—A letter to the editor appearing 

in the New York Times made this 

suggestion for the financially floundering 

Radio City Music Hall: 

"What does a department store do when 

it finds itself overstocked? It holds a sale. 

Why doesn't Radio City Music Hall cut its 

admission prices to $2? It has an oversupply 

of empty seats. Make them available to a 

larger part of the population." 

Rita Karin and Martin Garner have been 

signed by producers Carl Borack and Richard 

Dreyfuss for "The Big Fix," now shooting 

in Los Angeles. 

INAUGURATION OF OUR 

THEATRE PRODUCTS DIVISION 

KEN McDonald, manager 

1760 SARGENT AVENUE 

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA 

R3H 0C7 

A Full Range of Theatre Equipment and Supplies 

• ORCON XENON LIGHTING SYSTEMS • HURLEY SCREENS 

• ORCON PROJECTORS & PLATTER SYSTEMS • EPRAD FILM TRANSPORTS 

• ORCON SOUND HEADS • EPRAD DRIVE-IN EQUIPMENT 

• RAULAND BORG PROFESSIONAL SOUND SYSTEMS 

HALLcraft skilled technical staff provides engineering, design, layout, installation, 

assembly and service. 

Reconditioned equipment available from stock. 

24 HOUR SERVICE - (204) 786-5846 

ALL OF THESE 

PRACTICAL 

SERVICE 

DEPARTMENTS 

APPEAR REGULARLY 

in 

ADLINES AND EXPLOITIPS 

BOXOFHCE BAROMETER 

(First Run Reports) 

FEATURE BOOKING CHART 

• 

FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

& ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

• 

REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

• 

SHORT SUBJECT CHART 

• 

SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

In 

All Ways the Best 

SERVICE THAT SERVES! 


£ 

Se 

m 

BOXOFFICC BOOKINCUMDE 

An interpr«tiTe analysis of lay and tradepress raviews. Running timo 1b in parentheses. The plus and 

minus signs indicate degree of merit. Listings cover current reviews regularly. Symbol 1,3 denotes 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. AH iilms are in color except those indicated by (b&w) lor black

REVIEW DIGEST . 

— 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX H Very Good; + Good; ^ Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. In the lummary H is rated 2 plusei, - as 2 minuses.

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APACHE PtLMS 

The Bett of Laurel & Hardy (90) 

Oite 

ATLAS 

The Confessional (95) ..Ho .July 77 

.\iiiiioiiy Sliarp. Susaii Penbaligon 

The Contest (83) D..Auo77 

Nancy Gordon. Santlra Potter 

Lovers Like lis (100) ..R-C..0ci77 

Catherine Den^'iive, Yves Myntand 

BEEHIVE PRODUCTiONS 

The Raw Rsj.^tt (70) Sex C. .Auo77 

Curves Ahead! (81) ..Sex C. Oct 77 

Coldie-Bear. W.F. Margold 

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

.Muffin Macintosh 

Rumps ... Is There One in 

Vour Past? Sex C. Feb 78 

CAMBIST FILMS 

Swedish Minx (99) C. June 77 

.Maria Lynn. Ble Warburg 

Girl on Her Knees D . . Aug 77 

fhrls rhittell. Jaciiuellne Laurent 

Easy Come. Easy Go C. . Nov 77 

Itemns Peets. Heidi Kappler 

CANNON GROUP 

The Happy Hooker Goes 

to Washington June 77 

CENTRAL PARK FILM 

Superbug, Super Agent ..C Sept 76 

Andy Warhol's Young Dracula 

(105) C-O..Nov76 

Superbug. the Wild 

New House on the 

One ..C. Mar 77 

Left 

Ho-Sus..Nov77 

Charge of the Model T's . .C. .Nov 77 

People Who Own the 

Bank Ho-Sus. Nov 77 

Super Wheels C. .Dec 77 

CINEMA 5 

We All Loved Each Other So 

Much (124) Q and 

.i*" 

