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fare-release engagements in selected
•tres throughout the U. S. Gener-
al release will not take place until
after Jan. 1, 1948. Arrangements
nave been made with RKO Radio to
assist in the acquisition of such the-
atres and in the physical servicing
of the picture.
New Tests in Color
Television Battle
Columbia Broadcasting's fight to put
its color television system in operation
on a commercial basis, strongly op-
posed by RCA, Philco and Du Mont,
among others, was carried on in the
U. S. courthouse here yesterday when
a demonstration was given by CBS
before the Federal Comlmunications
Commission.
A half-hour "live" show originating
in the network's studios at 485 Madi-
son Avenue, was telecast to the court
room, where FCC chairman Charles
B. Denny and commissioners Ray
(Continued on page 10)
See Fall Hearing
For Decree Appeals
Washington, Jan. 27. — Indi-
cations are that the U. S. Su-
preme Court will be unable to
hear appeals from the New
York Federal Court decree in
the industry anti-trust suit
before the court term start-
ing next October.
"Judging from the large
record of the case and the
crowded docket of the Su-
preme Court this term, it
seem unlikely that appeals
would be heard before next
term," a Court clerk com-
mented.
Hope for Reversal
On Bidding Seen
Charlotte, Jan. 27. — Robert T.
Barton, Jr., attorney for the Confed-
eracy of Southern Associations, today
expressed the belief that the U, S.
Supmere Court may entirely eliminate
competitive bidding from the final de-
cree in the industry anti-trust suit.
Speaking at the annual convention
of the Theatre Owners of North and
South Carolina at Hotel Charlotte,
Barton said the present decree is an
improvement over the opinion of last
June, but added : "Perhaps if the court
had had the objections of the exhibi-
(Continued on page 7)
Kansas-Missouri
Sets 8 Regionals
Kansas City, Jan. 27. — Regional
meetings in the Kansas City exchange
area, projected by the Kansas-Mis-
souri Theatre Association, have been
set, to begin March 10. Hosts have
been designated for each meeting town,
they have accepted the appointments,
and have made preliminary arrange-
ments in conferences with directors of
the association. The schedule follows :
Monday, March 10, Abilene, Kans.,
host, Homer Strowig ; Tuesday,
March 11, Wakeeney, Kan., host, C.
B. Kelly; Wednesday, March 12,
(Continued on page 7)
Univ. Reports
Record Net of
$4,565,219
Income Also at High of
$53,934,865 for 1946
Universal Pictures Co., Inc., re-
porting a net profit of $4,565,219
for the year ended Nov. 2, 1946,
broke all records — in net profits,
working capital and income from op-
erations— in the company's history, J.
Cheever Cowdin, board chairman, and
Nate J. Blumberg, president, said in
their annual report made public here
yesterday.
Net profit for the previous year was
$3,910,928. Income from operations
last year amounted to $53,934,865,
compared with $51,049,428 in the pre-
ceding year. Of this amount, domes-
(Continued on page 10)
Roadshow for
'Duel' Is Out
"Duel in the Sun,'' David O. Selz-
nick production, becomes the first
roadshow fatality in the light of the
prohibition against fixing minimum
admission prices under the New York
Federal Court decree and will open
initial Texas and California dates on
a grind policy at advanced prices of
$1.50 top, including Federal tax. The
decision to charge advanced admis-
sions in both areas was reached by
Robert J. O'Donnell for Interstate
and Charles P. Skouras for Fox
(Continued on page 10)
Asks Film Aid Vs.
Anti-Americanism
Washington, Jan. 27. — It is the
duty of the motion picture industry
to disprove falsehoods and distortions
about Americans circulated by our
"would-be" enemies, Sen. Brien Mc-
(Continued on page 7)
In This Issue
"The Macomber Affair" is
reviewed on page 7. On page
10 appear estimates of key
city grosses.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, January 28, 1947
Coming
Events
Today — Mid-winter meeting of the
IATSE executive board in Se-
attle.
Today — Meeting of Theatre Own-
ers of North and South Carolina,
Charlotte.
Today — Statewide New Jersey Al-
lied legislative meeting, Stacy-
Trent Hotel, Trenton.
Today through Jan. 30— March of
Dimes drive with theatre collec-
tions generally in the week of
Jan. 24.
Jan. 31 — National Allied board meet-
ing, Statler Hotel, Washington.
Feb. 2-3 — Convention of Virginia
Motion Picture Theatres Asso-
ciation, Shoreham Hotel, Wash-
ington.
Feb. 7 — Press Photographers an-
nual dance, Hotel Waldorf-As-
toria, New York.
Feb. 11 — Edison Centennial dinner.
Hotel Waldorf-Astoria, New
York.
Feb. 15-Mar. 15— Greek War Or-
phan appeal.
Feb. 16 — "American Brotherhood
drive begins.
Selznick Loses in
Arbitration Move
Samuel Goldwyn need not submit
to arbitration in his dispute with
David O. Selznick over occupancy of
the Astor Theatre here, Judge Den-
nis O'Leary Cohalon ruled in New
York Supreme Court yesterday.
The two producers, who are joint
lessees of the house, have an agree-
ment to take turns using it as a show-
case for their product. The agree-
ment contains a clause, calling for ar-
bitration of any misunderstandings.
Several months ago, when Selznick
could not take his turn because a
print of "Duel in the Sun" was un-
available, he sought through United
Artists to send in Hunt Stromberg's
"Strange Woman" to fill the gap un-
til "Duel" would be ready but Gold-
wyn, after a number of legal maneu-
vers, got the Astor for "The Best
Years of Our Lives."
Subsequently, Selznick made a claim
for damages allegedly suffered through
being denied the showcase and sought
to invoke the arbitration clause to
settle the issue. Goldwyn moved that
arbitration be stayed. In granting
his motion, Judge Cohalon now holds
that Selznick did not have a certifi-
cate to do business in New York at
the time the agreement was written
and that "unlicensed foreign contracts
may not be sustained in an action of
this sort."
Quigley to Coast
Martin Quigley, publisher of Motion
Picture Daily and Motion Picture
Herald, and related publications, left
New York yesterday for a stay of
several weeks in Hollywood.
Personal Mention
GEORGE BAGNALL, United
Artists vice-president, has left
New York for Hollywood.
•
Carl Leserman will leave Holly-
wood by train for New York on Fri-
day, en route to Europe where he will
set up London and Paris offices for
Bogeaus Productions.
•
James Stewart and Frank Capra
will be guests of Stanley- Warner
Theatres at a reception in the War-
wick Hotel, Philadelphia, today.
•
Bob Kaufman, 20th Century-Fox
exploiteer, will leave New York today
for Albany and Chicago.
•
Sam Wheeler, Film Classics' sales
manager, has left New York on a
Midwestern trip.
HUGH OWEN, Paramount East-
ern and Southern division sales
manager, has left New York on a
Southern tour.
•
Louis B. Ross, Confidential Reports
executive, and Mrs. Ross, are parents
of a baby girl, born last Thursday at
Rockaway Beach Hospital, N. Y.
•
Jack Ellis, United Artists district
manager, and Abe Dickstein, of home
office sales, will return to New York
tomorrow from Albany.
•
Ike and Harry Katz of Kay Film
Exchanges, Washington and points
South, are visiting in New York.
•
Ed Hinchy, head of Warners' play-
date department, will leave New York
today for Chicago.
Expect Portuguese
Tax Decree Action
Washington, Jan. 27. — Ratifica-
tion by Portugal of the new tax de-
cree which will impose high import
rates on American films distributed
there is expected within a few days,
despite a protest from the U. S. State
Department, George Canty, Depart-
ment film consultant, said today.
The Government protest was not
heeded by Portugal because the
United States has no commercial trade
treaty with that country. The tax
will be $400 for each first feature,
$200 for each second feature and rates
ranging from $8.00 to $20,000 on each
American newsreel and short subject
distributed in Portugal.
Purpose of the new tax rate, ac-
cording to the State Department, is
to provide funds for a national mo-
tion picture institute in Portugal
which would stimulate domestic pro-
duction of pictures. The decree was
passed by Government officials in Por-
tugal on Jan. 1, but is not official
til the congress ratifies it.
Canty expressed the belief that
there is only a "slim chance" that
e decree will be amended.
/. Hodes To Assist
Weisfeldt of E-L
Jerome Hodes, for many years with
RKO-Radio sales, has joined Eagle-
Lion Films as assistant to M. J. Weis-
feldt, E-L special sales representative,
A. W. Schwalberg, vice-prcsidf -~\
and general sales manager announces.
Hodes will make his headquarters in
New York.
Griffiths in UK to
Represent Lesser
Hollywood, Jan. 27. — David E.
Griffiths, veteran distribution execu-
tive in England, has been appointed
British representative for Sol Lesser
Productions. Griffiths represented In-
ternational Pictures prior to its mer-
ger with Universal.
2nd Phase of RKO
Sales Meet Today
Current - RKO-Radio releases, in-
cluding "Notorious," "Nocturne,"
"Sister Kenny" and "San Quentin"
were discussed here yesterday at a
Mid-Winter meeting of the company's
district managers in the Waldorf-As-
toria, New York, with Robert Moch-
rie, RKO-Radio vice-president and
general sales manager, presiding.
"Sinbad the Sailor," going into gen-
eral release in early February, was
also discussed, and so was "The
Locket," which goes into national re-
lease in late February.
Home office executives attending
the three-day conclave include Harry
Michalson, Walter E. Branson, Nat
Levy, M. G. Poller, Harry Gittleson,
Frank Drumm, A. A. Schubart, Leon
[. Bamberger, Sid Kramer and Wil-
liam J. McShea. Today's discussions
will concern Liberty Films' "It's a
Wonderful Life," Walt Disney's
"Song of the South" and the forth-
coming "The Farmer's Daughter."
'IA' Midwinter Meet
Opens in Seattle
Seattle, Jan. 27. — Executive board
of the IATSE opened its midwinter
meeting here today, with Richard F.
Walsh, president, presiding. Also in
attendance are: William P. Raoul,
secretary-treasurer, and vice-presidents
Harland Holmden, William P. Covert.
Floyd M. Billingsley, James J. Bren-
nan, Roger M. Kennedy, Felix D.
Snow, Carl G. Cooper, W. C. Barrett
and Louise Wright.
New York Bookers
Hold Annual Dinner
The Motion Picture Bookers Club
of New York held its eighth annual
dinner and dance at the Tavern-on-
the-Green here last night. Oscar Lager
of the Moses Circuit, president of the
club, and other newly-elected officers
were installed.
NEW YORK THEATRES
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
THE YEARLING" j
GREGORY PECK ■ JANE WYMAN \
CLAUDE JARMAN, JR.
In Technicolor ■ An M-G-M Picture ;
SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATI
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
HARA • WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbad the Sailor
m gorgeous T£c//#/coiOR
ON SCREEN
HELD OVER!
'TheJOLSON
STORY'
In TECHNICOLOR
Larry PARKS
Evelyn KEYES
youncj -JJiven-
-flALU/ALLlSP.^'
*&em$>er$ecfc
saga
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
"The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Continuous
Performances
ASTOR *
'WAY and
45th ST.
CALIFORNIA"
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starring
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MILLAND STANWYCK FITZGERALD
Doors Open
9:30 A. M.
RIVOLI THEATER
B'way & 50th St.
400 Boycott Films
For Moral Reasons
Hollywood, Jan. 27. — Following
an address by the Rev. Thomas Mc-
Carthy, editor of The Tidings, 400
members of the Sodalists, Catholic
high school youth organization, have
adopted the following resolution :
"We, representative of the Catholic
youth in Los Angeles, resolve never
to attend 'Duel in the Sun,' and not
to attend any other picture, good or
bad, for one month as a protest against
immoral pictures filmed or being
filmed."
In his address, Father McCarthy
said in part : "Let us protest in the
strongest terms in the area where
men who live by money will feel it
most."
MOTION
Sundays and
New York." . .. . .... .. .
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington. Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
forgot
trust
ecia,'y H'oj
MORRIS CHARLES WILLIAM MARVIN WALLACE
CARNOVSKY - CANE • PRINCE • MILLER FORD
Screenplay by Oliver H. P. Garrett, Steve Fisher
Directed by JOHN CROMWELL • Produced by SIDNEY BIDDELL
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
Tuesday, January 28, 1947
Motion Picture daily
7
Review
"The Macomber Affair"
(Bogeaus-United Artists)
Hollywood, Jan. 27
WITH the names of Gregory Peck, Joan Bennett and Robert Preston
nicely clustered for purposes of marquee and advertising copy, this pro-
duction by Benedict Bogeaus and Casey Robinson, of a story by Ernest
Hemingway which got a lot of reading and generated plenty of comment,
comes to market as an item easy to sell at box-office profit. It is, additionally,
an adult picture, both in subject matter and in the manner of its execution,
which appears to suggest that the film, like the story, will be talked about
extensively enough to leave no doubt about its commercial career.
The subject matter, conveyed in a well wrought script by co-producer
Robinson and Seymour Bennett, differs in essence from most material utilized
for pictures. The story opens with .the Macombers, played by Preston and
Miss Bennett, employing a professional hunter, played by Peck, to take them
on a shooting expedition in Africa. There is manifest strain between the
Macombers, unexplained but clearly dating from back in the _past, and when
Preston displays cowardice in the face of a charging lion his wife exhibits
plainly her aversion for him and her affection for Peck. It is suggested that
she visits the latter in his quarters on the following night, after which she
and her husband have harsh words, but Peck dismisses the couple's marital
squabble as none of his business. Next day, however, Preston overcomes his
fear of animals, and tells his wife that she will have to regard him hence-
forward as a man rather than as the mouse she has believed him to be. In
the next dangerous shooting incident a bullet from the wife's gun kills the
husband, and although Peck reports it officially as an accident he believes
she killed him intentionally. After dialogue covering all facets of the situation,
the film ends with the wife going before the inquest, whether to testify that
the shooting was accidental or to confess to murder being left to the audience's
choice of endings. „ ,
Unique in many respects, the film deals conversationally at length with
the relationship between the. elation accruing from the slaughter of animals
and the emotions which, to quote the dialogue, "make a man a man, and a
woman a woman." This type of thing is not commonly dealt with for the
very young, and probably will come as news to a majority of grownups who
see the film. Direction by Zoltan Korda is steadily effective.
Running time, 90 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, not
t William R. Weaver
ATA Seeks to Save
US Film Channel
Washington, Jan. 27. — Executives
of the American Theatres Association
may testify before the House Appro-
priations Committee to urge continua-
tion of the film division of the Office
of Government Reports, sources within
the Government disclose. It is said
thaf~ATA desires to see a general
cle \ house for all Government
filnr Matters.
It was ATA which recommended
that President Truman designate the
Office of Reconversion as the single
Federal agency liaison between the
Government and the film industry.
When this agency was dissolved, the
President re-created OGR, to where
the film section was transferred.
President Truman has requested
that Congress appropriate funds to
continue the film unit. Congressman
John Taber, chairman of the Appro-
priations Committee, said that his
group will not approve the expendi-
ture unless it is displayed that the
section is necessary "without a ques-
tion of doubt."
A spokesman for the American
Theatres Association here yesterday
confirmed that the ATA is interested
in the continuance of a clearing house
for all Government film matters and
will take steps to encourage Congress
to make this possible.
Funeral Services for
Grace Moore in N, Y.
Funeral services for Grace Moore,
opera and film star, who was killed
in an airplane crash in Copenhagen,
over the weekend, are tentatively
scheduled to be held in New York,
according to press dispatches reach-
ing here last night. Interment will
probably be in her native Tennessee.
Miss Moore, 43, had been on a
European concert tour at the time of
her death. She had risen to fame in
the international concert and opera
fields from an insconspicuous start in a
small-town church choir. She made
her debut at the Metropolitan Opera,
here, in 1928, and in 1930 made her
first motion picture. Among her films
were "One Night of Love," "Love Me
Forever," "When You're in Love"
and "I'll Take Romance."
Isador Perse, Retired
Supply Dealer, Dies
Services will be held at Riverside
Memorial Chapel here tomorow for
Isador I. Perse, 62, founder of the
Capital Motion Picture Supply Co.,
who died Sunday in Miami.
Surviving, in addition to his widow,
are two sons, Benjamin, now presi-
dent of the business in New York,
and Harry, the treasurer, who have
carried on since their father's retire-
ment a few years ago. Also surviving
are two daughters, Mrs. Alice Gold
and Mrs. Jean Lipman ; two sisters,
Mrs. Tillie Rattinger and Mrs. Mary
Mintz, and three brothers, Sidney,
Jack and Harry, all of New York.
The latter is a projectionist at the
Hollywood Theatre here.
Quarberg to California
Hollywood, Jan. 27. — Lincoln
Quarberg has joined California Pic-
tures Corp. as director of advertising-
publicity.
Hope for Reversal
(Continued from page 1)
tors before it when it was writing the
June opinion, it would not have de-
creed competitive bidding."
Barton said : "There are many trade
practices of a controversial character
which I believe can be settled by con-
ferences between producers, distribu-
tors and exhibitors."
Carl Hoblitzelle, president of Inter-
state Theatres, Inc., Dallas, urged the
theatre owners to be good citizens and
be wary of the "Communistic element
which is creeping into government and
industry."
E. V. Richards, Jr., of New Or-
leans, temporary chairman of the Mo-
ion Picture Foundation, spoke of the
work the Foundation intends to do.
"The industry has been noted for its
charity work for others but not for its
own people," he said, adding that the
Foundation also would act as a protec-
tive agent against general criticism
and censorship of the industry.
Wives of the exhibitors were given
a luncheon at the Sharon Hills Club.
Paramount sponsored a social hour
for the exhibitors.
President Ben L. Strozier of Rock
Hill, S. C, presided.
'Valor* Plans Dropped
Hollywood, Jan. 27. — Warners has
abandoned plans to make a screen ver-
sion of Charles Jackson's novel, "The
Fall of Valor," the studio announced
at the weekend. Rights to the novel
had been only tentatively acquired,
subject to the company's ability to
work out a screen play suitable to the
Production Code Administration. It is
understood that such efforts were not
successful.
Asks Film Aid
(Continued from page 1)
Mahon (Conn.) told the Senate today.
Speaking on atomic energy control,
the Senator pointed out the import-
ance of using every available medium
of information to distribute the truth.
"By means of the motion picture, by
very cultural art and by every media
of information, we must tell the good,
plain people of the earth the inspiring
and fascinating story of Democracy
in action," McMahon told the Senate.
The Senator urged continuation of
■fforts to eliminate barriers imposed
against American films and other
media. "The State Department is
loing an excellent job. If we are
to reach people with our culture, we
must fight nationalism and the impo-
sition of drastic trade barriers on our
product," he added.
W. M. Finney Retires,
Sparrow Succeeds
Atlanta, Jan. 27. — Willie M. Fin-
ney, southeastern manager of Loew's
Theatres, has retired because of ill
health. Veteran of 40 years with
Loew's, he will make his home in
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Allen Sparrow will succeed Finney.
He comes from Loew's Midwestern
division, stationed in Columbus, O.,
Norfolk and Richmond, Va.
7 'Quentin' 'Premieres'
A series of area premieres for "San
Quentin" will be staged by RKO
Radio starting tomorrow at the Grand,
Cincinnati, and Palace, Chicago. Law-
rence Tierney, star of the picture, will
make personal appearances in both
cities as well as in Louisville, Indian-
apolis, Columbus and Dayton, accom-
panied by Harry Reiners of Terry
Turner's home office exploitation staff.
14 Short Subjects in
Academy Selections
Hollywood, Jan. 27. — Five one-
reelers, four two-reelers and five car-
toons, have been nominated by the
Academy for annual awards selection,
as follows :
Cartoons, "Cat Concert," M-G-M ;
"Chopin's Musical Moments," Lantz ;
"John Henry and Inky Poom," Para-
mount ; "Squatter's Rights," Disney ;
"Walky - Talks Hawky," Warner.
One-reelers, "Dive Champs," Para-
mount ; "Facing Your Danger," War-
ners ; "Golden Horses," 20th-Fox ;
"Smart As a Fox," Warners ; "Sure
Cures," M-G-M. ' Two-reelers, "Boy
and His Dog," Warners ; "College
Jueen," Paramount ; "Hiss and Yell,"
Columbia; "Luckiest Guy in the
World," M-G-M.
Academy also announced 16 more
shorts and two features, representing
the United States and five foreign
countries, have been made eligible for
consideration in the documentaries di-
vision, with screenings scheduled for
February 2, 4 and 6.
Kans.-Missouri Meet
(Continued from page 1)
Dodge City, Kan., host, B. F. Ad-
cock, manager of Fox theatres ;
Thursday, March 13, Wichita, Kan.,
hostess, Mrs. T. H. Slothower ; Fri-
day, March 14, Independence, Kan.,
host, Bill Wagner ; Tuesday, March
25, Hamilton, Mo., host, Harry Till;
Wednesday, March 26, Appleton City
or Osceola, Mo., host, Chet Borg ;
Thursday, March 27, Neocho, Mo.,
host, Harley Fryer.
Officers Will Attend
Strowig, president of the associa-
tion ; C. E. Cook secretary, and sev-
eral other officers and directors will
attend each regional meeting. All ex-
hibitors of the regions where meetings
are set will be invited to attend,
whether members of the association
or not. Subjects to be discussed will
include all of the "regular" ones, and
also topics or problems brought up by
exhibitors at the sessions.
$7,500 Studio Fire
Hollywood, Jan. 27. — The fire
which broke out in Enterprise's cut-
ting rooms on Sunday caused damage
to the extent of an estimated $7,500.
\ "PREVIEW ROOM" ■
■ ... will really SELL 9
n your picture. ■
I Fully equipped for 35MM. ■
( 16MM, and Slide Projection. ■
Cocktail parties, luncheon* 3
and dinners served in this ver- ^
■ satile room — setting a gay
j mood for a favorable reaction ■
to your film. g
" MADISON AVENUE at 54th St. -
■ New York. N. Y.
_ Tel.: PL. 5-S400 PAUL GREEN, Mgr. ■
BEST
swims n m»*
AMERICAN BROTHERHOOD WEEK
FEBRUARY 16-23
\
, TV»e Best
U >s SafflUel,Ss a highly •W*
years o. Our Juon-^
dtama, and »*» lt U a plea-
ds °- to° t fitothU^^^^
suie to g>™ » doIsement.
uosolicted, eooo
at
M.1
MPORTANT
BOX-OFFICE
too/
"Two-a-day at the Esquire Theatre
in Boston with record four-weeks-
in-advance sale yields absolute
capacity turnaway each evening! Word
of mouth is terrific!" - Hollywood reporter
SAMUEL GOLDWYN'S
The BEST Years
of Our Lives
starring
MYRNA LOY • FREDRIC MARCH • DANA ANDREWS
TERESA WRIGHT • VIRGINIA MAYO • HOAGY CARMICHAEL
Directed by WILLIAM WYLER • Screenplay by ROBERT E. SHERWOOD
From a Novel by MacKINLAY KANTOR • Director of Photography GREGG TOLAND
RELEASED BY RKO RADIO PICTURES,
Motion Picture Daily
Key City Grosses
10
Univ. Reports
(Continued from page 1)
tic operations accounted for a record
$30,809,450 against $28,707,500, while
foreign revenue brought in an all-time
high of $23,125,415, compared with
$22,341,928 in the preceding year. The
1946 foreign revenue amounted to 43
per cent of the company's total income.
Taxes last year amounted to $3,-
629,486. Net working capital in-
creased to $29,278,995, from $23,030,-
555 in the previous year. Current
and working assets were $36,313,130
and current liabilities were $7,034,135.
Inventories increased $2,553,002 dur-
ing" the year, to a total of $21,665,043.
The report notes that with the ac-
quisition last year of the assets of In-
ternational Pictures and, partly be-
cause of the new selling method pre-
scribed by the New York Federal
Court decree, Universal will make 25
top-quality pictures this season in-
stead of the approximately 50 features
of different budget scales released an-
nually heretofore.
Hits Court Ruling
"Under the court ruling," the report
states, "it has become impossible for
a company to sell in advance on a
firm contract basis its year's program
of pictures. The changes in selling
methods are likely to have the effect
of increasing the cost of marketing-
pictures."
The report notes further that Uni-
versal will distribute, under its ar-
rangements with J. Arthur Rank, a
number of British pictures in addi-
tion to Universal-International prod-
uct. British pictures already dis-
tributed here have met with a "very
favorable reception," it was stated.
Stockholders are advised that Uni-
versal has initiated its program of
acquiring theatre showcases ; that it
has arranged to have built for it 31
new film exchanges and that it has en-
tered the narrow-guage film market
on a large scale through its subsidi-
*. y. United World Films.
The report is the 10th annual state-
ment since Universal's change of own-
ership in 1936 when a deficit of $1,-
985,860 was reported for that year on
an operating income of $17,415,636.
The annual meeting of Universal
stockholders is scheduled to be held
on March 12, the company announced
yesterday.
Bell & Howell Dividends
Chicago, Jan. 27. — Preferred quar-
terly dividends of $1.06 a share were
voted upon at a board of directors
meeting of Bell and Howell here. The
board also voted a 12%-cent per share
quarterly dividend on the common
stock.
HOLLOWING are estimated pic-
' ture grosses for current engage-
ments in key cities as reported by
Motion Picture Daily correspond-
ents.
BALTIMORE
Holdovers are not helping business,
which until this week had been far
better than average since the recent
holiday season. However, managers
are pleased that matinees are drawing
better crowds than has been the case
for many months. Weather is perfect,
and nothing offers any outside compe-
tition. One new, first-run house, the
Town, opened here this week. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
Jan. 30 :
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M)— CEN-
TURY (3,500) (35c-44c-55c-60c and 65c week-
ends) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000.
(Average: $15,000)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) —
KEITH'S (2,406) (35c-44c-55c-60c) 7 days.
Gross: $11,500. (Average: $12,000)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (2Cth-Fox) — NEW
(1,800) (35c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 5th week.
Gross: $9,500. (Average: $12,000)
BLUE SKIES (Para.) — STANLEY (3,280)
(35c-44c-55c-60c-7Oc) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $14,500. (Average: $17,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) - HIPPO-
DROME (2,205) (35c-44c-60c-70c) With stage
show. 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $15,000.
(Average: $18,000)
THE WELL-DIGGER'S DAUGHTER (Si-
ritzky)— LITTLE (328) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days,
4th week. Gross: $2,500. (Average: $3,500)
HER SISTER'S SECRET (PRC) — MAY-
FAIR (1,000) (25c-35c-54c) 7 days. Gross:
$5,500. (Average: $6,000)
ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—TOWN (1,475) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$26,000.
SMPE Field
(Continued from page 1)
hearings on Feb. 4 in an effort
to "retain and establish proper
frequency allocations for thea-
tre television," Ryder said, add-
ing that this assignment has
been approved by Eric Johns-
ton, Motion Picture Associa-
tion President; Byron Price,
head of the MPA's, Hollywood
office, and Donald Nelson, pres-
ident of the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Pro-
ducers.
Noting that the SMPE's expanded
activities probably will lead to in-
creased membership and possibly
backing from groups other than the
manufacturers, exhibitors and produc-
ers which now sponsor the society,
Ryder indicated that the move was
made necessary by the imminence of
theatre television, which he expects
to become a reality for the showing of
special events before the end of 1947.
Ryder sees this year's development,
limited to key houses, as a "first
phase" in which special events will
be televised to central points in a
number of cities and there recorded
on films within five or 10 minutes
and rushed to projectors in that form.
A second, fairly expensive phase, in
his opinion, will find the television
images thrown directly on special
screens. Then, in a final phase that
is several years away, screens adapt-
able to both television and films will
he devised and placed in general use,
he believes.
CINCINNATI
For straight film gross, "Blue Skies"
is giving the RKO Albee the best week
in quite some time, with plus the dou-
ble house average in sight. Other
offerings, with holdovers in the ma-
jority, are recording fair figures.
Weather is mild, with occasional rain.
Estimated receipts for the week ending
Jan. 28-31 :
BLUE SKIES (Para.)— RKO' ALBEE (3.300
(50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Sat-
urday midnight show. Gross: $32,000. (Av-
erage: $15,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB) — RKO CAPITOL
(2,000) (50c-55c-60c-70c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $8,500. (Average: $10,000)
TWO-FISTED STRANGER (Col.) and
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT (Col.) — RKO
FAMILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c) 4 days. Gross:
$1,600. (Average: $1,600)
COUNTER-ATTACK (Col. reissue) and
ROUGH, TOUGH AND READY (Col. re-
issue)—RKO FAMILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c)
3 days. Gross: $1,100. (Average: $1,100)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox)— RKO GRAND (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-65c-
70c -75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500.
(Average: $8,000)
SWELL GUY (U)— KEITH'S (1,500) (50c-
55c-60c-70c) 5 days, plus a Saturday mid-
night show, 2nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Av-
erage for 7 days: $7,500)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio)—
RKO LYRIC (1,400) (50c-55c-6Oc-65c-70c-75c)
7 days, 5th week, following two weeks at the
Grand, a moveover week at the Shubert
and a fourth moveover week at the Lyric.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,000)
TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST
(Para.)— RKO' PALACE (2,700) (50c-55c-60c-
65c-70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday mid-
night show, 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Av-
erage: $15,000)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (20th-Fox) — RKO
SHUBERT (2,150) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c)
7 days, 4th week, following two weeks at
the Palace and a moveover week at the
Shubert. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,000)
Television Tests
(Continued from page 1)
Wakefield, Paul Walker, Ewell Jett
and Rosel Hyde and close to 300
others studied the pictorial reception
on two receivers.
The program's subject matter com-
prised a fashion show in which bril-
liantly colored gowns were displayed,
along with multi-colored paintings and
a demonstration by two boxers and
a singer.
Dr. Peter D. Goldmark, inventor of
the CBS color sequential system, em-
phasized that contrast rather than
brightness is the principal factor in
television. He undertook to drive
home his point with a demonstration
involving two Kodachrome slides pro-
jected on different screens.
Additional demonstrations will be
made today, while tomorrow RCA will
show its all-electronic system of color
video at an FCC hearing in Prince-
ton, N. J.
AFM's Petrillo and
Broadcasters Agree
James C. Petrillo, president of the
American Federation of Musicians,
and heads of the four national net-
works have reached an agreement on
extension of their contract for another
year. The present pact expires Jan. 31.
Under the accord, representatives
of the union in New York, Chicago
and Los Angeles will negotiate with
the networks on a local basis in the
matter of new pay scales.
Tuesday, January 28, 1947
Johnston Hits
(Continued from] page 1)
inent toward further British hin-
drances to U. S. film trade comes on
the eve of the Geneva conferences de-
signed to work out a "mutually bene-
ficial program for world trade revival
and expansion."
"I must remind our friends abroad
that they can't expect America ^
make all the concessions," he warrJfflj
"America alone can't give the wowl
freer and expanded trade."
Johnston said that the Republican
Party should support America's re-
:iprocal trade program as a "neces-
ary measure" for world prosperity.
Reciprocal Trade
Pacts Assailed
Washington, Jan. 27. — Sen. Hugh
Butler (Neb.) today assailed the State
Department's reciprocal trade agree-
ment program as a "gigantic hoax on
the American people."
Taking exactly the opposite view
to that expressed today by Eric John-
ston, president of the Motion Picture
Association, in an address at Roches-
ter, Sen. Butler told the Senate that
the "State Department's crisis-boys
are utilizing public ignorance of the
implications of tariff reductions" to
negotiate trade pacts.
Commenting on the reduction of
tariffs, the senator said: "The master-
minds in the State Department even
now are planning further tariff reduc-
tions which will lower our standard
of living."
The Senator concluded by recom-
mending that Congress take away the
State Department's authority to make
reciprocal agreements with other na-
tions.
No 'Duel' Roadshow
(Continued from] page 1)
West Coast, according to Neil F. Ag-
new, vice-president in charge of Van-
guard distribution.
Opening date in Texas is now
scheduled for Amarillo on Feb. 24.
- Y- under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscript
HAVE A HEART, M-G-M!
Now it's THE YEARLING at
Radio City Music Hall—
We just finished 7 weeks of
handling the mobs for M-G-M's
'Till The Clouds Roll By'
They tell me it broke
all records at the Hall!
Oh, my aching feet!
From the looks of things
THE YEARLING
will top it ! "
(You're right, officer!
M-G-A/Ts Prize Picture
is off to a terrific start.
The reviews ore ecstatic!
The audiences rave about it.
Co// us up officer and this
time well give you a ticket!)
MERICAN BROTHERHOOD WEEK, FEBRUARY 16-23
0
compelling element tha
makes \°t #APP/ 60X-0&/G£f
../ia yital here with a fractured leg, having
been struck by a hit-and-run driver
near his Manhattan home ' Tuesday
night.
•
W. C. Gehring., Central sales man^
- ager of 20th Century-Fox, has left
New York for Rochester, Minn
where? he will enter the Mayo Clinic
for a~ physical check-up.
•
Bp
A. M. Kane, Paramount district
manager, Boston, and Edward Ruff
Albany, N. Y., branch manager, have
been visiting Gloversville.
•
Les S. Gruenberg, Frank Drum
and Gus Schaefer, RKO Radio sales
executives, have returned to New
York from Albany.
•
Norman H. Moray, short subject
sales manager for Warners, will re-
turn to New York on Tuesday from
a Southern tour.
•
Stanley Shuford, Paramount ad-
vertising manager, has returned to
New York from a West Indies vaca-
tion.
•
Sid Mesibov, Paramount's assist-
ant exploitation manager, has re-
turned here from Columbia, Mo.
•
Earl Rettig, secretary-treasurer of
Rainbow Productions, will return to
the Coast from New York this week.
•
John S. Allen, M-G-M district
manager at Washington, will arrive
here tomorrow.
•
Joseph Kaufman, Monogram pro-
ducer, is visiting New York from the
Coast.,. i -.- ......
Greenfield in Video
Felix Greenfield, who appeared in a
radio "series as "The Man of Magic,"
has been signed by General Film Pro-
ductions, of which Harry A. .Kapit is
president, to make a series of tele-
vision shorts titled "Tele Trix." The
contract is for one year, with options.
Williams on Film Ads
; . Advertising accounts of Phil Wil-
liams on Fortune Magazine have b~en
expanded to take in major film com-
panies here. Williams was formerly
advertising - publicity director of
March of Time.
s
By RED KANN
'M' EVER a party to the Gov-
; ernment suit, Sam Goldwyn
and any others similarly situated
are not bound formally by the
consent decree. This being the
case, he has organized Samuel
Goldwyn Pictures, Inc., for the
express purpose of leasing thea-
tres to house roadshow engage-
ments of "The Best Years of
Our Lives." It is an interim plan
to function on an interim basis
between now and next January
when the film will go into regu-
lar release via RKO Radio. It
does not follow necessarily that
Goldwyn is entering exhibition
on a permanent basis.
In declaring the policy, more-
over, Goldwyn's statement point-
ed out that arrangements have
been made with RKO to assist
in the acquisition of such thea-
tres and in the physical servicing
of the picture.
■
Whether or not Goldwyn is
taking a chance via this device
to skirt the decree's prohibition
of roadshows through stipulat-
ing the fixing of minimum ad-
mission prices to be in contra-
vention of the Sherman Act now
becomes a matter of interesting
discussion. That he does not be-
lieve he stands on ground in any
wise treacherous, of course, is
evidenced in his decision to
proceed.
Inevitably, this development
must tie to the Department of
Justice viewpoint set forth by
Robert L. Wright recently. Al-
though independent producers
"and "distributors who were not
defendants cannot be bound by
the decree, he also observed they
are not free to engage in prac-
tices which the court has found
to be in violation of the anti-
trust laws ; that, if they were to
engage in such practices, they
would be subject to law suits in
which event the decree could be
employed as precedent in deter-
mining the issue.
There are some, perhaps more
squeamish, who speculate over
RKO's position if that companv,
which was a defendant, should
help Goldwyn acquire his road-
show houses. Insofar as the
servicing of these theatres with
prints may be concerned, no
■question has arisen. It seems
agreed" that RKO can do it
without any trepidations over
the outcome.
I B
Twentieth Century-Fox ad-
vertising proudly proclaims "The
Razor's Edge" played to 991,251
people in eight weeks at the
Roxy here in New York, of-
fering this as an all-time at-
tendance record for any theatre
anywhere in the given period. It
is a performance never to be
minimized and a proud circum-
stance for the company to
acknowledge as its own.
But the Music Hall has a few
statistics of its own, too. Here
they are: "Mrs. Miniver," 1,-
179,656 in eight weeks; "Ran-
dom Harvest," 1,132,682;
"Dragon Seed," 1,094,973; "The
Valley of Decision," 1,086,874;
"Week- End at the Waldorf,"
1,040,863.
■ ■
Everyone understands and ap-
preciates how vital are its for-
eign markets to the American
industry. But figures help paint
the picture ever more graphical-
ly. Take Universal's for the
past eight years. Its percentage
of total sales from overseas dis-
tribution rose from 38 per cent
in the company's 1939 fiscal year
to a record 44 per cent in 1945,
then dropped slightly to 43 per
in the fiscal year which closed
Nov. 2, 1946. It went like this:
% of In
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
Total Millions
38 $9.0
37
37
36
37
37
44
43
10.1
11.3
14.1
17.4
19.2
22.3
23.1
Or, another way of putting it :
In the year ending Nov. 2, the
company did a total gross of
$53,934,865. Domestic sales ac-
counted for $30,809,450, and for-
eign, $23,125,415, despite blocked
revenues in a number of coun-
tries. This reminds of the pre-
diction made some time ago by
Eric Johnston that the day was
not too distant when fully half
of the American industry's reve-
nue might come from the foreign
field.
The foreign sales manager of
a rival company, incidentally,
observed yesterday that Univer-
sal's export volume was some-
thing to be recognized for its
formidability. ; He -likewise ven-
tured the opinion that no other
distributor is doing as well, per-
centage-wise.
■ ■
Theatre- business on these
shares bounced back mightilv in
November, by the. way. Gov-
ernment tax collections reported
for that month were $41,182,-
757, indicating a picture-house
gross of $179,174,561, or an in-
crease of $19,958,913 over Oc-
tober grosses of $159,215,648.
This compares with $130,640,-
505, or an increase of $48,534,-
056 for the same month last year.
$35,200,000 for
U.S. Films in Britain
London, Jan. 29. — British
imports of U. S. pictures from
July to Dec, 1946, amounted
to $35,200,000 out of an im-
port total of $496,000,000 from
the U. S., Hugh Dalton, Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer, re-
vealed in the House of Com-
mons today.
Youngstein Expands
E-L Promotion Staff
Max Youngstein, Eagle-Lion's ad-
vertising-publicity director, has in-
creased his field force from 10 to 12.
The additions are Richard Owen, for-
merly with 20th Century-Fox, who
will cover the Southwest, out of Dal-
las, and Vernon Berg, formerly with
National Screen, who will operate out
of San Francisco covering the North-
west. Berg recently resigned as War-
ner's exploitation man in the Colum-
bus-Cincinnati-Cleveland area.
Court Sets Feb. 4
For Hughes Hearing
Arguments on the motion by How-
ard Hughes to dismiss the defense
claims of New York City license
commissioner Benjamin Fielding in
Hughes' suit to restrain Fielding from
banning "The Outlaw," here, were
postponed yesterday to Feb. 4 in the
New York Supreme Court.
Dr. Clifford to Korda
Alexander Korda has appointed Dr.
Hubert Clifford musical director of
London Film Productions, Korda
spokesmen disclose here. Dr. Clifford,
a composer, is professor of composi-
tion at the Royal Academy of Music
in London, and during the war was in
charge of BBC's empire music ser-
vices.
QP Team Wins— AGAIN
The basketball five of Quigley
Publications was again victorious, last
night, in a pitched floor-fight with
the sturdy quintet of the Compton
Advertising Agency. The score was
27 to 14, in an exciting game played
at the Rockefeller Center Gymnasium
to the plaudits of many, many fans of
both sides.
Hollander to Albany
Elmer Hollander, in charge of play-
dates at Producers Releasing's home
office in New York, has left for Al-
bany as temporary replacement for
Joe Miller, New York state district
manager, who has been hospitalized
with pneumonia. Upon Miller's recov-
ery and return to the Albany ex-
change, Hollander will return to his
own duties at the home office.
Dortic, PRC Terms Fail
Albany, N. Y., Jan. 29.— A last-
minute hitch ended negotiations which
were to install Charles Dortic as Pro-
ducers Releasing Corp. manager here.
Dortic has returned to his former post
as salesman for Columbia.
Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Cunningham, News;idito7^ Sullivan, Treasurer; , Leo J. Brady. Secretary f James >
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue" «»■--«-» — "~ " " • ■ ■■ ■
cable address, "Quigpubco, London."
International Motion Picture Almanac,
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single "copies. "lOc,
T-iU * i^-^t^WARNlER PICTURE
CO-STARRING
BRUCE B
fTTwiTH ROBERT ALDA • ROSEMARY DECAMP
DIRECTED BY
PRODUCED BY
VINCENT SHERMAN • WILLIAM JACOBS
SCREEN PLAY BY N. RICHARD NASH • KROM A STORY BV
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, January 30, 1947
Reviews
"Odd Man Out"
{Two Cities Films)
London, Jan. 29.
TO the dismay of bobby-soxers but to the delight of students of serious
film drama, James Mason herein moves at ohe leap from the hackneyed
ranks of popular idols and takes his place among great screen artists. The
star admittedly owes much to the directorial art of Carol Reed, but his
integrity comes shining through.
It is the tale of an Irish political gunman on the run in Belfast from a
charge of murder. Wounded and bleeding, he stumbles through the city, har-
ried by the police and befriended by roustabouts and odd characters infesting
that battleground of grim political and religious strife. He dies in the end,
along with his girl, in a short, sharp gun battle. Meanwhile, the film unfolds
not only the outward appearance of the gunman's sordid life but also the
unburdening of a dozen people's souls.
Mason illuminates the gunman so well that the audience is torn by pity.
This may well be rated in years to come among the screen's choicest master-
pieces. Not the least of its merits is the exactness with which Reed has cast
gallery of odd Irish types. His list of players reads like the album of the elite
of Dublin's renowned Abbey Theatre. While it is difficult to single out in-
dividuals, this reviewer hails Kathleen Ryan, a newcomer, along with F. J.
McCormick and Willie Fay.
Running time, 116 minutes. British adult audience classification. Release
date, not- set.
Peter Burnup
'Song of Scheherazade"
{Universal)
OBVIOUS charm has the music of Rimsky-Korsakoff as it is rendered in
"Song of Scheherazade," a unique film with a setting as colorful as a
carnival, and a story that might have had a frivolous comic-opera prototype.
The glorifying hues of Technicolor seem somehow to be lacking a little,
however, in their usual distinctiveness, although they still add considerable
luster to the presentation of the fanciful tale about a group of Russian naval
cadets, including Jean Pierre Aumont as the composer, on shore leave in
Morocco, back in 1865. The film is picturesquely decorated with gay costumes
of the period, and also Yvonne de Carlo. Brian Donlevy's chore is the role
of ship's captain completely convinced that his cadets should have stayed in
Russia.
The performers and the little story play roles subordinate to Rimsky-
Korsakoff's compositions, which range from the frolicsome "Dance of the
Tumblers" to the enchanting "Song of India." The film is primarily a
song-and-dance festival, with Charles Kullman, celebrated opera star, in
several instances bursting forth with the title number and others ; Miss de
Carlo executes the dances.
The charm of the i music and its box-office appeal probably will run
parallel Only limitedly. "Scheherazade" is decidedly designed to hurdle the
commercial limitations of classical music, with its whimsical and wholly flavor-
some approach. No monumental tribute to a great composer, the film is ban-
tam-weight, but yet is mirthful and carefully made. Although dull and slow
at the start, it increases in pace arid interest and the work in its entirety may
be termed a happy diversion.
Ten of the composer's works are heard as the film shifts from ship, where
Donlevy is forever browbeating his subordinates in amusing fashion, to shore
where Miss de Carlo dances at an Oriental night spat to support her flighty
mother, Eve Arden. Miss de Carlo has ballet aspirations. Aumont's only
ambition is to compose. It winds up in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she
dances to his music. Philip Reed, John Qualen, Richard Lane, Terry Kilburn
and many others are in the cast. Edward Kaufman is producer; Edward
Dodds, associate producer, and Walter Reisch wrote and directed.
Running time, 106 minutes. General audience classification. Release in
February. Gene Arneel
Key City
Grosses
4
'Barring Indecency,
Most Yarns Filmable'
i i 3
Hollywood, Jan. 29. — In the light
of the wide variety of fop-notch
stories to reach the screen during the
past few years, the complaint that the
industry is timorous and hackneyed
in its selection of themes is no longer
valid, John 'Stahl declared in an ad-
dress before the Citizens League here.
Except in the instances of immor-
ality, bad taste, or sheer banality,
there is no type of theme used in
books, plays, or stories today that is
too profound for screen production, he
told his audience.
Stahl, who will next direct "The
Walls of Jericho," William Bacher
Production for 20th Century-Fox,
pointed out that some of the finest and
most successful pictures"'vqf the past
three years have involved such themes
as religion and psychiatry which pre-
sented delicate problems that no pro-
ducer wanted to tackle two decades
-ago. , ? . . * •••V
"As a result of its freedom from
story types and cycles, the screen to-
day Offers a wider variety and higher
standard of entertainment than it ever
did before," Stahl asserted.
Barring indecency or bad taste,
there is hardly a book published today
which is not almost immediately the
subject of spirited screen bidding, pro-
viding the book is popular and well-
written. No longer can critics com-
plain of the industry immaturity as
an art form."
Legion of Decency
Classifies 14 Films
Seven new films are rated as un-
objectionable for general audiences by
the National Legion of Decency ; five
are found unobjectionable for adults
and two are termed obj ectipnable in
part. The new films and their classi-
fications follow :
Class A-l, "Born to Speed," "I Live
as I Please," "I'll Be Yours," "It's
Great to Be Young," "The Pilgrim
Lady," "Sinbad the Sailor" and "Un-
expected Guest." Class A-2, "Alias
Mr. Twilight," "Hannerl und ihre
Liebhaber" (German), "Hollywood
Bound," "Les Miserables," and "The
Red House." Class B, "Nora Pien-
tiss" and "Stairway to a Star."
Decries Murder Films
With Other Pictures
Columbus, O., Jan. 29. —
Practice of dualing "blood-
curdling murder mysteries"
and other such doubtful sec-
ond features with films of
special appeal to children, like
Walt Disney's "Song of the
South," is under fire here.
Members of the 27-oirganiza-
tion Hilltop Community Coun-
cil are conducting a critical
survey of West Side houses in
an attempt to correct the
situation.
Managers of Hilltop thea-
ters will be interviewed by or-
ganization members to see
what, if anything, they can do
to prevent such dualing.
Charles P. Maus, president of
the council, said he had been
receiving complaints, chiefly
from women members, for the
past 18 months.
French and English
To Produce in Hague
The French film company, Bureau
Cinematographic Musicale, expects to
start producing films in the Nether-
lands- on June T, according to G. E.
Ostwald, a leading Dutch film pro-
ducer,- press dispatches reaching here
from. The Hague disclose. .'
Ostwald is -described as having ex-
plained that the establishment of a
foreign film industry would be an im-
portant source of foreign, exchange,
as the films would be sold, to other
countries. He reputedly said that a
studio in Amsterdam had been chosen
but that between 200,000 and 300,000
guilders would be needed to re-equip
it as the Germans had removed all of
the equipment.
French stars and technicians are go-
ing to the Netherlands, and both Eng-
lish and French versions will be pro-
duced. Britain, too, will produce there,
it is said.
Six 'M.C's' to Preside
at Cameramen's Fete
A full evening of entertainment is
planned by the Press Photographers
Association of New York for its 18th
annual ball to be held at the Waldorf-
Astoria Hotel on Friday night, Feb.
7. Stars' of stage, screen and radio
will contribute, and Harry Hershfield,
Frank Fay, Henny Youngman, Ed
Sullivan, Danton Walker arid Morey
Amsterdam will share honors' as mas-
ters-sf-ceremonies.
'Best Years' in London
Samuel Goldwyn has concluded ne-
gotiations with J. Arthur Rank to
open "The Best Years of Our Lives"
at the Leicester Square Theatre, Lon-
don, on March 2, the British premiere
to be a charity benefit' with Mrs.
Clement Atlee, wife of the Prime
Minister, presiding.
HOLLOWING are estimated pic- j
■*- litre grosses for current engage- \
incuts in key cities as reported by \
Motion Picture Daily correspond-
ents.
SALT LAKE CITY
All theatres are above average in a
week of moderating weather. Esti-
mated Teceipts for the week ending
Jan. 30 :
THE DARK MIRROR (International) -
CAPITOL (1,878) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days on a
moveover. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $7,600)
HUMORESQUE (WB) - CENTRE (1,700)
(20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Aver-
age: $13,500)
THE BOHEMIAN GIRL (Film Classics)
and PHANTOM OF THE PLAINS (Rep.
reissue) — LYRIC (1,500) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days
with vaudeville. Gross: $5,800. (Average:
f3,70O)
COME AND GET IT (Film Classics) and
ROLLING HOME (Screen Guild)— RIALTO
(1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: '$5,900.
(Average: $3,600)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — STUDIO
(800) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 6th week on a ;
moveover. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $4,700) j
UNDERCURRENT (M-G-M) - UPTOWN '
(1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week, t
Gross: $7,000. (Average: $5,800)
SWELL GUY (U)— UTAH (1,700) (20c-55c-
75c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average:
$12,000)
TORONTO
Three main attractions are being
held over at Toronto theatres, with one
feature continuing for its fourth week
with nice business. Typical wintery
weather prevails, with the residents
taking it in their accustomed stride,
while there has been a wide assortment
of concerts and orchestra engagements,
including Paul Whiteman, to divide at-
tention. Estimated receipts for the !
week ending Jan. 29-30 :
LADY LUCK (RKO Radio) and CHILD
OF DIVORCE (RKO Radio)— EGLINTON
(1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days'. Gross: 1
$4,200. (Average: $4,700)
NOBODY LIVES FOREVER (WB)— IM- |
PERIAL (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. I
Gross: $15,800. (Average: $14,300)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
-LOEWS (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6
days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,800. (Average:
$13,300)
BLUE. SKIES (Para.) — SHEA'S (2,480) (18c-
30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 4th week. Gross:
$13,600. (Average: $14,600)
RAGE IN HEAVEN (M-G-M reissue)— i
UPTOWN (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-)60!c-90c) 6
days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,400. (Average:
$11,400)
LADY LUCK (RKO Radio) and CHILD 1
OF DIVORCE (RKO Radio)— VICTORIA
(1,240) (12c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $6,300.
(Average: $6,800)
$13,500 for 'Gangs'
Madison Pictures reports a weekly
gross of $13,500 for Alan Ladd's
"Gangs, Inc.," in a test of that re-
issue at Loew's Ohio Theatre, Cleve- i
land, against a weekly average of
$7,000 for that house. Armand Schenck
is president of the company.
'Dimes' Show at Rivoli
Representatives of Latin-American
nations participated in a program at
the Rivoli Theatre, here, last night in
behalf of the March of Dimes Drive.
The event was arranged by Monty
Salmon, managing director of the
Rivoli, and Dr. A. Ramon Ruiz, direc-
tor of the Good Neighbor Center.
Thursday, January 30, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Allied States
(Continued from page 1)
tice on its efforts "to eliminate
monopoly in the industry" and urge it
to continue its attempt to achieve di-
vorcement of affiliated theatres, a sub-
ject, his report will say, on which Al-
lied is in agreement with the Justice
Department in the final stages of liti-
I gati^~ of its anti-trust suit against the
j indggr.
T°ne report will say that theatre di-
vorcement will insure a free market
for motion pictures and will open the
way for new producers and distribu-
tors with new ideas and methods.
The report will hit at "artificial" pic-
ture shortages, contending that
through them exhibitors "will lose the
last vestiges of their buying power
and will be denied the right of selec-
tion which the court sought to confer
by the ban on compulsory block book-
ing."
Problems Shifting
Myers will tell the board that the
task of interpreting, policing and en-
forcing the decree will continue for
several years. In addition, he wili
say that industry problems are shifting
to regional areas and call for local
action in the realm of state and muni-
cipal taxation and in connection with
exhibitor-public relations.
Concerning the outlook for the in-
dustry, Myers will say: "No one
doubts that regardless of internal con-
vulsions or economic changes, motion
pictures will maintain the strength of
their position as the people's basic en-
tertainment. Undoubtedly, many new
theatres will be built. Under the
American system that sort of progress
cannot be halted. Competition will
develop where it has never existed
before. Expansion in the exhibition
field will be restricted to independents
and distributors will be allowed to play
no favorites."
Approximately 30 Allied directors
and observers are scheduled to attend
the meeting. The board will discuss
Allied's plans to support with playing
time the production of 12 features by
an independent producer. Discussion
of taxation and legislative problems
also will be on the agenda.
New Jersey Allied Wants
Action on Film Shortage
Edward Lachman, president of New
Jersey Allied, at the behest of mem-
bership of that organization will go
before the National Allied board of
directors to recommend "drastic ac-
tion" to combat what the group feels
is the hoarding of product by distrib-
utors. The Allied board will meet in
Washington Friday.
At a state-wide legislative meeting
of Jersey Allied in Trenton on Tues-
day, Lachman relayed a report on the
companies' present backlog of films as
compiled by Pete Wood, business man-
ager of Ohio Allied, as follows :
Columbia, 18; M-G-M, 15; Universal,
16; Paramount, 22; RKO Radio, 21;
Warners, 13; 20th Century-Fox, 8;
United Artists, 18.
Lachman's mission to Washington
stems from a resolution adopted last
Sept. 18, in which the distributors'
selling policies were strongly objected
to, with emphasis on the "artificial
product shortage," and the number of
percentage pictures.
Theatre checking was generally
discussed at the meeting. Lachman in-
structed members to submit complaints
to him in writing, adding that he had
an assurance from Confidential Re-
ports that those which are justifiable
will be corrected. (This was con-
firmed in New York yesterday by that
checking company.)
Admission taxes and adverse legis-
lation were also before the session.
Lachman warned that it is the duty of
theatremen to become acquainted with
local legislators with the aim of mak-
ing known the position of exhibition
when new tax sources are looked for.
"Pressure groups are out to get new
money," he warned.
State Senator Arthur W. Lewis and
Assemblyman Hugh M. Mehortor told
the meeting that they will hold to
their stand against additional revenue
from theatres. Walter Van Riper, At-
torney General for New Jersey, and
Maj-Gen. Clifford R. Powell also
spoke, each praising the community
work of exhibitors.
Lachman recommended support of
American Brotherhood Week and the
subsequent drive for funds for Greek
orphans.
Myers Asks Allied
(Continued from page 1)
Brodie Claims Miami
Got Jersey Print
A print of "Guilty Parents" intend
ed for distribution in New Jersey
was received and shown by accident
at the Miami Theatre here, Benja
min Brodie, former owner of the
house, testified in Special Sessions
Court here yesterday in defense of
charges of exhibiting an indecent film
John P. Donnelly, chief inspector of
the motion picture division of the
State Board of Education, had testi
fied earlier that the picture shown
at the Miami contained 401 feet dis'
approved by the division in 1934.
Following a screening of the film
for Judges John V. Flood, Nathan
D. Perlman and William Farrel, dis-
missal of the charges was moved by
Jack Leff, Brodie's counsel. Thi
was denied, with Judge Perlman dis-
senting, and the hearing was ad
journed until Feb. 3.
Assistant district attorney John A.
McAvinue handled the prosecution
aided by Dan Rosen, representing
New York license commissioner Ben
• jamin Fielding, and Sgt. James Quinn
of the police commission's legal de
partment.
ferred until the U. S. Supreme Court
has acted on appeals in the New York,
Griffith and Schine anti-trust suits.
Although Myers devotes two pages
of his report — to be delivered to the
Allied board at a meeting here on Fri-
day— to the subject of exhibitor-dis-
tributor cooperation, he does not once
mention the motion picture forum
which has been proposed as a medium
for hearing and discussion of internal
industry problems by the Motion Pic-
ture Theatre Owners of America, the
formation of which will be discussed
at a meeting of independent exhibitors
in New York next month. The report
leaves no doubt, however, that refer
ence is made to the proposed forum.
"Not knowing," Myers' report will
say, "exactly what the outcome of
those (Supreme Court) decisions will
be, no one could with confidence or
safety outline a program involving any
joint action or agreements at this
stage. The time to initiate such a
movement definitely is not ripe, but
the subject should be given prelimi-
nary study by the (Allied) board at
some later meeting."
Reviews Earlier Efforts
Myers' report reviews broadly earli-
er efforts to effect exhibitor-distribu-
tor cooperation which came to naught
and indicts distribution companies on
numerous counts of recent and current
alleged trade abuses.
"Actually," the report concludes,
"the permissible scope of any discus-
sions between representatives of the
several branches of the industry is
very narrow."
Myers' position is regarded as tan-
tamount to Allied's notice that it will
not participate in the exhibitor forum
meeting called by Fred Wehrenberg,
MPTOA president, for March 10, in
New York, to discuss an approach to
better exhibitor-distributor relations.
Ginsberg Rites Friday
Hollywood, Jan. 29. — Funeral
services for Laurence Ginsberg, 31,
nephew of Paramount vice-president
Henry Ginsberg, are to be held Fri-
day at the Pierce Brothers Mortuary,
Beverly Hills. Interment will be at
the Hollywood Cemetery. He died
here Monday.
Budget Slash Seen
Cutting US Films
Washington, Jan. 29. — Dis-
cussing a planned $5,000,000,-
000 slash of President Tru-
man's budget, Congressman
John Taber, chairman of the
House Appropriations Com-
mittee today predicted that a
majority of the Government's
public information services
will be curtailed or elimi-
nated.
He did not make specific
reference to films, but indi-
cated that a single press re-
lations officer may be the sole
public information employee
in each department, thereby
eliminating or cutting film
activities in every agency.
'Brotherhood' to Army
The War Department's civil affairs
division has purchased the color car-
toon, "Brotherhood of Man" for re-
orientation purposes in enemy-occupied
countries, it was announced by Pare
Lorentz, pre-war documentary film
producer and presently chief of the
films and theatre section, re-orientation
branch of the War Department's civil
affairs division.
NJ Allied Convention
New Jersey Allied's annual conven-
tion will be held at the Ambassador
Hotel, Atlantic City, June 24-26. Ed
Lachman is president of the unit.
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, January 30, 1947
Para. Product Talks
(Continued from page 1)
distribution; George Weltner, presi-
dent of Paramount International;
Russell Holman, Eastern production
head and Alan Jackson, Eastern story
editor.
Heading the Coast executives tak-
ing part in the conferences is Henry
Ginsberg, vice-president in charge of
production and studio operations. At-
tending from the foreign field are J.
E. Perkins, chairman and managing
director for Great Britain, and Frank
Farley, European production repre-
sentative.
M.P. Forum
(Continued from page 1)
Brooker Says
(Continued jrom page 1)
O'Hara, assistant to Eric Johnston.
Brooker, a member of the U. S.
delegation to UNESCO, said that in
the field of mass media, the fear is
applied only to American films since,
this is the field we control throughout
the world.
A RESEARCH
LABORATORY
IN
HOLLYWOOD . .
THE COUNTRY'S
LARGEST SUPPLY
OF
REPLACEMENT PARTS.
enberg said, asking them to appoint
representatives to attend the meeting.
The action is in line with a reso-
lution adopted by the MPTOA board
at its meeting here last week. The
resolution stipulated that the meet-
ing for initial discussion of the forum
should be attended exclusively by in-
dependent exhibitors and that a sub-
sequent meeting should be held to dis-
cuss conciliation plans with distribu-
tion executives and representatives of
affiliated circuits.
Letters of invitation to the March
10 meeting were sent to Allied States,
American Theatres Association, ITO
of New York, Pacific Coast Confer
ence of Independent Theatre Own
ers, Confederacy of Southern Associa
tions, Conference of Independent Ex
hibitor Associations, and others.
US Film Program
(Continued jrom page 1)
New Petitioners Hit
Daylight Savings
St. Louis, Jan. 29. — New petitions
for repeal of daylight saving time
here, bearing 4,400 signatures, have
been presented to the St. Louis elec
tion board by Fred Wehrenberg, pres
ident of MPTO of St. Louis, East
ern Missouri and Southern Illinois, to
replace some 2,500 signatures which
had been disqualified by the board on
an earlier petition.
May Lease Theatres
(Continued jrom page 1)
tain necessary advanced-admission rev-
enue for costly films without violating
the price-fixing ban laid down in the
final decree in the industry anti-trust
suit, will be used by Goldwyn for
showing "The Best Years of Our
Lives," as reported on Tuesday in
Motion Picture Daily.
For "Arch of Triumph," Einfeld
said, theatre leasing is being consid-
ered along with other methods of ob-
taining roadshow results without vio-
lating the decree provisions. General
domestic distribution of the film, along
with other Enterprise productions,
will be handled by United Artists..
Einfeld, who has been in New York
this week finalizing plans for M-G-M's
foreign distribution of his company's
pictures, is scheduled to return to the
Coast tomorrow.
Maryland Considers
Theatre Ticket Tax
Baltimore, Jan. 29. — The
possibility of taxing amuse-
ments again is being dis-
cussed in connection with a
bill now before the Maryland
Senate Judiciary Committee,
at Annapolis. The bill pro-
vides for the distribution of
proceeds from taxes on
amusements to the political
subdivision in which the
amusement is located, after
10 per cent has been deducted
by the comptroller to defray
the cost of collection.
The recommendation has
been made on the theory that
Federal taxes on amusements,
which were increased to 20
per cent during the war, will
be reduced.
to interest major producers in con-
tracting to make a substantial number
of the pictures, these companies have
declined, MacFadden reports, with the
result that he now hopes to close
enough deals with independents to
round out the program.
Of the two films now being made,
one is entitled "American Adventure"
and concerns the University of Cali-
fornia at Los Angeles, with Jack
Chertok as producer. The other, from
United Productions of America, is an
animated cartoon showing the opera-
tion of public-opinion polls in the U. S.
In addition to the production pro-
gram, the Department is using ap-
proximately 80 films acquired from
Government agencies, private industry
and American civic groups. Some of
these, explaining new U. S. devices
and production methods, were obtained
from Westinghouse, Ford Motor Co.,
and other manufacturers.
Doubt Schine
(Continued from page 1)
lork suit, McKay does not agree that
the converse is indicated. The com-
bined size of the major companies is
so much greater than Schine's that
McKay believes he can succeed in
Washington without establishing a
precedent against separating theatres
from the circuit distributors.
McKay plans a trip to Washington
next week to arrange for printing the
Schine case record for the Supreme
Court appeal. It contains more than
4,700 typewritten pages, in addition to
numerous exhibits. How many of the
latter shall be printed has not yet
been agreed upon by counsel for the
Government and the defense.
Thompson to King Bros.
Hollywood, Jan. 29. — Walter
Thompson, film editor and former ex-
ecutive assistant to William Goetz at
International Pictures, has been
signed by King Brothers as super-
vising film editor on "The Gangster,"
first Allied Artists film to be pro-
duced by them. He will join the pro-
ducing organization at the Hal Roach
studio on Feb. 1.
To Show 'Duel' to Vets
Hollywood, Jan. 29. — David O.
Selznick will screen "Duel in the
Sun" at 10 veterans hospitals in Texas,
Oklahoma, and Arkansas, as soon as
arrangements can be made by publicist
Claud Morris, who will leave here by
train tomorrow in that connection, the
studio announces.
Church Group
(Continued from page 1)
terday by Paul F. Heard, executive
secretary, following the second annual
meeting of the commission at Pres-
byterian headquarters, here. Accord-
ing to Heard, the pictures will com-
prise the full 1947 production sched-
ule.
The first, he said, will be a film
designed to stimulate the a^^gc
churchgoer to more creative aJ^Pxg-
gressive Christian living; the second
will be a film to promote Christian
education by portraying the basic
values of religion; and another will
dramatize the church school teacher,
to aid in the recruitment of them.
Oother films will deal with the need
for racial and religious tolerance, vo-
cational opportunities in the mission-
ary field, the ministry, and Christian-
ity in China, Heard disclosed.
In addition to the seven films sched-
uled, Heard outlined five series of
pictures which the commission is
nlanning for future production.
British Unions
(Continued from page 1)
British pictures under American di-
rectors and to spend $4,000,000 mod-
ernizing and re-equipping the Elstree
Studios.
The unions proposed: a council of
Government, producers and union rep-
resentatives to foster films under state
patronage with a circuit of state-
owned theatres and state film produc-
tion ; a reduction in the size of the
three present circuits ; a films' bank
to finance production; and legislation
stipulating that four-fifths of labor
costs in British films be paid to British
subjects.
A memorandum containing the
union's proposals was sent to Sir
Stafford Cripps, president of the Board
of Trade.
Odeon Dividend
London, Jan. 29— Odeon Theatres
announces a seven and one-half per
cent interim ordinary dividend, the
first since the company was formed
in 1937.
Mayer Auction Feb. 27
Arcadia, Cal., Jan. 29. — Louis B.
Mayer, M-G-M production chief, will
auction his $5,000,000 racing stable on
Feb. 27. The Fasig-Tipton Co. of New
York will handle the sale at Santa
Anita race track.
COLOR
CARTOONS
AND
Travelogues
Musical Novelties
Scientific Shorts
For Foreign Rights — Cable
FILM RIGHTS EXPORT Corp!
1600 BROADWAY ■ NEW YORK 19, N. Y.
CABOE ADDRESS "FILMRIGHTS"
New Hollingshead Shorts
Hollywood, Jan. 29. — "Let's Sing a
Song of the West" is the first in a
new series of six one-reel "Memory
Lane" musicals to be produced by
Gordon Hollingshead at Warners.
Jack Scholl is directing.
Lewis on ASCAP Board
Edgar Leslie, writer-member of the
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers has been ap-
pointed to the Society's board of di-
rectors.
i
REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS, INC.
1600 BROADWAY. M. Y. 19 Circle 6-S686
Complete Film and
Disc Recording Facilities M
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REPUBLIC
THE PILGRIM
LADY
Lynne Roerts
Warren Douglas
C — 67 mins.
(Rev. 1/22/47)
TRAIL TO
SAN ANTONE
Gene Autry
O— 67
CALENDAR
GIRL
Jane Frazee
William Marshall
M — 88
ANGEL AND
THE BADMAN
John Wayne
Irene Rich
D
APACHE ROSE
(Color)
Roy Rogers
O — 75 mins.
VIGILANTES
OF BOOMTOWN
Alan Lane
O — 56 mins.
THE
MAGNIFICENT
ROGUE
Warren Douglas
C — 74 min.
THAT'S MY
GAL
Lynn Roberts
Don Barry
THE GHOST
GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
PRC
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
BORN TO
SPEED
Johnny Sands
WILD
COUNTRY
Eddie Dean
IT'S A JOKE,
SON
Kenny Delmar
Una Merkel
C — 64 mins.
(Rev. 1/21/47)
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
Ian Hunter
D — 81 mins.
(Rev. 1/29/47)
LAW OF
THE LASH
Al LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
DEVIL ON
WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
RANGE
BEYOND THE
BLUE
Eddie Dean
RETURN OF
RIN-TIN-TIN
(Color)
UNTAMED
FURY
Mikel Conrad
ftlllsU VANISH,
RETURNS
Alan Curtis
D
THREE ON A
TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
D
PARA
CROSS MY
HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
C — 83 mins.
(Rev. 11/18/46)
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
D — 87 mins.
(Rev. 11/18/46)
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
C — 90 mins.
(Rev. 1/7/47)
CALIFORNIA
(Color)
Ray Milland
O — 97 min.
(Rev. 12/16/46)
EASY COME,
EASY GO
Sonny Tufts
Diana Lynn
MONO.
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
D — 57 mins.
(Rev. 1/20/47)
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA
TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
O — 61 mins.
RAIDERS OF
THE SOUTH
Johnny Mack
Brown
O — 58 mins.
VACATION
DAYS
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
M— 611
RAINBOW
OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakelev
O — 54 mins.
VALLEY OF
FEAR
Johnny Mack
Brown
O — 54 mins.
FALL GUY
Robert Armstrong
D
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
D
O M
It, W
s X
■a P
o ^
oo* =3-5
K °^ I at
« IS
oh"
T>
(Continued from page 1)
degree of competency which make their combined efforts virtually fool-
proof.
This is a humorous and charming vignette about Boston's ultra, ultra
Beacon Street and its insular and provincial old family set, as reflected in the
life and habits of George Apley (Colman). The only university in his world
is Harvard. New York is practically on the fringe of the wilderness area
and Worcester is a foreign city.
He is always courteous and always the gentleman, but he is likewise stiff-
shirt and reactionary in his social standards. By his lights, it becomes fore-
ordained that Richard Ney, the son, must marry in strict accordance with
heritage and family background and that so, too, must Peggy Cummins, the
daughter. But this happens to take place in 1912 when the younger generation,
even in Boston evidently, was thinking more and more on its own feet. Ney
rebels for a girl in Worcester; Miss Cummins for Russell, a visiting lecturer
at Harvard. As it happens, Colman finally has his way with Ney, but repents
to the tune of 50 per cent anyway by shedding enough of his repressions and
antiquated traditions to bring Miss Cummins and Russell together for their
happy finish. The conclusion to be drawn is that Colman actually fails to
change his spots, charming and courtly as they may be.
Philip Dunne, in his screenplay, has caught the full flavor of the original
material from which he worked. Mankiewicz's direction is faithful to that
original, which means he has extracted a great deal of quiet amusement from
the clashes between the old-fashioned and the encroaching modern which tear
at Colman's generations-old armor. The sum total is an intelligent motion
picture, produced in impeccable taste, with an appeal which, in all probability,
will point itself more directly at grown-up rather than bobby-sock audiences.
Running time, 98 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set.
Red Kann
Critics9 Quotes
"THE YEARLING" (M-G-M)
A motion picture of beauty, artistry and deep feeling ... an entertainment
of which Hollywood may be proud and for which we may be profoundly
grateful. — Howard Barnes, New York Herald-Tribune.
A truly great, wonderful picture. It is emotionally eloquent, tenderly human
and heart-warmingly real. — Frank Quinn, New York Daily Mirror.
A better-than-good dramatic film from the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings'
prize-winning novel of the same name. — Kate Cameron, New York Daily News.
It's a beautiful and heart-warming picture, due to be one of the year's
smash hits . . . one of Hollywood's most impressive achievements. — Rose
Pelswick, ' New York Journal- American.
Dazzles with its opulence and perfection. . . . Though missing greatness,
Sidney Franklin, Clarence Brown and company will doubtless have the con-
solation of having hit a bullseye of popular taste. — Archer Win-sten, New
York Post.
"The Yearling" is still another chance to get away from it all, but a won-
derful chance, a sweet and good and beautiful and kind one — very, very, very.
— Cecelia Ager, PM.
This is a beautiful picture, a movie that will be remembered and loved for
years. — Eileen Creelman, New York Sun.
Provides such a wealth of satisfaction that few pictures ever attain ... a
cheerful and inspiring film about the coming to manhood of a youngster. —
Bosley Crowther, New York Times.
This 1947 may or may not be the year of "The Yearling," as the slogan has
suggested, but it is very likely to be the year of the big argument about it.
This new picture is full of wonderful elements, each one a dramatic, mirthful
or whimsical cameo. But they are detached gems, stirring their audience
momentarily but never building to any strong, cumulative dramatic impact.
— Alton Cook, New York World-Telegram.
Mexican Banks Wary Of Producer Risks
Mexico City, Jan. 30. — Although
producers are generally optimistic
about 1947 production with a total of
from 96 to 134 films looked for —
uneasiness about new financing is
much in evidence. Private banks are
not disposed to lend sufficiently to
producers, particularly independents.
Patrons Unaware of Fire
Philadelphia, Jan. 30. — -Fire broke
out in the boiler room of the Ace
Theatre yesterday afternoon, when
firemen battled the blaze for an hour
while patrons remained in the house
unaware that anything was wrong.
They were not informed of the fire
because construction of the boiler
room is such that the rest of the build-
ing was not in danger. Manager Frank
Rondini said an oil truck pumped too
much oil and the overflow, hitting hot
bricks beside the tank, caused the fire.
Check Fire Safeguards
Omaha, Jan. 30. — The Fire De-
partment here has in work a new pro-
gram of checking safeguards in thea-
tres. Some theatres have already made
changes in equipment as a result.
ABP's Stock Rises
London, Jan. 30. — Associated Brit-
ish Pictures' common stock rose one
shilling three-pence (26 cents) follow-
ing this week's announcement of War-
ners' plan to produce at the studios.
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, Jan. 30
HARRY THOMAS, president of
PRC, has completed an arrange-
ment with George J. Schaefer where-
by the latter will supervise production
of "Disc Jockey," to be released
through PRC. William Stephens will
act as producer-director, and negotia-
tions are underway with leading "plat-
ter spinners" to portray themselves in
the picture.
•
Plans are underway at 20th Cen-
tury-Fox for the production of a pic-
ture based on the true-life story of a
Chicago scrubwoman who spent her
life's savings to prove the innocence
of her son, convicted of murder. To
be produced by Otto Lang, the story
is tentativelyt titled "Call Northside
777."
•
Gloria Henry, Columbia's new dis-
covery, has been assigned to a star-
ring role for her film debut, the
feminine lead in "Major Denning's
Trust Estate," which will be pro-
duced by Wiliam Bloom and direct-
ed by Robert Gordon. . . . Irving
Rapper has been assigned to direct
"Voice of the Turtle," Warner's
screen version of the John Van
Druten play.
•
"The Queen's Necklace," based on
Alexandre Dumas' version of an his-
toric court scandal, will be Benedict
Bogeaus' initial production on his
1947 schedule. Ida Lupino is set for
the_ starring role. . . . Universal-Inter-
national has acquired film rights to
Lillian Hellman's current Broadway
play, "Another Part of the Forest."
•
Paramtoimt has announced plans for
the production of a picture based on
the life of Ludwig, the mad king of
Bavaria. Aeneas MacKemie is at
work on the screenplay, which will in-
clude some of the best-known music
of Wagner. Th* film zvill be called
"Midnight King," a title based on
Ludwig's predilection for the hours of
darkness.
•
Screen Guild Productions has
concluded an arrangement whereby
the company will distribute "Bush
Pilot," initial full-length film pro-
duced by Dominion Productions of
Canada. An aviation story, it stars
Rochelle Hudson and Jack LaRue.
. . . Walter Wanger has borrowed
George Marshall from Paramount
to direct "Tap Roots," which Wan-
ger will produce in Technicolor,
for Universal-International.
•
Jules Levey has added Thomas
Hardy's "Return of the Native" to
his 1947 production schedule. . . .
Charles Starrett, who has been star-
ring in Columbia Westerns for 12
years, has signed a new four-year con-
tract with the studio, under the terms
of which he will make eight pictures
a year. . . . Ruth Harbert has been
promoted to the post of associate pro-
ducer at Fagle-Lion, and assigned to
produce "Convicted," based on her
own original.
•
Ginger Rogers has purchased Mar-
garet Runbeck's novel, "Great An-
swer," to serve as the basis for her
second film at Enterprise.
Sol Lesser presents
iowARD a ROBINSON
"LONMcCALUSTER
'ft* RED
nr0
5>
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
[6u. e
NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1947
TEN CENTS
Increase in
Short Rentals
Is Stalemated
25 to 33%% Rise Is Only
Moderately Successful
The reported moderate success
attending distributors' efforts to se-
cure higher rentals on their one and
two reelers, appears unlikely to
grow beyond that point; at least
fof some time, according to a cross-
section check of both exhibitor and
distributor opinion.
Said to be seeking from 25 to
33 1/3 per cent above rentals
charged before the war, because
(Continued on page 10)
20th-Fox Will
Meet Feb. 17
E. K. Storage Space
To Be Doubled; Rise
In Production Seen
Twentieth Century-Fox will hold
its first post-war national sales con-
ference at the Hotel Astor in New
York on Feb. 17-19, it was announced
over the weekend by Tom Connors,
vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion. Discussions will cover new sales
procedures and other problems affect-
ing the distribution of the company's
(Continued on page 7)
Columbia Notice of
Appeal Is Deferred
Columbia's decree decision
appeal notice to the U. S.
Supreme Court, originally
slated to be made last week,
has been put off by Louis
Frohlich, Columbia counsel,
due to the pressure of other
cases which required his im-
mediate attention, Frohlich
states. He said he now hopes
to file this week, adding that
the motions for certain
changes in the decree pend-
ing in the New York Federal
Court have no bearing on the
action.
He explained that Columbia
had asked for stays on the
bidding and single sales pro-
visions, and an appeal on
these two counts will be
taken regardless of the de-
cision on the stays.
In anticipation of "greatly in-
creased" raw stock orders to meet the
needs of anticipated increased pro-
duction, storage space for Eastman
Kodak film in
Hollywood will
be approximate-
1 y doubled
through the
buildinsr or ac-
quisition of new
facilities within
the next two or
three years, ac-
cording to Wil-
liam J. German,
president
of Jules Brula-
tour, Inc., ex-
clusive distribu-
tors of East-
man motion pic-
ture film.
German returned last week from
(Continued on page 10)
William J. German
MGM Sales Heads in
Chicago Meet Today
Chicago, Feb. 2. — An assortment
of sales matters will be taken up at
the M-G-M division managers meet-
ing today and tomorrow at the Drake
Hotel, Chicago. William F. Rodgers,
vice-president and general sales man-
(Continued on page 10)
'Dimes' Deadline Is
Set Back Five Days
Final date for filing tele-
graphic reports of collections
in the March of Dimes con-
test has been extended from
Feb. 5 to Feb. 10, Emil C.
Jenson, director of the motion
picture division, reports. The
date has been extended to
permit the participation in
the contest of some ex-
hibitors who were obliged,
because of local circum-
stances, to begin their week
of collections after the speci-
fied starting date of Jan. 24.
Mexican Grosses Are
Still Running High
Theatre attendance in Mexico has
displayed no sign of tapering-off from
their wartime highs, Luis Mantes,
president of the Mexican Motion Pic-
ture Chamber of Commerce, said here
Friday at a farewell luncheon given
by Fox West Coast. Mantes then left
for Mexico City following a week
here on the invitation of Charles
Skouras-.
American pictures, which grossed
less than Mexican product in Mexico
during the war, due to their accentua-
tion of war themes, have climbed
back into favor since then, Mantes
said, and now gross on a par with
domestic films. Admission prices,
which compare directly to American
scales, have remained unchanged since
the end of the war.
Allied Board
Votes High
Court Appeal
Myers' Amicus Curiae
Recommendation Taken
'It Happened on 5th Avenue 9
[ Monogram- Allied Artists ]
Hollywood, Feb. 2
ROY DEL RUTH, whose long and successful career speaks for
itself, produced and directed this initial Allied Artists production
— a warmly human picture with wide appeal. It clearly commands
preferred playing time.
Del Ruth selected a story of the same generic type as "You Can't Take
It With You," and "It's a Wonderful Life," and gave it lavish produc-
tion values, and talents of cast including such capable players as Don
Defore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, Victor Moore and Gale Storm.
The result is more than satisfactory entertainment, as evidenced by the
reaction of the preview audience at Warners Beverly Hills Theatre.
Everett Freeman's screenplay, based on original by Herbert Clyde
Lewis and Frederick Stephani, opens in the New York mansion of a
magnate who prefers to winter in the South. A tramp, familiar with
the owner's habits, moves into the boarded-up mansion soon after the
magnate departs. He settles down for a pleasant stay, wearing the
millionaire's clothes, eating his food and drinking his wine, undetected
behind the shuttered windows.
His solitude is shattered when he befriends a young war veteran who has
been evicted from an apartment house owned by the same absentee landlord.
(Continued on page 7)
Washington, Feb. 2.— The mid-
winter meeting of Allied States'
board on Friday voted to have
the organization appear before the
U. S. Supreme
Court as amicus
curiae when the
industry anti-
trust suit
reaches that ju-
risdiction from
the lower court.
Acting on a
recommen-
dation made by
Abram F. My-
e r s, Allied
counsel,
the board of di-
rectors agreed
to let the ex-
ecutive commit-
tee serve as advisors to the counsel,
with discretionary power to confer
(Continued on page 10)
Abram F. Myers
Film Accuracy
Needed: Price
Los Angeles, Feb. 2. — Private en-
terprise in the fields of motion pictures
and newspapers is in jeopardy and
will remain so to the extent that
American distributors and news serv-
ices "may fail to present a representa-
tive sample of American life," Byron
Price, Hollywood vice-president of the
Motion Picture Association, declared
in an address before the Harvard
Clubs of Southern California here,
at the weekend.
Noting that the alleged distortion
of American life is used as an argu-
(Continued on page 10)
In This Issue
In addition to the review of
"It Happened on Fifth Ave-
nue" which begins on this
page, this issue contains re-
views of "The Red House"
and "Easy Come, Easy Go" —
on page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 3, 1947
Personal
Mention
JACK L. WARNER, vice-president
and executive producer of War-
ners, is aboard the Queen Elisabeth,
which is scheduled to dock in New
York today.
•
Morris Goodman, former Republic
foreign manager and until recently
Motion Picture Export Association
representative in Berlin, is now in
Paris where he will remain until Feb.
7 before returning to the U. S.
•
Arnold Stoltz, PRC special sales
representative, is expected to return
to his office here in about a week fol-
lowing an emergency appendectomy at
West Side Hospital last Thursday.
•
Richard Morgan of the Paramount
home office legal department left New
York for the Coast yesterday, accom-
panied by George A. Smith, Western
division sales manager.
•
Loyal Haight, assistant manager
of Paramount Theatres Service Corp.,
left New York for Detroit at the
weekend, accompanied by Eugene
Street.
•
Joseph H. Moskowitz, 20th Cen-
tury-Fox vice-president and the stu-
dio's Eastern representative, left New
York for the Coast at the weekend.
•
Donald Hyde, vice-president of
United States Pictures, is due to ar-
rive today from the Coast. He will
remain in New York two weeks.
•
Donald Mack, Filmack executive,
and Mrs. Mack, are parents of their
first child, Gary Allen, who made
Irving Mack a grandpappy.
•
Charles Einfeld, president of En-
terprise Productions, left New York
for Hollywood on Eriday. He will
return in about four weeks.
•
Charles J. Feldman, Universal
Western division sales manager, left
here Friday on a trip to the Midwest
and the Coast.
