Clean Sheets

The Community Playhouse in remote Hobbs, N.M. (pop. 35,000), seems an unlikely setting for screenings of Disney’s current animated “Oliver & Company.” But that’s where the pic’s little critters have been romping--via a 16-mm print shown on a bed sheet doubling as a screen!

The reason: All four of the theaters in Hobbs are owned by United Artists Theaters (no longer associated with UA pics), which, along with several other chains, is refusing to book Disney/Touchstone titles, distributed by Buena Vista. The rift arose from Disney’s recent decision to put its movies up for bid by exhibitors, as opposed to its previous policy of negotiating with established customers.

“Oliver & Company” has done pretty well nationwide--grosses to date of nearly $28 million, on 1,165 regular screens--but Buena Vista isn’t content. In regions where the company is essentially blackballed, it’s booking the picture in makeshift venues--including high school auditoriums!

Said a studio source: “Is there something wrong with getting our movie out? Hey, where there’s a will. . . . “

In the case of Hobbs, in the southeast corner of New Mexico near the Texas border, reps for Buena Vista contacted the local Chamber of Commerce to see if a local civic/charitable group might like to sponsor the film. The Lea (County) Lions Club went for it--and the distributor had to provide a 16-mm print, since the Playhouse lacks 35-mm equipment. When problems cropped up with the screen, the playhouse hoisted a bed sheet.

The Lions Club’s weeklong sponsorship ends tomorrow. Of the monies made from ticket sales ($4.50 per adult, $2.50 per child, two screenings nightly, four on weekends), the club gets 40% (60% to Buena Vista).

Bucks go to Lions causes, including aid for the blind and sponsorship of the Hobbs High Marching Band.