C-D..June77 

vlttorlo Oas.sman, Nlnn Manfredl 

Outrageous! (100) . . . C-D . . Aug 77 

rralg Russell. Hollls McLaren 

Volcano (100) © and b&w . . Doc 

COUGAR RELEASING 

Legend of Sea Wolf Ad.. Nov 77 

I'hiirk ri>nnors, Rarbara Bach 

Loralie Legend 

Tony Kendall 

Ho. Jan 78 

Starbird and Sweet 

Wi'lism Ad.. Jan 78 

A. Martinez. Dan Haggerty 

Saaa of Dracula/Vengeance of the 

^.Zombies Ho.. Jan 78 

Sisters of Satan/Dr. Jekyll and 

the Werewolf Ho Jan 78 

Bakers Hawk Ad. Feb78 

riint Walker. Riirl Ives 

Till Death Ho.. Feb 78 

Keith Atkinson. Belinda BalasH 

Dirty Pictures/Hassled 

Nooker 

C..Feb78 

Irene Papas/Terence Hill 

Escape From Angola ..Ad.. Mar 78 

Stan Brook, Anne Collins 

, C. Mar 78 

'''"l'.' 

Sophia Lnren, Marecllo Mastrol,innl 

Caesar's Code Sus..Apr78 

Alain Nniiry, Ruth Leiiwerlk 

Right to Love D.. May 78 

Omar Sharif. Florlnda Bnlkan 

Love Comes Quietly ..Sus..May78 

R.alnh Meeker. Barbara Hersbey 

Astral Factor Sus..June78 

Mkc .Sommer, Stephanie Powers 

^5' f,°i^ D,.June78 

Zeiidl Araya, Carol Baker 

FIRST ARTISTS RELEASING 

Pardon Mon Affaire 

. . . Tough! 

. . 'Semi-Tough.' 

tuniti 

3tre- 

ADUNES * EXPLOITIPS 

ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

FEATURE RELEASE CHART 

FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

SHORTS RELEASE CHART 

SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS 

REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

THE GUIDE TOMBETTER BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S - B U I L D I N G 

MULTI-PROMOTION BALLYS LINCOLN CONSPIRACY 

The engagement of "The Lincoln Conspiracy" 

al Commonwealth Theatres' M 

Plaza Theatre in Albuquerque received several 

varieties of promotion through the ingenuity 

of Mark Avolio. all of which resulted 

in widespread publicity which hypoed 

the playdate at the boxoffice. 

Four weeks in advance of the film's opening, 

a book display was placed in the lobby 

of the theatre and copies of "The Lincoln 

Conspiracy" were sold by a staffer. Also, 

through the cooperation of Beck News 

Agency, which has many delivery trucks 

running throughout the city. Avolio arranged 

for ten of the vehicles to display banners 

with the screamer line: "Read the Book 

. . . See the Movie! . . . 'The Lincoln Conspiracy' 

. . . M Plaza Theatre." The opening 

date of the film completed the eye- 

catching message. Three specially designed 

display cards were placed in the city's 

three major bookstores to publicize the book 

and to announce the opening of the film. 

Avolio also sent a letter to every junior 

and senior high school principal and history 

teacher in Albuquerque to inform them of 

the playdate. as well as to advise that special 

screenings were available. This gimmick 

resulted in screenings for a total of 

250 high school students. 

To heighten interest in the picture, four 

weeks prior to its opening, a statue of Abraham 

Lincoln was displayed in the lobby of 

the M Plaza Theatre (it was an original entry 

for the construction of the Lincoln Memorial). 

Promotional signs were arranged 

nearby to explain the history of the statue 

and to ballyhoo the film's bow. Then, to 

create more patron awareness, a concession 

stand campaign was inaugurated two weeks 

before the opening of "The Lincoln Conspiracy." 

With the purchase of a large tub 

of popcorn, two free tickets were awarded 

when a Lincoln penny was found taped to 

the bottom of the tub. 

The three area newspapers were sent news 

releases with photos, concerning the opening 

of the historically oriented film. One 

week before the picture's premiere in Albuquerque. 

Avolio dressed the M Plaza 

Theatre doorman to resemble Abraham Lincoln 

and sent him throughout the city to 

walk through shopping centers distributing 

handbills which carried information about 

the significance of the feature. The film's 

run at the theatre benefited greatly from the 

ballyhoo barrage, according to Avolio. 

Semi-Tough' 

Look-Alikes 

'REM 

Capitalize on Hula Bowl 

Burt Reynolds. Kris Kristofferson and 

Jill Clayburgh weren't in town but fans at 

the 32nd annual Hula Bowl in Honolulu 

January 7 thought the stars were in the 

stands. Three island professional models 

impersonated the trio in a promotional 

stunt publicizing "Semi-Tough." the United 

Artists comedy, which was showcasing at 

the Royal Theatre in Waikiki. flagship of 

the Royal circuit. 