•
Earle Sweigert, Paramount Mid-
Eastern division sales manager, is in
Washington from New York.
•
Claude F. Lee, Paramount public
relations director, is due in New York
tomorrow from Washington.
Bonita
W RATHER,
shortly.
Granville and Jack
producer, will be married
Sam Boverman of the Paramount
home office legal staff is in New Or-
leans.
•
Austin Keough, Paramount vice-
president, is in Florida from New
York.
•
David Rose will sail from New
York for England on Wednesday.
Dane Clark will arrive in New
York this week from the Coast.
Tradewise
By SHERWIN KANE
A BRAM MYERS, chairman
and general counsel of Al-
lied States, gave a pessimistic re-
port to his board of directors at
a meeting in Washington last
Friday on the chances for suc-
cess of such an organization as
the motion picture forum, pro-
posed by the Motion Picture
Theatre Owners of America as
a medium for discussing exhibi-
tion and distribution problems
with the hope of solving at least
some of them.
Mr. Myers' asserted in his re-
port that the distributors are in
no mood at this time to make
concessions to exhibition. It
was his conviction, apparently,
that no relief may be expected
from an agency of industry con-
ciliation until the Supreme Court
has finally resolved current in-
dustry litigation. He asked that
the Allied board consider the
subject at a later meeting.
His report enumerated several
distribution practices as evidence
of vindictiveness toward exhibi-
tors which, presumably, were to
prove his contention that "the
time is not ripe" for a rap-
prochement between exhibition
and distribution.
•
Unless the whole idea of the
proposed motion picture forum
has been laid before the industry
ineptly, there is not a single
grievance charged against dis-
tributors in Mr. Myers' report to
his board of directors that could
not properly be made the sub-
ject of discussion within a'n in-
dustry forum and a serious ef-
fort made to obtain relief in the
event a fair appraisal of the
grievance indicated that relief
was warranted.
There is a good deal of sup-
port for Mr. Myers' view that
the usefulness of a conciliation
agency will be markedly limited
until current industry litigation
has been decided by the Supreme
Court. The MPf OA, sponsor
of the proposed forum, shares
that view with Mr. Myers. Fred
Wehrenberg, MPTOA presi-
dent, explained that the meeting
of independent exhibitor organi-
zations which has been called for
March 10 and 11 in New York
will be concerned only with the
preliminaries of organization.
There is, apparently, no plan or
wish to have the forum begin to
function at that time. Meetings
subsequent to that one will need
to be held with distribution
representatives, and months may
elapse thereafter before an agree-
ment could be reached on the
makeup of the forum and the
area of its interests. The wis-
dom of an immediate start is
clearly indicated.
It would seem shortsighted, in
view of such considerations.- for
Allied to decline the invita-
tion to attend the March
meeting in New York to help lay
the groundwork for the study
and possible solution of the
problems besetting exhibition,
some of them named by Mr.
Myers in his report. One of
the consequences of such a
course, in fact, would be to place
in the hands of Allied's critics
some not inconsequential evi-
dence to support the often-heard
charge that Allied does not wish
to see industry problems solved.
• •
The many analyses in recent
weeks of the phenomenon of
stable grosses and declining
theatre attendance, prevailing in
the industry now, have not
placed proper emphasis upon the
part played by increased admis-
sion scales in bringing about
that result, according to some
observers of the trend.
The analysts have pointed out
the obvious — that the gross level
is maintained despite a decline
in attendance because admission
prices are higher than they
were a year ago. The usual
conclusion is that customers are
"shopping" for their entertain-
ment or that the drawing pow-
er of the general run of pictures
has declined.
■ Some trade observers point
out that the shoppers for enter-
tainment are customers, not non-
theatre goers. They may shop
by rejecting one or more pic-
tures in favor of what they re-
gard as their best choice avail-
able, but most of them end up
in some theatre, regardless.
Therefore, these observers see
little effect exerted by shoppers
on over-all theatre attendance,
certainly less on that than on the
gross of individual pictures.
They believe, rather, that the
higher admission scales are ac-
tually keeping people from thea-
tres, particularly young people
and their "dates," whose motion
picture money comes from small
weekly allowances or spare-time
earnings. They conclude from
this that attendance,' as well as
gross, would equal or exceed last
year's if admission scales had
remained the same.
Perhaps they are right. Cer-
tainly, when the cost of enter-
tainment ranges from 50 cents to
$2.40 per person, it is beginning
to shed its claim to being "mass
entertainment."
News reel
Parade
D OLAND'S election, the war in
I Indo-China, aviation tragedies and
Franklin D. Roosevelt's birthday get
the spotlight in current neivsreels,
which also contain miscellaneous
sports and human interest items; full
contents folloiv :
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 45— U. Si
mediation attempts in China. Polish ell
brings U. S. protest. Aviation tragedies:
Dutch Airlines, Copenhagen; passenger
transport, London. Maj. Howie of St. Lo
battle is honored. Pilgrimage to the Ganges.
King of Laos. Teachers cured of double
vision. Sports: sled racing, rodeo.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 243— World
spotlight on Poland's first postwar election.
French return Laos territory as peace move
in Indo-China. Air tragedies: Copenhagen.
Croydon. Princess sets precedent. Most
beautiful legs. Sled racing.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 46— From
Denmark: goodwill gymnasts. Polish vote
challenged. The nation remembers Franklin
D. Roosevelt. France returns province in
Indo-China. Controversy grows over air
safety.
RICO PATHE NEWS, No. 48— In mem-
oriam of F.D.R. DeGaspari. Italian premi-
er, returns. Poland's disputed election.
German youths learn Democracy. Radar
used to reduce plane toll." Jet-planes vault
Alps.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 9-First
pictures of Polish election. Grace Moore and
Crown Prince of Sweden die in air crash.
Severest winter in years brings added suf-
fering to Europe's hungry and homeless.
Oriental kingdom returned to Indo-China.
Breath-taking ski thrills at D'ubuque. Ia.
Auto races on beach at Daytona.
Clear Up Claims in
Fox Theatres Case
Skouras Theatres Corp. and United
Artists Theatres have settled, finally,
all claims against them rising out of
the bankruptcy in 1944 of Fox Thea-
tres and the reorganization of its sub-
sidiary, Metropolitan Playhouses, with
payment of $250,000 to trustees of
Fox Theatres and its creditors.
Offer of the settlement was made
by UA Theatres and Skouras, Robert
Aronstein, attorney for the trustees
and certain creditors then filed appli-
cation for approval with the New
York District Court and on Friday
Federal Judge John C. Knox, after a
hearing, granted the application.
In 1935 Skouras and UA Theatres
acquired all class A stock of the re-
organized Metropolitan circuit for
$150,000, in a deal approved by the
court. Many legal skirmishes followed
and subsequently the UA and Skouras
companies brought that figure up an
additional $850,000.
All Film Companies
Now Signed by SPG
All 12 distributors here are now
signed with the Screen Publicists
Guild under its new terms. Produc-
ers Releasing, which had recognized
the SPG as bargaining- agent last
July, finally closed a contract on Fri-
day while Republic also renewed its
pact.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwm Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco
New York. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary ; 'James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624_ South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup', Editor-
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald-
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c,
Monday, February 3, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
3
Parents Hail MPA 'Library9 As Educational Factor
Johnston's Motivation Is
Supported by Analysis
By CHARLES L. FRANKE
Two new developments have
evolved to lend added impetus to, and
insure the continued success of the
t/oZW Picture Association's "Chil-
QTwfs Film Library," according to
an analysis of public reaction estab-
lished by the MPA.
Today's children, it is said, are by-
passing the "sainted" literary classics
in their reading, and today's parents,
appalled over this fact, are looking-
to the "Children's Film Library" as
a compensatory agent and, addition-
ally, are welcoming the opportunity
for their children to share with them
past "film experiences" that would
not otherwise be available. In other
words, according to reactions, the pub-
lic is looking to the MPA program
to help guarantee a "well-read"
younger generation. This was the un-
derlying consideration which prompted
MPA president Eric Johnston to
launch the program.
Factors Are New
It was the non-existence of both of
these factors, according to MPA
opinion, that doomed to failure a sim-
ilar children's program developed by
the Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America in 1924-25.
In those days children were more
inclined to read such books as
"David Copperfield," "Little Men,"
"Little Women," "Alice in Wonder-
land," "Young Tom Edison," and
the others, it is pointed out, and
likewise in those days when the in-
dustry was in its infancy parents had
had no past "film experiences" to
share under such a program.
Today MPA files are crowded
with records of press, radio and civic
support of, and enthusiasm for the
"Children's Library." This has im-
pelled the MPA to make plans for
extending the library beyond the 27
features originally slated. Additional
pictures, like some of those alreadv
included in the program, will be pre-
viewed by groups of school children
to determine their fitness. Currently
the Association is collating a wealth
of data on the program, and this to-
gether with a summation of accom-
plishments will be made available to
exhibitors shortly.
Loew's Ad Talks to
Open Here Thursday
Loew's out-of-town division man-
agers and divisional publicists are
coming here for advertising confer-
ences on Thursday with M-G-M's
Howard Dietz and Loew's Ernest
Emerling. Divisional publicists in-
clude Joe Di Pesa, Boston; Ed
Fisher, Cleveland : Ted Barker, St.
Louis: Brock Whitlock, Washington;
Lou Brown of the Poli Circuit and
Gertrude Bunchez of Baltimore.
Sorrell Hearing Delayed
Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Hearing on
defense counsel's motion to dismiss in-
dictments against Herbert Sorrell,
president of the Conference of Studio
Unions, and 13 other strike leaders
charged with conspiracy to violate
court orders, has been postponed by
Superior Court Judge Thomas Am-
brose to Feb. 24,
Six Top Stars for
'Brotherhood' Film
June Allyson, Lionel Barrymore,
Joan Bennett, Gene Kelly, Gregory
Peck and Dick Powell comprise the
cast of the special David O. Selznick
news featurette which will announce
American Brotherhood Week to thea-
tre-goers during the week of Feb. 16-
23. Produced by Selznick, and direct-
ed by William Dieteiie, the subject
will become a part of every newsreel
starting with the opening of the drive.
Skouras Is Chairman
The motion picture industry Drive
is under the chairmanship of Spyros
P. Skouras, president of 20th Cen-
tury-Fox, with Fred Wehrenberg,
president of the Motion Picture Thea-
tre Owners of America; Jack Kirsch,
national president of Allied States
Association, and Ted Gamble of the
American Theatres Association, as
co-chairmen.
Exhibitors are being asked to ob-
tain a minimum quota of 10 pledges
per theatre, with this number expect-
ed to be exceeded when the campaign
gets under way.
The overall objective is a total of
250,000 memberships. No audience col-
lections will be made.
Reciprocity Group
To Hear Johnston
Washington, Feb. 2. — Eric John-
ston, president of the Motion Picture
Association, held a conference Friday
with his local aides on the statement
he plans to make before the Inter-
Departmental Committee on reciproc-
ity on Feb. 6.
Johnston will urge the continuation
of the State Department's reciprocal
trade program and will list industry
trade barriers being imposed abroad.
Allied and Monogram
Have 11 in Backlog
Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Allied Artists
and Monogram now have the most
costly backlog of completed pictures
in their history, it is announced by
Steve Broidy, president.
Headed bv the Allied Artists re-
lease, Roy Del Ruth's "It Happened
on 5th Avenue," filmed at a cost of
$1,300,000, the list of 11 Monogram
pictures includes several of the com-
pany's most important films of the
vear, the latter group leading off with
"Black Gold," Cinecolor production,
and including- "The Guiltv." "High
Conquest," "Fall Guy," "Violence,"
"Panic," "Rainbow over the Rockies,"
"Vallev of Fear," "Six Gun Ser-
enade," "Trailing Danger" and "Land
of the Lawless."
Thorner to Liberty
Everett Thorner will join Liberty
Films today as exploitation field man,
working out of Mort Nathanson's
New York publicity office. Thorner
previously held a similar post for
Warner Brothers in Denver and Salt
Lake and prior to that was associated
with advertising and radio agencies.
His first assignment will be on Frank
Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," re-
leased by RKO Radio,
Bader Now Business
Head of Film Bulletin
Philadelphia, Feb. 2. — David A.
Bader, veteran industry publicist, has
been named business manager of Film
Bulletin, Moe Wax, publisher, an-
nounced here at the weekend. Assum-
ing his new duties tomorrow with the
Philadelphia regional trade paper,
Bader will make his headquarters in
New York.
Bader, who entered the industry
with Universal in 1920 and was
later personal representative of Carl
Laemmle, its president, was head of
the Literary Corp. of America in 1938
and served as trade press representa-
tive for 20th Century-Fox during the
past few years. In 1942, he was ex-
ecutive editor of The Independent.
New York. He has been associated
with the current March of Dimes
drive as a publicist.
In going with the Bulletin; Bader
is disassociating himself from the
\6mm. Reporter, which he acquired
some time ago, Wax said.
St. Louis Will Vote
On Daylight Saving
St. Louis, Feb. 2. — Exhibitors here
have finally triumphed in efforts to
get the issue of davlight saving time
before St. Louis voters. It has become
apparent that the issue will be in-
cluded on a ballot in the April munici-
pal election.
Exhibitors had circulated petitions
seeking repeal of daylight saving time
and when petitions first submitted
were found to have 7,000 allegedly in-
valid signatures, leaving a shortage of
more than 2.000, the exhibitors took
back the petitions and grot more signa-
tures and now have 400 more names
than are needed. Meanwhile, too, the
city counselors' office has ruled that
the issue could not be certified in time
to place it on the ballot, but exhibi-
tors found loopholes in citv ordinance^
and now it seems h'kelv the board of
aldermen will certify the issue.
First Enterprise -UA
Release Opens Feb. 22
Enterprise's first release through
United Artists, Harry Sherman's
"Ramrod," will have its premiere in
25 Utah theatres on Feb. 22, in con-
nection with the state's centennial
Robert Taplinger, advertising-pub-
licity director for Enterprise, made
the announcement at a UA press
'uncheon here on Friday. Taplinger
is returning to the Coast next Fri-
day.
Also present at the luncheon were :
Paul N. Lazarus, Jr., Howard Le
^ieur, Francis Winikus, Lew Barasch
^nd Mori Krushem, all of United
Artists, and Red Kann. James Cun-
ningham. Tames Ivers, Tack Harrison
Herb Golden, Paul Perez. Frank
Lvndeckrr, Flovd Stone, Mel Kone-
'-nff, Mort Sunshine. A1 Picault.
Chester Balm, Walter Blake, Lew
Melamed.
'Bedelia' Here Feb. 7
"Bedelia," first Eagle-Lion film to
have a New York City opening, will
have its local premiere at the Victoria
Theatre on Broadway on Friday,
Feb. 7, A. W. Schwalberg, E-L vice-
president and general sales manager,
announces.
Paramount Chiefs
Honored on Coast
Hollywood, Feb. 2. — The Para-
mount home office and British execu-
tives who conferred here during the
week on the company's domestic and
foreign production plans were hon-
ored at a reception at the weekend at
which they were greeted by 200 per-
sons among whom were studio of-
ficials, stars, department heads, pro-
ducers, directors and writers. Henry
Ginsberg, vice-president in charge of
production and studio operations was
host.
Guests of Honor
Guests of honor were : Barney Bala-
ban, Paramount president; Adolph
Zukor, chairman of the board ; Charles
M. Reagan, vice-president in charge
of distribution; George Weltner,
president of Paramount International ;
Russell Holman, Eastern production
head ; Alan Jackson, Eastern story
editor ; Curtis Mitchell, director of
publicity-advertising, and the follow-
ing from overseas: James E. Perkins,
chairman and managing director for
Great Britain, and Frank Farley,
European production representative
for the company.
Among players at the reception
were: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Ray
Milland, Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hut-
ton, Alan Ladd, Joan Caulfield, Ver-
onica Lake, Phyllis Calvert, Ann
Todd, Howard da Silva, Macdonald
Carey, Billy De Wolfe, William Ben-
dix, William Demarest, Cecil Kella-
way, Patric Knowles, Virginia Field,
John Lund, Robert Preston and Cath-
erine Craig.
Paramount Executives Are
Honored by Studio Heads
Barney Balaban, Paramount presi-
dent, and Charles M. Reagan, distri-
bution vice-president, are due in New
York from Hollywood today. George
Weltner, president of Paramount In-
ternational, will return today or to-
morrow. Alan Jackson, Eastern story
editor, is expected next Monday. Rus-
sell Holman, Eastern production head,
is due sometime next week. Adolph
Zukor, chairman of the board, will re-
main on the Coast for several months.
Griffith Suit Taken
To High Court
Washington, Feb. 2. — H. L. Grif-
fith of the Griffith Circuit said here
at the weekend that his organization
has already been served with an of-
ficial Justice Department notice that
the Oklahoma anti-trust suit will be
appealed to the Supreme Court by
the Government. Griffith expressed the
belief that the lower court decision
would be upheld in the Supreme
Court.
The Western exhibitor was in
Washington to attend the annual
Texas Society dinner. Other Texas
exhibitors present were: E. H. Row-
ley, president of the Rowley Circuit;
L. M. Rice, attorney for Rowley ; and
Jim Clements of Dallas.
Inter-City Dissolves
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 2. — Inter-City
Circuit, Inc., New York, has been dis-
solved. Moe Morris, Radio City, was
recording attorney.
COLUMBIA
PICTURES
presents
DICK
EVELYN
POWELL- K EYES
LEE J.
with
ELLEN
COBB DREW FOCH
S. THOMAS GOMEZ • JOHN KELLOGG
Screenplay by Robert Rossen
Directed by ROBERT ROSSEN
Produced by Associate Producer
EDWARD G. NEALIS • MILTON HOLMES
"Bound to bring
smiles to exhibitors
as they hear the
coins bouncing in
their tills."
ohhhvs Dangerous . . .
but that's how women like him . .
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 3, 1947
AN OUTSTANDING EVENT!
ASSOCIATED MOTION PICTURE ADVERTISERS
LUNCHEON -MEETING
TOWN HALL CLUB
123 WEST 43RD STREET
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
12:30 NOON — PROMPTLY
— *
Principal Speaker: CEORCE WEVER, Promotion Director,
LIFE Magazine
Topic: "NEW TRENDS IN MAGAZINE PROMOTION"
— .*
TERRY RAMSAYE, Official Industry Historian, Will
Officiate at Ceremonies Commemorating the
Thomas A. Edison Centennial
MADELINE EDISON SLOANE, Daughter of the
Great Inventor, will be Special Guest of Honor
* '
Other Important Figures in the Publishing and
Advertising Fields will grace the Dais.
RUTGERS NEILSON, President, will preside
PHIL WILLIAMS, Vice-President, Member-Guest Emcee
LUNCHEON Members: $2.00
Guests: $2.50
N. B.: For Reservations Call
A. DASH, FILM DAILY, BRyant 9-7117
Hits Bill Dropping
School Show Taxes
Eldora, Iowa, Feb. 2. — A bill to
eliminate the Federal admisson tax
on all school shows has been intro-
duced in Congress by Rep. Henry
O. Talle, it is disclosed by Leo F.
Wolcott, board chairman of Allied of
iowa-Nebraska, in a bulletin to the
membership urging protests against
the proposal.
Wolcott calls the bill discriminatory.
He states : "In view of the fact that
schools have so completely commer-
cialized their activities, games, film
shows and the like, there is no valid
reason why the public which patron-
izes these activities should not be
required to' pay this tax the same as
those who attend theatres."
Omaha Companies
In Fight Over Site
Omaha, Feb. 2. — Four film firms
here have protested the tentative selec-
tion of land which they occupy, as part
of a site for a $3,500,000 city audi-
torium.
An ordinance which provides for
condemnation of the land and which
would cut off westward development
of Film Row now rests in the city
council. The four who asked the coun-
cil that they be heard include : Robert
Ballantyne, owner of The Ballantyne
Co.; J. M. McBride, Paramount;
William Raapke, Metropolitan Scenic
Studios; Frank Hannon, Warners.
Webster Is Named
Warner Manager
Paul Webster, formerly of the
Warner Brothers sales staff in Salt
Lake City, has been promoted to
branch manager in Des Moines by
Ben Kalmenson, vice-president and
general sales manager. Webster, who
succeeds George Lefko, resigned, led
the field in the salesman division of
the 1946 Warner sales drive.
Roy Haines, Western division sales
manager for Warners, has arranged
for the installation of the new Des
Moines manager.
Installs McClellan
Hartford, Feb. 2. — Byron McClel-
lan has been installed as president of
local No. 439, IATSE, New London.
Other installed officers : W. W. Lucas,
vice-president; William F. Totten, re-
cording secretary ; William A. Reed,
financial secretary-treasurer ; Fred C.
Nowell, business agent, and John S.
Kane, Salvatore Patti and Irwin Daw-
ley, board of trustees.
/. Schlesinger, 80
I. Schlesinger, 80, father of Leon-
ard S. Schlesinger, president and gen-
eral manager of Warner Brothers
Service Corp., died on Friday at his
home in St. Louis and was buried in
that city yesterday. The Warner ex-
ecutive will return to New York to-
morrow after attending the funeral.
Two other sons, Sidney and Joseph,
also survive.
Televise Edison Dinner
The Thomas Edison centennial din-
ner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
here on Feb. 11 will be covered over
National Broadcasting's television sta-
tion WNBT at 9:15 P. M.
SAG Asks AFL End
Jurisdictional Rows
Miami, Feb. 2— A wire from Rob-
ert Montgomery, Screen Actors Guild
president, requesting the executive
council of the American Federation
of Labor to take action during its
meeting here to prevent jurisdictional
disputes among A. F. of L. unions,
such as that which occasionecaBfite
current Hollywood studio strikeJJBfs
read to the assemblage here on Fri-
day.
Action on the request, which par-
allels another made by the Associated
Actors & Artistes of America, is ex-
pected before the council adjourns.
Gilbert Opens New
Branch on Coast
Marc Gilbert Film Co., distributor
of American and foreign films, with
headquarters here, has opened a
branch in Los Angeles. The exchange
will have state-rights on product in
a territory covering 13 Western states
and will book two first-runs in Los
Angeles, two in San Francisco and
five in other states on the Coast.
Gilbert has also concluded negotia-
tions to act as purchasing agent for
the Mayan Theatre, Los Angeles and
the Melvan, Hollywood.
Scofield and Taylor
Form Producing Firm
Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Ed Scofield
and Sam Taylor have formed Scofield-
Taylor Productions, to produce under
the trademark of Four Leaf Clover
Pictures, with Bert Harrison as
treasurer, Eugene H. Levy, secretary,
and Bert Vine, director of press rela-
tions.
"Las Vegas," the first picture, will
start in April, with Arthur Treacher
and others.
Bain Joins Turner
Chicago, Feb. 2. — Keith Bain, pub-
licity man and band manager, who at
one time managed Lawrence Welk's
orchestra, has been added to Terry
Turner's Midwest exploitation staff,
and_ will be assigned a territory fol-
lowing his present "schooling" period
under the tutelage of Bob Hickey and
Bill Prager.
RKO Screening Feb. 18
RKO Radio's "The Farmer's
Daughter" will have a New York
trade showing on Feb. 18 in the Nor-
mandie Theater. Dore Schary pro-
duced.
Gauss to D. and C.
Joseph T. Gauss, recently art direc-
tor of Hazard Advertising Co., and
formerly an art director of Lord and
Thomas, has joined the Donahue and
Coe agency here.
Mr. Exhibitor: Investigate!
Filmack's NEW Prevue Trail-
er Service before signing any
trailer contracts. Write, wire '
or phone Filmack 1327 S.
Wabash, Chicago 5, III. and
receive full details.
Monday, February 3, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
Sharp Drop in
Production;
Total Hits 34
Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Production
b'-yiropped off sharply, the shooting
j/UL) g0ing down to 34 from the
previous level of 41. Only two new
films were started, whereas nine were
completed ; the production scene folr
lows :
Columbia
"The Corpse
Came
Finished :
C.O.D."
Started: "Broadway Baby," with
Jean Porter,.John Shelton, Ruth Don-
nelly, Doris Colleen, Ed Gargan,
Douglas Wood, Vince Barnett.
Shooting: "The Lady from Shang-
hai," "Assigned to Treasury" (Ken-
nedy-Buchman) , "Three Were Thor-
oughbreds" (Cavalier).
Eagle-Lion
Shooting : "Repeat Performance."
M-G-M
Shooting : "Song of the Thin Man,"
"The Hucksters," "Song of Love,"
"The Birds and the Bees," "Living in
"a Big Way" (formerly "To Kiss and
to Keep").
Monogram
Finished : "Panic." .
Shooting : "Tragic Symphony."
Paramount
Finished : "Saigon."
Shooting : "Variety Girl," "Road to
Rio," "Albuquerque" (Clarion), "I
Walk Alone" (Wallis).
RKO-Radio
Finished: "Under the Tonto Rim."
Started : "Tycoon," with John
Wayne, Laraine Day, Sir Cedric
Hardwicke, Anthony Quinn, Jannes
Gleason, Judith Anderson.
Shooting: "Indian Summer," "If
You Knew Susie."
Finished :
Grande."
Republic
"Twilight on the Rio
Selznick
Shooting : "The Paradine Case."
20th Century-Fox
Finished : "Mother Wore Tights,"
"The Crimson Key" (Sol Wurtzel).
Shooting: "The Ghost and Mrs.
Muir," "Moss Rose," "Captain from
Castile," "Forever Amber," "It's Only
Human."
United Artists
Finished: "The Other Love" (Enter-
prise).
Shooting: "Stork Bites Man"
(Comet), "Body and Soul" (Enter-
prise), "Heaven Only Knows" (Ne-
benzal), "Vendetta" (California).
Universal-International
Shooting : "Time Out of Mind,"
"Ivy" (Interwood).
'It Happened on 5 th Avenue
Warners
Finished: "Dark Passage."
Shooting: "The Unfaithful.
Valley," "The Woman in
"The Unsuspected" (Curtiz).
{Continued front' page 1)
The veteran, quite naturally, has friends, also homeless vets, and they, too,
move into the mansion with their wives and children. To complicate matters,
the millionaire's daughter, fed up with finishing school, comes home to find
herself suspected of stealing her own mink coat.
The magnate, meanwhile, arrives in New York in search of his daughter,
and before he knows what it's all about, the young lady has persuaded him
to conceal his identity and join the little group of squatters, in order to learn
at first hand the character and qualities of the veteran on whom his daughter
has set her heart. Quick-tempered and tyrannical, he is about to give the whole
show away when his daughter, in despair, appeals to her mother, the magnate's
divorced wife. She, too, arrives to add to the confusion and conflict.
Of conflict there is considerable, since the war veterans want to buy some
property on which magnate is also bidding, the girl wants to marry the
veteran, the magnate doesn't want her to, and the mother wants her daughter's
happiness above all. That the right people will get the right things in the
end is a foregone conclusion.
Charles Ruggles, as the magnate, turns in a notable performance, and
Victor Moore, playing the tramp, is inimitable. Gale Storm, in the ingenue lead,
has seldom been seen to better advantage.
The picture throughout is replete with deft and tender scenes, with memor-
able moments of warmth and charm. Four songs by Harry Revel are skillfully
worked into the film's structure.
Running time, 115 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
not set. Thalia Bell
20th-Fox to Meet
(Continued from page 1)
"The Red House"
(United Artists-Lesser)
GEORGE AGNEW CHAMBERLAIN'S Saturday Evening Post story of
a New Jersey dirt-farmer mentally befogged, and of murder and mystery,
is given vivid, dramatically important expression in "The Red House."
Edward G. Robinson, Lon McCallister and Judith Anderson provide the
commercially significant names ; Sol Lesser's production could hardly en-
counter box-office difficulties.
Skilled hands in all departments have fashioned Chamberlain's piece into
the gripping film that it is. Performances by those already named, plus Allene
Roberts, Julie London and Rory Calhoun, all in well sketched characteriza-
tions, are splendid. Delmer Daves' direction of his own screenplay is un-
hurried, effectively so. The camera work, lighting and mood music are un-
usually good, lending dramatic emphasis to nearly every scene. Remarkable,
too, are the settings.
A Red House, although seen only briefly, is the motivating force of the
plot, known only to Robinson and Miss Anderson, playing his sister, as the
home of his loved one and her husband. Robinson had murdered the couple IS
years ago. Miss Roberts and McCallister, who with Calhoun and Miss London
round out the small farm group principally concerned, are aware of the exis-
tence of this house in the woods, and suspect that mystery is attached thereto.
The story deviates a bit from its main line with some bits of romance
involving McCallister and Miss London, with Roberts playing the third party.
Development of the theme is taut and tense as Robinson gradually loses his
mind trying to keep his secret and hold his adopted daughter, Miss Roberts,
who actually was the offspring of the woman he had killed.
It builds to a startling climax as Robinson, now known to be the murderer,
elects to evade the police by submerging his automobile and himself in a
watery grave, in an old ice house next to the Red House, into which he had
placed his victims of 15 years ago.
Running time, 100 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
Feb. 8. Gene Arneel
'Easy Come, Easy Go'
' "Deep
White,"
Hollywood, Feb. 2
(Paramount)
IN essence a characterization by Barry Fitzgerald, with Diana Lynn, Sonny
Tufts, Dick Foran, Frank McHugh, Allen Jenkins, John Litel and some
others present in roles designed to focus attention upon the principal por-
trayal, this production, by Kenneth Macgowan, from a screenplay by Francis
Edwards Faragoh, John McNulty and Anne Froelick, based on some sketches
by McNulty, is as good or as bad, commercially speaking, as Fitzgerald is
popular or not in a given exhibition area.
As directed by John Farrow, it is a leisurely enactment, in Irish brogue,
of a tale about a Third Avenue rooming-house keeper and sign painter whose
addiction to betting on the ponies, and general improvidence, complicates the
lives of his family and friends. The brogue is laid on thickly, although Fitz-
gerald handles it well, and the stage business in which the star is assigned
to engage is a part which used to be associated automatically with what was
known generically as the "Irish comic."
In the tale, handled totally in light manner, Fitzgerald is forever borrowing
money to bet with a bookie on some horse or other, and losing most of the
time. To keep his daughter, Miss Lynn, from marrying Sonny Tufts, a re-
turned sailor, or Dick Foran, a policeman, he stretches truth beyond the
breaking point, and things go from bad to worse until, by a chain of circum-
stances too devious to follow with a synopsis, his daughter and a lady roomer
save the family fortunes by betting on a horse that wins. It is the kind of
comedy in which the individual incidents, rather than the whole, are counted
upon to produce laughs.
Running time, 78 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. William R. Weaver
pictures for 1947.
The conference will be attended by
all district and branch managers in
the U. S., as well as sales executives
and sales department heads of the
home office. There will also be sep-
arate divisional meetings to discuss
special problems of individual terri-
tories.
Spyros P. Skouras, president, will
address the meeting, giving a first-
hand report of his recent visit to the
company's Hollywood studios, and
outlining plans for pictures scheduled
for release during the year.
Scheduled to attend from the home
office are : Executive vice-president
W. C. Michel ; treasurer Donald Hen-
derson ; assistant treasurer and comp-
troller W. J. Eadie ; general counsel
Otto Koegel ; general sales manager
W. J. Kupper; Charles Schlaifer, di-
rector of advertising-publicity ; John
Caskey, counsel ; sales manager W.
C. Gehring, A. W. Smith Jr., Her-
man Wobber and Harry Ballance, and
Jack Bloom, Edwin H. Collins, Mar-
tin Moskowitz, Peter Levathes and
Jack Sichelman.
District Managers
District managers who will attend
include : C. E. Peppiatt, Atlantic ; E.
X. Callahan, Northeast; Paul S. Wil-
son, southeast ; Phil Longdon, South-
west; Jack H. Lorentz, Great Lakes;
J. J. Grady, mideast ; M. A. Levy,
Prairie ; Ward E. Scott, Midwest ;
Charles L. Walker, Mountain; Bryan
D. Stoner, Pacific ; Sydney Samson,
Canada ; Raymond E. Moon, Eastern
New York State.
Branch managers who will attend
include : Joseph B. Rosen, Albany ;
Sam Gross, Philadelphia ; Weldon
Waters, Pittsburgh ; C. G. Norris,
Washington ; James M. Connolly,
Boston ; William Graham, acting man-
ager, Buffalo; Benjamin A. Simon,
New Haven ; Fred R. Dodson, At-
lanta; J. E. Holston, Charlotte;
Mark Sheridan, New Orleans ; H. L.
Beecroft, Dallas ; Tom W. Young,
Memphis ; Grady L. James, sales man-
ager, Oklahoma City ; Tom R. Gil-
liam, Chicago ; Joseph J. Lee, De-
troit ; Joseph R. Neger, Milwaukee ;
Leavitt J. Bugie, Cincinnati; J. J.
Schmertz, Cleveland ; George T. Lan-
dis, Indianapolis.
Others
Also : Gordon F. Halloran, Des
Moines ; Jack S. Cohan, Minneapolis ;
Toseph E. Scott, Omaha ; George W.
Fuller, Kansas City; Benjamin B.
Reingold, St. Louis; V. T. Dugan,
Denver; Clyde Blasius, Salt L.Tke
City ; Clyde W. Eckhardt, Los An-
geles : Charles F. Powers, Portland ;
Toseph M. Podoloff, San Francisco ;
Frank Drew, Seattle.
An entire session of the meetings
will be devoted to advertising plans,
with Charles Schlaifer, director of ad-
vertising-publicity, presiding. It is
expected that by Feb. 17 there will he
ready sufficient material to place on
exhibition accessories that will be
available on all pictures right through
the Spring. Newspaper, magazine
and radio advertising plans, already
approved, will be detailed.
Editing Course by Hess
Louis Hess, editor-in-chief of All
American News Productions, is con-
ducting a class in editing at the New
Institute, Brooklyn, which has vari-
ous stage and film courses.
with
Harry Bruce Irene Lee
CAREY CABOT RICH DIXON
STEPHEN GRANT • TOM POWERS • PAUL HURST
Written and Directed by A
lames Edward Grant JOHN WAYNE
Production
A REPUBLIC PICTURE
10
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 3, 1947
No Forum Tie-Up
Now: Allied Board
Washington, Feb. 2 — The
Allied States board of direc-
tors, on the recommendation
of counsel Abram F. Myers,
agreed at its meeting here
Friday that it would be un-
wise for Allied to obligate
itself to an industry-wide
forum until the U. S. Su-
preme Court has finally acted
in the industry anti-trust
suit.
Myers, in his report to the
board, stated that there is
"nothing to discuss until the
Supreme Court judgment is
rendered."
MGM Sales Meet
(Continued from page 1)
ager, stated that he has not met with
the division chiefs together in three
months and in that time a number of
subjects have come up for attention.
Release plans for "The Yearling,"
which opens at the State Lake Thea-
tre, here, this month, are expected to
be announced following the session.
Division managers to attend are John
J. Maloney, Central division, from
Pittsburgh; John P. Byrne, Eastern,
New York, and Rudolph Berger,
Southern, New Orleans. Edward M.
Saunders and Edwin W. Aaron, as-
sistant general sales managers, also
will attend from New York.
Space Increased
(Continued from page 1)
a trip to Hollywood, where he sought
to make immediate arrangements to
supplement or supplant the company's
two warehouses, which have a com-
bined storage capacity of about 50,-
000,000 feet of stock. He found, how-
ever, that some delay will be necessary
because of currently inflated real es-
tate values and Government restric-
tions on new construction.
Some time ago, German pointed out,
property was acquired at McCadden
Place and Santa Monica Boulevard,
which is somewhat removed from the
congested vicinity of the present ware-
houses, but it now develops that fur-
ther removal from the crowded area
will be necessary.
Raw stock demands for distribution
as well as production are due to in-
crease within the next few years, Ger-
man said, pointing out that there will
be more theatres to service than at
present. Already the demand has be-
gun, with the average picture now re-
quiring 350 or 400 prints in contrast
to approximately 275 during the war,
lie added.
Allied Board Votes Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
and cooperate with other independent
exhibitor organizations.
The board approved the flat-rental
proposal sent to New York by the
Conference of Independent Exhibitor
Associations and urged that the CIEA
efforts continue with Allied coopera-
tion.
Myers was authorized by the board
to convey to the Attorney General the
board's appreciation for his steadfast-
ness in pressing for complete divorce-
ment. Also the skill and tenacity with
which Robert L. Wright handled the
industry case in the lower court was
praised by the board.
In Myers' letter to Attorney Gen-
eral Tom Clark, he will earnestly re-
quest that the Government promptly
appeal to the Supreme Court with a
view toward obtaining complete di-
vorcement.
Allied on Friday refused to appoint
a representative to the 12-man In-
dustry-Government Film Committee.
The action was taken at the recom-
mendation of Myers, who contended
that the present Allied reviewing com-
mittee operating under Lee Newbury
of New Jersey Allied is sufficient to
handle exhibitor-Government relations.
The matter of production was dis-
cussed by the board, and it was agreed
that Irving Dollinger, chairman of the
production committee, will continue to
negotiate with independent producers
for 12 films, the exhibition to be guar-
anteed by Allied members. Dollinger
was given authority to accept bids for
the films for 30 days. The final plan
will be adopted by the board at its
summer meeting. Appearing before
the board was Stanley Neal, a pro-
moter interested in handling the pro-
duction *of films for Allied.
There was some discussion about
the matter of distribution. If the films
are made by an independent. Allied
will be required to provide distribu-
tion facilities. It was suggested tint
Allied might set up two or more of its
members in a production company, but
Meyers, acting as general counsel, ad-
vised against such a move. Later My-
ers commented that for exhibitors to
directly enter either production or dis-
tribution would be "unlawful" and in
violation of the anti-trust laws. Myers
was quick to point out that Allied is
not "entering production," but merely
guaranteeing the exhibition of a group
of 12 films.
The major exhibitor problem todav
is a growing trend toward state and
municipal regulations harmful to the
industry, Myers said. The board dis-
cussed exhibitor public relations "on
a grass roots" level and decided to
establish a clearing house at Wash
ington _ headquarters to distribute in-
formation on methods of combating
local legislation and regulation.
Myers spoke particularly of the
growing number of state and city
governments which are establishing
local admissions taxes, censorship
bills^ special age rules for theatre ad-
mission and other types of rules and
regulations. "It is an exhibitor job
We must all work together on a lo-
cal level in order to combat this dan-
gerous trend," Myers asserted.
Commenting to the board on the
continuation of national excise rates
including the 20 per cent admissions
tax rate, Myers said that nobodv
could halt the present legislation, an^
that he believe* no organization wi1'
try. The bill has already passed thf
House.
Pete Woods of Ohio Allied report-
ed on the increasing shortage of prod-
uct. He said that in 1941 there
\yerp
353 films made, and in 1946 only 221
were produced. Said Woods : "It is
more profitable for the producers anH
distributors to keep the number of
films at an absolute minimum. In
1941 each picture made a profit aver-
aging $100,000 : and in 1946, the ma-
jors received $580,000 on the averag-
ner picture." Woods is working with
Dollinger in the production deal for
Allied.
Shorts Rental Rise
Coast Pastor Heads
Consultative Group
Los Angeles, Feb. 2. — Los Angeles
Church Federation secretary Dr. E. C.
Farnham has appointed Dr. Louis
Evans, pastor of the First Presby-
terian Church, Hollywood, as chair-
man of the Protestant Committee to
cooperate with New York's Protestant
Film Committee in setting up a con-
sultative office in Hollywood for coun-
selling producers on scripts and stor-
ies from the Protestant viewpoint. As
presently planned, the office here
would make its service available to
producers on a volunteer basis only.
New York University offers
a training course leading to a certificate in
Motion Picture Theater Management
PUBLICITY, ADVERTISING AND EXPLOITATION
under the direction of Michael Zala
These evening classes, limited in size, open on Thursday,
February 6. Early registration is advisable.
For Further Details, Address
Division of N£W YORK UNIVERSITY
General Education
100 Washington Square East
Room 21 lg. Main Building
New York 3, N. Y.
SPring 7-2000, Extension 291
Film Accuracy
(Continued from page 1)
ment for a government news service
and film export regulations, Price de-
clared that "these alien outcroppings
spring from a fear by public officials
that producers and publishers are in-
capable of conducting their affairs
without damage to the public inter-
est."
The same distrust, Price said, lies
behind motion picture censorship in
seven American states. "Let it be un-
derstood," he added, "that in speaking
of censorship I do not refer to the
normal requirements of decency which
apply to all American citizens and in-
stitutions. The laws against political
subversion, libel, slander, blasphemy
and pornography are universal and no
one can quarrel with them. These
laws can be invoked against any news-
paper, any broadcast or any motion
nicture which outrages the moral
standards of civilized society. It is a
quite different and un-American ap-
proach, however, when states and
communities go the additional length
of setting up censor boards, requiring
prior approval and issuing licenses.
That_ is censorship, exactly as it is
practiced in the countries which most
abhor civil liberties and free enter-
( Continued from page 1)
of steadily rising labor and pro-
duction costs, several distribu-
tors report large-standing ex-
hibitor resistance, ranging from
"unqualified refusal" to an in-
clination toward compromise,
mingled with "not infrequent"
exhibitor willingness to coj
erate in preserving the si
subject as an institution.
As expected, the distributors are
finding strongest resistance • where
dual-features are shown, while in
those theatres which adhere to single
feature policies and, which, perforce,
rely on shorts to fill programs, re-
sistance is less pronounced generally.
A theatre's size, money-making ca-
pacity, and other like considerations
influence the extent to which exhibi-
tors cooperate.
A spokesman for one of the larger
independent metropolitan New York
circuits predicts unreservedly that the
distributors "are not going to get as
much as a 25 per cent increase," re-
gardless of their efforts. A spokes-
man for another, equally large, cir-
cuit here admits he has been paying
"a little more" from time to time,
with the size of the increase depending
on its individual theatre outlets' ca-
pacities for absorbing the amounts.
Meanwhile, newsreel theatres, whose
dependence on shorts is even greater
than that of single-feature houses, find
themselves in a unique position in the
drive for higher rentals. Because
their programs are made up entirely of
newsreels and short subjects, the news-
reel theatres "have always been re-
quired to pay higher rentals for shorts
than have feature theatres," accord-
ing to the head of one such circuit
here. He views the newsreel thea-
tres as being in a "tight spot" in this
connection, and reports the newsreel
theatres generally are putting up re-
sistance to the higher rentals drive.
Typical of the distributors' feeling
in connection with the drive's progress
is that voiced by Paul N. Lazarus,
Sr., United Artists sales executive,
who describes distribution's accomp-
lishments toward getting higher short
subject rentals as "a far cry from
what they should be." There is some
improvement from the distributor
viewpoint, he reports, adding that "we
are trying to improve our position all
the time."
prise.
Turning to the international sphere,
Price said : "Some of the nations
which support freedom of communi-
cation in principle speak from the
other side of the mouth about new
barriers against the American motion
picture. It is the American motion
picture which can be the greatest in-
strument of all toward international
understanding. It is the American
picture which has taught the world
the miracle of the screen and won the
gratitude and idolatry of countless
millions abroad. To raise new barriers
against it is a backward step toward
the dark recesses of isolation. Barriers
beget barriers. No one ever won the
esteem and cooperation of his neigh-
bors through a locked-door policy."
To Address Advertisers
Los Angeles, Feb. 2.- — Byron
Price, Hollywood vice-president of
the Motion Picture Association, will
address the Los Angeles Advertising-
Club at its weekly meeting Feb. 11.
American Red Cross
AND
The Permanent Charities Committee
OF
The Motion Picture Industry
'The character of the Red Cross and its responsibilities under
International Treaty and its Congressional Charter are such
that the national interests will best be served if the Red Cross
maintains direct contact with the people for the membership
and support necessary for its work at home and abroad. "
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT— 1942
The Permanent Charities Committee of the
Motion Picture Industry has announced
its intention to offer to American Red Cross
$350,000, part of a sum of money that com-
mittee raised in a joint fund raising campaign
in the Motion Picture Industry despite the fact
that the Permanent Charities Committee knew
that American Red Cross could not participate
in any joint fund raising campaign.
Statements that the American Red Cross is
unwilling to accept $350,000 from the Perma-
nent Charities Committee because that sum
from the Motion Picture Industry which grossed
$325,000,000 in 1945 represents only one-half
of one percent of the Red Cross goal of sixty
million dollars in 1947, are not true. The amount
involved is not an issue.
The real issue is that nothing can be permitted
to deprive American Red Cross either of its right
to fulfill its obligations for humanitarian service
to the American people by methods it has demon-
strated to be efficient or of its right to maintain an
organization in which all the people can be mem-
bers and participate directly.
American Red Cross will barter neither its
right to invite anyone to be a member nor the right
of any American citizen'to become a member.
American Red Cross will not be party to any
scheme that will lead to dictation by other
groups with motive^ and interests that would
undermine the Red Cross and all for which it
stands.
The American Red Cross may not partici-
pate in joint fund raising whether that joint
fund raising is conducted by the Permanent
Charities Committee of the Motion Picture
Industry or any other organization.
This long established policy of American
Red Cross is not the policy of any one indi-
vidual. It is a policy that has been considered
and reconsidered from time to time since 1936
by the Central Committee, the governing body
of American Red Cross, and reaffirmed on
every occasion. It is a policy that has been well
known to all fund raising groups, including the
Permanent Charities Committee.
The reason why American Red Cross may
not participate in joint fund raising with others
is as follows:
American Red Cross may not assign or dele-
gate to others, in whole or in part, the obliga-
tions imposed upon it by international treaties,
to which the U. S. Government is a signatory,
and by its congressional charter. Neither can
it share with others, directly or indirectly, its
responsibility to carry out those obligations.
When it participates in joint fund raising it
permits others (at best, only slightly familiar
with its obligations and activities) to deter-
mine from year to year how much money, if
any, American Red Cross will receive and thus,
in turn, permit those others to determine the
breadth of its program and the extent to
which American Red Cross may fulfill its obli-
gations to the American people.
If American Red Cross participates in one
joint fund raising activity, such as that con-
ducted by the Permanent Charities Committee
in the Motion Picture Industry, it must, of
course, participate in all other joint fund rais-
ing activities. The Motion Picture Industry is
only one of 446 major industries in this coun-
try. There are thousands of other groups and
organizations. The result obviously would be
that by participating in joint fund raising,
American Red Cross would never know from
year to year how much money it would have to
carry out its obligations to the American people
or plan an intelligent program, nor would it be
able to have a membership organization open to
all of the people of America.
The foregoing statements are not just opinions.
They are statements of fact based on a disas-
trous experience which American Red Cross
suffered after World War I, when some of its
chapters submitted to exactly the same kind of
pressure that is now being brought by the
Permanent Charities Committee to participate
in joint fund raising. At that time about 400
chapters engaged with other organizations in
joint fund raising with the result that Ameri-
can Red Cross lost its identity in those chap-
ters and was prevented from carrying out its
program particularly in dealing with emer-
gency situations. In 1936, therefore, the Cen-
tral Committee of American Red Cross re-
asserted its policy and ever since that time has
adhered strictly to the policy of now-participa-
tion by American Red Cross in joint fund
raising.
From 1940 to 1945 the Permanent Charities
Committee carried on separate drives in the
Motion Picture Industry for the American Red
Cross and others. The change to joint fund
raising by the Permanent Charities Committee
occurred as recently as 1945. It is clear, there-
fore, that there would be no violation of princi-
ple if a separate drive was conducted in the
Motion Picture Industry for the American
Red Cross in March, 1947, as was the case
prior to 1945.
There is, however, a definite violation of the
principle of fairness when a small group within
the Motion Picture Industry deliberately at-
tempts to mislead the Motion Picture Industry
and the public into believing that American
Red Cross will refuse to accept— when and if
offered — $350,000 only because a mere matter
of method is involved in the scheme. Funda-
mental principles are involved: principles with-
out which there could be no American Red Cross.
American Red Cross
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
VOL. 61. NO. 24
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1947
TEN CENTS
r^PTOA Will
Back Industry
Arbitration
Exhibitors Quiz Wright
At Virginia MPTO Meet
Washington, Feb. 3. — A system
of "voluntary" industry arbitration
should be adopted by all segments
of the industry and will be proposed
by the Motion Picture Theatre Own-
ers of America at its planned indus-
try wide forum in New York March
10-11, Herman Levy, MPTO A gen-
eral counsel, disclosed here today at
the annual convention of the Virginia
Motion Picture Theatre Owners.
Levy said the industry must
work out some system of arbi-
tration to settle internal dis-
putes. Otherwise, he warned,
continuous disagreement and
chaos would result.
A distributor as well as an exhib-
itor may propose competitive bidding
(Continucd on page 8)
UK Will Not
Nationalize '
There will be no nationalization by
the British government "of anything
that has to do with art, which includes
motion pictures, in the eyes of the
Labor government," Jack L. Warner,
vice-president and executive producer
of Warner Brothers, disclosed here
yesterday in relating an assurance giv-
en him by Sir Stafford Cripps, presi-
dent of the Board of Trade, and other
British officials. Warner returned
(Continued on page 8)
'Yearling' a Special
To Be Sold on Bids
Chicago, Feb. 3.— -M-G-M will sell
its "The Yearling" as a special and in
accordance with the bidding provi-
sions of the Consent decree, it was
announced here today after the first
day of a two-day meeting between
William F. Rodgers, vice-president
and general sales manager, and his
field sales managers and home office
executives, at the Drake Hotel.
It is planned to release the picture
(Continued on page 11)
Johnston, All Others
Renamed by AMPP
Hollywood, Feb. 3. — Eric
Johnston was re-elected presi-
dent, Byron Price was re-
elected executive vice-presi-
dent and board chairman, and
all other officers, directors
and executive committee
members were re-elected by
the Association of Motion
Picture Producers, Inc., at its
annual meeting today.
Allied Maps Plans
For Spring Meeting
Washington, Feb. 3. — Allied
States will hold a national convention
in the late spring or early summer
probably in Chicago.
Members of the Allied board of di-
•ectors who met here at the weekend
discussed plans for the convention
but did not settle upon a date or place.
In addition to Chicago, invitations
for the convention have been received
from White Sulphur Springs, W. Va..
(Continued on page 8)
Action Deferred on
New MPA Surveys
The industry's Research Committee
was unable to reach any conclusions
on which subjects would be added this
year to the Motion Picture Associa-
tion's survey work, at a meeting yes-
terday at the MPA office here, presid-
ed over by Eric A. Johnston. As a
result, the meeting was adjourned to
next week.
The MPA survey department, head-
ed by Robert Chambers, is now at
(Continued on page 8)
DECREE PETITIONS
DENIED BY COURT
Theatre Television
In Jeopardy: SMPE
Washington, Feb. 3. — The Society
of Motion Picture Engineers will dis-
play strong opposition to revised allo-
cation of television frequencies, as pro-
posed by the Federal Communications
Commission, at an FCC hearing to-
morrow, on the grounds that develop-
ment of theatre television would be
severely hampered.
In a statement to be presented by
Paul L. Larsen for the SMPE, the
organization will contend that no fre-
quency bands would be available for
experimentation for new television
services, specifically, large screen
video in film houses. The FCC-pro-
posed allocations are between 1,000 and
13,000 megacycles to non-Government
fixed and mobile services.
In effect SMPE will argue that if
theatre television is to evolve into a
(Continued on page 11)
Congress May End
U. S. Film Funds
Washington, Feb. 3. — Rep. John
Taber, chairman of the House appro-
priations committee, has made it clear
that the committee will not vote to
continue the Office of Government Re-
ports, which includes the principal
arm of Federal motion picture activi-
ties.
In addition, appropriations for many
public relations activities of the Ex-
ecutive branch of the Government,
(Continued on page 11)
Exhibitor Claims Local Admission
Tax Unfair, Court Agrees with Him
San Bernardino, CaL, Feb. 3. — An admission tax case which will
probably have a bearing on future local action against municipal
admission levies in other situations, has just been decided in favor
of the exhibitor in the case of Knapp versus San Bernardino.
M. Knapp, operator of a local independent theatre, protested
the unfairness of the imposition of admission taxes on his house.
After lengthy court hearings, the judicial opinion was rendered in
favor of the theatre.
Fox West Coast Theatres and Warner Brothers prosecuted the
case and bore the total cost, which ran in excess of $50,000. Knapp
allowed his name to be used in the test case with the stipulated
provision he would bear no cost of the action. No independent
theatre or independent theatre organization contributed to the
expense involved in the court action.
Refuse Delay Beyond
July 1 on Bidding;
Minor Change on Pools
Federal Judges Augustus N.
Hand, Henry W. Goddard and
John Bright yesterday denied virtu-
ally all the relief from their judg-
ment sought by the eight defendants
following entry of a final decree in
the industry anti-trust suit on Dec.
31.
Only one slight modification
was granted, the theatre-own-
ing defendants being given un-
til July 1 of this year to termi-
nate pooling agreements with
independent exihibitors and
leases of houses to independ-
ents. The petitioners had
sought a two-year stay in these
provisions, which under the
original order would have be-
come effective on March 1,
(Continued on page 8)
Para. Raises
'47 Lineup
The conference of Paramount stu-
dio, home office and British officials in
Hollywood last week has resulted in a
decision to boost the number of re-
leases planned by the company for
1946-1947, it was disclosed here yes-
terday by Charles M. Reagan, vice-
president in charge of distribution, fol-
lowing his return from the Coast
meetings. The number of the increase
has not been determined.
The Paramount sales chief said the
(Continued on page 8)
Equipment Meeting
Set for Washington
Chicago, Feb. 3. — Roy Boomer,
secretary-treasurer of the TESMA,
discloses that arrangements for the an-
nual national trade show and conven-
tions of the Theatre Equipment and
Supply Manufacturers' Association
and the Theatre Equipment Dealers
Protective Association have been com-
pleted. The joint convention will be
held at the Shoreham Hotel, Wash-
ington, on Sept. 24-29.
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 4, 1947
1 Weekly from UI
For Next 2 Months
Hollywood, Feb. 3.— Starting im
mediately, Universal - International
goes into one of its heaviest produc
tion schedules with a top-budget pic
ture scheduled to go before cameras
each week for the next eight weeks.
First is Diana Productions' "Se-
cret Beyond the Door," starring Joan
Bennett and Michael Redgrave, pro-
duced and directed by Fritz Lang and
scheduled to hit the stage on Thurs
day. Following in order are : Mark
Hellinger's "Brute Force," starring
Burt Lancaster, Charles Bickford and
Hume Cronyn, and directed by Jules
Das sin ; "For the Love of Mary,"
headlined by Deanna Durbin, John
Hall, Donald O'Connor and Charles
Winninger, with Irving Pichel direct-
ing- for producer Joseph Sistrom ;
"Black Velvet," starring Vincent
Price, Ella Raines and Edmond
O'Brien, directed by Michael Gordon,
produced by Jerry Bresler; "Delu-
sion," which will be S. P. Eagle's
first production for U-I, directed by
Compton Bennett ; "Lost Love," based
upon Henry James' novel, "Aspern
Papers," adapted .by Leonardo Ber-
covici, with Susan Hayward starring,
Martin Gabel directing; Douglas
Fairbanks will produce and star in
"The Exile," his first for U-I.
Completing the cycle are "Singa-
pore," starring Fred MacMurray ;
Mike Todd's first picture, "Great
Son," adapted from Edna Ferber's
novel, and "Thunder on the Hill" in
Technicolor, starring Joan Fontaine,
directed by Robert Siodmak, produced
by Joseph Sistrom.
Johnston Promotes 2
In MPEA, MP A
Alexander S. Aronson has been
promoted by Eric A. Johnston, Mo-
tion Picture Association, president, in
a switch to the MPA from the Motion
Picture Export Association, and, at
the same time, appointed John Gil-
man McCarthy to the MPEA. Aron-
so'n, who will assist Gerald M. Mayer,
managing director of the MPA's in-
ternational division, will, in turn be
replaced in the MPEA by Joe C.
Goltz, who has spent 18 years in
foreign film distribution, principally
with United Artists and M-G-M.
McCarthy has operated in other
commercial fields in London and on
the Continent, while Aronson has
been in foreign film activities for 30
years.
Personal Mention
T CHEEVER COWDIN, Universal
«J • board chairman, has arrived in
New York from Hollywood.
Ben Kalmenson, vice-president
and general sales manager of War-
ners, accompanied by Jules Lapidus,
Eastern division sales manager, and
Sam Lefkowitz, Eastern district
manager, are in Boston from New
York.
•
Irving Kaplan, of Motion Pic-
ture Daily's editorial staff, and Mrs.
Kaplan (nee Ruth Wejllman), who
were married here on Jan. 25, have
returned from a week's honeymoon in
Washington.
•
Roy O. Disney, president of Walt
Disney Productions, and William
Levy, international sales supervisor,
have left New York for the Coast.
•
Ted Routson has resumed as pub-
licity chief at the Hippodrome, Bal-
timore, after having- managed the
Little Theatre, there.
•
Kenneth Clark, Motion Picture
Association public relations director,
will arrive in New York today from
Washington.
•
Grover Parsons, Southern district
manager of PRC, has returned to At-
lanta from a tour of his territory.
•
Ed Fitzpatrick. manager of Loew's
Poli, Waterbury, Conn., has returned
to his desk following illness.
•
Mrs. William Richardson, Astor
Pictures of Georgia, has returned to
Atlanta from New York.
•
H. C. Hautman, Columbia's branch
operations manager, has been an At-
lanta visitor.
•
J. Kopfstein, Astor Pictures, is
en route back to New York from
Miami.
•
Isador M. Rappaport. Baltimore
theatre owner, is vacationing in Flor-
ida.
•
Irving Sochin, general manager
of Theatre Owners Corp., Cincinnati,
is in New York.
•
Jules Levey, independent producer,
has left Hollywood for New York
CPYROS P. SKOURAS, 20th
^ Century-Fox president, and Lem
Jones, his assistant, are due in New
York from Hollywood the middle of
this week.
•
Gloria Balaban, daughter of
David Balaban, Balaban and Katz
executive, Chicago, was married here
at the weekend to Lee Wolfman
of Houston, Tex. The newlyweds
have embarked on a Caribbean honey-
moon. Balaban left New York for
Chicago yesterday.
•
Jack Berkson of Screencraft Pic-
tures, and Mrs. Berkson, left New
York yesterday for Buffalo to wel-
come the arrival of their second
grandchild, Richard Alan, born to
Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Berkson.
•
William Mooring, motion picture
editor of Tidings', will leave Holly-
wood Thursday for a two-month
speaking tour in 40 cities.
•
F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal
Southern and Canadian sales mana-
ger, will leave New York today for
Louisville.
•
_ Edward L. Walton, Republic's as-
sistant general sales manager, has re-
turned to New York from the Mid-
west.
•
Arthur Jeffrey, Eagle-Lion ex-
ploitation manager, has returned to
New York from a Southern tour.
•
_ Al Zimbalist, Film Classics na-
tional advertising chief, left New York
yesterday for Philadelphia.
•
Sid Mesibov, Paramount's assistant
exploitation manager, is in Washing-
ton from New York.
•
Ella Raines and Major Robin
Olds will be married in Hollywood
on Thursday.
•
Jasper Hone, owner of the Onera
House, Presque Isle, Me., is visiting
New York.
•
David Siegel. president of Triumph
Pictures, has left Hollywood for New
York.
e
William Goldman. Philadelphia
theatre owner, is vacationing in Ber-
muda.
Asks House Probe
Of Trade Treaties
Washington, Feb. 3.— A demand
for an investigation of the State De-
partment reciprocal trade agreement
program was made today in the House
by Rep. Bertrand W. Gearhart (CaL).
Calling the treaties "give-away
agreements," Rep. Gearhart said the
State Department should not keep se-
cret the negotiations made at the Ge-
neva conference. "What I fear is
secrecy," he said. "If the Department
is planning to lower tariff rj^k-
tions and bargain with other nUis
for the free flow of American goods
and services, the public has a right
to be informed of all aspects of the
negotiations."
Meanwhile, Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Association, is
completing- his testimony to be given
before the Committee on Reciprocity
on Feb. 6. Johnston will urge con-
tinuation of the trade program.
NEW YORK THEATRES
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Rockefeller Center
THE YEARLING
Navy Honors FC
Film Classics has been awarded a
"Certificate of Achievement" by Mon-
roe Kelly, Rear Admiral and Navy
Commandant at the third Naval Dis-
trict, for "contributing to the expe-
ditious servicing of motion pictures to
Naval personnel throughout the
world."
In This Issue
"Nora Prentiss" is reviewed
on page 7. Estimates of key
city grosses appear on page 10.
Joe Loeffler Named
A Republic Manager
Minneapolis, Feb. 3. — Joe Loeffler,
for the past two years on the sales
staff of the Minneapolis Paramount
exchange, and a 15-year veteran in
the film business, has been named
branch _ manager of the Minneapolis
Republic exchange. He succeeds W.
M. (Bill) Grant, resigned, and as-
sumes his new duties on Feb. IS.
Loeffler's appointment to the Republic
post was made by James R. Grainger,
executive vice-president and general
sales manager. He first came to Min-
neapolis as city salesman for RKO in
1940, and leaves the post of sales
manager at Paramount to join Re-
public
Donald Swartz Is On
Own in Northwest
Minneapolis, Feb. 3.— Stepping up
his activities in the Minneapolis zone,
Donald Swartz, who recently pur-
chased the Independent Poster Ex-
change, Minneapolis, and arranged a
distribution deal with Filmack Trailer
and Preview service, announces com-
pletion of negotiations for distribu-
tion in the area of Astor pictures,
headed by Robert M. Savini.
_ Swartz, former film salesman, ex-
hibitor and co-owner with Abbott
Swartz of the Minneapolis PRC fran-
chise, resigned Jan. 1 as executive
secretary of North Central Allied ex-
hibitor organization to re-enter busi-
ness for himself
ii
n
GREGORY PECK - JANE WYMAN
CLAUDE JARMAN, JR.
In Technicolor . An M-G-M Picture
SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN 0 HARA WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
OH SCREEN
Claudette COLBERT
Walter PIDGEON
June ALLYSON
in M-G-M's
'THE SECRET
HEART'
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
The BEST Years
of Our Lives'
Conbnoouj A CTV\Ii *'WAY „„,
Performoncei ZVtJ X VyXV ^*5nt ST.
CALIFORNIA
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starring
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MILLAND STANWYCK FITZGERALD
RIVOLI THEATER
B'way & 49th St.
Doors Open
9:30 A. M.
Sunday and holiday^ ^W^^^^^i^^Q l^iK^ if W ?1 Kar"% Edit°r = Mart n Quigley, Jr.. Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays.
New York." Martin Quigley President • Re3 S vilJprL^w- A? ? ' Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V Fecke > A^^^h^^ bJS^.J^'^n,^ V^.e-Presld|?V, The°J" I SuIHvan' Treasurer; Leo J. Brady. Secretary ; James P.
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue- Wast Sn ^/^J» ^Art^'iiS i °* Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco London " oL (iS WrL/ M ?• Atlantic Bidg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
International Motion Picture AlmS'ac Farol T§S ^S^rut*^****** H^ald Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald
SOB rates per year, $6 in the AnVericat .„ T$12 F^eVgn- s%! c?pjeS JQc ' " ' 9™' '* P° °ffiCe at NeW Y°rk' N" Y" Under *e aCt °f March 3' 1879' Subscrip-
THE LOCKET
. . . CHAINED
A WOMAN TO
A TERRIFYING
PAST. . .
THE LOCKET
. . . DROVE
HER TO
jv»AK SHE
DARED TO
LOVE . . .
THE LOCKET
. PLUNGED HER
INTO THE MOST
STORMY LIFE
a. wom aa a:-,/'a::-
HAD!
Wfifrt iJUj idvi'flch Ofrtn*/
From one man's arms to another she fled
— trying to escape the evil memory of
the tragic trinket whose strange power
changed her life... destroyed her loves!
I
WITH
SHARYN MOFFETT • RICARDO CORTEZ • HENRY STEPHENSON
PRODUCED BY BERT GRANET
DIRECTED BY JOHN BRAHM
Written by SHERIDAN GIBNEY
R K O
RADIO
PICTURES
Tuesday, February 4, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
Review
"Nora Prentiss"
{Warner Brothers)
Hollywood, Feb. 3
AN unusually adroit handling of an intricate story accounts for remarkably
sustained interest built up by this modern melodrama, strictly adult in
theme, which winds up with a doctor convicted, quite plausibly, of his own
murder. Ann Sheridan, supplying the principal name to bill with and a con-
vincing performance as well, and Kent Smith, a recruit from the stage who
is quite likely to become a marquee personality as time goes on, have the top
roles, supported by Robert Alda, Bruce "Bennett, Rosemary DeCamp and
competent lesser personnel. The film is for the mature only, but promises to
do right well commercially if handled accordingly.
N. Richard Nash's screenplay, based on a story by Paul Webster and Jack
Sobell, traces with more skill and detail than can be done in synopsis, the
experiences 'of a highly respected San Francisco physician who falls in love
with a nightclub singer and, on the point of asking his wife for a divorce so
he can marry the girl, seizes an opportunity to disguise the body of a dead
patient so that it will be identified as his own, leaving him free to join the
girl in New York. He is successful in the deception, save that the police
pronounce the death a murder instead of a suicide, but fear of recognition
restricts his movements until a facial operation, following a fight and acci-
dental injury, changes his appearance entirely. Then the police, matching his
finger prints with those found in his office and believed to be those of his
supposed murderer, arrest him for the crime. He stands mute through the
trial for the murder of himself and, in a final scene with the girl, declares it
is best for all concerned that he be executed. It is a strange tale, and con-
clusion, but a fascinating picture. Production by William Jacobs and direc-
tion by Vincent Sherman are up to standard throughout.
Running time, 113 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
nr.t Kpt ' William R. Weaver.
23 Field Men Named
For 'Brotherhood'
Twenty-three field exploiters have
been named to handle the "American
Brotherhood Week" campaign during
the week of Feb. 16-23. Charles
J Schlaifer is publicity chairman of the
drive. "Brotherhood Week" is spon-
sored by the National Conference of
Christians and Jews.
A minimum of 250,000 pledges have
been promised by the nation's exhibi-
ted^ Slogan for this year's campaign
i [^brotherhood — Believe It, Support
itf-^e it."
Following are the field men and the
cities of drive headquarters : Chicago,
W. G. Bishop; San Francisco, Ted
Galanter; Los Angeles, Howard
Herty; Philadelphia, Mike Weiss;
Kansas City, Sy Freedman ; Milwau-
kee, L. W. Orlove; Seattle and Port-
land, Murry Lafayette; Albany and
New Haven, Floyd Fitzsimmons ;
Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Wally Allen;
St. Louis', Irving Waterstreet ; Salt
Lake City, Ernest Van Pelt.
Also: Dallas, Memphis and Okla-
homa City, Jim Gillespie; Cincinnati
and Indianapolis, Jim Keef e ; New
Orleans, Ken Prickett; Atlanta and
Charlotte, Spence Pierce; Detroit,
Charles Dietz ; Washington, William
Michalson; Des Moines, Austin Mc-
Gough ; Boston, Al Fowler ; Omaha,
Gene Rich; Cleveland, Harry Weiss;
1 Denver, William Prass ; Minneapolis,
■ Walter Hoffman.
8 Missouri Houses
Sold to New Circuit
I St. Louis, Feb. 3.— One of the big-
gest theatre deals in this territory in
several years was closed when George
Karsch, head of a circuit bearing his
name, sold his eight houses in South-
eastern Missouri to the recently-
♦ formed Edwards and Harris Theatre
Co., which is controlled by J. Harold
Harris, who had been general man-
ager for the H. J. Griffith Circuit's 34
theatres in Kansas, Missouri and Ne-
braska, and Tom Edwards, Missouri
exhibitor. Both have been in exhibi-
tion in the Midwest for many years.
House Committee to
Quiz FCC Officials
Washington, Feb. 3. — Rep.
Charles A. Wolverton (N. J.) chair-
man of the House interstate and for-
eign commerce committee, said today
that officials of the Federal Com-
munications Commission will be called
| before his group to explain the func-
tions of the Commission and recom-
mend changes in legislation.
Wolverton said he has already dis-
cussed the matter with FCC Chair-
man Charles Denny. The Commis-
sion chairman expressed an interest
in the proposed hearings and agreed
to cooperate, Rep. Wolverton added.
4 Atlanta Houses Net
$12,000 for 'Dimes'
Atlanta, Feb. 3. — W. K. Jenkins,
chairman of the March of Dimes
Drive for the state's theatres, reveals
that the Fox, Roxy, Paramount and
Capital collected $12,000 in seven days.
Of this, the Fox patrons gave more
than $6,000.
There are 50 motion picture houses
in Greater Atlanta, and they joined the
drive 100 per cent.
Henry G. Plitt Joins
Keegan at Northio
Henry G. Plitt has become the asso-
ciate of Jack R. Keegan, general man-
ager of Northio Theatres, Ohio and
Kentucky Paramount circuit affiliate,
the company disclosed here yesterday
at its home office. Plitt will have head-
quarters in Cincinnati.
He is a former major in the 101st
Army Airborne Division, receiving
wartime recognition for having been
the first paratrooper to invade Nor-
mandy and for his participation in the
campaign for capturing Julius Streich-
er. Plitt was twice awarded the Sil-
ver Star and three times the Purple
Heart. Upon his discharge he joined
Paramount' s theatre department _ in
New York, handling special assign-
ments in the Paramount-Richards and
United Detroit circuits. Prior to en-
tering the Army, Plitt was an attor-
ney in New York.
Deny W.B. Ban on
'Abie's Irish Rose'
Warner Brothers' officials yesterday
denied a published report that orders
had been issued prohibiting the com-
pany's theatres from booking "Abie's
Irish Rose."
It was stated that while, to date,
the picture has not played Warner
theatres it was solely the result of de-
cisions by district and zone managers
who felt that they might be courting
public demonstrations and protests in
their localities if they were to do so.
No orders to that effect have been is-
sued, however, it was said.
Evans Head of Films
For CBS Television
Edward R. Evans, formerly a di-
rector for RKO Pathc's "This Is
America" series, has been named head
of the CBS Television film depart-
ment. He succeeds Hans Burger, who
resigned last week to become produc-
tion supervisor for the United Na-
tion's film division.
Gevaert Buys Mill
For $75,000 in Mass.
North Adams, Mass., Feb. 3. — The
Gevaert Co. of America, described as
the third largest supplier of the mo-
tion picture industry with photograph-
ic supplies, has purchased a mill here
for $75,000.
The purchase, according to Leo
Stuckens, Gavaert vice-president and
manager of the seven-year-old Wil-
liamstown plant, will enable the com-
pany to expand operations there. This
had been stalled for years because of
a dearth of storage space. Eventually,
he said, the company will also use its
North Adams site for some manufac-
turing steps. It will become the com-
pany's second in the U. S.
Harvey Elected Head
Of California ITO
San Francisco, Feb. 3. — Rotus
Harvey of Westland Theatres, has
been elected president of the Northern
California Independent Thatre Own-
ers Association, and the following
also were elected : Harry P. Franklin,
Goldberg Theatres, vice-president ;
Ben Levin, General Theatrical, secre-
tary; directors: Sid Weisbaum, Sun-
ny-Mount Theatres; Homer Tegt-
meier, Vogue, Salinas ; Al Laurice,
Menlo-Mayfield Theatres ; Gerald
Hardy, Hardy Theatres ; Lee Dibble,
Embassy; D. B. Levin, Grand; Ray
Syufy, Rita Theatre, Vallejo.
Harvey and Ben Levin were re-
elected trustees of the PCCITO.
Einfeld Names Blum
Enterprise Editor
Phyllis Blum has been appointed
Eastern story editor in New York
for Enterprise by Charles Einfeld,
president. Miss Blum will first report
to Marion Doran, story editor for En-
terprise in Hollywood.
Miss Blum was in the editorial de-
partment of Samuel Goldwyn Produc-
tions for two and a half years. Prior
to that she was in the RKO play de-
partment, and before that in the play
department at M-G-M.
PCC Official Denies
Red Cross Donation
Hollywood, Feb. 3. — Following
publication today of an advertisement
in Motion Picture Daily and other
papers that the American Red Cross
had rejected a $350,000 donation by
Hollywood's Permanent Charities
Committee, the PCC denied that any
allocations had been made except $30,-
000 contributed to the National Foun-
dation for Infantile Paralysis.
The PCC added that any donations
ihis year will be made by PCC direc-
tors at the end of the current annual
appeal. It was declared that "no
other campaigns for funds will be
made in the industry this year," and
that "our experience has proved this
to be the best method of raising char-
ity funds in our industry." Last year
the PCC made contributions to the
Red Cross, the NFIP and the War
Chest, which has been supplanted by
the Community Chest.
The Red Cross advertisement had
quoted the late President Roosevelt
to support its contention that "na-
tional interests will be best served if
the Red Cross maintains direct con-
tact with the people for the member-
ship and support necessary for its
work."
Minnesota to Consider
Daylight Saving Bill
Minneapolis, Feb. 3. — A m o n g
measures being prepared by the Min-
nesota legislature is a proposal which
would place the state on daylight sav-
ings during May, June and July. The
bill has not yet been placed in the hop-
per. North Central Allied will oppose
the measure, claiming daylight saving
works a hardship on theatres.
NCA president Ben Berger has in-
timated he is not personally opposed
to the proposed sales tax, but said he
and Stanley Kane, executive director
of the association, are watching for
developments in the proposal of Rep-
resentative French to tax amusement
tickets 10 per cent, and the suggestion
of Gov. Youngdahl for a 20 per cent
tax on theatre tickets "whether the
Government retains its wartime admis-
sion tax or not."
Booking Deadlock
Ends in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Feb. 3. — Terminating
one of the longest holdouts in Minne-
apolis film circles in recent years, the
"big five" buying and booking com-
bine, Theatre Associates, and Para-
mount have come to an agreement on
terms and conditions for a number
of the company's pictures. None of
the participants would discuss terms
of the "settlement," although one
spokesman for the exhibitor group de-
clared "both sides gave a little
ground."
Circuit members of the buying com-
bine are Ben Friedman, Ben Berger,
Eddie Ruben, Frank and Woempner
and the Volk Brothers. Tom Burke is
buyer and general manager of the
combine.
New Ampro Projector
Chicago, Feb. 3. — A new sound-on-
film 16mm. projector, a portable, is
announced by Ampro Corp., subsid-
iary of General Precision Equipmerrl
Corp. of New York.
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 4, 1947 >'
Va. Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
under the New York decree, Levy
told the convention at the Shoreham
Hotel. Levy's contention was sup-
ported by Robert L. Wright, Gov-
ernment counsel, who also appeared
before the group.
Discussing arbitration, Levy said
that the inability of the court to im-
pose it does not necessarily mean that
it is illegal. He said that MPT OA
will urge the industry to adopt a
system of "voluntary arbitration" of
internal disputes.
Wright could do little to dispel
the confusion resulting from the New
York court's final judgment in the in-
dustry anti-trust case. He admitted
frequently during a question and an-
swer period that the Government's
point of view is not very well defined
on various aspects of the decree. Bom-
barding Wright with questions were
many Virginia exhibitors and several
attorneys, including Levy and Rob-
ert T. Barton, Jr., counsel for the
VMPTA.
Interpretation Criticized
Barton, who is also attorney for
the Confederacy of Southern Asso-
ciations, took exception to Wright's
interpretation of the decree. Burton
criticized the Government for con-
stantly emphasizing the public's in-
terest without regard for exhibitors'
interests.
"The Sherman Anti-Trust Act
should be rewritten if a fair display
of its efficiency to dispel monopoly
can be found in the chaos now being-
borne by the picture industry," Bar-
ton told Wright. He constantly re-
iterated that the decree leaves too
much room for litigation, a point with
which Wright agreed.
"If the thinking of the Government
continues to be different from that of
the exhibitor you're bound to destroy
the little man as well as the big-
groups," -Barton asserted.
In a plea for cooperation and trust
on the part of all branches of the
industry, Barton said that confer-
ences between various elements could
settle more things than the courts.
Morton Thalheimer, president of
Neighborhood Theatres, pointed out
to the group that every time the Gov-
ernment comes to the rescue of the
exhibitor in court, the theatreman has
come off worse than before. Wright,
UK Nationalization
(Continued from page 1]
yesterday on the Queen Elisabeth af-
ter a two-month survey of England
and the Continent.
Other arrivals from England in mo
tion picture circles included: S. San
ger, editor of British Movietone
News ; Dave Coplan, general manager
of United Artists in Great Britain
Noel Coward, British actor, play
wright and film producer, and Glyni
Johns, British film actress under con
tract to Sir Alexander Korda.
Expanding on the announcement, re
ported from London last Wednesday
in Motion Picture Daily, that War
ner Brothers will give financial, tech
nical and artistic support to Associated
British Picture Corp. for the produc
tion of six major films on the course
of the next two years, Warner said
that the American company will with
draw after setting its plans in motion
Films to be produced under the ar
rangement, which he emphasized
would not be "quota pictures," are to
be budgeted at $2,500,000 and up
Warner said. "We feel that money
now should flow from America to En
gland in increasing amounts," he add-
ed, stressing that he was speaking for
Warner Brothers and not for the
American industry.
Boyer Signs Contract
Hollywood, Feb. 3. — Charles Boyer
has signed a long-term contract with
Enterprise for two films a year. First
picture for the French star, who has
been free-lancing for several years
will be an untitled original to be pro-
duced and directed by Lewis Mile-
stone, another recent Enterprise sign-
er. Production of the first film will
begin in April.
I "PREVIEW ROOM" ■
■ ... will really SELL 1
■ your picture. ■
■ Fully equipped for 35MM. ■
g 16MM, and Slide Projection. ■
j Cocktail parties, luncheons H
and dinners served in this ver- —
■ satile room — setting a gay
g mood for a favorable reaction I
to your film. _
MADISON AVENUE at 54th St. .
■ New York. N. Y.
_ T»I.:PL. 8-S400 PAUL GREEN, Mgr. E
in the discussion, virtually admitted
this was true.
"If ever a monopoly existed in the
picture industry, it will be worse than
before," Barton said by way of con-
clusion to Thalheimer's remarks.
All officers of the Virginia
association were reelected. They
are: William F. Crockett, presi-
dent; H. E. Wood, secretary,
and Sam Bendheim, Jr., treas-
urer.
Public relations at the industry's
"grass roots" level was the keynote
of the two-day meeting which closed
today. Growing competition of 16mm.
films also held the spotlight, with
Leon Bamberger, RKO sales promo-
tion manager, outlining the 16mm.
program of his company.
Robert Coyne, executive secretary
of the American Theatres Associa-
tion, told the convention that efforts
should be made on a local level to
eliminate legislation and {regulation
of the industry.
Coyne pointed out that theatres are
no more deserving of discriminatory
regulation than are the press and
radio. "Government expects a lot
from the exhibitor, but has little to
offer in return," he said.
Discussing the growing- importance
of 16mm. exhibition Bamberger said
that RKO will not rent 16mm. pic-
tures in competition with commercial
houses. He urged exhibitors to enter
the 16mm. field in situations where
it is not advantageous to have a com-
mercial 35mm. house.
Bamberger told the 200 exhibitors
present that theatre attendance rec-
ords must be boosted. "There is still
too great a percentage of our popula-
tion not seeing films," he said.
Para. Raises Lineup
(Continued from page 1)
step had been taken as the result of re
quests for an increase in the numbe
of releases made by the company'
customers and theatre associates in
order to alleviate the current shortage
of product.
Reagan announced that during the
first nine months of this year, Para
mount will release at least as many
and possibly more productions than in
the whole of 1945-1946. He said that
in the list will be product of the heavi
est financial investment in the history
of the company.
Barney Balaban, president of the
company, who returned with Reagan
yesterday said that, "During the past
10 months Paramount has sent som
of its most important executives to
countries all over the world. The re
suit of their surveys and conclusions
in connection with the many problems
that have developed in foreign coun
tries since the end of hostilities was
discussed in all of its phases (at last
week's meetings) as it concerns Para-
mount production, sales and distribu
tion throughout the world."
Balaban added that one of the pur
poses of the meetings was "to tie in
the studio operation, headed by Henry
Ginsberg, closer to Paramount's
worldwide operations and to coordi
nate them with future production
plans."
Ten completed pictures, the largest
number ever to be shown at one time
to sales executives in the history of
the company, were viewed at the con
ference.
Allied Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
and Macinac Island, Mich.
As forecast, all officers of the na
tional organization were reelected
with the exception of H. H. Lowen
stein, who was replaced as secretary
by Trueman Rembusch. Officers are
Abram. F. Myers, chairman and gen
eral counsel ; Jack Kirsch, president
W. L. Ainsworth, treasurer, and P.
J. Wood, recording secretary.
The executive committee for 1947
consists of : Kirsch and Myers, ex
officio members ; Martin G. Smith,
M. A. Rosenberg, Sidney Samuelson,
H. A. Cole and Nathan Yamins.
Members of Allied's Caravan Com-
mittee are: Samuelson, Cole, Ains-
worth and Rembusch.
Action Delayed
The executive committee was au-
thorized to act later on Allied par-
ticipation in the proposed motion pic-
ture forum to hear and attempt to
adjudicate exhibitor-distributor griev-
ances. Organization of the forum
will be discussed at a national exhib-
tor meeting scheduled for March 10'-
11 in New York. Although Myers
said that Allied had not received an
official invitation to attend the New
York meeting up to the weekend, he
-"dvised the board that he did not
look favorably upon participation at
this time.
Herman Levy, MPTOA counsel,
said in Washington today that the in-
vitation had been dispatched to Allied
several days' in advance of the meet-
ing of the Allied board here, and it
is understood that Levy called on
Myers at his Washington office today
to remind him of the invitation.
Decree
(Continued from page 1)
along with most other features
of the decree.
As a result of yesterday's ruling,
competitive bidding will become effec-
tive on July 1, the date specified in I
the decree, unless a stay is granted
bv the Supreme Court following the
receipt of one or more anticipated ap-
peals from the New York Federal
District Court's judgment. All de-
fendants had sought to have bi^ng
delayed until 90 days after =wK)al
decision of the high tribunal, anrKol-
umbia had requested a similar- stay
for single sales.
All motions for modification made
by Columbia, Universal and United
Artists were denied outright. These
included U's request to be allowed to
continue making franchise deals with
.independents and UA's plea to have
the burden of proof of "reasonably
necessary" clearance removed from
the distributor.
Motion Denied
The judges denied the theatre-own-
ing defendants' motion that they be
permitted to expand present theatre
holdings in order to protect invest-
ments or to enter a competitive field,
if and when it could be shown to the
satisfaction of the court that such ac-
quisition would not unreasonably re-
strain competition.
