Looking through a closet, I find a box of old clippings and, among them, the June 1930 issue of Film and Radio Review. I’ve never seen this magazine before. M.A. is on the cover. In fact, the entire issue is devoted to M.A. Near the beginning is a dedication by the Motion Picture Theater Owners of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi: A TOAST TOM.A. Lightman May his substance never grow less; may he live long and continue to prosper; and may the lofty business principles which characterize all his dealings be recorded on the tablets of time. In a section titled “Leaders Pay Homage,” H. M. Warner, president of Warner Bros., writes: “Mr. Lightman has made his influence felt by encouraging good pictures and lending his valuable support to any project designed to benefit the exhibitor.… His reputation for integrity, fair-mindedness, and sincerity needs no further emphasis.” Adolph Zukor, president of Paramount Publix Corporation, writes: “In dedicating this issue to M.A. Lightman, the Film and Radio Review is to be congratulated for recognizing one of the leaders of our industry.”