Copying the key art from the film's posters 

and ads. the Jill look-alike wore a wedding 

gown and carried a football. 

Earl Campbell, the Heisman Trophy 

winner, didn't show for the game, so the 

models hoisted a sign during the match 

whenever the TV cameras were close 

which stated: "Earl Campbell Ain't Here 

But We Are " 

. 

The game was televised via satellite on 

ABC's "Wide World of Sports." The annual 

contest featuring All-American stars 

representing the East and the West, attracted 

48.197 fans, the largest crowd ever 

to witness an athletic event in Hawaii. 

The "Semi-Tough" trio gleaned much attention 

and mentions in the local press and 

on radio. The stunt was coordinated by 

Royal's publicity department and KCCN 

Radio, the islands' all-Hawaiian music station, 

which prominently covered the event. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 20. 1978 5 — 

Doorman of Commonwealth's M Plaza 

Theatre, Albuquerque, upper left, 

dressed to 

resemble Abraham Lincoln, 

strolled through the city's principal 

shopping centers distributing handbills 

to promote the showhouse's engagement 

of "The Lincoln Conspiracy." Upper 

right, patrons at the M Plaza Theatre 

admire the "Lincoln Memorial" 

statue which was displayed in the lobby 

prior to the opening of "The Lincoln 

Conspiracy." The sign explains the history 

of the statue which was created as 

a memorial to the 1 6th President. At 

left is the book display in the lobby of 

the M Plaza Theatre which, four weeks 

prior to the debut of the film, promoted 

Schick Sunn Classic Books' "The Lincoln 

Conspiracy." Copies of the book 

were sold at the theatre.

Festive 

Shipboard 

Plugs Openings of 

Wak \on Hauffe, United Artists publicist, 

and his assistant Ken Peregrina, capitalizing 

on nautical sequences in the film 

"The Spy Who Loved Me," tied-in with 

Prudential Lines in San Francisco (operator 

of passenger/cargo ships) for a promotional 

screening of the film that garnered wide 

TV. radio and print media coverage throughout 

the Bay area the following day. 

Media Members Invited 

KFRC Radio did a blitz weekend promotion 

on the unspooling before the showing 

aboard Prudential's Santa Maria, docked 

in San Francisco Bay. Fifty pairs of 

tickets were given away in an over-theair 

promotion and invitations to the affair 

were sent to various members of the print 

and electronic media, as well as to the John 

Chases and Jim Harveys, executives with 

Transamerica Corp.. parent company of 

UA. 

Auto Is Displayed 

Van Ness Imports of San Francisco displayed 

a new Lotus Esprit, closely resembling 

the one used in the film, for the 

invited guests to view at the dock. Among 

special guests for the evening were Richard 

Richard Kiel, 

Screening in 

SF 

James Bond Film 

Kiel, the seven-foot, two-inch, likable villain 

who plays Jaws in the picture, and 

Alan Maiey, one of the three principals 

responsible for the film's special effects. 

Overniglit Cruise Donated 

Preceding the showing. Prudential's 

public relations representative Roger Murray 

arranged a cocktail party, as well as a 

group that played South American-type 

music for dancing. The steamship line also 

donated an overnight cruise for two from 

San Francisco to Los Angeles as a grand 

prize, to be awarded one of the lucky listeners 

who also won tickets from KFRC to 

the screening. KFRC deejays Big Tom Parker 

and John Mack Flanigan greeted 

some 

of the contest winners, adding a personal 

touch to the festive occasion. 

Gate-Crashers Show Up 

Admittance of guests to the ship was controlled 

by a master list left at the entrance 

to the dock and. strange as it may sound, 

the uniqueness of the event even drew a 

couple of dozen potential gate-crashers who 

wanted to participate in the evening's gala 

activities. 

who plays Jaws in "The Spy Who Loved Me." is introduced to guests 

at the invitational screening of the James Bond film onboard Prudential Lines' 

Santa Maria, docked in San Francisco Bay. 

Against tlie illuminated skyline of San Francisco, one of the scenes from "The Spy 

Who Loved Mc" can be seen in the foreground. The film was unspooled at an 

inviiational showing aboard a Prudential Lines ship. 