Also denied was a request that the
defendants as exhibitors be found
guilty of "conspiring to receive dis-
criminatory license privileges," rather
than "conspiring in fixing minimum
admission price, run, clearance and
other license terms."
The modification motions and the
court arguments upon them which en-
sued were reported in detail in Mo-
tion Picture Daily on Jan. 10 and
23. Yesterday's "settle order" en-
tered by the judges provided that
Paragraph . Ill (2) of its decree
should be ' modified by adding : "The
pooling agreements made by one or
more defendants with others not par-
ties to this action, which violate this
provision, shall be dissolved prior to
July 1, 1947"; also that Paragraph
III (4) should be modified by add-
ing: "Leases referred to herein be-
tween a defendant and independents,
which violate this provision, shall be
terminated prior to July 1, 1947."
MPA Surveys
(Continued fromi page 1)
work on three matters, none of which
is complete : the number of theatres
around the world; a study of U. S.
houses, their number and type of op-
eration, and a breakdown of film ad-
vertising expenditures.
Members of the committee are : Abe
Schneider and Mort Wormser, Co-
lumbia; John M. Whittaker and Wil-
bur B. England, RKO Radio; W.
Stuart McDonald, Warners ; Charles
M. Reagan and Paul Raibourn, Para-
mount ; Murray Silverstone and Don-
ald Henderson, 20th Century-Fox ;
Charles C. Moskowitz and Leo Han-
del, Loew's, and John J. O'Connor
and Joseph Seidelman, Universal.
Israel on Film Accounts
Irving Israel has been named to
handle film accounts for Colorchrome
Corp., New York press book service.
WOBOOY.
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JUMP ABOARD THE
BANDWAGON! BOOK IT NOW!
KENNY DELMAR *> SENATOR CM&//ORN "IT'S A JOKE, SON!
with UNA MERKEL • JUNE LOCKHART • jimmy conlin -dougias dumbriue
DAISY'theDo3 . and introducing KENNETH FARRELL
Produced by Aubrey Schertck • Directed by Ben Stoloff * Original Screenplay by Robert Kent and Paul Gerard Smith » An Eagle-Uon Films Release
It
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 4, 1947
Key City Grosses
AnotherBrightWeek
At NY First-Runs
With Few Exceptions
The week at the majority of New
York's first-runs is another commer-
cially bright one as those films which
drew top business last week continued
to maintain the pace. School students
occupied only with regents examina-
tions had extra free time while pleas-
ant weather also was helpful.
"The Yearling" with a stage pres-
entation at the Music Hall brought in
$87,500 Thursday through Sunday ;
on the basis of this the second week,
ending tomorrow night, is good for
an exciting $144,000, which tops the
initial week's figure by $4,000.
"The Best Years of Our Lives" is
clearly the best money-maker the
Astor has had in years. Business for
the 11th week figures to reach $56,-
000, which is very close to the previ-
ous week; as a matter of fact the
Astor's income has varied very little
since the picture opened.
"Its a Wonderful Life" also figures
to top last week's gross with $27,000
in this, the seventh week, at the
Globe; the sixth week brought $25,-
000. "Sinbad the Sailor," at the
Palace, also is up in the important
money bracket with $50,000 seen for
the second week ; Saturday's gross of
$10,000 represents a new single day's
record at the house.
'13 Rue' Stays Strong
"13 Rue Madeleine", with Gracie
Fields the chief vaudeville attraction
at the Roxy, is headed for a second
week's total of $95,000, which is only
$2,000 under last week, very strong
sustained business, and "The Shock-
ing Miss Pilgrim" will follow on
Feb. 11, on Tuesday instead of the
usual Wednesday opening so as not to
bring the picture in on a holiday.
"Lady in the Lake" and Tex
Beneke's orchestra, at the Capitol, are
likewise luring an abundance of cash,
estimated at $92,000 for a second
week ; the first week's gross was
$94,600. "The Man I Love", with
Charlie Barnet's orchestra, at the
Strand, is doing mighty well with
$53,000 anticipated for a second week.
At the Hollywood, "Humoresque" is
losing no ground with a hefty $23,500
apparent for the sixth week.
Taking $30,000 in the last five days
at the Criterion, "Dead Reckoning"
should wind up its second week with
a substantial $40,000 ; it will continue.
"Tower of London," Rialto re-issue,
is well above average with $10,000
for a second week.
"Swell Guy" is performing nicely
at the Winter Garden with $29,000
estimated for the second week. No
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JPOLLOIVING arc estimated pic-
■*■ hire grosses for current engage-
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Motion Picture Daily correspond-
ents.
CINCINNATI
Turnstiles are clicking to outstand-
ing returns for three releases in the
current line-up, while the majority -of
other product is registering average or
better. The weather is cold. Esti-
mated receipts for . the week ending
Feb. 4-7 :
BLUE SKIES (Para.) — RKO ALB EE (3,300)
(5Oc-55c-6Oc-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Sat-
urday midnight show, 2nd week. Gross:
$22,000. (Average: $15,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB) — RKO CAPITOL
(50c-55c-6Oc-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $5,000. (Average: $10,000)
THE LONE WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.)
and DRIFTIN' RIVER (PRC)— RKO FAM-
ILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c) 4 days. Gross:
$1,800. (Average: $1,600)
STRANGE AFFAIR (Col. reissue) and
ESCAPE IN THE FOG (Col. reissue)—
RKO FAMILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c) 3 days.
Gross: $1,200. (Average: $1,100)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) — RKO
GRAND (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7
days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Personal appearance of Lawrence Tierney
on opening day. Gross: $15,000. (Average:
$8,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U) — KEITH'S (1,500)
(50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday
midnight show. Gross: $8,500. (Average:
$7,500)
STAGECOACH (UA reissue) and THE
KANSAN (UA reissue) — RKO LYRIC
(1,403) (SOc-55c-60c-70c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
$5,000. (Average: $5,000)
ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—RKO' PALACE (2,700) (50c-55c-60c-65c-
70c -75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight
show. Gross: $22,000. (Average: $15,000)
TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST
(Para.) — RKO SHUBERT (2,150) (50c-55c-
6Oc-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week, on a
moveover after two weeks at the Palace.
Gross: $5,500. (Average: $5,000)
BALTIMORE
A new list of attractions has lifted
grosses in most instances. Weather is
perfect, and nothing is in town to offer
serious competition. Estimated i re-
ceipts for the week ending Feb. 6 :
THE STRANGE WOMAN (UA) — CEN-
TURY (3,000) (35c-44c-55c-60c and 65c)
weekends) 7 days. Gross: $20,000. (Aver-
age: $15,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U) — KEITH'S (2,406)
date has been set for "I'll Be Yours,"
which is next. "Stairway to Heaven"
is holding up strongly at the Park
which looks for another $16,000 gross
in the sixth week.
"California," slipping a little but
still showing a nice profit, is good for
$33,000 in a third week at the Rivoli.
"The Perfect Marriage" is somewhat
off in its third week at the Para-
mount where it has the support of the
Mills Brothers on stage; gross: $55,-
000. "Easy Come, Easy Go" will open
tomorrow with the Ink Spots and
Ella Fitzgerald topping the "in per-
son" show.
"Henry V" has yet to show signs
of business weariness at the John
Golden where it took in $12,000 in the
23rd week of its moveover run.
"Wake Up and Dream" is slumbering
at the Victoria with $12,000 slated for
the second week. The film will be
followed Friday by "Bedelia." At the
Gotham, "Her Sister's Secret" is fair
with an expected $8,200 for a second
week ; the picture will continue three
extra days with "San Quentin" to fol-
low on Saturday.
(35c-44c-55c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Av-
erage: $12,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox) — NEW
(1,800) (35c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $13,-
000. (Average: $12,000)
NEVER SAY GOODBYE (WB)— STAN-
LEY(3,280) (35c-44c-55c-60c-70c) 7, days.
Gross: $17,000. (Average: $17,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO-Radio)-
HIPPODROME (2,205) (35c - 44c - 60c - 70c)
With stage show. 7 days. Gros<5: $20,000.
(Average: $18,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO-
Radio) — TOWN (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $15,000)
OMAHA
Heavy snow and cold weather has
cut grosses here. Only one theatre is
doing better than average business.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 5-6:
IF I HAD MY WAY (U reissue) and
SHADOW OF A DOUBT (U reissue)—
OMAHA (2,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$7,500. (Average: $8,600)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) and
SHADOW OF A WOMAN (WB)— OR-
PHEUM (3,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$8,300. (Average: $9,400)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— PARAMOUNT (2,900) (50c-65c) 7 days.
Gross: $8,100. (Average: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
and SO' DARK THE NIGHT (Col.) — RKO
BRANDEIS (1,200) (50c-6Sc) 7 days.
Gross: $9,100. (Average: $6,800)
TORONTO
More snow and traffic trouble
formed a problem during a week when
one of the six first-run theatres had
a new picture. Professional hockey is
going strong, while added opposition
is found in a five-day engagement of
the Ice Follies. Estimated receipts
for the week ending Feb. 5-7 :
STELLA DALLAS (Film Classics)— EG -
LINTON (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days.
Gross: $4,200- (Average: $4,700)
NOBODY LIVES FOREVER (WB) — IM-
PERIAL (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60e-90c) 6
days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,800. (Average:
$14,300)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— LOEWS (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-6Oc-78c) 6
days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,800. (Average:
$13,300)
BLUE SKIES (Para.)-SHEA'S (2,480)
(18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 5th week.
Gross: $13,100. (Average: $14,600)
THE MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U)— UP-
TOWN (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days.
Gross: $12,400. (Average: $11,400)
STELLA DALLAS (Film, Classics)— VIC-
TORIA (1,240) (12c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross:
$6,300. (Average: $6,800)
$43,900 for 'Duel'
"Duel in the Sun" in the fifth week
of its Los Angeles engagement at the
Fairfax and Vogue Theatres grossed
$43,900, beating the fourth week's
gross by about $2,000, the Vanguard
office reported here yesterday. For the
five weeks at the Vogue, three at the
Fairfax and two ta the Egyptian, the
total take was $216,773, outdrawing
Selznick's "Gone With the Wind" by
approximately 31 per cent, the com-
pany said.
Clem Pope, 52
Cleveland, Feb. 3. — Clem Pope,
52, born in Muskogee, Okla., who
came to Cleveland in 1938 as publicity
man for RKO Theatres and was RKO
theatre district manager from 1940 to
1945, died Saturday at Mt. Sinai Hos-
pital, where he had been ill one week.
For the past year he was associated
with the Mitchell, McCandless and
Claus advertising firm. Surviving are
his wife, Margaret, two sons, Clem,
Jr., and Richard, a brother and two
sisters.
Britannica Films
Paid Chicago U.
Million in 4 Years
Chicago, Feb. 3.— The University
of Chicago has a "direct and active"
interest in Encyclopedia Britannica j
Films and received payments in excess j
of $1,000,000 from it in the first four
years of the University's connection j
with the companies, according to a
statement issued by Britannica com-
menting on a story published by
tion Picture Daily on Jan.Bw/
which reported ownership of the com-
mon stock of Britannica by Assistant !
Secretary of State William Benton. ,
"The University participates in the
income of the Britannica through divi-
dends on the preferred stock and
through royalties paid for the advice
of its professors," the statement ex-
plains.
Concerning Benton's ownership of
the common stock, the statement says :
"When it appeared that the University
would not accept the gift of the
Britannica without the investment of
working capital, the required funds
were made available by William Ben-
ton. In return, Mr. Benton received
the common stock of Britannica.
Escrow Arrangements
"Through escrow arrangements en-
tered into at the time of the transfer
of the stock to Mr. Benton, the Uni-
versity may resume control of .this
stock at Mr. Benton's death," the j
statement said. "The University owns
the preferred stock."
The statement says that ownership
of Encyclopedia Britannica was trans- j
ferred to the University by Sears-
Roebuck in Jan., 1943, and that a short
time later- Britannica acquired Erpi
Films, which was renamed Encyclo-
pedia Britannica Films, and became a
subsidiary corporation of Britannica.
In April, 1944, Eastman Kodak gave j
its library of educational films to the J
University, which distributes them
through Encyclopedia Britannica
Films.
"The University's interest in the
Britannica enterprises," the statement
continues, "is direct and active. Rob- I
ert M. Hutchins, chancellor of the
University, is a director of both ,
Britannica and the Films Company, i
and chairman of their executive com-
mittees. He is also chairman of the
board of editors of Britannica. John '
Stuart and Paul G. Hoffman are trus-
tees of the University, and also direc-
tors of both Britannica and of the \
Films Company.
Chicago, Feb. 3. — Producer Boris
Morros has signed Bing Crosby to
make an independent picture in 1949,
he announced here today before leav-
ing for New York.
Morros said also that his "Carnegie
Hall" is slated to open at the Chicago
Civic Opera House in April under a |
two-a-day policy at advanced prices.
Paul Huldschinsky, 57
Hollywood, Cal., Feb. 3. — Paul Os-
car HuldschinSky, designer of motion-
picture sets, who won the first Acad-
emy award ever presented for su-
premacy in that phase of the film in-
dustry, died at his home in Santa !,
Monica. He was 57.
Morros Signs Crosby
For 1949 Picture
Tuesday, February 4, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
11
Urges Mexicans to
Support US Strike
Hollywood, Feb. 3. — Following an
address to strikers at a Conference of
Studio Unions mass meeting last night,
Vincente Lombardo Toledano, gen-
eral secretary of the Confederation of
Latin American Workers, telegraphed
his Mexico City headquarters urging
that all Mexican theatres be struck for
one day on the earliest possible Sun-
day as an expression of sympathy for
striking Hollywood workers. Tole-
r|^k) said that he would later try to
l^Pt a similar one - day closing
throughout Latin Amerca if the strike
is not settled shortly.
CSU President Herbert K. Sorrell
told the meeting that the strike may
be settled suddenly in the near future,
but he declined to elaborate on that
statement.
U. S. Film Funds
(Continued from page 1)
which include film production and dis-
tribution, are sure to be discontinued
by the new Congress with the result
that virtually all industry-Government
relations in the motion picture field
will come to a gradual end.
Start 'Jenny' Feb. 15
Feature production at the new RKO
Pathe studios, here, will be inaugu-
rated on Feb. 15 when David O. Selz-
nick's "Portrait of Jenny" starts
shooting, Frederic Ullman, Jr., presi-
dent of RKO Pathe, announced. The
agreement also gave Selznick an op-
tion for three more feature pictures in
the studio during 1947 and 1948.
Brodie Acquitted of
Indecent Film Charge
Justices John Flood, William Far-
rell and Nathan D. Perlman, in Spe-
cial Sessions Court here yesterday,
acquitted Benjamin Brodie, former
owner of New York's Miami Theatre,
of showing an indecent picture. They
said the prosecution had failed to
prove a case against Brodie.
Last June the Theatre Operating
Corp., which ran the house, was fined
$500 following the showing of "Guilty
Parents."
After yesterday's acquittal. Chief
Justice George B. De Luca said there
was no ground for a statement by Jus-
tice Matthew J. Troy that the case
had "all the earmarks of a nice fix."
This criticism had come when Jacob
Leff, attorney for Brodie, declared the
New York City license department
had promised to restore the license
of the Miami following the corpora-
tion's guilty plea.
Theatre Television
(Continued from page 1)
sound business it must have adequate
FCC facilities and that those proposed
are short of requirements. Thus
SMPE will ask the same parity of
rights for frequency allocations for
theatre television as for television
broadcasting.
Variety Foundling Aid
Cincinnati, Feb. 3. — Following
through on a plan adopted a few
weeks ago, the Cincinnati Variety
Club, Tent No. 3, has placed six chil-
dren, wards of local institutions, in
foster homes, and is assuming respon-
sibility for their care.
'Yearling' a Special
(Continued from page 1)
generally in March, it was stated, with
bids to be taken as outlined in the
consent decree. Currently in its sec-
ond week at New York's Radio City
Music Hall and in its sixth week at
the Carthay Circle in Los Angeles on
a two-a-day reserved seat policy, the
picture is scheduled to open at B. & K.'s
Loop theatre, the State Lake, late this
month.
Plans are being made for the Mid-
western premiere, it was stated, with
B. and K. officials William K. Hol-
lander and James Savage cooperating
with William R. Ferguson, exploita-
tion director for M-G-M, and his
Midwestern field staff consisting of
William G. Bishop, William Green
and Warren Slee, of Chicago; J. B.
Watson, Cincinnati ; Louis Orlove,
Milwaukee, and Harold Marshall, In-
diana.
Among the local plans are the ap-
pearance of Claude Jarman, Jr., the
Jody of the picture. Jarman, accom-
panied by his father, and Frank Lig-
gett, will arrive in New York tomor-
row. After 10 days in the East the
contingent will head for Chicago. Ted
Morris of M-G-M's studio publicity
staff, is now in New York working
with Howard Dietz, vice-president
and director of advertising, publicity
and exploitation ; Ferguson and Her-
bert Crooker, publicity manager, on
the New York and Chicago visits of
Jarman.
Also to be released generally in
March, it was stated by M-G-M ex-
ecutives, will be "The Beginning or
the End." .Special plans for marketing
this picture are in work and will be
announced shortly.
Industry to Gain
By Army Increases
Washington, Feb. 3. — Ad-
mission prices at Army post
theatres on the European
Continent have been raised
from 15 to 20 cents for adults
and from 10 to 15 cents for
children, according to Fred
Bund, chief of the Army Mo-
tion Picture Service, who
stated that the film industry
will reap greater percentage
profits as a result of the ad-
mission price increase.
25% Wage Increases
To N. Y. Cartoonists
Famous Studios, producers of the
"Little Lulu," "Popeye" and other
cartoons, yesterday signed a one-year
contract with the Screen Cartoonists
Guild here providing for a general
wage increase of 25 per cent.
Sam Buchwald and the law firm of
Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin and Krim
represented the company in negotia-
tions. Pepe Ruiz and attorney Mar-
vin Cristenfeld negotiated for the
union. Thomas S. Dougherty ^of the
U. S. Conciliation Service partici-
pated.
Loewe to Goldwyn
J. Winston Loewe, former Warner
manager in Oklahoma City and Dal-
las, has joined Samuel Goldwyn Pro-
ductions as sales representative cov-
ering the South and several Mid-
West situations, the Goldwyn office
here announces.
NORTH STAR • THE WESTERNER • THIEF OF BAGDAD . LYDIA • THAT HAMILTON WOMAN
THE JUNGLE BOOK • RETURN OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL • SCARLET PIMPERNEL • FOUR FEATHERS
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
VPW61. NO. 25
NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1947
TEN CENTS
Names . . .
in Today 9s News
DONALD M. NELSON, president
of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers, Holly-
wood, has been elected a director-at-
large of the Motion Picture Export
Association, it was announced yester-
day. The, international distribution
managers of MPEA's eight member
companies were all re-elected direc-
tors, as was Eric Johnston, who con-
tinues as a director-at-large.
With the election of Nelson, the in-
dependent producers associated with
MPEA's member companies now have
direct representation on MPEA's
board.
Also the following MPEA officers
were re-elected : Johnston, president ;
Francis S. Harmon, vice-president ;
Irving A. Maas, vice-president and
general manager; Gordon E. Young-
man, secretary; Herbert J. Erlanger,
assistant secretary; George Borth-
wick, treasurer ; Frederick W. DuVall
and William F. Laffan, assistant
treasurers.
Bowles Is Assistant to
Para's George Smith
John Bowles has been appointed as-
sistant to George A. Smith, Para-
mount's Western division sales man-
ager, by Charles M. Reagan, distri-
bution vice-president. Bowles will
have headquarters in Los Angeles. He
joined Paramount in 1943 as a sales-
man in San Francisco.
Reagan has also named Don Foster
booking manager in Salt Lake City,
replacing John Swenson, resigned;
Harry Nicholson has been transferred
from the Oklahoma staff to Dallas,
and is succeeded by Ed Chumley, with
Hubert Buchanan moving into Chum-
ley's former post; Don Hicks is suc-
ceeded in Kansas City by Ward Pen-
nington, after having been named
manager in Omaha.
Film Dividends Help
Double General Total
Washington, Feb. 4. — Gen-
eral industry dividend pay-
ments for the quarter ending
in Nov., 1946, climbed to $12,-
147,000, compared with $5,880,-
000 for the same period in
1945, according to the Com-
merce Department which
pointed out that November
is usually a slow month for
such payments.
The overall 51 per cent in-
crease during the quarter was
attributed in part to several
large dividend payments made
by motion picture companies.
Says Abandonment
Of Reciprocal
Trade Is a Threat
The fight both for and against con-
tinuation of the Washington Admin-
istration's policy of international trade
reciprocity is a source of alarm to
the Motion Picture Association, which
feels that abandonment of the pro-
gram will result in new and more
rigid restrictions against U. S. films
abroad, according to an MPA official
here.
Eric A. Johnston, MPA president,
will appear before the Inter-Depart-
mental Committee on Reciprocity at
a hearing in Washington tomorrow to
point out the trade problems which
would be encountered in the principal
markets of the world, not only for
the film business but for all industries,
in the event the program is not sus-
tained.
{Continued on page 10)
Final Draft Ready
For Foundation
Corporate structure of the Motion
Picture Foundation came a step closer
to reality yesterday with completion
of the final drafts of the by-laws and
certificate of incorporation and the
sending of those papers to a steering
committee headed by Barney Balaban,
as chairman, for final approval, after
which they will be filed in the District
of Columbia.
Dual purpose of the foundation — to
help the needy, sick and destitute in
all branches of the film industry and
{Continued on page 10)
MGM Is Auctioning
In 20 Situations
Chicago, Feb. 4. — M-G-M
now is auctioning films in 20
situations throughout the
U. S., and the auction method,
as advanced in the New York
Federal Court decree, is grad-
ually being adopted in addi-
tional situations, William F.
Rodgers, vice-president in
charge of sales, revealed here
today at the close of the
M-G-M sales meeting.
Conditions Cancel
M-G-M Field Trips
Chicago, Feb. 4. — Because of un-
settled conditions revolving around the
consent decree and a crop of new pic-
tures to be made available for market-
ing within the next few weeks, M-
G-M has canceled the proposed five-
city trip of 14 members of its field
force, it was announced here today as
the two-day M-G-M sales sessions at
the Drake Hotel came to a close.
M-G-M will hold four or five re-
gional meetings beginning about April
in New York, Chicago, San Francisco,
Pittsburgh and New Orleans to dis-
cuss sales procedure under the New
York consent decree, as well as sell-
ing plans for "The Yearling-," Wil-
liam F. Rodgers, vice-president in
charge of sales, disclosed today fol-
lowing the conclusion of the two-day
sales meeting.
It is felt that it is more propitious
at this time to have the men who
were slated for the tour concentrate
on new selling rather than have them
(Continued on page 10)
'Smash-Up 9
[ Walter W anger-Universal ]
CUSAN HAYWARD'S light shines firm and bright in a strong, dramatic
a)
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So ... no matter how good it is now . . . you'll find it pays to step up the quality
of your projection . . . and here's how it can be done!
For Smaller Theatres—
With One-Kilowatt High Intensity Projection, clear-cut
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For Medium -Sized Theatres^
Larger screens and longer throws require "Suprex" Carbon
High Intensity Projection for proper screen brightness and
color. Ideal for medium-sized houses, this type of projection
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for the Largest Theatres-
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Greater depth, sharper definition, higher screen bright-
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For more details on stepping up the quality of your projection,
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10
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, February 5, 1947
Allied Will Support
'Brotherhood' Drive
Allied States Association has en-
dorsed "American Brotherhood Week,"
Feb. 16-23, and the motion picture
appeal for the war orphans of Greece,
a one-month drive to begin on March
8 in honor of Spyros P. Skouras, na-
tional Allied president Jack Kirsch
announces.
Fred Wehrenberg, president of the
MPTOA, and Ted Gamble, chair-
man of the American Theatres Asso-
ciation, are co-chairmen, with Skouras
and Kirsch, of the brotherhood cam-
paign. Ned E. Depinet, Si Fabian and
Jack Cohn are co-chairmen of the
Greek War Orphan Drive.
Keefe and Wise Draw Up
Cincinnati Campaign
Cincinnati, Feb. 4. — Jim Keefe,
20th Century-Fox field exploiteer,
and Nathan Wise, RKO Theatres ad-
vertising manager here, have drawn
up an advertising-publicity campaign
to promote "American Brotherhood
Week" in Cincinnati. Street car cards,
slugs for department store advertise-
ments, window displays and radio spot
announcements are included in the
campaign.
Verdict Is Upheld
In Paolillo Case
The appeal board of the Motion
Picture Arbitrational Tribunals has
affirmed the decision denying Antonio
and Ciro Paolillo, operators of the
Paradise Theatre, Brooklyn, their
requests to eliminate clearance on
Paramount and Loew's Product be-
tween the Paradise and Gavan Amuse-
ment's Avon. The two film company
defendants were said to impose a
seven-day clearance in favor of the
Avon. The ruling set the clearance
over the Paradise at a three-day max-
imum. Costs were assessed against
each of the four parties equally.
New Board Named
Hollywood, Feb. 4. — The new edi-
torial board of the Hollywood Quar-
terly includes John Collier, James
Hilton, Irving Pichel and Abraham
Polonsky, representing the Writers'
Mobilization, and Samuel Farquar,
Dr. Franklin Fearing, Dr. Franklin
Rolfe and Kenneth MacGowan, rep-
resenting the University of Cali-
fornia.
Adrian E. Ford, 71
Norwich, N. Y., Feb. 4. — Adrian
E. Ford, former theatre operator, died
here Sunday night at his home after
several years of failing health.
I PRESS
I BOOKS PHOTO-OFFSET
W'COLORCHROME CORP.
! ^ ART SERVICE
2 BROADWAY NEW YORK 4
WHITEHALL 4 — 3 7 2 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 -4
• COPYWRITING
• ILLUSTRATION
• PASTE-UP
• STORING
• MAILING
Bogeaus and Lupino
In Joint Production
Hollywood, Feb. 4.— Benedict
Bogeaus and Ida Lupino have formed
Arcadia Productions to make one film
a year for three years, all starring
Miss Lupino, for United Artists re-
lease. The first will be "The Queen's
Necklace." This will be apart from
the activities of Benedict Bogeaus
Productions, also releasing through
United Artists.
Appeal Filings
(Continued from page 1)
Daily on Jan. 23, Robert L. Wright,
special assistant to the Attorney Gen-
eral, is grooming the government's
appeal for a March 1 filing. Under
the Supreme Court's Rule No. 52-B,
he pointed out, the deadline for ap-
peals could be interpreted as 60 days
after the New York court's ruling on
motions for modification of the decree,
provided' the high tribunal should find
that the questions raised by those mo-
tions were "substantial." Only way,
however, of getting a ruling on this
point would be to appeal after March
1, in which event the judges at Wash-
ington might possibly hold that the
step had been taken too late, Wright
explained, adding that he, for one,
was unwilling to run such a risk.
This view, it developed yesterday,
also is shared by at least some of the
counsel for the theatre-owning defend-
ants, two of whom declared they were
certain all defense appeals will be filed
on or before March 1. Thomas Tur-
ner Cooke, Universal counsel, reiter-
ated his intention of playing safe like-
wise. And Columbia, as previously
reported, is planning to appeal
through attorney Louis Frohlich this
week. Although Paramount, M-G-
M, RKO, 20th Century-Fox and War-
ners have not formally stated that
they will appeal, a spokesman for
them has indicated that their carrying
the case to the Supreme Court is
highly probable.
Final Draft
(Continued from page 1)
to establish funds for research, educa-
tional and scientific work — has been
incorporated in the by-laws after a
survey of by-laws of many existing
foundations of a similar nature in or-
der to embrace the broad scope of the
proposed organization.
Members of the committee, appoint-
ed at the organizational meeting in
New Orleans last Dec. 3, are : Samuel
Pinanski, Tom J. Connors, Col. H. A.
Cole, Karl Hoblitzelle, Ted Gamble,
Chick Lewis, Fred Wehrenberg, Ed-
ward G. Zorn and Leonard Golden-
son.
Plans are now being drafted for
field organizational meetings in the
spring.
AFL 'Assures* SAG
Hollywood, Feb. 4. — The Screen
Actors' Guild, which last week tele-
graphed the American Federation of
Labor Executive Council urging adop-
tion of its resolution calling for per-
manent arbitration machinery, has
received a telegram from AFL Presi-
dent William Green, who assured the
Guild that the Council "is giving sym-
pathetic and careful consideration to
suggestion submitted in your mes-
sage."
Intervenors Appeal
Clearance Award
An appeal from a clearance award
by the Boston tribunal of the Ameri-
can Arbitration Association has been
filed with the appeal board in New
York by Colonial Theatres Co. and
the State Operating Co. of Nashua
and Manchester, N. H., respectively,
intervenors in a complaint filed against
M-G-M, 20th Century-Fox, Para-
mount, RKO Radio and Warner
Brothers by Latchis Theatres of
Keene, N. H., operator of the Latchis
in Milford, N. H.
In his award, Raymond C. Baldes,
the arbitrator, held that maximum
clearance granted the Colonial in
Nashua should be 26 days and no
more than 34 days after territorial
release date. He held, furthermore,
that no clearance "in the form of
priority of run or otherwise" should
be granted in licenses by the distribu-
tors to the Manchester theatres of
State Operating Co., "except on pic-
tures not shown at the Nashua thea-
tres, and as to such pictures, the maxi-
mum clearance should be 26 days, but
no more in any event, than 34 days
after territorial release date."
M-G-M Cancels Trips
(Continued from, page 1)
absent from their posts for four weeks.
The 14 field representatives were
scheduled to meet in New York on
Thursday and spend a week there
with John P. Byrne, Eastern sales
manager, as host. From New York,
the men were scheduled to go to
Pittsburgh, Chicago, New Orleans,
and Los Angeles where local sales
managers would conduct a series of
meetings with them.
With "The Yearling," "Till the
Clouds Roll By," "The Beginning or
the End," and "Sea of Grass" topping
the crop of new features coming up
for marketing, in addition to "The
Arnelo Affair," "It Happened in
Brooklyn," "High Barbaree," and
"Cynthia's Secret," M-G-M says it is
prepared to offer a .steady flow of
product for the next few months.
In lieu of the 'planned five-city
tour, the men have been rewarded with
bonuses, it was added.
Slated to make the tour were John
S. Allen, district manager with head-
quarters in Washington; Saul Gott-
lieb, Pittsburgh ; L. C. Wingham, San
Francisco ; D. C. Kennedy, Des
Moines ; Ben Rosenwald, Charlotte ;
Louis Formato, Philadelphia ; Jack B.
Mundstuk, Buffalo, all managers ; Ir-
vin Jacobs, Pittsburgh ; Edward
Dunn, Des Moines ; Ray Ervin, Char-
lotte; Frank Jelenko, Philadelphia:
Alex W. Weissman, Los Angeles, all
salesmen ; Joseph Krobman, Washing-
ton office manager ; Max Shabason,
Pittsburgh booker.
Vice-President Rodgers left here
tonight for the Coast to spend the
next few weeks looking at new prod-
uct. Other field and home office ex-
ecutives also left tonight for their re-
spective headquarters, including Ed-
ward M. Saunders and Edwin W.
Aaaron, assistant sales managers, New
York; Rudolph Berger, Southern
sales manager, New Orleans ; John
J. Maloney, Central sales head, Pitts-
burgh ; John P. Bvrne, Eastern, New
York.
During the meetings here, Rodgers
To Negotiate Deal
For Veterans' Films
Washington, Feb. 4. — A new
deal for the rental of films to
Veterans Administration Fa-
cilities will be arranged at a
meeting of VA representa-
tives, the Motion Picture As-
sociation, and distributors at
the Hotel Pennsylvania
New York on Feb. 11-13. Col,
tracts will also be formulate
for the lease of pictures to
veterans hospitals.
Veterans Administration of-
ficials to meet with the dis-
tributors will be : A. S. Mason,
assistant director of special
services ; C. Bream, Jr., acting
director of recreation; J. C.
Cassidy, chief of the motion
picture division and David
Palfreyman of the MP A.
Reciprocal Trade
(Continued from page 1)
Johnston has given considerable
time to a study of the overall situa-
tion, it was said, with the aim of pre-
senting his argument when he testi-
fies following Rep. Harold Knutson,
chairman of the House Ways and
Means Committee. Knutson is de-
scribed as being a bitter foe of reci-
procity arrangements.
Results of the Washington hearing
will have a bearing on the Geneva
Trade Conferences, beginning April 8,
in which 18 key countries will par-
ticipate. At this, the U. S. will be
represented by William Clayton, As-
sistant Secretary of State, and aides.
Russia has yet to answer the bid to
attend.
Knutson, Sen. Hugh Butler and
other Congressmen have contested the
continuation on the grounds that the
negotiation of trade agreements on a
reciprocal basis would lower living
standards in this country. Knutson
took the same position last year when
he was House Minority Leader.
Butler told the Senate last week
that the State Department is consid-
ering further lowering of tariffs. Close
to_ 800 briefs already have been filed
with the Committee on Reciprocity.
Johnston's position, and he is said
not to be alone, is one strongly sup-
porting freer _ trade among nations
with the elimination, wherever pos-
sible, of barriers. In an address to the
Rochester Chamber of Commerce last
week, he called upon the Republican
Party to lend its support to this pro-
gram.
Crouch Film for Astor
Producer William Crouch yesterday
completed production of a three-reeler,
"Ebony Parade", a musical, at Film
Craft Studio in the Bronx, for Bob
Savini's Astor Pictures, state-righter.
outlined plans for the new product
scheduled for release in the next four
months.
Only three persons not associated
with M-G-M were guests of the com-
pany at the luncheon at the Drake
Hotel here today. They were Harrv
Balaban, of Harry and Elmer Bala-
ban Theatres ; Edward Brunnell, in-
dependent theatre owner, and Hal
Tate of Motion Picture Daily's
Chicago bureau. .
F A M
OL.
TWELFTH ANNUAL
EDITION IS NOW
IN CIRCULATION
The international
index to production, talent
and technical values in the
world of entertainment . . .
screen • concert • radio
One Dollar the Copy
EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAYE
QUIGLEY PUBLICATIONS
ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK (20)
12
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, February 5, 1947
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, Feb. 4
SOL M. WURTZEL has signed a
long-term contract with Edward
Nassour for stage and office space at
the latter's new studios. Wurtzel,.
who is currently filming "The Crim-
son Key" for 20th Century-Fox re-
lease, will complete two more pictures
at Sutherland Studios before moving
to Nassour. . . . RKO Radio has ex-
ercised its option on the services of
William Watts, who holds a three-way
contractor as producer-director-writer.
•
Vincent Price has been signed to a
term contract by- Universal-Interna-
tional. His first picture there will be
"Black Velvet," which will also star
Ella Raines and Edmond O'Brien. . . .
Jack Schwarz has engaged Paul Kelly
for a top role in his next production,
"Let the Chips Fall." . . . Jeanne
Crain has had her 20th Century-Fox
contract extended.
•
"That's Life," the story of a pro-
fessor of serious music who be-
comes involved in an academic an-
alysis of jazz, will be Danny Kaye's
next starring vehicle for Samuel
Goldwyn. Harry Tugend, formerly
executive producer at Paramount,
has been signed to develop the
story. . . . Walter Colmes plans to
produce and direct "Counter-Spy,"
with Charles Drake and Lynne
Roberts in leading roles.
•
Milton Sperling is back from Sun
Valley, with an ambitious undertaking
in mind as his next production for
Warner release. Titled "Nothing but
the Night," it will attempt to combine
a study of sociological trends in Cali-
fornia with a fast-moving murder
mystery. . . . Mark Hellinger has
signed Charles Bickford to star in his
next production for U-I, "Brute
Force."
•
Adolphe Menjou, dapper character
actor, has turned his talents to a new
medium. He is writing a book about
his experiences while making some 280
films, the most recent of which is
M-G^M's "The Hucksters." . . .
Charles Laughton is set for a stellar
role in "The Big Clock," which Rich-
ard Maibaum will produce and John
Farrow direct for Paramount.
•
Edgar Kennedy, who has been
with RKO-Radio for 15 years, and
Leon Errol, who has been there for
10 years, have been signed to new
contracts calling for six two-reel-
ers each for 1947. . . . Five-year-old
Marcia Anne Northrop has been en-
gaged by Samuel Goldwyn for a key
role in "The Bishop's Wife," which
goes into production this month
with Cary Grant, David Niven and
Teresa Wright in top roles.
•
Maureen O'Hara will star in RKO
Radio's Technicolor feature, "Out of
All Time." Laid in post-war England,
it is a story of a strong love. . . . Ed-
ward Everett Horton has been signed
for an important part in "The_ Mat
ing Call," comedy which will be
filmed for Columbia release by Fran-
chot Tone and Raphael Hakim. . . .
Lois Maxwell, 19-year-old Canadian
actress, has been signed to a seven-
year Warner contract.
Smash-Up
(Continued from page 1)
have been his. Reconciliation following, Miss Hayward realizes her need to
pursue the bottle is ended.
The cross-current, romantically, involves Marsha Hunt, Bowman's secre-
tary and girl Friday. While she loves him, he loves Miss Hayward who, in
turn, misunderstands the situation and thereby finds another convenient excuse
for another alcoholic "binge.!' In fact, this is only one of a series of standoffs
which disintegrate their marriage until the dramatic turn arrives and the
domestic situation again chambers toward its initial happiness and understand-
ing.
Miss Hayward's role is difficult, but she acquits herself admirably through-
out. Since she is the pivot, other principals never mean much, although it is
not always understandable why treatment and interpretation insisted upon
converting Bowman into the wishy-washy, colorless individual he is made to
appear here. Miss Hunt, attractive to look at, has one very effective scene
during which she clarifies her romantic position with Bowman. Eddie Albert,
as friend and counsellor, does a quiet, but sound, job. Competent, too, are
Carl Esmond, Charles D. Brown and others in support. Histrionically, how-
ever, "Smash-Up" is mostly Hayward, a yard wide and with lots of wool.
Hollywood may be expected to vibrate with its usual excitement when the
word about her gets around.
Aside from background music, there are five vocals alternately sung by
Miss Hayward and Bowman. Thematically, the key number is "Life Can Be
Beautiful," a sentimental ballad which already has made "The Hit Parade."
Stuart Heisler's direction deserves commendation. Walter Wanger produced
with Martin Jabel as associate.
Running time 103 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release in Febru-
ary. Red Kann
"The Brasher Doubloon"
(20th Century-Fox)
A MURDER affair, and a good one, "The Brasher Doubloon" features
Arthur Raymond Chandler's ace private sleuth, "Phillip Marlowe"
(George Montgomery) and, essentially, a very pretty girl (Nancy Guild).
The title object, as every numismatist knows, is a rare coin and in this
instance the cause of very much robust to-do, all calculated to arouse and
hold interest. Detective; fiction has been hitting box-office bullseyes of late,
and there is little reason to doubt the performance of this latest venture in
that field.
Competent writing and direction eliminated the possibilities of disconcert-
ing involvement in the yarn which takes many intricate twists for purposes
of deepening the mystery. It brings Montgomery to the home of a wealthy
widow, Florence Bates, whose husband plunged to his death years ago. Miss
Guild is the comely secretary, a mental case, led to believe that she is re-
sponsible for the man's death. Miss Bates' screen son, Conrad Janis, has
gambling commitments and finds it convenient to be an extortionist, with his
mother the victim. An assortment of other characters, all apparently quite
capable of murder, appear in and out of the proceedings and when in have
covetous eyes on the Brasher Doubloon, which is owned by Miss Bates.
A couple of corpses are found before Montgomery, after being badly bat-
tered by the heavies and warmly embraced by Miss Guild, presents the
solution. Miss Bates, it turns out, had murdered her husband; Miss Guild
is cured of her phobia against men, particularly Montgomery, and all ends
well. Based on Chandler's novel, the film is directed by John Brahm and
produced by Robert Bassler. Dorothy Hannah did the screenplay; the adapta-
tion is by Leonard Praskins.
Running time, 72 minutes. General classification. Release in February.
Gene Arneel
Churchill On Imports
(Continued from page 1)
ances to put British industry in the
best condition."
Churchill's entry into _ a debate on
the reduction or elimination of Amer-
ican film imports came after Hugh
Dalton, Chancellor of the Exchequer,
had stated that he would study all
possibilities of reducing "oversevere"
expenditures in order to conserve
Britain's dollar resources. As more
good British films are produced, fol-
lowing the trend of the past few years,
there will be less need to fill screens
here with pictures from America or
elsewhere, Dalton said.
Schary to RKO Today
Hollywood, Feb. 4. — Dore Schary,
recently-named RKO Radio vice-presi-
dent in charge of production, will take
active charge of the studio tomorrow,
following competion of arrangments
between RKO Radio president N.
Peter Rathvon and Vanguard presi-
dent Daniel T. O'Shea for Schary's
release from his contract to the latter.
Pascal, Shaw Plays
(Continued from page 1)
was made after Pascal talked by
trans-Atlantic telephone to London
with the author, who has previously
refused to allow his works to be filmed
in Hollywood.
Under the new contract with the
Pickford- Cowan company, Pascal will
produce and direct "The- Devil's
Disciple" and "The Showing Up of
Blanco Posnet" as the first of the
Shaw plays to be filmed in this coun-
try. Others on the Pascal program
include "St. Joan," "Candida," "Arms
and the Man" and "Androcles and
the Lion." Pascal's films for Artists
Alliance will be released through
United Artists, of which Miss Pick-
ford is part owner.
Commenting on British competition
to Hollywood, Pascal said that Holly-
wood is in for competition from
"every major nation." The British
producer added that every country is
entering film production, not only for
economic reasons, but for "self-
expression."
Rank's Interests in
Full 16mm. Accord
London, Feb. 4. — Plans of the J.
Arthur Rank interests on both sides
of the Atlantic for exploitation of the
worldwide 16 mm. market have
reached the stage of complete joint
action, according to Cremieu Javal,
managing director of Rank's najj^w-
gauge enterprises in London, anffla -
mund Dorfman, vice-presidenT^F(n
charge of production for United World
in New York.
Rank's people here are in daily
communication with United World
regarding American subjects for treat-
ment and distribution in the educa-
tional, cultural and documentary fields.
One educational picture weekly is
planned for both America and Eng-
land under the joint auspices.
Dorfmann said America is aiding
with cotton, oil and soil-erosion se-
quences, as well as material for an
atomic energy film now being pro-
duced here. Javal, visualizing 800,000
customers annually, said that Rank in-
terests plan to build between 8,000
and 10,000 16 mm. projectors each
year.
American educational authorities,
Dorfman claimed, are fully behind
United World's educational program,
although U. S. Federal authorities
have not gone beyond a general di-
rective approving "visual aids." In
England, the Education Ministry has
given a "vague blessing" to the pro-
ject, being unimpressed by the present
uncoordinated supply of films.
Javal and Dorfmann were both
evasive regarding the 16 mm. religious
program, claiming only to have the
support of some Protestants and add-
ing that they would welcome both
Catholic and Jewish groups.
FBI Continuing Its
Drive on 16mm Film
Los Angeles, Feb. 4. — Drive of the
FBI on unauthorized 16mm. distribu-
tion is continuing on the West Coast,
with the filing of a criminal copyright
infringement information in Federal
Court, here, charging defendant with
having furnished 51 films to commer-
cial exhibitors in California.
Richard B. Hood, special FBI agent
in charge of the Los Angeles office,
announced that as a result of an in-
vestigation conducted by the FBI an
information was filed in the District
Court, charging William (Scotty)
Brown, operator of Embro Pictures,
Hollywood, with violation of the crim-
inal section of the Federal copyright
laws. The alleged infringement in-
volved the rental by Brown of 16mm.
films of major studio releases without
the copyright owner's permission.
Brown was charged with furnishing
37 films to a 16mm. exhibitor at Big
Bear Lake, Cal., and 14 films to a
similar exhibitor at Inyokern, Cal.
'Jennie' Crew Begins Trip
Hollywood, Feb. 4. — Actors and
technicians assigned to David O.
Selznick's "Portrait of Jennie," which
will be filmed entirely in New York,
have begun Eastward migrations. Ac-
tor Joseph Cotten, director William
Dieterle, and art director Joseph Mc-
Millan Johnson are already en route,
with others scheduled to leave Holly-
wood during the week.
WSf ION PICTURE
DAILY
VOL. 61. NO. 26
NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1947
TEN CENTS
lllied High
Court Move
Waits Appeal
Myers Says Scope of
Brief Undetermined Now
Washington, Feb. 5. — Allied
States will play the role of "watch
dog" to see what arguments the
appeal papers of the defendants
and the government will contain be-
fore preparing an amicus curiae brief
for the U. S. Supreme Court in the
industry anti-trust suit, Abram F.
Myers, general counsel for that organ-
ization, said here today.
Myers said that it will be difficult
for the Justice Department to argue
in opposition to the relief given by the
lower court, meaning competitive bid-
(Continued on page 6)
Attendance Equal
To 1946: Rodgers
Chicago, Feb. 5. — Actual theatre
attendance, along with gross receipts,
is holding up to the level of last year
throughout the country, according to
William F. Rodgers, M-G-M vice-
president and general sales manager,
who now is en route to the Coast
following the company's sales meet-
ing b.ere this week.
Rodgers' conclusion, reached after
discussion with his sales lieutenants
from widely scattered areas, is at
variance with recent widely-expressed
opinions to the effect that increased
admission prices have boosted gross-
es but that the number of patrons
attending films has diminished.
Another spokesman for M-G-M de-
(Continued on page 7)
20th Drops Budget
To Gain Flexibility
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — In a plan de-
signed to leave production costs ad-
justable to the scope of each individ-
ual story, the 20th Century-Fox studio
will operate without an over-all bud-
get for the coming year, the company
announced here today following con-
ferences by Spyros P. Skouras, pres-
ident ; Darryl F. Zanuck, vice-presi-
dent, and Joseph M. Schenck, execu-
tive head of production.
The new plan will be applied to
some 20 large-scale dramas and musi-
cals scheduled to be made during the
year, the announcement said.
U.A. Will Launch
'Modernized' Sales
Meets This Month
United Artists' "modernized" sales
meetings, announced in December by
Gradwell L. Sears, will be launched
in Buffalo, Feb. 22 to 25 with subse-
quent meetings
at Pitts-
burg and El
Paso, Feb. 27
to March 2, and
Chicago, March
6 to 9, J. J.
Unger, U. A.
general sales
manager,
announced yes-
terday.
At each meet-
ing, all avail-
able UA prod-
uct will be
J.J. Unger shown to the
company's sales
staff. Unger, together with Sears and
UA president Edward C. Raftery, will
be on hand for at least one session of
(Continued on page 7)
Grinieff in Deal
For 40 UA Reissues
Jacques Grinieff, president of U. S.
Film Export Corp., will acquire from
United Artists 40 filmsi averaging
about five years in age in a reported
deal said to be in the final stages of
negotiation.
The package arrangement is said to
be on a global basis, with Grinieff,
formerly a French producer, to dis-
(Continued on page 6)
Truman Wants 100%
Trade Plan Support
Washington, Feb. 5. — Presi-
dent Truman, in his first
report to Congress on the
United States' participation
in the United Nations, today
called for "genuinely national
bi-partisan" support of the
Administration's foreign
trade program.
The report coincided with
increasing Republican opposi-
tion to the Administration's
reciprocal trade program,
which is endorsed by Eric A.
Johnston, Motion Picture As-
sociation president, and other
industry leaders.
Para. Theatre Split
Is Raibourn's Guess
Paul Raibourn, economist for Par-
amount and president of its subsidi-
ary, Television Productions, said here
yesterday it is his guess that Para-
mount will split the number of par-
tially-owned theatres with its partners
in the event the New York decree de-
cision is sustained.
Rumors to this effect have been cur-
rent in the trade for some time. How-
ever, Raibourn emphasized that the
company has yet to set down any plan
for complying with the decision, from
which it will take an appeal, and con-
sequently observers, including himself,
can only offer conjecture. The deci-
sion outlaws holdings of between five
and 96 per cent in theatre interests by
the distributors.
Approximately 1,200 of Para-
mount's 1,500 theatres are affected by
(Continued on page 6)
"Angel and the Badman
9?
[ Republic ]
WITH segments of Hollywood apparently concentrating on efforts
to rescue the Western film from the stereotyped formula, it is
not surprising that Republic, long regarded as a nesting place
of skilled technicians when it comes to quality "horse operas," should
step forward with a "super" Western of three-dimensional calibre. "Angel
and the Badman," starring John Wayne in his initial venture in pro-
duction, is just such a product, tempering, without surrendering, action
and gun-play in favor of character development and moral conflict. It
will undoubtedly attract the large masses of Wesern fans throughout the
world and, in addition, win a lot of new ones from that large segment
of theatre patrons who seek protein, along with cake, in their celluloid
diet.
Amply stocked with "names," Gail Russell is cast as the "angel" of
the title to Wayne's "badman," with supporting roles portrayed by
(Continued on page 7)
First Case in
Arbitration
Since Decree
Albany Filing Extends
Life of Board There
The first arbitration complaint to
be filed since the New York Fed-
eral District court handed down
its decree in the industry anti-trust
suit on Dec. 31, providing for the
termination of industry arbitration
not later than March 31 except in
tribunals where cases were pending
prior to that date, was entered at the
Albany tribunal yesterday.
The filing of the complaint
automatically gives the Albany
tribunal a new lease on life,
since no other cases were pend-
(Continued on page 7)
British Production
For Allied Artists
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Allied Artists
will produce three features annually
in England in association with Pathe,
British distributor of AA and Mono-
gram product, with details to be
worked out in London during April,
the company announced here today.
Steve Broidy, Monogram and AA
president ; W. Ray Johnston, chair-
man of the board of directors, and
Norton V. Ritchey, president of Mon-
ogram International, are scheduled to
leave here for London on April 9 to
finalize plans for the project. Nego-
tiations with Pathe were instituted by
Broidy during his recent trip abroad.
MP A Luncheon for
Ambassador Gardner
Eric Johnston, Motion Picture As-
sociation president, was host at a
luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Ho-
tel here yesterday for O. Max Gard-
ner, who will leave for London today
to assume his duties as U. S. Ambas-
sador to Great Britain.
Also present were : Nicholas M.
Schenck, Arthur Loew, Jack Warner,
J. Chcever Cowdin, Charles D. Prutz-
man, Barney Balaban, George Welt-
ner, Ned E. Depinet, Kdward C. Raf-
tery, Gradwell L. Sears, W. C. Mich-
el, Wolfe Cohen, Sam Schneider, Nate
Spingold, Irving Maas, George Borth-
wick, Carl E. Milliken, Gerald M.
Mayer and tin- Ambassador's son,
Ralph Gardner,
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, February 6, 1947
Personal
Mention
WILLIAM F. RODGERS, M
G-M's vice-president and gen-
eral sales manager, is due to arrive
in Hollywood from Chicago today,
sales executives Edward M. Saun-
ders, Edwin W. Aaron, John P
Byrne and Jay Eisenberg will re-
turn to New York today from Chi-
cago.
•
Harold Lasser, Department of Jus-
tice attorney, here, is in Washington
for conferences with Robert L.
Wright, special assistant to U. S.
Attorney-General Tom Clark, in con
nection with the industry anti-trust
suit.
•
A. W. Schwalberg, Eagle-Lion
vice-president and general sales man
ager, and Max E. Younstein, ad-
vertising - publicity director, will
leave New York today for Toronto.
•
Ben Kalmenson, vice-president
and general sales manager of War
ners, and Norman Ayers, Southern
division sales manager, left New
York yesterday for Jacksonville.
•
Lou Lifton, Monogram's advertis-
ing-publicity chief, who contracted in-
fluenza on his return trip to Holly-
wood from New York recently, is
back at his desk again.
. •
Louis Lazar, general manager of
Paramount International's Continen-
tal Europe theatre department, will
sail for his Paris headquarters on the
5". S. America today.
•
George Pal, Paramount Puppetoons
producer, arrived in New York from
the Coast yesterday.
Sacha Gordine, French producer,
will leave New York for Hollywood
at the week-end.
•
Carl Leserman has left Holly-
wood by plane for New York.
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
Economy Factor in
Pascal Shift to US
Hollywood, Feb. 5.— Producer
Gabriel Pascal's move from London
to Hollywood, where he will be asso-
ciated with Artists Alliance, the new
Mary _ Pickford-Lester Cowan com-
pany, in the filming of a number of
Bernard Shaw's plays,- was prompted
by the belief that he can make better
pictures more economically here, Pas-
cal declares. The present lack of stu-
dio facilities in Britain also entered
into the decision, he explains.
Pascal believes that British quotas
will be increased but that the restric-
tions will be helpful to both countries.
The producer may make a picture
within two or three years in Dublin,
where he has become a stockholder in
a new production group. First of his
American pictures will be Shaw's
"The Devil's Disciple," in which Jean
Simmons, British actress, will star.
She is scheduled to arrive here in
June.
[ J NOBTRUSI VELY incor-
^ porated in Tuesday's Mo-
tion Picture Daily was this
paragraph on the annual con-
vention of MPTO of Virginia
in Washington :
Morton Thalhimer, pres-
ident of Neighborhood The-
atres, pointed out to the
group that every time the
Government comes to the
rescue of the exhibitor in
court, the theatreman has
come off worse than before.
Wright [Robert L. of the
Department of Justice] in
the discussion virtually ad-
mitted this was true.
Comment becomes redundant,
unrequired and irrelevant.
■ ■
Abram F. Myers' annual re-
port to his board reiterates the
years-old Allied position about
theatre divorcement "not only
to relieve the exhibitors against
booking difficulties and high
prices, but also in order that the
way may be opened for new pro-
ducers and distributors with new
ideas and methods to come in."
For, he continues, it "cannot be
expected that capital will be
forthcoming for such new enter-
prises until it is assured of fair
access to the lucrative first run
revenue."
What he does not observe,
however, is that there may be
a flood of new capital also pour-
ing into new theatres provided
competitive bidding is sustained
by the Supreme Court. New
ideas and methods, if they are
new, won't change the front
yard of production and distribu-
tion, without altering the same
area in exhibition.
■
Since the established customer
has lost all standing in the eyes
of the court, the lucrative first
run money to which Myers re-
fers ultimately may attract a lot
of new climbers to the band-
wagon— those well heeled by
war profits, but not necessarily
now in exhibition or in any
other phase of the industry for
that matter.
The theatre operator, now re-
garded as regularly constituted
because he happens to have been
in the running before these
court decisions and decrees
were handed down, therefore,
may face a changing order
along with the other two prin-
cipal branches of the industry.
Exemptions may be comfort-
ing. But too much reliance on
them could be disappointing.
Compounding an editorial on
announced plans of the House
Committee on Un-American Ac-
tivities to go probing for the
first time under Republican aus-
pices, the New York Daily
News blesses three phases of the
program. One is the searching
spotlight on Hollywood again.
"Some of our citizens," it
goes, "are inclined to guffaw at
the notion of $l,000-a-week
Hollywood Communists, but
they are nevertheless a menace.
The movies into which they
manage^ to dip an occasional
party line finger are seen and
paid for by millions of Ameri-
cans who would prefer straight
entertainment without sly prop-
aganda."
Always the generality with
its glitter. Never the who,
what, when and zi'here.
■ ■
In a difficult, if not impossible,
cause perhaps. But Jean Her-
sholt, president of the Academy,
at least told 'em off in that re-
cent, frank letter to all mem-
bers. Thus : '
"Each year there is criticism
of our Awards and there have
been complaints that studio poli-
tics influence the voting. I am
sending you this personal letter
to urge that when you receive
your ballot you will realize that
you have a responsibility to the
Academy ideal that individual
achievement comes ahead of
studio affiliation. Please remem-
ber that the Academy reputation
for fair dealing and honest selec-
tion of the best achievement of
your fellow-craftsmen rests in
your hands."
But will they?
'■ ■
Louis Phillips yesterday was
repeating a story he told around
the country when on tour by
way of explaining what the con-
sent decree was about. The
nuestion frequently thrown at
him was:
"What is reasonable and un-
reasonable clearance?"
His answer : "Reasonable
clearance is what I would have
if T were an exhibitor. Unrea-
sonable clearance is what the
other fellow has."
■ ■
So -You -Think- It's -Tough
Department: Arthur Dent,
veteran British film man, has
been informed by English friends
they now take rugs and blankets
to West End [Britain's Times
Square] theatres.
They say they can't keep
warm any other way.
PRC Production Is
Ahead by 6 Months
Hollywood, Feb. 5— With 20 pic-
tures already completed and shipped,
or in various stages of editing, and
with _ one additional film currently
shooting, seven new productions are
being prepared to go before the cam-
eras at Producers Releasing Corpora-
tion during February and March, the
company announced today.
On completion of the curren+'v-
shooting film, "Step-Child," anc'
seven pictures next slated for filikil^,
production at the studio will be more
than six_ months ahead of release
schedule, it was stated.
The films currently being completed
are: "Hollywood Hi," "Girls' Camp,"
"Matteawan," an untitled "Gas House
Kids" film, a "Lash" La Rue West-
ern, an untitled Michael Shayne mys-
tery and "Gangway for Murder."
Ben Zeidman Leaving
Columbia on Mar, 15
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Bennie Zeid-
man, supervisor of Columbia's low-
budget product, is leaving that studio
on Mar. 15. His future plans are un-
announced.
The studio is adopting a new system
whereby low-budget product will be
made by separate units coordinated by
the front office. Sam Katzman, Ru-
dolph Flothow and Wallace Macdon-
ald head three of the units, and Ted
Richmond and Robert Cohn the
fourth. John Haggott, currently pro-
ducing under Zeidman, will be pro-
moted to high-budget pictures.
AM PA Lunch Today
Will Honor Edison
The Thomas A. Edison Centennial
will be observed at today's , luncheon-
meeting of the Associated Motion Pic-
ture Advertisers at the Town Hall
Club.
George Wever, Life promotion di-*
rector, and Terry Ramsaye, editor of
Motion Picture Herald are among the
scheduled speakers. AMPA president
Rutgers Neilson will officiate, and
vice-president Phil Williams will be
master of ceremonies. Madeline 'Edi-
son Sloane, daughter of the inventor,
will be among the guests.
Public Votes on Ending
An audience vote, to be taken at
the first showing of Eagle-Lion's
"Bedelia" at the Victoria Theatre here
tomorrow, will determine which of
two endings will be permanently used
on the picture. Since the MPA code
ruled out suicide as the killer's "way
out," the studio shot a new ending
showing Bedelia, the killer, giving
herself up.
50t CBS Dividend
The Board of Directors of Columbia
Broadcasting yesterday declared a cash
dividend of 50c per share on Class A
and B stock of $2.50 par value, pay-
able Mar. 7 to stockholders of record
at the close of business on Sept. 21.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, Editor-m-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley. Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address ''Ouignubco'
New York. Marfan fWW Pr.cW. Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Tr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady Secretary Tames P
Advertising- Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R Weaver Editor-
shmgton. Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup' Editor:
New York. Martin Quigley. President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley,
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertis'
Chicago Bureau,_624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington
cable address "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published' every" fourth "week as 'a "section" oTMotron Picture Herald :
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879 Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 jn the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. ' auoscnp
SHOWINGS
FOR THE
TRADE FEB. 17th
> ' mlb JUDITH ANDERSON • DEAN JAGGER • ALAN HALE and Introducing I0HN RODNEY
l9#
\0*
16*
0*
\0&
1 1
lb*
\Ve<
Go
obso
co
on
0vo
The New York Film Critics
awarded it the honor of being
"the best picture of the year."
The New York Newspaper
Guild gave it its page one aw? ~"
as "the best film of the yeaf\ilv
All of the Boston newspapers
called it "the best picture of
the year."
All of the Chicago news-
papers called it "the best
picture of the year."
All of the Miami news-
papers called it "the
best picture of the
year."
LOUELLA PAR-
SONS, in Cosmo-
politan, says: "one
of the best pictures
I've ever seen."
HEDDA HOP-
PER says, "best
picture of the
year."
SAMUEL GOLD'
e
AMERICAN
BROTHERHOOD WEEK
FEBRUARY 16-23
starring MYRNA LOY • FREDRIC MARCH • DANA ANDRE1
Directed by WILLIAM WYLER • Screenplay by ROBERT E. SHERWOI
Released thn
JIMMIE FIDLER says, "pic of the pic-
tures.'
LOOK says, "one of the greatest of all time.
1
TIME says "first on everyone's list."
LEADING EDITORIAL in the New York
Times says, "a poignant drama of real life
. . . important . . . enriching."
The LEADING EDITORIAL in Collier's
says, "a highly significant and important
motion picture drama."
MOVIE OF THE MONTH Award from
Scholastic Magazine.
PICTURE OF THE MONTH Award from
Parents' Magazine.
LIBERTY says, "A superb movie which all
America can claim as its own . . ."
LIFE says "an honest, adult and absorbing
film."
For Veterans: American Legion National
Commander Paul H. Griffith wrote: "My
sincere congratulations to Mr. Samuel Gold-
wyn for an outstanding picture." General
Omar Bradley wrote: "I cannot thank you
too much for bringing this story to the
American people."
GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S
CLUBS acclaimed it as "the best picture of
the month."
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE (Mrs. William S.
Kilborne) wrote: "You should feel great
satisfaction to have produced a picture of
such constructive value."
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
refers to it as "the best movie of the year."
COMMONWEAL, the National Catholic
Weekly, says: "A magnificent job ... a fine
film ... a really good motion picture."
MODERN SCREEN, in April, will say, "It's
true . . . but you couldn't know how true!
An excellent entertainment."
DR. RALPH SOCKMAN, reviewing a film
on NBC's "National Radio Pulpit" for the
first time in history, said, "I cannot refrain
from confessing how deeply I was moved."
VOX POP, over 142 stations of the CBS
network, devoted 30 minutes to practically
unrestrained praise of "The Best Years of
Our Lives."
...AND BOX-OFFICE HONORS!... Variety reports: "Los
Angeles— Among holdover roadshows, inauguration of
downtown Palace for day -date (with Beverly) show-
casing of 'Best Years' is proving SOCKO . . . Boston—
Esquire holding up on fifth week . . . Chicago— 'Best
Years' best bet at Woods . . . New York— Astor business
solid, continues indefinitely/
m a Novel by MacKINLAY KANTOR • Director of Photography GREGG TOIAND
idio Pictures
Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 6, 1947
Would Group Film
Appeals on Docket
Washington, Feb. 5. — A
move to have appeals in the
industry anti-trust suit and
the Schine and Griffith cases
placed on the docket of the
U. S. Supreme Court in nu-
merical order will be made by
Robert L. Wright, special as-
sistant to the Attorney Gen-
eral, the Department of Jus-
tice reported here today.
Wright will point out that
the cases are closely related
and, basically, will require
reference to the same laws by
the jurists.
Key City Grosses
Allied
(Continued from page 1)
ding. However, the Allied general
counsel pointed out that the basis for
argument before the high court will
be "that the court failed to give the
government desired relief, meaning
theatre divorcement."
Asked if Allied plans to fight com-
petitive bidding in any form, Myers
said that it depends entirely upon what
the government asks in its brief. My-
ers said that United Artists, Universal
and Columbia will base their appeal
on a fight against competitive bidding.
Interim Relief
The government, Myers said, will
probably ask the Supreme Court to
grant complete divorcement with some
interim relief during the period al-
lowed for divestiture, if it is success-
ful.
Myers expressed the belief that the
New York case will be sped to con-
clusion during the October sitting of
the Supreme Court. He hailed the
New York court's decision against
motions for amendment of the final
judgment as another move which will
bring the case to a quicker end.
Myers stated that no date has been
set for Allied's summer meeting, but
it will be sometime in May. Ques-
tioned on the possibility of an execu-
tive committee meeting within 30 days
to make final plans for the production
of 12 pictures by Allied, Myers said
no decision has been made on this
matter but added that Irving Dol-
linger, chairman of the production
committee, will make a report soon
which will be circulated among ex-
ecutive committee members.
"If a special meeting is necessary
to formulate and grant a contract, we
will call one," Myers concluded.
$135 in 'Dimes' Drive
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 5.— A total of
$135, collected at the Eagle Theatre,
an independent house owned by Joseph
Grand, from Jan. 24 to 27 for the
March of Dimes has been added to
the Albany Sports Infantile Paralysis
Fund.
Raibourn
(Continued from page 1)
the Federal court decree. Most of the
company's holdings are 50-50 partner-
ships, which would simplify any ar-
rangement by which half of the the-
atres could become wholly-owned by
Paramount and half by existing part-
ners, provided agreements on terms
could be worked out.
P OLLOW1NG are estimated pic-
x hire grosses for current engage-
ments in key cities as reported by
Motion Picture Daily correspond-
ents.
CLEVELAND
Stormy weather early in the week
and zero temperature over the week-
end held grosses around average. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
Feb. 5-6:
SECRET HEART (M - G - M) — LOEWS
OHIO (1,268) (S0c-70c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $7,000. (Average: $7,000)
BLUE SKIES (Para.) — LOEWS STATE
(3,300) (SOc-70c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week
Gross: $26,000. (Average: $23,800)
THE WICKED LADY (U) — LOEWS
STILLMAN (1,900) (50c-70c-75c) 7 days.
Gross: $14,000. (Average: $11,000)
HENRY V (UA.) — LOWER MALL (500)
($1.25-$2.S0) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: ~$8,50O.
(Average: $9,500)
THE MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U) — RKO
ALLEN (3,000) (55c-70c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
$8,500. (Average: $12,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox) — RKO
PALACE (3,300) (55c-70c-75c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $21,400)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)- WARNER'S
HIPPODROME (3,500) (55c-70c-75c) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $25,000. (Average: $22,-
600)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (20th-Fox) — WAR-
NERS' LAKE (714) (55c-70c-75c) 7 days,
6th week. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $3,650)
BUFFALO
Clearing weather, after a two-day
ice storm, has helped business some-
what. "The Razor's Edge" is far out
in front. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 8 :
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M)— BUF-
FALO (3,489) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $19,000. (Average: $19,000)
Legion of Decency
Rates 13 New Films
The National Legion of Decency
has classified six of 13 new films as
unobjectionable for general patron-
age, six as unobjectionable for adults
and one objectionable in part. The
pictures and their classifications fol-
low :
Class A-l, "Colorado Serenade,''
"The Devil on Wheels" and "Wild
Country," Producers Releasing, "Lone
Star Moonlight," Columbia; "Song of
Scheherazade," Universal, and "Trail
to San Antone," Republic. Class A-2,
"The Beast with Five Fingers," War-
ners; "Beat the Band," RKO Radio;
"Blind Spot," "Dead Reckoning" and
the "Lone Wolf in Mexico," Colum-
bia ; "Secrets of a Sorority Girl,"
Producers Releasing. Class B. Los
Amores de un Torero," Aztec Films.
Columbus Variety Meet
Cleveland, Feb. 5. — John D. Kal-
afat, Henry Greenberger, M. B. Hor-
witz, Frank Gross, Harry Schreiber
and Nat Wolf will attend the Variety
Club meeting in Columbus tomorrow
when newly-elected Gov. Herbert be-
comes an honorary Variety Club mem-
ber.
Jarman at Music Hall
Claude Jarman, Jr., young star of
"The Yearling," will make a personal
appearance on the Radio City Music
Hall stage this afternoon as the
M-G-M technicolor production enters
its third week at the house.
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (20th-Fox) -
GREAT LAKES (3,000), (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7
days. Gross: $31,800. (Average: $18,000)
THE CHASE (UA) and] THE PILGRIM
LADY (Rep.) — HIPPODROME (2,100) (40c-
50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Aver-
age: $10,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and BETTY
CO-ED (Col.)— LAFAYETTE (3,000) (40c-
50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Aver-
age: $15,000)
THE TIME, THE PLACE AND THE
GIRL (WB)— TECK (1,500) (4Oc-S0c-6Oc-
70c) 7 days, 3rd week, on a moveover.
Gross: $5,500. (Average: $6,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio) and
GENTLEMAN JOE PALOOKA (Mono.)—
TWENTIETH CENTURY (3,000) (40c-50c-
60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,000.
(Average: $16,000)
BOSTON
Business is booming. The weather
has been fair. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 5 :
13 RUE MADELEINE (2«th-Fox)— BOS-
TON (2,900) (50c-$1.10). Stage show: King
Cole Trio and Sue Ryan. Gross: $44,000.
(Average: $27,500)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) and FLIGHT
TO NOWHERE (Screen Guild) — FENWAY
(1,700) (40c-80c). Gross: $7,800. (Average:
$6,900)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
and THE LONE WOLF IN MEXICO'
(Col.) — MEMORIAL (2,900) (40c -80c).
Gross: $28,000. (Average: $25,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) and STRANGE JOURNEY (20th-Fox)
-METROPOLITAN (4,736) (40c - 80c).
Gross: $30,000. (Average: $25,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)-ORPHEUM
(3.200) (40c-S0c). Gross: $32,000. (Average:
$23,500)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) and FLIGHT
TO NOWHERE (Screen Guild)— PARA-
MOUNT (1,700) (40c-80c). Gross: $16,800.
(Average: $15,100)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— STATE (2.-
900) (35c-80c). Gross: $25,000. (Averege:
$16,900)
RKO Plans 4 Trade
Shows This Month
RKO Radio's "Trail Street" and
"Beat the Band" will be trade
screened in most exchange cities on
Feb. 19. Atlanta will see them on Feb.
20, Des Moines on Feb. 21 and New
Orleans on Feb. 26. "Band" will be
shown in Seattle on Feb. 18.
"Code of the West" and "The Devil
Thumbs a Ride" will be shown in most
exchange cities on Feb. 20. Atlanta
and New Orleans will see them on
the 21st and 27th, respectively. "Code"
will be screened in San Francisco on
Feb. 13.
'Ramrod' Selected as
Utah Centennial Film
"Ramrod," first Enterprise picture
to be released by United Artists, has
been selected as the official film of the
Utah Centennial by the Utah State
Centennial Commission, according to
United Artists. Produced by Harry
Sherman, "Ramrod" will be given a
world premiere at the Utah Theatre,
Salt Lake, on Feb. 21 with state-wide
openings in 28 cities in Utah.
Grinieff, UA
(Continued from page 1)
tribute the product as reissues in this
country through the facilities of his
existing organization.
The firm has purchased many other
UA pictures in previous deals, but for
rights in certain foreign countries
only.
Decision Reserved
At 'Outlaw' Hearing
N. Y. Supreme Court Justice \
Bernard L. Shientag yesterday re-
served decision on a motion by How-
ard Hughes, producer of "The Out- !
law," to dismiss defense claims in his
suit against City License Commission- j
er Benjamin Fielding and Police
Commissioner Arthur Wallander to 1
prevent them from revoking or sus-
pending the license of any theatre op-
erator here who exhibits the contro-
versial film. / I ' j
At the same time, Justice Shientih/-
granted the petition by attorneys for
the League of New York Theatres
to intervene as amicus curiae in the
motion before the court.
Hughes' suit for a declaratory judg-
ment to restrain the city officials
hinges now on interpretation of wheth-
er the license and police commissioners
have the power to punish exhibitors
of a film licensed by the motion pic-
ture division of the State Education
Department.
Charles Poletti, attorney for
Hughes, argued that since "The Out-
law" was licensed by the state, such
licensing "is conclusive on the sub-
ject of decency, and that the city of-
ficials do not possess the legal right to
revoke or threaten to revoke the li- '
cense of an exhibitor on the strength
of their opinion about the decency or !
immorality of a film."
Assistant Corporation Counsel
Charles F. Preusse and Daniel Rosen,
acting for the city, contended that the
issuance of a license does not carry >
with it immunity from prosecution un- I
der the penal code.
Scheduled exhibition of "The Out-
law" was thwarted at the end of last
October, when Fielding and Wallan-
der indicated they would shut down
the Republic, Gotham and Rialto.
Book Berlin Song for j
'Brotherhood Week*
As a special feature for American
Brotherhood Week, Feb. 16-23, Skou-
ras metropolitan theatres will show a
song trailer of Irving Berlin's "Help I
Me To Help My Neighbor," the J
official song written for the National
Conference of Christians and Jews.
The Century Circuit and other
metropolitan circuits also are making
plans to feature the subject.
Lloyd Opening Set
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Howard
Hughes has set the world premiere of
Harold Lloyd's new comedy, "The
Sin of Harold Diddlebock," for Tues-
day, Feb. 18, at the Lincoln theatre
in Miami. Lloyd has left Hollywood
for Miami to attend a meeting of
national officers of the Shriners and
make a personal appearance at the
"Diddlebock" premiere.
Pergament Gets Film
_ "The Tinderbox," by Hans Chris-
tian Andersen, produced in Denmark
into a full-length, color cartoon, has
been acquired by Harvey Pergament,
for distribution in the United States
and other territories.
'Henry V Record
The biggest opening day gross for
"Henry V" engagements has been
registered at the 3,300-seat Eastman
Auditorium in Rochester, with $6,783
counted, UA reports.
Motion Picture Daily
7
Red Cross Chapter
Rejects PCC Check
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — The Los An-
geles chapter of the American Red
Cross today rejected "with regret"
the Permanent Charities Committee
Check for $100,000 proferred as first
payment on a $201,250 allocation,
which equals \2y2 per cent of the Los
Angeles quota. Simultaneously, the
PCC sent a $200,000 check to the Com-
munity Chest as first payment on an
'lTocated $811,650, equalling the same
|'j cent of the Chest's Los Angeles
quota.
PCC chairman Edward Arnold, in
a letter accompanying the Red Cross
check, said in part, "We regret that
Red Cross national headquarters has
published newspaper advertisements
containing many statements known to
be false and misleading by workers in
our industry. We are, as you know,
committed by vote of the entire indus-
try and by resolutions of all unions,
guilds and other organizations to con-
duct only one charity solicitation an-
nually. Obviously we cannot permit
misstatements or advertisements to de-
ter us from carrying out our obliga-
tion to the people we represent."
In a press release announcing re-
jection of the PCC donation, William
T. Sesnon, Jr., chairman of the Los
Angeles chapter of the Red Cross,
said that the action was taken "with
regret" and under instructions from
Washington headquarters. He also
said that newspaper advertisements
had been published without clearing
them through the Los Angeles chapter.
Solon Spurs Probe
Of Radio 'Crime'
Washington, Feb. 5 — The House
will be asked to authorize a Con-
gressional investigation of radio pro-
grams, with particular reference to
crime broadcasts, Rep. Walt Horan
(Wash.) said today.
Rep. Horan said he will present the
bill on behalf of parents, who, he said,
have been worried because of crime
and suspense programs coming over
national networks.
Honors for 'Arsenic*
Brussels, Feb. 5. — Warners' "Ar-
senic and Old Lace" has been selected
as the best motion picture shown in
Belgium in 1946. WB has received
the International Film Cup.
Attendance
(Continued from page 1)
clared that the competitive-bidding
method of selling pictures, based on
his company's experience to date, "has
proven entirely satisfactory for all
parties concerned." Although the
bidding provisions of the final decree
in the industry anti-trust suit are not
scheduled to become effective until
July 1, M-G-M already has placed
the system in effect in a number of
situations.
"Angel and the Badman
99
(Continued from page 1)
Harry Carey, Bruce Cabot, Irene Rich and Lee Dixon. The plot spot-
lights »the regeneration of a badman, whose gun has many notches and
who, we learn, is not an especially sterling character morally, when he
literally falls into the hands of a Quaker community settled somewhere on
the fringes of America's West. Nursed back to health from a state of exhaus-
tion and delirium after being wounded, Wayne learns quickly of the moral
virtues to which his benefactors are consecrated.
Miss Russell displays the virtuosity and range of her acting ability as the
love-smitten girl who is pitted against the multiplicity of factors operating
upon Wayne, not the least of which is his deftness with the gun and a long-
standing quarrel with Cabot. From the moment he realizes that he too is in
love, Wayne abandons the use of his gun, although several times he is on the
verge of avenging the death of his foster-father.
Bursts of action interspersed in the development of the plot help to maintain
the pace. Performances are polished, with Wayne giving a capable characteri-
zation of the badman torn between vengeance and the pacifism of his love-
interest. However, if credit is due any one individual for contributing to
the dramatic quality of the' picture, Miss Russell must assuredly be singled
out. Photography, by Archie J. Stout, is good. James Edward Grant wrote
and directed. Wayne produced.
Running time, 100 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
peb 15 Irving Kaplan
IATSE Memorandum
Denounces CSU
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — The Confer-
ence of Studio Unions was denounced
as a "rump organization without stand-
ing in the American Federation of
Labor" and its leaders charged with
"attempting to capture or destroy
other AFL unions" in a four-page
communication dispatched to all AFL
organizations in the United States to-
day by the IATSE and signed by 14
IATSE locals and eight others.
After citing studio contracts as the
"finest trade union agreements in
America" the communication declares
that a "very small group of striking
unions are now trying to gain sym-
pathy for themselves by circulating
throughout America, particularly in
the labor press., statements which seek
to place us in the position of collabor-
ating with the Motion Picture Asso-
ciation in an alleged attempt to break
other unions. The facts do not sup-
port any part of this unfounded pro-
paganda."
UA Sales Meets
(Continued from page 1)
the four-day meetings in each in-
stance. District managers, branch
managers and all salesmen from each
branch will attend. The Buffalo con-
ference will be for staffs of the New
York, Buffalo, Canadian and New
England districts at the Statler Hotel,
there. Eastern sales manager Ed-
ward M. Schnitzer will preside; as-
sisted by district managers Jack El-
lis and Clayton Eastman, and
Canadian manager Charles S. Chap-
lin. Schnitzer's assistant, Abe Dick-
stein, will also be on hand.
Schnitzer will again preside over
the Pittsburgh meeting at the Wil-
liam Penn Hotel, assisted by district
managers Mark N. Silver and Moe
Dudelson. That session will combine
the Pennsylvania-Washington and the
Central districts.
At the El Paso meeting, Western
sales chief Maurv Orr will preside,
assisted by district managers Fred
M. Jack and W. E. Callaway. Orr
will again preside at the Chicago con-
ference. District managers Rud Loh-
renz and C. W. Allen will assist at
that time.
The various meetings will be de-
voted to discussions of sales policy.
Ten completed pictures on UA's cur-
rent schedule will be screened.
Arbitration
(Continued from page 1)
ing there and, under the Dec.
31 decree, liquidation of trib-
unals without cases pending be-
fore them would have to be be-
gun not later than March 31.
The court provided for a 60-day
stay of its decree and an addi-
tional 30 days in the event of
an appeal. Appeals from the de-
cree now are a certainty.
Prior to yesterday only nine local
tribunals had complaints pending
which would defer liquidation of those
boards until such time as the cases
were terminated. Albany now be-
comes the tenth such tribunal.
There has been some wholly unsub-
stantiated speculation whether exhib-
itors would file complaints in
tribunals lacking them, where such
complaints, for one reason or . another,
have been held in abeyance pending
further developments tending to clar-
ify the New York decree and the
future of industry arbitration. Many
exhibitors now feel that arbitration
will be vastly more important under
the decree than it has been heretofore
and the filing of cases in tribunals
without them would automatically
prolong the lives of such boards.
The New York Federal court
strongly recommended that the indus-
trv continue an arbitration system to
hold costly and time-consuming- litiga-
tion under the decree to a minimum.
Exhibitor sentiment in favor of con-
tinued arbitration is expected to crys-
talize at a national meeting- of inde-
pendent exhibitors in New York.
March 10 and 11, called bv Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of America,
at which arbitration and a motion pic-
ture forum to hear and attemnt to
resolve exhibitor - distributor griev-
ances will be the principal subjects
of discussion.
Yesterday's case at Albany was
brought bv the Adirondack Theatre
Corp.. operator of the Palace at Lake
Placid. It alleges unreasonable clear-
ance over it is granted to Schine's
Pontiac at Saranac Lake by Para-
mount. M-G-M, 20th Century-Fov
and RKO Radio. Tt is subject to 14
davs' clearance in favor of the Pon-
tiac, except during the winter sports
season and summer months. The Pal-
ace seeks reduction or elimination of
the clearance.
Recommends Use of
Theatres as Schools
Indianapolis, Feb. 5. — "Many ex-
hibitors, especially those in small
towns and in neighborhoods, might ar-
range with teachers for the use of
their theatres one or two mornings a
week," Associated Theatre Owners of
Indiana members were told, in an or-
ganization bulletin.
"This would be a solid contribution
to their community and a great source
of good will to the exhibitor who is
interested in public relations. Plus
this, he will be in a position to advise
educators and block the entry of op-
portunists, who will do him harm,"
it declares.
United California
Plans First Film
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — United Cali-
fornia Productions will star Robert
Cummings, one of its three owners,
in its first production, "Joe MacBeth."
The story was written by Philip
Yourdan, another partner in the new
independent. Eugene Frenke, the third
member of the outfit, says that United
Artists will -distribute the first pic-
ture, although UA denies that any
agreement has been reached with
United California.
To Observe 25th Year
Newark, Feb. 5. — A month-long
celebration of the 25th anniversary of
the Rivoli Theatre here, owned by
Lewis and George Gold, will get un-
der way next Monday evening from
the stage of the theatre with Mayor
Murphy and Frederick Bretenbach,
who was mayor of Newark when the'
house first opened, to initiate the cere-
monies. Stars of the stage and screen
will participate, according to David
J. Kane, manager of the theatre, who
is in charge of arrangements.
Hollywood Theatre Sale
Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Sidney Pink,
operator of the Mayan Theatre, in as-
sociation with Paul Schriebman, has
purchased the Las Palmas Theatre,
here, for a reported $75,000. The
theatre, now used for stage shows, will
be remodeled and foreign art films
will be shown.
Pelegrine — The Winnah!
The Paramount home office dramatic
society probably shall go through life
known as the Para-Troupers. Louis
Pelegrine, trade press contact, is re-
sponsible, having contributed that win-
ning name in a contest conducted by
the company.
AMERICA'S LARGEST
ORGANIZATION
OF
INDEPENDENT
MOTION PICTURES
FOR EXPORT
FILM RIGHTS EXPORT Corp?
1600 BROADWAY • NEW YORK 19, N. Y.
CABOE ADDRESS "FILMRIGHTS"
REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS, INC.
1600 BROADWAY. N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686
Complete Film and
Disc Recording Facilities
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IRISH ROSE
-and so is United Artists!
