STICKS NIX HICK PIX: A Legendary Variety Headline

The article elaborated on the perspective of Joe Kinsky, a theater owner from the Midwest, who highlighted the preferences of his rural patrons. Contrary to Hollywood's assumptions, Kinsky revealed that the most successful movies in his region were not those depicting rustic life, but rather dramas and comedies centered around high society. Films like "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," and "Monte Cristo" were particularly popular, drawing significant audiences.

The headline "STICKS NIX HICK PIX" has since become a legendary example of the art of headline writing. Its brevity and cleverness encapsulate a complex sentiment in just a few words. However, the true authorship of this headline remains a topic of debate among experts. Some attribute it to Lyn Bonner, while others credit Abel Green, Variety's longtime editor, with crafting the memorable phrase.

Variety has a history of producing memorable headlines that encapsulate significant events with wit and brevity. For instance, the headline "WALL ST. LAYS AN EGG" succinctly described the catastrophic financial crash of Black Monday in 1929. Similarly, the New York Post captured public attention on April 15, 1983, with the sensational headline "Headless Body in Topless Bar," referring to a gruesome crime that occurred in New York City.