Sheik, Walerbed Bally 

'Greatest Lover' Date 

With Cine El Dorado doorman John Bell 

dressed as a sheik, courtesy of Lownds 

Costumes, Richard Ravicchio, city manager 

Touting "The World's Greatest Lover" 

are, left to right, doorman Jay Krauser; 

Sam Plitt, Plitt Intermountain Theatres 

Arizona district manager; Cathy Lugo, 

Cine El Dorado assistant manager; 

Richard Ravicchio, Plitt Tucson city 

manager/Cine El Dorado manager, and 

John "Sheik" Bell, doorman. 

for Plitt Intermountain Theatres in Tucson 

and acting manager of the Cine El Dorado 

hardtop, scored with an effective promotion 

hypoing "The World's Greatest Lover" at 

a premiere unreeling held at the Cine El 

Dorado. The showing was attended by 400 

guests. 

A three-way reciprocal ballyhoo campaign 

involving the Cine El Dorado, KTKT 

Radio and Waterbed Showroom, the event 

featured a lobby display of a four-poster 

waterbed valued at $800. The much-wanted 

piece of furniture was given away to a 

lucky ticket-holder via drawing. Tickets for 

drawing participants were presented free of 

charge at all four Plitt situations in Tucson, 

as well as at the studios of KTKT and at 

Waterbed Showroom. 

KTKT took over the smaller Cine El 

Dorado auditorium for the premiere and 

in return gave the theatre free radio plugs 

for the motion picture's engagement. The 

same procedure was in effect at Waterbed 

Showroom, with in-store publicity for the 

feature 

film. 

Freebie 

Hypes Goodwill 

Tony Bruguiere, manager of Ogden-Perry's 

Santa Rosa Cinema. Fort Walton Beach, 

Fla., teamed up with the Santa Rosa Mall 

on a free-of-charge Christmas movie for 

kiddies. The mall provided a three-column, 

six-inch ad; a three-column, four-inch ad. 

and a two-column news item about the 

showing. 

Price of admission was a can of food to 

be donated to the Salvation Army. The children 

loved "Bugsy Malone" and Parents 

said they were glad to have a place for the 

moppets to go while they shopped. The 

project gained much community goodwill 

for the Santa Rosa Cinema and concession 

sales were excellent. 

—6— BOXOFHCE Showmandiser :: Feb. 20. 1978

1 portunities 

I 

Theatres, 

I HATES: 

. ,^t 

50c per word, minimum S5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions tor price 

oi three. When using a Boxofiice No. figure 2 additional words and include SI.00 additional, to 

cover cost oi handlmg replies. Display Classified, $38.00 per Column Inch. No commission 

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

to Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124. 

CLEflfiinG HOUSf 

HELP WANTED 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

THEATRE SEATING 

MANAGERS needed in Georgia and 

Carolinas due to expansion. Excellent opand 

beneiits. General Cinema 

Division Oiiice. (404) 955-0151. 

All r eplies contidential. 

PROJECTIONIST, drive-in. Unusual opportunity. 

Prefer someone who can manage. 

Send resume to Box 7, Richfield, 

Ohio 44109. 

APPLICATIONS now beina t^ken for 

m.Tnagement openings. Should have ex- 

' -..rive booth experience. Top pay. hos- 

îization, and good future with Mid- 

circuit. Must have good references. 

o.-iid resume to Boxoffice 4051. 

MANAGER—Twin drive in theatre. Seasonal 

operation, seven months. Located 

a: N I Shore resort. Requires experienced 

combination Mgr/Projectionist. Highest salary 

and benefits. Boxoffice 4053. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES for experienced 

managers in Southern California. All 

":r:loyee benefits. Contact: Larry Market, 

r.eral Cinema Theatres. 10840 Wilshire 

.3., Los Angeles, Ca. 90024. (213) 475- 

POSITIGNS WANTED 

WORKING General Mono-ger, drive-ins 

and conventional- Twenty-live years expe 

rience. Boxoffice, 4046. 

EMPLOYMENT with Theatre Circuit or 

-ributor as an auditor, blind theatre 

rker, 4 wall film deals, or supervisor 

lor group of thecrtres. Well experienced 

in all phases of theatre exhibition. Age 

35, excellent references. Boxofiice 4050 

BOOKER—willing to learn your way. 