6
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 10, 1947
Reviews
"Vigilantes of Boomtown"
{Republic)
IGILANTES OF BOOMTOWN," No. 3 in Republic's current Red
V Ryder series, is a pace-setter. Exhibiting a number of deft directorial
and editorial touches along with some fresh story twists, it is bound to have
a "bullish" effect on the stock of these Allan Lane starrers in terms of cus-
tomer satisfaction. In addition to Lane, Martha Wentworth, Roy Barcroft,
Peggy Stewart and Bobby Blake, the cast includes Roscoe Karns, George
Turner, Eddie Lou Simms, Bobby Barber and a generous supply of lesser
lights.
Earle Snell's original screenplay has to do with the Carson City heavy-
weight championship bout between "Gentleman" Jim Corbett and Bob Fitz-
simmons. Lane and his friends provide a ranch training site for Corbett and
offer him moral support. Miss Stewart, however, detests fighting and leads
a band of vigilantes1 with the avowed purpose of preventing the bout from
taking place. She would have been successful, perhaps, had it not been for
the fact that a band of desperadoes, enemies of Lane, arrive in town to swindle
a citizenry preoccupied with the forthcoming boxing match. When she sees
that the crooks are about to get away with the townspeople's funds, she sides
with Lane whose crack marksmanship and newly-developed flare for boxing,
as taught by "Corbett" defeat the heavies. R. G. Springsteen directed with
verve and Sidney Picker served as associate producer.
Running time, 56 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
Feb. 15. Charles L. Franke
"The Thirteenth Hour"
(Columbia)
A NOTHER of "The Whistler" tales out of Columbia's hopper, "The
-f*- Thirteenth Hour" provides a new twist in the series in having Richard
Dix emerge as top man, contrary to the usual plot which has Dix dogged
by an incontrovertible fate. Produced by Rudolph C. Flothow, this picture
will in all likelihood please followers of the series.
Dix, engaged to Karen Morley who operates a diner with the aid of her
12-year-old son, Mark Dennis, runs a trucking business which has become a
threat to the monopoly previously enjoyed by Jim Bannon. Arrested for
drunken and reckless driving by motorcycle cop Regis Toomey, rival for Miss
Morley's hand, Dix has his driver's license suspended for six months. He
runs his business from his desk until, one night, he take a truck out because
he cannot get another driver. A masked assailant knocks Dix unconscious
and uses the truck to kill Toomey, with the result that Dix becomes a fugi-
tive. In the course of undercover sleuthing aided by his mechanic, John Kel-
logg, Dix becomes enmeshed in a complex plot involving stolen diamonds,
but with the aid of Miss Morley and her son he succeeds in clearing himself
and bringing the culprit to justice.
Edward Bock and Raymond L. Schrock wrote the scenario from a story by
Leslie Edgley. William Clemens handled the direction, with assistance from
Carter DeHaven.
Running time, 65 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
not set. I. K.
New
Theatres
San Francisco, Feb. 9. — Sylvester
Enea will head a new $150,000 project
for a drive-in theatre in Pittsburg,
Cal. Scheduled to open late in March,
it will accommodate 550 cars.
Nebraska Legion House
Dakin, Neb., Feb. 9. — The Legion
Theatre, operated by Post No. 198 of
the American Legion, has been opened
here.
Georgia House to Open May 1
Cave Springs, Ga., Feb. 9. — The
Park Theatre here, is expected to open
about May 1.
Second for Lyle Richmond
Senath, Mo., Feb. 9. — Lyle Rich-
mond has opened the Richmond, a
second theatre here. His other house
is the Missouri.
Guidry Plans Early Opening
Opelousas, La., Feb. 9. — L. D.
Guidry is preparing to open his new
theatre here as soon as seating ar-
rangements are complete.
Drive-In Approved
Cincinnati, Feb. 9. — Common
Pleas Judge Alfred Mack has dis-
missed a mandamus suit filed by Mary
J. Burchenal, suburban resident, seek-
ing to have George O. Fitzer, build-
ing commissioner of nearby Wood-
lawn, revoke a building permit issued
to Theatre Enterprises, Inc., here for
a drive-in theatre in the vicinity, on
the contention that it would constitute
a neighborhood nuisance. An injunc-
tion suit based on similar grounds is
pending against the same defendants
in the same court wherein 62 residents
of suburban Glendale seek to halt con-
struction of the same theatre.
Bryn Mawr to Reopen
Philadelphia, Feb. 9. — The Bryn
Mawr Theatre will open Friday, Feb.
14, under operation of William Gold-
man Theatres, Inc. The house, for-
merly known as the Seville, has been
undergoing alterations for the past
five months. James E. Thompson will
be its manager.
M-G-M Signs Berlin
Hollywood, Feb. 9. — M-G-M has
signed Irving Berlin for a musical
to be called "Easter Parade." The
song-writer will compose the score
for the picture, as well as have some
of his standbys, such as the title song,
included. Berlin is said to be getting
more than $500,000 under the contract.
Arthur Freed will produce the picture.
Buy Uncompleted House
Mexico, City, Feb. 9. — Mrs. Bar-
bara Velez's new first-run, which is
under construction here, has been
purchased before completion by Emi-
lio Azcarraga, theatre and radio sta-
tion operator, and Neguib Simon,
amusements magnate.
Two Mergers Recorded
Albany, 'N. Y., Feb. 9. — Jerome
Theatre Corp. has been merged with
Prudential Playhouse Circuit, Inc., of
New York, and Fullerton Theatre,
Inc., Has merged with Seider Amuse-
ment Co. and Hollis Theatre, Inc.
John J. Slattery, New York, was re-
cording attorney.
Zabin Joins Posner
Posner Advertising Agency has
changed its name to Posner-Zabin.
James B. Zabin, formerly vice-presi-
dent of the agency, prior to that with
Grey Advertising Agency, Buchanan
and Co., and general manager of
Cinema Circuit, joins Jack Posner as
a partner.
Radiant Names Nereim
Chicago, Feb. 9. — Geovil Nereim,
with the Blackstone Advertising
Agency for four years, has been
named advertising, publicity and pro-
motion director of Radiant Manufac-
turing Corp., makers of projection
screens.
Sack Gets Three Films
Dallas, Feb. 9.— Three Chester-
field features have been purchased by
Alfred N. Sack for distribution in
both 35mm. and 16mm. The films, ac-
quired from George Batcheller, are :
"Missing Girl," "House of Secrets"
and "Red Light Ahead."
Parkside to Shanlon
Shanlon Theatres, Inc., which con-
trols a circuit in New York State, has
taken a long-term lease on the Park-
side Theatre, Brooklyn. Extensive al-
terations on the property are planned.
Would Outlaw
(Continued from page 1)
would prohibit a corporation from ac-
quiring, directly or indirectly, all or
any part of the assets of another cor-
poration engaged in the same field of
business. Particularly, the legislation
would prevent companies from obtain-
ing the stock of another for the pur-
pose of lessening competition, in order
to create a monopoly, or to restrain
commerce.
Revision of the Sherman Anti-Trui
Act to make corporation officials liable
if a company does not abide by the
Trust Act was suggested by the com-
mittee. Stiff civil penalties were pro-
posed, including fine and jail sentence
to company heads, directors, and
policy-making officials involved in a
trust violation.
Special Office
It was also proposed that a special
office be established at the Justice De-
partment to handle patent cases.
Chairman Murray said this unit would
work to protect patents when the
rights of an individual are ignored by
a person or company who used a pat-
ented technique without authority of
the inventor. The proposed law to
prevent a merger of business interests
would be enforced by the Federal
Trade Commission, by which all stock
acquistions would be reviewed.
Sen. Murray said that a Federal
incorporation act should be passed.
The law, he said, would require com-
panies which function in more than
one state to incorporate under the
Federal Government.
Industry Aid
Sen. Murray asserted that Con-
gress should establish an office of
technical services to assist industry in
research and to distribute valuable
trade information. The office, he ex-
plained, would promote the national
interest by the introduction of inven-
tions and scientific techniques into
communications, public utilities and
other phases of productive activity.
The bill would strengthen free enter-
prise by making available to business,
particularly small and medium-sized
business, scientific and technical inven-
tions, products and processes, he con-
cluded.
"The future of independent business
in the United States is threatened as
never before by an accumulation of
forces so powerful as to raise serious
doubts of the ability of the free com-
petitive enterprise system to withstand
them, Chairman Murray declared in
the report. As outgoing chairman of
the committee, his report was called
in some quarters here "the dying
gasp" of the New Deal, because it
recommended the establishment of a
score of agencies, bureaus, and foun-
dations to regulate and regiment
business.
WABD Suspends
Television station WABD, here,
has temporarily ceased its telecasts
pending construction of a "bat-wing"
antenna. The station expects to be
back on the air in about 30 days.
New Export Company
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 9. — American
Film Export Corp. has been chartered
here to deal in motion pictures.
Monroe E. Stein, New York, was in-
corporating attorney.
DON'T SIGN until you first learn about Filmack's
New Prevue Trailer Service — ready NOW! Write,
wire, phone Filmack, 1321 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Monday, February 10, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
Reviews
"Raiders of the South9'
(Monogram)
MONOGRAM'S Western accounts should find this newest Johnny Mack
Brown adventure particularly satisfying, more so than usual because of
interesting and somewhat different story material. The yarn is punctuated of
course by hard riding, blasting guns and a few choice slugfests.
Evelyn Brent and Raymond Hatton work nicely with Brown in the presen-
tation of an original screenplay by J. Benton Cheney. Lambert Hillyer directed
the film, the setting of which is Texas after the Civil War. It takes into
account a new war, one against the intruders from the North. Brown is a
Federal agent assigned to break up the group, headed by Miss Brent, which
firmly believes the carpetbaggers are a menace to the welfare of. Texas. He
eventually convinces Miss Brent and her aides of their errors and peace is
restored.
Reno Blair, Marshall Reed, John Hamilton and John Morton also appear
in the Scott R. Dunlap production.
Running time, 58 minutes. General audience classification. Now in release.
G.A.
"Lighthouse"
(Producers Releasing)
ALTHOUGH this modest film is quite undistinguished in acting, direction
and dialogue, its familiar, straight-line story is held nicely within the
bounds of probabilities, and the characterizations ring true.
Taking the lonely life of a lighthouse keeper, John Litel, as a thematic
springboard, Robert Churchill's screenplay, from an original by Don Martin,
tells how this aging guardian of the seacoast finds a young wife when June
Lang paddles out in a rowboat to check up on her boy friend, Don Castle, and
discovers that she is being "two-timed" in a high-handed fashion. Although
she marries the old man for revenge, her early indifference to him gradually
ripens into love, which infuriates the younger man, who must stand by and
see it happen. Finally he greases a rock, Litel slips on it and gets badly hurt,
but recovers in time to make his home life secure in a fist-flying climax.
Marian Martin and Charles Wagenheim lend spice to the small cast. Frank
Gilbert produced, and Frank Wisbar directed.
Running time, 62 minutes. General audience classification. Tom Loy
Production at
New Low Level,
Falling to 27
Hollywood, Feb. 9. — Production
has reached its lowest level in many
months as the shooting index fell to
27 from the previous level of 34. Only
<**>\o pictures went before cameras
yring the week, whereas nine were
ompleted. The production scene fol-
lows :
Columbia
Finished: "Broadway Baby."
Started: "Major Denning's Trust
Estate," with Gloria Henry, Paul
Campbell, Harry Davenport, Mark
Dennis.
Shooting : "The Lady from Shang-
hai," "Assigned to Treasury" (Ken-
nedy - Buchman) ; "Three Were
Thoroughbreds" ( Cavalier ) .
Eagle-Lion
Shooting : "Repeat Performance."
M-G-M
Shooting: "Song of the Thin Man,"
"The Hucksters."
Finished : "Son of Love," "The
Birds and the Bees," "Living in a
Big Way."
Monogram
Shooting : "Tragic Symphony."
Paramount
Finished : "Variety Girl."
Shooting : "Road to Rio," "Albu-
querque" (Clarion); "I Walk Alone"
(Wallis).
PRC
Started: "Step-child," with Donald
Woods, Brenda Joyce, Terry Austin.
RKO Radio
Shooting : "Tycoon," "Indian Sum-
mer," "If You Knew Susie."
Selznick
Shooting : "The Paradine Case."
20th Century-Fox
Shooting : "The Ghost and Mrs.
Muir," "Moss Rose," "Captain from
Castile," "Forever Amber," "Miracle
on 34th Street" (formerly "It's Only
Human") .
United Artists
Finished: "Stork Bites Man"
(Comet) ; "Heaven Only Knows"
(Nebenzal) ; "Body and Soul" (En-
terprise); "Vendetta" (California).
Universal-International
Finished: "Time Out of Mind."
Shooting: "Ivy" (Interwood).
Warners
Finished: "Deep Valley".
Shooting: "The Unfaithful,"' "The
Woman in White," "The Unsus-
pected" (Cutiz).
'Dorseys' Opens Feb. 26
World premiere of Charles R. Rog-
ers' "The Fabulous Dorseys," released
through United Artists, will be held
at Loew's Regent Theatre, Harris-
burg, on Feb. 26, in conjunction with
a state-wide opening of the film in 46
Pennsylvania situations.
'Bagdad' to Victoria
Film Classics' re-presentation of
"Thief of Bagdad," in Technicolor,
produced by Alexander Korda, has
been set to follow "Bedelia," now cur-
rent at the Victoria, here.
Set 'Women' Premiere
St. Louis, Feb. 9. — World premiere
of "Women in the Night," initial pro-
duction of exhibitors Joe and Lou
Ansell, St. Louis theatre owners and
chief stockholders of Southern Cali-
fornia Pictures, will be held here in
the spring. Budgeted at $500,000, it is
now going through final processing
phases on the Coast. Lou Ansell
helped write the scenario, acted in the
film as an "extra" and is helping in
the advertising and publicity.
Four Are Labelled 'A'
Chicago, Feb. 9. — The local censor
board has classified four pictures "for
adults only." They are: "Swell Guy"
(U) ; "The Red House" (UA) ; "The
Beast with Five Fingers" (WB) ;
"The Love of Toradore" (Aztecas-
Mexican). The board also rejected
two, both Mexican, titled "A Modern
Virgin" and "Naughty Susan."
'Rome' Opens Feb. 21
"Before Him All Rome Trembled,"
a new Italian picture starring Anna
Magnani, prize-winning actress of
"The Open City," will open at the Re-
public Theater here on Feb. 21. The
film will be distributed by Supcrfilni
Distributing Corporation, which has
especially leased the Republic for this
picture.
Bolt Mexican Union
Mexico City, Feb. 9. — Mexican
screen and stage performers are bolt-
ing from one union to a rival organi-
zation in protest against the lack of
of work. They arc leaving the Pic-
ture Production Workers Union,
headed by Mario Moreno, and are
joining the National Picture Industry
Workers.
Navy Honors Warners
On Friday, during ceremonies held
at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Harry
M. Warner, Warner Brothers presi-
dent; A. C. Brauninger, who han-
dled distribution of Warner films for
the Armed Forces during the war, and
the company itself, were awarded cer-
tificates of achievement by the U. S.
Navy "in recognition of outstanding
services to naval personnel" during
World War II.
37 y2c Warner Dividend
Warner Brothers' board of direc-
tors, at a meeting here on Friday, de-
clared a quarterly dividend of Z7l/2
cents per share on common stock, pay-
able on April 3, to stockholders of
record on March 7.
37 Y2 -Cent RCA Dividend
The board of directors of RCA has
declared a dividend of 37^ cents on
outstanding shares of $3.50 cumulative
first preferred stock, for the period
from Jan. 1 to March 31. The divi-
dend is payable April 1 to holders of
record on March 7.
Senate Republicans
Pledge Trade Aid
Washington, Feb. 9. — Two Re-
publican Senate leaders late last week
pledged support to the State Depart-
ment's reciprocal trade program, buf
were critical of some Government
practices in drawing up the treaties.
They were Sen. Vandenberg, Foreign
Relations Committee chairman, and
Sen. Millikin, Finance Committee
chairman.
Major point of criticism made by
the. Senators was that the State De-
partment should not cloak its plans in
secrecy. Other suggestions were made
for adoption when the Reciprocal
Trade Act expires in June, 1948.
It was recommended that President
Truman authorize the U. S. Tariff
Commission to review contemplated
tariff reductions and make proposals
direct to the Executive Office.
Also, they said, there should be an
"escape clause" in every trade agree-
ment. Such a clause would permit the
Government to modify any tariff re-
duction or concession if in practice it
develops that such reduction or con-
cession has imperiled any domestic
interest.
Vigorous enforcement of trade pacts
was urged by the two leaders. "Every
effort should be made to police the
agreements we make," they said.
"There are entirely too many barriers
now being imposed upon American
goods and services abroad and in many
cases these barriers are in violation
of existing pacts and treaties," Sen.
Vandenberg concluded.
Many Visiting Indio
Indio, Cal., Feb. 9. — Current and
recent visitors at this desert resort
include Mr. and Mrs. Oscar A. Doob
and Mr. and Mrs. Mort Spring of
Loew's ; Malcolm Kingsberg, RKO ;
Irving Berlin ; Joan Fontaine ; Wil-
liam Scully and Maurice Bergman,
Universal, who were here on their
way to Chicago ; 'David Loew will
arrive Thursday ; John Balaban, Chi-
cago circuit operator, will arrive with
his wife this week.
Folsom on Council
Washington, Feb. 9. — Marion B.
Folsom, treasurer of Eastman Kodak
Co., Rochester, N. Y., has been named
a vice-chairman of the Business Ad-
visory Council of the Department of
Commerce, by Averill Harriman, Sec-
retary of Commerce.
Approve Newnan Station
Newnan, Ga., Feb. 9. — The New-
nan Broadcasting Co. has been author-
ized by the Federal Communication
Commission to erect a new station.
RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc.
NEW HAVEN SHT5^G
OF
"CODE tre WEST"
WILL BE HELD AT THE
FOX PROJ. ROOM, 40 WHITING ST., NEW HAVEN.
TUESDAY, FEB. 11, AT 10:30 A. M.
AND NOT ON THURS., FEB. 20, AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED.
builds! BUILDS! BUILDS!
TO LONG RUNS EVERYWHERE!*
* Four smash weeks at Keith's WASHINGTON!
* Now in 4th potent week at United Artists' DETROIT . . . and no let-up!
* First picture ever to play 2nd week at the Utah, SALT LAKE CITY!
* Now marathoning in 4th big week at MILWAUKEE'S Riverside!
* Now in 12th BIRMINGHAM week — 4 weeks at the Empire; 8th week at
the Capitol!
* Six thrilling CINCINNATI weeks - 2 each at the Grand, the Shubert, the
Lyric! *
* After all-time record run at the Fox — three move-over weeks in Ist-run
Paramount, ATLANTA!
* Second week tops most 1st weeks at the Orpheum, DENVER!
* In CHATTANOOGA (normal 4-day town), one whole week at the Tivoli,
5 more days at the State!
* Three solid weeks in TOLEDO — 1 each at Rivoli, Pantheon, Palace!
* Fourteen full days at the Georgia Theatre, COLUMBUS — where 4 days is
normal run!
* Two outstanding weeks at Orpheum, MINNEAPOLIS and Orpheum,
ST. PAUL!
* Three precedent-breaking weeks at the State, OKLAHOMA CITY!
* Now in 2nd record week at the Palace, MEMPHIS, and full steam ahead!
* Three packed weeks at the Knickerbocker, NASHVILLE!
* Fifteen crowded days at the Orpheum, DES MOINES!
— So double your playing time and play safe!
AMERICAN BROTHERHOOD WEEK
FEBRUARY 1 6-23
\
\
\
\
WALT DISNEY'S
GREATEST AND HAPPIEST PRODUCTION
© W.D.P.
OF THE
/ '
TECHNICOLOR
Based on the Famous Tales of
UNCLE REMUS
AND
f NOW ON THE
"HITPARADE"
'•ZIP-A-DEE
DOO DAH"
'SOONER OR LATER1'
— and the others
moving right in!
BRER RABBIT
Distributed by RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc
\
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10
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 10, 1947
A LEADER
AMONG
OUTLAWS!
AFFILIATED
PRODUCTIONS
★ ALAN CURTIS
★ ANN SAVAGE
★ EDWARD BROPHY
★ RUSSELL WADE
BRANCH OFFICES
THROUGHOVT
THE COUNTRY!
Short Subjects .
''Kentucky Basketeers"
(RKO Radio)
Basketball devotees will get an in-
side view of the game as the "Sport-
scope" follows the "Wildcats" of the
University of Kentucky at Lexington
through their paces in the develop-
ment of cohesive teamwork. Running
time, eight minutes.
"A Really Important
Person"
(M-G-M)
Young Billy Reilly, enacted by
Dean Stockwell, wanted to win a
catcher's mitt by writing the best
essay on "A Really Important Per-
son." Not in the history books, but
in the least likely place — his own home
— does he find the subject for his com-
position. Running time, nine minutes.
"The Luckiest Guy in the
World"
(M-G-M)
Charlie Vurn, in this two-reel spe-
cial, was thought the luckiest guy in
the world. But when his wife died in
an accident, fate made it look like
murder. He tried to cover up, but an
ironic play of the cards dealt him the
final blow. Running time, 21 minutes.
"Battle of Champs"
( Warner Brothers)
Leading athletes in a number of
fields use their own special skills and
their own special equipment to play a
game of golf. Lou Novikoff uses his
baseball bat, Dick Miller his rod and
reel, Charlie Stevens his sling shot
and Howard Hill his bow and arrow.
Together they match putts with
Johnny Dawson, the outstanding
amateur golfer. In Technicolor. Run-
ning time, 10 minutes.
"Popular Science"
{Paramount)
Fascinating subjects presented in
this issue of the "Popular Science"
series are a 110-ton "Tournalayer"
which pours concrete houses with the
ease of an assembly line, an isolated
mountain-top weather station and
sponge-fishing. Running time, 11 min-
utes.
"Andy Plays Hookey"
(Columbia)
Andy Clyde, having saved enough
money to buy a ticket to the cham-
pionship fight, is forced to use his
small hoard to pay traffic fines slapped
on his brother-in-law. Andy gets some
more money, tells his boss he must
attend his mother-in-law's funeral and
then plunges into more trouble. The
only fight he sees, finally, is one go-
ing on in his own living room. Run-
ning time, 18 minutes.
"Screen Snapshots"
(Columbia)
This edition introduces motion pic-
ture columnists, including Hedda Hop-
per, Jimmy Fidler, Louella Parsons,
Jimmy Starr, Sidney Skolsky and
others. Running time, nine minutes.
"Half -Wit's Holiday"
(Columbia')
On a $1,000 wager, a psychologist
sets out to convert the Three Stooges
into polished gentlemen. After 60 days
of training, the trio makes its laugh-
getting debut into society. Running
time, 17 J/2 minutes.
"Diamond Demon"
(Pete Smith-M-G-M)
In a startling display of baseball
virtuosity, Johnny Price, shortstop of
the Oakland ball team, exhibits his
skill and coordination as a batter,
fielder and pitcher. But Johnnv does
these the hard way : accurately pitch-
ing and throwing two and three balls
at the same time, hitting two balls
in opposite directions and wildly driv-
ir°r_a jeep around while he fields from
various contorted positions. "Pete
Smith does the commentary. Running
time, 10 minutes.
"Lefs Go Swimming"
(Warner Brothers)
Playgrounds of millions of Ameri-
cans, the nation's seacoasts are cap-
tured in Cinecolor in this "Sports
Parade" short, with Merwin Daynes,
swimming instructor, and his troupe
of girl swimmers lending an additional
scenic and professional touch. Run-
ning time, 10 minutes.
Exhibitor May Make
(Continued from page 1)
more segments of industry, whether
it be films or coal mines. The Depart-
ment sees no anti-trust violation in
prospect in Allied's proposal, however.
Assistant U. S. Attorney General
Wendell Berge is so hopeful of ulti-
mate divorcement of affiliated thea-
tres that he pauses to remind exhibi-
tors who are interested in participat-
ing in production ventures that, if
they wait upon divorcement and it is
realized, their need for increased pro-
duction and, consequently, their in-
centive for engaging in it will be
eliminated. However, should divorce
ever be won, most observers believe
that about five years would be grant-
ed to complete the divestiture process.
A Department official pointed out
what he regards as a danger in too
compact or too ambitious an exhibitor
excursion into production.
"The same anti-trust violation," he
said, "would occur through exhibitor
'Duel in the Sun'
(Continued from page 1)
cuit in California and over the Inter-
state Circuit in Texas later this
month.
Chicago, Feb. 9. — The New World,
Chicago's official Roman Catholic
weekly newspaper, has condemned
"Duel in the Sun" because "it argues
the audience into winking at sin, and
a minister of religion is made ridicu-
lous in his role as the sin killer."
The New W orld also points out that
Catholic objections to the film have
been supported by the Church Feder-
ation of Los Angeles, the National
Council of Jewish Women, and the
Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion.
control of too large a segment of the
industry as is charged now against
the defendants in the New York anti-
trust suit."
De la Cruz Is Named
Manager in Mexico
Rafael de la Cruz, former assistant
manager of Monogram Pictures in
A I exico, has been elevated to manager,
replacing Jack O. Lamont, resigned.
De la Cruz was installed in his new
post_ by Monogram International ex-
ecutive David D. Home, who has re-
turned here from Mexico City.
Seek No Stay
(Continued from page 1)
every part of the record in the case
which the appellant desires to have
printed for presentation to the high
tribunal, will be filed here at least by
Wednesday, Frohlich said. Thereafter,
the_ government will have 15 days in
which to move for the inclusion of
supplementary material. Columbia can
have its record ready within a week,
the attorney added.
Counsel for the other two non-the-
atre-owning defendants still are work-
ing on their appeals. The United Art-
ists' board of directors, meeting here
tomorrow, will be asked for approval
of that company's intention to go be-
fore the Supreme Court, according to
a UA legal spokesman. Attorney
Thomas Turner Cooke, who is han-
dling the case for Universal, said Fri-
day that he had not yet brought up
his appeal plans for board action.
Meanwhile, the government appeal,
seeking complete divorcement of dis-
tribution and exhibition, has been sub-
mitted to the U. S. Solicitor General's
office for approval, according to attor-
ney Harold Lasser of the Department
of Justice, who returned here Friday
following a conference in Washington.
The five theatre-owning defendants
have as yet made no official statement
regarding any appeals they may take,
but spokesmen for several of them
have indicated an intention to await
the government's step before filing any
Supreme Court petitions of their own.
CSA Groups
(Continued from page 1)
the CSA executive committee will
meet today to decide the_ appeal ques-
tion.
Attorney George B. Brooks of the
firm of Jackson, Nash, Brophy, Bar-
ringer and Brooks said at the weekend
that, if the committee orders an appeal,
an effort will be made to have "it ready
for filing by March 1, the date the
Department of Justice and most de-
fendants regard as their deadline for
petitions to the high tribunal, although
counsel for some parties to the suit
believe such appeals might be accepted
as late as April 3, which is 60 days
after motions for modification of the
final decree were denied.
_ CSA, however, has a clearly-defined
right to delay its appeal until March
24, Brophy said, pointing out that this
would be 60 days after the New York
court formalized the denial of his cli-
ent's intervention petition, along with
that of the American Theatres As-
sociation.
Regardless of CSA's action, ATA
will appeal before March 1, according
to Robert W. Coyne, executive direc-
tor, who said at the weekend that his
group's petition will include arguments
by Thurman Arnold, ATA counsel,
against competitive bidding. Opposi-
tion to the bidding system is the sole
point on which both exhibitor associa-
tions seek to intervene.
This week the
best showmen
in America are
reading
4
7?
A Quigley Publication
ca rvin
9
a
m ©IFIFIICIE
American
Brotherhood Week
Feb. 16-23
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and patrons to be SOLD ... on the idea of returning to your theatre . . . you KNO1
you can count on The PRIZE BABY. . . to do a ^telling" job ... at "point-of-contact'
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He's well cut-out ... for this Big Job... of serving TRAILERS and ACCESSORIES
. . . with the " show -must- go -on" type of SERVICE ... so essential to your business . . .
BECAUSE ... he delivers the SHOWMAN'S kind of Advertising . . . from a Single
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IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
VO£— 31. NO. 29
=^J —
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1947
TEN CENTS
Skyrocketing
NY Realty Tax
Faces Industry
Distributors, Exhibitors
May Protest New Rates
With a substantial portion of
New York City's $1,141,146,406
tentative increase in real estate as-
sessments for 1947-48 levied upon
motion picture properties, the indus-
try here is considering action against
the threat of a mounting real estate
tax burden. Whether the present real
estate tax rate of $2.86 per $100 in
Manhattan will also be increased for
1947-48 will not be determined until
June 20, the Tax Commissioners' of-
fice reports.
The Paramount Theatre- and office
building at Times Square is assessed
on a valuation of $11,100,000 ($200,-
000 more than in 1946-47) and is de-
(Continued on page 6)
Allied Legislative
Unit Set to Start
Washington, Feb. 10. — Abram F.
Myers, chairman and general counsel
of Allied States, said today that his
organization's clearing house for ex-
hibitor information to combat theatre
taxation and legislation will start ex-
changing information among Allied
regionals at once.
"It is important that all exhibitors
{Continued on page 6)
Raibourn Opposes
Color Television
Washington, Feb. 10. — Likening
color television on a rotating disc ba-
sis to color motion picture processes,
tried years ago and discarded, Paul
Raibourn, vice-president of Paramount
and president of its subsidiary, Tele-
vision Productions, today submitted
to the Federal Communications Com-
(Continucd on page 6)
No Paper Tomorrow
Motion Picture Daily will
not be published tomorrow,
Lincoln's Birthday, a legal
holiday.
18 Laboratories in
East Faced With
Strike on March 10
Strike action has been voted by em-
ployes of 18 Eastern film laboratories,
members of Motion Picture Labora-
tory Technicians, Local No. 702,
IATSE, who seek wage parity with
West Coast technicians, John J.
Francavilla, president of the local,
said here yesterday. The Western
laboratories recently were hard hit by
a strike of workers there.
The Coast rate, Francavilla said,
was raised last November to a point
some 40 per cent higher than Eastern
pay scales and now ranges from $1.40
to $2.10 per hour. Local 702's con-
tract with the 18 companies expires
on March 10, he added, explaining
that the strike vote was taken at this
time to clear the way for a walkout
{Continued on page 6)
Loew International
Gets 6 Runs Abroad
With the acquisition of five theatres
in Europe and one in Australia,
Loew's International Corp., headed by
Arthur M. Loew, now has 42 show-
cases overseas, highest in the com-
pany's history.
Latest to join the M-G-M interna-
tional circuit are : the Plaza, in Tou-
louse, France; Forum, Liege, Bel-
gium ; Scala, Antwerp ; Rialto,
Geneva ; Capitole, Lausanne, Switzer-
land ; Regal, Sydney.
Both the Forum and Plaza were
Metro houses before the war, and
now after the untangling of legalities
are returned to that company. During
hostilities, the Forum was damaged,
as was the newly purchased Scala in
Antwerp, one of the largest in Bel-
gium.
Final 'U' Meeting
Here Feb. 14-16
The third and final Universal-Inter-
national regional sales meeting at which
plans for distribution of the company's
product for the next six months, in-
cluding "The Egg and I," will be dis-
closed, will be held at the Hotel Astor
here Feb. 14-16, with William A.
Scully, U-I vice-president and general
sales manager, presiding.
Attending this session will be dis-
trict and branch managers and sales-
men from the Eastern region, as well
as home office executives. John Jo-
seph, U-I advertising-publicity direc-
tor, who arrived in New York yes-
terday from California, will outline
advertising, publicity and exploitation
plans for the new product.
Thomas A. Edison
Born, February \[, 1847
Inventor of the Motion Picture
ViViViV ■"■"■"■"■"■"■"■"■"■"■"b ■ ■ ■ ■
I? ILM industry representatives today
" will join celebrations, in New
York and throughout the country,
marking the 100th anniversary of the
birth of Thomas A. Edison, whose
many inventions included some of the
motion picture's fundamental mechan-
isms and who produced pictures from
1893 until 1916.
Mary Pickford, who grew up with
the industry as star, independent pro-
ducer and part-owner of United Art-
ists, will spearhead film participation
in the Edison events here, appearing
on the program of both the Edison
Pioneers luncheon at the Astor Hotel,
and the Centennial Committee dinner
tonight at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Spyros P. Skouras, 20th Century-
(Continued on page 6)
CSA Vote Favors
Intervention Appeal
St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 10. — The
Conference of Southern Associations
at their meeting today voted to direct
counsel to take an appeal from the de-
nial of the Conference's petition to in-
tercede in the industry anti-trust suit.
The step will be the first in CSA's at-
tempts to bring its objections to the
New York court decree before the U.
S. Supreme Court. Col. Robert T.
Barton, CSA counsel, addressed the
directors at the meeting, and will initi-
ate the appeal action.
Halt British
Labs in Grave
Fuel Crisis
2,604 Theatres Now on
Part Time or Closed
By PETER BURNUP
London, Feb. 10. — British labo-
ratories today were forbidden to
continue film processing or printing
as the nation's fuel crisis developed
into the grave pattern of a national
emergency. Already, approximately
2,604 theatres have been affected to
the extent of being forbidden to open
until four P. M. and many are not
opening at all due to their inability
to provide satisfactory heating during
the existing cold wave here.
Industry leaders are bewild-
ered by the rapidly changing
emergency which brings new
{Continued on page 6)
Casey Gets CSU
Request for Confab
Hollywood, Feb. 10. — Conference
of Studio Unions has telegraphed Pat
Casey, studio labor liaison here, ad-
vising him that "Complete authority
has been granted to local representa-
tives of most international unions in-
volved in the current studio labor dis-
pute to act for their internationals on
all matters concerning the Hollywood
{Continued on page 7)
Ontario Tightening
'Adult' Gradings
Toronto, Feb. 10. — Word from
legislative circles is that the Ontario
government will put through an
amendment to the Theatres and Cine-
matographs Act at the forthcoming
session of the legislature which would
ban the shipment of films by distribu-
tors to any theatre whose proprietor
(Continued on page 6)
In This Issue
"■Michigan Kid" and "Mil-
lie's Daughter" are reviewed
on page 7; key city grosses
are given on page 4.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 11, 1947 j
Petition Congress
On Red Cross Case
Hollywood, Feb. 10. — Petitions
calling on Congress to investigate the
Red Cross's refusal to accept the in-
dustry's $201,250 donation were cir-
culated today by 20 studio guilds and
unions, comprising 18,010 contributors
to the gift proffered by the Permanent
Charities Committee.
Speaking for the group, Ralph H.
Clare, of the teamsters local, said,
"The Red Cross is a quasi-official
agency operating under Government
charter. The President of the United
States automatically becomes its pres-
ident when he assumes office. He ap-
points a chairman of the Red Cross
national central committee. We have
no quarrel with the Los Angeles chap-
ter, of the Red Cross, which favored
acceptance of the contribution. Our
difference is with the national central
committee, headed by Basil O'Connor.
There is a similarity in the action of
the Red Cross to that of the National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis,
which also refused a gift. O'Connor
is president of the latter group and
undoubtedly influences policies of both
organizations. As he is presidential
appointee, we are using the petitions
to call his actions to the attention of
Congress and Mr. Truman."
$70,000 to Aronstein
For Fox Settlement
Robert Aronstein, attorney for a
number of creditors of the old Fox
Theatre Corp., yesterday was award-
ed a fee of $70,000 in U. S. District
Court here for his services in bring-
ing about the recent settlement where-
by the creditors received $250,000
from United Artists Theatre Circuit
and Skouras Theatre Corp. in pay-
ment for Class A stock of Fox Metro-
politan Playhouse, Inc.
The fee was granted by Federal
Judge John C. Knox, who also award-
ed $4,000 to Nathan Smyth, special
master in the case. Aronstein had
asked for one-third of the amount the
creditors received in the settlement.
Bergman to Do 'Joan9
As Technicolor Film
Ingrid Bergman will portray Joan
of Arc in a Technicolor picture which
she will make independently in asso-
ciation with Victor Fleming and Wal-
ter Wanger.
Filming will commence in Holly-
wood immediately following the clos-
ing of Miss Bergman's current broad-
way play, Maxwell Anderson' "Joan
of Lorraine," scheduled to terminate
in May. Anderson may do the screen-
play.
Most Close Tomorrow
Several home offices revised earlier
plans not to close tomorrow, Lincoln's
Birthday, with the result that nearly-
all, including the Motion Picture As-
sociation office here, will be closed all
day. Lone possible exception is Re-
public, which was still undecided yes-
terday.
Personal Mention
WILLIAM A. SCULLY, Uni-
versal-International vice-presi-
dent and general sales manager ; A. J.
O'Keefe, assistant general sales man-
ager, and John Joseph, director of
advertising-publicity, arrived in New
York yesterday from Chicago.
•
Edward L. Hyman, vice-president
of Paramount Theatres Service Corp.,
and Max Fellerman, Paramount
Theatre execujive, will leave New
York on Wednesday for an up-state
tour, accompanied by Harry Roy-
ster, general manager of Netco
Theatres.
•
Maurice A. Bergman, Universal-
International advertising-publicity di-
rector, who is still nursing injuries
sustained in San Francisco 10 days
ago, returned to New York yesterday
from the Coast but will not return to
his office until next Monday.
•
Stanley Hodes, Brandon Films'
publicist and son of Hal Hodes, Co-
lumbia executive, will leave New York
for Key West, Fla., at the end of the
month to recuperate from an illness
for which he had been hospitalized
here.
•
Hamilton McFadden of the U. S.
State Department's motion picture di-
vision, has arrived in Washington
from the Coast, and is expected to re-
turn to his New York office this week.
•
James R. Grainger, Republic vice-
president and general sales manager,
and Walter Titus, also a vice-presi-
dent, were in Atlanta yesterday,
having left New York for Miami.
•
Morris Gocdman, former Motion
Picture Export Association executive
in Berlin, will leave London on Feb.
13 aboard the Queen Elisabeth for
New York.
•
Al Hoffman, Rose Lesher
Cowles and Gladys Zucker of
M-G-M's home office, have returned
to New York from Miami vacations.
*
William Richardson, president of
Astor Pictures of Georgia, has re-
turned to his Atlanta office following
a brief illness.
•
Don Hassler, special representa-
tive for Astor Pictures of Georgia,
has returned to Atlanta from Wil-
mington, N. C.
•
■ Arthur B. Krim, Eaglie-Lion pres-
ident, is due here from the Coast
tomorrow.
•
Mitchell Rawson of M-G-M's
home office publicity department, has
returned here from Washington.
•
Pat O'Brien is due in New York
from the Coast on Thursday for a
12-day stay.
•
Warren Low of Hal Wallis Pro-
ductions arrived here from the Coast
yesterday.
•
Irving Rapper, Warner director,
has arrived here from the Coast.
KARL MacDONALD, vice-presi-
dent of Warner International,
has returned to New York from Mex-
ico City.
•
Roy Haines, Warners Western
division manager, will leave here to-
night for Detroit en route to Chicago.
Jules Lapidus, Eastern division man-
ager, left here last night for Cleveland
and Pittsburgh. Norman H. Moray,
short subject sales manager, will leave
here for a Western tour in a few
days.
•
Max Cohen, Universal-Interna-
tional's Cleveland branch manager, at
the conclusion of the company's Feb.
14-15 meeting here will go to Wash-
ington to visit his son, Richard, who,
at that time, will announce his en-
gagement to Lois Zulin of Washing-
ton.
•
Russell Holman, Paramount East-
ern production head ; Alan Jackson,
Eastern story editor, and Frank
Farley, Paramount's British produc-
tion representative, arrived here from
the Coast yesterday.
•
Robert Marhenke, former man-
ager of the Maryland Theatre, Balti-
more, is now serving in the same ca-
pacity at the Hiway Theatre, Middle
River, Md.
•
John G. Volz, former captain in
Army public relations, has been named
manager of the Little Theatre, Balti-
more, and assistant publicity director
of the Hippodrome there.
•
Rodney Collier, manager of the
Stanley, Baltimore, celebrated his
22nd wedding anniversary last week-
end.
•
Jimmy Glassman, traffic manager
of Screencraft Pictures, here, will be
married today to Ray Nadler of
Brooklyn.
•
Fay Dressell, Minneapolis RKO
Radio branch manager, is back at
work following a recent major opera-
tion.
•
Leo Abrams, National Screen Serv-
ice's Albany district manager, has re-
turned from Buffalo.
•
Don Swartz, Minneapolis inde-
pendent distributor, has returned there
from New York.
Mrs. Nazera Zegiob, Lorain, O,
theatre owner, is vacationing in
Florida.
•
Charles K. Stern, assistant treas-
urer of Loew's, will leave here for
the Coast tomorrow.
Maurice Goldstein, general sales
manager of Monogram, has returned
to New York from Nsw England.
Evert Rose of Paramount Interna-
tional's theatre department has left
New York for Havana.
•
Irving Greenfield, Loew attorney,
is back in town from Miami.
As A: for Dismissal of
Fanchon Trust Suit
St. Louis, Feb. 10. — Several de-
fendants in Martin W. D'Arcy's
$600,000 anti-trust suit charging dis-
tributors and executives of Fanchon
and Marco here conspired to keep
him from buying films have filed
briefs in Federal Court asking that
the suit be dismissed. D'Arcy former-
ly owned the Shubert Theater, now
operated by Fanchon and Marco, and
alleges the conspiracy took place and
that he lost $600,000 as a resj^^
' Among defendants asking f?-^v^ Launched with i International Pre-
jTj views, including Washington, D. C.
•^J[() and New York City. The Scoop of
the Century, the^ jhuman drama be
hind the creation of the Atom bomb!
AMERICAN BROTHERHOOD WEEK.. FEBRUARY 16-23
4
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 11, 1947
Estimates of Key City Grosses
Cold Hits New York
lst-Runs; 'Bedelia,'
'Quentin' Are Big
Severe cold accompanied by snow
presented a major box-office handicap
to New York first-runs with total
receipts for the current week, includ-
ing anticipated holiday revenue tomor-
row, generally falling short of grosses
of the past few weeks.
Three new shows went over big. In
its first week at the Victoria "Bedelia"
figures to ring up a terrific $30,000.
Taking $12,0U0 Saturday and Sunday,
"San Quentin" with Lawrence Tierney
in person probably will hit a very sub-
stantial $25,600 in a first week at the
Gotham. At the Paramount, "Easy
Come, Easy Go" with the Ink Spots
and Ella Fitzgerald, among others on
the stage, probably will wind up its
initial week with a good $83,000.
"The Yearling" with a stage presen-
tation at the Music Hall grossed $77,-
000 Thursday through Sunday, indi-
cating $130,000 for a third week,
which is very healthy business al-
though representing a marked drop
under last week.
'Years' Also Off
Similarly, "The Best Years of Our
Lives" fell off some in a 12th week at
the Astor with only $51,000 evident.
This is big for the house but still
short of previous weeks' totals.
"13 Rue Madeleine", with Gracie
Fields on the stage, provided the
Roxy with only $50,000 in the five
days ending Sunday, further evidence
of the damage done by the weather.
The show played a day short of three
weeks with "The Shocking Miss Pil-
grim" going in today. Peter Lorre,
Evelyn Knight and Gil Lamb will be
on the stage.
"Lady in the Lake" with Tex
Beneke's orchestra is holding up well
at the Capitol where $77,000 is looked
for in a third week. The third week
of "Dead Reckoning" appears good
for $26,000 at the Criterion. "Sinbad
the Sailor" drew $20,300 Friday
through Sunday at the Palace indicat-
ing $38,500 for a third week, which is
good. "It's a Wonderful Life" is
slipping at the Globe which expects
$21,000 for an eighth week. "Strange
Woman" will follow on Feb. 22 with
"The Red House" next.
'Man' Fair in Last Week
At the Strand, "The Man I Love"
and Charlie Barnet's orchestra on the
stage are fair at $40,000 estimated for
a third and final week. "That Way
with Women" will open Thursday fol-
lowed by U. S. Pictures' "Pursued."
"Nora Prentiss" will open at the
Hollywood late this month. The pres-
ent tenant, "Humoresque," probably
will take about $18,000, a moderate
gross, for the current week, its
eighth. "California" should do about
$25,000 in its fourth week at the
Rivoli, which is fair.
"Swell Guy" is still profitable at the
Winter Garden where $20,000 is in
view for a third week. "I'll Be Yours"
is scheduled to open Feb. 21. At the
Park, "Stairway to Heaven" is drop-
ping a little with $14,000 apparent for
a seventh week.
"Two Smart People" will open at
the Rialto on Friday, succeeding
"Tower of London" which will con-
clude its third and final week with
$7,000, Which is about average. At the
John Golden, "Henry V" grossed
about $11,000 in its 24th week of a
moveover run.
Tp OLLOWING are estimated pic-
■*• hire grosses for current engage-
ments in key cities as reported by
Motion Picture Daily correspond-
ents.
CHICAGO
Grosses held up well here despite
sub-zero weather. Estimated receipts
tor the week ending Feb. 13-14 :
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — APOLLO
(1,200) 7th week. Gross: $21,000. (Aver-
age: $12,000)
JOHNNY O'CLOCK (Col.)— CHICAGO (3,-
900) (65c-95c). On stage: Bob Crosby and
orchestra. Gross: $70,000. (Average: $60,-
000)
THE WICKED LADY (U-I>— garrick
(1,000) (65c-95c). Gross: $18,000. (Average:
$13,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—GRAND (1,150) (65c-95c) 7th week. Gross:
$13,000. (Average: $18,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (ZOth-
Fox) — ORIENTAL (3,200) (95c) 2nd week.
On stage: Clyde McCoy and orchestra.
Gross: $50,000. (Average: $45,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M) and THE TRAP (Mono.) — PAL-
ACE (2,500) (55c-65c-95c). Gross: $24,000.
(Average: $24,000)
WILD BILL HICKOK RIDES (WB re-
issue) and CITY FOR CONQUEST (WB
reissue)— RIALTO (1,687) (55c-65c). Gross:
$9,000. (Average: $10,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— ROOSEVELT (1,-
000) (65c-95c). Gross: $28,000. (Average:
$20,000)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (ZOth-Fox)—
STATE LAKE (2,700) (65c-95c) 7th week.
Gross: $33,000. (Average: $25,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—UNITED ARTISTS (1,700) (65c-95c) 3rd
week. Gross: $31,000. (Average: $25,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— WOODS (1,200) (95c-$1.20-
$1.40-$1.80) 8th week. Gross: $45,000.
(Average: $20,000)
PITTSBURGH
Extremely cold weather, heavy
snow and hazardous traveling dam-
aged grosses. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 13 :
TEMPTATION (UI) — FULTON (1,700)
(40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Aver-
age: $9,700)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox)— J. P.
HARRIS (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $12,SC0. (Average: $11,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— FENN (3,400) (4Oc-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $17,500. (Average: $25,000)
THE STRANGE WOMAN (UA)— RITZ
(1,100) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week, on
moveover from Penn. Gross: $2,000. (Av-
erge: $3,500)
THE HOUSEKEEPER'S DAUGHTER
(Favorite Films reissue) and ONE MIL-
LION B.C. (Favorite Films reissue)— SEN-
ATOR (1.700) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$3,700. (Average: $3,200)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— STANLEY (3,800)
(40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$12,500. , (Average: $25,000)
NOTORIOUS (RKO Radio)— WARNER
(2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 4th week, on
moveover from Stanley. Gross: $6,000.
(Average : $8,000) 1
PHILADELPHIA
Despite the unusual cold wave,
movie business continues good here.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 11-13 :
TEMPTATION (U-I) — ALDINE (900) (50c-
60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $9,500. (Average: $14,000)
BOOM TOWN (M-G-M reissue)-AR-
CADIA (900) (50c-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,600. (Average:
$7,250)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— BOYD (3,000)
(5Oc-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. Gross:
$38,000. (Average: $22,800)
BLIND SPOT (Col.)— EARLE. (3,000) (60c-
70c -80c -90c -99c) 6 days, with vaudeville star-
ring Duke Ellington. Gross: $33,500. (Av-
erage, for 7 days: $22,800)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox)— FOX
(3.0UO) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $28,000)
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M) — GOLD-
MAN (1,400) (50c-60c-74c-80c-S5c-94c) 7
days, 5th week. Gross: $14,000. (Average:
$26,000)
THE SHOW-OFF (M-G-M)— KARLTON
(1,000) (5Oc-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $7,800)
BLUE SKIES (Para.)— KEITH'S (2,200)
(50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd run.
Gross: $9,500. (Average: $6,500)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— MASTBAUM (4,700) (50c-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-
94c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $20,000. (Av-
erage: $28,300)
HENRY V (UA) — PIX (500) ($1.30-$1.95-
$2.60) 7 days, 7th week. Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—STANLEY (3,000) (50c-60t-74c-80c-85c-94c)
7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $24,000. (Aver-
age: $24,900)
LADY LUCK (RKO Radio)— STANTON
(1,700) (50c-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days.
Gross: $8,500. (Average: $11,200)
BALTIMORE
Holdovers are holding down the
current week's box-office figures abet-
ted by a cold spell. Business, while
not bad, has tapered off somewhat.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 13 :
THE STRANGE WOMAN (UA) — CEN-
TURY (3,000) (35c-44c-55c-60c and 65c
weekends) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,-
000. (Average: $15,000)
NOTORIOUS GENTLEMAN (U - I)—
KEITH'S (2,406) (35c-44c-55c-60c) 7 days.
Gross: $9,500. (Average: $12,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox) — NEW
(1,800) (3Sc-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $12,000)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) — STANLEY
(3,280) (35c-44c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$15,000. (Average: $17,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio)—
HIPPODROME (2,205) (35c-44c-60c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week. With stage show. Gross:
$18,000. (Average: $18,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—TOWN (1,450) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $14,000)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.)—
MAYFAIR (1,000) (25c-35c-54c) 7 days.
Gross: $7,250. (Average: $6,000)
WALTZ TIME (Four-Continents)— LIT-
TLE (328) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $2,500. (Average: $3,500)
INDIANAPOLIS
All grosses here were depressed by
a blizzard. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 11-12:
WAKE UP AND DREAM (20th-Fox) and
STRANGE JOURNEY (ZOth-Fox) — CIR-
CLE (2,800) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,-
500. (Average: $11,700)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (ZOth-Fox)— INDI-
ANA (3,200) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $15,800)
THE WICKED LADY (U-I)— KEITH'S
(1,300) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500.
(Average: $9.C00)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — LOEWS
(2,450) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$12,500. (Average: $14,400)
THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS
(WB) and GAME OF DEATH (RKO
Radio reissue)— LYRIC (1,600) (40c-60c) 7
days. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $6,700)
MINNEAPOLIS
Grosses are clinging to near-aver-
age levels despite bitter weather and a
heavy schedule of sports attractions.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 13 :
THE WICKED LADY (U-I)— CENTURY
(1,600) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $7,500)
WIFE WANTED (Mono.)— GOPHER (1,-
000) (44c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $3,000. (Av-
erage: $3,400)
STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE (ZOth-
Fox reissue) — LYRIC (1,100) (50c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,500. (Average:
$6,000)
MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U-I)— RKO OR-
PHEUM (2,800) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$11,000. (Average: $11,500)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—RADIO CITY (4,000) (50c-70c) 7 days, 3rd I
week. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $18,000) I
SWELL GUY (U-I)— RKO PAN (1,500) i
(50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: ;
$8,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox) — STATE '
(2,300) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: I
$13,000. (Average: $13,500)
CINCINNATI
Business on all fronts retarded by
several days of near-zero temperatures
and heavy snows. Estimated receipts
lor the week ending Feb. 11-14:
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.)— RKO j
ALBEE (3,300) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 |
days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $15,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—RKO CAPITOL (2,700) (50c-55c-6Oc-65c- j
70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight
show. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $10,000)
HOME IN OKLAHOMA (Rep.) and DON
RICARDO RETURNS (PRC)— RKO FAM-
ILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c) 4 days. Gross:
$1,400. (Average: $1,600)
BLIND SPOT (Col.) and LAWLESS
BREED (U)— RKO FAMILY (1,000) (30c- 1
40c-50c) 3 days. Gross: $1,000. (Average:
$1,100)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)— RKO GRAND I
(1,500) (5Oc-55c-6Oc-65c-70t-75c) 7 days, plus
a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $15,000.
(Average: $8,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U) — KEITH'S (1,500)
(50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday
midnight show. 2nd week. Gross: $6,000.
(Average: $7,500)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) — RKO LY- 1
RIC (1,400) (50c-55c-6Oc-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, i
2nd week, on a moveover from the Grand. j!
Gross: $4,500. (Average: $5,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—RKO PALACE (2,700) (50c-55c-6Oc-65c-70c- i
75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $15,-
000)
TORONTO
All but one Toronto first-run had a
new program for the week, and a Brit-
ish feature played simultaneously at
two of the Famous Players houses.
There was plenty of snow and the
mercury was low. Estimated receipts
for the week ending Feb. 12-13 :
BEDELIA (Eagle-Lion) — EGLINTO'N
(1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Grc-ss:
$5,200. (Average: $4,700)
NOTORIOUS (RKO' Radio) — IMPERIAL
(3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross:
$14,800. (Average: $14,300)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— LOEWS (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-6Oc-78c) 6
days, 4th week. Gross: $12,300. (Average:
$13,300)
CLOAK AND DAGGER (WB) — SHEA'S
(2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross:
$16,100. (Average: $14,600)
I'LL BE YOURS (UI)— UPTOWN (2,761)
(18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $12,400.
(Average: $11,400)
BEDELIA (Eaffle-Lion) — VICTORIA
(1,240) (12c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $7,000.
(Average: $6,800)
ATLANTA
Grosses have been only moderate,
the weather very cold. Estimated re-
ceipts for the week ending Feb. 12 :
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (20th-Fox) — FOX
(4.661) (55c-60c) Gross: $11,000. (Average:
$13,000)
LADY LUCK (RKO Radio) — PARA-
MOUNT (2,447) (55c-60c) Gross: $7,900.
(Average: $8,200)
TILL THE END OF TIME (RKO Radio)
ROXY (2,446) (55c-60c) Gross: $5,300. (Av-
erage: $5,600)
ELDORADO (Rep.) and LARCENY IN
HER HEART (PRC) — CAPITOL (2,446)
(44c-50c) Gross: $4,700. (Average: $4,200)
THE CHASE (UA) — LOEWS GRAND
(2,554) (55c-60c) Gross: $12,000. (Average:
$15,000)
RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.
NEW YORK
TRADE
SHOWING .
LORETTA YOUNG
JOSEPH GOTTEN
ETHEL BARRYMORE
6
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 11, 1947
Price to Ad Group:
Promote Free Trade
Halt British
(Continued from page 1)
developments almost hourly as
government instructions are
amended as rapidly as new con-
ferences can be held. A pos-
sible but hardly hoped for
definition of governmental in-
structions could come at the
conclusion of the House of
Commons debate late tonight..
Today's newsreel issues were dis-
patched from the laboratories but it
is unlikely that any more issues will
be permitted until the emergency has
ended. Transportation is continuing,
making possible film service to the-
atres for as long as the present sup-
ply of prints lasts.
Trade showings and special press
previews are forbidden except in the
presence of ordinary theatre customers
from 4 :00 P. M. on.
Distributors' Wardour Street of-
fices are operating by candlelight and
in the hope that essential services to
theatres may be continued. All ex-
ploitation services have been virtu-
ally abandoned. Some distributors,
including Americans of lesser promi-
nence, planned to hold trade showings
in private screening places, thinking
thereby to get by the government's
restrictions, but these have been se-
verely censured.
Laboratories
(Continued from page 1)
on that date unless the union's de-
mands are granted before then. Un-
der Federal law, 30 days' notice of
a pending strike must be given.
Along with the pay increase, Local
702 seeks to cut the Eastern techni-
cians' work week from 40 to 35 hours,
to increase paid vacations from two
to three weeks annually and to obtain
a five per cent health and accident
fund, plus additional holidays. The
strike action was accompanied by
a vote to assess each member one dol-
lar to build up a strike fund.
Negotiations, which began Jan. 29,
will be resumed on Thursday after-
noon at the Fraternal Clubhouse Here.
Marino Producing
Carolina Newsreel
Charlotte, Feb. 10. — Establishment
here of the Town Topics Film Corp.,
which will produce a monthly news-
reel of the Carolinas, is announced by
Sam Marino, who will produce.
Three camera crews of two men
each are already traveling over the
Carolinas. Astor Films will distribute.
Associated with Marino will be Wil-
liam Laslie, former salesman for Par-
amount here.
"WOMAN SPEAKS"
NOW PLAYING
AT BALABAN & KATZ
FIRST-RUN LOOP
GARRICK THEATRE
ALSO BOOKED FOR
43 OTHER
B & K CIRCUIT HOUSES
Distributed by Film Studios of Chicago
Mexico Maps Film
Tariff Program
Mexican film interests, hard pressed
since the end of the war, are now at
work mapping out a program of trade
agreements in order to guarantee rec-
ognition of Mexican product, Miquel
Contreras Torres, Mexican producer
and director, revealed here yesterday
on the eve of his scheduled departure
for Spain where he will film a biog-
raphy of Hernando Cortez for His-
pano Continental Films, joint Span-
ish-Mexican venture.
Spurred by the war to produce for
home consumption, the Mexican in-
dustry has experienced a lull now that
American companies are once again
feeding the popular demand for "light
entertainment instead of heavy war-
time subjects," he continued. While
there is no quota in operation at pres-
ent, he added, Mexican picture inter-
ests are urging the adoption of pro-
hibitive tariffs to discourage nations
which refuse to accept Mexican films
in exchange for admission of theirs
to Mexico.
NY Realty Tax
(Continued from page 1)
scribed as the most highly priced the-
atre property in the city. Only two
Broadway area film theatres, accord-
ing to the report submitted to Mayor
O'Dwyer by Harry B. Chambers,
president of the City Tax Commis-
sion, escaped with unaltered assessed
valuations. They are the Ambassa-
dor, held to its previous $470,000
valuation, and the Winter Garden,
again listed at $2,210,000.
In the office building category, 20th
Century-Fox's properties on the far
West Side, including the home office
and studio buildings, are valued at
$305,000 over the present fiscal year's
$1,845,000, while the Loew-M-G-M
home office building, which houses
Loew's State Theatre, jumped in valu-
ation from $3,800,000 to $3,960,000.
Warner Bros.' West Side office prop-
erties, comprising four parcels,
emerged with a new assessment of
$1,270,000 compared with a 1946-47
assessment of $1,194,000.
Reverting to theatre properties, it
is found that the Astor's valuation
has risen from $1,700,000 to $1,810,-
000 ; the Capitol's valuation has been
boosted from $2,275,000 to $2,300,-
000 ; the building housing the Criterion
has been newly listed at $6,700,000,
compared with the 1946-47 valuation
of $6,575,000.
The comparative figures for other
theatres or the buildings which house
them are as follows : Globe, from
$980,000 to $1,150,000; Hollywood,
$1,000,000 to $1,050,000; Palace, $1,-
250,000 to $1,290,000; Rialto, $2,850,-
000 to $3,000,000; Rivoli, $1,450,000
to $1,475,000; Strand, $3,125,000 to
$3,300,000.
The Roxy Theatre, 20th-Fox's New
York showcase, previously assessed at
$4,350,000, is now valued at $4,440,-
000. Radio City Music Hall, a unit
of Rockefeller Center, is not individ-
ually listed. The city regards the
entire Center as being worth $98,-
600,000.
The increased real estate assess-
ment trend applies to all five New
York boroughs, and theatre proper-
ties generally at locations other than
in Manhattan are said to have also
been assessed at amounts considerably
above those established for 1946-47.
lEiMsnn Centennial
(Continued from page 1)
Fox president, who, along with Miss
Pickford, is a member of both the
Centennial Committee and the Thomas
Alva Edison Foundation, is not ex-
pected to be able to get to New York
from the Coast in time to attend the
dinner, but will be represented by ex-
ecutives of his company. The Foun-
dation has announced a $2,590,000 cam-
paign to carry out scientific projects
during the next 10 years.
Donald E. Hyndman, past president
of the Society of Motion Picture En-
gineers, will attend tonight's dinner as
head of a committee representing that
group. Other SMPE members expect-
ed are E. A. Bertram, J. A. Maurer,
D. J. Joy and E. I. Sponable. Eric
Johnston, Motion Picture Association
president, also is on the Centennial
Committee, but the pressure of busi-
ness is expected to keep him in Wash-
ington.
Others representing the industry at
today's luncheon will be Glendon All-
vine, executive secretary of the East-
ern Public Information Committee,
and Joel Swenson of Warner Bros.
Industry participation in the Edison
Centennial began last week when the
Associated Motion Picture Advertis-
ers honored the inventor at a luncheon
at the Town Hall Club and forward-
ed a contribution to the Centennial
Committee.
Among Edison's inventions which
are basic to the industry are the
Kinetoscope, electric light, phonograph,
transmitter, microphone, radio valve
and amplifying tube. The last of his
film productions was "The Unbeliev-
ers," in 1916.
Allied
(Continued from page 1)
be given the advantage of techniques
used in situations where local regula-
tion has been prevented or eliminated,"
Myers said.
As an illustration, he said that he
will send the Allied membership a de-
tailed report on how local admission
taxes were avoided by theatres in two
situations. "I will not mention the
names of people or cities. We will
give the regionals a first hand and
detailed account of the techniques used
to prevent passage of local tax levies,"
Myers added.
"All exhibitors want to know what
attracts regulation and control, such
as censorship and age limits," Myers
said. "When these cases develop and
the exhibitor knows the reason the
regulation was imposed, we will dis-
tribute that information to Allied re-
gionals," he concluded.
Myers said that the bulletins will
be kept confidential. "This is necessary
because we don't want to broadcast
our methods of combating regulation,"
he said.
3-Day Promotion
For 'Best Years'
Denver, Feb. 10. — Today through
Wednesday are "Virginia Mayo Days"
in Denver. The Samuel Goldwyn star
arrived today and was met at the sta-
tion by a band and representatives of
civic organizations. During the three
days in Denver she is being feted at
luncheons, dinners and cocktail parties,
and serving as Mr. Goldwyn's repre-
sentative at the screening of "The
Best Years of Our Lives" for local
dignitaries and press representatives.
Hollywood, Feb. 10. — Advertising's
supreme mission is to find a convinc-
ing way to exploit not only the prod-
ucts of free enterprise but free enter- !
prise itself, Byron Price, board chair-
man of the Association of Motion Pic- 1
ture Producers, will tell the Los An-
geles Advertising Club meeting in the '
Biltmore Hotel here tomorrow.
"It is only in free countries tlK^.l-
verlising llourislK-s," Price \vilV~,av.
"In a totalitarian country there is no
point in presenting to the people the
merits of individual products. The
people simply have to take what the ;
government provides and be satisfied I
with it.
"Other nations have their own na-
tional concepts, as is their right, but
here in the United States we are de-
voted to free enterprise. Being so
devotedj. either we must give up free
enterprise or we must defend it."
Price will describe prohibitive tar-
iff walls and quotas as "part and par-
cel" of an obsolete doctrine of isola-
tion and will say they have no place
in the new order dedicated to free as-
sociation and world unity.
Raibourn
(Continued from page 1)
mission a statement objecting to the
immediate establishment of transmis-
sion standards for color television as
proposed by Columbia Broadcasting-
System.
In his argument, Raibourn points to
the experience of the film industry,
stating that program content is "much
more important'' than color. This is
the conclusion he draws from the
fact, as he puts it, that "after 40 years j
of development of color processes, the
motion picture industry, because of
production difficulties and costs inher-
ent in connection with color, finds only I
about 10 per cent of its feature pro-
duction in color."
Numerous hearings on the CBS pe-
tition to put its color televison on a
commercial basis have been conducted
both here and in New York.
or manager had neglected to advertise
a graded picture as "adult entertain-
ment."
The advertised classification of a
feature, as designated by the Ontario
Board of Censors, will be made com-
pulsory in another amendment, to be-
come effective July 1, following a
year's trial on the voluntary segrega-
tion of films by exhibitors.
The rumor is also heard that the
legislature will consider the revival
of the 10' per cent amusement tax,
which was abolished in 1939 by a pre-
vious government. This would be on
top of a Federal 20 per cent excise
war tax on theatre grosses, which ap-
plies to theatres throughout the
Dominion.
The next meeting of the Cinema
Stamp Collectors, here, will be held
tonight at the New York Museum of
Science and Industry in the RCA
Building. All stamp collectors identi-
fied with the industry are invited to
attend. Nat Cohn is president.
Cinema Stamp Meet
i
Ontario Tightening
(Continued from page 1)
: i
Motion Picture Daily
Reviews
"Michigan Kid"
{Universal)
RUGGED ACTION and an almost uninterrupted current of barking guns
and hard-and-fast riding are skillfully integrated into "Michigan Kid" to
make it an exciting picture with strong entertainment value and equally strong
box-office potentialities. Capped by a roster of familiar faces and displaying
the qualities of deft handling in all phases, the picture, which is in Cinecolor,
was produced by Howard Welsch and directed by Ray Taylor, with a direction
by Fritz Collings.
Jon Hall, enacting the title role, leaves the U. S. Cavalry after completing
a hitch in the campaign against the Sioux Indians to settle down on the
frontier for some farming, but is sidetracked when he breaks up an attempted
stage coach robbery. A wealthy frontiersman, conveying a small fortune, is
mortally wounded in the fray, buries his treasure and enlists Hall's aid to see
that Rita Johnson, the dying man's niece, gets the money. Several attempts
are made upon Hall's life by Victor McLaglen and his crew of culprits, and
Miss Johnson and the hero end up in jail on a murder charge for a short
spell before Andy Devine, a hitherto peaceful, warm-hearted stage driver,
unmasks himself as the "brains" of the robbers. Hall and Miss Johnson, who
has suspected him of being tied up with the thieves, finish in a clinch. Others
in the cast are Milburn Stone, William' Brooks and Leonard East, as Hall's
Army buddies who respond to his call for help, and Stanley Andrews, as the
sheriff. The scenario and story were penned by Roy Chanslor, with additional
dialogue by Robert Presnell, Sr., from a story suggested by Rex Beach's
"Michigan. Kid."
Running time, 69 minutes. General audience clasification. Release date
not set. Irving Kaplan
"Millie's Daughter"
{Columbia)
A FAIRLY substantial story concerning an 18-year-old girl forced to choose
between the austere mode of living dictated by her guardian aunt and
the more colorful but haphazard existence which she would find with her
mother is given adequate presentation in "Millie's Daughter." Gladys George,
Gay Nelson, Paul Campbell and Ruth Donnelly are the principal performers
in the .sufficiently effective drama.
Edward Huebsch's screenplay, based on the novel by Donald Henderson
Clarke, opens in Boston where Miss Nelson in the title role decides to escape
the domain of her aunt, Ethel Griffies, to j oin her mother, Miss George, in
Florida, thus forfeiting a huge inheritance which she would receive in three
years.
Miss George, engaged in promoting social affairs for the benefit of herself
and wealthy clients trying to join the exclusive set, welcomes her daughter
at the outset but soon comes to realize that her place is rightly in Boston.
Campbell's chore is to induce Miss Nelson to return to protect her financial
interests. They fall in love of course but complications set in when one of
Miss George's promoting schemes backfires. Her client's check is returned as
worthless and the bills are piling up. Although she might have avoided it,
Miss George places herself at the wrong end of embezzlement charges in
order to force her daughter back to Boston. ^
Under Sidney Salkow's direction, the story is told directly and well, except
for a few instances of over-emphasized dramatics. William Bloom produced.
Others in the cast are Norma Varden, Arthur Space, Nana Bryant, Harry
Hayden, Paul Maxey and Robert Emmett Keane.
Runnino- time 72 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
not set. " Gene Arneel
3 Tuesday, February 11, 1947
1 Include British as
Award Candidates
Hollywood, Feb. 10. — Titles of
pictures and names of persons nomi-
nated by the Academy of Motion Pic-
ture Arts and Sciences for the an-
nual awards to be made on March 13
in the Shrine Auditorium include four
I placements for England for the first
i time^ Jean Hersholt, Academy pres-
I id made the announcement of nom-
j in as follows :
X-,- the best picture: "Best Years
I of Our Lives," "Henry V" (British),
"It's a .Wonderful Life," "Razor's
Edge," "The Yearling."
Best performance by an actor :
Fredric March, for "Best Years" ;
Laurence Olivier," Henry V" ; Larry
Parks, "Jolson Story" ; Gregory
Peck, "The Yearling" ; James Stew-
I art, "It's a Wonderful life."
Best performance by an actress :
Olivia De Havilland, for "To Each
His Own" ; Celia Johnson, "Brief En-
counter" ; Jennifer Jones, "Duel in
the Sun" ; Rosalind Russell, "Sister
Kenny" ; Jane Wyman, "The Yearl-
l| iriR-"
Best performance by a supporting
actor : Charles Coburn, for "Green
Years," ; William Demarest, "Jolson
Story" ; Claude Rains," "Notorious" ;
'j Harold Russell, "Best Years" ; Clifton
Webb, "Razor's Edge."
Best performance by a supporting
actress : Ethel Barrymore, for "Spiral
Staircase" ; Anne Baxter, "Razor's
Edge" ; Lillian Gish, "Duel in the
Sun" ; Flora Robson, "Saratoga
Trunk" ; Gale Sondargaard, "Anna
and the King of Siam."
Best direction : William Wyler, for
"Best Years" ; David Lean, "Brief
Encounter" ; Frank Capra, "Wonder-
ful Life" ; Robert Siodmak, "The
Killers" ; Clarence Brown, "The
Yearling."
Casey Gets Request
{Continued from page 1)
strike situation. We demand a con-
ference for the purpose of negotiating
contracts with a view to arriving at
a speedy settlement of the present
labor controversy," the C. S. U. mes-
sage said.
CSU's communication was turned
over to the producers' labor commit-
tee for consideration, following which
a reply will be made with regard to
the substantial change in the basic
status of the relationship between the
internationals and locals which has
taken place.
Mack Gets Chambers
As Advertising Head
Chicago, Feb. 10.— Don Chambers,
associated with Paramount theatre
affiliates for 19 years, has been ap-
pointed advertising-publicity director
for Filmack Corp. by Irving Mack
sales head. Chambers succeeds Harold
Pearlman, who has been appointed
sales representative for Filmack in
Wisconsin.
Chambers was advertising manager
for Western Massachusetts Theatres,
Inc., circuit comprising 18 houses,
with headquarters in Springfield,
Mass., also district advertising man-
ager for M. and P. Theatres, Boston,
and circuit advertising manager for
Minnesota Amusement Co.
Mack also announced the appoint-
ment of Robert Griffith as assistant to
Chambers. Griffith, recently dis-
charged from the Army, was formerly
manager of the Ken Theatre, Chicago.
DeMille En Route Here
Hollywood, Feb. 10. — Cecil B.
DeMille is on his way to New York
by train to address school children on
"The Bill of Rights" by radio.
Committee Named for
Coast Variety Dinner
San Francisco, Feb. 10. — Plans for
a Variety club here are being formu-
lated by Rotus Harvey, chairman, and
a committee composed of Ollie Wat-
son, Jack Marpole and Leslie Jacobs.
The advisory committee includes Abe
Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld Theatres;
Roy Cooper, Golden State Theatres,
and Neal East of Paramount Pictures.
The possibility of securing a night-
club in the Tivoli Theatre Building,
which is completely equipped and new,
is being investigated, ft is now owned
by Blumenfeld.
Circuit to Celebrate
Martin's Anniversary
Atlanta, Feb. 10. — R. E. Martin's
35th anniversary as a motion picture
exhibitor will be celebrated through-
out his circuit from Feb. 17 to March
1. Special contests between theatres
in the circuit and local publicity in
their towns will be staged and an an-
niversary dinner in Atlanta will wind
up the affair.
7
'Brotherhood Week'
Phila. Promotion
Philadelphia, Feb. 10. — A cam-
paign to foster "American Brother-
hood Week" in Philadelphia is being
set up by the motion picture division
of that city, according to Mike Weiss,
field exploiteer handling details for
the drive locally. Arrangements have
been made to have the mayor start
the drive Feb. 16, with a proclama-
tion urging all citizens to participate
in the campaign against intolerance
of minorities.
Also planned are special cards on
all trolley cars and busses announc-
ing the National Conference of Chris-
tians and Jews' program. The PTC
Traveller, circulated in street cars,
busses and subways, will devote its
front cover to the drive. All branch
managers in exchanges are being
urged to have their salesmen contact
theatres to set up plans for securing
a minimum of 10 pledges in every
theatre. All theatres will show the
special featurette produced by David
O. Selznick, which will be tacked on
to all newsreels during the week of
Feb. 16-23.
*
Connors Releases Schedule
On 'Brotherhood' Reels
A complete schedule of newsreel is-
sues carrying the message of "Amer-
ican Brotherhood Week" will be an-
announced here today by Tom Con-
nors, chairman of the distributors'
committee for the drive. This is the
first time that newsreels released dur-
ing a single period have given blanket
coverage to such a subject. Both first
and subsequent runs of every news-
reel released will feature the special
trailer produced by David Selznick for
the one-week drive against intolerance.
Warner House Plans
Face Upset in Ohio
Chillicothe, O., ' Feb. 10.— Plans
for improving Warner's Sherman
Theatre here will be upset if the city
gains control of what is known as
"the old canal land," for which the
city council has submitted a bid, Nat
Wolf, Warner zone manager, with
headquarters in Cleveland, declared
here.
The theatre represents an invest-
ment of between $150,000 and $200,-
000, Wolf said.
1 "PREVIEW ROOM" ■
■ ... will really SELL ■
a your picture. ■
■ Fully equipped for 35MM. ■
B 16MM, and Slide Projection. ■
_ Cocktail parties, luncheons g
and dinners served in this ver- _
■ satile room — setting a gay
j mood for a favorable reaction ■
to your film. _
■ ■
MADISON AVENUE at 54th St. B
■ New York. N. Y.
_ T.I.: PL. 5-S400 PAUL GREEN. Mir. ■
Bekeris, Nebel Get
U. A. Latin Posts
Sam Bekeris, United Artists' gen-
eral manager in Argentina, has been
appointed supervisor for Argentina,
Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Chile,
Peru and Bolivia, by Walter Gould,
foreign manager here. Leon Nebel,
assistant manager in Peru, has been
named manager, replacing Victor
Schochet, who has resigned from that
post.
Isaac Seldner, 81
Funeral services will be held at Riv-
erside Memorial Chapel, here, this
afternoon for Isaac Seldner, 81, relief
manager of Loew's Mayfair Theater,
who died on Sunday of a heart attack
at his home. He was among the old-
est active managers of the Loew Met-
ropolitan circuit.
Gunnin* for new highs
« ACTlOti mic/it
entertainment !
COLUMBIA PICTURES presents
W I
ith
THE HOOSIER HOTSHOTS
(Hezz/e, Ken, Gil and Gabe)
KEN CURTIS • JENNIFER HOLT - GUY KIBBEE
lor WILLIAMS - DE CASTRO SISTERS
ART WEST AND HIS SUNSET RIDERS
Screenplay by Louise Rousseau
Directed by RAY NAZARRO • Produced by COLBERT CLARK
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
VOL. 61. NO. 30
NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1947
TEN CENTS
P.ya. to Meet
On Splitting;
Bidding Starts
Raibourn Sees Split of
Partly Owned Houses
Paramount officials and the com-
pany's theatre partners will meet in
Florida next week to consider ways
and means of complying with the
New York trust suit decision, particu-
larly that part of it which declares il-
legal a film company's ownership of be-
tween five and 95 per cent of a theatre.
The New York decree allows a
maximum of two years for the dives-
titure of such holdings. Paul Rai-
bourn, Paramount vice-president,
stated last week that a decision has
yet to be reached on the procedure to
be followed, adding, however, it is his
"guess" that the company would split
the theatres it holds in partnership on
a numerical basis, Paramount, for ex-
ample, taking 10 theatres of a 20-
house circuit in which it holds a SO
per cent interest.
Both Barney Balaban, Paramount
(Continued on page 6)
Ask Theatre Aid on
Red Cross Drive
National theatre participation in the
1947 drive of the American Red Cross,
which will be under way throughout
the month of March, was requested
yesterday by Harvey D. Gibson, na-
tional fund chairman, and other Red
Cross and industry officials at a
luncheon at the Hotel Astor here yes-
terday attended bv trade press repre-
sentatives.
Theatres will be asked only to run
(.Continued on page 6)
UA Directors
Vote Appeal
United Artists' board of directors
on Tuesday approved plans to appeal
to the U. S. Supreme Court from, the
New York Federal District Court's
final decree in the industry anti-trust
suit, it was announced by Edward
C. Raftery, president. Indications
are that the company's appeal will be
filed prior to March 1.
Raftery, who represented UA as
counsel at the trial of the case, told
the court that he expected to appeal
from the decree's ban on the fixing of
minimum admission prices, which pre-
vents road-showing of the numerous
high-budget pictures made by UAs
producers.
In addition, UA has indicated that
it will appeal from the system of
competitive bidding set up by the
court and from the decree provision
which places the proof of "reason-
able" clearance upon the distributor.
Universal Plans to
Appeal Next Week
Universal's appeal to the U. S. Su-
preme Court from the final decree in
the industry anti-trust suit will be
filed in Federal District Court here
next week or, at the latest, the early
part of the week following, according
to Thomas Turner Cooke, special
counsel for the company. Columbia's
appeal filed on Feb. 6, is the only
one so far on record.
(Continued on page 7)
3 British Studios
Use Own Generators
London, Feb. 12.— The Den-
ham, Pinewood and Ealing
studios, London, were operat-
ing by means of private gen-
erating equipment yesterday
while most of industrial En-
gland was crippled by the
power crisis. Gainsborough's
Shepherd's Bush and Isling-
ton studios, and Associated
British Cinema's Welwyn stu-
dios have closed down.
The Riverside and Twicken-
ham studios, owned now by
the newly - formed Alliance
Film Studios, purchased a
Diesel plant last week-end,
and are operating on an hour-
to-hour basis.
Conn. Would Censor
Films for Children
Hartford, Feb. 12. — A bill which
would establish a board of motion
picture censors in Connecticut to ap-
prove films for exhibition to children
under 14, has been introduced in the
legislature. The measure would pro-
vide for appointment of a five-man
censor board by the governor. The
board would include representatives
of theatres, the state Parent-Teach-
ers' Association, the clergy, and the
Connecticut Police Chiefs' Associa-
tion.
Also introduced is a bill prohibit-
ing children under 14 from attending
amusement places without guardians.
'I A 9 Is Seen Exercising
Cost-of -Living Clause
Optics an Issue at
FCC Video Hearing
Washington, Feb. 12. — The func-
tion of the human eye became the
subject of bitter disagreement as it
relates to color television when the
Federal Communications Commission
continued hearings yesterday on the
Columbia Broadcasting System's peti-
tion for ultra high frequency stand-
ards for its color television system.
Appearing in behalf of CBS, Dr.
(Continued on page 6)
Hollywood, Feb. 12. — The first an-
nounced intention to exercise the cost-
of-living clause in studio labor con-
tracts negotiated since all unions en-
tered an interim agreement last July
has been made by Richard Walsh,
IATSE president, who says that pro-
ducers will be approached on the mat-
ter following receipt of official labor
statistics.
The interim agreement, which end-
ed a two-day strike, stipulated that
wages would not be made an issue
between July and January, and that
contracts completed during that pe-
riod could be reopened for consider-
ation of pay increases if living costs
advanced five per cent or more. It is
believed that all crafts will seek in-
creases proportionate to whatever liv-
ing-cost increase is shown by the fig-
ures.
Hollywood, Feb. 12. — Studio car-
penters have anplied to William
Hutcheson, president of the Interna-
tional Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America, for authority to
negotiate contracts with a view to ar-
riving at a spcedv settlement of the
present studio strike, according to a
Conference of Studio Unions spokes-
man. They expect a favorable re-
sponse but are disposed to proceed
without it if necessary, in unison with
other CSU crafts, he added.
ATA's Appeal
Plan Claims
Bidding Illegal
System Is Beyond Even
Congress Power: Arnold
By JIM H. BRADY
Washington, Feb. 12. — That
the proposed competitive bidding
system is illegal "even beyond the
authority of the Congress to pre-
scribe," will be the keynote of an ap-
peal from the lower court's denial to
intervene in the New York industry
anti-trust suit to be submitted to the
U. S. Supreme Court next week by
Thurman Arnold, counsel for the
American Theatres Association.
In an interview here, Arnold scoffed
at the idea that exhibitors will suffer
as a result of intervention. He said :
"The exhibitor is bound by the final
litigation anyway. Why shouldn't he
have his say before the court?"
ATA claims that the system of
bidding will drastically affect the ex-
hibitors' access to films necessary to
(Continued on page 6)
WB Quarterly Net
Is $7,203,000
Net profit of $7,203,000, equivalent
to 97 cents a share on the 7,402,180
shares of common stock outstanding,
was reported by Warner Brothers
and subsidiaries for the three months
ending Nov. 30, 1946. This compares
with a net profit of $4,367,000, or 59
(Continued on page 6)
New Variety Tent
For New Haven
A group in the amusement business
in and around New Haven have pe-
titioned the national tent for a charter,
R. J. O'Donncll, national chief barker,
reports. All tents in the organization
are now voting on the application.
C. J. Latta, second assistant national
(Continued on page 7)
In This Issue
"Sea of Grass" is reviewed
on page 4. Key city grosses
are given on pages 4 and 5.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, February 13, 1947
Personal
Mention
MALCOLM KINGSBERG, presi-
dent of RKO Theatres, has re-
turned to New York from Hollywood.
•
Lynn Farnol, Samuel Goldwyn
Productions publicist, will be in Phil-
adelphia and Washington at various
times this week, Ben Washer will
be in Baltimore and Washington, Bill
Ruder will be in Pittsburgh, and
Miss Llewelyn Miller will spend
next week in Minneapolis. All head-
quarter in New York.
•
Fay Fitzgibbons, daughter of E. G.
Fitzgibbons, Paramount exploitation
head in Chicago, will be married to-
morrow to Paige Offutt, Aurora,
111., realtor, at the First Presbyterian
Church, Aurora.
•
Hiller Innes, executive assistant
to Russell Holman, Paramount's
Eastern production head, left New
York yesterday for a West Indies
vacation.
•
Louis Hyman, executive vice-
president of Sol Lesser Productions,
will return to the Coast from New
York today.
•
William Sistrom, J. Arthur Rank-
Two Cities producer, has returned to
New York from Hollywood, en route
to England.
•
Clifford Jeapes, director of the
J. Arthur Rank British Pictorial Pro-
ductions and Film Laboratories, is in
Rochester from New York.
;•
John J. Jones, Screen Guild presi-
dent, boarded the Super Chief for
Chicago, en route to New York yes-
terday.
•
Mrs. H. Russell, Millersburg, O.,
theatre owner, is convalescing at Uni-
versity Hospital, Columbus, after an
operation.
Arthur Dickinson, Motion Pic-
ture Association executive, has been
confined to his home by illness.
•
Sam Lefkowitz, Eastern district
manager for Warners, is in Buffalo
from New York.
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
"T1 P. TAYLOR, who owns the
A • property occupied by the
Vogue theatre in suburban
Louisville, is plaintiff in a law-
suit against William Rosenthal
of Rosenthal Theatre Enter-
prises, Indianapolis, which op-
erates the house. Taylor con-
tends the lease entitles him, as
landlord, to a minimum rent, or
12 per cent of the gross receipts,
depending upon which is larger,
and charges Rosenthal, as op-
erator, has failed to include
candy sales in those ireceipts.
Therefore, he is seeking an ac-
counting.
■
In the recent past, there have
been scattered references by one
national circuit executive and
one national distributor, at least,
to the relationship between
grosses and candy and/or pop-
corn sales. The Louisville ac-
tion, however, appears to be the
first time a landlord has stepped
into the situation, propelled bv
his apparent conviction and his
specific allegation that the two
amount to the same thing.
■
No one, restrained by caution,
can foretell the outcome of this
action or what precedents at law
it may establish. Exhibitor and
distributors, however, no doubt
will keep an eye peeled on this
twist because of its potential ap-
plication to their continuing
business dealings. No one, more-
over, should get the idea this is
piddling stuff. It isn't.
■
■ Millions of dollars in candy
bars, etc., aire sold annually in .
theatres up and down the broad
reaches of this country. Consid-
ered opinion in circles where
snap jugdments are perpetually
barred yesterday suggested there
aire those situations where
grosses from candy and assorted
by-products run as high as 25
per cent of the total take.
Whether the distributor, playing
percentage, may be declared in
on this phase of a theatre's over-
all receipts is likely to become a
topic of increasing interest as
time goes bv.
■
Meanwhile, a peer into the un-
predictable future might well in-
corporate the possibility that dis-
tributors will be confronted with
the need to write a different kind
of contract. Maybe "Andv
Hardy" will have to be sold, less
O. Henry. Or three at 40 per
cent, less Snickers, and two at 3D
per cent, plus Milky Ways. Per-
haps it will be a split figure
George Pal, Paramount Puppe-
toons producer, left New York for
Hollywood yesterday.
Cecil Barker, special assistant to
David O. Selznick, is en route to
New York from the Coast.
•
Ralph McCoy, special representa-
tive for Eagle-Lion, has returned to
Atlanta from Memphis.
•
Harry Paul, Wil-Kin Theatre
Supply, Atlanta, is a Miami visitor.
•
Nash Weil, Wil-Kin Theatre Sup-
ply vice-president, has returned to
Atlanta from Texas.
•
Jack L. Warner will leave New
York for the Coast over the weekend.
^2II(2N,.?Ii,CT-yRE PA^i M^rtjv ,9u!s'ey' Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr.
New Vnrk " M^t' O P^'g'ey PuW'sW Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100
r™r,;Xv,™ M ^-9 S uPreS^en£ ,Red .!?aIln.- .Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. "
Cunningham, News Editor ; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director
Chicago Bureau,(624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington. Tim H. Bradv, 215 Atlantic Bldg
Tntlrn^TW- gPT? * L°ndon" §ther Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture 'Herald
tion%ate oer ™ °J^n 1' Ar^Y^ f^** ^ ,eC°nd- cla,s5 matter' SePt' 23' 1938< at the P°st °ffice at New York' N" Y- under the act °f Ma^ 3
tion rates per year. $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
above 680 bags [of popcorn, that
is.]
But whatever it is, distribu-
tors will be compelled to remem-
ber U. S. versus Pairamount.
Price-fixing is out. That goes
for admissions. It may go for
candy and popcorn, too.
Already reported have been
partial highlights of the prefer-
ential distribution deal original-
ly entered between Vanguard
and United Artists. The action
for $6,500,000 filed by David O.
Selznick's company against the
latter in Los Angeles tells more.
The producer who notes this and
successfully resists calling upon
his current selling agent on a
"me, too" basis would be a rare
bird, indeed.
■
Here is what UA got, or what
Selznick paid:
"On gross receipts in the
United States up to $800,000, a
fee equal to 25 per cent of said
receipts.
"On gross receipts in the
United States in excess of $800,-
000, a fee equal to 10 per cent
of the amount of said receipts in
excess of $800,000.
"On gross receipts in Canada
up to $50,000, a fee equal to 25
per cent of said receipts.
"On gross receipts in Canada
in excess of $50,000, a fee equal
to 10 per cent of the amount of
said receipts in excess of
$50,000.
"On gross receipts in En-
gland up to 90,000 pounds
sterling, a fee equal to 25 per
cent of said receipts.
"On gross receipts in En-
gland in excess of 90,000 pounds
sterling, a fee equal to 10 per
cent of the amount of said re-
ceipts in excess of 90,000 pounds
sterling."
■
Selznick's multi-million suit,
incidentally, occasions the ire-
mark his action must have been
predicated on portal-to-portal
pay.
■ ■
Forty-three per cent of Uni-
versal^ total gross in its last fis-
cal year came from overseas.
Having a partner like J. Arthur
Rank with almost 1,500 theatres
here, there and everywhere
seems to be paying off.
Newsreel
Parade
a TiROTHERHOOD WEEK,"
-L) which starts Sunday, is given
Emphasis in most current newsreels
and so is the centennial celebration of
Thomas A. Edison's birthday. Other
domestic happenings spotlighted a/re:
another round in the battle of the
Georgia governors, yacht racing and
other sports, and the Army diamond
theft cases. News items from abroad
include the British coal crisis and
Marshal Montgomery's visit with
Stalin. Complete contents folio-
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 48—. .tish
coal crisis during cold wave paralyzes gen-
eral industry. Battle of Georgia governors
goes into the courts. Marshal Montgomery
gets coat from Stalin. Thomas Edison's old
desk opened on his 100th anniversary.
Ocean storm drives sea lions toi seek shel-
ter._ Sports: crewmen train at Washington
University, yachting, trotting horses race
on ice.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 246-Britain
paralyzed by coal famine. European contin-
ent snowed in. Edison mystery dispelled.
Battle of Georgia governors continues. Mar-
hal Montgomery meets Stalin. "Brother-
hood Week" begins throughout nation. Bill
Stern's sport topics: Thomas Lipton cup
race in Miami. Washington University row-
ing crew trains.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 49 -Lipton
cup yacht classic. Italians flee city of Pola
given to Yugoslavia. Montgomery visits
Stalin. Drive for "American Brotherhood"
starts. Nation marks Thomas A. Edison
centennial. School for umpires.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 51-Courts in
Georgia governor's battle. Italians leave
Pola. Army colonel held with $21,000 worth
of diamonds. Filippinos train on West Coast.
One-legged ski champ. "Brotherhood Week"
begins.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 12-Na-
tion honors Thomas. A. Edison. Montgom-
ery visits Stalin. "Brotherhood Week."
Crewmen train at Washington University.
Lipton cup races. French cross-country bike
races.
Sponsors Seek Vote
On License Bills
Albany, N. Y, Feb. 12.— With
neither opposition nor support from
any quarter, the Condon-Wilson bills,
which would expand the power of the
motion _ picture division of the State
Education Department to revoke a
theatre's license if any advertising of
a film shown in a theatre is "obscene,
indecent, immoral, inhuman, sacri-
legious, or inciting to crime," have
been requested to be reported out of
the Senate Assembly Education Com-
mitees by the sponsors.
The bills, recommended by the Edu-
cation Department, are rooted in the
recent decision by the Regents Board
denying the attempt by New York
City License Commissioner Benjamin
Fielding to prohibit exhibition of the
picture because of its advertising.
Boris
Lazarus,
darling?
will vou ?
the floor with me."
Morros to Paul N.
Jr. : "How are you,
Come up right away,
I want you to pace
Army Admissions Raised
Washington, Feb. 12.— Admission
increases at U. S. Army theatres, of
from 15 to 20 cents for adults and
10 to 15 cents for children, will be
effected at Army theatres in the Con-
tinental U. S., Alaska, Bermuda,
Newfoundland and the Azores, but
will not apply to the European The-
atre of Operations, it is revealed by
Fred Bund, chief of the Army Motion
Picture Service.
Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
?lephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubcol
J. Sullivan. Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
. Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup', Editor-
Picture Herald ;
1879. Subscrip-
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, February 13, 1947
Key City
Grosses
t1 OLLOWING are estimated pic-
-*■ ture grosses for current engage-
ments in key cities as reported by
Motion Picture Daily correspond-
ents.
LOS ANGELES
Of three new pictures at first-runs,
"San Quentin" did the best business.
Weather has been changeable. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ended
Feb. 12:
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and DICK
TRACY VS. CUEBALL (RKO Radio) —
BELMONT (1,600) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $8,900)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RivO Radio) — FOX-BEVERLY (1,350)
($1.0O-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days, 7th week. Gross:
$10,000.
TnE YEARLING (M-G-M) — CARTHAY
CIRCLE (1,516) ($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days,
7th week. Gross: $11,600. (Average: $11,-
500)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox)— CHIN-
ESE (2,300) (50c-c>0c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $19,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—EGYPTIAN (1,000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
days, 4th week. Gross: $15,000. (Average:
$14,000)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and DICK
TRACY VS. CUEBALL (RKO Radio) — EL
REY (861) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross:
$10,000. (Average: $7,700)
duel in the sun (SRoj— Fairfax
(1,504) ($1.20-$1.50-$1.80) 7 days, 4th week.
Gross: $2/ ,000.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I)— FOUR
STAR (900) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $9,400. (Average: $7,600)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— FUX-WlLSrliRE (2,300) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,500.
(Average: $12,700)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) — GUILD (965)
(5Oc-60c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $5,800.
(Average: $8,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio) and
1 HE FALCON'S ADVENTURE (RKO
Radio) — HILLsTREET (2,700) (50c-60c-80c)
7 days. Gross: $2J,000. (Average: $23,700;
I'LL BE. YOURS (U-I)— IRIS (708) (50c-
60c-85c-$l.CO) 7 days. Gross: $6,300. (Aver-
age: $11,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox) —
LOEW S STATE (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00;
7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $22,000. (Aver-
age: $26,200)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
LOS ANGELES (2,096) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00)
7 days, 4th week. Gross: $17,000. (Aver-
age: $24,600)
13 RUE MADELEINE (2ffth-Fox)— LOY-
OLA (1,265) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $9,500. (Average: $10,000)
THE CHASE (UA)— MUSIC HALL (Bev-
erly Hids) (900) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $3,000. (Average: $6,100)
THE CHASE (UA) — MUSIC HALL
(Downtown) (900) (65c-8Sc-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $11,300. (Average: $15,000)
THE CHASE (UA)— MUSIC HALL (Ha-
waii) (1,000) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $3,250. (Average: $6,000)
THE CHASE (UA)— MUSIC HALL (Hol-
lywood) (490) (65c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $3,000. (Average: $5,800)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and DICK
TRACY VS. CUEBALL (RKO Radio)-
ORPHEUM (2,210) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7
days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $16,000)
Review
"Sea of Grass"
(Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Hollyivood, Feb. 12
DRODUCED with painstaking deliberation and on the grand scale by
1 Pandro S. Berman, and with Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Robert
Walker and Melvyn Douglas heading a marquee cast including such depend-
ables as Harry Carey, Edgar Buchanan and Robert Armstrong, Conrad
Richter's 10-year-old novel of infidelity and bastardy, set in the New Mexico
of 1880, is strong entertainment in both meanings of the terms. In common
with most other well made films dealing with themes not customarily pre-
sented on the screen, this one possesses great narrative power and emotional
impact. Unlike most others, it does not sensationalize the moral lapse which
is the root of the principal plot interest, but dwells rather upon its far-reach-
ing consequences. Nevertheless, it is strictly adult material, and candidly
handled as such by Marguerite Roberts and Vincent Lawrence in their script
and by Elia Kazan in his highly effective direction. That it will do 'big busi-
ness may be set down as a foregone conclusion.
The picture opens with Miss Hepburn, a St. Louis socialite, going to New
Mexico to marry Tracy, a cattle baron defending his million acres of grass
land from homesteading farmers championed by Douglas, an attorney, who
becomes enamoured of Miss Hepburn on sight. After marriage to Tracy and
birth of their daughter, Miss Tracy feels that her. husband's intense devotion
to his holdings, and to beliefs about them which she does not wholly share, is
neglecting her, and after discussing the matter with him she goes to Denver,
with his assent, to do some shopping and "some thinking." There, by coinci-
dence, she meets Douglas, to whom she confides her state of mind and her
decision to return to St. Louis. He tells her that they belong together, and
she accepts the idea and his attentions, but changes her mind next morning
and decides she must return to her husband, whom she says she will tell
what has happened.
Back on the ranch, she withholds the confession of infidelity, but suspicion
of it dawns on her husband when she talks in the delirium accompanying
birth of Douglas' son. However, two years pass before, under stress of cir-
cumstances incidental to his defense of his lands, Tracy charges her with
the infidelity and she admits the boy is Douglas'. She returns to St. Louis,
where her attorney tells her she can obtain custody of the boy by professing
his real paternity in court, but she decides against this course and keeps
track of him, Tracy and their daughter, by mail communication with the local
doctor and, after he has died, with Douglas, who becomes a judge.
Tracy, who during the years loses his hold on the land but sees his predic-
tion that farmers will ruin it come true, rears the boy as his own. But the
boy, learning from town gossip the facts of his parentage, becomes a reckless
youth, given to gambling and fast enough on the trigger to kill a poker
opponent who taunts _ him about his birth. He flees the town and hides out
from a posse which is closing in on him when Tracy reaches him first and
cradles him in his arms as he dies. The mother, who has read of the boy's
trouble in the newspapers and determined to go to him, arrives in town after
the death and is persuaded by her daughter to return to the ranch, where
she and Tracy are reconciled as the picture ends.
_ The story of the land, Tracy's defense of it in the beginning and its dis-
sipation by the farmers in the end, provides numerous melodramatic incidents
and interludes of conflict which background the story of the faithless wife
and her illegitimate son. The staging of all of these is masterly, and the
performances of all principals and the many minor players are excellent.
Running time, 1.25 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date
not set. William R. Weaver
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio) and
THE FALCON'S ADVENTURE (RKO Ra-
dio)^PANTAGES (2,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00)
7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $23,000. (Aver-
age: $23,100)
BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (RKO Ra-
dio)—PALACE (1,237) ($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7
days, 3rd week. Gross: $27,500)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) and ROLL-
ING HOME (Screen Guild) — PARA-
MOUNT (Downtown) (3,595) (50c-6Oc-8Oc-
$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000.
(Average: $24,100)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) — PARA -
MOUNT (Hollywood) (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-
$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,500.
(Average: $15,400)
DONT SIGN until you first learn about Filmack's
New Prevue Trailer Service — ready NOW! Write,
wire, phone Filmack, 1321 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) — RITZ (1,376) (50c-
60c-85c-$l.CO) 7 days. Gross: $10,600. (Av-
erage: $9,300)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) — STUDIO (880)
(50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $9,000.
(Average: $8,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-UNITED ART-
ISTS (2,100) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $16,000. (Average: $15,100)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)— UPTOWN (1,716)
(50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $12,500)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO)— VOGUE
(800) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 6th week.
Gross: $17,000. (Average: $8,000)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) — WARNER
(Downtown) (3,400) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $21,600)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB)— WARNER
(Hollywood) (3,000) (5Oc-6Oc-8Oc-$1.0O) 7
days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $16,100)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB)— WARNER
(Wiltern) (2,300) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $17,000. (Average: $15,700)
DENVER
Beautiful weather gave first-runs
good to big business for the most part.
"Henry V" broke the house record at
the Esquire and will hold. Estimated
receipts for the week ended Feb. 12 :
HUMORESQUE (WB)— ALADDIN (1,400)
(35c-74c) 7 days, after week each at Den-
ver, Esquire, Webber. Gross: $5,000. (Av-
erage: $4,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) — DENHAM
(1,750) (35c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$7,500. (Average: $11,500)
MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U-I) and GEN-
TLEMAN JOE PALOOKA (Mono.) —
DENVER (2,525) (35c-74c) 7 days, day-date
with Webber. Gross: $14,000. (Average:
$15,000)
HENRY V (UA)— ESQUIRE (742) ($1.20-
$2.40) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average:
$3,500)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO' Radio)
and BOSTON BLACK IE AND THE LAW
(Col.)— ORPHEUM (2,600) (35c-74c) 7 days,
2d week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $15,500)
THE CHASE (UA) and DEVIL ON
WHEELS (PRC) — PARAMOUNT (2,200)
(35c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average:
$8,000)
THE STRANGE WOMAN (UA) and THE
TRAP (Mono.)— RIALTO (878) (35c-74c) 7
days, after week each at Denver, Esquire,
Webber, Aladdin. Gross: $4,500. (Average:
$4,000)
MAGNIFICENT DOLLL (U-I) aiv N-
TLEMAN JOE PALOOKA (Iv, § —
WEBBER (750) (3Sc-74c) 7 days, day -date
with Denver. Gross: $3,000. (Average:
$3,000)
SALT LAKE CITY
Moderated weather was a boon to
attendance. "It's a Wonderful Life"
broke all records in its first week here,
and "The Jolson Story" broke the hold-
over record. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 13:
MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U-I) — CAPITOL
(1,878) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week on a
moveover. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $7,600;
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-CENTRE (1,700)
(20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $13,900. (Av-
erage: $13,500)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox)— RIALTO (1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $4,600. (Average: $3,600)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — STUDIO
(800) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 7th week. Gross:
{7,000. (Average: $4,700)
THE SHOW-OFF (M-G-M) - UPTOWN
(1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500.
(Average: $5,800)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
-UTAH (1,700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
{16,500. (Average: $12,000)
OMAHA
Grosses, held back by cold and snowy
weather, were below par at two of
four first-runs. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 12-13 :
HER SISTER'S SECRET (PRC) and THE
TRUTH ABOUT MURDER (RKO Radio)
—OMAHA (2,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$7,600. (Average: $8,600)
RAGE IN HEAVEN (M-G-M reissue) and
SUSIE STEPS OUT (UA) — ORPHEUM
(3,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Av-
erage: $9,400)
THE STRANGE WOMAN (UA)— PARA
MOUNT(2,900) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$9,600. (Average: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
and SO DARK THE NIGHT (Col.)— RKO-
BRANDES (1,200) (50c-65c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $8,200. (Average: $6,800)
KANSAS CITY
Cold, windy weathf late last week
hit business, which, however, improved
over the weekend. Competition from
musical and sports events was keen.
"Song of the South" led at the box
office. Estimated receipts for the week
ending Feb. 11-13:
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — ESQUIRE (800) (45c-65c) 7 days.
Gross: $9,500. (Average: $8,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — FAIRWAY (700) (45c-65c) 7 days.
Gross: $2,000. (Average: $1,750)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— MIDLAND
(3,500) (45c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross:
$16,000. (Average: $15,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.)— NEWMAN
(1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $11,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio)—
ORPHEUM (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$15,000. (Average: $10,000)
HELDORADO (Rep.) and THE LONE
WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.) — TOWER (2,100)
(45c-65c) 7 days. Stage show. Gross:
$9,000. (Average: $9,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox)— UPTOWN (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days.
Gross: $7,300. (Average: $6,000)
(Continued on page 5)
Thursday, February 13, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Key City
Grosses
(Continued from page 4)
SAN FRANCISCO
"The Angel and the Badman," in
its world premiere at the Fox, was
the leader here, equalling the house
average, while all other films fell be-
low. Estimated receipts for the week
ent> • WFeb. 13 :
JO. ;Y O'CLOCK (Col.)— ORPHEUM
(2,440/ (55c-85c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross:
$11,500. (Average: $14,000)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.) and
CALENDAR GIRL (Rep.) — FOX (4,651)
(60c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $32,000. (Aver-
age: $32,000)
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M)—
GOLDEN GATE (2,825) (65c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. With vaudeville. Gross: $20,000.
(Average: $32,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and DAN-
GEROUS BUSINESS (Col.)— ESQUIRE
(1,008) (55c-85c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross:
$4,000. (Average: $6,000)
THE SHOW-OFF (M-G-M) and THE
RAIDER (British)— PARAMOUNT (2,735)
(60c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $18,000.
(Average: $23,000)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) and BEAUTY
AND THE BANDIT (Mono.) — UNITED
NATIONS (1,129) (60c-85c) 7 days. Gross:
$4,500. (Average: $6,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox) and IN-
VISIBLE INFORMER (Rep.) — STATE (2,-
135) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover.
Gross: $11,000. (Average: $13,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and DAN-
GEROUS BUSINESS (Col.)— TIVOLI (1,-
COS) (55c-85c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $7,-
000. (Average: $14,000)
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA) and DETOUR
(PRC resisue)— UNITED ARTISTS (1,465)
(85c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average:
$14,000)
ST. LOUIS
"The Jolson Story" broke the Sun-
day record at Loew's State and has
wound up the week impressively. Es-
timated receipts for the week ended
Feb. 12:
MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U-I) and WIFE
WANTED (Mono.) — AMBASSADOR (3,154)
(50c-60c-75c). Gross: $17,000. (Average:
$18,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (2Cth-Fox) and
DICK TRACY VS. CUEBALL (RKO Ra-
dio)—FOX (5,038) (50c-60c-75c) 2nd week.
Gross: $18,000. (Average: $20,000)
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M)-
LOEW'S ORPHEUM (1,900) (50c-60c-7Sc).
Gross: $7,500. (Average: $9,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— LOEW'S
STATE (3,154) (S0c-60c-75c). Gross: $30,000.
(Average: $20,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (2©th-
Fox) and DANGEROUS MILLIONS (20th-
Fox)— MISSOURI (3,514) (50c-60c-75c) 2nd
week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $12,500)
$44,000 for 'Duel'
David O. Selznick's "Duel in the
Sun," which has been showing simul-
taneously in three Hollywood theatres
on a road-show basis, grossed $44,000
in its sixth week, the Vanguard office
here announces. For six weeks at the
Vogue, four at the Fairfax and two
at the Egyptian, the total gross thus
far is $260,773, Vanguard said.
Says Coast Needs
Filming Economies
Shorter preparation and shooting
schedules and greater efficiencies in
production are the principal ways in
which Hollywood can effect econ-
omies, Joseph Pasternak, M-G-M pro-
ducer, declares. Pasternak, accompa-
nied by his wife, is here on an annual
jaunt to several localities to "get the
feel of the public pulse."
Pasternak revealed that he will
adopt a new departure for two of five
pictures on his schedule, adding that
the technique he employed in "Destry
Rides Again," of subordinating musi-
cal numbers to the story line would
be resumed in "Colorado," which M-
G-M has purchased from Louis Brom-
field, and "Brothers of the East Side."
The others on his program are : "On
an Island With You,'' "The Kissing
Bandit" and "Daddy Is a Wolf."
"Cooperation among the various in-
dividuals brought together in turning
out a picture is another sure way of
cutting production time."
Warren Joins Ascap
Harry Warren Music, Inc., West
Coast music subsidiary of Loew's, has
been elected to membership in the
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers.
Urge Unions Placed
Under Trust Laws
Washington, Feb. 12. — Two pro-
posals to outlaw jurisdictional strikes
have been made before the Senate
Labor and Public Welfare Committee.
The National Federation of American
Shipping recommended a law to ban
walkouts designed to obtain recogni-
tion of a particular union, while the
Phelps-Dodge Corp. of Arizona urged
that unions be made subject to the
anti-trust laws.
The Shipping Federation stated that
the employer should have protection
against action by labor organizations
to coerce him or otherwise destroy his
freedom of action and operation.
Legion Rates Ten
Additional Films
The National Legion of Decency
has classified 10 additional features,
as follows : Class A-I, "The Begin-
ning or the End," M-G-M ; "Bringing
Up Father" and "West of the Alamo,"
both Monogram, and "The Fabulous
Dorseys," United Artists.
Class A-II, "The Brasher Doub-
loon," 20th Century-Fox ; "Bedelia,"
Eagle-Lion; "Cigarette Girl," Colum-
bia; "Easy Come, Easy Go," Para-
mount; "Smash Up," Universal, and
"Stallion Road," Warners.
6
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, February 13, 1947
Insists That Houses
Pay 650% Tax Rise
Dalton, Ga., Feb. 12.— "Pay
up on city licenses or lock up
by March 1," was the mayor
and city council's response to
a protest by Martin Theatres
that Dalton's new license fee
is too high, climbing some 650
per cent.
In a January meeting of the
council, the fee for each
theatre in Dalton was raised
from a flat $100 per year to a
sliding scale, based on admis-
sion charged, which would
cost local theatres $750 yearly.
Refund Ordered on
Screen Excise Tax
Los Angeles, Feb. 12. — Deciding a
test case that is likely to be followed
by suits filed by other studios, Federal
Judge Leon Yankwich has ordered
the Government to refund $7,550 in
excise taxes on process screens col-
lected from Warner Brothers in the
past five years.
The judge ruled that the tax, which
was technically levied on cameras and
other photographic equipment, cannot
be collected on screens, which, he
said, are properly classified as studio
equipment in common with sets and
"props."
Eagle-Lion Sues for
Use of Word 'Eagle'
Hollywood, Feb. 12.— Eagle-Lion
Films, Inc., has filed suit in Superior
Court asking an injunction against
American Eagle Films to bar fur-
ther use of the word "Eagle" in its
company name. The complaint states
that Eagle-Lion's world-wide prestige
is damaged by the similarity in names,
setting forth it has spent $150,000 es-
tablishing its identity since its incep-
tion last May 5th. American Eagle
Films was formed last October by
Sam Howard and associates for in-
dependent production.
Authors Seek Status
With United Nations
A bid for authors to be given co-
equal status with press, radio and
films in the information work of the
United Nations will be registered
with the UN department of public in-
formation by P.E.N., the international
association of writers, editors and
publishers through its vice-president,
Manuel Komroff, at a department of
information conference being held this
week at Lake Success.
I PRESS
^OOKS PHOTO-OFFSET
■rCOLORCHROME CO
^ ART SERVICE
2 BROADWAY
WHITEHALL
NEW YORK 4
3722-3-4-5-4
• COPYWRITING
• ILLUSTRATION
• PASTE-UP
• STORING
• MAILING
Complete S&uuce.
ATA's Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
operate their theatres. "The court at-
tempts to legalize an otherwise illegal
plan for concerted action to regulate
the market for films. At the same
time, the court* denies the exhibitors,
in the market so regulated by it, their
right to intervene and object to the
combination set up by the court to
control their methods of buying prod-
uct," Arnold declared.
The association will contend that if
the distributor defendants should get
together and decide upon a competitive
bidding plan, "between themselves,"
the plan would obviously be in viola-
tion of the anti-trust act. Therefore,
how can a court prescribe this relief
as a protection for the independent?
ATA will ask.
Petition's Four Points
In its petition, ATA will outline
four ways in which it claims the ex-
hibitor may be bound by the final liti-
gation. They are : The decree compels
the buyers to submit to market regu-
lations imposed by the concerted ac-
tion of sellers who control the supply
of product ; it attempts to enforce
compliance by taking away from ex-
hibitors their present right to enjoin
such concerted action; if the decree is
held valid, it takes away from the ex-
hibitor the right to recover damages
under the anti-trust laws after show-
ing cause that the operation of the
plan has caused them injury, and it
authorizes and compels the distribu-
tors to break off established relation-
ships with independents.
Arnold stated that to deprive the
exhibitor of the right to collect dam-
ages when hardship is proven is a
"grave injustice."
"Films are different from other
types of goods and services. You can-
not place them on the auction block
and have an equitable result," Arnold
said.
To Tell of Difficulty
Pointing out that it will be "impos-
sible" to regulate the competitive bid-
ding plan, the ATA plans to tell the
Supreme Court that the New York
District Court would have difficulty
policing thousands of transactions
throughout the U. S. "The idea that
the various Federal courts in all dis-
tricts could apply the decree as a mas-
ter code is equally impractical," Ar-
nold concluded.
The ATA will contend that exhibi-
tors are not adequately represented in
the case, which involved their inter-
ests. The Supreme Court will be urged
to let the independent exhibitor,
through ATA, express his viewpoint
when the case is heard on final argu-
ment.
ATA and CSA Attorneys to
Meet on Unified Appeal
Col. Robert T. Barton of Richmond,
Va., and George B. Brooks of New
York, counsel for the Confederacy of
Southern Associations, expect to meet
in Washington in the near future with
Thurman Arnold, American Theatres
Association counsel, to unify plans for
a U. S. Supreme Court appeal from
the New York Federal District
Court's denial of CSA and ATA
petitions to intervene in the industry
anti-trust suit, Barton reports here.
The CSA's decision to appeal was
reached at a meeting in St. Augus-
tine, Fla., on Monday.
Cops in Film Houses,
I\ow Want Firemen
Springfield, Mass., Feb. 12.
— The City Council has a pro-
posed ordinance calling for
the presence of a fireman at
all motion picture theatres
during all showings, with
theatres paying the expense.
Currently, policemen must
also be on duty, with theatres
standing the cost.
WB Zone Managers
Meet Here Today
Harry M. Kalmine, general man-
ager of Warner Bros. Theatres, will
preside at a meeting of zone managers
today at the home office.
Among those attending will be
James E. Coston, Chicago ; Nat Wolf,
Cleveland; I. J. Hoffman, New
Haven ; Frank Damis, Newark ; C. J.
Latta, Albany ; Ted Schlanger, Phila-
delphia ; M. A. Silver, Pittsburgh ;
John J. Payette, Washington.
Home office executives at the ses-
sion will include Clayton E. Bond,
Frank E. Cahill, Jr., Nat Fellman,
Harry Goldberg, Louis J. Kaufman,
Herman R. Maier, Walter F. Mar-
shall, W. Stewart McDonald, Frank
N. Phelps, Harry Rosenquest, Leon-
ard S. Schlesinger, Dan Triester,
Jack L. Warner, Jr., Rudolph Weiss.
Regulations to End
German Film Cartels
Washington, Feb. 12. — Anti-cartel
regulations being imposed in Ger-
many will prevent efforts made in
that country before the war to control
camera and film developments, the
U. S. Commerce Department reports.
The most recent -alleged cartel
agreement was to prevent the use of
the AGFA German color film process,
now in the hands of the Alien Prop-
erty Custodian here. Also, advance-
ments in the production of high cost
projection equipment in Germany were
held from the world market.
Video Hearing
(Continued from page 1)
Selig Hecht, 1941 winner of the Fred-
eric Ives Medal for work in optics,
described as the "sheerest irrevelance"
testimony given Monday by Paul Rai-
bourn which purported to show that
CBS color television would result in
confused perception when viewed in
the home.
Raibourn declared that a part of
the eye sees only black and white,
while the cones are used for color
vision with the result that they con-
flict in viewing color television pic-
tures. Hecht yesterday fired back
with the observation that when the
brightness of moonlight is exceeded
color confusion cannot be the result.
Following Hecht's testimony, Rai-
bourn questioned the value of state-
ments about television reception by
"anyone who has viewed color tele-
vision during a one-day private dem-
onstration in a CBS laboratory and
three hours of a three-day demonstra-
tion conducted for the benefit of the
FCC and those in the television in-
dustry." He indicated that persons
who have video receivers in their own
homes would best be qualified to pass
judgment.
Red Cross Drive
(Continued from page 1)
the seven-minute appeal film, "Call to
Action," produced by March of Time,
during the run of their programs cur-
rent on Feb. 25. Audience collections
will not be requested but booths or
donation boxes at theatres may be
maintained during the drive by ex-
hibitors who elect to do so.
The Red Cross, it was stated, re-
gards the publicity accorded its past
drives on screens of the nation's the-
atres as the most valuable contribu-
tion it could receive and wish0" to
have that cooperation continued^ 'ts
primary method of direct solicu^on
of the public.
Louis C. Boochever, national direc-
tor of public relations for the Red
Cross, estimated the publicity value
of the nation's screen time to the Red
Cross at $50,000,000. He said that
3,000 prints of the special appeal sub-
ject will be made available to the-
atres for use beginning Feb. 25. All
national and most regional exhibitor
organizations have agreed to cooper-
ate, Boochever reported. The indus-
try's national distribution committee
for 1947, of which Tom J. Connors of
20th Century-Fox is chairman, will
supervise distribution of the subject
and cooperation will be afforded re-
gionally by 31 exhibitor chairmen.
Other speakers at yesterday's lunch-
eon who urged industry assistance for
the drive were Arthur Mayer, Broad-
way theatre operator who has handled
numerous foreign missions for the
Red Cross, and Robert Coyne, execu-
tive director of the American Theatres
Association. Joe Weil, identified with
the industry for many years, is han-
dling publicity for the drive.
WB Profit
(Continued from page 1)
cents a share, for the similar period
ending Dec. 1, 1945.
Film rentals, theatre admissions and
sales, after eliminating intercompany
transactions for the period, amounted,
to $42,636,000, compared with $37,-
896,000 for the corresponding three
months of 1945.
Federal income taxes in the 1946
oeriod amounted to $4,400,000, while
^he previous year's taxes for the quar-
ter were $4,300,000.
Para, to Meet
(Continued from page 1)
president, and Austin Keough, vice-
president and general counsel, are in
Florida at present and will attend the
meeting.
Meanwhile, Paramount has given
attention to competitive bidding as
dictated by the New York decision
with experiments in that type of li-
censing films already conducted in a
few situations. Additional tests are
now under consideration.
As reported previously, Paramount
and all other companies under the
New York decree decision are plan-
ning appeal action. In the case of Co-
lumbia, notice of appeal already has
been filed. •
Baltimore Dinner
Baltimore, Feb. 12. — A testimonial
dinner-dance honoring ex-chief barker
William K. Saxton, will be given by
the Variety Club, Baltimore Ten No.
19, on Friday.
Thursday, February 13, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Fight Intervention
On Ground of Delay
Washington, Feb. 12. — The Jus-
tice Department will tell the U. S.
Supreme Court that the American
Theatres Association should not be
permitted to intervene in the indus-
try anti-trust suit because if one ex-
hibitor organization is permitted to
do so, others would have the same
right and the door would be opened
for "unnecessary" delay.
In addition, the Department will
coy • fcl that the ATA is not a "true
re, ntative" of the average inde-
pendent exhibitor, it was stated.
Robert L. Wright, Government
counsel, has been fighting intervention
attempts since the ATA first an-
nounced its intention to seek a voice
in the suit. Wright believes that
amicus curiae briefs are sufficient
liaison between the exhibitor and the
court.
As for the ATA belief that the
Government "does not speak for the
exhibitor," Wright contends that the
Justice Department has done every-
thing possible to protect the inde-
pendent despite ' the ramification of
having the revolutionary competitive
bidding plan suddenly injected as an
issue between the exhibitor and the
Government. Wright's recent state-
ment to the -New York Federal Dis-
trict Court that the workability of the
bidding plan is questionable is pointed
to by the department as an example
of its interest in the subject.
Upstate Auto Accident
Albany, N. Y, Feb. 12.— Holbrook
Bissell and Charles Charles, of Adver-
tisers Distributing Company, sellers
of screen advertising, are reported in
a serious condition in a Cooperstown,
N. Y., hospital, following a highway
accident in which their car collided
with another while driving to Buffalo.
Bissell is a former Columbia manager
in Albany, and Charles is a former
Ross Federal Service manager.
Peggy O'Neill Dead
San Francisco, Feb. 12. —
O'Neill, producer of stage shows "for
the RKO Golden Gate Theatre and
widow of Arch M. Bowles, former
Fox West Coast division manager,
died here last Friday following a pro-
longed illness.
Mrs. Alexander Sabo, 51
Elizabeth, N. J., Feb. 12. — Mrs.
Pauline Kish Sabo, 51, wife of Alex-
ander J. Sabo, owner of the Wood-
bridge Theatre, Woodbridge, N. J.,
died on Monday at Memorial Hospi-
tal, Rahway, after a brief illness. A
son and a daughter also survive.
John Pfeifer, 87
Columbus, 0., Feb. 12. — John
Pfeifer, 87-year-old founder and presi-
dent of the Pfeifer Show Print Co.,
with many friends in show business, is
dead following a five-week illness.
'Flu' Keeps Pickford
From Edison Dinner
Mary Pickford, who came to New
York from the Coast to represent the
industry as a speaker at the Thomas
A. Edison Centennial dinner aj the
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Tuesday night,
and to attend a meeting of the United
Artists board of directors, was unable
to attend either because of an attack
of influenza which confined her to her
suite at the Plaza Hotel. She sent a
message to the dinner, eulogizing Edi-
son for his inventions on which motion
pictures are based.
20th Century-Fox was represented
by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mersay and
Mr. and Mrs. S. Barash.
Glendon Allvine, executive secretary
of the Eastern Public Information
Committee, and Joel Swensen of War-
ners represented the industry at the
Edison Pioneers luncheon at the Hotel
Astor on Tuesday.
Northwest Attacks
'Horror' Pictures
Minneapolis, Feb. 12.— Starting on
a neighborhood-to-neighborhood basis,
Minneapolis Central Council of Pa-
rents and Teachers association has
launched a drive against crime and
horror pictures, comics and radio
crime programs. The campaign was
placed high on the council's agenda as
"a major and immediate project," fol-
lowing report of an investigation of
children's entertainment by a special
committee under Hugh E. Flynn.
Flynn said it is not planned to
coerce or boycott theatres which show
horror films or drug stores which sell
objectionable comics.
Czech Short Screening
"Czechoslovakia Comes Back", two-
reeler, has been compiled by American
Relief for Czechoslovakia, Inc., of
which Brackett Lewis is executive di-
rector. The footage was taken from
Czechoslovakian government and U. S.
Army Signal Corps documentaries,
and will be trade-screened Thursday
afternoon at the Museum of Modern
Art, here.
Ask Single Collection
The immediate establishment of a
labor-management committee to work
out plans for a once-a-year collection
and distribution of funds for charity
and relief organizations has been re-
quested by the Screen Office and Pro-
fessional Employes Guild, Local No.
109, United Office and Professional
Workers of America, CIO, in a letter
sent to the heads of motion picture
companies here.
Universal Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
Cooke said the Universal appeal
will attack the decree in a "compre-
hensive" fashion and, in general, will
follow the lines of the motion he filed
with the court here on Jan. 10, seek-
ing modification of the decree. Es-
pecially, Universal will appeal from
the ban on franchise deals, contend-
ing that such agreements between the
company and independent exhibitors
help assure the theatres a flow of
product and give the distributor an
assured outlet without which the es-
tablishment of show-case houses
would be necessary.
Universal also is on record in op-
position to competitive bidding and is
expected to attack the decree as an
impingement upon its copyrights.
VA Film Division
In Meeting Here
Distribution difficulties and im-
provement of its 35mm. facilities were
taken up by the film division of the
Veterans Administration at a meeting
held at the Hotel Pennsylvania here
Tuesday. Other sessions were held
vesterday and today, with David Pal-
freyman, director of theatre service
and trade relations for the Motion
Picture Association, slated to attend.
Eric A. Johnston, MpA president,
was forced to decline an invitation
due to the pressure of other work.
John Cassidy, chief of the VA mo-
tion picture division, presided over
yesterday's conference. Gus Mason,
executive assistant director of special
services, and William J. Jones, Jr.;
previewing and booking director, sat
in along with heads of the 13 VA
regional film offices around the coun-
try.
The Administration obtains product
at close to cost from the majority of
film companies under one-year con-
tracts signed with each last July.
Vog Head to Seek
New Film Abroad
B. L. Garner, head of Vog Films,
distributors of foreign-language films
in America, will leave late this month
for a three-month trip to France to
examine available product and attend
to two theatres in Paris which he
owns. Garner said that he hopes to
acquire about 20 films for distribution
here.
Noel Meadow, his associate, will
take charge of Vog affairs here dur-
ing Garner's absence.
Children's Films Get
Wide Detroit Support
Detroit, Feb. 12.— Greater Detroit
Motion Picture Council members re-
port that cooperation of theatres in
showing the 28 specially selected films
from the MPA's Children's Film
Library is excellent, and that the well-
attended showings are receiving top
parental support, as well as publicity
through schools.
New Variety Tent
(Continued from page 1)
chief barker, has met with the charter
membership group in New Haven on
several occasions. Bill McCraw, na-
tional executive director, has also vis-
ited the proposed tent. Clubrooms
have been arranged for in the Taft
Hotel, close to Film Row.
Names of the original crew mem-
bers follow: chief barker, Barney Pit-
kin, RKO Radio; chairman, Carl Goe.
manager, Warner Brothers ; first as-
sistant chief barker, Jacob B. Fish-
man, Fishman Theatres ; second as-
sistant, Henry Germaine, Paramount :
dough guy, George Wilkinson, Wil-
kinson Theatre ; property master, Ar-
thur Greenfield, Universal ; canvas-
men, Herman Lew. MPTOA; Max-
Alderman. Allied Exhibitors; John V.
Pavone, Monogram; Marry. F. Shaw,
l.ocw's I'oli ; Lou Brown, Loew's
Poli.
As soon as its charter has been
granted, tin- new tent will set a date
for its official induction into the na-
tional organization through an inau-
guration banquet and dedication of
the chit) rooms.
Century Using Radio
For 'Brotherhood'
With theatre circuits over the
country using their own local radio
shows to broadcast the message of
American Brotherhood during the
drive period, Feb. 16-23, New York's
Century Circuit will open its drive on
Sunday by devoting a portion of its
program "Show Business" heard over
station WNEW, to securing member-
ships in the Brotherhood campaign.
Fred J. Schwartz, Century's vice-
president, will discuss the role motion
pictures have played in combating
bigotry throughout the world.
Rosener Buys Into
Two More Houses
San Francisco, Feb. 12. — Herbert
Rosener, owner of the Clay and Lar-
kin theatres in San Francisco and
four houses in Los Angeles, has pur-
chased the interests of Oliver Grover
and Max de Hes in the Stage Door
and Nob Hill theatres.
In conjunction with Irving Acker-
man, who retains his interests in the
two latter theatres, Rosener will play
both foreign and domestic films in the
Nob Hill and Stage Door.
May Alter 'Blue' Law
Atlanta, Feb. 12. — A bill to permit
Sunday pictures, except between the
hours of eight A.M. and two P.M.
and six P.M. and nine, was introduced
in the House of Representatives by
the Floyd and Spalding County dele-
gations.
Existing laws prohibit Sunday films
in most of Georgia. Permanent in-
junctions against Sunday pictures are
in effect in Rome and Hogansville.
Theatres operate on Sunday in At-
lanta.
Powers Incorporates
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 12.— Pat
Powers Corp. has been incorporated
to conduct a motion picture business
in New York. Incorporators are:
Milton E. Friedland, Julia Carasuolo,
and A. Bertrand Channon, all of New
York City.
Jurow Joins Saphier
Martin Jurow has joined the James
L. Saphier Agency as partner in
charge of motion picture and theatri-
cal activities. He was formerly with
Music Corp. of America, Warner
Brothers, Hal Wallis and Enterprise.
E. Levy Opens Rink
San Francisco, Feb. 12. — "Skate-
land at the Beach" skating rink cost-
ing $250,000, has opened here with
Ellis Levy, head of the Telenews
Theatre, as president.
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PARA.
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
D — 87 mins.
(Rev. 11/18/46)
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
C — 90 mins.
(Rev. 1/7/47)
CALIFORNIA
(Color)
Ray Milland
O — 97 min.
(Rev. 12/16/46)
EASY COME,
EASY GO
Sonny Tufts
Diana Lynn
C-78 mins.
(Rev. 2/3/47)
SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING
Fred Mac Murray
Paulette Goddard
C— 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/10/47)
MONO.
RAIDERS OF
THE SOUTH
Johnny Mack
Brown
O — 58 mins.
VACATION
DAYS
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
M— 611
RAINBOW
OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakelev
O — 54 mins.
VALLEY OF
FEAR
Johnny Mack
Brown
O — 54 mins.
FALL GUY
Robert Armstrong
D
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
HIGH
CONQUEST
Anna Lee
Warren Douglas
TRAILING
DANGER
Johnny M. Brown
SIX GUN
SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O'Shea
! 1 IKO 1
MOTION PICTURE
Accurate
1 IN
n ait
Concise
FILM
and
NEWS
I - ._ J
JULeVl JL jl
Impartial
- - — [
VCrjL hi. NO. 31
NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1947
TEN CENTS
U.S. Considers
Arbitration by
Government
Justice Department May
Ask for Legislation
By JIM H. BRADY
Washington, Feb. 13. — The
Justice Department may propose to
the Senate Interstate and Foreign
Commerce Committee that a Gov-
ernment arbitration unit be established
by legislation to handle the settlement
and enforcement of disputes and prac-
tices resulting from final court litiga-
tion in the industry anti-trust suit, it
is reported here.
There is definite opposition
within the Government to any
system of "voluntary" arbitra-
tion, such as the one to be sug-
gested at the industry exhibitor
forum in New York, March
10-11.
Questions have arisen regarding the
legality of a court establishing a sys-
tem of arbitration. Robert L. Wright,
Government counsel, expressed the be-
lief that a court may not establish a
compulsory arbitration system to carry
(Continued on page 7)
U. S. Will Appeal
Decision Next Week
Washington, Feb. 13. — The Gov-
ernment will file its appeal from the
New York Court's final judgment in
the industry anti-trust suit next week,
Robert I. Wright, counsel for the Jus-
tice Department, said today.
Wright stated that the Government
(Continued, on page 7)
Rank to Reorganize
Gaumont-British Co.
London, Feb. 13. — Gaumont-Brit-
ish Picture Co., Ltd., containing a
number of unwieldy equities, soon will
undergo a large scale reorganization
by J. Arthur Rank. They will be
similar to the changes recently made
in the Odeon Theatres set-up, it is
understood.
First subsidiary to be dealt with
will be Associated Provincial Pic-
ture Houses, which is capitalized at
2,800,000 shares of common .stock and
400,000 shares of seven and one-half
per cent preferred. Rank is expect-
ed to offer two shares of Gaumont-
British common for each Associated
Provincial share in that class.
Para. Survey
Of Product at
Florida Meet
A general canvass of current
product and theatre problems will
be undertaken at the meeting of
Paramount home office officials with
theatre partners and associates, which
will open at the Ponce de Leon Ho-
tel, St. Augustine, Fla., Monday and
continue throughout the week.
Barney Balaban, Paramount presi-
dent, who has returned to Florida fol-
lowing a trip from there to the Coast,
will be present at the sessions, as will
Austin C. Keough, vice-president and
general counsel, who has been recuper-
ating from an illness at Belle Glade,
Fla. Attorneys Louis Phillips and
Walter Gross will attend from New
York, assisting in a general discus-
sion of the final decree in the industry
anti-trust suit and the problems to be
confronted in operating under it.
While the talks are expected to em-
(Continued on page 6)
Cites RKO Deal in
Atlas Profit Report
The Atlas Corporation's sales of
stock of Radio-Keith-Orpheum were
largely responsible for the company's
profits of $20,599,242 on security sales
for 1946, according to Floyd B. Od-
ium, president, who announced yester-
day that the common stock of the in-
vestment corporation has been placed
on a quarterly basis rather than on
the semi-annual basis heretofore in
force.
Concurrently with the issuance of
(Continued on page 6)
Astor Selected for
Meeting on Forum
The March 10-11 meeting of
independent exhibitors called
by Fred Wehrenberg, MPTOA
president, to discuss forma-
tion of a motion picture
forum and voluntary arbitra-
tion will be held at the Hotel
Astor here.
Representatives of the
American Theatres Associa-
tion and the Independent
Theatre Owners Association
of New York already have ac-
cepted invitations to attend,
and S. H. Fabian, ATA presi-
dent, is understood to have
approached Abram Myers, na-
tional Allied's board chairman
and general counsel, in an en-
deavor to have that organiza-
tion represented also. Myers
is on record as believing that
discussion of the forum plan
is premature at this time.
'Brotherhood' Drive
Starts on Sunday
The nation's motion picture thea-
tres will begin what a committee de-
scribes as "the greatest industry-spon-
sored drive in history" over the week-
end, when every newsreel print in the
country will present the special short
featurette launching 'American Broth-
erhood Week," starting Sunday under
the sponsorship of the National Con-
ference of Christians and Jews.
Bringing the message of "Brother-
hood" to theatre-goers are such stars
as June Allyson, Joan Bennett, Lionel
Barrymore, Gene Kelly, Gregory Peck
and Dick Powell, who were directed
in the David O. Selznick short sub-
ject by William Dieterle.
Increases Are Out in UK
Under Dollar Export Ban
London, Feb. 13. — American dis-
tributors, beset with difficulties in
obtaining increased admission prices
for high-cost films in their own coun-
try because of a Federal Court rul-
ing, are facing a similar problem in
England because of the government's
ban against boosting the number of
dollars exported.
The issue, brought up quietly when
William Erbb, British general sales
manager for the Selznick Releasing
Organization, made inquiry regarding
advanced terms for "Duel in the
Sun," was brought into the open yes-
terday at a meeting of the Cinemato-
graph Exhibitors Association, where
W. R. Fuller, CEA general secretary,
read cables exchanged between him-
self and Eric Johnston, president of
the Motion Picture Association of
America, relevant to "Duel" book-
ings.
Fuller declared that increased
prices, always unpopular with Brit-
(Continued on page 6)
US Court Sets
Aside Momand
Case Damages
Reverses Boston Jury's
Award of $966,000
Boston, Feb. 13. — Reversing the
Jan. 22 jury decision which award-
ed $966,000 to A. B. Momand,
former Oklahoma exhibitor, in his
15-year-old restraint-of-trade suit
against eight distributors, Judge
Charles Wyzanski today entered a
judgment in favor of the defendants
in Federal District Court here.
Following five years of litigation
twists in Oklahoma, the case was
brought to Boston in 1937 after Mo-
mand established residence here. Dur-
ing the course of the trial, the plain-
tiff contended he was forced to re-
linquish his theatre because of inability
to obtain product. His houses were lo-
cated in Shawnee, Waywoka, Holdens-
ville, Clinton, Alva and Pawhuska,
all in Oklahoma.
Defendants were Paramount, 20th
Century-Fox, Warners, Loew's, RKO
Radio, Columbia, United Artists and
(Continued on page 7)
'IP Sales Meeting
Opens Here Today
Universal-International will open its
third and final regional sales meeting
at the Hotel Astor here this morning
with sales representatives from the
Eastern district and home office execu-
tives attending.
Highlighting the agenda will be a
(Continued on page 7)
CBS Television Is
Again Under Attack
Washington, Feb. 13. — Columbia
Broadcasting System's color television
again was attacked here today as the
Federal Communications Commission
concluded its hearing on the CBS
petition to put its method in operation
on a commercial basis.
Color television as proposed by
(Continued on page 7)
Reviewed Today
"The Arnelo Affair, rhal
Way with Women." page I :
"Calendar Girl." page 6; and
"Over the Sante Fe Trail," "A
Yank in Rome," page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 14, 1947
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES CUNNINGHAM
THE Prague film industry stands
high in commendation from citations
heaped upon it by the Czechoslovakian
government for its untiring efforts in
behalf of these trying days of postwar
reconstruction. Workers of Prague
theatres have turned in 1,100 tiring
work-hours to the Republic — garden-
ing in Prague parks !
V
Warner Brothers' Toronto office
formally announces to the press of
the world its great satisfaction over
the fact that the way has been made
clear for the return to the screen
of the infanticipating Warner star,
Bette Davis.
Seems Joe (Moose Man) La-
Flamme, famous Canadian trainer
of wild animals, has shipped a pa-
poose board, such as a squaw uses
to carry her child, to Betty, and
with it, says Warners, Joe sent a
note indicating that he thought the
gift would allow her to resume her
acting career at an earlier date than
would normally be possible, "with-
out necessitating the separation of
mother and child."
To his note Joe appended a cheery
little footnote disclosing that the
board had carried the 23 children of
the present Chief of the Ojibway
Indian Nation.
V
Hollywood bigwigs — talent and ex-
ecutives— scrambled over Ciro's Holly-
wood dance floor the other night to
pick up the priceless jewels acciden-
tally spilled by the gold-embroidered
and satin-headgeared Crown Prince of
Arabia, who was departing with his
large entourage after enjoying the
compliments of the hosting manage-
ment.
But the sophisticates of the film
colony learned later, with great disap-
pointment, that the priceless diamonds,
emeralds and rubies left by the Prince
were but pieces of glass, dropped by
the richly costumed gagster, Holly-
wood actor Jim Moran.
V
Sixteen-year-old RKO Radio ac-
tress Carlotta Jelm of Beverly Hills,
Cal., currently appearing in "The
Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer,"
with Cary Grant, owns a racing
stable which has won her over a
quarter of a million dollars. The
giddy-ap girl.
V
Twentieth Century-Fox's Roger
Ferri concludes that contentment is
the knack of not wanting the things
we know we can't have.
V
Absolutely No Comment Depart-
ment: Traubee Time-Saver Products,
Brooklyn, N. Y., contemplates lining
up film companies and radio stations
for a Perfect Housewife Contest.
V
Much has been appearing in public
prints in recent days concerning Ben-
jamin Fielding's New York City
License Department and motion pic-
ture theatre licenses. Fielding also
licenses pool parlors, pawnshops,
sightseeing "hawkers," massage oper-
ators, etc., etc.
Personal Mention
MURRAY SILVERSTONE,
president of 20th Century-Fox
International, and Ben Goetz, M-G-
M executive, are aboard the Queen
Elisabeth en route to New York from
England.
•
Raymond Powers, Warners' Al-
bany, N. Y., exchange office manager
and head booker, is convalescing at
his home from injuries sustained in
an automobile accident while riding
with Alfred Marchetti, Universal's
head booker, who escaped injury.
•
Lita Warner, daughter of the late
Sam Warner and adopted daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Warner,
will be married next Tuesday to Dr.
Nathan Hiatt at the Beverlv Hills
Hotel, Beverly Hills.
•
Edmund C. Grainger, Shea The-
atres executive, and Mrs. Grainger,
are celebrating their 25th wedding
anniversary in the Pocono Mountains
where they are on vacation from New
York.
•
Norman D. Olsen, export mana-
ger for the DeVry Corp., Chicago,
will leave there Feb. 22, for a tour
of the West Indies and South Amer-
ica.
•
Ben Kalmerson, vice-president
and general sales manager of War-
ner Bros., has returned to New York
from a Southern tour.
•
Norman Ayers, Warners South-
ern division sales manager, is due
back in New York on Monday from
Oklahoma City.
NED DEPiNET and Mrs. De-
pinet will leave New York to-
day for the Coast.
•
Daphne Dolores Mercedes
Skouras, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Spyros P. Skouras, will be mar-
ried tomorrow to Oren Root, Jr.,
in the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer
here.
•
William J. Fadiman has arrived in
Hollywood from New York to assume
his new duties as executive assistant to
Dore Schary, RKO Radio's executive
vice-president in charge of production.
•
Paul Hollister, Eastern studio
representative of RKO Radio, ad-
dressed the Baltimore Sales Execu-
tives Club recently on "Sales Plan-
ning for Motion Pictures."
•
A. L. Pratchett, Latin American
division manager for Paramount In-
ternational, will leave New York to-
morrow for a two-month tour of his
territory.
•
Budd Rogers, Eastern representa-
tive for Charles R. Rogers, will
leave here for Hollywood over the
weekend. He will remain about three
weeks.
•
Don Foster has been appointed
booker for Paramount in Salt Lake
City, replacing Russ Swanson who
has joined Producers Releasing there.
•
Mrs. John Scanlon, wife of the
Warner Theatre, Torrington, Conn.,
manager, has been a patient at St.
Francis Hospital, Hartford.
Talent Guilds May
Seek Reissue Pay
Hollywood, Feb. 13. — A plan for
modifying talent contracts to compel
producers to grant special remunera-
tion to writers, actors and directors for
their services in connection with re-
issued pictures will be discussed Mon-
day night by committees representing
the Screen Writers' Guild, the Screen
Actors' Guild and the Screen Direc-
tors' Guild. The committees, which are
instructed to canvass possibilities as a
preliminary step, are to report back to
their respective guild boards.
As advanced by the SWG, which in-
vited other guilds to join in the move-
ment, the proposal contemplates work-
ing out a formula acceptable to pro-
ducers under which talent would re-
ceive pay, on a diminishing scale,
throughout their entire careers on all
pictures.
Testifies for US
Strike Control
Washington, Feb. 13. — Rep. A. L.
Miller (Neb.) today testified before
the House education and labor com-
mittee in favor of his bill which would
prevent interference with interstate or
foreign commerce by sympathy or
jurisdictional strikes. "There is no
justification for letting one union tie
up a whole community or industry be-
cause of a quarrel with its employer
or with some other union," he said.
Johnston to White
House on Trade Pact
Washington, Feb. 13. — Eric John-
ston, president of the Motion Picture
Association, today called on President
Truman and Secretary of State Mar-
shall, asking their continued support
of the State Department's reciprocal
trade program.
Johnston told both the President
and Secretary Marshall that interna-
tional relations must be kept "strictly
on a non-partisan basis." He outlined
the value of motion pictures abroad in
terms of binding together the peoples
of all nations, emphasizing the seri-
ous barriers now confronting the in-
dustry abroad.
Newsmen on Bus Junket
Representatives of the trade press
and daily newspapers will occupy the
three Allied Artists-acquired double-
deck New York Fifth Avenue busses
which will leave here for Philadel-
phia on Sunday on the first leg of a
3,600-mile trip to California in the
promotion of the company's "It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue." The news-
men will return here by train.
'Women' Tradeshow
"That Way with Women," Warner
Brothers, will be nationally trade-
shown on Monday, March 10. Picture
will open a pre-release engagement at
the New York Strand on Friday.
Blue Law Appeal
Montpelier, Vt, Feb. 13. — A bill
permitting Sunday pictures after two
P.M., four hours earlier than now
allowed, has been filed with the legis-
lature by Rep. Francis W. Billado.
The current Sunday amusement law,
adopted in 1939 after considerable con-
troversy, permits local option on Sun-
day films, but restricts them to after
six P.M.
NEW YORK THEATRES
F- RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
"THE YEARLING"
GREGORY PECK - JANE WYMAN
CLAUDE JARMAN. JR.
In Technicolor • An M-G-M Picture
SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN 0 HARA - WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
ON SCREEN
M-G-M's
TECHNICOLOR HIT!
'TILL THE
CLOUDS
ROLL BY'
IN PERSON
JACKIE
GLEASON
•
Extra!
HARRISON
& FISCHER
SARRV
FITZGERALD
LYNN rums
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Continuous A CTTOTI *
Performance! JT\.vJ A V/IV
WAY and
'45lh ST.
CALIFORNIA
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starrint
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MILLANO STANWYCK FITZGERALD
RIVOLI THEATER
EPway & 49th St.
Doors Open
9:30 A. M.
Betty GRABLE - Dick HAYME5
"THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM"
A 20th Century-Fox Picture in Technicolor
PLUS ON STAGE — PETER LORRE
GIL LAMB - Extra! EVELYN KNIGHT
|^Qij£Y 7th Ave. &
50th St.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington. Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of Mmrch 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
20ths NEW BOXOFFICE SENSATION
TOPS ALL THE SKY-HIGH GROSSES OF
THE HOUSE ON 92nd ST. IN NEW YORK
LOS ANGELES • CLEVELAND • BOSTON
BALTIMORE • PITTSBURGH • DETROIT
SAN FRANCISCO • PHILADELPHIA
DES MOINES ST. LOUIS • EVERYWHERE!
No company has so many hits playing and on the way as
THE RAZOR'S EDGE "-'THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM inky*-''
IN COSTA RICA" m Technicolor • THE LAIE GEORGE APLEY • THE
AMPP.PAN RPm-HFRHOnn WFFK . PPRPIIflPV
entury-Fox
! - CARNI
In Technicolor
4
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 14, 1947
Foreign Writers in
Award Nominations
Supplementing earlier published an-
nouncements of films and performers
nominated for 1946 awards, the fol-
lowing nominations, several of them
foreign, have been made by the Acad-
emy of Motion Picture Arts and Sci-
ences :
For the best written screenplay :
Talbot Jennings and Sally Benson, for
"Anna and the King of Siam" ; Robert
E. Sherwood, "The Best Years of Our
Lives" ; David Lean, Anthony Have-
lock-Allan and Ronald Neame, "Brief
Encounter" (British) ; Anthony Veil-
ler, "The Killers," and Sergie Amidei
and F. Fellina, "Open City" (Italian).
Best original screenplay : Raymond
Chandler, for "The Blue Dahlia" ;
Jacques Prevert, "Children of Para-
dise" (French) ; Ben Hecht, "Notori-
ous" ; Norman Panama and Melvin
Frank, "Road to Utopia" ; Muriel and
Sydney Box, "The Seventh Veil"
(British).
Best original motion picture story :
Vladimir Pozner, for "The Dark Mir-
ror" ; Jack Patrick, "The Strange
Love of Martha Ivers" ; Victor Tri-
vias, "The Stranger" ; Charles Brack-
ets "To Each His Own" ; Clemence
Dane, "Vacation from Marriage (Brit-
ish).
Best scoring of a musical picture :
Robert Emmett Dolan, for "Blue
Skies" ; Alfred Newman, "Centennial
Summer" ; Lennie Hayton, "The Har-
vey Girls" ; Morris Stoloff , "The Jol-
son Story" ; Ray Heindorf and Max
Steiner, "Night and Day."
Best scoring of a picture : Bernard
Herrmann, for "Anna and the King of
Siam" ; Hugo Friedhofer and Emil
Newman, "The Best Years of Our
Lives" ; William Walton, "Henry V"
(British) ; Franz Waxman, "Humor-
esque" ; Miklos Rozsa, "The Killers."
Best original song : "All Through
tHe Day, from "Centennial Summer,"
music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar
Hammerstein, II ; "Ole Buttermilk
Sky" from "Canyon Passage," music
by Hoagy Carmichael, lyrics by Jack
Brooks ; "On the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe," from "The Harvey
Girls," music by Harry Warren, lyrics
by Johnny Mercer ; "This Is Always,"
from "Three Little Girls in Blue,"
music by Harry Warren, lyrics by
Mack Gordon, and "You Keep Com-
ing Back Like a Song," from "Blue
Skies," music and lyrics by Irving
Berlin.
Best achievements in film editing :
"The Best Years of Our Lives," Sam-
uel Goldwyn-RKO Radio ; "It's a
Wonderful Life," Liberty Films-RKO
Radio ; "The Jolson Story," Colum-
bia; "The Killers," Mark Hellinger,
Productions-Universal ; "The Year-
ling," M-G-M.
Best achievements in special effects :
"Blithe Spirit," J. Arthur Rank-Noel
Coward-Cineguild-UA (British) ; "A
Stolen Life," Warners.
Best achievements in sound record-
ing : "The Best Years of Our Lives,"
Goldwyn-RKO Radio ; "It's a Won-
derful Life," Libert-RKO Radio ; "The
Jolson Story," Columbia.
Distinctive achievement in short
s u b j e c t documentary production :
"Atomic Power," 20th Century-Fox ;
"Life at the Zoo," Artkino ; Para-
mount News, issue No. 37, Para-
mount ; "Seeds of Destiny," _U. S.
War Department; "Traffic With the
Devil," M-G-M.
Reviews
"The Arnelo Affair"
(Metro-G oldwyn-Maye r )
CARVED with the verbal economy and emotional momentum of a radio
drama, a field in which Arch Oboler, the director-scenario writer of this
picture, has achieved a respected mark, "The Arnelo Affair" is a magnetically-
paced film. Fundamentally an adult story since the love affair in expression
and motivation is one for adult comprehension, this Jerry Bresler production
will doubtless find its warmest reception among the female patrons, yet remains
strong enough in entertainment and excitement value to satisfy all adult thea-
tre-goers.
Combined with Oboler's deft handling of his own material, based on a story
by Jane Burr, the film is endowed with added box-office drawing power by a
cast which includes John Hodiak, Frances Gifford, George Murphy, Dean
Stockwell, Eve Arden and Warner Anderson. It is clearly Miss Gilford's pic-
ture all the way, with Hodiak and Murphy elbowed into the shadows as she
registers the inner struggle that besets her when she becomes implicated in a
murder which threatens to prove scandalous to her lawyer-husband's career
and endanger her son's upbringing.
Craving romance and excitement which her husband, played by Murphy, has
little time to lavish upon her because he is too wrapped up in his work, Miss
Gifford becomes fascinated by one of her husband's clients, John Hodiak, a
tough, unpolished night-club owner who has moved over from "the other side
of the tracks." A brief love affair, with intimations of an inevitable seduction,
dies a-borning when one of his former mistresses shows up. Miss Gifford
leans the following morning that her predecessor has been murdered, and
Hodiak, to bind Miss Gifford to him, has collected ambiguous scraps of cir-
cumstantial evidence which could be interpreted to indicate her complicity.
On a hint from a dour, cryptically-spoken detective, played by Warner
Anderson, Murphy undertakes some sleuthing to hang or vindicate his wife,
and is told by Hodiak that she is guilty. But Anderson, doubting her guilt,
massages the thin edge of Hodiak's conscience until Hodiak, in a heroic ges-
ture, chooses death at the hands of the police to the alternative of dragging her
name through the public mud. At the same time, Murphy learns through a
friend, Eve Arden, that his wife could not have been responsible for the slay-
ing. He arrives home in time for a reconciliation, after her unsuccessful
attempt at suicide.
Running time, 86 minutes. Adult classification. Release date not set.
Irving Kaplan
"That Way with Women"
{Warner Brothers)
Hollywood, Feb. 13
APART from whatever marquee strength may be exerted in a given situa-
tion by the names of Dane Clark, Sydney Greenstreet and Martha Vick-
ers, this production, by Charles Hoffman, of a story by Earl Derr Biggers
appears to have been fashioned for use on days when the customers attend
habitually. It is a comedy, the familiar one in which the grumpy old million-
aire makes a monkey out of his doctor by throwing away his pills and getting
well, and it has a slight lacing of racketeering subplot to bulk it up, but the
handling in whole is without sparkle.
Greenstreet plays a retired automobile manufacturer whose doctor and family
tell him he is too ill to do any of the things he likes to do. When Clark, as a
young man allergic to people with money but ambitious to make some for him-
self, buys a half interest in a gas station, Greenstreet, under an assumed name,
buy's the other half interest, concealing this fact from his family. Much con-
fusion ensues, mostly for purposes of humor, before all of the facts come out
in the open and everybody is made happy. The cast includes Alan Hale, Craig
Stevens, Barbara Brown, Don McGuire, John Ridgely, Dick Erdman, Herbert
Anderson, Howard Freeman, Ian Wolfe and others.
Direction is by Frederick de Cordova and Leo Townsend wrote the screen-
P Running time, 85 minutes. General audience classification. Release date not
set_ William R. Weaver
Bonafield Named
Pathe Editor
Harold Bonafield has been named
managing editor of RKO Pathe News
by Walter Ament, general manager.
Bonafield has been associated with the
newsreel since 1931 and has been chief
film editor for the past several years.
In his new position he will coordinate
all make-up operations under Alfred
Butterfield, editor-in-chief.
3 New Coast Drive-ins
San Francisco, Feb. 13. — Starlite
Theatres Corp. has filed articles of
incorporation in Superior Court, to
construct three drive-in theatres in
the Peninsula area. Incorporators are
W. Thornton, Geraldine and James
B. Howell, Jr. of Atherton and M.
Broyer, San Francisco.
Goldfarb Promoted
Robert Goldfarb, United Artists
personnel and office manager, has been
appointed to the sales department in
an executive capacity, J. J. Unger,
general sales manager, announced on
Tuesday. Goldfarb's successor was not
made known immediately.
2 Para. Men Move Up
Memphis, Feb. 13. — Robert Kil-
gore, former Paramount head booker
here, has been named a salesman, re-
placing Dick Setton, who has re-
signed. Fred Curd, former booker,
succeeds Kilgore as head booker.
Sherman to U-I
Hollywood, Feb. 13. — George Sher-
man, former Columbia producer-direc-
tor, has joined Universal-International
as a director.
42% Revenue Rise
Boosts Mono. Net
Hollywood, Feb. 13. — Citing a 42
per cent increase in revenue in both
foreign and domestic fields for the 26
weeks ending last Dec. 28 over the
corresponding 1945 period, Steve
Broidy, president, reports that cj ^li-
dated net profits of Monogram Pic-
tures and its subsidiaries was $344,-
973, before provision for federal in-
come tax, compared with $377,192 in
the last half of 1945. Net profits, after
federal taxes, amounted to $216,999 in
the 1946 period, against $183,692 for
the 1945 period.
Broidy also announced that from
the date of the last annual report,
issued June 29, 1946, management op-
tions for a total of 31,900 shares of
stock have been exercised by their
holders, leaving a remainder of 22,200
shares reserved for the exercise of op-
tions still outstanding.
Stressing Monogram's current
schedule of high-budget productions
by Allied Artists, new subsidiary
which will distribute through Mono-
gram pictures costing about $1,000,000
each, Broidy pointed out that Allied's
first release is "It Happened on Fifth
Avenue," and other product slated for
Allied includes "Tragic Symphony,"
"The Gangster," "Smart Woman,"
and "Gun Crazy." The report also
drew attention to several high-budget
films which will be released under the
Monogram trade-mark, including
"Black Gold," "High Conquest," "The
Guilty" and "Violence."
Assure Veterans of
Film Cooperation
A three-day meeting of the film di-
vision of the Veterans Administration
concluded at the Hotel Pennsylvania
here yesterday with C. J. Scollard,
Paramount executive, and Theodore
Smith, assistant to Francis Harmon,
vice-president of the Motion Picture
Association, giving assurance of in-
dustry cooperation in the VA motion
picture program.
Representatives of the 13 VA film
offices around the country attended
the sessions, the purpose of which was
to match notes on distributing prints
from one hospital to the other and the
elimination of "red tape" in film af-
fairs within the Administration. Facil-
ities for 16mm. operation also were
taken up.
Shays Named to UA
Personnel Post
Philip R. Shays has been appointed
personnel and office manager of United
Artists' home office, effective immedi-
ately. He will assume duties previous-
ly handled by Robert Goldfarb, who
has transferred to the sales depart-
ment.
Shays recently served as director of
labor relations at the Henry Kaiser
plant in Bristol, Pa.
McGregor Is Transferred
Cleveland, Feb. 13. — RKO ex-
ploiteer, Don McGregor will come to
Cleveland from Portland, Ore., replac-
ing Peter Batory who replaces Mc-
Gregor in Portland.
To BOB O'DONNELL
General Manager,
Interstate Circuit.
Dear Bob,
This is probably the first time in history that a producer-distributor
has ever told an exhibitor that he feels the latter has given him a wonder-
ful deal on a picture. But I'd be less than honest, Bob, if I didn't tell you
that the contract you signed for the Interstate Circuit to play Roy Del
Ruth's "IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE" is one of the happiest
deals I've ever been connected with. You couldn't have given us better
terms if we were United Artists, MGM, Warners or any of the majors.
There's an extra something to this deal, however, that is especially
important to all of us at Allied Artists — and that's your glowing praise
of the picture as being the kind of entertainment you're proud to show
in Interstate Theatres. I want you to know that the encouragement given
to independents by showmen like yourself has been an important factor
in making possible so big an undertaking as "IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH
AVENUE."
Allied Artists is proud that Interstate will be among the first to play
its initial presentation, and we hope you'll find our succeeding pictures
equally fine.
Best regards to our friends in the Lone Star State.
Cordially,
Steve ISroidy
President,
Allied Artists Productions, Inc.
6
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 14, 1947
Paramount Appeal
Is Off the Press
Copies of Paramount's ap-
peal from the final decree in
the industry anti-trust suit,
scheduled to be filed in New
York Federal District Court
probably before March 1,
were received from the print-
er yesterday by counsel for
the company and now are
being checked at the home
office.
As of yesterday, M-G-M,
20th Century-Fox, Warners
and RKO were reported to be
still undecided on whether
they will file appeals. Colum-
bia's is on file and is sched-
uled to be followed by appeals
from United Artists, Univer-
sal and the Department of
Justice, as well as Paramount.
Review
"Calendar Girl"
(Republic)
A THEATRICAL boarding house in Greenwich Village, as it was in 1900,
is the scene of much merriment and melody, a little romance and, all
together, a good and carefree time for an audience. "Calendar Girl" really
has a wealth of infectious gaiety.
Jane Frazee, Gail Patrick, Kenny Baker, William Marshall, Irene Rich,
Victor McLaglen, James Ellison and Franklin Pangborn are the principals.
The picture has promotional possibilities galore, particularly in a contest for
a local "Calendar Girl." Republic is working on this on a nationwide basis.
Additionally, the musical score by Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamson
may be relied upon to assist in the selling, for at least a couple of the tunes
seem destined for the bigtime. The songs are "Calendar Girl," "New York
Is a Nice Place to Visit," "I'm Telling You Now," "Let's Have Some Pret-
zels and Beer," "A Bluebird Is Singing to Me" and "A Lovely Night to Go
Dancing."
Allan Dwan's direction smoothly interworks the abundance of musical ma-
terial with bits of comedy and plot. The screenplay, by Mary Loos, Richard
Sale and Lee Loeb, from an original by Loeb, brings Marshall and Ellison
from Boston to a room at Miss Rich's refuge for struggling artists, including
poet Baker and a host of other characters. Miss Frazee, daughter of fireman
McLaglen, lives next door. The title stems from a painting of Miss Frazee
done by Ellison which wins a calendar contest.
Baker, who is terrific, and Marshall do most of the vocals. After much
hullabaloo about Miss Frazee's romantic preference, Marshall's compositions
and McLaglen's rivalry with another fire company, the picture comes to a
tuneful close. Dwan also was associate producer.
Running time, 88 minutes. General audience classification. Release, Feb. 1.
Gene Arneel
Paramount Meet
(Continued from page 1)
phasize competitive-bidding proce-
dures, it appears that theatre divorce-
ment will be only a secondary topic,
inasmuch as Paramount believes
nothing definite can be decided about
compliance with the New York Fed-
eral District Court's partial-divesti-
ture order until the U. S. Supreme
Court has ruled on the company's ap-
peal.
Leonard H. Goldenson, president of
Paramount Theatre Service Corp., will
be among the home office executives
leaving here on Sunday for the meet-
ing and is expected to lead the discus-
sion_ of the general trend of product
coming from the studios, with special
emphasis on costs.
Cites RKO Deal
(Continu-ed from page 1)
Atlas' annual report, dated Dec. 31,
1946, Odium announced also that the
first quarterly dividend of 40 cents a
share on outstanding common stock
had been declared for payment on
March 20 to shareholders of record as
of Feb. 28. He told stockholders that
the indicated asset value of the com-
pany's common stock as of Dec. 31,
rose to approximately $36.06 a share
from $34.14 a year earlier. At the
year-end, he reported, the company
had a capital surplus of nearly $22,-
000,000, as well as unrealized appre-
ciation in securities aggregating ap-
proximately $22,000,000.
In reporting on the company's sale
in August of 400,000 shares of RKO
common, Odium pointed out that At-
las still remains the largest stock-
holder of RKO and continues to be ac-
tively identified with affairs of that
company. "Theatre attendance re-
mained at peak levels and the company
again enjoyed a profitable year, with
earnings substantially ahead of 1945,
the former record year," Odium said.
The annual report listed the cor-
poration's portfolio ownership of the
following film companies' common
stock: 2,000 shares of Loew's, listed
at $51,250 as of Dec. 31 ; 93,000 shares
of Paramount Pictures, at $3,022,500;
929,020 of Radio-Keith-Orpheum, at
$14,399,810 ; 327,812 of Radio-Keith-
Orpheum Corp. option warrants, $1,-
680,036; 10,000 20th Century-Fox,
$380,000; "91,700 Walt Disney Produc-
tions, $412,650; 5,000 Warner Broth-
ers, $88,125.
20th Retires 4,487
Preferred Shares
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 13.— Twentieth
Century-Fox has reduced its capital
stock 4,487 shares, from 4,693,875 to
4,589,388. This a routine move in line
with the company's preferred retire-
ment program. The reduction is based
on 1945 earnings.
Mrs. Nelson Burial
Hollywood, Feb. 13. — Final rites
for Mrs. Donald M. Nelson, wife of
the president of the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers,
who died yesterday, will be held here
tomorrow morning in the Church of
the Recessional. Burial will be at
Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Toler Rites Tomorrow
Hollywood, Feb. 13. — Funeral ser-
vices for actor Sidney Toler, who died
yesterday at his home here, will be
held here tomorrow at the Pierce
Brothers mortuary.
UK Export Ban
(Continued from page 1)
ish exhibitors, has become even more
so with their patrons in view of the
fact that government critics are "con- I
tinually harping" on the outflow of
dollars for U. S. pictures.
Stating that acceptance of the Selz- 1
nick proposal would be bad politically
and embarrassing to the industry in I
general, Fuller wired Johnstor '• '.'As I
the first episode from Ameria <— . is
regarded as a cynical commentary, 1
and Selznick should be advised to
lav off." Johnston's reply, he said,
noted that Neil Agnew, SRO presi-
dent, had authorized the price-in-
crease proposal on the understanding
that British policy in the matter was j
unsettled. The CEA council thanked
Johnston but emphasized that under
no circumstances would a policy of j
increased prices be tolerated.
Several exhibitors at the meeting
expressed annoyance at. what they
described as Fuller's endeavor to
"make capital" at Erbb's expense after
the original inquiry was made, es-
pecially in view of the fact that Erbb
acted immediately after his arrival in
this country and while he still was
inexperienced in the British field.
A spokesman for Neil Agnew,
Selznick Releasing Organization pres-
ident, said here yesterday that the
company's admission price policy for 1
showings of "Duel in the Sun" in [
England remained to be decided. SRO
still would like to have the prices
raised, he said, but added that fail-
ure to obtain higher scales would not
necessarily delay exhibition of the
picture in that country.
SRO Seeks House
For N.Y. 'Duel' Run
The Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion is in the market for a Broadway
"show-window" for David O. Selz-
nick's "Duel in the Sun," Neil Ag-
new, SRO president, declared yester- \
dav after indicating that the current j
deal with the Astor Theatre would
lapse shortly under the availability i
stipulation. Explaining that the
long-running "The Best Years of I
Our Lives" would probably keep |
"Duel" out of the Astor within the
terms of the contract, Agnew said
that the Selznick Organization has
already begun sounding out several
house managements on availability.
Two British Studios
Will Reopen Today
London, Feb. 13.— The Gainsbor-
ough and Islington studios, closed be-
cause of the nation's fuel crisis, will
reopen tomorrow and operate on the
power made by three carnival-ground
generators.
The newsreels, permitted by the gov-
ernment to use public power only to
process films for overseas distribu-
tion, resorted to various makeshift ar-
rangements to get out their midweek j
domestic issues. An oil-burning Diesel
generator was bought by Movietone
News. Gaumont-British used J. Ar-
thur Rank's Denham studio, which has
a private generator. Pathe obtained
electricity from generator vans.
Harry Musgrave Dead
Kansas City, Feb. 13. — Harry
Musgrave, owner of the Ritz The- ;
atre, Minneapolis, and the Kansas and
Columbian, Wamego, Kan., died last j
Monday. i
WARNER BROS/
TRADE SHOW
NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TERRITORIES ONLY
THAT WAY
WITH WOMEN
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20th
2:30 P. M.
HOME OFFICE SCREENING ROOM
321 West 44th St.
NEW YORK CITY
'41
Motion Picture Daily
7
United Artists Will
Appeal Next Week
United Artists will file notice of
appeal of the New York Federal
Court's equity decision early next
week, fojlewing authorization of the
action by the board of directors at a
meeting here Tuesday. The board ap-
pro'—--- appeal of any or all nine pro-
v'sOL_ Section 2 of the New York
decree.
Meanwhile, a meeting of indepen-
dent producers releasing through UA
is to be held Tuesday on the Coast
with Gradwell Sears, vice-president in
charge of distribution, and George
Raftery, UA counsel, in attendance to
outline changes in distribution con-
tracts necessitated by the ruling.
Distribution pacts now in operation
give the producer final right to ap-
prove or reject a booking. Conse-
quently, in competitive bidding deals,
UA could approve a certain license
only to have it turned down by _ the
producer. It follows that the exhibitor,
after having been awarded a film on a
bidding basis, could take legal action
if the picture is not delivered. As one
attorney familiar with the situation
put it, "the court did not recognize
UA's position, thus leaving the com-
pany 'behind the eight ball'." Sears
left for the Coast last night and Raf-
tery will leave Sunday. Donald Nel-
son, president of the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers,
also will attend the meeting.
The nine points on which appeal
may be taken concern minimum price
fixing, agreements on clearance sys-
tems, clearance between theatres not
in substantial competition, the burden
upon the distributor to sustain the
legality of any clearance attacked as
not legal, franchise deals, formula
deals and master agreements, single
sales, competitive bidding and arbi-
trary refusal of some run.
U.S. Arbitration
(Continued from page 1)
out a final law decree. The Justice
Department itself, however, proposed
the arbitration system be set up by
the court under the 1940 industry con-
sent decree.
On the other hand, the framework
and organization of an arbitration sys-
tem, with administrative personnel
working on the Government payroll,
could only be created by a special Act
of Congress, it is said.
The Government's future action in
the matter, however, may depend upon
the outcome of Supreme Court appeals.
Sen. Wallace H. White (Maine),
chairman of the Interstate and Foreign
Commerce Committee, commented that
he has previously been in opposition to
the enactment of legislation which
"regiments" industry. "A setup to
handle internal disputes might not be
regimentation," he said.
Sen. White pointed out that he has
previously opposed the theatre divorce-
ment and anti-block booking bill pro-
posed by Sen. William Langer. "The
situation may have changed from that
date and, of course, if any legislation
which will deal with the picture indus-
try comes before the committee, I will
consider it," White commented.