In the business 30 years as projectionist, 

Booker, Manager and Booking Consultant 

NBC TV affiliate station. Prefer Hollywood 

Calif, San Diego. Hawaii. Boxoffice 4052. 

MANAGEMENT POSITION— 10 

years theatre 

experience, including bookings and 

advertising. Reliable, prefer Mid-east. Boxoffice 

4048, 

FILMS 

FOR RENT 

MOVIES FOR RENT, 15mm, $10.00. 35c 

for list. Movietown, 6520 Selma, Hollywood, 

Calif. 90028. 

FILMS FOR SALE 

16znm FILMS. Postcard brings bargain 

list- Ingo Films, P O. Box 143, Scranton 

Pa- 18504 

16mm CLASSICS. Catalog 25c. Mcnbeck, 

3621-B Wakonda Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 

50321- 

16mm USED ADULT hardcore XXX lilms, 

$100 00 each. (505) 265-8963 

FILMS 

WANTED 

WANTED: 35mm trailers- 1930-1977, cmy 

quantity. L Brown, 6763 Hollywood Blvd., 

Hollywood, Calif- 90028- 

BUSINESS 

STIMULATORS 

THEATRE GAMES. Bingo Banko $6-75 

weekly- Novelty Games, R D- 2, Port Jervis, 

NY 12771 

BUILD ATTENDANCE with real Hawaiian 

orchids- Few cents each- Write Flowers 

of Hawaii, 670 S- Lafayette Place, Los 

Angeles, Calif- 90005 

THEATRE MONTHLY CALENDARS, week 

ly programs, heralds, bumper strips, daily 

boxoffice reports, time schedules, passes, 

labels, etc- Write for samples, prices. Dixie 

Litho, Box 882, Atlanta, Go. 30301- 

BINGO CARDS DIE CUT: 1-75, 1500 combination 

$6-00 per thousand and in color 

PREMIUM PRODUCTS, 339 West 44th Si 

New York N Y 1003B (212) 246-4972 

DRIVE-IN MUSIC SERVICE increases 

concession sales- Free demo tape! (314) 

644-4136- 

MOVIE TRIVIA BOOKLETS, great give 

aways $15/1000, Send check: United Specialties 

PO Box 12189, Kansas City, Missouri 

64152. 

BOXOFnCE :: February 20. 1978 

1 PAIR NOHELCO 35-70mm's with spare 

intermittant. Strong Constellation lamps, 

reels, spare parts and clusters, $4,500-00. 

1 pair 1000 W- Xetron lamphouses and 

rectifiers- $2,50000- Contact Richard, 

Thalia Theatre, (212) 222-3370, 2:00 p-mthrough 

11:30 pm 

750 EACH, BROWN American Bodiform 

seat and back covers, new, $2-50 each- 

Century 35/70, completely rebuilt and refinished; 

also Norelco 35/70 Harry Melcher 

Enterprises, 3615 W- Fond du Lac Ave 

. 

P- O Box 16528, Milwaukee, WI 53216 

(414) 442-5020- 

LENSES, Kollmorgen 3" focal lenqth, 

gold cases- $150-00 pair. (816) 523-2699- 

Boxoffice 4039 

16mm PROJECTOR REPAIRS. All makes 

repaired same day as received, B&H and 

RCA specialists- (617) 839-4058- 

TAPE RECORDERS and tape decks repaired 

same day as received. Wholesale 

prices, (617) 839-4058- Panasonic special- 

IStS- 

TICKET MACHINE repair service- Fast 

repairs, lower than factory prices- I.E D 

Service, (617) 839-4058, 

ELECTRIC MOTORS repaired same day 

as received. Wholesale prices. All types 

(617) 839-4058. 