One of the glaring dangers of the
new judgment, according to exhibitor
spokesman, is the absence of arbitra-
tion. On the other hand, _ the_ Justice
Department does not desire industry
arbitration under the American Ar-
Reviews
"Over the Santa Fe Trail"
(Columbia)
A MATTER of music practically all the way, with Ken Curtis, a rather
expressionless cowboy hero, offering the spurs-and-saddle type of bal-
lads, with the "Hoosier Hot Shots" going through their zany routines, and
with Jennifer Holt, Noel Neill, the DeCastro Sisters and Art West and his
Sunset Riders also contributing to the songfest.
Colbert Clark's production, as directed by Ray Nazarro, gives the music the
upper hand to such an extent that the conventional outdoor action plot is
virtually rendered ineffectual.
Louise Rousseau's screenplay, from a story by Eileen Gary, considers the
plight of a medicine-show troupe beset by a band of outlaws swooping down
from the hills to relieve the group of its assets after every performance.
Strangely enough, each town they hit is troubled by a bank robbery. Curtis
digs to the roots of the crimes between songs. Guy Kibee, Guinn 'Big Boy'
Williams, Holmes Herbert and others are in the cast.
Running time, 63 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
Feb. 13. G. A.
"A Yank in Rome"
(Lux-World Wide)
BEGUILING simplicity and naturalness pervade this Italian-made film about
a fun-loving American soldier who, while on a furlough in Rome during
World War II, falls in love with an elusive, serious-minded signorina of un-
common blonde beauty. Produced by Lux Films, at what must have been
minimum cost since almost all of the scenes were shot against actual country-
side and metropolitan backgrounds, "A Yank in Rome" has dialogue in both
Italian and English, with English sub-titles provided when Italian is spoken,
which is most of the time. Because no compromise is made with the language
difference, realism and authenticity seem doubly strengthened and so dominate
the picture as to make certain defects, such as technically inferior photog-
raphy and a pedestrian pace, seem relatively minor.
Happily for the story's sweethearts themselves, however, there is actually no
language barrier, since the soldier, whose mother was Italian, has an advantage
over his comrades in being able to speak Italian fluently. . The maiden with
whom he falls in love is visiting Rome to hasten a shipment of relief supplies
to her destitute and bombed-out village. She takes particular pains to evade
the young man because, in addition to being too busy for frivolity, she misin-
terprets his persistent attentions as being those of just a soldier on a spree.
However, following a series of gay times, largely produced by chance circum-
stances, she comes to recognize his honorable intentions and admits her love
for him. Some of the action transpires in and near St. Peter's Cathedral, pro-
viding glimpse of a Papal ceremony and the architectural magnificence of the
edifice In the film's final scene, which embodies a poignant tribute to Italo-
American friendship, the soldier departs for the front promising to return to
the girl. ....
Valentina Cortese and Leo Dale, in the principal roles, top a competent cast
capably directed by Luigi Zampa. World Wide Film Corp. has here an im-
portation that is both pleasant entertainment and a strong booster for inter-
national brotherhood. ....
Running time, 110 minutes. General audience classification.
Charles L. Franke
bitration Association. Wright said,
however, that the Government would
like "compulsory" arbitration set up by
legislation for a "legal and sound"
court order.
The legal question which may bring
the entire arbitration matter before
Congress is that the Supreme Court
may not feel that it has the power to
impose compulsory arbitration to en-
force a decree in the industry anti-
trust case.
U. S. Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
is opposed to "voluntary" arbitration
as a means of enforcement of the de-
cree. Also, he said, the defendants
should not be permitted to determine
clearance for films. Wright refused to
comment on the Government's stand
on the competitive bidding plan. The
Government, it is believed, will make
little mention or issue of the bidding
system in its appeal inasmuch as that
practice was given as relief in the
case. The Government, of course, will
appeal for complete theatre divorce-
ment.
Attorney General Tom Clark has
already looked over proposed argu-
ments in the appeal and has approved
it.
U'Sales Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
discussion of selling and advertising
plans of "The Egg and I," and other
U-I product to be released during the
next six months. William A. Scully,
vice-president and general sales man-
ager, will preside at the two-day
meeting. John Joseph, national pub-
licity head, will discuss promotion.
Among others who will attend are
district managers P. T. Dana, Cleve-
land, Dave Miller, Buffalo, and J. J.
Scully, Boston ; branch managers Max-
Cohen, Cleveland, Francis J. Guehl,
Pittsburgh, Eugene Vogel, Albany,
J. J. Spandau, Buffalo, Arthur Green-
field, New Haven, E. Myer Feltman,
Boston, George E. Schwartz, Phila-
delphia, Harry J. Martin, Washing-
ton, David A. Levy, New York.
Also, A. W. Perry and Mark Plot-
tel from Canada, Nat Goldberg from
the New York exchange ; Lester
Zucker and Joe Oulahan, Eastern
sales representatives for the J. Arthur
Rank division; L. J. McGinlcy, Pres-
tige Pictures sales manager, and home
office executives A. J. O'Keefe, E. T.
Gomcrsall, William J. I Lineman,
Fred Meyers, F. 1. A. McCarthy,
E. L. McEvoy, F. T. Murray, B. G.
Krauze, James J. Jordan. Morris
Alin and Adolph Schimel.
Gould Re-shuffles
So. American Staff
Promotion of Jorge Suarez, United
Artists manager in Chile, to general
manager in Argentina, and appoint-
ment of A. W. Katz, the company's
pre-war manager in China and Japan,
to the post of manager in Singapore,
succeeding Fred S. Gulbransen, re-
signed, was announced here yesterday
by Walter Gould, foreign manager.
Suarez assumes the post made vacant
by the appointment of Sam Bekeris,
former Argentine head, to UA super-
visor of the southern tier of Latin-
American countries.
Arnoldo Binder, former assistant to
Suarez in Chile, has been promoted to
acting manager in that territory. Juan
Camarda, manager of the Valparaiso
branch, has been transferred to San-
tiago as assistant manager and has
been replaced as manager in Val-
paraiso by Edgardo Hartley, former
Santiago booker.
Ritchey of Monogram
Sets Brazil Company
Monogram Pictures of Brazil, Inc.,
has been organized by Monogram In-
ternational with offices in Rio de
Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre,
Curitiba and Recife, Norton V.
Ritchey, Monogram International
president, has announced.
H. Alfredo Steinberg, former Mon-
ogram representative in Brazil, has
been appointed general manager of the
new company.
Television
(Continued from page 1)
CBS is not only far from being ready
for_ commercialization but also has
basic limitations so that it can never
render a satisfactory commercial ser-
vice to the public, E. W. Engstrom,
vice-president in charge of research
for RCA Laboratories, testified.
_ F. J. Bingley, chief television en-
gineer _ of Philco Corp., again raised
the point of home reception to deter-
mine the value of color television. He
said that in seven out of eight test
locations within 25 miles of the trans-
mitter in New York a color picture
could not be seen even when elaborate
antenna installations, far too costly for
the average home owner, were re-
sorted to. Columbia engineers them-
selves conceded that it was useless to
even try to pick up the color signals
any more than 25 miles away.
Momand Case
(Continued from page 1)
Universal. Griffith Amusement also
was named in the original action,
which the Oklahoma City Federal Dis-
trict Court dismiss, -d in 1936.
An appeal was taken to the Circuit
Court of Appeals in Denver and there
dismissed, but without prejudice, thus
allowing a renewal of the suit after
technical changes in the petition.
Earlier, in a separate action, the
Oklahoma court ordered a $41,000
judgment against Paramount, and one
of $6,900 against Griffith.
The present case went to trial here
Jan. 6 after many proceedings con-
cerning the validity of the claim.
Another action by Momand against
the distributors is pending in Buffalo
Federal District Court.
Bl tfOR DRIFTS
NOR FReeZlMGCotD
IERIDAN in "NORA PRENTISS" KENT SMITH . BRUCE BENNETT* ROBERT ALDA- rosemary de cAMpjgj^^
r — ■ —
j. FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
•
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
i
VOL. 61. NO. 32
NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1947
TEN CENTS
M. P. Industry
Foundation
Is Chartered
Mid-May Trustees' Parley
Is Viewed by Goldenson
The Motion Picture Foundation
became a legal entity on Friday, a
certificate of incorporation and the
by-laws having been filed in the
District of Columbia, Leonard Golden-
son, chairman of the Foundation's
committee on organization, announced
at the weekend. In making the an-
nouncement, Goldenson, who is presi-
dent of Paramount Theatres Service
Corp., pointed out that the Founda-
tion is the first industry-wide founda-
tion of its kind to be established in
the U. S.
The next step to be taken in the
organization of the Foundation will
be the setting of exchange area meet-
ings, Goldenson said, for the purpose
of having a national trustee named
(Continued on page 8)
Boasberg Head of
New RKO Division
Revamping of RKO Radio's sales
organization, with Charles Boasberg
moving up today to assume direction
of a new division embracing the New
York Metropolitan district and the
Southeastern, Southwestern and Ca-
nadian districts, was announced Fri-
day by Robert Mochrie, vice-president
and general sales manager.
Leon S. Gruenberg, Rocky Moun-
tain district manager, has been as-
(Continitcd on page 8)
Para. Parley Opens
Today in Florida
St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 16. —
Public reaction to product that has
been attacked on grounds of morally
objectionable content, general theatre
operational problems and the subject
of competitive bidding are among the
items expected to bulk large at the
meeting of Paramount home office of-
ficials with theatre partners and asso-
ciates which will start here tomorrow
at the Ponce de Leon Hotel. The ses-
sions, which arc to continue through-
out the week, will also hear discus-
sions by attorneys Louis Phillips and
Walter Gross of the final decree in
the industry anti-trust suit and the
problems to be confronted in operat-
ing under it.
20th-Fox In
NY Sales Meet
The first postwar national sales
conference of 20th Century-Fox will
open here today at the Hotel Astor
with Tom J. Connors, vice-president
in charge of
d i s t r i b u -
tion, presiding.
The conference
will continue
through Wed-
nesday during
which time dis-
cussions will
cover new sales
procedures and
other plans for
the company's
1947 product. In
attendance will
be divisional
sales managers,
district and
branch managers and home office ex-
ecutives headed by Spyros P. Skouras,
president.
Today's meeting will center about
discussions of the general operation
of the company in the light of the re-
cent court decree, and plans will be
(Continued on page 8)
Tom Connors
Warner Looks for
US-UK Agreement
Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Optimistic
over future international trade rela-
tions in the motion picture field, Jack
L. Warner, production head of War-
ner Bros., is here from a New York
visit and after more than two months
surveying conditions and concluding a
number of deals for his company in
England and in Europe. He predicts a
new British- American film trade
{Continued on page 3)
Schaefer to
Enterprise
Hollywood, Feb. 16. — George
Schaefer, formerly president of RKO
and vice-president of Paramount and
United Artists, was elected vice-
p resident
in charge of
distribution for
Enterprise Stu-
dios at a meet-
ing of its board
of directors held
here at the
weekend.
Schaefer was
national chair-
man of the War
Activities Com-
mittee of the
motion picture
industry,
his war record
winning him the
first Motion Picture Association
award for civic and patriotic service.
Schaefer will be in complete charge
of all Enterprise distribution, heading
the company's sales activities both
here and abroad. He will establish an
Enterprise home office in New York
(Continued on page 8)
George Schaefer
Universal and
Columbia Hold
Off on Bidding
United Artists Defers
Action on 200 Requests
By TOM LOY
Although the competitive-bidding
method of selling pictures is being
adopted increasingly among the five
distributing companies which have
been parties to the six-year-old con-
sent decree, Universal, Columbia and
possibly United Artists will not in-
augurate competitive sales prior to the
July 1 effective date set up by the
New York Federal District Court and
probably will seek a postponement of
the bidding order if the U. S. Supreme
Court is unable to act upon it by that
time.
William A. Scully, Universal
vice-president and general sales
manager, declared at the week-
(Continued on page 8)
U-I Sets $850,000
Ad Budget on 'Egg'
An advertising budget of approxi-
mately $850,000 has been allocated for
Universal-International's "The Egg
and I," John Joseph, U-I director of
advertising and publicity, told a re-
gional . sales meeting of the company's
Eastern and Canadian executives at
the Hotel Astor here Friday. The ad
budget is the biggest to be set by the
company for a single picture.
Chicago Ist-Run Prices
Now at an All-time High
Chicago, Feb. 16. — Gradually and
without fanfare all Loop theatres have
been raising admission prices until to-
day admissions arc at the highest peak
they have ever been in the history of
the local motion picture business.
A survey discloses that the increase
for the most part lias taken effect in
day-time prices. Whereas, only a few
short months ago adult admission
prices at B. and K. houses during the
morning were 55 cents with 65-cent
prices going into effect at noon or at
one P.M., today every single B. and
K. Loop house is charging a straight
95 cents from opening until closing.
The only Loop theatre still charg-
ing a 65-cent day-time price is the
RKO-Palace. Tin's price is adhered to
until five P.M. at which time 95 cents
goes into effect.
All prices quoted include the tax.
SCTOA Accepts Bid
To Forum Meeting
Los Angeles, Feb. 16.— The
Southern California Theatre Owners
Association board has accepted the
invitation of Fred Wehrenberg,
MPTOA president, to attend the na-
tional independent exhibitor meeting
at the Astor Hotel, New York, on
March 10 and 11, to discuss forma-
tion of a motion picture forum and
development of a new industry ar-
bitration system. Paul Williams,
(Continued on page 8)
14 Univ. Directors
U p for Reelection
Reelection of 14 directors and au-
thorization to retire 155,000 shares of
Universal common stock issued in
connection with the acquisition by the
company of the assets of International
Pictures, last summer will be asked
at the annual meeting of Universal
stockholders to be held at Wilming-
ton, Del. on March 12.
Directors slated for reelection are :
Robert S. Benjamin, Nate J. Blum-
(Continucd on page 8)
In This Issue
"Fear in the Night" is re-
viewed on page 3.
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 17, 1947 |
Personal
Mention
CHARLES D. PRUTZMAN,
Universal vice-president and gen-
eral counsel, will leave for Nassau,
B. I., with Mrs. Prutzman on Wed-
nesday for a vacation of several
weeks.
•
Arthur De Bra and Glendon
Allvine of the Motion Picture As-
sociation's New York public relations
staff, will return here today from Al-
bany, where they spent the weekend
on Children's Film Library business.
•
Sidney G. Alexander, film account
executive of the Brisacher, Van Nor-
den and Staff advertising agency, is
due to return here from the Coast
either tomorrow or Wednesday.
•
Alton Cook, World-Telegram mo-
tion picture critic, and Isadore Gold-
smith, British producer, will discuss
"Is Hollywood Losing Leadership to
British Films?" over CBS tonight.
•
Cresson E. Smith, personal rep-
resentative to Phil Reisman, RKO-
Radio vice-president in charge of for-
eign operations, left for South Africa
at the weekend.
•
Robert Mochrie, vice-president
and general sales manager of RKO
Radio, has returned to New York from
Toronto.
•
Jack L. Warner, Warner Broth-
ers' production vice-president, left
New York for the Coast on Friday by
plane.
•
George Berger, treasurer of the
W. S. Butterfield Theatres, Detroit,
was married in Chicago yesterday to
Phylis Wall.
•
Joseph J. Deitch, Paramount the-
atre executive, will leave New York
today for a two-week tour of the Mid-
West.
•
Marvin Schenck, Eastern studio
representative of M-G-M, will leave
New York today for Hot Springs,
Ark.
e
Will H. Hays will be at his Hid-
den Valley ranch in California until
April.
•
Bert Sanford, Altec - Lansing-
sales manager, has been in Atlanta
from New York.
•
Irving Rapper. Warner director,
has returned to the Coast from New
York.
•
Jules Levey, United Artists pro-
ducer, has left New York for New
Orleans.
•
Harvey Day, Eastern representa-
tive for Jules Levey, has left by train
for Hollywood.
•
Harry H. Thomas, president and
general sales manager of Producers
Releasing Corp., has arrived from the
•Coast.
Tradewise . . .
By SHERWIN KANE
ROBERT L. WRIGHT, as-
sistant to the Attorney Gen-
eral in charge of prosecution of
the anti-trust suit against the in-
dustry, told Motion Picture
Daily's Washington correspon-
dent late last week that the De-
partment, which presumably
means Wright, is opposed to vol-
untary arbitration.
The New York Federal court
has retained jurisdiction of the
anti-trust case and it would seem
obvious that, whether arbitration
continued in the industry or not,
the Department or any other in-
terested party could go to the
court for "enforcement" orders
or relief as occasion warranted.
Arbitration would not supplant
or cancel that right.
Mr. Wright, it would seem,
would prefer that exhibitors and
distributors ' be required to go
through the costly and time-con-
suming routine of court proce-
dures with every one of the
hundreds of disagreements
which are sure to arise when the
provisions of the New York-
court decree are in effect. Ap-
parently, he is not even interest-
ed in observing what new pro-
cedures and rules of arbitration
could be worked out by exhibitor
and distributor to make industry
arbitration more effective in the
future than many exhibitors have
found it to be in the past.
Mr. Wright says uncompromis-
ingly that he is opposed to volun-
tary arbitration in the industry.
Simultaneously, the word goes
out that the Department is giv-
ing thought to approaching Con-
gress for legislation which would
set up a Government arbitration
bureau for the industry. Pre-
sumably, this would be done only
in the event the Supreme Court
decisions on appeals in the in-
dustry anti-trust case made such
a course appear to be advisable
to the Department. Arbitration
would be compulsory under the
Department's plan.
That would be Government
control and interference in the
industry with a vengeance.
Those exhibitors who are leary
of arbitration even when on a
voluntary basis would do well to
examine carefully this new de-
velopment. Many of them, de-
spite the Department's record in
this case, blindly persist in re-
garding the Department as the
exhibitor's champion.
Wh'at are the recent facts ?
By far the great majority of
exhibitors have been and still are
opposed to competitive bidding
for films as ordered under the
New York court decree.
The Department, fully aware of
that opposition, did absolutely
nothing to put the exhibitor
viewpoint before the court or to
have the order modified.
In desperation, the exhibitors
brought their own pleadings to
the court. Some of them were
mocked and disparaged by the
Department. Others, who sought
to intervene in the suit, were op-
posed by the Department in that
effort and, fantastically enough,
on the ground that the Depart-
ment adequately represented ex-
hibition in the case.
Next, a large segment of ex-
hibition, realizing the controver-
sy that inevitably will develop
with application of the New
York decree, essay an attempt to
improve industry arbitration to
a degree which would offer some
hope of keeping litigants out of
the courts throughout the length
and breadth of the land.
The Department makes known
its unalterable opposition to vol-
untary arbitration, wanted by
many exhibitors, and, lets it be
known that it has given some
thought, instead, to asking Con-
gress for legislation to make ar-
bitration compulsory under a
Government bureau.
That, certainly, is something
no exhibitor has asked for and
something no exhibitor in his
right mind would welcome.
Theoretically, it is true that
the Department of Justice repre-
sents the exhibitor in the indus-
try suit. Unfortunately, there
are many kinds of representation,
as all who have observed the
workings of Government agree.
• «
This week the industry in all
its branches will be contributing
its vital and always effective
services to the observance of
American Brotherhood Week.
The production community has
contributed an eloquent film
which distribution will supply to
theatres. Screening of the film
and obtaining pledges to observe
the spirit and the letter of
American Brotherhood are the
contributions of exhibition. It is,
of course, through the theatres
as much or more than through
any other media, that public con-
sciousness of and support for the
splendid aims of the National
Conference of Christians and
Jews will be enlarged in time to
the point at which there no long-
er will be need for a brotherhood
News reel
Parade
fiANINE fanciers and sports de-
w votees, as well as students of
world affairs, should especially find
current newsreels entertaining and in-
structive. Spotlighted are the Madi-
son Square Garden dog show, bob-
sledding, surf-riding , skiing, more on
the Palestine crisis, the carnival in
Niccr new developments in the battle
of the Georgia governors. President
Truman being honored by Greek Art
bishop Athenagoras, and sundry oti
domestic and foreign items. Com
plete contents follow :
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 49— "Task
Force Frost" tests U. S. Army winter
equipment. Georgia judge rules Herman
Talmadge is legal governor. President Tru-
man gets a Greek decoration. Assay Com-
mission tests U. S. coins. Churchill's
daughter weds. Carnival time on the Ri-
viera. Fashions at Grand Canyon. Sports:
Madison Square Garden dog show, Austra-
lian surf carnival.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 247— British
start Palestine evacuations. Churchill's
daughter weds. Battle of, the Georgia gov-
ernors. Claude Jarman, Jr., boy film star,
is honored. Archbishop of Greece makes
award to Truman. Army's "Operation
Frigid." Canine champs at Madison Square
Garden. Bob-sledding.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. SO^World's
biggest dog show at Madison Square Gar-
den. People in the eyes of the world: Col.
Jack W. Durant, President Truman and
Greek Archbishop Athenagoras, Amir Saud,
crown prince of Arabia. Report from Pal-
estine. Nice's famous carnival revived.
Fuel crisis paralyzes Britain.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 52 — British
families flee Palestine. Truman and U. S.
honor Lincoln. Gay carnival in Nice. Trial
of Hesse jewel case. New way to aid
wounded. Tokyo firemen in show. Army
task force in the Arctic. Mayor O'Dwyer
fights New York subway fare rise.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 13— U. S.
Army tests its men, guns and tanks under
zero weather conditions. Riviera has a car-
nival. Daring rescue of marooned British
seamen. Westminister Dog Show at Madi-
son Square Garden. Bob-sled races in
France. Central U. S. ski meet.
NY .Washington MP A
Staffs Meet Here
The New York and Washington
staffs of the Motion Picture Associa-
tion met here Friday to coordinate
the functions of both offices. The
Washington group included Eric A.
Johnston, president, who presided ;
Kenneth Clark, director of public re-
lations, and Johnston's special assis-
tants, Edward T. Cheyfitz, Jack Bry-
son and Joyce O'Hara. Francis Har-
mon, New York vice-president, is now
vacationing in Palm Springs.
Loss Leaves Cinecolor
Hollywood, Feb. 16. — William
Loss, who became vice-president of
Cinecolor two months ago, announced
his resignation on Friday. No suc-
cessor has been named. Loss will
return to New York soon.
Colby to Paramount
Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Anita Colby,
recently with Selznick Enterprises,
will join Paramount shortly as a
member of vice-president Henry Gins-
berg's executive staff.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco.
New .York. Martin Quigley, President: Red Kann, Vice-President: Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President: Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau,(624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington. Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, 'Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Monday, February 17, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
3
Review
"Fear in the Night"
(Paramount )
Hollyzvood, Feb. 16
AS his first directorial chore for producers William Pine and William
Thomas, Maxwell Shane selected a story by William Irish, and himself
adapted it— most ingeniously — to the screen. The combination of flashback
and narrative, a device employed for the presentation of a good part of the
picture, is far more skilfully handled by Shane than by various veteran direc-
tors who have lately attempted it. In his hands the story emerges as a melo-
drama of compelling interest, certain sequences of which are guaranteed to
raise the short hairs on the customers' napes.
DeForest Kelley, portraying the part of a bank clerk whose only distinctive
characteristic is an extreme docility, is the protagonist one night of a strange
dream in which he kills a man. The murder takes place in a mirror-lined
room, and is witnessed by a blonde woman. Other details of the dream
include an odd-shaped key, and a button torn from the corpse's coat.
When Kelley awakens, he finds the key and the button among his personal
effects. Convinced that his nightmare was no dream but an actual incident,
he appeals to his brother-in-law for help. The latter, a hard-headed detective,
places little credence in the story until the pair stumble upon the very room
in which the murder was committed, and find traces there of the dire deed.
How Kelley extricates himself from a damning net of evidence, and how
the person actually responsible for the murder is exposed, are matters it would
be unfair to divulge. Suffice it to say that the denouement is both suspenseful
and convincing. Particularly effective is Jack Greenhalgh's photography of
the sequences conveying the nightmare quality of certain of Kelley's ex-
periences. Paul Kelly, Kay Scott, Ann Doran, Robert Emmett Keane, Jeff
Yorke and Charles Victor round out the cast, with the first-named outstanding
in the role of detective.
Running time, 71 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Thalia Bell
Extend British Ban
On Film Showings
London, Feb. 16. — The British gov-
ernment's fuel ban, brought about by
the nation's coal shortage, has been
extended to forbid children's matinee
shows before four P.M., with 3 :30
now stipulated as the time for re-
moter areas, including Scotland. Here-
tofore a similar ban applied only to
adults. Under time limitations also are
usages of theatre organs, electrically-"
Jp^erated curtains, decorative lighting,
~ Concurrently with issuance of the
new ban, the government has admon-
ished the industry that unless the
most extreme economy is employed in
the crisis, even present concessions
will be cancelled.
Except for West End matinee thea-
tres and houses in snowbound areas,
exhibitors generally report a slight
falling off in business, but they have
discovered in many instances that peo-
ple who normally attend races, now
completely banned, are turning to mo-
tion pictures. Tributes have been
widely paid to the transport arrange-
ments which, despite ice- and snow-
bound roads, are keeping the supply
of films moving. Nevertheless, behind
the scenes there is considerable appre-
hension about the future, in view of
the closing of laboratories.
Myers Attacks C. & 0.
'Theatre on Wheels'
Washington, Feb. 16. — Abram F.
Myers, Allied States counsel, charged
here on Friday that the new "Theatre
on Wheels," established by the Chesa-
peake and Ohio Railroad and Univer-
sal, is "possibly illegal" and a matter
which may interest the Interstate
Commerce Commission. Myers says
that he will bring the matter to the
attention of the ICC.
Myers declared that this is the first
time that a major film company "ac-
tively connived" in putting pictures in
a premium or give-away class. "Hard-
pressed exhibitors during the depres-
sion were criticized for giving away
dishes in order to stimulate atten-
dance ; now the C. & O. gives away
movies in order to promote travel,"
Myers asserted.
Universal home office officials de-
clined to comment on Abram Myers'
attack on the "Theatre on Wheels."
2 More Sentenced
In Army Film Case
Abe Robert Goldstein has been sen-
tenced to 90 days and a $300 fine on
his plea of guilty to the Grand Jury
indictment charging him and four
other defendants with having taken
and carried away for their own use,
and with intent to steal, United States
property from the Army's Photo-
graphic Center at Long Island City.
The Government property was the
motion picture "Cinderella Jones.'"
Melvin Maurice Baker was fined $100
on his plea of guilty to the same
count, but received a suspended sen-
tence and was put on a year's pro-
bation.
The three remaining defendants,
who had previously pleaded guilty to
the same count, had been sentenced
in U. S. District Court on January
17 to a fine of $100 each and 30 days
in " jail.
Films, Local Groups
To Aid Brotherhood
"American Brotherhood Week"
was launched nationally yesterday in
theatres concurrently with an an-
nouncement by Dr. Everett R. Clin-
chy, president of the National Con-
ference of Christians, and Jews, that
film houses will serve as focal points
for 9,000 groups forming permanent
brotherhood committees to fight group
prejudice. Spyros P. Skouras, chair-
man of the industry's Brotherhood
drive, states that a preliminary check
shows that exhibitors across the
country had indicated industry co-op-
eration .in formation of permanent local
groups to fight prejudice throughout
the year.
Under the NCCJ's plan, theatres
would serve as community centers in
gaining the support of representatives
in each community to serve as an ac-
tive group in situations requiring the
mobilization of public opinion. These
groups would attempt to determine the
causes of prejudice and take steps
to prevent their spreading.
New E-L Radio Manager
Patrece Snyder has been named
radio manager for Eagle-Lion Films,
/by Max E. Youngstein, director of
advertising-publicity. She has been
serving as special assistant to Young-
stein since joining Eagle-Lion four
months ago. A native of Spokane,
Miss Snyder entered the industry
three years ago as a member of 20th
Century-Fox's exploitation depart-
ment.
Favor More B.C. Theatres
Washington, Fell. 16. — Fifty-one
per cent of Washington area resi-
dents interviewed by the Washington
Post in a poll believe there arc not
sufficient places of entertainment in
this city, with the majority recom-
mending construction of more film
houses.
Marx Heads Group
On Video Problems
Action of Wood, Dolson Co., New
York apartment management firm,
in refusing to give tenants permission
to erect television antennae "until
such time as some scientific method
has been devised for a master aerial,"
has prompted the Television Broad-
casters Association to designate Ernest
A. Marx, general manager of the
Allen B. DuMont Laboratories re-
ceiver division, to organize the TBA's
affiliate members with a view to meet-
ing this problem and others confront-
ing the industry.
Most industry observers believe the
master aerial difficulty will be solved
in the fairly near future, before too
many landlords adopt the stand taken
by Wood, Dolson.
New Television Outfit
Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Broadway
producer John Wildberg has an-
nounced formation of the Wildberg
Television Production Corp., with
headquarters in New York, to which
he will devote his entire time. The
new company already has several
large industrial firms and advertising
agencies as clients.
'Yearling' in Midwest
M-G-M's "The Yearling" will have
its Midwestern premiere at the State
Lake, Chicago, Feb. 21). This will
mark the third opening for the film,
now in its eighth week at the Carthay
Circle, Los Angeles, and in its third
week at Radio City Music Hall, New
York.'
Korda Signs Leigh
Vivien Leigh lias been signed by
Alexander Korda to star in "Anna
Karenina," novel by Count Leo Tol-
stoy. Production will start at Konla's
London Studio April 15, under direc-
tion oi Julien Duvivier.
De Mille Urges U. S.
Ban on Closed Shop
Washington, Feb. 16.— Cecil B.
DeMille voiced opposition to the
closed shop in appearing before the
Senate labor and public welfare com-
mittee on Friday. He charged that
closed shop practices are keeping-
fresh and needed talent from the
screen.
DeMille charged labor unions with
practicing monopoly. He told the com-
mittee that the leadership in the cur-
rent Hollywood strike was not exag-
gerating when one of its spokesmen
said : " W e contemplate putting out a
bill so everyone in the country has to
join a union, and you will be in a
bad fix^ when it comes to that."
DeMille emphasized that he ap-
peared before the committee as "a pri-
vate citizen and not as a spokesman
for any group."
Cecil B. DeMille will be Para-
mount's guest at a trade press lunch-
eon on Wednesday at the 21 Club
here.
Coast Unit to Build
Drive-in Circuit
Hollywood, Feb. 16.— United States
Drive-In Theatres has been formed to
operate theatres within a 35-mile ra-
dius of Los Angeles under the Hol-
hngshead patent owned by Park-In
Theatres, Inc., of Camden, N. J., an
affiliated corporation.
Charles A. Caballero is president,
William. R. Forman and Gus C. Dia-
mond are vice-presidents, and John H.
Tingle is treasurer of the new com-
pany.
Name Peterson Aide
To Schary at RKO
Edgar Peterson has been signed to
a five-year contract by RKO Radio
as executive assistant to Dore Schary,
vice-president in charge of production,
the home office reported here at the
weekend.
For two years Peterson was asso-
ciated with Schary at Vanguard Pro-
ductions and at RKO Radio when
Schary produced four.
US-UK Agreement
( Continued from page 1 )
agreement will be made this spring.
Warner said, "It seems likely some
restrictive quota will be placed on
Hollywood product, but 1 am satis-
fied that the real future of all inter-
national film relations — not alone w ith
England — is in the hands of hundreds
of millions of theatregoers themselves.
"Entertainment cannot he created
by legislation. It can be excluded or
curtailed by quotas, license require-
ments and other controls, but only
with consequent loss to both sides. It
is futile for two great nations to set
up artificial barriers against free in-
terchange of creative art and construc-
tive films which can w ork importantly
for better international understanding
and strengthening of world peace. The
only basis for consideration should be
quality. If a picture is good, there is
welcome for it everywhere. If is bad,
no amount of protective action can
make it acceptable to entertainment
seekers in its own or any other coun-
try."
NOW
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8
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 17, 1947
LOWERY
PATRICIA
MORISON
J. EDWARD
BROMBERG \
JOHN
MILJAN
'PieACKted 6y
ROBERT L. LIPPERT
Distributed b^CREEN
GUILD PRODUCTIONS
'BRANCH OFFICES"
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CAHAVA!
Bidding
(Continued from four 1)
end that his company definitely
would offer no pictures on the
bidding basis prior to July 1,
while attorney Louis Frohlich
said Columbia will wait as long
as possible, pending the out-
come of his appeal from the
final decree in the industry an-
ti-trust suit, which already has
been filed.
These companies, which were not
parties to the consent decree, have
been selling their year's product in
many situations at the beginning of
each season. They desire to continue
doing so. A shift to competitive sales,
picture by picture, at this time would
be a radical and difficult change in
their method of doing business, they
point out.
United Artists, although selling
films singly for its independent pro-
ducers, likewise is opposed to competi-
tive bidding and will appeal from the
provision. The Society of Independent
M. P. Producers, including many re-
leasing through UA, are on record
before the New York court as wishing
to preserve the right to choose their
customers. UA has received some 200
requests from theatres wanting to bid
for its product, a company spokesman
said at the weekend, but none of these
have been considered as yet.
Two of the companies which have
operated under the consent decree,
M-G-M and RKO Radio, already
have entered into formal competitive
bidding in a number of situations
where it has been requested. "Com-
petitive negotiations," which involve
sending salesmen to houses asking to
become new customers, have been
started by 20th Century-Fox and have
resulted in some new accounts. Para-
mount is understood to be planning
bidding sales in the near future, ex-
cept to its "partner" group of thea-
tres. Warners has made no competi-
tive sales as yet and does not plan to
do so until required to by law. War-
ner theatres, however, will enter bids
where necessary in order to obtain
product, it was reported following dis-
cussion of the subject at a meeting of
zone managers here last week.
If and when the court's bidding or-
der goes into effect, however, even
those distributors which were not par-
ties to the anti-trust suit may be af-
fected, in the opinion of some industry
attorneys. Accordingly, PRC and
Monogram are making a study of the
subject. Edward Morey, Monogram
vice-president, said his company may
adopt the system. PRC is awaiting
the recommendation of counsel, ac-
cording to vice-president Lloyd Lind.
No statement on Republic's policy was
available at the weekend in the ab-
sence of vice-president J. Grainger.
H. Mayer Named WB
Talent Head in N.Y.
Harry Mayer has been appointed
Warner talent director in charge of
all company talent activities out of
New York. Mayer will also continue
his present duties as head of the talent
booking department for Warner Thea-
tres, and in addition will take over
supervision of scouting operations for
new talent in the U. S., Canada.
England and Europe.
SCTOA Accepts
(Continued from page 1)
SCTOA executive secretary, was
designated to represent the organiza-
tion at the meeting. He will be ac-
companied bv Harry Vinnicoff, mem-
ber of the SCTOA board.
The Pacific Coast Conference of
Independent Theatre Owners, fol-
lowing the Allied States "party line,"
declined an invitation to attend the
New York meeting.
The SCTOA, in accepting the in-
vitation, urged that "a united exhib-
itor front" be presented at the meet-
ing to plan and build constructively
in order to overcome the uncertain-
ties of the future.
M.P. Foundation
(Continued from page 1)
for each area. It is hoped, he said,
that these meetings will be held in
March, with all details completed by
mid-April so that by mid-May a
meeting of the national trustees can
be held preliminary to putting the
foundation into full operation. By
the time the May meeting is held.
Goldemon said, the Foundation's goal,
a $10,000,000 fund to be used for in-
tra-industry welfare purnoses, is ex-
pected to be reached and perhaps be
considerably augmented by special be-
quests.
20th-Fox Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
formulated for future sales operation
under it.
Tuesday's meeting will be devoted
to sales procedure and a report by
Skouras on his recent studio confer-
ences with Darryl F. Zanuck and Jo-
seph M. Schenck on forthcoming pic-
tures.
During the three-day sessions there
will be addresses by Connors, John
F. Caskey, counsel, general sales man-
ager William J. Kupper, divisional
sales managers Herman Wobber,
Harry Ballance and Andrew W.
Smith, Jr. W. C. Gehring, Central
division sales manager, who is con-
valescing from a recent operation at
the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.,
will not be able to attend the meetings.
DON'T SIGN until you first learn about Filmack's
New Prevue Trailer Service — ready NOW! Write,
wire, phone Filmack, 1321 S Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Schaefer to Enterprise
(Continued from page 1)
immediately upon his return to that
city.
Schaefer started a series of con-
ferences here Friday at Enterprise
Studios, climaxed by a dinner Sat-
day night in his honor, with Enter-
prise stars and producing partners at-
tending, include Charles Boyer, John
Garfield, Joel McCrea, Ginger Rog-
ers, Norma Shearer, Barbara Stan-
wyck, and David Lewis, Lewis Mile-
stone, Wolfgang Reinhardt, R. B.
Roberts, Robert Rossen, Harry Sher-
man, board chairman I )avid Loru ,
Enterprise president Charles KinfeS
He will confer with Ingrid Berg-
man immediately upon his arrival in
New York and will go into a series of
meetings with distribution executives
of Loew's International, through
whose foreign exchanges Enterprise
will release outside of the U. S. and
Canada. At the same time he will
plan meetings with distribution heads
of United Artists, which will release
Enterprise product domestically.
New RKO Division
(Continued from page 1)
signed to New York to replace Boas-
berg as Metropolitan district mana-
ger.
With the new division RKO Radio
now will have three major sales divi-
sions: Western, headed by Walter
E. Branson; Eastern, under Nat
Levy, and the newly-created one.
Boasberg, who joined RKO in 1931
as salesman in Buffalo, was advanced
until, in April, 1944, he assumed the
Metropolitan managership. Guen-
berg, who began his association with
RKO in 1934 as Minneapolis branch
salesman, is captain of the 1947 "Ned
Depinet Drive."
Under the re-divisioning, the South-
eastern district, now part of the added
division, is headed by David Prince
in Atlanta, and the Southwestern dis-
trict is headed by Ben Y. Cammack
in Dallas. Phil Hodes is manager
of the New York exchange, while
Leo M. Devaney continues as Ca-
nadian district manager.
14 Univ. Directors
(Continued from page 1)
berg, Paul G. Brown, J. Cheever
Cowdin, Preston Davie, Matthew
Fox, William J. German, John J.
O'Connor, Ottavio Prochet, Charles
D. Prutzman, J. Arthur Rank, Budd
Rogers, Daniel M. Sheaffer and G. I.
Woodham-Smith. Benjamin and
Woodham-Smith were elected to the
board during the past year. D. C.
Collins, W. H. Taylor, Jr., and Cliff
Work retired from the board during
the year.
Fire Destroys Theatre
Atlanta, Feb. 16. — Fire of unde-
termined origin has destroyed the
Martin and Thompson Princess The-
atre and the circuit's headquarters at
Hawkinsville. All home office records
were destroyed, which caused dam-
ages estimated at $125,000.
SCREENCRAFT PICTURES, INC.
341 West 44th St.. N. Y. C. 18
35MM — Distributors of — 16MM
FEATURES, WESTERNS,
COMEDIES and SHORTS
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
NO. 33
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1947
TEN CENTS
RKO Reports
Progress in
Ending Pools
4 With Majors Already
Dissolved: Kingsberg
By TOM LOY
Having completed termination of its
four pools with other distributor-
owned theatre circuits, RKO Theatres
now is in the process of ending the
few pools it has
with independ-
ent exhibitors
and anticipates
no difficulty in
completing the
latter task by
the July 1 dead-
line which the
Federal D i s -
trict Court has
set, in the New
York case, ac-
cording- to Mal-
colm Kings-
berg, president
of the com-
pany, who has
returned here following a month's va-
cation and business trip to the Coast.
{Continued on page 10)
Malcolm Kingsberg
Berge Will Keep
Swinging Till End
Washington, Feb. 17. — Wendell
Berge, whose resignation as head of
the anti-trust division of the Depart-
ment of Justice will take effect on
May 1, will map Government
strategy in connection with its own
and defense appeals to the U. S. Su-
preme Court in the industry anti-
trust suit, prior to his departure from
(.Continued on page 10)
Marshall, Clayton
To Aid Film Pacts
Washington, Feb. 17. — Undersec-
retary of State William Clayton has
pledged his complete support to Eric
Johnston, president of the Motion
Picture Association, in the effort
to eliminate trade barriers imposed
upon films abroad. Clayton in particu-
lar promised to support MPA efforts
{Continued on page 10)
20th-Fox Will
Not Appeal
Court Decision
That 20th Century-Fox will not
appeal the decision in the New-
York Federal Court case became
apparent yesterday during the open-
ing sessions of the first annual sales
meeting since the war, being held
through tomorrow, at the Hotel As-
tor here.
Distribution methods under
the industry anti-trust decree
was the focal point of the dis-
cussions yesterday, as divisional
sales, district and branch man-
agers convened to smooth out
company policy on such points
as clearances and competitive
negotiations on licensing.
With 20th-Fox apparently prepared
to adopt competitive bidding practices
after July 1, the date set by the New
{Continued on page 11)
Grainger Presides
At Dallas Meeting
Dallas, Feb. 17. — James R. Grain-
ger, Republic executive vice-presi-
dent in charge of sales and distribu-
tion, presided today at the opening
session of a three-day sales meeting
and introduced Walter L. Titus, Jr.,
in his new capacity as Southern di-
vision sales manager.
The meetings are being attended by
Southwestern district sales manager
Norman J. Colquhoun, branch man-
agers Thomas Burton Kirk, Dallas ;
Nat Wyse, Memphis, and David
Hunt, Oklahoma City, as well as by
the Dallas sales force.
Senate Passes Bill
To Keep Excise Tax
Washington, Feb. 17.— A bill
to retain excise taxes, includ-
ing the 20 per cent levy on
admissions, at wartime levels
was adopted today by the
Senate. Because of amend-
ments differing from the
legislation passed by the
House last month, the two
bills will now go to a confer-
ence committee comprising
members of both houses.
Cohn Without Col.
Contract Since '45,
Stockholders Told
Harry Cohn, Columbia Pictures
president, has been working without
a contact since June 30, 1945, when
his last pact with the company ex-
pired, it is revealed in letters to stock-
holders of the company signed by
Charles Schwartz, secretary.
Simultaneously, notice is given to
stockholders that a meeting will be
held at the home office on March 11,
in lieu of the annual meeting of stock-
holders, at which time seven directors
will be elected and shareholders will
be asked to approved new employ-
ment contracts with Jack Cohn, ex-
ecutive vice-president, and Abe Mon-
tague, vice-president in charge of do-
mestic sales, together with the issu-
ance of stock options to Montague,
B. B. Kahane, Lester Roth, Irving
Briskin and Gerald Rackett.
Relating that Harry Cohn's present
salary, $182,000 a year, is the same as
it was in 1932, the letter to stock-
holders says : "Our directors feel that
it is important that a new contract be
made with Mr. Cohn assuring the
(Continued on page 11)
"My Favorite Brunette"
[Paramount] — Hope Clicks Again
YOU might call this a companion piece to one Bob Hope made in
1942. Madeleine Carroll was his opposite number in the early one
which was titled "My Favorite Blonde." Dorothy Lamour is the
feminine lure this time which, no doubt, explains why it's "My Favorite
Brunette." More to the point is the fact that this is an attraction tailored
astutely for Hope and the Hopian talents, and a perfectly swell hunk of
box-office merchandise.
Bob tells his story in the death cell block al San Quentin w here he is
about to enter the gas chamber, convicted for the murder of Reginald
Denny. In retrospect to reporters, he tells how he got thai way. This is
how l
A baby photographer, and like practically everybody else, Hope wants
(Continued on page 7)
Industry Bars
Some Export
Films Itself
MPEA Acts to Silence
Critics Here and Abroad
By JIM H. BRADY
Washington, Feb. 17. — The in-
dustry is increasingly imposing
voluntary censorship over pictures
sent abroad and the Motion Picture
Export Association is making an ef-
fort to eliminate those which do not
portray the true American way of life,
it was brought out here today during
an informal luncheon attended by Eric
Johnston, president of the Motion 1
Picture Association, and trade press
representatives.
Several films have been banned by
M.P.E.A., it was learned. Pictures
such as "Tobacco Road" or "Week-
end at the Waldorf," go to extremes,
it is said. The Association, through
(Continued on page 10)
Need All Box Office
Potential: Schaefer
Hollywood, Feb. 27.— "Getting the
ultimate ten per cent of a picture's
potential gross means more to a com-
pany's financial welfare than exceed-
ing its production budget by that fig-
ure," George Schaefer said today on
{Continued on page 11)
Assembly Approves
Obscene Ad Bill
Albany. N. Y., Feb. 17. — The
amended Wilson Bill permitting the
Education Department of the Motion
Picture Division to revoke the license
of a film where any of its advertising
is obscene, indecent or immoral, etc.,
passed the Assembly tonight without
{Continued on page 11)
Reviewed Inside
"The Sin of Harold Diddle-
bock," page 7; "Pursued,"
"Big Town," page 10; "Danger-
ous Venture," "Renegade
Girl," page 11; "Seven Were
Saved," "The Shop at Sly
Corner," page 9.
Key city grosses. Page 8.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Schnitzer to Line
Up Sales Meeting
The exodus of United Artists sales
executives from the home office in
preparation for the company's regional
meetings will begin tomorrow with
the departure of Edward M. Schnit-
zer, eastern and Canadian sales man-
ager, who will leave for Buffalo to
conduct the first of the four-day ses-
sions to be held throughout the coun-
try. The Buffalo meetings will start
on Feb. 22.
Attending will be district and branch
managers and salesmen from the New
York, New Haven, Buffalo, Boston,
Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Cal-
gary, St. John and Winnipeg branches.
Edward C. Raftery, president of
United Artists ; J. J. Unger, general
sales manager, and Paul N. Lazarus,
Jr., advertising-publicity director, will
leave for Buffalo next Monday to be
present at the final day's session on
Tuesday when they will address the
delegates on matters of sales policy,
current and forthcoming product and
ad-publicity plans.
Unger is scheduled to address the
Pittsburgh meeting on Feb. 27, pro-
ceeding from there to El Paso on Feb.
28, then to Chicago for the four-day
Chicago meeting, starting March 6.
Personal Mention
David Chatkin to be
Buried in Chicago
Hollywood, Feb. 17. — The body of
David Chatkin, head of M-G-M's
music department who died of heart
trouble here at the weekend, will be
flown Wednesday to Chicago for burial.
Funeral services were held in Beverly
Hills on Sunday. Chatkin, who was
58, is survived by his widow, three
brothers and a sister.
One of Chatkin's earliest posts in
the motion picture industry was that
of general sales manager of the old
Educational Pictures. He later became
an executive of Paramount's Publix
Theatres Corp. at the inception of
that organization.
He left Publix in late 1932 and, in
association with Milton H. Feld and
Harry Katz, formed Monarch The-
atres, Inc., operating theatres in Ohio
and Indiana with headquarters in
New York.
Charles Schwerin, 67
Charles F. Schwerin, industry vet-
eran, died last week on his 67th birth-
day. He was associated with the old
Essankay Amusement Corp. He later
joined Grand National Pictures, First
National, Metro-Goldwyn Distribut-
ing Corp., and Columbia, among oth-
ers. He is survived by his widow and
a son, Jules Victor.
JOHN JOSEPH, Universal adver-
•J tising-publicity director, will leave
here for the Coast today after con-
ferences with Universal officials.
•
Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount
Coast executive, visited Frank Har-
ris, former owner of the Harris
Drive-In Theatres at Atlanta, while
en route to the Paramount meeting
in St. Augustine, Fla.
•
Ned Clarke, RKO-Radio Latin-
American Division manager, has re-
turned here after visiting the com-
pany's offices in the Caribbean area
and South America.
•
Murray Silverstone, president of
20th Century-Fox and Inter-Amer-
ica, will return today aboard the
Queen Elisabeth from a month's visit
to London and Paris.
•
Norman Elson, vice-president of
Trans-Lux Theatres, left New York
last night for a two-week stay in
Mexico City.
•
Hal Carleton, M-G-M advertis-
ing chief for Australia and New Zea-
land, has returned here by air from
Sydnev.
Mike Spector, Universal-Interna-
tional Eastern talent representative,
is the father of a son born last Fri-
day.
William Israel, manager of the
Earle Theatre, Philadelphia, is in
Miami.
Bill Higginbotham. assistant
manager of the Fox Theatre, Atlanta,
is the father of a baby girl.
•
Richard Settoon has left Para-
mount's sales staff in Memphis to
join Universal.
•
Dewey Hopper, of 20th Century-
Fox, Memphis, is the father of a new
son.
•
Myron Meyer, Malco, Inc., execu-
tive, has married Mary Dean Nix,
Memphis actress.
•
Bernard R. Goodman, Warner ex-
change supervisor, is back here from
a four-week tour of branch offices.
Charles E. Esterley
Kansas City, Feb. 17. — Charles E.
Esterley, owner of the State Theatre
here, and for a time distributor of
sound equipment, died Sunday morn
ing at his home. He is survived by his
widow and daughter. Funeral services
will be held Tuesday afternoon.
NEIL AGNEW, president of Selz-
nick Releasing Organization, is
in Washington today. He will re-
turn here tomorrow.
•
Jack Cohn, executive vice-presi-
dent and David A. O'Malley, adver-
tising-publicity director of Columbia,
returned to New York yesterday from
a month's tour of South America.
•
Alfred Corwin, publicity-adver-
tising manager of the Motion Picture
Export Association, is the father of
a baby girl.
Mr. and Mr. Peter Perakos, of
Perakos Theatres, in Connecticut, are
in Florida vacationing with their son,
John.
L. G. Smith has been appointed
manager of the Peach Theatre, Fort
Valley, Ga., replacing Al Rocke, re-
signed.
Richard F. Walsh, IATSE inter-
national president, is due here from
Hollywood this week.
•
Fred Condon has succeeded Ed
O'Connell as manager of the New-
ington Theatre, in Newington, Conn.
•
Sam Lefkowitz, Warner Eastern
district manager, is in Boston for the
rest of the week.
•
Ralph Oldknow, Roxy Theatre,
Atlanta, projectionist, is confined to
his home with a fractured leg.
•
C. R. Wade, Universal's Salt Lake
City exchange manager, has returned
from Los Angeles.
•
William Seib, Columbia's Salt
Lake City manager, is a San Fran-
cisco visitor.
•
Forman Rogers of the Rogers Cir-
cuit in Alabama, has been an Atlanta
visitor.
•
Harry Randall, Paramount New
York branch manager, is ill.
•
Jose Iturbi is in New York from
the Coast.
Wallace Beery has arrived in
New York from Hollywood.
MMPTA Sets Up Date
Registration Bureau
The Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Association here, has estab-
lished a date registration bureau de-
signed to prevent conflicting theatre
association meetings and affairs. The
Motion Picture Association has a
similar service for distributor member
companies.
Edward Kempner, 72
Buffalo, Feb. 17.— Edward M.
Kempner, 72, retired salesman for
Paramount Pictures, died here re-
cently after an illness lasting four
years.
SGP to Release 1 to 3
Fortune Features
Hollywood, Feb. 17. — Screen Guild
Productions will release from one to
three features annually produced by
Fortune Films, independent producing
unit recently formed by Bert N.
Stearn, SPG franchise holder in
Pittsburgh, and Harry Handel, Pitts-
burgh exhibitor. Maurice Cohn is in
charge of production.
UA's Beno Slesin Was
S.A. Air crash Victim
Beno Slesin, United Artists manager
for Colombia, was one of the 50 pas-
sengers who were killed aboard the
Colombia Avianca airliner when it
crashed last Saturday on a flight from
Barranquilla to Bogata, according to
word received at the UA home office
here. Slesin left New York Thursday
by the plane for Barranquilla for a
brief stopover at the company's re-
cently-opened exchange there b<~OLfe
proceeding to his headquarter Mill
Bogata. He is survived by his widow,
Niuta Enta Slesin, a daughter and a
son, a sister in New York and a
brother in Germany.
In accordance with the wishes of
Mrs. Slesin, arrangements are being
made by UA for burial here.
NEW YORK THEATRES
-RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL-
Rockefeller Center
THE YEARLING"
GREGORY PECK - JANE WYMAN
CLAUDE JARMAN, JR.
In Technicolor . An M-G-M Picture
SPECTACULAR 8TAGE PRESENTATION
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN 0 HARA - WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
w gorgeous reez/Af/coiOK. V
ON SCREEN
M-G-M's
TECHNICOLOR HIT!
'TILL THE
CLOUDS
ROLL BY'
IN PERSON
JACKIE
GLEASON
Extra!
HARRISON
& FISCHER
SARRV
LVNN TUFTS
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Cominuous A CTHR \
Performances A V^-IV
WAY and
45* ST.
'U' Gives to Runyon Fund
Universal has contributed $2,100 to
the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund
to aid cancer victims.
CALIFORNIA
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starring
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MILLAND STANWYCK FITZGERALD
Doors Open
9:30 A. M.
RIVOLI THEATER
Fway & 49th St.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Ouigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley. President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington. Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscnp-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
ENTERPRISE
presents
JOEL McCREA
VERONICA LAKE
DONALD CRISP
DON DeFORE
directed by ANDRE deTOTH • A HARRY SHERMAN Production
ENTERPRISE Rel
6
Motion picture Daily
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Hollywood
New Theatres
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, Feb. 17
FIRST story purchase as well as
the first new production to be an-
nounced by Dore Schary since assum-
ing his post as executive vice-presi-
dent in charge of production for RKO
Radio is "Mr. Blandings Builds His
Dream House," by Eric Hodgins. A
satirical account of the experiences of
a New York advertising man and his
wife when they decide to build a
house in the country, it will serve as
a starring vehicle for Cary Grant
and Myrna Loy. . . . Lambert Hillyer
has been signed to direct "Backfire,"
next Monogram Western, to star
Johnny Mack Brown, with Raymond
Hatton.
•
Michael Curtis Productions has
concluded arrangements to make a
number of pictures in Technicolor.
The first will be a film version of
Henry Bellaman's novel, "Victoria
Grandolet." . . . Samuel Bischoff has
borrowed Sidney Lanfield, under con-
tract to Paramount, to direct "The
Pitfall," first of four productions
which Bischoff will make for United
Artists release. Dick Powell, who
will star in the film, is also associated
with Bischoff in the production of it.
•
Corinne Calvet, described as the
current sensation of the French
screen, has been signed to a con-
tract by Paramount, and will report
to the studio in March. Her latest
picture, "Le Chateau de la Derniere
Chance," is scheduled for release in
Paris this month. Loretta Young
and Dana Andrews have been en-
gaged by RKO Radio to co-star in
"Memory of Love." Harriet Parsons
will produce under the executive
supervision of Jack Gross; John
Cromwell will direct.
•
Director Richard Whorf and actor
John Hodiak, both under long-term
contract to M-G-M, have been bor-
rowed by Eagle-Lion for "Love from
a Stranger," based on Frank Vosper's
stage play of a decade ago. James
Geller, formerly story editor at Warn-
ers, will make his producing debut
with the film, and Sylvia Sidney will
co-star with Hodiak. . . . Stephanie
Bachelor has been assigned a leading
part in Roy Rogers' next picture at
Republic, "Springtime in the Sierras."
•
John Sutherland, radio and screen
writer, is slated to produce "Too
Many Winners," newest in PRC's
"Michael Shayne" series of detective
„ dramas. William Beaudine will di-
rect. . . . Plans are underway at
Enterprise for production in England
of a film starring Barbara Stanwyck,
although the actress" curreyit commit-
ments preclude the possibility that the
project will start this year. . . . "Mil-
lionaires for a Day," a novel by
Ernest Lehman and Geza Hercseg,
has been purchased by Republic and
assigned to Allan Dwan to produce
and direct.
•
Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade"
will serve as the basis of a star-
studded M-G-M musical which Ar-
thur Freed will produce, with Berlin
working in association with him.
The composer will write the com-
plete score, as well as several new
songs for the production numbers.
PORTLAND, ORE., Feb. 17.—
Oregon Drive-In, a new firm
formed by Ted R. and Willard
Gamble and Albert and William For-
man, is planning construction of four
drive-in theatres — three in the Port-
land metropolitan area and one in
Eugene, Ore. — with two more tenta-
tively planned for undesignated Ore-
gon cities.
Engineering and site work have al-
ready been started for the four, which
will cost an estimated $500,000 to
build.
New Hellman Drive-In Planned
For Philadelphia Area
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 17. — Neil
Hellman of Hellman Theatres has
returned here from Philadelphia
where he has purchased a 15-acre
tract on which he will construct his
fourth drive-in. The site is on U. S.
Highway No. 1, and building is ex-
pected to be completed around July 1.
Plumlee and Dickson Open
Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 17. — Ye
Colony Theatre, new Oak Grove. Mo.,
theatre, has been opened by Frank
Plumlee. M. J. Fuller has been named
manager.
The new Hi- Way Theatre at Crys-
tal City, Mo., has been opened by
Tilden Dickson.
Wright Plans Drive-In,
Home Opens in Knoxville
Memphis, Feb. 17. — B. Ward Wright
is constructing a new drive-in theatre
at Gadsden, Ala. It will accommodate
400 cars.
Sam Home has opened his new
Home Theatre in Knoxville, Tenn.,
with Stuart Moore, formerly of At-
lanta, as manager.
Plan $175,000 Jacksonville House
Lakeland, Fla., Feb. 17. — B. B.
Garner, head of Talgar Theatre Co.,
announces that as soon as the Civil-
ian Production Administration gives
its approval, he will build a $175,000
house, to be called the Surf, in Jack-
sonville.
Egyptian Industry
Plans Prize Awards
By JACQUES PASCAL
Cairo, Feb. 10. — The Egyptian mo-
tion picture industry will have its own
"Academy Award" — in this case a
"Grand Prize of the Egyptian
Cinema."
The decision to award prizes — not
yet official — is a sequel to the develop-
ment of the industry in Egypt, now in
its 20th year. Industry leaders be-
lieve the prizes will spur producers to
greater efforts.
These efforts are already taking
shape. Egypt's latest feature, due for
a premiere soon, has some reels in col-
or. This is "Maaruf, the Shoemaker."
Moreover, one of the country's best
producers has just announced plans to
produce a bi-lingual historical feature
in Arabic and English, dealing with
the Roman domination of Egypt.
M-G-M has tried to exhibit 16mm.
films in a small provincial town. The
result was not encouraging.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 17.— T.
and D. Jr. Enterprises has pur-
chased 16 lots in Lodi, Cal., for the
construction of a new theatre and shop-
ping center. Verne Taylor, T. and D's
general manager, said the Lodi house
will be built simultaneously with the
company's planned $1,000,000 mul-
tiple amusement project in the vicin-
ity of Santa Cruz.
Blumenfeld Theatres has resumed
construction on its new theatre in
Marin County, according to Al Good-
win, the circuit's manager. Building
was halted in 1946 when Government
approval was withheld.
Milton Samis of San Jose and J.
McCabe of the Civic Auditorium The-
atre, have filed application for con-
struction of an 800-seat San Jose
house.
A new 1,000-seat theatre will be
built just north of Hollister, Cal.,
by the Hollister Golden State The-
atre Co., according to M. Naify, vice-
president of the circuit.
Plan First Springfield Drive-In
To Handle 1,000 Cars
Springfield, O., Feb. 17. — Chak-
eres-Warner Theatres has acquired
a suburban site near here for a 1,-
000-car drive-in, which will be the
first of its kind in this area. Con-
struction is scheduled to start as
soon aS building materials are avail-
able.
Robbins Sets New Negro House
Gainesville, Fla., Feb. 17. — Prop-
erty has been purchased here by Lin-
coln Theatres, owned by Leon Rob-
bins, on which will be built a 650-
seat colored house when Civilian Pro-
duction Administration approval is is-
sued.
New Wallace-Manning House
Alpharetta, Ga., Feb. 17. — Olen
Wallace and S. Manning have opened
their new 500-seat Alpha Theatre
here.
'Song to Remember'
Tops in Palestine
By IBRAHIM ZEIN
Jaffa, Feb. 10. — Among the many
films shown in Palestine during the
past year, Columbia's "A Song to Re-
member," which ran in Tel-Aviv for
12 weeks, stands out as the most suc-
cessful. Other pictures liked by Pal-
estine audiences during the year in-
cluded "Music for Millions," "Our
Vines Have Tender Grapes," "Song
of Bernadette," "Love Letters," "Scar-
let Street," "Spanish Main," "Spell-
bound," "Mr. Skeffington," the French
films, "Carmen" and "Eternel Retour,"
and the Russian, "Zoia."
Jewish audiences in Palestine appre-
ciate serious pictures with high artis-
tic values and those featuring good
music and sensitively portrayed ro-
mance, according to Albert Matalon
of Matalon Bros., distributors for Co-
lumbia in Palestine and Transjordan.
Matalon also, said that French and
Italian pictures are beginning to be
very real competitors of U. S. product.
Short
Subjects
"Fashion Means Business
(March of Time-20th-F ox)
WITH particular emphasis on mi-
lady's dresses, this "March of
Time" edition presents both a front
and backstage view of what has hsu.
come one of America's most flour( Mil":
ing industries. The importance of a^
cessories in a woman's wardrobe are
also stressed as the camera shows the
creative processes that combine to
make millions of American women,
from urban centers to farms, the best-
dressed in the world. Now concen-
trated principally in New York, the
fashion industry still depends to a
great degree on an interchange with
French designers, according to the
commentary. Running time, 17^2 min-
utes.
"Jack Armstrong"
{Columbia)
Radio's "All-American Boy," Jack
Armstrong, has been brought to the
screen in Columbia's 15-episode serial.
John Hart plays the title role as he
wages an unrelenting struggle to van-
quish a madman bent on world de-
struction. Others in the Sam Katz-
man production are Rosemary La
Planche, Claire James and Joe Brown.
Wallace Fox directed. Each chapter
runs two reels.
"Radio, Take It Away!"
(Paramount)
Benny Baker mentors a radio quiz
show in this satire on the ubiquitous
programs that insist on loading its
contestants with munificent gifts. It
is paced fast as participants strive for
yachts, life boats and underwater foun-
tain pens. Running time, 11 minutes.
"Andy Panda and
Woody Woodpecker"
(Universal)
Andy Panda is giving a Chopin
piano concert when Woody Wood-
pecker appears onstage to make it a
duet in this "Lantz Color Cartune."
The reception is enthusiastic, but it
ends on a forlorn note when a drunk-
en horse sets fire to the place. Run-
ning time, eight minutes.
"Abusement Park?'
(Paramount)
With a carnival as the setting, Pop-
eye tangles once again with his per-
ennial rival, Pluto, until the breath-
taking climax when Popeye is rescued
by his trusty can of spinach. Running
time, eight minutes.
"Athletiquiz"
(Pete Smith-M-G-M)
Pete Smith turns his inquisitive
mind oir some brain-teasing questions
on various sports, including swimming,
wrestling, midget auto racing and
golf. He also comes up with the
answers. Running time, nine minutes.
"Flicker Flashbacks"
(RKO Radio)
The camera again turns back to
scenes of another day to get laughs
out of what was taken seriously then.
The dramas presented are "A Plot
Against the Duke" and "The Curse of
Drink." Running time, 10 minutes.
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
"My Favorite Brunette
(Continued from page 1)
to be something else. His something else is a private detective, but Alan
Ladd, his office neighbor, keeps on refusing to hire him. Then Ladd is
called to Chicago, leaving Hope in his office to be mistaken for what he
surely is not, by Dorothy Lamour. She needs help to get her baron-uncle
out of the toils of a group which is after a deposit of a couple of minerals
with jaw-breaking names which spell uranium. The group is headed by Charles
Dingle, assisted by knife-throwing, gun-shooting Peter Lorre of the baby face ;
John Hoyt is a disreputable doctor, Jack La Rue, who never says a word,
and Lon Chaney, as a good-natured, half-witted giant who cracks walnuts
in the pit of his elbow.
The adventures are varied and funny, all through them Hope alternating
between his usual Casper Milquetoast character and a farcical, tough private
"eye," a la Frank Gruber, Raymond Chandler and other members of the
same school.
At the finish, of course, Hope is exonerated by one of his own snapshots
— one showing up the phoney posing as Miss Lamour's uncle — and is joined
with her for the clinch.
Unquestionably, the biggest single laugh in the whole show comes in the last
three scenes : 1. When Willard Robertson, the warden, says he has forgotten
to tell the guard the execution has been stayed. 2. — When the camera pans
to the guard who turns out to be Crosby, sadly shaking his head in dis-
appointment. 3. — When Hope, in a big closeup with Lamour, says, "He
(meaning Crosby) will take any kind of a part." But audiences will have to
strain hard to override the howls if they intend catching that final line of
dialogue.
"My Favorite Brunette," nevertheless, is variable in content. It has its slow
stretches which, in one manner of diagnosis, merely may be the quiet stretches
between laughs. But it is a solid attraction and an excellent debut for Hope
Enterprises, Inc., the company formed to make Hope's one outside picture
each year for Paramount release.
Edmund Beloin and Jack Rose are responsible for the original screenplay,
Elliott Nugent for the direction and Daniel Dare for production supervision.
Running time, 87 minutes. General audience classification, Release date,
April 4, 1947. Red Kann
"The Sin of Harold Diddlebock"
(California Pictures-United Artists)
A RARE, wonderful comedy treat, "The Sin of Harold Diddlebock" returns
Harold Lloyd to the screen in a picture destined to have any theatre
rocking with the guffaws of its audience. It is really hilariously funny, spark-
lingly original and, from the cashier's viewpoint, a product that just cannot
miss in bringing in large grosses.
Preston Sturges, produced, directed and wrote the screenplay. In the writing
and in the direction he has lavished ingenuity in the creation of all of the comic
characters in the piece, in the development of every comedy situation, and,
altogether, making the picture a laugh riot.
The beginning actually is a part of "The Freshman," which was made in
1923, and of course starred Lloyd. The old film looks mighty good. It shows
Lloyd in a football game generally creating havoc on the gridiron and finally
scoring the winning touchdown after surviving the rigors of the game as they
were so amusingly burlesqued. The new picture begins here with an amazing
job of makeup that has Lloyd in the dressing room looking remarkably like
the Lloyd on the field.
The future appears bright as Raymond Walburn, advertising tycoon, brings
Lloyd into his firm to start at the bottom and work up. The passage of time
is uniquely expressed as Lloyd looks up from his bookkeeper's desk to a
calendar portrait of the President, whose face changes to Calvin Coolidge
right through to President Truman. Lloyd has the same job and is pensioned
off by his employer.
From there on the film is like a three-ring circus. The inhibited Lloyd,
brooding, is approached by a horse player, broke of course, and looking for
an "angle." A little discussion and the two decide to have a drink, the first
in his life for Lloyd. Bartender Edgar Kennedy whips up a ferocious creation
that leaves Lloyd quite uninhibited.
He puts a thousand dollars on a horse, it wins, he paints the town, wakes
up later to find he owns a circus, a horse and carriage and a very noisy
wardrobe. He tries to sell the circus but fails, at first, that is. So he takes
a tamed lion to Wall Street to help persuade the bankers in that area to
sponsor a free circus for children. To be sure, there's commotion aplenty.
The lion breaks away, manages to get to a sky-high building ledge and
Lloyd goes after him. This part of the film will have the average audience
screaming, as both teeter on the ledge and then with Lloyd dangling on the
lion's leash.
There is far too much to the picture to put it all down here — and it's all
a riot. The picture introduces a newcomer, Frances Ramsden, who serves
admirably as Lloyd's romantic choice. Jimmy Conlin, as "Wormy," the horse-
player is always good for a laugh. Others in it, ail good, include Franklin
Pangborn, Margaret Hamilton, Arline Judge and Al Bridge.
The picture was made under the aegis of California Pictures.
Running time, 89 minutes. General audience classification. Release not set.
Gene Arneei.
Court Hits Momand
Arbitration Charge
Boston, Feb. 17. — Distributor de-
fendants in the A. B. Momand anti-
trust suit did not conspire to use the
industry arbitration machinery to
force exhibitors to show films in any
particular order, and the plaintiff
failed to show that to meet any par-
>L. lar arbitration claims his com-
/pg entered into specific agreements
new and damaging to them, Federal
Judge D. J. Wyzanski declared in his
findings of fact filed in U. S. District
Court here following his reversal of
a $966,000 jury verdict for Momand
here.
"Because of estoppel of judgment,
the statute of limitations and failure
of proof of other comspiracies, the
plaintiff in this trial was driven to
relying for the recovery solely on the
arbitration and credit conspiracies,"
Judge Wyzanski pointed out. The case
was in litigation for five years in
Oklahoma prior to being brought to
Boston in 1937 after Momand estab-
lished residence here.
The judge stated that the jury did
not understand the case. He said they
had been subject to "hour-long writ-
ten reports and complicated financial
explanations" which he had been able
to understand only after hours of care-
ful study in his chambers. The con-
fusion in court had been obvious to
all, he declared, adding that the jurors
did not comply with the court's in-
structions, thus vitiating "the part of
the verdict which deals with the
amount of the principal recoverable."
A jury, said Judge Wyzanski,
"could not reasonably find that the
defendants had used arbitration claims
with the intent of procuring from the
plaintiff's companies their assent to
fresh obligations prejudicial to those
companies," nor that Momand's al-
leged losses were incurred "in a rea-
sonable effort to avert claims of arbi-
tration and threats thereof," nor that
"the defendants' unlawful acts were
the most substantial known cause of
damages complained of."
Judge Wyzanski's entry of judg-
ment for the eight defendants — Para-
mount, 20th Century-Fox, Warners,
Loew's, RKO Radio, Columbia, Unit-
ed Artists- and Universal — brings a
series of motions started on Jan. 20
at least to a temporary halt. Also, he
has ruled against a plaintiffs' motion
for interest, five, per cent from the
date of the assignment of the causes
of action, on verdicts denied.
Name Shreiber Chief
Of Cleveland Variety
Cleveland, Feb. 17. — Cleveland
Variety Club has elected ' Harry
Shreiber, RKO Theatres district man-
ager, as chief barker, succeeding Ed-
win R. Bergman. Serving with
Shreiber will be, first assistant, Harold
Reives ; second assistant, Al Kolitb ;
treasurer, I. J. Schmertz, and secre-
tary, E. Stutz. A new board of di-
rectors was named. It consists of
Nate Schultz, Nat Barach, Jerry
Weschler, Gilbert Lefton, Oscar
Kantor and John Urbansky, Sr. Ur-
bansky was also named chairman of
a committee to secure new quarters.
Initial action of the newly organ-
ized club will be a special premiere
to be held at the Palace Theatre,
proceeds to be turned in to the Vari-
ety Heart Fund.
Rosenstein Promoted
Chicago, Feb. 17. — Joe Rosenstein
has been promoted to service mana-
ger of Filmack's new "prevue" serv-
ice. He served in a similar capacity
in the Filmack special trailer depart-
ment for nine years.
Drive for Nat Wolf
Cleveland, Feb. 17.— Warner thea-
tres in the Ohio zone, totalling 25,
will hold a five-week drive starting
Feb. 23 in honor of Nat Wolf who is
celebrating his 15th year as Warner
Ohio zone manager.
U. S. Films Will
Hold Lead: Cook
Hollywood pictures will continue to
be more popular world-wide than
British films and will continue to
make better showings at box-offices
in the opinion of Alton Cook, New
York World-Telegram motion pic-
ture critic, who last night shared with
British producer Isadore Goldsmith
a 15-minute discussion of the subject,
"Is Hollywood Losing Leadership
to British Films," over the Columbia
Broadcasting network. Cook spoke
from New York, Goldsmith from
Hollywood.
Goldsmith held that Hollywood's
leadership appears to be unthreat-
ened by the British because, primari-
ly, the United States' buying power
is 10 times greater than England's.
He said Britain's limited home mar-
ket and restricted foreign market are
"great, insurmountable handicaps,"
and for that reason he considers real
competition between British and
American films in world markets
"utterly impossible."
Cook said he believes the American
industry's tendency to over-ballyhoo
pictures that do not come up to pub-
lic expectations is to some extent re-
sponsible for the feeling in some
quarters that British films pose a
threat. Frequently, he held, U. S.
pictures that rate strong promotion
do not get as much as do pictures that
are less deserving.
Canadian Auditor
Cites Grierson
Ottawa, Feb. 17. — Auditor-general
Watson Sellar of the Dominion gov-
ernment has reported to the Canadian
Parliament that John Grierson had
been provided with trans-Atlantic
airplane fare by the London office of
the National Film Board almost three
months after he had ceased to be em-
ployed by the Canadian board in Oct.,
1945. The report said the $342 fare
covered expense of a flight from the
United Kingdom to Montreal. There
was no immediate discussion of the
item in the Commons here.
Presentation of the audit report
comes at a time when the U. S. State
Department at Washington has re-
vealed that the United States Consul
at Montreal has refused a quota visa
to Grierson to enter the States to re-
side there. The official explanation
is that Grierson is "not eligible un-
der existing laws," but it was re-
ported from Washington that Ameri-
can film interests had protested his
admittance.
Silverstone, Goetz
Due Here Today
Murray Silverstone, president of
20th Century-Fox International, and
Ren Goetz, M-(i-M managing direr-
tor in London, are among motion pic-
ture executives who are. slated to ar-
rive in New York this afternoon
aboard the SS Queen Elisabeth.
Also among the passengers are:
E. E. Blake, chairman of Kodak. Ltd.;
E. G. (Ted) Curtis, vice-presidenl of
Eastman Kodak, and Leslie Mitchell,
publicity chief of Mexander Korda's
London Films.
8
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Fair Income at NY
lst-Runs; 'Pilgrim'
Tops at $121,000
New York first-run gross business
in the main is about fair. One big ex-
ception is the smash combination at
the Roxy, "The Shocking Miss Pil-
grim," and a stage show featuring
Peter Lorre, Gil Lamb and Evelyn
Knight, with business for the first
week, probably reaching $121,000
plenty high.
"Bedelia," which wound up its first
week at the Victoria with $24,000,
continues strong with $22,000 expect-
ed for the second week. At the
Gotham, "San Quentin" also is doing
nicely with $19,500 seen for the sec-
ond week, after an initial week's take
of $25,000.
"That Way with Women," along
with Alan Hale, Martha Yickers and
Claude Thornhill's orchestra on the
stage, had a mild opening at the
Strand. The first week's gross is
estimated at $56,000. At the Para-
mount, "Easy Come, Easy Go," with
Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots on
the stage, drew a fairly substantial
$70,000 in a second week.
'Yearling' Still High
"The Yearling," with a stage pre-
sentation at the Music Hall, still is in
the big money ; the fourth week fig-
ures to bring in $120,000. The theatre
incidentally is considering pulling the
the picture after the fifth week, bring-
ing in "Sea of Grass" for five weeks.
Thus the way would be cleared for an
Easter booking of "The Late George
Apley."
"The Best Years of Our Lives" is
probably the most amazing box-office
performer in town. The film will pro-
vide the Astor with about §51,500 in
its 13th week. Business has yet to fall
below $50,000.
At the Globe, "It's a Wonderful
Life" fell off a little more, with indi-
cations pointing to a $18,500 gross for
the ninth week. "The Strange
Woman" will go in Feb. 23. "Swell
Guy" at the Winter Garden also is
showing signs of weariness, with a
315,000 probable gross for the final
six days. "I'll Be Yours" will follow
on Friday.
"Sinbad the Sailor" is still drawing
good money at the Palace where the
fourth week's take looks like $35,000.
The eighth week of "Humoresque" at
the Hollywood is a fair one, estimat-
ed at $17,500; "Nora Prentiss" will
bow in there on Thursday.
'California' Moderate
"California" is headed for a $27,000
fifth week, which is moderate, at the
Rivoli ; it continues. "Two Smart
People" went over in undistinguished
fashion in a first week at the Rialto,
with an estimated $7,500 ; "Michigan
Kid" runs next, starting Friday.
"Dead Reckoning" is good for about
$24,000 in a fourth week at the Cri-
terion. "Beginning or the End" will
make its debut at the Capitol on Fri-
day, succeeding "Lady in the Lake."
The latter with Tex Beneke's orches-
tra on the .stage will wind up its
fourth and final week with about
$56,000.
"Stairway to Heaven" is losing a
little ground at the Park, with $13,000
apparent for the current week, the
eighth. An Italian film, "Before Him
All Rome Trembles," will open at
the Republic on Friday.
Estimates of Key City Grosses
TfOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
BALTIMORE
Only the new and important attrac-
tions are hitting worthwhile grosses.
Holdovers apparently have worn-out
their welcome, and regular program
pictures are not drawing the crowds.
Weather has improved. Estimated
receipts for the week ending Feb. 19 :
THE CHASE (UA) — CENTURY (3,000)
(35c-44c-55c-60c and 65c weekends) 7 days.
Gross: $14,000. (Average: $15,000)
LADIES' MAN (Para.)— KEITH'S (2,406)
(35c-44c-55c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500.
(Average: $12,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox) — NEW
(1,800) (35c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $8,500. (Average: $12,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— STANLEY (3,280)
(35c-44c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $20,000.
(Average: $17,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO-Radio)—
HIPPODROME (2,205) (35c-44c-60c-70c) 7
days, 3rd week. With stage show. Gross:
$14,200. (Average: $18,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—TOWN (1,450) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $14,000)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.)-
MAYFAIR (1,000) (25c-35c-54c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $5,750. (Average: $6,000)
I MET A MURDERER (Film Classics)—
LITTLE (328) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$2,600. (Average: $3,500)
CINCINNATI
Moderate weather following the re-
cent cold wave stimulated theatre at-
tendance. With some exceptions,
grosses are running in the plus-aver-
age column. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 18-21 :
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox)— RKO
ALBEE (3,300) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7
days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Gross: $14,000. (Average: $15,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
-RKO CAPITOL (2,000) (50c-55c-60c-65c-
70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Saturady midnight
show, 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average:
$10,000)
RIDING THE CALIFORNIA TRAIL
(Mono.) and DECOY (Mono.)— RKO FAM-
LY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c)- 4 days. Gross:
$1,700. (Average: $1,600)
LADY CHASER (PRC) and SILVER
RANGE (Mono.)— RKO FAMILY (1,000)
(30c-40c-50c) 3 days. Gross: $1,100. (Aver-
age: $1,100)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)— RKO GRAND
(1,500) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, 2nd
week, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $8,000)
THE MAGIC BOW (U-I)— KEITH'S (1,-
500) (50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Sat-
urday midnight show. Gross: $5,500.
(Average: $7,500)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—RKO LYRIC (1,400) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-
75c) 7 days, 3rd week, on a moveover after
two weeks at the Palace. Gross: $7,500.
(Average: $5,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
RKO PALACE (2,700) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-
75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Gross: $19,000. (Average, for 7 days:
515,000)
BLUE SKIES (Para.)— RKO SHUBERT
$305,000 Gross for 'Duel'
In Seven Weeks on Coast
Hollywood, Feb. 17. — David O.
Selznick's "Duel in the Sun" remains
Los Angeles' top roadshows as it
grossed $44,200 in its seventh week
at the Vogue and Fairfax Theatres.
For the seven weeks at the Vogue,
five at the Fairfax and two at the
Egyptian, total box-office receipts are
$304,973. The seventh week's gross
was the highest since the opening
week. Last week's gross was $44,-
000, according to spokesmen for Selz-
nick.
(2,150) (5Oc-55c-60c-65c-7Oc-75c) 7 days, 4th
week, after two weeks at the Albee and a
first moveover week at the Shubert. Gross:
$8,500. (Average: $5,000)
TORONTO
Two Toronto houses offered new
attractions for the week, the four other
first-runs holding their programs for
a second week because of satisfactory
business in spite of continued rough
weather and hard-to-navigate streets.
Principal opposition came from pro
hockey, for which there were long
line-ups for tickets, and an ice-carni-
val roadshow. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 19-20 :
BEDELIA (British) — EGLINTON (1,086)
(lSc-30c-4Sc-60c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$4,200. (Average: $4,700)
NOTORIOUS (RKO Radio)— IMPERIAL
(3,373) (18c -30c -42c -60c -90c) 6 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $13,300. (Average: $14,300)
THE STRANGE WOMAN (UA) —
LOEWS (2,074) (18c-3Oc-42c-60c-78c) 6
days. Gross: $15,300. (Average: $13,300)
MARGIE (20th-Fox) — SHEA'S (2,480)
(18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $16,-
600. (Average: $14,600)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)— UPTOWN (2,-
761) (28c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $10,400. (Average: $11,400)
BEDELIA (British) — VICTORIA (1,240)
(18c-30e-48c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$6,000. (Average: $6,800)
ATLANTA
Business has been somewhat better
this week than last. The weather has
been good. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 19 :
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (20 th- Fox)— FOX
(4,661) (55c-60c) 2nd week. Gross: $13,500,
(Average: $13,000)
THE PLAINSMAN (Para. reissue)—
PARAMOUNT (2,447) (55c-60c). Gross:
S8.40O. (Average: $8,200)
BLACK ANGEL (U-I)— ROXY (2,446)
55c-60c). Gross: $5,800. (Average: $5,-
600)
DEADLINE FOR MURDER (20th-Fox)
and INNER CIRCLE (Rep.) — CAPITAL
(2,446) (44c-50c). Gross: $4,400. (Average:
$4,200)
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M) -
LOEWS GRAND (2,554) (55c-60c). Gross:
$15,000. (Average: $15,000)
MINNEAPOLIS
A return of mild weather helped
grosses to a better-than-average level,
with "The Jolson Story" and "The
Shocking Miss Pilgrim" having good
first weeks. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 20 :
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA)— CENTURY
(1,500) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500.
(Average: $7,500)
DANGEROUS MILLIONS (2flth-Fox)—
GOPHER (1,000) (44c-50c) 7 days. Gross:
$j.4C0. (Average: $3,400)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th- Fox) — LYRIC
(1,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week, on move-
over from State. Gross: $8,000. (Aver-
age: $6,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— RKO OR-
PHEUM (2,800) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$22,500. (Average: $11,500)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox— RADIO CITY (4,000) (50c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $18,500. (Average: $18,000)
MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (Col.) RKO
PAN (1,500) (S0c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,-
000. (Average: $8,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.)— STATE (2,-
300) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Av-
erage: $13,500)
BUFFALO
This has been a run-of-mine theatre
week, with attendance balancing out to
about average. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 22:
THE SHOW-OFF (M-G-M) and
STRANGE JOURNEY (ZOth-Fox)— BUF-
FALO (3,489) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $20,000. (Average: $19,000)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (ZOth-Fox)-
GREAT LAKES (3,000) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7
days, 3rd week. Gross: $16,000. (Average-
$18,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (2flth-Fox) — HIP-
PODROME (2,100) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days,
2nd week, on a moveover. Gross: $10JV*?
(Average: $10,000) (Ar:i",
SWELL GUY (U-I) and SINGIN^
THE CORN (Col.) — LAFAYETTE (3,000)
(40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $20,000.