SIMPLEX 35 projectors, hommertone blue 

color. Simplex solid state soundheads, 

changeover, upper and lower magazines, 

Magnarc lamphouse, excellent condition, 

private party ordered sale ALSO Simplex 

XL 35 projectors, XL soundheads, upper 

and lower magazines, film storage racks, 

pedestals, Goldberg rewinds, 2 prime and 

anamorphic lens. Industrial Photo, 1032 

N. Orange Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90038, 

(213) 462-2378- 

MOTIOGRAPH M 75D5-A amplifier, exciter 

supply and pre-amp, $250 00- H- D- 

Tudor, 1019 Westbrook, Indianapolis, IN 

46241- 

HORTSON 16mm projector with 5,000' 

reel capacity and 1 ,000W Xenon lamp, 

bulb included- With one IREM 1,000W 

rectifier, complete with lense- Recently 

rebuilt with brand new intermittent. Only 

$2,500 cash- Contact Richard, Thalia Theatre, 

(212) 222-3370 2:30 p.m, through 

11:30 p-m- 

PAIR 16mm AMPRO-ARC PROJECTORS. 

Strong Jr- Lamphouses with separate power 

supplies- GOwatt amplifier with exciter 

supply- Projectors have solor cells- Complete 

with bases and lenses, ready to run- 

$895 (715) 453-8059- 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

WE PAY good money for used equipment- 

Texas Theatre Supply, 915 S- Alamo, 

San Antonio, Texas 78205 

WANTED: Century, Simplex, TECO, Box 

706, Matthews, NC 23105. 

LENSES. Will trade i" F-2 lens for 5-4" 

F2 4- (517) 739-9542- Family Theatre, P. O- 

Box 344, Oscoda, MI 48750- 

WANTED: Simplex AM- 1026 power amplifier 

and/or T-2 output transformer- Box 

882, Lake Placid, NY 12946. 

TOP CASH PAID for Xenon lamphouses, 

soundheads, projectors, lenses and portable 

projectors- What have you? STAR 

CINEMA SUPPLY, 217 West 21st Street, 

New York 10011. Phone (212) 675-3515. 

BOOKS 

THE MANUAL OF THEATRE MANAGE- 

MENT. We appreciate all the mail orders 

which continue to arrive from coast to 

coast. For your own copy of our professional 

hardcover edition, send $20 check 

or money order to Ralph J. Erwin, Publisher, 

Box 1982, Laredo, Texas 78040 

POPCORN MAOIINES 

BRAND NEW COUNTER MODEL all 

ELECTRIC Display Poppers from $426 50 

each. Krispy Korn, 120 S Halsled, Chicago 

60606. 

WORLD'S LARGEST THEATRE b.-oker, 

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

363-2724 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE OPERATIONS — 

Triple in Single in 

73 miles from Los 50% interest 

Lancaster, 

Angeles 

Palmdole, 

$300,000. Cash, terms, trade Real property 

also available in Lancaster. Audit on 

request. Call alter 4 p.m. (213) 996-2806 

OUTDOOR THEATRE, approximately 400 

spaces, family type operation. In beautiful 

northern Michigan- Fantastic income- 

Must sell to settle estate- For details phone 

or write Mrs- Judith Rankinen, Route 1, 

Republic, Mich- 49879 (906) 376-2350. 

COLLEGE TOWN—three screens, two indoor, 

one outdoor. West Texas. No competition. 

Hazel Smith, Box 128, Alpine, 

Texas 79830- (915) 837-3987- 

ATTRACTIVE first class theatre- Winter 

and summer resort area- Ludlow, Vermont 

(802) 885-3131- 

DRIVE-IN THEATRES in Lemmon, SD 

and Bowman, ND, Show good net. Box 

189, Spearfish, SD- (605) 642-4857. 

INDOOR THEATRE in operation, 6 stores, 

9 offices- Hyde Park, Mass- (617) 567- 

0340, 4933. 

ALBUQUERQUE, NM.— 16mm adult theatre. 

Opportunity of a lifetime (505) 265- 

8953- 

300 CAR DRIVE IN near Paola, Ks- Extra 

attractive- 2 yr, old 3 BR home Worm 

Form Business- Must see to appreciate 

(913) 755-2325- 

600 SEAT INDOOR THEATRE in rapidly 

growing northwestern Ohio community- 

Owned by Georgia resident- Contact 

Huner Really, 113 E, Clinton St-, Napoleon 

Ohio 43545 or call (419) 592-4931- 

THEATRE 300 seat, air conditioned 

90,000 population, 10 miles from county 

seat, any type product, Pittsburgh area, 

good grosser- Boxoffice 4053. 

AUTOMATED INDOOR AND DRIVE IN 

theatre in North Dakota. No Competition. 

Excellent condition. Office rental income. 

Excellent profit record (701) 776-5244- 

FOR SALE OR LEASE 

2 YEAR OLD drive-in theatre near Texarkona, 

250 cars. Excellent price, will deal 

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

THEATRES 

FOR LEASE 

3 THEATRES for lease in beautiful Northwest 

Owner retiring- Roxy Theatre- Box 

35, Ealonville, Wash. 93328. 

THEATRES WANTED 

SEEKING MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP. 

Southeast Florida preferred. Closed situation 

considered Boxoffice, 4038. 

HARDTOP, lease or purchase. Prefer 

West (except Texas). Reply all details 

Boxoffice, 4043- 

TO LEASE within 150 miles Cincinnati- 

Write full details: Cinema, 116 N State 

St-, Harrison, Ohio 45030. 

THEATRES, DRIVE-INS, buy or lease 

Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, 

Chicago- Replies confidential Box 288 

Olney, Maryland- 20832 

INDEPENDENT THEATRE ovmer wants 

indoor, drive-in theatres in Central or 

Western United States- H- Olds, 3905 

Hancock, Butte, Ml- 59701. 

INDEPENDENT EXHIBITOR seeks additional 

theatres in southern California or 

Nevada. Musi be in operation Boxoffice 

4049. 

DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE CONSTRUaiON 

SCREEN TOWERS INTERNATIONAL: Ten 

Day Screen Installation, (817) 642-3591 

Drawer P Rogers, Texas 76569. 

TOPS IN THEATRE SEATING upholstermg 

anywhere— seat covers made to order 

— finest materials—low prices—we buy and 

sell theatre chairs. Chicago Used Chair 

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

60612. (312) 235-1111. 

SPECIALISTS IN THEATRE SEATING. 

New and rebuilt theatre chairs lor sale 

We buy and sell old chairs. Travel from 

coast to coast. Sealing Corporation of 

New York, 247 Water Street, Brooklyn. 

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

charges) 

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSEl Used 

rebuilt, or new theatre chairs. Seat covers 

made to order, most fabrics. We buy used 

choirsl Call us—WESTERN SERVICE & 

SUPPLY, INC , P.O. Box 1259, Denver, 

Colorado 80201. (303) 534-7611. 

RECONDITIONED used chairs. On-location 

refurbishing, installation and staggering. 

Sewn seat covers, all makes. We buy 

used seating anywhere. Entire theatre 

equipment available. Frost Seating, 80 

Copeland St., Quincy, Mass. 02170. Tel. 

(617) 298-7070. Reverse charges. 

THEATRE SEATS, 800, excellent condition, 

fully padded backs and bottoms. 

$12.00 each. (816) 523-2699. Boxoffice, 4045. 

500 ALL-STEEL fully padded theatre 

seats. $3.00 each, off the floor. Bentonville, 

Ark Seats need cleaning and some upholstering. 

(816) 523-2699. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

CASH for one-sheels, posters, lobby card 

sets, pressbooks, stills, trade magazines, 

coming attraction slides, trailers, etc. (any 

quantity—older the better). Martinez, 7057 

Lexingon Ave., Los Angeles, Ca. 90038 

(213) 462-5790 

MOVIE MEMORABILIA wanted. Stale 

firm price. Boxoffice, 3910. 

WANTED: Cash for iull-lenglh feature 

audio tapes on cassette or reel R. Barnett, 

Box 18784, Lenox Station, Atlanta, Ga 

30325, 

SUBSCRIPTION 

BOXOFFICE: 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City. Mo. 64124 

ORDER FORM 

Please enter my subacription to 

BOXOFFICE. 

D 

1 

YEAR $15.00 

n 2 YEARS $28.00 

n Remittonce Enclosed 

n Send Inyoice 

Outside U.S., Canada and Pan 

American Union, $25.00 Per Year. 

THEATRE 

STREET 

TOWN 

NAME 

ZIP 

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POSITION 

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BOXOFFICE LEADS THE FIELD 

with more exhibitor subscribers 

because it publishes . . . 

MORE 

Local and Nafional News 

fvlORE Booking 

Information 

MORE Showmandising Ideas 

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Information 

MORE Equipment and Concession Tips 

MORE Convention Coverage 

MORE on all counts that count most 

—read and relied on by MORE Theatremen 

than any other film trade paper in the world 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY - WITH THE LOCAL TOUCH!

Boxoffice-February.20.1978

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