(Average: $15,000)
THE WESTERNER (Film Classics) and
SPLENDOR (Film Classics) — TECK (1,-
500) (40c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $5,000. (Average: $6,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) and
VACATION IN RENO (RKO Radio) -
TWENTIETH CENTURY (3.000) (40c-50c-
60c-70c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $16,000.
(Average: $16,000)
OMAHA
Downtown theatres are doing about
average business during weather that
is mild for February. Estimated re-
ceipts for week ending Feb. 19-20:
STRANGE WOMAN (UA) and BELOW
THE DEADLINE (Mono.)— OMAHA (2,-
000) (50c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week, for
"Strange Woman" on moveover from
Paramount. Gross: $8,600. (Average: $8,600)
MR. ACE (UA)-ORPHEUM (3,000) (55c-
80c) 7 days. Connie Boswell's Stage Re-
vue on stage. Gross: $21,000. (Average:
$19,900)
HUMORESQUE (WB) - PARAMOUNT
(2,900) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,700.
(Average: $11,000)
NOCTURNE (RKO Radio) — RKO BRAN-
DEIS (1,200) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:' $7.-
800. (Average: $8,600)
B. & K. Closes Over
Union-Matinee Tilt
Chicago, Feb. 17. — A Balaban and
Katz neighborhood theatre, the Ad-
miral, located on the northwest side,
is closed completely now because of a
dispute between the circuit, and the
local projectionists' union over reduc-
tion in the number of projectionists
employed due to the desire of B: and
K. to discontinue matinees at the Ad-
miral.
B. and K. recently announced that
because of a lack of matinee business
at the Admiral, it was decided to dis-
continue day-time showings. The
union countered that if the circuit
wanted to discontinue matinees, the
projectionists dismissed as a result of
the move would have to be absorbed
elsewhere in the circuit. This the cir-
cuit has refused to do and, as a result,
the Admiral is now completely dark.
B. and K. also recently abandoned
matinees at the Drake. Here again
the union requested that projectionists
dismissed as a result of this move be
absorbed in other circuit houses. B.
and K. also refused to do so. At pres-
ent, matinees have been abandoned at
the Drake and projectionists there
who work the night shift are refusing
to accept their pay pending final set-
tlement of the dispute.
Five RKO Tradeshows
RKO-Radio's "The Farmer's Daugh-
ter" will be trade-screened at the Nor-
mandie Theatre here this morning ;
"Trail Street" and "Beat the Band"
will be shown on Wednesday, at the
RKO-Radio New York exchange, and
"Code of the West" and "The Devil
Thumbsa Ride"' will be shown on
Thursdya, also at the exchange.
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
9
Reviews
"Seven Were Saved"
{Paramount)
Hollywood Feb. 17
FIVE days adrift in an open boat is, by its very nature, a monotonous
experience. The sun beats down by day, the stars chill at night, the tedium,
the privation and the lack of privacy get on the voyagers' nerves, and they
in turn get on each other's nerves. Outside of that, nothing much happens :
nothing much can happen, until the Air-Sea Rescue Force shows up or, con-
versely, the passengers fail to survive.
The victims of this tedious and uncomfortable trip include Richard Denning,
Catherine Craig, Ann Doran, Byron Barr, John Eldredge, Richard Loo, Keith
Richards, and George Tyne. Their predicament is precipitated by Loo, cast
as a Japanese war prisoner, who contrives to outwit his captors and force
the crash-landing of the plane in which he and the others are traveling to
Manila. The group is rescued after five wearisome days by Russell Hayden
and Don Castle.
Although Maxwell Shane and Julian Harmon, who wrote the story which
Shane adapted to the screen, have tried their best to inject suspense by such
incidents as a fight aboard the boat, an attack by a man-eating shark, and a
sudden shower of rain, the picture remains in the trough of the waves
throughout. William Pine and William Thomas produced, with the former
also functioning as director.
Running time, 72 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Thalia Bell
"The Shop at Sly Corner"
(George King-British Lion)
London
DEFTLY woven from a stage play of the same name which earned con-
siderable dividends in its London presentation, producer-director George
King's piece — first offering from, Korda's new British-Lion setup — is aimed
successfully at every orthodox box-office target. It has kindliness, ample if
not over-abundant wit, skill in the telling, some winsome sentimentality, a
plentiful supply of near-classical music (thereby attuning it heartily to the
current mood of British filmgoers), a suitable ration of murder and other
forms of sudden death.
In ordinary circumstances, it would have been one of those comfortable if
not completely irresistible thrillers. But King cast the renowned Oscar
Homolka as his leading player, thereby lifting his exhibit out of the run of
the also-rans into the ranks- of assured successes.
Homolka plays a middle-aged, expatriate, Frenchman — Descius Heiss — who
has twin passions : driving shrewd bargains in the antiques in which he deals
at his Sly Corner Shop and the care of his motherless, violin-playing daugh-
ter. To the world he presents the picture of a happy, kindly, more-than-a-little
sentimental, father. But behind Heiss's polite facade there is an ugly secret.
His comfortable wealth derives not so much from his ostensible tra'de as from
that of a receiver of stolen property. In justification of his wrong-doing, the
story's authors plead that his experiences in France's penal settlement at
Devil's Island had given him a twisted outlook on life.
The Heiss secret is discovered by his assistant — a nasty, sniveling, rat of
a youth — who blackmails his master. From there on, the patron knows, to an
extent, what will occur. It does. Old man Heiss duly despatches the black-
mailer by strangling; is pursued by the police; dies at his own hand in a
London concert-hall while his daughter is treating the audience to the Men-
delssohn Violin Concerto. The old man utilizes the celebrated West African
drug, curare, thereby giving the event the similitude^ of heart failure.
Homolka' s performance is a tour de force. The rest of" the piece revolves
continually around him. Kenneth Griffith infects the part of the blackmailer
with a quite remarkable degree of detestability. Muriel Pavlov and Derek
Farr play a couple of young lovers.
Running time, 91 minutes. British adult audience classification. Release date
not set. Peter Burnup
Production in
Hollywood
Rises 4, to 31
Hollywood, Feb. 17. — Production
activity has increased somewhat, as
fjL. kfilms went to cutting rooms and
t — —J reached shooting stages. The
index rose to 31 from its previous
level of 27. The production scene
follows :
Columbia
Shooting: "Major Denning' s Trust
Estate," "The Lady from Shanghai,"
"Assigned to Treasury" (Kennedy-
Buchman) ; "Three Were Thorough-
breds" (Cavalier).
Eagle-Lion
Shooting : "Repeat Performance."
M-G-M
Shooting : "Song of the Thin Man,''
"The Hucksters."
Monogram
Started : "Louisiana," with Gov.
James Davis, Margaret Lindsay;
"The Gangster," with Belita, Barry
Sullivan, Joan Lorring, Akim Tami-
roff.
Shooting : "Tragic Symphony."
Paramount
Finished: "I Walk Alone" (Wal-
lis).
Shooting : "Road to Rio," "Albu-
querque" '(Clarion).
PRC
Started: "Too Many Winners,"
with Hugh Beaumont, Trudy Marshall,
Ralph Dunn.
Shooting : "Step-Child."
RKO Radio
Shooting: "Tycoon," "Indian Sum-
mer," "If You Knew Susie.''
Republic
Started : "The Trespasser," with
Dale Evans, Janet Martin, Warren
Douglas, Adele Mara, Grant With-
ers ; "Springtime in the Sierras," with
Roy Rogers, Jane Frazee.
Selznick
Shooting : "The Paradine Case."
20th Century-Fox
Finished: "Moss Rose."
Shooting : "The Ghost and Mrs.
Muir," "Captain from Castile," "For-
ever Amber," "Miracle on 34th
Street."
United Artists
Started: "Atlantis," (Nero) with
Maria Montez, Jean Pierre Aumont.
Shooting: "Body and Soul" (En-
terprise); "Vendetta" (California).
Universal-International
Finished: "Ivy" (Interwood).
Started : "Secret Beyond the Door,"
(Diana) with Michael Redgrave,
Joan Bennett, Natalie Schaefer, Rosa
Rey.
Warners
Finished : "The Woman in White."
Started: "Wallflower," with Rob-
ert Hutton, Joyce Reynolds. Tanis
Paige, Edward Arnold, Barbara
Brown.
Shooting: "The Unfaithful," "The
Unsuspected" (Curtiz).
Argentine Film to MGM
World rights to "Donde Mucren
Las Palabras" (When Words Fail),
Argentine-made film, have been ac-
quired by M-G-M International Films,
Arthur M. Loew, company president,
announces. The film wds directed
by Fregonese for Associated Artists
Studios of Buenos Aires.
French Production
Exceeds Expectations
The number of top-bracket French
films produced in 1946 surpassed ex-
pectations in spite of technical diffi-
culties, according to the New York
office of the Franco London Film Ex-
port Corp. In 1946, the company dis-
closes, 102 films were produced in
France, against 65 in 1945. In 1936,
116 were produced.
Wiley Padan Funeral
Funeral services for Wiley Padan,
46, associate art director for Loew's
Theatres advertising department, here,
were held yesterday morning from
Lloyd's Funeral Home, Long Island.
Padan, who died last Thursday in
Flushing Hospital, is survived by his
widow and a 12-year-old son. He was
also creator of "It's True/' a cartoon
panel published in 165 newspapers.
$100,000 U. S. Film
Equipment to Bolivar
Bolivar Films, Venezuela produc-
er-distributor, has purchased over
$100,000 worth of film and sound
equipment from Reeves Sound Stu-
dios, Reeves International, Mitchell
Co., and Bell and Howell, G. Vil-
legas, president of Bolivar, disclosed
here yesterday. Included in the equip-
ment are units for reducing 35mm.
film to 16mm., making possible, ac-
cording to Villegas, the exhibition of
16mm. films in Venezuela for the first
time.
Burnt F-P House Reopens
Toronto, Feb. 17. — The Algoma
Theatre, which had a fire two months
ago, has been reopened by Famous
Players following rebuilding of the
house. Al Hartshorn has been re-
tained as manager.
Reds an Influence
On Austrian Films
By H. ZU LOEWENSTEIN
Vienna, Feb. 12 (By Airmail) —
Russian influence on new Austrian
film production is marked, largely due
to the fact that the largest and best
equipped studios, Rosenhuegel, home
of the new Russian-licensed company,
Wien-Film, are under the supervision
of L. B. Lunin of Moscow, who is
working in close collaboration with
Sovexport Film, central Soviet
agency for the exportation of Rus-
sian features.
He is dubbing German pictures in
Russian and Rusian pictures in Ger-
man. Lunin is also associated with
the Kollektiv company, producing a
monthly film journal. The Russian-
sponsored "Week of the Soviet Film"
has been showing its products all
over Vienna and in many provincial
towns. Collaboration between the
Austrian and German industries has
started anew.
Of American product, "The Corn
Is Green" has met with universal ap-
proval, as well as "Miss Kitty."
Many French pictures are shown in
this city, while the recently founded
Society of Austrian Motion Picture
Friends is showing some of the out-
standing older American pictures in
the city.
Building Program
Is On in Uruguay
By PAUL BODO
Montevideo, Feb. 12 (By Airmail).
— A major building program is under
way here. A new company, Compania
Cinematografica Central, reports it
will build six theatres in this city, be-
ginning with a 2,800-seat house and a
1,200-seat newsreel theatre. The site
for the houses has been purchased at
a record price of $418,000.
Bernardo Glucksmann is carrying
out his plan, disclosed some months
ago, for the construction of the Cine
Roosevelt, with a capacity of 2,300, as
well as two more theatres with 1,800
and 1,300 seats in the capital and two
bigger ones in the provinces. How-
ever, rapid realization of these and
other projects is hampered by the
scarcity of some building materials,
rising wages and difficulty in pur-
chasing imported materials.
Projectors, electrical and air con-
ditioning equipment, screens and car-
peting are purchased always from
abroad, mostly from the U. 'S.
Lately, many exhibitors in the im-
portant provincial towns have modern-
ized and rebuilt their theatres.
Century Makes Four
New Staff Changes
Four staff changes have been made
by J. R. Springer, general manager
of the Century Circuit, as follows:
J. McGovern, relief manager, is now
assistant manager at the Community
Theatre ; H. Cherney. assistant man-
ager of the Community, has been
transferred to the Town Theatre in
the same capacity; M. Spector, assi>t-
ant of the Town, has been transferred
to the Bliss ; G. McDonald, assistant
of the Bliss, has been transferred to
the 43rd Street Theatre.
1C
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Industry Bars
Reviews
"Pursued"
{ Warner Brothers)
Hollywood, Feb. 17
WITH Teresa Wright, Robert Mitchum, Judith Anderson, Dean Jagger
and Alan Hale as names to bill, Milton Sperling's United States Pic-
tures production of an original (in both meanings) screenplay by Niven
Busch appears assured of an impressive box-office career. Superficially a
Western, laid in the New Mexico of 1890-1900, it is in essence a suspense
story with psychological overtones and predicated on the revenge motive,
which in turn is predicated — although this is not divulged until the end — on
an illicit love affair. Although some of the foreground incidents are of familiar
melodramatic pattern, most of them are not, and as directed by Raoul Walsh
all of them register strongly. It is an unusual attraction, essentially adult as
to subject matter and treatment, and generates powerful impact.
The story opens with Mitchum hiding out in an abandoned home from un-
named pursuers intent upon killing him. Miss Wright, who turns out to be
his wife, urges him to flee the country, but he says he knows this is useless,
and tells her why he believes so. In flashback, then, is related the story of
his life, and hers, from early childhood, when her mother took him into her
family, to live as her and her brother's brother. Throughout his boyhood, and
afterward, he has been the target of attempts upon his life, for reasons un-
known to him. It is made known to the audience, however, that Dean Jagger,
who holds various official offices in the community, is responsible for the
events which Mitchum cannot comprehend. In one episode Mitchum kills his
foster-brother in self defense. In another he kills a young man in love with
Miss Wright, also in self defense. For these reasons, Miss Wright marries
Mitchum, intending to kill him on their wedding night, at which time she
decides not to. Later that night, Jagger and a band of men surround the
house, gunning for Mitchum, who escapes to the house where the picture
opens. When they arrive and close in on him, he gives himself up to them,
but as they are about to lynch him Judith Anderson, the mother who has
reared Mitchum as a son, arrives and kills Jagger, clearing up the future for
Mitchum and his wife. In this last and fast sequence it is also made clear
that Jagger's determination to bring about Mitchum's death has root in the
fact that Miss Anderson had been unfaithful to her husband, his brother, who
got killed in a shooting fray arising out of that deception, for which reason
Jagger had vowed to eliminate all of his brother's betrayer's issue. (It is
at least that complicated, but doesn't seem so much so while the picture is
going on.)
Others in the cast are: John Rodney, Harry Carey, Jr., Clifton Young,
Ernest Severn, Charles Bates, Peggy Miller, Norman Jolley, Lane Chandler,
Elmer Ellingwood, Jack Montgomery and Ian MacDonald.
Running time 101 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date not
set. William R. Weaver
"Big Town"
{Paramount) Hollywood, Feb. 17
PHILLIP REED and Hillary Brooks are the top names in the cast of a
fair-to-middling melodrama, first of a projected series. Reed plays the
fast-talking, flip city editor familiar to audiences of the airshow, "Big Town,"
and Miss Brooke portrays "Lorelei," the idealistic blonde reporter.
The motives of these two are opposed from the start, for "Lorelei" en-
visions the power of the press as a giant battling for the right, whereas the
aspirations of her editor are no higher than yellow journalism at its lowest.
Only when the tabloid tactics of his paper bring about the suicide of a man
wrongly charged with murder does he realize the error of his ways. After
confessing his moral guilt, he resigns his post. The paper's publisher, for-
tunately, does a complete about-face on his previous editorial policy, and
Reed is reinstated, with orders to commence crusading for the right.
Robert Lowery, Byron Barr, Veda Ann Borg, Nana Bryant and Charles
Arnt complete the cast. William Pine and William Thomas produced, with
the latter directing. The screenplay is credited to Geoffrey Homes and Max-
well Shane.
Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Thalia Bell
{Continued from page 1)
Francis Harmon, vice - president,
makes an effort to select films which
will be understood and appreciated
by the poverty stricken population
in Europe and elsewhere. The vol-
untary export censorship is very
much like the machinery of the Pro-
duction Code Administration. When
a film is said to be undesirable, the
company in question is informed and
asked to substitute another feature
for the 13-nation market where the
Export Association operates.
Pictures in the unobjectionable for
export class . would include "The
Green Years," and "Abraham Lin-
coln in Illinois."
M. P. E. A. has initiated this pro-
gram to convince members of the
House and Senate foreign relations
committees that internal voluntary
regulation is better than government
enforcement to see that the right films
go to political hotbeds of Europe.
Government should not engage in
the production of motion pictures,
Johnston said.
"We feel that private industry
should do these things. We do not
want the government running news-
papers or the radio. Neither do we
want government to enter the field of
film production," Johnston stated. He
said M. P. A., however, does not
object to a government unit to han-
dle liaison with the industry.
Johnston disclosed that Frank Mc-
Carthy, new M. P. A. representative
in Paris, will represent the industry
at the forthcoming trade conference
at Geneva, April 8, and that M. P. A.
has retained Allen Dulles and John F.
Dulles, well-known international ex-
perts, to be on hand at the Geneva
reciprocal trade meeting.
Johnston said he plans to be in Eu-
rope when the conference is in prog-
ress and will go to Geneva if his
presence is required.
Asked about the alleged "give-
away showings of pictures on trains,
Johnston replied that the more people
who see films the more who will be-
come regular patrons. He pointed
out that despite objections raised by
Abram F. M_j.ers, Allied States coun-
sel, there should be no more objec-
tion to train shows than to free the-
atres on trans-Atlantic liners.
Regarding the proposed industry-
wide forum, Johnston asserted that
it would be better to wait until final
action has been taken by the Su-
preme Court before acting. He said
he still has not. received an official bid
to participate in the forthcoming ex-
hibitor conference to be held in New
York.
Johnston declined to discuss the
New York Federal court decree. "I
will not have anything to say until
final action is taken by the Supreme
Court," he stated.
Commenting on quota restrictions on
American pictures which are being
planned in Britain, Johnston said that
it will be a major effort of the As-
sociation to keep present low quota
restrictions in force. He said the
British will reap 10 times more busi-
ness in America this year compared
to 1946. He estimated the net profit
of British films in America at $10,-
000,000 for 1947.
British films grossed approximate-
ly $3,700,000 in this country last year,
netting about $1,300,000.
GB-Kalee Designs
All-Closed Projector
London, Feb. 17. — G. B-Kalee, J.
Arthur Rank's equipment organiza-
tion, has a new projector in which
sound head, arc lamp and spool boxes
are completely encased.
Called the "21," it has been placed
in operation in only one theatre thus
far, but it is anticipated that 60 will
be available this year. Under the gov-
ernment's export trade ordinance,
however, the greater proportion must
be sent abroad.
Crossin Is Promoted
J. F. Crossin, director of sales for
Olympic Radio and Television, Inc.,
has been named a vice-president of the
company.
Marshall, Clayton
{Continued from page 1)
to prevent imposition of new British
quota restrictions on American pic-
tures, now being considered by the
Board of Trade in London.
Secretary of State Alarshall also
has indicated he will suport Johnston's
program for a free worldwide market
for American films.
Clayton is watching the French sit-
uation also. A violation of the U. S.
treaty drafted in the form of a loan
to France would result if restrictions
are placed on American films there.
Variety to Honor Ezell
Dallas, Feb. 17.— Claude C. Ezell,
founder of the Texas Variety Club,
will be honored at a dinner March 3.
RKO Ending Pools
{Continued from page 1)
The pools with other affiliated cir-
cuits were in St. Paul, Minneapolis,
Rochester and Cleveland.
Biggest remaining problem for
RKO Theatres created by the final
decree in the industry anti-trust suit
is that of reducing its partnership
holdings as low as five per cent per
house or increasing them to 95^lt-vr
cent, Kingsberg said. No deP^-i
has been reached as to what extent
the company may seek to buy up ad-
ditional interests or dispose of exist-
ing interests, he added, commenting :
"Our partners all are happy and
would like to continue."
The court has allowed exhibitor de-
fendants in the suit until Dec. 31,
1948, to comply with the decree's
partial-divestiture provision but has
ordered each of them to submit by
July 1 of this year a statement out-
lining the extent of compliance to
date and the manner of complete com-
pliance intended. Although RKO is
one of the companies reported to be
undecided on carrying the New York
verdict to the Supreme Court, at least
one theatre-owning defendant, Para-
mount, is expected to appeal from the
divestiture clause.
RKO Theatres, Kingsberg said,
has an interest of ' approximately 50
per cent in 17 houses throughout the
country and has a minority interest
in several hundred others, including
17 per cent of Metropolitan Play-
houses, which operates approximate-
ly 100 theatres in the New York
area, and 17 per cent of the Butter-
field Circuit, which has 121 houses
throughout Michigan.
RKO's theatre business, he reports,
still is running ahead of last year in
dollar volume, although the volume
of attendance may be off by two or
three per cent.
While in Hollywood, Kingsberg
found the RKO Radio studio "going
full blast," although some others
were not quite so active. He found
the company planning to ship seven
pictures for distribution within the
next few months.
Berge
{Continued from page 1)
Washington to enter private law prac-
tice in New York.
Berge said today that the appeal pa-
pers of all parties in the New York
suit will have been filed before his
resignation becomes effective and
arguments for use in connection with
the hearing of the Supreme Court ap-
peals may be well advanced before
May 1.
Attorney General Tom Clark said
Berge's resignation will have no ef-
fect on the industry anti-trust suit and
that Robert L. Wright, special assist-
ant, will continue in charge of the
case. Berge joined the anti-trust di-
vision in 1930 and became its head in
1937, succeeding Thurman W. Arn-
old, now counsel for American Thea-
tres Association.
'Depinet Drive' Talks
Set for Southwest
Ben Y. Cammack, RKO Radio
Southwestern district manager, will
join Len S. Gruenberg, 1947 "Ned
Depinet Drive" captain, in Memphis
on Thursday to participate in drive
meetings there, as well as in Okla-
homa City and Dallas.
Tuesday, February 18, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
li
20th Not to Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
Reviews
York Federal Court decision, Tom J.
Connors, vice-president in charge of
distribution, who presided at the ses-
sions, declared, "Indications are that
20th-Fox will not file an appeal."
The company has already been en-
tertaining competitive bidding under
the decree's provision that the defend-
aiL are barred from arbitrarily re-
to license to an exhibitor on a
stimulated run and then licensing to a
competing exhibitor. John F. Caskey,
counsel, also guided the day's discus-
sion from the podium.
Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox presi-
dent, who was present at yesterday's
session, will be one of the principal
speakers today in a review of the
company's 20 features for this year.
Charles Schlaifer, director of ad-
vertising and publicity, will follow
him today with an outline of the ad-
vertising, publicity, radio and exploi-
tation campaigns set for this season's
product. Details of the publicity plans
for "Forever Amber" and "Captain
from Castile" will highlight his talk.
Other speakers will include Herman
Wobber, Western divisional sales
manager, who will speak on special
handling to be accorded the reissue
of Irving Berlin's "Alexander Rag-
time Band," and William J. Kupper,
general sales manager, who will ad-
dress the assemblage on additional
sales policies.
Although the conference will close
tomorrow, Andrew W. Smith, Jr.,
Harry Ballance and Wobber, division-
al sales managers, will remain in New
York for the balance of the week for
home office meetings with Skouras
and other executives.
Among home office representatives
present at the conference are : W. C.
Michel, executive vice-president; Don-
ald A. Henderson, treasurer; W. J.
Eadie, assistant treasurer and comp-
troller ; Otto E. Koegel, general
counsel. Also, Edmund Reek, Paul
Terry, Richard de Rochemont, Wil-
liam Weiss, Lem Jones, Jack Bloom,
Edwin H. Collins, Martin Moskowitz,
Peter Levathes, W. J. Kupper, Jr.,
Sam Fishman and Rodney Bush.
Also : Seymour Florin, Murray
Chikofsky, Frank Carroll, Morris
Caplan, Roger Ferri, Frank Bryan,
Harry Mersay, G. A. Roberts, Eugene
McEvoy, Dave Ornstein, Ted Shaw,
R. Stephenson, Moe Grassgreen, Sey-
mour Cohen, I. Lincer, Clarence A.
Hill and Winton Burrhus.
District managers attending are :
C. E. Peppiatt, E. X. Callahan, Paul
S. Wilson, , Phil Longdon, Jack H.
Lorentz, J. J. Grady, M. A. Levy,
Ward E. Scott, Charles L. Walker,
Bryan D. Stoner, Sydney Samson
and Raymond E. Moon.
Branch managers present are:
Joseph B. Rosen, Sam Gross, Wei
don Waters, C. G. Norris, James M.
Connolly, William Graham, Benjamin
A. Simon, Fred R. Dodson, J. E
Holston, Mark Sheridan, H. L. Bee-
croft, Tom W. Young, Grady L. James
Tom R. Gilliam, Joseph J. Lee, Joseph
R. Neger, Leavitt J. Bugie, I. J
Schmertz, George T. Landis, Gordon
F. Halloran, Jack S. Cohan, Joseph
E. Scott, George W. Fuller.
Also: Benjamin B. Reingold, V. J
Dugan, Clyde Blasius, Clyde W. Eck-
hardt, Charles F. Powers, Tosenh M
Podnlnff. Frank Drew. Moe Kurtz
M. W. Doris. M. Sudmin, Alex Har-
rison, M. Nuzzola, Joe Burke, A
Blumstein, J. Fernicola and N
Harris.
'Dangerous Venture"
(Hopalong Cassidy Productions-United Artists)
AS guardian angels for an archaeology expedition seeking Indian relics
which have great monetary value, William Boyd as "Hoppy" and his
two pals, Andy Clyde and Rand Brooks find themselves with plenty of work
on their hands in "Dangerous Venture" when their path also crosses that of
cattle rustlers. Yet, while there is potentially good material for excitement
and action, this picture, number three in the new "Hopalong Cassidy" series,
lags noticeably behind its predecessors. Irregular and halting in its pace, it is
an average Western hampered by too much verbiage and a deficiency in ac-
tion.
Headed by Betty Alexander and Douglas Evans, the expedition runs into
trouble when rustlers, masquerading as Indians, are confronted with the
antagonism of a small Indian tribe, a peaceful people who are fast becoming
extinct. Evans, proving himself more interested in the monetary value of the
relics rather than in science, places himself in league with the rustlers, led
by Harry Cording and Francis McDonald. But Boyd and his pals discover
the trickery, and are instrumental in bringing justice and fair play to the
Indians, vindicating the expedition of suspicions that its purpose is to loot
the Indian burial grounds. Fritz Lieber appears as chief of the Indian tribe.
Lewis J. Rachmil produced and George Archainbaud directed, from a screen-
play by Doris Schroeder.
Running time, 59 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
not set. Irving Kaplan
'Renegade GirV
(Screen Guild Prod.)
THE Missouri wilds during ; the closing days of the Civil War sets^ the
backdrop of this aptly-titled outdoor drama which concerns itself princi-
pally with a bitter feud between a predatory Indian leader and an attractive
lady outlaw who heads a band of Southern guerrillas. Leaning heavily on
dialogue and romance1 (the lady falls in love with a Union Army officer),
"Renegade Girl" has been aimed apparently at a wider audience than that
for which the usual run of "horse operas" are intended. Ann Savage, appear-
ing somewhat too glamorous and modern-looking in the role, plays the grim
and brooding renegade miss with moderate conviction; Alan Curtis is reason-
ably well cast as the Union captain whose love for the girl establishes suffi-
cient emotional interest to stir; the womenfolk, and Edward Brophy, Russell
Wade, Jack Holt, Claudia Drake, Chief Thundercloud and others are on
hand to contribute to the hard riding, gun-fighting and other phases of the
proceedings.
When an outlaw Indian kills Miss Savage's entire family she swears re-
venge. Her purpose is not infrequently interrupted by run-ins with the Union
Army of occupation, and her love for the captain almost saves her from carry-
ing out her intention — but not quite. In the end she slays the Indian during
one of his raids on a village, but is herself killed by the Indian and dies in
the arms of the captain whose troupe arrives too late to save her. The film's
presentation is credited to Robert L. Lippert ; William Blake produced and
directed.
Running time, 65 minutes. General audience classification.
Charles L. Franke
George Schaef er
(Continued from page V,
assuming the post of Enterprise vice-
president in charge of distribution.
"In view of rising costs and new
selling methods, it is now vitally nec-
essary to get every possible box-of-
fice dollar," Schaefer said, declaring
that Charles Einfeld, Enterprise
president, and David Loew, chairman
of the board, are the "two most sales-
conscious men in Hollywood."
Expressing confidence in the com-
pany's future, and declaring Enter-
prise product on a par with the
majors' best in quality, Schaefer said
that "the flexibility of our organiza-
tion offers artists an opportunity _ to
build for the future by establishing
equities in pictures they make for us
The fact that stars have a financial
interest in productions improves the
morale in every phase, from shooting
to selling. This is a young, ambi-
tious, aggressive organization. En-
terprise is going places, and I'm going
with it," he added.
Schaefer will fly to Salt Lake Citv
on Friday for the "Ramrod" premiere
going on to El Paso, Texas, for ;i
UA western sales meeting on the
27th.
UK Said to Approve
WB's Foreign Plans
Hollywood, Feb. 17.— Widespread
encouragement of Warner Brothers'
plans for international expansion in
production and distribution of pic-
tures was reported by Jack L. War-
ner, vice-president in charge of pro-
duction, in a radio interview here, fol-
lowing his return from more than
two months abroad.
Not only is the average theatre-goer
in England and on the Continent
without prejudice against American
films and players. Warner told Knox
Manning over KFWB, but Sir Staf-
ford Cripps, president of the British
Board of Trade, expressed his best
wishes for full success of WB's ar-
rangement with Associated British
Pictures for production in England.
Warning that the American indus-
try must be everlastingly vigilant,
Warner declared thai "We must avoid
any self-satisfied notion that we can
keep on doing (lie same thing without
imagination and extra effort. The
British have already proved thai they
can make pictures good enough to
prosper in a free American market.
We should welcome that sort of ar-
tistic rivalry."
Strike By - Passes
Universal Building
Work on Universal's new
home office Park Avenue
building here proceeded with-
out interruption yesterday
while a strike of 1,000 mem-
bers of Metalic Workers
Union, Local No. 46, AFL,
crippled construction through-
out the city and made thou-
sands idle.
A spokesman for Universal
explained that metal lathing
for the floors already has
been installed and that ceil-
ing laths are not scheduled to
be hung for several months.
Cohn Without
(Continued from page 1)
company of his services for a number
of years. There have been negotiations
during the past year and our directors
are anxious to find a contract basis
mutually acceptable."
The letter to stockholders relates
that Jack Cohn, also, has been with-
out an employment contract with the
company since July 1, 1945. The new
contract for which stockholders' ap-
proval is sought, is for seven years
from last Jan. 1 at a salary of $2,500
weekly and expense allowance of $300
weekly, compared with $2,000' weekly
and $200 expense allowance formerly.
The new contract with Montague,
also subject to stockholders' approval,
is for seven years from June 10, 1946.
at a weekly salary of $2,500, com-
pared with $1,500 weekly formerly.
His proposed option is fori 10,000
shares of common at $32 per share.
The option to Kahane, vice-presi-
dent and studio executive, is for 10,-
000 shares, exercisable between April
14, 1949, and Oct. 14, 1954, at $27.50
per share. Kahane's employment con-
tract runs to Dec. 31, 1951, at $2,000
weekly.
The option to Roth, lawyer and
former California Superior Court
judge, is for 5,000 shares of common,
exercisable from July 1, 1949, to Dec.
31, 1956, at $27.50 per share. Roth is
employed as an executive in studio
operation and management at $1,500
weekly for the next seven years.
The option to Briskin is for 3,500
shares of common, exercisable at
$27.50 per share from April 14, 1949,
to Oct. 14, 1954. His present contract
expires Dec. 31, 1951, and provides
for a salary of $1,500 weekly as a
producer. The option to Rackett is
for 1,000 shares at $27.50, exercisable
from July 1, 1950, to Dec. 31, 1954.
Rackett will supervise the studio's
general laboratory at a salary of
$1,200 weekly on a contract extend-
ing from Tan. 2, 1947, to Dee. 31.
1951.
Obscene Ads
(Conthiurd from Page I)
objection or debate. Assemblyman
Kaplan, American Labor Party,
moved to strike out the enacting
clause, but he was persuaded to with
draw his objection,
The Wilson --Condon act follows the
Regents' suggestion in rejecting New
York License Commissioner Benjamin
Fielding's appeal to revoke the permit
of "The Outlaw," on the ground of
alleged salacious advertising.
THE RAZOR'S EDGE
13 RUE MADELEINE
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM
in Technicolor!
BOB, SON OF BATTLE
In Technicolor!
KISS OF DEATH
NIGHTMARE ALLEY
BOOMERANG!
THE BRASHER DOUBLOON
I WONDER WHO'S
KISSING HER NOW
In Technicolor!
THE LATE GEORGE APLEY
CALL NORTHSIDE 777
CARNIVAL IN COSTA RICA
In Technicolor!
MOTHER WORE TIGHTS
In Technicolor!
THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR
THE FOXES OF HARROW
THE HOMESTRETCH
in Technicolor!
MOSS ROSE
FOREVER AMBER
In Technicolor!
MIRACLE ON 34th STREET
CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE
In Technicolor!
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
VOL. 61. NO. 34
NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1947
TEN CENTS
^ames . . .
Today 9s News
MAURICE SILVERSTONE,
president of 20th Century-Fox
International Corp., returned to New
York yesterday from London aboard
the S. S. Queen Elizabeth, with word
that, under the severe coai and power
crisis which has afflicted England,
motion picture houses are experienc-
ing a great decline in business. He
added that newsreel companies, in-
cluding "Movietone," which are pro-
duced in Britain, have discovered that
the "only way to maintain operations"
has been by buying their own genera-
tors.
Others who also arrived are : Ben
Goetz, M-G-M managing director in
London ; Morris Goodman, former
Motion Picture Export Association
head in Berlin, who, accompanied by
his wife, returned after a two-year
stay abroad; E. G. (Ted) Curtis,
vice-president of Eastman Kodak ; E.
E. Blake, chairman of Kodak, Ltd.
and Leslie Mitchell, Sir Alexander
Korda's publicity chief - in England.
Silverstone, who also visited France
during his trip, revealed that Marcel
Hellman had signed up with 20th-
Fox again for production of at least
two more pictures. He also disclosed
that the company, whose Wembley
Studio was battered during the war,
had applied for permission to embark
on a reconstruction program.
Pine, Balaban, Hollander
Hosts to B. and K. 'Alumni'
Chicago, Feb. 18.— With William
Pine, Paramount producer, as chair-
man, a score of former Balaban and
Katz employees now in Hollywood
will hold an "alumni dinner" at the
Beverly-Wilshire Hotel in Beverly
Hills on March 25.
John Balaban, B. and K. and
Great States circuit head, who with
his wife is now at his LaQuinta Hotel
in California, will probably be one of
(Continued on page 8)
Obscene Ad Bill
Goes to Gov. Dewey
Albany, Feb. 18.— The Wilson-
Condon1 bill, providing for revocation
of film licenses by the state censor
division because of indecent or im-
moral advertising was passed by the
state senate today and now goes to
Governor Dewey for his signature or
veto.
The senate vote on the bill was .39
to one; Senator MacNeill Mitchell,
(Continued on page 8)
Montague, Scully,
Lazarus Testimony
In Columbia Appeal
Testimony by A. Montague, Col-
umbia vice-president and general sales
manager ; William A. Scully, Univer-
sal vice-president and general sales
manager, and Paul N. Lazarus, Sr.,
manager of the United Artists con-
tract department, has been singled
out by Louis Frohlich, Columbia
counsel, for inclusion in parts of the
printed record of the industry anti-
trust suit on which he will base ar-
guments at the hearing of his com-
pany's appeal before the U. S. Su-
preme Court from the New York
Federal Court decree.
In the testimony referred to by
Columbia's praecipe, now on file at
the Federal District Court here and
also with the Department of Justice
in Washington, the Columbia and
Universal executives described in de-
tail their companies' policies of sell-
ing large blocks of pictures in ad-
vance, while the UA spokesman elab-
orated on his company's practice of
(Continued on page 8)
Para. Theatre Men
Air Decree Effect
St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 18. — Dis-
cussions of the application of the New
York Federal court decree in the in-
dustry anti-trust suit to Paramount
theatre operations were begun here to-
day at the Ponce de Leon Hotel by
home office executives and the com-
pany's theatre associates.
Leonard Goldenson, Paramount
vice-president in charge of theatre op-
erations, said that no final decisions
(Continued on page 8)
40 Trade Showings
During February
An unusually large number
of new films are being trade-
screened by distributors dur-
ing February, the total for
the month already having
reached 40. Many are exhibi-
tor screenings, others are for
the press.
Schedules received to date
give Paramount and United
Artists seven each, to top the
list, M-G-M will have six and
RKO Radio, five. Other com-
panies have three or less on
their schedules.
To Study Cut
In U.S. Tax
Washington, Feb. 18. — The Joint
Committee on Internal Revenue Tax-
ation of Congress plans to study the
possible future reduction of the war-
time 20 per cent admission tax. How-
ever, it is said that it is unlikely that
any recommendation for a reduction
will be forthcoming until 1948.
The Joint Congressional Conference
Committee, presently studying the
wartime excise tax continuation meas-
ure, which has been passed by the
House and Senate, will not deal with
the admission tax rate because it is
not involved in the measure now as
an amendment. The Committee is free
to discuss only those amendments to
the legislation which are now before it.
The Joint Taxation Committee is
composed of a staff of researchers and
ranking members of the House and
Senate Finance and Ways and Means
committees.
"The Farmer's
Daughter
(RKO Radio)
Sure-fire Comedy-Romance
WERE this reviewer an ex-
hibitor he'd let nothing de-
ter him — not even the complexities
of modern booking — from getting
this keen piece of merchandise into
his theatre pronto. The tradeshow
audience (the ladies were vastly in
the majority, however) received
this laugh-studded, superbly-acted,
sure-fire comedy-romance precisely
(Continued on page 7)
The Beginning
Or the End"
( Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Exciting, Engrossing
GOES the foreword: •'This is
basically a true story. How-
ever, for dramatic license and
security purposes, some rearrange-
ment of chronology and fictioniza-
tion was necessary." It was to be
expected that no concoction of dra-
matic entertainment based on the
atom bomb would' permit its pin
ducers to divulge the authentic
(Continued on page 7)
Skouras Asks
Diligent Sales
Under Decree
Calls for Meeting Spirit
And Letter of Ruling
Calling upon all members of
20th Century-Fox's distribution de-
partment to cooperate "with dili-
gence and consideration" in execut-
ing the com-
pany's policy of
"conforming to
the spirit as
well as the let-
ter" of the New
York Federal
Court decree,
S p y r o s P.
Skouras,
president, ac-
centuated yes-
terday the im-
portance of se-
curing extended
playing time in
all theatres in
order to realize
box-office returns commensurate with
(Continued on page 8)
Spyros P. Skouras
Decree Effect Will
Vary, Says Krim
While the New York Federal
Court's equity decision, if sustained,
would interpret the anti-trust laws as
applicable to the industry, the me-
chanics of compliance, such as compe-
titive bidding as dictated by the de-
cree apply only to the eight distribu-
tor defendants in the case, in the
(Continued on page 8)
UA Asks Interim
Contract Changes
Hollywood, Feb. 18. — A directive
from all United Artists producers au-
thorizing the distributing company to
disregard any provisions in their re-
leasing contracts which, if observed,
(Continued on page 8)
In This Issue
Key city grosses are given
on page 6.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, February 19, 1947
New Device to Stop
Box-Office Leaks
The perennial problem of receipt
"leakages" between box-office and
ticket door has been solved through
the development of a new control de-
vice, said to have received the enthusi-
astic approval of many home office
theatre executives, according to Henry
Randall, Paramount's New York
branch manager, who made the inven-
tion and will place it on display at the
Gotham Theatre here beginning this
morning.
Known as the Stud Rod Control,
the device consists principally of a
locked box containing a rod which
protrudes upward through an opening-
just large enough to admit the stubs
of tickets which are provided with
holes for stringing them upon the rod.
This box, designed to replace the
familiar receptacle attended by the
doorman, will spare him from any
temptation to collect tickets and re-
turn them to the cashier for resale,
inasmuch as the serial numbers will
have to appear on the rod in order,
Randall explains.
For circuit operations, in which it
might be desired to bring the theatre
manager under control also, a series
of rods, as many as nine, is provided
— thus enabling the tickets to be ac-
cumulated day after day until they can
be checked by a visiting circuit
executive.
Each rod is enclosed inside a hollow
wire, which can be slipped off, bring-
ing the tickets along out with it, when
the box is unlocked. Each wire, two
feet long, will resemble a Hawaiian
lei when removed, according to the
inventor.
Randall already has the device in
Control Corp., which he has formed in
production, through the Stub Rod
association with I. Dashin. Perfec-
tion of the equipment required a year
and a half of work.
Personal Mention
Stuber and Folsom
Named EK Directors
Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 18.— Adolph
Stuber, a vice-president of Eastman
Kodak Co., and Marion B. Folsom,
company treasurer, have been elected
to the board of directors. Stuber suc-
ceeds Herman C. Sievers, former
vice-chairman of the board, while
Folsom succeeds Frank W. Love joy,
former board chairman.
Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 18.— Com-
mon stock of Eastman Kodak was
placed on a $7 annual dividend basis
today when directors of the company
increased the quarterly dividend to
$1.75, payable April 1 to stockholders
of record on March 5. The regular
$1.50 dividend on the six per cent pre-
ferred was also declared. In 1946 the
company declared four quarterly divi-
dends of $1.50 each with an extra $1
in the final quarter.
RKO Dividend Declared
The RKO board yesterday declared
a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per
share of common stock, payable April
1 to holders of record at the close of
business on March 15.
GUS EYSSELL, president and
managing director of the Radio
City Music Hall, has returned to
New York from Kansas City.
•
Simon B. Schiffrin, formerly with
Loew's International, has been deco-
rated by the French Government for
distinguished services as head of the
motion picture division of the French
Ministry of Information.
•
William M. Levy, United Artists
division manager for Europe and the
Near East, arrived in New York yes-
terday following a three-and-a-half
months' survey of his territory.
•
Jock Lawrence, J. Arthur Rank
vice-president in charge of public re-
lations in the U. S., will sail today on
the Queen Elisabeth for a three-week
London conference with Rank officials.
•
Carol Reed, British director, will
be guest of honor at a reception at the
Hampshire House here today to be
tendered by Universal-International.
•
Ed. J. Fontaine, Selznick Releas-
ing Organization's middle-Atlantic
zone manager, is in New York from
Washington.
•
Arthur Shreffler, manager of the
CaStamba, Shelby, O., has been named
chairman of the local Red Cross fund
raising committee.
•
Mrs. Minnette Goldstein, Century
Theatres field representative, has re-
turned to New York from a Bermuda
vacation.
•
Kenneth MacKenna, M-G-M
studio executive, has arrived in New
York from the Coast, accompanied by
his actress wife, Mary Phillips.
•
Frank McCarthy, Motion Picture
Association executive, is flying here
from Hollywood, arriving tomorrow
following stopovers in the South.
•
Charles E. Kessnich, M-G-M
district manager, has left his Atlanta
headquarters for Charlotte and New
Orleans.
•
William B. Zoellner, M-G-M
importation and reprint head, is on
a 10-day trip to Atlanta, New Or-
leans and Dallas.
•
Jack Jackson has been appointed
manager of the Panama, Atlanta, re-
placing W. F. Boyd, resigned.
•
William R. Ferguson, M-G-M
exploitation head, will fly to Chicago
today.
13ICHARD F. WALSH, IATSE
president, has returned to New
York from Hollywood.
•
Richard de Rochemont, producer
of The March of Time, will address
the Advertising Club of New York at
a luncheon today on the subject, "The
Future of the Advertising Film."
• '
Harpo Marx will leave Hollywood
Feb. 23 at the head of a USO enter-
tainment unit that will spend a week
visiting Army and Veterans Adminis-
tration Hospitals in the Southwest.
•
John Ballantyne, Philco Corp.
president, has received a War De-
partment "Certificate of Appreciation"
for his wartime direction of radar
development.
•
Bill O' Sullivan, new manager of
the Hamilton Theatre, Waterbury,
has been presented with a baby girl.
Mrs. O'Sullivan was with the
Waterbury Strand.
•
Frank Launder, British producer-
director-writer, is due here on the
Queen Elizabeth on March 4. He
will return to Britain on April 9.
•
Harry Segal, Eagle-Lion's New
England sales supervisor, is here for
talks with A. W. Schwalberg,
Eagle-Lion general sales manager.
•
Sam Horowitz, manager Lou
Cohen's assistant at Loew's Poli,
Hartford, is the father of a baby
boy.
•
John P. Byrne, Eastern M-G-M
sales manager, is in Boston for the
balance of the week for talks with
Tom Donaldson, branch manager.
•
Leonard Hirsch, assistant to Rudy
Berger, Southern M-G-M sales man-
ager, has left here for New Orleans,
where he will spend the next month.
•
Mitchell Rawson of M-G-M's
publicity department, is in Washington
from New York.
Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount pro-
ducer-director, will leave New York
for Hollywood on Sunday.
•
William Pilot has succeeded Sam
Giangrave as manager of the Colo-
nial Theatre, Southington, Conn.
John E. Pirani has been named
manager of the Lafayette Theatre,
Central Falls, R. I.
•
Jules Livingston, Republic sales-
man in New Haven, has been trans-
ferred to Cleveland.
Newsreel
Parade
^NO W figures prominently in cur-
O rent newsreels, with the spotlight
trained on the Byrd expedition, Can-
ada digging out of drifts, skiing meets
and the Dartmouth winter carnival.
In a warmer vein, there are scenes of
gala events at Miami Beach and New
Orleans. Completing the reels are re-
ports on Britain's coal crisis, peace
treaty developments, and such per-
sonalities as President Truman, Babe
Ruth, Sir Malcolm Campbelfamnd
Laurel and Hardy. Complete c^^kts
folloiv :
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 5tt-Byrd finds
food he left 15 years ago in the Antarctic.
Coal crisis continues in England. Italians
protest treaty. President Truman visits his
mother. Weddings on ice in Holland.
Western Canada snow-bound. Sports: ski-
ing in Colorado, Sir Malcolm Campbell to
attempt to break speedboat record.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 248— Italians
protest peace treaty. Blizzards in Canada.
Coal crisis in Britain. Forging the tools
of peace. Carnival in New Orleans. New-
est in fire fighting. Dartmouth winter car-
nival. Babe Ruth leaves hospital. "Miss
Brevity" contest in Miami Beach.
PARAMOUNT NEWS', No. 51— Sports:
"Dear Babe: Please get well— The Gang."
Italians protest peace treaty. So you want
to be a model. Army begins new training
experiment. Snow-bound Canada digs out.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 53-Voice of
America beamed to USSR. Chile president
hears problems. People: President Tru-
man, Babe Ruth, Laurel and Hardy. Top
U. S. skiers in Olympic tests.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 14-
Carnival season: New Orleans festival.
Pirate Carnival at Tampa, Dartmouth win-
ter carnival. Babe Ruth returns home
from hospital. Canada digs out of severe
snow storms. Auto races on ice. Span-
ish-Italian roller hockey competition.
Aquatic frolics at Miami Beach.
52 'Brotherhood* Members
RKO Radio's home office has en-
rolled 52 members in the Current
"American Brotherhod Week" drive,
which more than doubles the RKO
number enrolled last year. Leon J.
Bamberger heads the company's par-
ticipation.
Censors on the Fence
Cleveland, Feb. 18. — Because the
Ohio _ Censor Board cannot make up
its mind on the moral implication in-
volved in the British film, "Murder in
Reverse," it was decided to let it play
a test engagement at the Lower Mall
and let the public decide whether it is
obj ectionable.
Schoenstadt Hearings
Postponed to Mar. 6
Chicago, Feb. 18. — Hearings on the
Schoenstadt Circuit's $675,000 triple
damage anti-trust suit, which were
scheduled to get under way this morn-
ing before Special Master in Chancery
Charles A. McDonald, have been post-
poned again until March 6. Defen-
dants are eight distributors and B.
and K. and Warner theatre circuits.
McDonald was appointed by U. S.
District Court Judge Philip L. Sulli-
van to hear evidence in the case.
Some MP A Research
Work Shifts to B.C.
Due to lack of office space here, the
Motion Picture Association is shift-
ing tabulating equipment used in its
research program from New York to
Washington. Robert Chambers, re-
search director, yesterday was in
Washington working on the transfer.
He will continue to maintain head-
quarters in New York, however.
Correction
Due to a typographical error, Mur-
ray Silverstone, president of 20th Cen-
tury-Fox International, was identified
as president of 20th Century-Fox
Inter-America in Motion Picture
Daily yesterday.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martm Quigley, Editor-in-Chief ■ and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, . "Quigpubco,
New York. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor ; Herbert V. Fecke Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, Quigpubco, London. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y„ under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
SCOOP
OF THE
CENTURY!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, producers of the screen's mightiest entertainments, reveal
FOR THE FIRST TIME on any screen the personal HUMAN drama behind the
greatest DRAMA of all time, the ATOMIC BOMB! It is the behind-the-scenes story
, NORMAN TAUROG
bv SAMUEL
mum
FORECAST!
Launched with widely publicized Global Pre-
mieres in leading English-speaking cities of the
world! Terrific interest in advance of first en-
gagements, Washington, D.C. and New York City,
is prediction of business to come to your theatre !
THEY ARE
WAITING
FOR IT
EAGERLY!
6
Wednesday, February 19, 1947
Estimates of Key City Grosses
HOLLOWING are estimated pic-
■*■ ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
LOS ANGELES
"Lady in the Lake" fared best at
the box-office in a week which found
holdovers at most first-run theatres.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 19:
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and DICK
TRACY VS. CUE BALL (RKO Radio)—
BELMONT (1,600) (50c-60c-8Sc-$1.0O) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,200. (Average:
$8,900)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— FOX -BEVERLY (1,350)
($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days, 8th week. Gross:
$15,000.
THE YEARLING (M-G-M) — CARTHAY
CIRCLE (1,516) ($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days,
8th week. Gross: $13,000. (Average: $11,-
500)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — CHINESE (2,300) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00)
7 days. Gross: $21,000. (Average: $19,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— EGYP-
TIAN (1,000) (50c-60fc-8Sc-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $20,500. (Average: $14,000)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and DICK
TRACY VS. CUEBALL (RKO Radio)—
EL REY (861) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $5,600. (Average: $7,700)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO) — FAIRFAX
(1,504) ($1.20-$1.50-$1.80) 7 days, 5th week.
Gross: $27,000.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I)— FOUR
STAR (900) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $7,600)
LAD Y IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— FOX -
WILSHIRE (2,300) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7
days. Gross: $20,500. (Average: $12,700)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) and THE LONE
WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.) — GUILD (965)
(50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7days, 2nd week. Gross:
$4,800. (Average: $8,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio) and
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT (Col.)— HILL-
STREET (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $23,700)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) and THE LONE
WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.) — IRIS (708)
(50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$6,200. (Average: $11,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox)— LOEWS STATE (2,500) (50c-60c-
85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $28,500. (Aver-
age: $26,200)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)-LOS
ANGELES (2,096) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $34,000. (Average: $24,600)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
F ox)— LOYOLA (1,265) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $13,000. (Average: $10,000)
CHILD OF DIVORCE (RKO Radio) and
VACATION IN RENO (RKO' Radio)-
MARCAL (1,000) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $2,500. (Average: $8,000)
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA) — MUSIC
HALL (Beverlv Hills) (900) (65c-85c-$1.00)
7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $6,100)
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA)— MUSIC
HALL (Downtown) (900) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $11,500. (Average: $15,000)
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA)— MUSIC
HALL (Hawaii) (1,000) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $6,000
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA)— MUSIC
HALL (Hollywood) (490) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $5,800)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and DICK
TRACY VS. CUEBALL (RKO Radio)-
ORFHEUM (2,210) (50c-60c-85c-$1.0O) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Average:
$16,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio) and
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT (Col.) — PAN-
TAGES (2,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $23,-
100)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— PALACE (1,238) ($1.00-$1.25-
$1.80) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $25,000.
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and THE GHOST
GOES WILD (Rep.) — PARAMOUNT
(3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross:
$39,000. (Average: $24,100)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — PARAMOUNT
(Hollywood) (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $15,400)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) and THE LONE
WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.)— RITZ (1,376)
(50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$5,300. (Average: $9,300)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) and THE LONE
WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.)— STUDIO (880)
(50c-6Oc-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$5,200. (Average: $8,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) and THE LONE
WOLF IN MEXICO (Col.)— UNITED
ARTISTS (2,100) (SOc-60c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $9,600. (Average: $15,-
100)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox)— UPTOWN (1,716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00)
7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $12,500)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO)— VOGUE
(800) (50c-60c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 7th week.
Gross: $17,000. (Average: $8,000)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB)— WARNER
(Downtown) (3,400) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Average:
$21,600)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB)— WARNER
(Hollywood) (3,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average:
$16,100)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB)— WARNER
(Wiltern) (2,300) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $15,-
700)
PHILADELPHIA
"Dead Reckoning" is breaking the
house record at the Goldman, while
business for other films has been un-
even. Estimated receipts for the week
ending Feb. 18-20:
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.)—
ALDINE (900) (50c-6Oc-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7
days. Gross: $13,800. (Average: $14,000)
NOCTURNE (RKO Radio)— ARCADIA
(900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. Gross:
$4,800. (Average: $7,250)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— BOYD (3,000)
(50s-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) -7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $21,000. (Average: $22,800)
SWEETHEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.)
— EARLE (3,000) (60c-70c-80c-90c-99c) 6
days, with vaudeville starring Charlie Bar-
net. Gross: $24,500. (Average, for 7 days:
$22,800)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th- Fox) — FOX
(3,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $16,500. (Average: $28,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)-GOLDMAN
(1,400) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days.
Gross: $36,500. (Average: $26,000)
THE SHOW-OFF (M-G-M)— KARLTON
(1,000) (5Oc-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $7,800)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (ZOth-Fox)—
KEITH'S (2,200) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd run. Gross: $9,500. (Average:
$6,500)
mmmm
I
THE BANK OF THE
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
IBmtk of Atntvicn
NATIONAL 5avSincs ASSOCIATION
MEMBER FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE C0RP0RATIDN . MEMBER FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
HUMORESQUE (WB)— MASTBAUM (4,-
700) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. Gross:
$40,000. (Average: $28,300)
HENRY V (UA)-PIX (500) ($1.30-$1.95-
$2.60) 7 days, 8th week. Gross: $9,500.
(Average: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—STANLEY (3,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-
94c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $25,900.
(Average: $24,900)
MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (Col.)-
S TAN TON (1,700) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c)
7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $11,200)
PITTSBURGH
"The Jolson Story" more than
doubled the house average at the J. P.
Harris in a week of generally good
business here. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 20 :
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) — FULTON (1,700)
(40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Aver-
age: $9,700)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— J. F. HAR-
RIS (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$28,000. (Average: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
— PENN (40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $24,-
000. (Average: $25,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— RITZ (1,100) (40c-
55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week on moveover from
Stanley. Gross: $3,000. (Average: $3,500)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox)— SEN-
ATOR (1,700) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week
on moveover from Harris. Gross: $5,000.
(Average: $3,200)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
STANLEY (3,800) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $26,000. (Average: $25,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— WARNER (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd
week on moveover from Penn. Gross:
$9,000. (Average: $8,000)
CLEVELAND
Business bounced back to normal
with the end of the cold spell. "The
Shocking Miss Pilgrim" is in the lead.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 19 :
THE BACHELOR'S DAUGHTERS (UA)
—LOEWS OHIO (1,268) (50c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $7,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M)— LOEWS STATE (3,300) (50c-
70c) 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average:
$23,800)
BLUE SKIES (Para.) — LOEWS STILL-
MAN (1,900) (50c-70c) 7 days, 4th week.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $11,000)
MURDER IN REVERSE (Four Conti-
r»ents)-LOWER MALL (563) (45c-65c) 7
days. Gross: $2,500. (Average: $2,500)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (ZOth-
Fox) — RKO ALLEN (3,000) (55c-70c) 7
days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $12,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—RKO PALACE (3,300) (55c -70c) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $21,-
400)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB)— WARNERS'
HIPPODROME (3,500) (55c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $19,000.. Average: $22,600)
THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS
(WB)— WARNERS LAKE (714) (55c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average:
$3,650)
DENVER
^ "Till the Clouds Roll By" and
"Strange Voyage" are packing the
Orpheum to set the pace here. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
Feb. 19:
MAGNIFICENT DOLL (U-I) and GEN-
TLEMAN JOE PALOOKA (Mono.)—
ALADDIN (1,400) (35c-74c) 7 days, after
week each at Denver, Webber. Gross:
$4,000. (Average: $4,000)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.)—
DENHAM (1,750) (35c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$11,000. (Average: $11,500)
ANGEL AND THE BAD MAN (Rep.) and
THE PILGRIM LADY (Rep.)— DENVER
(2,525) (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date with
Webber. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $15,000)
HENRY V (UA) — ESQUIRE (742) ($1.20-
$2.40) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $3,500)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
and STRANGE VOYAGE (Mono.)— OR-
PHEUM (2,600) (35c-74c) 7 days. Gross:
$22,500. (Average: $15,500)
THAT BRENNAN GIRL (Rep.) and NO-
TORIOUS GENTLEMAN (U-I)— PARA-
MOUNT (2,200) (35c -74c) 7 days. Gross:
$8,000. (Average: $8,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB) and RENEGADE
GIRL (Screen Guild)— RIALTO (878) (35c-
74c) 7 days, after week each at Denver,
Esquire, Webber, Aladdin. Gross: $5,000.
(Average: $3,000)
ANGEL AND THE LADY (Rep.) and
THE PILGRIM LADY (Rep.)— WEBB.EK
(750) (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date
l»i iivcr. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $3^H
SALT LAKE CITY
Record-breaking warmth and clear
Ikies helped boost all grosses above
average. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 20:
KING'S ROW (WB reissue) and WILD
BILL HICKOK RIDES (WB reissue)—
CAPITOL (1,878) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days on
a moveover. Gross: $8,000. (Average:
$7,600)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) — CENTRE 1,-
700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $13,900.
(Average: $13,500)
HELDORADO (Rep.) and THE INVISI-
BLE INFORMER (Rep.)— LYRIC (1,500)
(20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $3,850. Aver-
age: $3,700)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox)— RIAL-
TO (1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $4,-
800. (Average: $3,600)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — STUDIO
(800) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 8th week. Gross:
$7,500. (Average: $4,700)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th- Fox) — UP-
TOWN (1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
$7,390. (Average: $5,800)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—UTAH (1,700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $15,900. (Average: $12,000)
4 UA Showings in 4
States in 10 Days
United Artists has arranged four
world premieres in four states over a
period of 10 days.
"The Sin of Harold Diddlebock,"
California Pictures production, opened
last night at the Lincoln Theatre,
Miami; "Ramrod," Enterprise- Sher-
man production, will have its premiere
at the Utah Theatre, Salt Lake City,
on Friday ; "The Fabulous Dorseys,"
Charles R. Rogers production, will
have a premiere at the Regent, Har-
risburg, on Feb. 26; "The Private
Affairs of Bel Ami," Loew-Lewin
film, will make its bow at the State,
Cleveland, on the following day.
'Global* Premiere
Washington, Feb. 18. — The pre-
miere of M-G-M's "The Beginning or
the End" at Loew's Palace Theatre
here tomorrow evening will be at-
tended by many military personnel
portrayed in the picture about the
atomic project. Ambassadors and min-
isters from foreign nations have also
indicated that they will be present.
Regular run of the picture will begin
at the Palace Thursday simultaneous-
ly with engagements in New York,
London, Ottawa and Sydney.
WOR, WGY, 25 Years Old
Mutual's key station, WOR, and
General Electric's WGY, Schenectady,
both will observe their 25th year on
the air this week. Anniversary pro-
grams will be broadcast by the two
with Niles Trammell, president of Na-
tional Broadcasting, to be heard on a
WGY show Friday evening, and
WOR having two two-hour programs
featuring radio and film stars on Sat-
urday.
Wednesday, February 19, 1947
Motion Picture daily
7
Set Greek Appeal
Area Committees
Completion of film exchange area
committees for the industry's Appeal
for Greek War Orphans, to run
March 8-April 8, was announced here
yesterday by the general committee,
headed by Jack Cohn, Ned Depinet
and S. H. Fabian. The industry's plan
to launch "$80-clubs," each to save the
life of one of needy orphans, has the
rescue of 15,000 children as its goal.
The drive is sponsored in honor of
rJ\ • os Skouras in recognition of his
n 1 Unitarian efforts.
Exhibitors, film distributors, sales-
men, theatre owner groups and home
office personnel, as well as Hollywood
studio workers, are represented in the
committee and officer appointments, as
follows :
Treasurer, Harry Kalmine; Hollywood
chairman, Al Lichtman; home office chair-
man, Sol A. Schwartz; assistant chairman,
Sam Shain.
Executive committee: Harry Brandt,
Ted R. Gamble, Jack Kirsch, Herman
Levy, R. H. Poole, Richard F. Walsh,
Fred Wehrenberg and Paul Williams.
Distributors committee: Tom Connors,
chairman; George Dembow, Morey Gold-
stein, James R. Grainger, Ben Kalmenson,
William Kupper, Robert Mochrie, Abe
Montague, Charles Reagan, William F.
Rodgers, William A. Scully, Harry Thomas,
Joseph Unger.
Co-ordinators : Robert W. Coyne, J. Ed-
ward Shugrue.
Publicity committee: S. Barret McCor-
mick, Ben Serkowich.
Exchange area chairmen: Albany, Neil
Hellman, C. J. Latta, Edwin Ruff, Louis
Schine; Atlanta, Fred R. Dodson, R. B.
Wilby, Mitchell Wolf son; Boston, Sam Pi-
• nanski, I. H. Rogovin, Nathan Yamins;
Buffalo, Merritt Kyser, Elmer Lux, Vin-
cent McFaul; Charlotte, J. V. Frew, H. F.
Kincey, Ben Strozier; Chicago, John Bala-
ban, James E. Coston, Jack Kirsch, Ar-
thur Schoenstadt, Edwin Silverman, J. H.
Stevens, Ed Zorn; Cincinnati, E. R. Custer,
Jack Finberg, Sol Hyman, Maurice White,
P. J. Wood; Cleveland, Myer Fine, John
D. Kalafat, Milt Mooney, I. J. Schmertz,
Martin Smith.
Also: Dallas, Col. H. A. Cole, R. J.
O'Donnell, Henry Reeve, Sol M. Sachs;
Delaware, A. Joseph De Fiore; Denver,
V. J. Dugan, R. J. Garland, John M. Wolf-
berg; Des Moines, Myron Blank, Paul Web-
ster, Leo Wolcott; Detroit, Ray Branch,
Dave Idzal, Edward Hochstin, Earl Hud-
son, James F. Sharkey; Indianapolis, Ken
Collins, W. Guy Craig; Kentucky, Sam
Switow; Kansas City, Richard Biechele,
Elmer Bills, Russel C. Borg, Doc Cook,
Elmer C. Rhoden; Los Angeles, Clyde W.
Eckhardt, R. H. Poole, Charles Skouras;
Memphis, Louis Ingram, Ed Sapinsley;
Milwaukee, William Ainsworth, Harold
Fitzgerald, J. R, Neger.
Also: Minneapolis, Ben Berger, L. J. Mil-
ler; New Haven, Henry Germaine, I. J.
Hoffman, Herman Levy; New Orleans,
Luke Connor, E. V. Richards, Jr.; New
York, Ben Abner, Max A. Cohen, Ralph
Pielow, Sam Rinzler, Fred Schwartz, Joseph
R. Vogel; Northern New Jersey, Adam
Adams, Frank Damis; Oklahoma City, L.
C. Griffith, Morris Loewenstein, C. H.
Weaver; Omaha, Howard Brookings, F. J.
Hannon, William Miskell; Philadelphia, Jay
Emanuel, L. Formato, Lewen Pizor, Ted
Schlanger; Pittsburgh, Morris Finkel, John
H. Harris, M. E. Lefko, Mike Manos, John
Notopoulos, Moe Silver, Bert Stearn; Port-
land, Willard Gamble, Robert White, R. O.
Wilson; Rhode Island, Ed Fay.
Also: St. Louis, Harry Arthur, Harry
Hynes, Fred Wehrenberg; Salt Lake City,
Tracy Barham, Clyde Blasius, Sam L. Gil-
lette; San Francisco, H. Neal East,
George Nasser, Richard Spier; Seattle, E.
A. Lamb, Frank Newman, V. Stewart;
Washington, John Allen, Carter Barron, W.
F. Crockett, Fred Kogod, Sidney Lust,
John J. Payette.
New Anti-Billboard Bills
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 18.— Four bill-
board control bills which would limit
roadside advertising of motion pic-
tures and other products, were intro-
duced in the New York legislature
yesterday by Senator Thomas C. Des-
mond, Newburgh Republican.
44
The Beginning or the End 9
(Continued from page 1)
"know how." Yet there appears to be enough resemblance between the film
and published accounts to make "The Beginning or the End" an exciting and
engrossing motion picture.
Producer Samuel Marx was always aware that he was concerning himself
with serious business here, a business so serious that the future of civilization
hangs in the balance. Consequently, there is a deadly and almost never re-
lieved earnestness about what has been given to the world as the circumstances
leading into the decision to proceed with the harnessing of atomic energy and
the invention of the A-bomb.
In the sense that the story is new, the film has little to add. Rather is it _
re-enactment of the steps by which the Manhattan Project progressed from
laboratory to Oak Ridge to Los Alamos to Hiroshima. Famous figures
of contemporary history pass in interesting parade in the telling. First,
the scientists working in nuclear physics, Albert Einstein's participation in
focalizing President Roosevelt's attention to the successful research. Then,
the decision and the appointment of Major General Leslie R. Groves to handle
the job and the assorted setbacks and gains leading to the success of the com
bined efforts of a million workers over a period of three years at a cost of
two billion dollars.
The treatment is largely in the documentary flavor. Thus, while actors
essay roles, genuine names are used — Roosevelt, depicted in astonishing like
ness and voice by Godfrey Tearle ; Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Hume
Cronyn; Groves, by Brian Donlevy ; President Truman, in profile, by Art
Baker ; Dr. Enrico Fermi, by Joseph Calleia ; Dr. Einstein, by Ludwig Strossel ;
Dr. Harold C. Urey, by John Hamilton; Dr. James B. Conant, by Frank
Ferguson. In that parade of scientific, military and headline personalities
also appear Dr. Karl Compton, Dr. Vannevar Bush, General Brehon Somer
veil, Grace Tully and Charles G. Ross, but slipped in are the fictional charac
ters. _ Tom Drake is the young and brilliant researcher who debates the moral-
ities in unleashing atomic energy for wartime uses, but who dies saving Ameri-
can troops on a note of hope that his and others' handiwork will be turned to
peacetime pursuits. His romantic tie is Beverly Tyler. Robert Walker is
the colonel assigned as liaison between army and project but who finds time to
develop a love affair with Audrey Totter.
The story skein, as distinguished from the documentary phases, is puerile,
but the dramatic concentration here inescapably is the atom and the bomb it
grew up to become. Against such an overwhelming and terrifying background
no boy-meets-girl romance could have had a chance.
Cronyn poses the problem, describing the development of the bomb as the
beginning and leaving it — and* the film — to the 25th century to determine what
the end is to be. Tribute is paid to the cooperation of big business — the
duPonts, General Electrics and the others — yet the viewpoint of many noted
men of science gets its fair representation as well. They ponder their work,
speculate if they have accomplished a service or have confronted mankind with
its most devastating means of mass destruction. There is no answer, since
the answer has yet to be found. But there is the hope sounded that man will
use his new knowledge for the good of his brother.
Performances are good throughout; but the awesome flashes of lights, the
accelerating hum of hidden power and the thunder of the machines dominate.
Aided by a battery of official technical advisers, both scientific and military,
Norman Taurog handled a difficult directorial assignment with commendabil-
ity from an original story by Robert Considine and a script by Frank Wead.
Running time, 112 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
not set. RED Kann
44
The Farmer's Daughter
99
(Continued from page 1)
as it should have been received (and is destined to be received by paying
customers everywhere), with that kind of whole-hearted enjoyment that spells
heavy grosses and pleasant customer contacts for theatre managers.
It is a foregone conclusion that the customers will swarm to see it if mar-
quee names count for anything. Topping a completely winning cast are Loretta
Young, Joseph Cotten, and Ethel Barrymore, and with them are Charles
Bickford, Rose Hobart, Tom Powers, Anna Q. Nilsson, Rhys Williams,
Harry Davenport and a host of others.
The story is about a bucolic Minnesota farm girl of Swedish parents
("Miss Young) who brings her quaint accent and staunch political beliefs into
the_ household of a big city Minnesota congressman (Cotten), finds her simple
political philosophy hypnotizing the big city big-wigs, and ultimately sees her-
self swept into Congress as a representative and as the wife of Cotten whose
serving maid she once was. Wholesome comedy well stocked with smiles,
chuckles and guffaws, this one also presents some savory snatches of demo-
cratic thinking, with the common man and his interests to the fore.
Cotten as the aristocratic, yet ardently democratic congressman is excellent
in both comic and serious sequences. Miss Barrymore, in the role of his
mother, has an unchallenging part, but one that gives her opportunities to put
across in well-barbed Barrymore fashion some nicely sardonic bits of dialogue.
Bickford, playing the butler of the household, shines brightly in a minor role
and Williams is quite satisfactorily contemptible as an oafish house painter
named Adolph who slings mud at Miss Young during her campaign and pays
dearly for it during a slug-fest in which the young lady's three fanner In . it In
defend her interests in admirable fashion.
H. C. Potter, directing from a script by Allen Rivkin and Laura Kerr, ran
take credit for a nice piece of work in his department. Dore Schary produced,
Running time, 97 minutes. General audience classification. For April release.
Charles L. Franke
Internat'l Projector
In New N. J. Plant
Members of the trade press were
guests of International Projector
Corp. this week at its modernized plant
in Bloomfield, N. J., where production
of Simplex projection and sound
equipment is now completely installed
after three decades in New York.
Manufacturing processes formerly
distributed vertically through 14 floors
are now organized, in production-line
fashion, on a single vast level. The
two-story brick building, which form-
erly was an assembly plant of General
Motors, contains 180,000 square feet.
The second floor is devoted to offices
and a cafeteria for employes, who now
number 450.
Attending from headquarters in
New York were Walter Green, vice-
president of National Theatre Supply,
and Arthur E. Meyer, sales manager.
Other hosts to the trade paper men
were John F. Campbell, general man-
ager of the plant ; Frank Goldback, di-
rector of engineering; Willy Borberg,
assistant to Goldbeck ; Edward War-
folk, comptroller; Henry Heidegger,
supervisor of the repair department.
Would Explore ABPC
'Duel' Distribution
London, Feb. 18. — Despite a formal
denial by the Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization of reports that "Duel in
the Sun" would be given distribution
here through Anglo-American Film
Co., which recently was acquired by
Associated British Pictures Corp.
William Erbb, SRO's British general
sales manager, is hoping to get to-
gether with Max Milder, ABPC man-
aging director, to discuss the poten-
tialities of a deal, it is learned.
British Producer
Gets Going on Diesel
London, Feb. 18. — Gainsborough's
Shepherds Bush studio resumed oper-
ations today following an idle week
because of the fuel crisis. Sydney Box,
head of the studio, rented Diesel en-
gines to provide power, thereby en-
abling 700 workers to resume their
jobs.
World Film Festival
In Brussels in June
Member companies of the Motion
Picture Association as well as British,
French, Russian, Swiss and Belgian
producers will take an active part in
the World Film Festival during June
of this year in Brussels, according to
Richard Zondervan, general manager
of the Festival's offices here.
I PRESS
^OOKS PHOTO- OFFSET
^COLORCHROME CORP.
Jj^^ ^ AST
2 BROADWAY NEW YORK 4
WHITEHALL 4 — 3 7 1 2 ■ 3 - 4 ■ 5 ■ 6
• COPYWRITING
• ILLUSTRATION
• PASTE-UP
• STORING
• MAILING
/J Complete Setiuce
8
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, February 19, 1947
Eisler Brother's Job
On Coast Is Cited
Five Are Reelected
To Warner Board
Wilmington, Feb. 18. — Samuel
Carlisle, Stanleigh P. Friedman,
Charles S. Guggenheimer, Samuel
Schneider and Morris Wolf were re-
elected to the directorate of Warner
Brothers Pictures for terms of two
years at today's annual meeting of
company stockholders. Some 5,081,-
642 shares of 7,402,180 outstanding
were represented at the meeting.
The stockholders were informed
that although profits for the second
quarter, which will end March 1,
will not be as large as those of the
first quarter, yet during the second
quarter to date, gross receipts and the
profit after taxes are larger than
those for the corresponding period
last year.
Since publication of the company's
annual report late in December, the
stockholders also were informed, the
decision has been entered in the anti-
trust suit brought by the Government
against eight companies, management
pointing out that the final decree pro-
vides for substantially the same points
as were covered by the decision hand-
ed down on June 11, 1946, and it is
expected that the case will be ap-
pealed to the U. S. Supreme Court.
South America Is
Booming, Says Cohn
Increased activity both at box-offices
and in studios was noted by Jack
Cohn in Central and South American
countries, the Columbia executive vice-
president revealed here yesterday fol-
lowing his return to New York after
a business tour of Puerto Rico, Trim-
dad, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Panama,
Brazil and Argentina.
In the latter two countries he was
guest at two Columbia International
Corp. conventions, one held in Rio de
Janeiro, the other in Buenos Aires.
He stated that virtually all South
American countries have increased do-
mestic production, and theatre repair
and construction, limited during the
war, has now resumed on a large
scale.
Postpone Scophony
Hearing Until May
Trial of the Scophony anti-trust
suit, scheduled to come up this month
in Federal District Court here, yes-
terday was adjourned until the middle
of May. The postponement is under-
stood to be in consequence of a pend-
ing appeal to the Supreme Court by
the Government from Judge Edward
A. Conger's dismissal of Scophony,
Ltd., as a defendant in the suit.
Obscene Ad Bill
(Continued from page 1)
whose district includes the Times
Square area in New York City, being
the lone negative voter. The measure
passed the assembly by unanimous
vote yesterday. Introduction of the
bill followed a recommendation by the
state board of regents after they had
heard appeals for revocation of the li-
cense issued to Howard Hughes' "The
Outlaw" on the grounds that adver-
tising of the film was objectionable.
Talent Guilds Begin
Reissue Pay Study
Hollywood, Feb. 18. — The Screen
Writers' Guild Board is considering
a preliminary report from a com-
mittee which met on Monday with
committees representing the Screen
Directors' Guild and the Screen Act-
ors' Guild to canvass the possibilities
of obtaining clauses in talent contracts
providing for special compensation in
connection with reissued pictures. The
plan, advanced by the SWG, would
give writers, directors, and actors per-
petual participation in the yield obtain-
ed by distributors a?nd producers from
all pictures made. Spokesmen for all
the guilds said that today's meeting
was strictly exploratory.
Columbia Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
selling singly for its independent pro-
ducers. Columbia, has appealed from
the single-sales requirement in the
New York judges' final decree, as
well as from the competitive-bidding
system outlined by the court.
As reported in Motion Picture
Daily on Nov. 1, 1945, Montague
took the_ stand here the day before
and declared that his company's meth-
od of selling a year's product at once
"is absolutely vital and necessary,"
adding : "If we were to change, we
would have to change the entire finan-
cial base of the company. We do
not have enough money to keep in-
ventories of films." One of the rea-
sons for this, he pointed out, was
that Columbia had no theatres. Mon-
tague also countered attempts by
Robert L. Wright, special assistant
to the Attorney General, to develop
instances of alleged favoritism in the
company's sales to affiliated circuits.
Scully's testimony, describing Uni-
versal's attempts to sell as many as
50 features in advance, referred to
difficulties in getting product played,
even under that method, in numerous
situations. It also included evidence
refuting Wright's attempt to estab-
lish instances of Universal's charg-
ing higher percentages to independ-
ents in subsequent runs than to affili-
ated first-run houses.
UA Contracts
(Continued from page 1 )
would place UA in violation of the
Government decree was sought today
by Gradwell Sears, UA vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution, in a two-
hour meeting at the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers'
headquarters attended by producers
and their counsel.
Sears said afterwards that the di-
rective sought would not do away
with the producers' right of approval
of sales contracts, but that it would
empower the distributor to disregard
clauses which, in actual application,
were found to be violative. Price
fixing and roadshowing were among
the types of clauses referred to. The
directive would go into effect within
30 days, and would be binding only
during the period of the decree's ap-
plications serving as an interim agree-
ment pending outcome of the appeal
of the decree to the Supreme Court.
Producers' counsel and business
managers meet tomorrow afternoon
for further study of Sears' proposal.
A full meeting of all producers and
UA officials is set for a week from
today.
Skouras
( Continued from page 1 )
"the high quality" of product, requiring
the heaviest production budget in the
history of the company.
Skouras, who returned here last
week after studio conferences with
Darryl F. Zanuck and Joseph M.
Schenck, addressed the morning ses-
sion of the company's first postwar
national sales conference at the Hotel
Astor. The conference, which
opened Monday, will wind up today
with a recapitulation of the discus-
sions of the past two days.
Pointing out that seven of the 20
features on the company's program
this year will be in Technicolor, Skou-
ras told the assembled division sales,
district and branch (managers that
20th-Fox will continue its policy of
producing "best sellers, outdoor pic-
tures in color, musicals in Technicol-
or and the realistic type of picture"
such as "The House on 92nd Street,"
"13 Rue Madeleine" and "Boomer-
ang." With such recent books as "The
Black Rose," "Forever Amber,"
"Snake Pit," "Captain from Castile,"
"Brittania Mews," "The Dark Wood,"
"Scudda Hoo, Scudda Hay !", "Gen-
tleman's Agreement," "Not So Long
Ago" and "Lydia Bailey," the com-
pany has a greater number of liter-
ary properties than ever before in its
history, he asserted.
Charles Schlaifer, director of adver-
tising and publicity, outlined the com-
pany's plans to back up each of its
pictures with "maximum advertising,
publicity and exploitation," in his talk
during the afternoon session. Other
speakers were Herman Wobber,
Western division sales manager, who
explained the plans to launch the re-
release of Irving Berlin's "Alexan-
der's Ragtime Band" ; Donald A.
Henderson, treasurer, who spoke on
the business outlook for the current
year ; Richard De Rochemont, March
of Time head, and Paul Terry, Terry-
Toon president, both of whom dis-
cussed their respective production
plans, and Andrew W. Smith, Jr.,
Eastern division sales manager, who
spoke on specialized sales plans.
Jason S. Joy, director of public re-
lations at the 20th-Fox studio, who is
here from Hollywood, was a visitor
to the convention. Anthony Muto,
the company's representative in Wash-
ington, also attended the conference.
Members of the advertising, pub-
licity, exploitation and radio depart-
ments who attended yesterday's meet-
ing included : Jules Fields, Christy
Wilbert, Jonas Rosenfield, Rodney
Bush, Irving Kahn, Sid Blumenstock,
Stirling- Silliphant, Eddie Solomon,
Earl Wingart, Abe Goodman, .George
Generalis, and Al Kayton. Morris
Kinzler of the Kayton-Spiero Agency
also was present.
RKO Exchange Fire
Chicago, Feb. 18. — An automatic
sprinkling system was credited with
preventing the spread of a fire at the
RKO exchange here yesterday. It
started from a spark from a machine
being used by a film inspectress, Isa-
bel Cramer, who suffered first degree
burns on face and arms.
Correction
David O'Malley, director of adver-
tising-publicity for Columbia Interna-
tional, was inadvertently identified as
advertising-publicity director of Co-
lumbia in Motion Picture Daily
yesterday.
Washington, Feb. 18. — Rep. John
Rankin (Miss.) today charged that
Hans Eisler, brother of Government
prisoner and alleged American Com-
munist leader Gerhard Eisler, is in
Hollywood "poisoning" motion pic-
tures. Rankin told the House that
Eisler is in the employ of a major
producer and is doing odd jobs, in-
cluding song writing.
Para. Theatre Men
(Continued from page 1)
with respect to disposition of
mount theatre interests outlawecffoy j
the decree will be made at the meeting
due to the likelihood of Supreme
Court appeals by the company and I
others. The situation will be can-
vassed generally, however, and
probable courses of action will be
explored. j
Among those attending the meeting
are Barney Balaban, Austin Keough,
Louis Phillips, Goldenson and Walter
Gross from the home office ; Y. Frank
Freeman, studio vice-president, and
theatre associates E. V. Richards,
John Balaban, A. H. Blank, Sam Pi-
nanski, Martin Mullin, R. B. Wilby,
H. F. Kincey, Frank C. Walker, Earl ,
Hudson, M. A. Lightman, Karl Hob-
litzelle, R. J. O'Donnell, Hunter Per-
ry, W. K. Jenkins and Harry Nace.
Krim on Decree
( Continued from page 1 )
opinion of Arthur Krim, president of
Eagle-Lion, and member of the law
firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin and
Krim.
Krim said he sees the court's deci-
sion as setting down the rules of law, i
adding that "there are many ways" in
which these may be conformed with.
Only in the case of the defendants, j
ke said, does the court set down the
means of compliance.
He said Eagle-Lion will, of course,
comply with any provision of the de- i
cision which declares any distribution
activity illegal, such as the condition-
iftg of licensing of one picture upon
the licensing of another. As a matter
of fact, he went on, a policy of single
sales was made known in the orig-
inal announcement of the organization
of Eagle-Lion.
Names in News
(Continued from page 1)
the hosts, together with William K.
Hollander, publicity-advertising direc-
tor of B. and K., who will leave for
a Hollywood vacation next week.
Included among those' who are ex-
pected to attend, in addition to toast-
master Pine, are : Bill Thomas, John I
Joseph, David Lipton, Joseph Kauf-
man, Maurice Lipstone, Archie Herz-.
off, Dorothy Deere, James Luntzell,
Joe Lawler and Gene Murphy.
AMP A 'Salute' Delayed
The Associated Motion Picture Ad-
vertisers' 30th anniversary salute to
leaders of the industry, to be held at
the Hotel Astor, here, has been post-
poned from April 2 to April 23 so it
will not conflict with the holy days.
Lucius Henderson, 86
Lucius J. Henderson, retired actor
and film director died here yesterday ,
at 86 after a long illness. He was a
feature-length film pioneer and helped
I start Rudolph Valentino's career.
FIRST
MOTION PICTURE
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PRC
(Eagle-Lion)
(Eagle-Lion)
IT'S A JOKE,
SON
Kenny Delmar
Una Merkel
C — 64 mins.
(Tirv 1/^1/471
(Eagle- Lion)
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
Ian Hunter
D- — 81 mins.
(Rev. 1/29/47)
LAW OF
THE LASH
Al LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
DEVIL ON
WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
RANGE
BEYOND THE
BLUE
(Eagle-Lion)
LOST
HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
(Eagle- Lion)
ADVENTURESS
Deborah Kerr
UNTAMED FURY
( Reissues)
KIT CARSON
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
William Wright I
Ramsey Ames
THREE ON A
TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
PARA.
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
D — 87 mins.
(Rev. 11/18/46)
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
C — 90 mins.
(Rev. 1/7/47)
CALIFORNIA
(Color)
Ray Milland
O — 97 min.
(Rev. 12/16/46)
EASY COME.
EASY GO
Sonny Tufts
Diana Lynn
C-78 mins.
(Rev. 2/3/47)
SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING
Fred MacMurray
Paulette Goddard
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/10/47)
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/18/47)
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=7] 61. NO. 36
NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1947
TEN CENTS
UA, 'IP Attack
Bidding Order
In N.Y. Decree
Court Lacked Authority
To Dictate It, They Say
By GENE ARNEEL
In separate appeals filed here yes-
terday, both Universal and United
Artists charge that the New York
Federal Court lacks the authority
to dictate competitive bidding as the
basis of distributor-exhibitor sales
operations.
They submit that while the
Sherman Act provides for in-
junctions against trade opera-
tions found illegal, it does not
permit a court to prescribe
affirmative ways of doing busi-
ness. This is a legislative
function, not a judicial one, the
companies declare.
Both Universal and United Artists
ask for complete reversal of all parts
of the New York decision which ap-
plies to them, thus excluding only
those provisions covering theatre oper-
(Continued on page 8)
ATA, CSA Counsel
Confer on Appeal
Thurman Arnold of Washington,
counsel for the American Theatre As-
sociation, and Col. Robert T. Barton
of Richmond, Va., counsel for_ the
Confederacy of Southern Associations,
have been meeting here this week to
finalize plans for an appeal to the
U. S. Supreme Court from the New
York Federal District Court's denial
of their petitions to intervene in the
industry anti-trust suit.
The ATA-CSA appeal, probably to
be made in collaboration with the
Pacific Coast Conference of Indepen-
dent Theatre Owners, which joined in
(Continued on page 7)
Local Theatre Tax
Possible in N. Y.
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 20.—
Governor Dewey is consider-
ing asking the Legislature for
broader local taxing powers,
including the possible imposi-
tion of theatre levies. The in-
creased revenue would be for
school teacher pay increases.
Republic Has Wide
Expansion Program
For Foreign Lands
Five new offices abroad, in countries
still to be disclosed, will be established
by Republic International, under the
guidance of Richard W. Altschuler,
president and general manager of that
Republic Pictures subsidiary, who also
reports that the company's pictures
may, additionally, soon play in a num-
ber of countries in Russian orbit. Also,
the company is in the process of ac-
quiring a number of French and Italian
films for Latin American distribution.
This Republic distribution setup
abroad now has its films in all Euro-
pean countries handled by foreign dis-
tributors. In England Republic dis-
tributes through British-Lion and in
Franceand Belgium Republic films are
handled by Laudy Lawrence, former
sales head for Sir Alexander Korda.
The company also has representatives
in Greece, Spain, Holland, Switzerland,
Denmark, Czechoslovakia, China and
the Philippines. It soon will be repre-
(Continued on page 6)
Industry Protest
Of Ad Bill Pends
Indications are that the organized
industry will file a brief with New
York's Gov. Thomas E. Dewey in
protest against the Condon-Wilson ad-
vertising bill which has passed both
houses of the New York legislature
and has been sent to the Governor for
signature or veto, it was disclosed here
yesterday following a meeting of the
Eastern Public Information Commit-
tee at which a discussion of the re-
(Continued on page 8)
Loew's Working on
Appeal Document
Indication that Loew's
probably will appeal from the
final decree in the industry
anti-trust suit appeared here
yesterday when it became
known that the law firm of
Davis, Polk, Wardwell, Sun-
derland and Kiendl, special
counsel for the company, is
preparing a "Statement of
Jurisdiction," which will be
part of an appeal.
Among the theatre-owning
defendants, Paramount is the
only one so far on record as
definitely planning to carry
the case to the Supreme
Court; 20th Century-Fox is
understood to be unlikely to
do so, while RKO and War-
ners have been reticent about
disclosing their intentions.
French Firms Lost
$7,694,000 in '46
By MAURICE BESSY
Paris, Feb. 16 (By Airmail). — A
$7,694,000 loss which French pro-
ducers suffered during 1946, the es-
tablishment of a new government
cinema office to replace two former
ones, and a five per cent reduction in
admissions are the most important de-
velopments in the French industry
since the beginning of the year.
During 1946, 91 feature films were
produced in France at a total cost of
2,416,000,000 francs— about $20,294,-
000, and it is estimated that after de-
duction of taxes and renters' charges,
no more than 1,500,000,000 francs, in-
cluding revenue from foreign sales,
(Continued on page 7)
British Theatres Facing
Shutdown Within Month
London, Feb. 20. — With the output
of raw stock seriously cut down and
processing plants in this country re-
duced to 40 per cent of their normal
production by the coal crisis, exhibi-
tors fear a complete shutdown of thea-
tres within a month unless drastic
steps are taken to ameliorate the
situation.
The gravity of the problem was
brought home to the industry today at
a special meeting of production, dis-
tribution and theatre interests called
by the Cinematograph Exhibitors As-
sociation. Those present were startled
to learn that Eastman Kodak, the
largest raw stock producer in Eng-
land has been forced to curtail opera-
tions here drastically for the past two
weeks and has little hope of increasing
the output until the government re-
leases coal.
The Ilford plant and other principal
suppliers are in only a slightly better
position. Although not producing neg-
ative, they have approximately a
seven-week backlog of positive on
(Continued on page 7)
US Appeal Is
Seen Hitting
All Clearance
Actual Filing, However,
Is Delayed to Today
By TOM LOY
Contending that the New York
Federal District Court erred in
finding that "reasonable clearance"
is essential to the distribution and
exhibition of motion pictures, the De-
partment of Justice today will ask the
U. S. Supreme Court to prohibit the
eight defendants in the industry anti-
trust suit from making any clearance
agreements in the future, according to
partial information in film circles here.
Filing of the Department's appeal,
originally scheduled for yesterday, was
held up through delay in receiving the
original copy of the "Statement of
Jurisdiction," signed by Acting So-
licitor General George T. Washing-
ton. The documents now are expected
to be placed on file with the clerk of
(Continued on page 8)
Para. Will Sell Six
Films on One Form
Stressing that Paramount will ad-
here to the provisions of the New
York Federal Court decision requir-
ing product to be offered and sold
picture-by-picture and theatre-by-the-
atre, Charles M. Reagan, vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution, yester-
day announced adoption by the com-
pany of one contract form to cover all
six of the Pine-Thomas productions
(Continued on page 8)
AMPP Vote Bans
Free Air Interviews
Hollywood, Feb. 20. — The Associa-
tion of Motion Picture Producers'
radio sub-committee unanimously de-
cided at its regular meeting today that
hereafter no "big name" motion pic-
ture player can be furnished by any
major studio for a free radio inter-
view. The decision permits carrying
out pending commitments through
March 15.
In This Issue
"Ramrod" and "Code of the
West" are reviewed on page 4.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 21, 1947
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
MR. WALTER WINCHELL'S
widely syndicated column of
Monday, February 17, reports :
"M-G-M dropped 9,000 staffers
all over the U. S. More to go."
M-G-M staffers all over the U. S.
total between 6,500 and 7,000 !
V
The topper of all accusations
hurled down through the years at
the motion picture now comes from
the Optical Membership Plan of
New York, which charges that sev-
eral recent films have, by poking fun
at eyeglass wearers, contributed to
"optical delinquency," dissuading
impressionable persons from wear-
ing glasses. MPA president Eric
Johnston has been notified of the
gravity of the situation, in writing,
by Mrs. Leila Ricard Ettinger,
founder of the Optical Plan. One
picture cited by the good lady is
Warner's "The Big Sleep."
V
Wometo {Miami) Theatres' house
publication resurrects the yarn about
the morning Mark Twain, dressed in
bathrobe and slippers lazily crossed the
street to the home of a neighbor.
Mark dropped into comfortable rock-
ing chair, smoked for a spell, then
said, "Nice morning."
"Very pleasant," replied the neigh-
bor.
"Wouldn't be surprised if we had
rain, though."
"We could stand some."
"How's the family?" asked Twain.
"Oh, we're all fine."
Twain crossed his legs, blew a puff
from his pipe into the air, then re-
marked in a long drawl, "Well, I sup-
pose you are a little surprised to see
me so early in the morning, but I
thought you might be interested to
know that your roof is on fire."
V
Eugene Malson of Alton, 111.,
works in the city's street depart-
ment by day and answers emergency
calls by night. Consequently, he
hasn't been to a motion picture
theatre in 25 years — that is, until
the other night. But just as he
eased himself into his seat at the
local opry house to see his first film
in a quarter-century, his name was
flashed on the screen. A tornado
had struck nearby and he was
needed at once. On the screen was
Warner's "Night and Day."
V
We have David (RCA) Sarnoff's
word for it that his company's radio
gadgets have radar-signaled contacts to
the moon and back — a mere 480,000
miles in both directions, taking only
two seconds each way. Sarnoff en-
visions using the moon and planets to
mirror television pictures.
V
You can take that vacation trip to
Europe this summer. The State De-
partment says so — provided you can
prove possession of a guaranteed
return passage, hotel reservations
or other accommodations and a
guarantee of food while abroad.
Personal Mention
MARY PICKFORD plans to leave
New York for Hollywood to-
morrow if she has sufficiently recov-
ered from a cold that has kept her
confined to her hotel here.
•
Oscar F. Neu, president of Theatre
Equipment and Supply Manufacturers'
Association, has returned to New-
York from the Coast. Tomorrow he
and L. E. Jones of Neumade Prod-
ucts are scheduled to fly to Montreal.
•
Paul Engler of Famous Theatres,
Birmingham ; Hap Barnes of Drive-
in Theatres, Montgomery, Ala., and
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rook, former
owners of the Charles Theatre, Mont-
gomery, have been Atlanta visitors.
•
Harry A. Berk, vice-president of
the international division of Foote,
Cone and Belding Advertising Agency
here, is en route to England on the
Queen Elizabeth.
•
Mrs. Ray Collins, secretary to
Universal - International's Atlanta
branch manager, who has been with
Universal 12 years, has resigned ef-
fective March 1.
•
Thomas Hyde, former Gainesville,
Fla., theatre manager, is now manager
of the Vero Theatre, Vero Beach, Ela.
•
Joe Isenhower, manager of the
Hamlet Theatre, Hamlet, N. C, is
the father of a new-born baby boy.
•
Martin Quigley is scheduled to
arrive in New York today following
a three weeks visit in Hollywood.
•
Richard Morgan, Paramount at-
torney, is scheduled to leave Holly-
wood for New York on Feb. 28.
\i; ILLIAM R. FERGUSON, .head
VV head of M-G-M's exploitation
department, is due to return here from
Chicago on Monday.
•
James E. Perkins, managing di-
rector of Paramount in the United
Kingdom, and Frank Farley, Para-
mount foreign production represen-
tative, with Mrs. Farley, are en route
to England on the Queen Elizabeth.
•
Sal Asaro, secretary to Para-
mount secretary Robert O'Brien,
has been decorated by the Belgian
Government "for exceptional war
services" rendered that country.
•
Sidney G. Alexander, motion pic-
ture account executive of Brisacher,
Van Norden and Staff advertising
agency, is scheduled to arrive here to-
day from the Coast.
•
Jules Lapidus, Warner Eastern
district manager, and Ed Hinchy,
head of the playdate department, will
be in Pittsburgh for the weekend.
•
Harry Monson, Ampro Projector
Corp.'s vice-president and sales direc-
tor, has returned to Chicago from the
Coast.
Jacob Wilk, Eastern production
head of Warner Brothers, will leave
New York today for the Coast.
•
R. M. Kennedy, Wilby-Kincey
circuit manager, and Mrs. Kennedy
have returned to Birmingham from
a vacation in Cuba.
•
Maurice Chevalier, now in Eng-
land, is due to arrive in New York
on March 5.
Bernard Lewis Name Keith in Editorial
Assistant to Home
Bernard Lewis, director of adver-
tising, publicity and exploitation for
Story Productions, with headquarters
here, has been appointed executive as-
sistant to Hal Home, vice-president
in charge of production, in Hollywood.
Lewis, who will concern himself pri-
marily with coordinating production
with world-wide advertising, publicity
and exploitation plans for Story, will
leave New York for Hollywood within
two weeks to assume his new duties.
Simultaneously, Lewis announced
the appointment of Bob Montgomery
as Eastern director of advertising,
publicity and exploitation for Story.
Montgomery until recently was with
the J. Arthur Rank Organization for
two years, one of which he spent in
England directing publicity for Rank
films released in the United States.
RKO Remodeling
Chicago, Feb. 20.— The RKO-Pal-
ace Theatre here, 2,500-seat Loop
house, is undergoing complete re-
modeling and will be completed early
next year at a cost of $250,000. Work
is going on while the theatre remains
open.
Post of SMPE
Clyde R. Keith, New York engi-
neering representative of Western
Electric's Electrical Research Prod-
ucts division, has been elected editorial
vice-president of the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers. In this post he
will decide on questions of policy in
connection with the publication of the
Journal of the Society and supervise
the work of the papers committee
which procures technical papers to be
presented at SMPE conventions and
eventually to appear in the Journal.
Eight More from Dean
Hollywood, Feb. 20. — Producer
Releasing Corp. has signed Eddie
Dean to star in eight more produc-
tions between March, 1947 and March,
1948. Jerry Thomas will produce. He
appeared in eight for the same com-
pany in 1946.
'Blaze' Tradeshow Here
Paramount will tradeshow "Blaze
of Noon" in New York on Monday,
March 3, the day before the film's
world premiere at the Rivoli Theatre
here. The screening will be at the
Normandie Theatre.
George in WB Post
Doug George, who worked in the
Warner circuit's New York, Phila-
delphia, and Cleveland offices before
the war, has joined L. J. Halper's
Warner Theatres' publicity depart-
ment on the Coast as exploiteer. He
succeeds Bill Hendrix, now with Alex
Evelove's WB studio publicity depart-
ment.
NEW YORK THEATktS
— RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL"
Rockefeller Center
"THE YEARLING"
GREGORY PECK ■ JANE WYMAN
CLAUDE J ARM AN, JR.
In Technicolor ■ An M-G-M Picture
SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN O'HARA • WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
!2i ON SCREEN
HELD OVER
M-G-M's
'TILL THE
CLOUDS
ROLL BY'
IN PERSON
RICHARD
HIMBER
and OUCH.
WTZGBRAUD
vi am a. sovwy
LVNN TUFTS i
ells.
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
The BEST Years
of Our Lives'
Performantes
CALIFORNIA"
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starring
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MIS-LAND STANWYCK FITZGERALD
RIVOLI THEATER
B'way & 49th St.
Doors Open
9:30 A. M.
Betty GRABLE - Dick HAYMES
"THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM"
A 20th Century-Fox Picture In Technicolor
PLUS ON STAGE — PETER LORRE
GIL LAMB - Extra! EVELYN KNIGHT
nAVV 7th Ave. &
IfcW^V ■ 50th St.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Ed'tor:
Chicago Bureau, 624_ South Michigan Avenue; Washington. Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
1^
PRODUCERS RELEASING CORPORATION
is privileged to bring back these
CREEN
ASTERPIECES
Produced by Edward Small with great stars of current box-office stature . . . mag-
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LAST of
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"KIT CARSON" AND
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AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING NOW!
4
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 21, 1947
Reviews
"Ramrod"
(Enterprise-United Artists)
t1 NTERPRISE takes its bow as a producer with a reliable piece of enter-
-L< tainment — a western. "Ramrod" is as dependable as its type normally is
and just as sturdy.
It has its hero; he's Joel McCrea. Its heroine is fetching Arleen Whelan;
its heavy, Preston Foster and its feminine menace, Veronica Lake, perform-
ing in her accustomed tempo which can get pretty slowbeat. This Harry
Sherman production also has Don De Fore, a wild one with enough streaks
of the right stuff to die so that McCrea, wounded, can get away from Foster
and his cowboy-gunmen for the time being anyway.
The yarn by Luke Short is about the traditional tussle between cattle men
and sheep men over grass on the open plains with no essential departures
from the usual except dramatic variations as to incident. Miss Lake has it in
for Foster because he has bullied a former fiancee, bent on sheep, out of
town. She determines to get him, scrupulously or otherwise, and decides on
otherwise. Through her maneuvers, which include the stampeding of her own
cattle so that Foster may be blamed and his judgment day hastened, she be-
comes morally responsible for the death of Donald Crisp, the sheriff.
The chain of events let loose by her scheming also is indirectly responsible
for De Fore's death at the blazing end of Foster's shotgun. It likewise leads
to the latter's finish by McCrea who then turns romantically to Miss Whelan
which leaves Miss Lake with her objective achieved but no McCrea.
Scenically, values are tops. Histrionically, values are conventional. Dra-
matically, ditto. But "Ramrod" has cast values of which proper advantage
obviously should be taken. Andre de Toth directed.
Running time, 94 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
May 2, 1947. Red Kann
"Code of the West"
(RKO Radio)
ALTHOUGH "Code of the West," based on Zane Grey's novel, offers no
big names, it combines enough punch, enough of all the good qualities
that go into making a Western a good piece of merchandise, to place it high
on the list of this type of production. Any exhibitor who finds his patrons
particularly responsive to hard-fisted; action-packed horse-and-saddle pictures
should satisfy his customers with this one.
Woven around the oft-repeated theme of a lawless town situated squarely
on the site of a contemplated railroad, a fact known only to a few unscru-
pulous men, the story concerns the fearless fight waged by James Warren
and John Laurenz, his pal and partner, in ridding the town of the culprits
and bringing to it law and order. There is plenty of shooting and fighting
before Raymond Burr, cabaret owner and town boss, who holds heavy mort-
gages on most of the local property, and his crew are vanquished.
Aiding the forces of justice are Harry Harvey, as a banker who con-
tributes to the fight by lending money to the cattlemen at reasonable rates ;
Emmett Lynn, as the town doctor, and Debra Alden, as Harvey's daughter
and romantic interest for Warren. Robert Clarke is cast as Harvey's son
who, for a while, is close to the badmen, but has his eyes opened when he
is taken as a hostage to enable one of the killers to escape. Steve Brodie is
one of Burr's men. Produced by Herman Schlom, the film was directed by
William Berke, from a screen play by Norman Houston.
Running time, 57 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not
set. Irving Kaplan
Oklahoma Industry
Fears New Taxes
Oklahoma City, Feb. 20. — Indus-
try leaders are fearful of a bill which
is expected to be introduced in the
Legislature to extend city tax powers
in Oklahoma. Advocating the measure
in conferences with state lawmakers
and Gov. Roy J. Turner is Mayor Lee
Price of Tulsa. Tulsa had a 10 per
cent amusement tax up for considera-
tion last year, but it was killed when
attorneys advised against it.
Although Price did not refer to an
amusement tax specifically, the meas-
ure he has drawn up and hopes to
have introduced in the assembly might
clear the way for such levies. Price
said that Tulsa is in desperate need
of from $400,000 to $500,000 in addi-
tional tax revenues yearly.
AM PA Nominating
Committee Named
A committee of seven was appointed
here yesterday to nominate officers of
the Associated Motion Picture Adver-
tisers. The election will be held on
April 3.
Robert Wile was named chairman
of the committee, which also includes
David Bader, Leon J. Bamberger,
Vincent Trotta, Blanche Livingston,
Chester Friedman and Evelyn Kole-
man, with Lige Brien and Hap Hadley
as alternates. They were chosen at a
business meeting presided over by
Rutgers Neilson, and were instructed
to present a slate at an open meeting
on March 6, when editors and pub-
lishers of fan magazines will be
honored.
In order to allow the incoming
officers to be installed on April 23,
at the 30th anniversary dinner-dance
of AMPA, the organization has voted
to advance the annual meeting and
election from the fourth Thursday in
April to the first, April 3.
Detroit Variety Club
Gives to Cancer Fund
Detroit, Feb. 20. — Variety Club
Tent No. 5 held its annual inaugura-
tion ceremonies in the Hotel Tuller
this week, with Arthur Robinson be-
coming chief barker. Robert Coyne,
William McCraw, Mayor Edward J.
Jeffreys and Gov. Kim Sigler de-
livered addresses, and a check for
$90,000 was presented to the South-
eastern division of the American Can-
cer Society by retiring chief barker
Arvid Kantor.
Film Classics Gets
Its 13th Exchange
Film Classics has acquired its St.
Louis franchise from AndyDietz, its
fourth recent addition. The company
now has 13 wholly-owned branches in
more than half the country.
Samuel N. Wheeler, Film Classics'
sales manager, is now en route to St.
Louis, from here, with David Wiener,
company comptroller. Wiener will in-
stall new organizational policies.
Henry Herbert, 68
British-born actor Henry Herbert,
who appeared in one film, "So Big,"
with Colleen Moore in 1925, died at
his home yesterday.
Smith Heads Phila.
Red Cross Drive
Philadelphia, Feb. 20. — Ulrik
Smith, Paramount branch manager,
has been named chairman of the local
motion picture committee for the Red
Cross drive, which will open March
1. Jack Greenberg, of Screen Guild,
is co-chairman. Committee heads in-
clude: William Mansell, Warners for
distributors ; Ralph Pries, National
Theatre Supply, supplies and equip-
ment; Ted Schlanger and Lester
Kreiger, co-chairman for Stanley-
Warner; Sidney Samuelson of Allied,
and Lewen Pizor of the UMPTO, co-
chairmen for independents.
Thankful for Greek Drive
Greek Crown Princess Frederica
has cabled "heartiest thanks" to Ned
E. Depinet, co-chairman of the motion
picture industry appeal for Greek War
Orphans, which is to be conducted in
honor of Spyros P. Skouras. She
added that a committee of Greeks and
Americans had been formed in Athens
to supplement the drive to be staged
in this country.
M-G-M Plans 100
'Beginning' Openings
Chicago, Feb. 20. — M-G-M is plan-
ning simultaneous openings of "The
Beginning or the End" in 100 situa-
tions throughout the country. Wil-
liam R. Ferguson, M-G-M exploita-
tion head, is here discussing arrange-
ments for the Chicago opening with
Balaban and Katz executives. He will
fly back to New York tomorrow, fol-
lowing today's Mid-West premiere of
"The Yearling" at B. and K.'s State-
Lake Theatre.
Mono. Film on Dope
Ready on March 15
Hollywood, Feb. 20. — Monogram's
production based on the original story,
"Cocaine," by Cornell Woolrich, is
scheduled for release March 15 under
the title "Fall Guy." Picture was an-
nounced after the Motion Picture As-
sociation amended the Production
Code to permit filming of stories em-
ploying the dope theme.
Next in line is Columbia's "Assigned
to Treasury," the film for which the
Code was amended.
Would Give Atlanta
Censor Full Power
Alanta, Feb. 20. — A City Council
resolution, sponsored by Alderman
Edward A. Gilliam and approved by
Mayor Hartsfield, seeks to give com-
plete film censorship power to Chris-
tine Smith, censor, whose rulings now
are subject to approval of the Carne-
gie Library Board, when appeak
Last week the board overruled '"/fes
Smith's ban on Warners' "The Beast
with Five Fingers" which Miss Smith
had found "too horrible." This was
the first case on record where the
board did not concur with Miss Smith's
opinion. Warners had taken an ap-
peal.
At the same time it upheld her de-
cision to prohibit the showing of Uni-
versal's "Swell Guy."
20th - Fox Dividends
On Common and Pfd.
A quarterly dividend of $1.12^2 per
share on outstanding prior preferred
stock, payable March 15 to stockhold-
ers of record at the close of business
on March* 3, was declared here yes-
terday by the board of directors of
20th Century-Fox. Dividends of 37^
cents and 75 cents a share on outstand-
ing convertible preferred stock and on
the common stock, respectively, pay-
able on March 31 to stockholders of
record on March 8, were also an-
nounced.
Loew Declares Dividend
Loew's, Inc., has declared a quarter-
ly dividend of 37l/2 cents a share on
outstanding common stock, payable
on March 31 to stockholders of record
at the close of business on March 11.
W. F. Moore Retiring
W. Franklin Moore, vice-president
of Batten, Barton, Durstine and Os-
born, will retire from the agency and
the advertising business as of March
31. Moore recently completed 30 years
with BBDO, the last 25 of which he
served as account executive. The
agency handles the duPont film manu-
facturing account, among others.
Byron Price To Join
U N in About a Month
Byron Price, who resigned
as vice-president in charge of
Coast operations of the Mo-
tion Picture Association, to
succeed John B. Hutson as as-
sistant secretary-general of
the United Nations for ad-
minstrative and financial af-
fairs, is en route to Holly-
wood from New York and is
expected to return here to
take over his new post in
about one month.
As UN assistant secretary-
general, Price will be, in ef-
fect, executive director of an
organization which now has
more than 2,900 employes. It
is understood that he will
also be available to Trygve
Lie, UN secretary-general, for
consultation on matters in-
volving public relations.
Maker of dreams • • •
• To make dreams like this con-
vincing ... to show them with the
smoothness that brings life and
reality . . . that is the job of the
optical-effects man.
Yet it is only one of his many
contributions to modern pictures.
By his skill with the optical printer
. . . his production of fades and
wipes, of dissolves and laps ... he
plays an important part in giving
American movies their high stand-
ard of technical excellence.
If the optical-effects man is to
play this part to the full, he must
use dependable film of superior
quality. That's why he usually pre-
fers to work with the large and
well-known family of Eastman
motion picture films.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
Motion Picture daily
Friday, February 21, 1947
Australian Quota
Bid Is Unresolved
Short Subjects
Loew's Int'l Chiefs
Plan Overseas Trips
By CLIFF HOLT
Sydney, Feb. 13 (By Airmail). —
Semi-official statements here have not
made clear how a government-consid-
ered 20 per cent cut in American film
imports could be achieved, although
one published suggestion is that only
cheap, low-grade U. S. films be al-
lowed to enter the Commonwealth.
(On Feb. 5, Motion Picture Daily
reported that Australian officials had
been considering recommending the
percentage reduction. — Ed. )
The published suggestion is regard-
ed in unofficial quarters as an absurd
policy that might conserve dollars —
the intention said to be behind rec-
ommendations that U. S. film imports
be cut — but that would, in the proc-
ess, empty theatres. On the other
hand, it is realized that a cut in foot-
age would not necessarily reduce dol-
lar expenditure.
By reason of Hollywood's reduced
feature output, American film imports
are certain to be much less than in
recent years even without government
interference here, and to keep her
theatres adequately supplied, Australia
will need every foot America can
deliver. Australia, incidentally, is
one of the countries pledged to par-
ticipate in the forthcoming interna-
tional trade agreements conferences.
Since Great Britain is the only
sterling area on which Australia can
call for film, and Britain's total foot-
age represents only 10 per cent of
Australia's minimum needs, it is clear
that the proposed 20 per cent cut
would mean serious shortages for
exhibitors here. Already, some see
the end of the double-feature policy
to which Australia has long been
wedded.
Australian Prime Minister Chifley
has given assurance to the British
government that Australia will make
an all-out effort to save dollars. Im-
portation of luxury items will be
banned, as will all types of cars and
trucks not considered essential for
transport requirements. However,
according to Chifley, Australia "de-
spite her good intentions . . . cannot
cut her American imports very con-
siderably."
By comparison with other imports,
films are not a serious drain on the
dollar pool, and the Australian gov-
ernment may take this fact into con-
sideration before determining final
action.
Fire Law Checkup
Set for Sacramento
Sacramento, Feb. 20. — A survey of
fire hazards in theatres and dance
halls as a basis for an ordinance
which the district attorney will pre-
pare for the Sacramento county board,
was announced by E. A. Fairbairn,
county engineer.
Present regulations which only re-
quire that buildings be safe were de-
clared by Fairbairn to be inadequate
and a request for drafting a new ordi-
nance was submitted.
Fire Destroys Ala. House
Birmingham, Feb. 20. — Fire virtu-
ally destroyed the Pinson Theatre at
Pinson, 15 miles northwest of here,
damage being estimated at $15,000.
The theatre was empty at the time.
Community Sing
(Columbia)
The Song Spinners and Dick Lei-
bert at the organ join forces to pre-
sent such tunes as : "Rumors Are
Flying," "Either It's Love or It
Isn't," "There's Nothing the Matter
with Me That a Kiss Can't Cure,"
"Pity the Poor Lobster" and "Stars
Fell on Alabama." Running time,
9T/2 minutes.
"Country Life"
(Paramount)
A familiar gathering of not-so-
dumb animals again engage in some
sharp banter with the narrator in this
"Speaking of Animals" issue. Among
the "commentators" are cows, hogs,
turkeys and chickens. Running time,
10 minutes.
"College Climbers"
(RKO Radio)
The natural wonders of the Colorado
Rockies provide the proving ground
for one of the most unusual college
classes in America — mountain climb-
ing. The subject in this "Sportscope"
constitutes a vivid catalogue of the
physical education course at Western
State College, which is open to any
student with a climbing urge. Run-
ning time, eight minutes.
"Czechoslovakia Comes
Back"
(American Relief for Czechoslovakia)
The grim story of the harvest of
war, told against the counter back-
ground of heroic efforts toward the
reconstruction of Czechoslovakia, is
the subject of this factual film writ-
ten and produced by David Epstein
from official Czechoslovak govern-
Mexican Radio City
Must Move Buildings
Mexico City, Feb. 20. — Radio City,
intended to be a -permanent site for
radio and television presentations, will
not stay on the tract at Ixtapalapa,
local suburb, begun last year with a
radio show by a private syndicate. The
federal supreme court has refused the
syndicate an injunction to prevent the
municipal government, owner of the
land, from ousting the syndicate. The
court rejected the syndicate's plea that
the radio city would contribute to cul-
ture in Mexico, ruling that it is a
private enterprise, and accepted the
government's contention that it needs
the land for the establishment of vari-
ous social services. The ruling means
that the syndicate must remove build-
ings it started to erect and installa-
tions it had commenced on the land.
Four Lead in Mexico
Mexico City, Feb. 20. — Mexico's
leading box-office producers last year
were Filmex, Producciones Grovas
Panamerican Films and Clasa Films
Mundiales.
French Reissue Rights
Leo Cohen has acquired Western
Hemisphere reissue rights for the
French film "Club de Femmes,"
which stars Danielle Darrieux.
Cohen, who distributed "Sirocco" and
"Paris Frills," expects to have "Club"
on Broadway soon.
ment and U. S. Signal Corps films.
Depicted are the industrial and agri-
cultural rebirth and the telling effect
Nazi domination left on the children.
Raymond Massey comments. Run-
ning time, 18 minutes.
"Via Margutta"
(Superfilm)
Produced in Rome by Incom Pro-
ductions, "Via Margutta" is a camera
tour of that street in the Italian cap-
ital which houses the art colony. A
highly informative and interesting tour
of the painters, composers, sculptors
and allied artists, showing them at
work. The English narration was ar-
ranged by Joe Parker. Running time,
12 minutes.
"Bear Facts"
(Universal)
Many kinds of North American
wild life are shown in this film. Three
little bear cubs are seen getting into
all kinds of trouble, and the reactions
of fox cubs to other denizens of the
woods are captured by the camera.
Running time, 10 minutes.
"The Etruscan Civiliza-
tion"
(Superfilm)
The extinct Etruscan civilization of
pre-Roman days is brought to the
screen through an interesting camera
interpretation based on the ruined
cities, works of art, statues and paint-
ings. Produced in Rome and accom-
panied by an English narration, the
film traces the transition of Etruscan
life from one of simplicity to one of
grotesque symbolism and then, finally,
to extinction. Running time, 9^4
minutes.
Coast, Texas 'Duel'
Openings Postponed
Los Angeles, Feb. 20. — Plans for
"Duel in the Sun" openings in 20
theatres here, originally set for next
week, are now in* abeyance, with Selz-
nick Releasing Organization officials
considering postponement to a later
date.
Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and
San Antonio openings have also been
postponed due, according to the stu-
dio, to previous commitments prevent-
ing Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones and
Joseph Cotten from making Texas
premier appearances.
'Duel' for Mexican Run
Mexico's newest motion picture
house, now being built in the city of
San Luis Potosi, will be the Potosi
Theatre with a seating capacity of
3,000, and exhibitor Lasso de La-
vegan intends to open it in May with
David O. Selznick's "Duel in the
Sun," according to a Selznick spokes-
man here.
Reviving Mexican Film
Mexico City, Feb. 20.— A Techni-
color revival is being prepared of
"Alia en el Rancho Grande" ("Way
Down on the Rancho Grande"), the
picture produced in 1935 that made
Mexico known as a film producing
country. The picture is said to have
grossed $800,000. Its director, Fernan-
do de Fuentes, will produce and direct
the technicolor version.
Loew's Inetrnational executives con-
template continued travelling activity,
with Arthur M. Loew, president, head-
ing the list with a flying trip to Paris
for a month's tour of Europe slated
for March 18. Also scheduled to go
to Europe on an extended tour is
Arthur Pincus, assistant direq pi
advertising-publicity, who will V jprt
for England on March 5. On April
1 Maurice Silverstein, associate re-
gional director for the Far East, will
leave New York for a tour of that
territory ; by that time Edward F.
O'Connor, regional director, will have
returned here from the Far East.
Meanwhile, Samuel N. Burger, re-
gional director for Latin America, is
due to leave- here shortly for a tour of
his territory. Richard J. Brenner, !
Latin America assistant regional di-
rector, is now beginning the final leg
of a six months' visit, and is due to
return to New York in May. Morton
A. Spring, first vice-president, is due
to return to New York from the Coast
early in March, and David Lewis, re-
gional director of Continental Europe,
North Africa and the Middle East,
now in Paris, is due dack here around
March 15, having been away six
months. Louis Lober, associate re-
gional director, will pick up where
Lewis leaves off, departing from New
York on March 17. Seymour Mayer,
16mm. sales chief, who has been away
from New York three months, is due
back here this week from Central and
South America.
Weening Assigned
To Peru by Para.
Siegfried Weening, who joined Par-
amount International in December,
has been named branch manager for
Peru, by A. L. Pratchett, Latin
American division manager. He will
fill the post left by the recent death
of Osvaldo Urrutia, who had been
the company's manager there for the
past 16 years.
Weening most recently was manager
for Republic in Trinidad. He will
leave New York by air today for
Lima, where he will make his head-
quarters.
'Stallion' Shown Mar. 17
"Stallion Road," Warner production,
will be nationally tradeshown on Mon-
day, March 17. The picture -is sched-
uled for release in April.
Republic
(Continued from page 1)
sented in Sweden and has just opened
a branch in India.
Republic . will continue its policy of
selling pictures wherever and when-
ever it is profitably possible, Altschuler
stated. Discussions now are going on
with persons in Roumania, Hungary
and Yugoslavia and Republic probably
will sell each of those countries 15
pictures each. Two of the deals will
be on an outright-sale basis, while
the third will provide profit-participa-
tion. Republic has sold 35 pictures
to Holland and 11 to Czechoslovakia.
All of these countries operate under a
state monopoly and ordinarily are be-
ing, or would be, served by the Mo-
tion Picture Export Association.
Altschuler will go abroad for an
extended trip on Feb. 26.
Friday, February 21, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
French Firms
(Continued from page 1)
will go to the producers. This means
a loss of nearly 916,000,000 francs—
about $7,694,000, or nearly a third of
their original investment.
The deficit is all the more serious
because it affects the producers'
finances, private backers and financial
advances made by the banks and the
state. In 1939 the average cost of a
feature was about 2,500,000 francs.
TW) it is 25,000,000 francs.
Trr its general yearly meeting, the
French Film Producers Syndicate
issued a statement pointing out that
on the 10,000,000,000 francs of gross
receipts of the 5,000 theatres in
French territory, not including North
Africa, 3,000,000,000 went to special
entertainment taxes while French pro-
ducers received only 2,000,000,000.
The producers are asking for immedi-
ate reduction of taxes and suppression
of the special "tax de luxe," which is
17 per cent on the gross; further, they
are asking a premium for exporting
French pictures.
Bureaus Being Replaced
The new government cinema office,
the National Cinema Center, gradual-
ly is replacing both the Office Pro-
fessionel du Cinema, the official trade
organization, dissolved by a decree of
Dec. 28, 1946, and the government's
cinema bureau, the Direction Generale
de la Cinematographic
Michel Fourre-Conneray, former
head of the Direction Generale, has
been appointed manager of the Cen-
ter. He will be assisted by five man-
agers, assigned imports and exports,
distribution and exhibition, technical
services and production and social
work.
In trade circles here it is generally
thought that the future of the French
film industry depends upon the way
the Center is operated. The industry
may be brought to very different po-
sitions according to the political ten-
dencies which will rule the Center,
which is expected to be in full opera-
tion at least by the end of February.
Tax Protests Fail
A decree enforced on a general five
per cent tax on all prices has been
applied to theatre admissions, al-
though exhibitor associations had pro-
tested against such a decision.
In the past year, 220 features were
released in Paris. There were 109
American films released, 16 British,
six Russian, two Belgian, two Swe-
dish, one Italian and one Swiss, in
addition to 83 French productions.
Thirty-five of the American films
were not dubbed.
It is reported that Pathe Cinema
and Gaumont, two of France's most
important film companies, will merge
their production facilities, including
their laboratories. Together they have
11 sound stages. The new company
will be called the Societe des Studios
Francais. At present there is no indi-
cation that the distribution and ex-
hibition interests of the two companies
will be merged.
Davis Named a Director
John Davis, managing director of
the J. Arthur Rank Organization, Ltd.,
and joint managing director of Odeon
Theatres, Ltd., has been appointed to
the board of directors of Gaumqnt
British Picture Corp. and General
Film Distributors, according to word
received here from London yesterday
by the Rank Organization.
Student Film Plan
Gets N.Y.C. Sanction
By virtue of a special ruling by the
New York City administration on the
present statute tha,t forbids children
of school age to attend theatres dur-
ing school hours, Century Circuit will
inaugurate today at its Rialto Thea-
tre in Brooklyn, an experimental grade
school visual education program. Some
1,000 seventh and eighth grade pupils
of four Brooklyn schools will be es-
corted by their teachers this morning
to the theatre where "Tom Sawyer"
will be shown. No admission will be
charged ; Century will bear all costs.
City License Commissioner Ben-
jamin Fielding said yesterday that he
will be present at the screening to
observe the effects of the experiment,
which is being conducted under the
auspices of the Board of Education.
The program, under its tentative struc-
ture, calls for one show each month
from February through May, to "help
concretize the impressions derived
from the reading of four specific liter-
ary .classics," according to Century.
U. A. Salesmen Here
Off to Buffalo Today
United Artists' New York sales
force will leave for Buffalo today for
the first of four regional sales con-
ferences. The meeting will be held
in the Statler Hotel there, starting-
tomorrow. The group will include :
Jack Ellis, district manager ; Abe
Dickstein, assistant to Edward M.
Schnitzer, Eastern and Canadian sales
manager ; and Pat Marcone, Dave
Burkan, Sam Rifkin, William Shutzer,
Dick Perry and Walter McVeigh
from the New York branch.
PCC Total Pushes
Ahead of '46 Mark
Hollywood, Feb. 20. — Subscriptions
to the Permanent Charities Commit-
tee's annual appeal now total $1,286,-
718.34 from 20,487 contributors, in-
creasing the per capita average to
$62.81, campaign chairman M. C.
Levee told the ninth report meeting
today.
"On the basis of the reduced goals
of national and local charities," Levee
said, "industry workers have already
exceeded last year's efforts. Subscrip-
tions to our campaign so far are 83
per cent of last year's."
'Quentin' Opening in
77 Midwest Theatres
Des Moines, Feb. 20. — Plans have
been completed for the Iowa-Nebraska
regional opening of RKO Radio's
"San Quentin" in 77 theatres, headed
by the Brandeis, Omaha, on March 5,
with personal appearances by Law-
rence Tierney, star of the picture.
RKO Radio branch managers Max
Rosenblatt, Des Moines, and Jack
Renfro, Omaha, have had the promo-
tional cooperation of Bob Hickey,
Midwest field supervisor, Edward
Holland and Keith Bain, field men.
Cameramen Beaten
New Orleans, Feb. 20. — Camera
crews working on a "This Is Amer-
ica" short titled "Mardi Gras," sched-
uled for RKO Radio April release,
were beaten up by three thugs while
filming the Mardi Gras parade. Cam-
eraman Howard Winner and Frank-
Mayer were among the men beaten.
British Theatres
(Continued from page 1)
hand. A spokesman, however, warned
that a two-week gap in the output is
inevitable, even if the government
should allow the public to start using
power immediately.
The laboratory situation is even
more grave. Although certain of the
plants have been operating on private-
ly-generated power, the George Hum-
phries establishment, by far the larg-
est, has been closed altogether.
At today's meeting, a committee was
appointed to work out temporary ar-
rangements for conserving supplies
and to impress upon the government
the vital need to give special priority
to raw stock manufacturers and
processors.
Although the Kinematograph Rent-
ers Society has attempted to coordinate
information regarding forthcoming re-
leases, with a view to pooling printing
resources, several of its members
pointed out that features are the life-
blood of the exhibitor's business and
advocated the complete suspension of
work on newsreels, short subjects and
production rushes. As of today, the
printing of rushes has been prohibited
by the government, so far as public
power is involved.
Carbon is slightly more plentiful
than is film, but a spokesman for that
industry declared that it too is "living
from hand to mouth."
In general, the industry expects
revolutionary alterations in theatre
programs for at least a year.
Julian Street, 67
Lakeville, Conn., Feb. 20. — Julian
Street, 67, novelist and essayist who
had been working on a motion pic-
ture script, died here yesterday.
ITOA Will Resume
Talks with Allied
At a meeting of the Independent
Theatre Owners Association of New
York, held at the Hotel Astor, here,
yesterday, it was decided that the or-
ganization will resume negotiations
with Allied States at a meeting in
March on the question of the ITOA's
affiliating with Allied.
Additionally, ITOA president Harry
Brandt at the meeting appointed a
committee to participate in the March
10-11 meeting here of the motion pic-
ture forum. The committee includes :
John C. Bolte, Rudolph Sanders, Leon
Rosenblatt, Robert Goldblatt and
Brandt, and the following alternates :
Henry Siegel, Max Goldbaum and
Dave Mate.
It was disclosed at the meeting yes-
terday that Max A. Cohen, chairman
of the ITOA film committee, will
make a trip to the Coast shortly.
Murray Gets a Third
Atlanta, Feb. 20.— W. T. Murray,
owner of the Rialto and the New
Hilan, Atlanta, has taken over the
Center, here.
ATA, CSA Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
the original intervention bid, is ex-
pected to be filed here on or before
the March 1 deadline.
The exhibitor organizations seek to
be heard in the case only with regard
to the final decree's competitive-bid-
ding provision, which they claim af-
fects their interests. Arnold, however,
has told the Federal Court here that
ATA also is interested in the property
rights involved in the required ter-
mination of theatre leases between
affiliated circuits and independents.
Paramount
TRADE SHOW
New York City Territory Only
BLAZE
of NOON"
Starring
ANNE BAXTER - WILLIAM HOLDEN
SONNY TUFTS • WILLIAM BENDIX
STERLING HAYDEN- HOWARD DA SILVA
Produced by Robert Fellows • Directed by John Farrow
•
MONDAY, MARCH 3rd at 10:30 A.M.
Normandie Theatre
51 East 53rd Street, N. Y. C.
8
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
Friday, February 21, 1947
UA, 4U' Attack
(Continued from page 1)
ations by the five exhibitor-distributor
companies.
UA counters the New York court's
conclusion that the company joined
with the other defendants in a conJ
spiracy with the declaration that no
evidence in the record of the case
could feasibly lead to that conclusion.
The court erred, it states further,
in that there is "no evidence that any
exhibitor ever sought a run licensed
by United Artists to a competing ex-
hibitor or was ever refused a license
by United Artists to exhibit any
United Artists picture for that run or
any other run that such exhibitor may
have sought from United Artists."
UA contends that there is no evi-
dence to prove that any clearance it
granted adversely affected the inter-
est of any competing exhibitor. It
asserts that no clearance shown to
have been granted by UA was proved
to have been unreasonable in duration,
area or otherwise and states that no
evidence was given which established
that UA discriminated between affili-
ated and independent theatres in
specifying clearances over other thea-
tres.
Lack of Evidence Claimed ■
In touching on the restraint-of-trade
finding of the New York court, the
company claims that no evidence
showed that it had "acted concertedly
with any other defendant or with any
exhibitor to unreasonably restrain the
trade of subsequent run theatres
through the fixing of clearance for
prior run theatres."
UA raises six "substantial" ques-
tions which it claims to be involved
in the decision. On the price fixing
ban, the appellant charges that the
"undisputed evidence" is that the ex-
hibitor determined the actual admis-
sion price charged at his theatre and
that from this "no inference should
have been drawn that the stipulation
of a minimum admission price in a
license agreement made the defendants
guilty of a conspiracy to fix theatre
admission prices." In enjoining the
making and performance of such
licenses, the court "has deprived the
appellant of well-established property
rights as well as rights conferred by
the Copyright Law."
Competitive factors and not a con-
spiracy resulted in the similarity in
clearances given by all the distribu-
tors, UA claims.
Burden of Proof
UA submits that the fundamental
rule of law is that the burden of
proving is upon the one who alleges,
as opposed to the court's dictate that
whenever a clearance provision is at-
tacked as illegal the burden of proof
shall be upon the distributor.
The company questions the right of
the court to forbid it from consider-
ing satisfactory relationships in the
past with certain exhibitors in deter-
mining to whom a picture is to be
licensed.
Exhibitor franchise deals, according
to UA, insured "the -independent ex-
hibitor product for his theatre, did not
restrain trade and provided the non-
theatre-owning defendants additional
outlets for their product." Franchise
deals are illegal, according to the New
York decision.
UA's sixth "substantial question'Ms
the one holding the competitive bid-
ding order as the one belonging to a
legislative body and not a court.
In its assignment of errors UA
Would Force Reels
On All Theatres
By NATALIO BRUSKI
Buenos Aires, Feb. 12 (By
Airmail). — The producers of
local newsreels, "Sucesos
Argentinos," "Panamericano,"
and "Sucesos de las Ameri-
cas," the most important of
those edited in Argentina, are
negotiating with Government
authorities for the application
of a decree making it compul-
sory for exhibitors to show
the reels in all theatres.
Meanwhile, negotiations for
a municipal tax on Buenos
Aires theatre admissions are
still continuing. At present
time the Association of Em-
presarios has proposed to
municipal authorities a slid-
ing scale of taxation — from
six to 12 per cent — based on
the amount of admission
charged at individual thea-
tres.
points to the fact that it is only a
distributing company and that ap-
proval of its exhibition contracts must
be given by the producers of the com-
pany's pictures. In this respect it sets
itself apart from the other defendants
in the case.
Universal's appeal, highlights of
which were reported yesterday in
Motion Picture Daily, is supple-
mented by a 24-page "Statement as to
Jurisdiction," which reviews the back-
ground of the case and presents argu-
ments supporting the company's posi-
tion.
Regarding multiple film sales, the
statement declares : "Instead of licens-
ing their product picture by picture
and theatre by theatre, wholesale
licensing by distributors has been a
very general practice in the industry.
Such selling permits both buyer and
seller to know where they stand at the
earliest possible time and to plan ac-
cordingly."
Influence Denied
On the subject of clearance and
run, Universal contends that these are
not matters "upon which a non-thea-
tre-owning defendant, distributing an
insignificant portion of the best-draw-
ing pictures, could have any substan-
tial influence."
"Whether or not there was a con-
spiracy among the theatre-owning dis-
tributors," the statement continues,
"the similarity of Universal's action,
in respect of admission prices, runs
and clearances, to that of the other
defendant distributors, was not a_ prop-
er basis upon which to hold it (in
violation of the anti-trust laws). The
District Court held that 'independent
distributors' were 'obliged to conform'
to a 'fixed scale of clearances, runs
and admission prices' in order 'to "get
their pictures .shown upon satisfactory
runs.' Yet Republic Pictures Corpora-
tion, one of these 'independent distrib-
utors,' is larger, relative to Universal,
than Universal is, relative to the 'big
five'." Republic is not a party to the
suit.
"Franchises, in which a distributor
commits its pictures for periods longer
than one year to an exhibitor," the
statement declares, "are considerably
less restrictive than the ordinary ex-
clusive agency arrangement, which is
one of the most common methods of
doing business."
US Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
the court here late this morning.
Following the goVernment's inten-
tion made known several weeks ago
by Robert L. Wright, special assistant
to the Attorney General, the Depart-
ment's appeal will ask for the com-
plete divorcement of distribution and
exhibition and, pending the orderly
divestiture of affiliated theatres, for a
ban on cross licensing among the de-
fendants. The high tribunal will be
told that the New York court erred
in failing to make these requirements,
it is understood.
In general, the government will con-
tend that Judges Augustus N. Hand,
Henry W. Goddard and John Bright
were wrong in finding that' Para-
mount, Loew's, RKO, 20th Century-
Fox and Warner Bros, had not
achieved a monopoly in exhibition.
With regard to the distribution mo-
nopoly found by the court, the U. S.
will claim that the relief granted is
inadequate to prevent the defendants
from restraining competition. The
New York court's relief formula in-
cludes a ban on price-fixing, on en-
forcing clearance "in excess of what
is reasonably necessary to protect the
licensee," on franchise agreements,
formula deals and master agreements ;
on conditioning the sale of one feature
upon the sale of one or more others ;
on "arbitrary refusal" to license a
feature on a run selected by the ex-
hibitor, and on selling pictures in any
manner except through a system of
competitive bidding.
The government's "Assignment of
Errors" is understood to contain only
three pages, in contrast to the length-
ier documents filed by Columbia, Uni-
versal and United Artists, the three
non-theatre-owning defendants. How-
ever, the ' Department's jurisdiction
statement, in which the arguments to
support its position are outlined, is
said to cover 17 pages.
A complete report on the contents
of the appeal was unavailable last
night, prior to the actual filing, with
government officials both here and in
Washington declining to discuss the
documents.
Protest on Ad Bill
(Continued from page 1)
suits of the pending law took place.
The Governor has until March 5 to
sign.
The bill would empower the censor
division of the State Board of Regents
to revoke film licenses because of in-
decent or immoral advertising in media
available to the public. The bill had
its roots in a recent decision made by
the Regents which found it could not
revoke the license of "The Outlaw"
in the state, the film's questionable
newspaper advertising notwithstand-
ing. The Regents then recommended
legislation to cover such cases.
Para. To Sell Six
(Continued from page 1)
on Paramount's 1946-1947 release
schedule in order to simplify sales
procedure.
The license for each film will be
negotiated separately for individual
theatres, he said. The six pictures in-
volved are : "Big Town," "Seven
Were Saved," "Fear in the Night,"
"Danger Street," "I Cover Big Town"
and "Jungle Flight."
Alleges Mexicans
Dodge Income Tax
Mexico City, Feb. 20.— The
charge is made by El National,
local daily newspaper and
Mexican government mouth-
piece, that certain unnamed
film stars, with the aid of cer-
tain unnamed producers, are
defrauding the government of
much money in evading in
come taxes. The story sa(^ v
that the players make three
contracts for one assignment
— one contract to avoid in-
come tax, the other as a pub-
licity vehicle and the third,
the real one, which can never
be found.
"Our cinematographic busi-
ness is all bluff and pub-
licity," said El National.
However, this kind of income
tax dodging is not peculiar to
Mexico; it is exercised in
some other countries, too."
Dubbing Increasing
In German Market
By H. ZU LOEWENSTEIN
Berlin, Feb. 20.— The dubbing of
foreign pictures (or "synchronization"
as it is called here) has always
played an important role in the Ger-
man market and now is picking up
again due to the scarcity of film ma-
terial and equipment. A large dub-
bing studio is almost ready to start
production at Calmuth, near Re-
magen, on the Rhine. Two companies
will be housed in adjoining buildings.
All films will be made in both Ger-
man and French.
"The American picture "Mark
Twain" will soon be shown here in
a dubbed version. The M-G-M pro-
duction "Robert Schumann" also will
be dubbed into German. The Tempel-
hof studios in Berlin intend to dub
two American films each month. Al-
most 50 pictures will be imported
from the U. S. every year.
A new studio has been established
in Weimar, in Russian-occupied Thu-
ringia. Its production schedule has
not yet been announced.
An association of motion picture
producers has been founded in Ham-
burg, in the British Zone. It is open
to all film producers, directors and
other executives working in the Brit-
ish zone and the British-occupied sec-
tor of Berlin. Another such group,
taking in also writers and actors, has
been formed in Berlin.
A ranking member of the British
Military Government has announced
that 200 copies of American films
will be made available to the German
public in 1947. However, he pointed
out that U. S. films will only be per-
mitted to be shown in the British
Zone on an exchange basis.
Bogeaus-Thompson Deal
Hollywood, Feb. 20. — J. Walter
Thompson Co. has been named ad-
vertising agency for Benedict Bogeaus
Production by Carl Leserman, execu-
tive vice-president of the Bogeaus
Company. Campaigns will be prepared
immediately on "Christmas Eve" and
"A Miracle Can Happen", both for
United Artists release.
OT REMOVE
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
J
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
YrO 61. NO. 37
NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1947
TEN CENTS
Pickford and
Chaplin Sole
Owners of UA
Producer Partnerships
End with Selznick Exit
By SHERWIN KANE
Sole ownership of United Artists
was gained by Mary Pickford and
Charles Chaplin, two of the found-
ers of the company, in consequence
of the settlement late Friday night
of differences between UA and David
O. Selznick. The settlement provided
for the return to the company of the
one-third stock interest in UA held
by Selznick's Vanguard Films and
the ending of all pending litigation by
the company against Selznick and by
the latter against United Artists.
The settlement was concluded
at a meeting of representatives
of the principals in the New York
law offices of Schwartz & Froh-
lich, counsel for Chaplin. Imme-
diately following the meeting a
special session of the United
Artists board of directors was
convened and the resignation of
Selznick's representatives on
the board were tendered and
accepted.
Charles Schwartz, senior member
of Schwartz & Frohlich, was elected
to the UA board as a Chaplin repre-
sentative, and Arnold Grant, counsel
for Miss Pickford, was elected one
of her representatives. Other mem-
bers of the board are Edward C.
Raftery, UA president ; Edwin Claude
Mills and Herbert P. Jacoby, Chaplin
representatives, and Franklin Cole
and Herman Weisman; Pickford rep-
resentatives.
The Selznick directors who re-
signed were Milton Kramer, Phillip
Siff and Henry Marx.
It is the intention of Miss Pickford
and Chaplin, their spokesmen say, to
(Continued on page 6)
Republic's Earnings
$1,097,940 for
Period of 48 Weeks
Storm Cut Grosses
In East One-Third
Republic Pictures Corp. and sub-
sidiary companies had consolidated net
earnings of $1,097,940, after provision
of $735,000 for Federal income taxes,
for the 48-week
period ended
Oct. 26, 1946,
it was an-
nounced at the
weekend by
Herbert J.
Yates, presi-
dent. The state-
ment was made
in lieu of a 52-
week report, in-
asmuch as the
merger with
Consolidated
Film Industries
became effective
on Nov. 27, 1945.
Yates announced, in a letter to
stockholders accompanying the state-
ment, that Republic has abandoned
temporarily its plans to raise addi-
tional permanent capital "to finance
properly" the expansion of the domes-
tic business, particularly in the field
(Continued on page 6)
U.S. SEES BIDDING
AS UNENFORCEABLE
Herbert J, Yates
Ind. Anti-ASCAP
Bill Amended
Indianapolis, Feb. 23. — A bill af-
fecting the American Society of Com-
posers, Authors and Publishers has
been amended in the Indiana House
Judiciary committee to give theatres
full protection from damages as the
result of unlicensed performances by
making producers or distributors liable.
Another amendment would exempt all
radio stations from its provisions.
Paramount Theatre
Cuts Price Scale
The New York Paramount
will reduce weekday opening
admission price on Wednes-
day from the present average
of about 78 cents to 55 cents;
its Saturday opening price
from an average of 90 cents
to 70 cents, and its Sunday
opening price from $1.30 to
$1.25, all tax-included. Other
scales have been changed
slightly, upwards and down-
wards, with the over-all aver-
age dropping from 97 cents to
93 cents.
The change was made by
Robert M. Weitman, manag-
ing director, as a result of
a public opinion survey which,
he said, demonstrated that
the public is shopping for
bargains in entertainment.
Dispel Admission
Tax Fear in N.Y.C.
"The mayor and comptroller have
said that they do not favor a city the-
atre admission tax." This statement
was reiterated at the weekend in
semi-official quarters of the New
York City administration as the in-
dustry here focused attention on a
bill, introduced in the State Senate,
which would authorize cities and in-
corporated villages to impose local
taxes on amusements, which are al-
ready subject to a 20 per cent Fed-
eral impost.
The 11^-inch snowstorm which
originated in the South and moved
up along the Atlantic Seaboard late
Thursday blanketing several Eastern
states had the obvious adverse effect
on theatre business, which was re-
duced on an average of 33 ^ per cent.
New York exhibitors in the first-
run area, reporting their incomes cut
(Continued on page 6)
Supreme Court Hearing in October
Or November Expected by Wright
Washington, Feb 23.— The industry anti-trust suit will not be
argued before the U. S. Supreme Court until late this year, prob-
ably during October or November, according to Robert L. Wright,
Government counsel in the case, who said the appeal may be placed
on the High Court docket by spring but must wait its turn.
If Wright's estimate is correct, the Supreme Court would not
hand down a decision until sometime in 1948, it is understood.
After the high tribunal acts, the defendants will have a right to
appeal for a re-hearing, and that would prolong the case for
another 60 days.
The completion of the case probably will not come until June,
1948. At the very earliest, the suit will not be completed until
January or February of next year, it is said.
Appeal Says System
Would Mean Chaos;
Hits Most of Decree
The New York Federal Court's
decision on the competitive bidding
system, already under attack from
numerous exhibitor groups
throughout the country, as well as
from distributor defendants in the
industry anti-trust suit, now has lost
its heretofore tacit acceptance by the
Department of Justice, which, in ask-
ing the U. S. Supreme Court to re-
verse the local tribunal's decree, terms
the bidding plan "unenforceable" and
says it would "lead to chaos." The
Government's appeal, the fourth to be
made out of a possible 10, was placed
on record here Friday, more than a
week in advance of the March 1 dead-
(Continued on page 6)
O'Connor Names 49
For Charity Drive
A goal of $1,000,000 for the 1947
New York Catholic Charities Drive
was disclosed at the weekend by John
J. O'Connor, Universal vice-president,
who is chairman of the motion pic-
tures committee of the Cardinal's
Committee of the Laity for the drive.
Bert Sanford of Altec Service is
vice-chairman. O'Connor said that
solicitations in the industry will be-
(Continued on page 6)
Friedman, Schreiber
Attack N.Y. Ad Bill
Stanleigh Friedman, Warner vice-
president and member of its legal
staff, and Sidney Schreiber, counsel
for the Motion Picture Association,
today are to formally protest in Al-
bany a bill which would empower
the New York State censor to ban
a picture when its advertising copy
is found objectionable.
The measure has passed both
houses and is awaiting signature.
In This Issue
"Beat the Band" and "Jun-
gle Flight" are reviewed on
page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, February 24, 1947
Tradewise
By SHERWIN KANE
Newsreel
Parade
Personal
Mention
NATE J. BLUMEERG, president
of Universal, i's due in New York
from the Coast shortly.
•
Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount pro-
ducer-director ; Donald Hayne, his
•executive assistant ; Gladys Rosson,
production executive, and Phil Koury,
publicist, left New York for the Coast
vesterday by train.
•
Ken Hall, head of Cine- Sound,
Sydney, Australia, who is visiting in
New, York, will be honor guest at a
luncheon at the Lotos Club today be-
ing given by Harold Auten of the
J. Arthur Rank Organization.
•
Michael Mindlin, Jr., has re-
signed from the Warner Brothers
home office publicity department to
join George and Dorothy Ross Pub-
licity Associates.
•
Lowell V. Calvert, Eastern sales
executive for Hunt Stromberg Pro-
ductions, is visiting the Coast and is
expected to return to New York next
week.
•
George J. Schaefer, Enterprise
vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion, is due here from the Coast the
latter part of this week.
•
James Quinn has resigned as man-
ager of the Valencia Theatre, Balti-
more, to take a similar post at the
Hippodrome there.
•
Rudolph Weiss, head of Warner
Theatres' real estate department, left
New York last night for Chicago.
•
Edward L. Alperson will leave
Hollywood for New York by train
today.
•
Donald Hyde, vice-president of
United States Pictures, has returned
to the Coast from New York.
•
Vernon Caldwell, Walt Disney
Studios executive, has arrived in New-
York from the Coast.
Waldman Appointed
District Manager
George Waldman has been appoint-
ed Metropolitan New York district
manager of Film Classics, with head-
quarters at the company's New York
exchange.
Waldman held an executive sales
post with Warner Brothers for a num-
ber of years and was connected with
Warner Theatres in Philadelphia,
New Jersey and New York.
Schanberger III
Baltimore, Feb. 23. — Variety Club
members here are giving blood trans-
fusions to Fred Schanberger, Jr., re-
cently elected chief barker of the Bal-
timore Tent, who is seriously ill at
Bon Secours Hospital with a stomach
ailment.
HPHE policy of combating
*■ legislation inimical to the
industry at what recent public
pronouncements by industry
fire-fighters refer to as "the local
level" appears to be in need of
examination in consequence of
recent happenings on' the far-
flung legislative fronts.
One of the most pertinent of
such happenings is the sorry ex-
perience of the reenactment of
the Federal admission tax with-
out a change and, what may
prove even more serious, with-
out even a date being set for its
termination. For all the indus-
try knows at the moment, that
20 per cent tap may be a perma-
nent fixture for the box-offices
of the nation, as much a part of
them as a roll of tickets.
There was no organized effort
of any kind on the part of the
industry to influence a different
result. Yet every interested
organization in the industry has
known for many months that the
Federal excise legislation would
be among the first measures
which would be considered by
the present Congress. It is a
new Congress and, therefore,
amenable to changes.
There can be no explanation
or excuse for inaction on the
part of national industry organi-
zations in the fact that the tax
legislation was rushed through
Congress post-haste and with-
out the holding of public hear-
ings. That did not deter the fur
industry nor travel agencies
from winning for themselves
special consideration and con-
cessions in the new tax legisla-
tion. Those concessions, it is
learned with some reliability,
were not won "at the local level"
but through direct approaches
in Washington.
•
Just what is a "local level"
campaign on legislation? Is it
intelligently organized opposi-
tion, carefully planned, with tell-
ing arguments well marshaled
and effectively presented, as any
campaign having the remotest
chance for success should be?
Or is it merely a hit-or-miss
matter of sending a telegram or
form letter to this or that legis-
lator who may or may not have
heard of the petitioner, and who
may or may not be a member of
one of the strategic committees
drafting the legislation for
Congress ?
Is it a campaign at all, or is it
merely a convenient method of
passing the buck from the level
of national organization to the
haphazard efforts of local or-
ganization ?
Apparently, there was but
one determined effort within
the whole industry to combat
the continuance of the Federal
admission tax on the local level
which gained sufficient propor-
tions to merit publicity. That
was conducted by the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of
Oklahoma, an affiliate of Mo-
tion Picture Theatre Owners of
America, which itself did not
put much emphasis on "local
level" campaigns. The Con-
gressional responses to that
campaign, according to reports
made by Morris Loewenstein,
MPTO of Oklahoma president,
amounted in the main to "polite
brush-offs."
And, insofar as the industry
has been informed, that consti-
tuted the most determined, the
best planned and the most ex-
tensive "local level" campaign
against the new Federal tax
measure which the industry was
capable of producing.
It is the customary good for-
tune of this amazing industry
that it never loses one oppor-
tunity that another, equally as
good, is not offered it. Now
comes Representative Harold
Knutson, chairman of the House
Ways and Means Committee,
with the announcement that the
entire structure of the Federal
excise taxes will be reviewed by
that body with the object of re-
ducing future levies where in-
equities are found to exist.
That would seem to offer a
worthwhile opportunity for the
Washington level of the indus-
try to do something on behalf
of the nation's box offices that,
sadly, it appears the local level is
not equipped to do.
• •
The , annual American Red
Cross drive for contributions
will begin next Saturday and
will continue throughout the
month of March.
All that the Red Cross asks
of theatres this year is that their
screens be made available for
showing the seven-minute ap-
peal film, "Call to Action," dur-
ing the run of programs which
start or are current tomorrow.
The appeal subject is a profes-
sional job, made by The March
of Time. It is worthy of the
best theatre in the land. Your
screen time is your professional
contribution to the Red Cross.
z/LL current ncivsreels present
glimpses into the private life of
Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, from
photographs confiscated in Germany.
Other items spotlighted include the
Pennsylvania train disaster, the Golden
Gloves finals, bob-sledding at Lake
Placid, the British Royal famip on
tour and events in France, I%{ ^id
and Canada. Complete contents fol-
low:
I
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 51— The pri-
vate life of Eva Braun, Hitler's wife. Show
of Canadian armament in night blizzard.
Railroad wreck in Pennsylvania. New Or-
leans Mardi-Gras. British royal family I
aboard Vanguard. Arabian crown prince
visits President Truman. Sports: Golden
Gloves, bob-sledding at Lake Placid.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 249^Frivate
life of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun. Royal
family at sea. Twenty -two die in rail dis-
aster. Million at New Orleans Mardi-Gras.
Olympic bob-sled test.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 52— Golden
Gloves bouts. Birth of Netherlands prin-
cess. Hens wear glasses to save lives.
Hitler-Eva Braun films.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 54— Twenty -
two dead in train wreck. Hitler and Eva
Braun. Sign five peace treaties. Gromyko
debates atom plan. Paris paralyzed by
strike. Royal family relaxes at sea. Crack-
ups mark bob-sled race.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 15— Con-
fiscated pictures from private collection of
Eva Braun, Hitler's consort. Twenty-two
dead in Pennsylvania train wreck. New-
Orleans Mardi-Gras. British King and
Queen on tour. Bob-sled trials at Lake
Placid. Golden Gloves finals.
Physical distribution facilities for
the product of David O. Selznick,
starting with "Duel in the Sun," will
be arranged for in a deal to be closed
early this week with either a new
company, National Film Distributors,
or another unidentified organization,
according to Milton Kusell, general
sales manager of Selznick Releasing
Organization.
Only film vaults and inspection and
shipping facilities would be contracted
for, Kusell said, with the Selznick
company handling all selling and pro-
motion.
National Film Distributors firm, in
Philadelphia, reports that an agree-
ment with Selznick is virtually closed.
The company is headed by James i
Clark, who is president of the Na-
tional Film Carriers Association, and
by- Clint Weyer, secretary. It was
said that the 10 member companies
of the association would participate in
the film handling deal on a franchise
basis.
These are located in New Orleans,
Memphis, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phila-
delphia, Pittsburgh, Kansas City,
Milwaukee, Des Moines and San
Francisco. Other outlets will be es-
tablished, it was reported, in the other
exchange centers.
The distribution comjpany will op-
erate entirely apart from the carriers,
it was said. Headquarters, temporarily
in Philadelphia, will be in New York.
SRO Outlets Set
This Week: Kusell
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by puigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor:
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3t J879. Subscrip- 1
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. ,
Monday, February 24, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
3
Work Begins on May
Variety Convention
Los Angeles, Feb. 23. — The first
full meeting of all committees working
on plans for the 11th annual Variety
Club's International convention, to be
held here May 13-17, was held in the
office of Charles P. Skouras, conven-
tion chairman. A four-hour meeting
tq_ . - ]p every phase of the convention
au^- Ae "Humanitarian Award" din-
ner. The award is made annually to
the person who rendered the most
outstanding service to mankind during
the past year.
Following is a list of the committees
and their members : Humanitarian
Award Banquet and Entertainment:
George Bowser, chairman ; William
Srere and Andrew J. Krappman ;
Convention Journal : Dave Bershon,
chairman ; Thornton Sargent and
Robert Kesner ; Studio Contacts :
Willard Keith and Howard Stubbins,
co-chairmen; Bruce Fowler, Victor
Adams and Cullen Espy; Publicity:
Sherrill Corwin, chairman ; Seymour
Peiser, Pete Latsis and Earl Adams ;
Finance : George Topper chairman ;
Jack Berman.
Also: Heart Committee: Dr. Ben
Feingold, chairman ; Dave Bershon ;
Ladies : Rhyllis Hemmington, chair-
man ; Ida Schreiber and Ruth Doyle ;
Decorations : Oscar Oldknow, chair-
man; Dean Hyskell and Ben Ashe ;
Registration, hotel and transportation:
W. H. (Bud) Lollier, chairman; Al
Galston and John Lavery; Token and
gift ; Jack Berman, chairman ; Dick
Dickson and Lloyd Ornsby.
'Life* Gives 3 Pages
To Paramount Short
Life magazine will devote three
pages of its March 3 issue to the
Paramount "Pacemaker" -short,
"Radio, Take It Away." This is
said to be the first time that maga-
zine has assigned so much space to
a short subject.
The film is a satire on radio audi-
ence participation programs. It was
given feature picture treatment by
Paramount's short subjects publicity
department, headed by I. John Phil-
lips.
Raoul Le Mat, 71
Raoul Le Mat, 71, former Olym-
pic athlete and former member of
Le Mat-Metro-Goldwyn, which held
the Swedish M-G-M franchise for
many years, died of a heart attack
in Panama City on Feb. 14, accord-
ing to word received here on Friday.
In recent years Le Mat was in show
business in Washington and else-
where. He retired two years ago.
Monogram Art Displayed
Los Angeles, Feb. 23. — The posters
on Monogram's "Suspense," illustrated
by artist Gene Widhoff, are the only
motion picture advertising art in the
annual exhibition of the .Art Directors
Club of Los Angeles.
AVAILABLE
If you need an executive secre-
tary with unique combination of
experience in Hollywood Studios
and with top executives in New
York offices, call Butterfield
8-3884, New York.
Altschuler to Europe
OnRepublic Branches
Richard W. Altschuler, president
and general manager of Republic
Pictures, has booked passage on the
SS America for his departure Wed
nesday to survey the company's Eu
ropean outlets with a view to estab-
lishing five new offices abroad and
getting Republic product into the So
viet sphere, as reported in Motion
Picture Daily last Friday. Uncer
tain of whether he would gain ad
mittance to countries under Soviet
influence, Altschuler said that he did
not know how long his journey would
take.
He also declared that plans for the
expansion of Republic's overseas op
erations would probably be completed
in June.
MPTOA Will Have 6
Attend March Forum
Lewen Pizor, Philadelphia ; Morris
Loewenstein, Oklahoma City ; Merritt
Kyser, East Aurora, N. Y., and J. J.
O'Leary, Scranton, have been appoint-
ed by Fred Wehrenberg, MPTOA
president, as delegates for that organi-
zation, to the film-forum scheduled to
be held at the Hotel Astor, New
York, on March 10-11.
Wehrenberg, of course, is also a
delegate, and Herman Levy, New
Haven, will attend as MPTOA
counsel.
Toronto Gets 2 More
First-Runs in March
Toronto, Feb. 23. — Two more out-
lets for top product in Toronto will
result frorn a change in the first-run
set-up effective next month. Famous
Players Canadian Corp. has arranged
for the teaming of four theatres, the
Shea and the Imperial and the Vic-
toria and the Capitol. First-runs films
will go into all four.
The end of wartime price controls
also means increased admission prices
at the Tivoli and Capital.
Arnold on Trust Laws
Thurman Arnold, former Assistant
U. S. Attorney General in charge of
the anti-trust division, and now
counsel for the American Theatres
Association, will participate in a 45-
minute radio discussion on "How Far
Should a Regulated Industry be Sub-
ject to Anti-Trust Law," to be broad-
cast by Mutual tomorrow. Other
scheduled speakers are Sen. Clyde M.
Reed, Kansas ; Sen. Charles W.
Tobey, New Hampshire, and A. W.
Vogtle, chairman of the Southeast
Shippers Conference.
RKO Beats Shell, 47-44
The RKO basketball team now
leads the Rockefeller Center Indus-
trial League, having beaten Shell Oil
by the score of 47-44. There will
be one more playoff with the winner
of the advertising division for the
overall championship of the Rocke-
feller Center League. Quigley Pub-
lications' fleety five also was very ac-
tive in the league, ending its season
last week.
Age Restriction Bill
Hartford, Feb. 23. — A bill which
would fine theatre owners and man-
agers $50 for admitting children un-
der 14 unaccompanied by parents or
guardians, has. been introduced in the
state legislature by Sen. Stapleton.
WB Parley Opens
Here on Thursday
Ben Kalmenson, vice-president and
general sales manager of Warner
Brothers, will conduct a two-day
meeting of district managers and
home office executives on Feb. 27-28
in New York to discuss sales-matters
and forthcoming product, and pre-
sumably including discussions on the
effects of the New York Federal
Court anti-trust suit decision.
Home office executives also taking
part in the sessions will include : Sam-
uel Schneider, vice-president ; Mort
Blumenstock, vice-president in charge
of advertising-publicity; Roy Haines,
Western division sales manager ;
Jules Lapidus, Eastern division sales
manager; Norman Ayers, Southern
division sales manager; I. F. Dolid,
assistant to Kalmenson; Ed Hinchy,
head of the playdate department ; Ber-
nard R. Goodman, supervisor of ex-
changes ; Stanley Hatch, manager of
the contract department, and others.
District managers at the meeting
will include Sam Lefkowitz, Eastern;
Robert Smeltzer, Mid - Atlantic ;
Charles Rich, Central ; Harry A.
Seed, Midwest; Hall Walsh, Prairie;
John F. Kirby, Southeastern ; Doak
Roberts, Southwestern ; Henry Her-
bel, West Coast; Haskell Masters,
Canadian.
Canadian Pioneers
To Meet on Feb. 27
Toronto, Feb. 23.— The Canadian
Picture Pioneers will hold its sixth
annual meeting on Feb. 27 at the
King Edward Hotel, Toronto, at
which new officers will be elected at
an afternoon business meeting, fol-
lowed by a dinner at night. The re-
tiring president is L. M. Devaney,
general manager of RKO of Can-
ada.
Schwartz Takes Over
RKO Film Buying
Sol Schwartz, vice-president and
general manager of RKO Theatres,
will, . at least for the time being, ab-
sorb the circuit's film buying duties
formerly handled by Harold J. Mir-
isch, who resigned last Thursday.
Eventually, however, Schwartz is ex-
pected to appoint a successor to Mir-
sch.
NCCJ Report Luncheon
The amusements division commit-
tee of the National Conference of
Christians and Jews will report on
the results of the current campaign
at a luncheon to be held on Wednes-
day at the Hotel Astor here.
'Eagle' Suit Extension
Los Angeles, Feb. 23.— The Los
Angeles Superior Court has granted
American Eagle Films an extension
to March 3 to file an answer to the
suit brought by Eagle-Lion, which is
seeking to restrain American Eagle
from using the word "Eagle" in its
name.
Wheeler Succeeds Day
Hollywood, Feb. 23.— Lyle Wheel-
er has been named to head 20th Cen-
tury-Fox's art department, following
the resignation of Richard Day, who
held the post for nine years.
Emerling Calls For
ShowmanshipRevival
It is essential that theatre
managers return to the funda-
mentals of showmanship and
train their assistants in the
art of picture selling, Ernest
Emerling, advertising mana-
ger of Loew's Theatres, de-
clared here Friday as a guest
speaker at a series of lectures
on motion picture advertising
and selling being given by
Henry A. Linet, Universal-In-
ternational Eastern advertis-
ing manager, at the New
School for Social Research.
Emerling pointed out that
the producers provide the at-
tractions and the tools with
which to sell them and the
theatre manager must make
use of these tools if he is to
remain in the running with
competitors.
Parental Protests
Against Crime Films
San Francisco, Feb. 23. — A wave
of protests by Parent-Teachers Asso-
ciations and educational groupssin this
vicinity against gangster and, crime
pictures is evoking considerable con-
cern on the part of theatre ^managers
here who are endeavoring ^o- pacify
them.
Typical is the Alameda County Fed-
eration of Women's Clubs' resolution
to members linking the rise in juvenile
delinquency to the preponderance of
crime pictures. The resolution stated
that while theatres should not have to
shoulder the responsibility for young
people attending films, theatres should
not book so many thrillers and should
adhere more to the "family" type of
pictures.
3 New Staff Shifts
By Century Circuit
Three additional circuit staff
changes have been made by J. R.
Springer, general manager of Cen-
tury Theatres ; they follow :
George E. Fascher is the new as-
sistant manager at the Mayfair The-
atre in Brooklyn; Joseph Jackson,
assistant manager of the Midwood,
Brooklyn, has been transferred to
the Rialto, in Brooklyn, in the same
capacity ; William White, assistant
manager of the Rialto, has been trans-
ferred to the Midwood.
Harriet Crouse Promoted
Hollywood, Feb. 23. — Harriet
Crouse, West Coast director of pub-
licity for the Mutual-Don Lee Net-
work, has been appointed coordinator
of press information at Mutual's Hol-
lywood office, to expand publicity and
exploitation for network shows orig-
inating here.
New Denver lst-Run
Denver, Feb. 23. — The Broadway,
long a last-run, will go into the first-
run bracket with "Love Laughs at
Andy Hardy", with prices boosted to
35c-74c, prevailing first-run prices here.
Buys Brooklyn Theatre
David L. Cannoid lias purchased the
2,200-seat DeKalb Theatre in Brook-
lyn on an auction hid of $65,000.
TRADE
THE ST
"Producer Walter Wagner
presents with understanding, intelligence
and without preachment or other undue under-
scoring a narrative portrait of an alcoholic. It is a
fine picture, and appears guaranteed to do tre-
mendous business. It rates top time in all situa-
tions and figures to set records both as to grosses
and satisfied customers.
"There is far reaching power in the theme and
impact as well as taste and discrimination in the
handling given it."
—WILLIAM R. WEAVER, MOTION PICTURE HERALD
"... a highly interest-
ing and capable job that should do good
biz in all situations . . . exhibs will capitalize from
good word-of-mouth, especially from the distaffs."
— VARIETY
"... a strong dose of
fascinating drama . . . should entertain in
all types of audiences . . . good marquee names
and potent exploitation possibilities should bring
better than average business." .
—SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW
"Walter Wanger has one
of the best pictures he has made in recent years
with a subject as hot as 'The Lost Weekend.' This
must be labeled, unofficially, as a 'Female Lost
Weekend,' and the comment will probably be
similar, as well as the success of the film."
—THE EXHIBITOR
"Smash-Up is gripping drama!"
—HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
WALTER WANGER presents
SUSAN HAYWARD - LEE BOWMAN
MARSHA HUNT • EDDIE ALBERT
FTICS CALL IT
y of a gum Hit!
'This Wanger production stands to go
places all along the line; realistically socks its message
across and should rake in big 'takes'." —FILM DAILY
./. a strong, dramatic attraction . . .
known in the trade as a woman's picture. The Type
is persistently good for substantial grosses, and so is this one."
—MOTION PICTURE DAILY
'It appears inescapable that this Walter Wanger
production is destined for top grosses!" — BOXOFFICE
'Smash-Up is gripping drama-
tization of the story of a female alcoholic.
It will hold an audience, especially feminine contingent —
and it looks like a certainty for smash boxoffice." —DAILY VARIETY
m CARL ESMOND • CARLETON YOUNG • CHARLES D. BROWN
Screenplay by JOHN HOWARD LAWSON • Additional Dialogue by Lionel Wiggam • Original Story by Dorothy Parker and
Frank Cavett-Directed by STUART HEISLER • Associate Producer Martin Gabel • Produced by WALTER WANGER
A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 24, 1947
Republic Earnings
(Continued from page 1 )
of color. This decision was made "in
view uf the adverse conditions gener-
ally prevailing in the securities mar-
ket since last July," he explained.
Republic's earnings for the 48 weeks
covered by the report were equivalent
to 38 cents per share on 1,817,860
shares of common stock outstanding,
after applying $400,000 on account of
the annual dividend required on the
outstanding preferred stock.
Net sales and net income from film
rentals and royalties amounted to
$24,315,593, from which were deduct-
ed : $812,301 for the share going to
other producers and participants, $8,-
320,452 for amortization of film costs,
$7,595,447 for laboratory costs, $164,-
888 for depreciation and $5,243,847 for
selling, administrative and general
expenses (including $1,046,840 for ad-
vertising). Earned surplus as of Oct.
26, 1946, stood at $697,940.
The company's balance sheet for
Oct. 26 showed total current assets of
$18,595,003 and total current liabilities
of $9,438,622. Assets in foreign terri-
tories amounted to $432,265. Inven-
tories, on the same date, amounted to
$18,595,003, broken down into $3,-
625,147 for released productions, $7,-
644,714 for completed productions not
released, $2,592,877 for productions in
process and charges to future produc-
tions, plus $1,524,730 for raw materials
and miscellaneous items.
"The past year," Yates told stock-
holders, "witnessed several important
developments in the motion picture
industry which adversely affected
your company. The jurisdictional
strike in Hollywood was renewed,
causing increases in production costs.
On account of the recent sympathetic
strike of laboratory technicians, pro-
duction was decreased at the corpora-
tion's film laboratory in Los Angeles."
He added that Republic's accumu-
lated liability on account of retroac-
tive wage settlements was approxi-
mately $1,400,000 during the 48-week
period.
Referring to the industry anti-trust
suit, Yates said that, although Repub-
lic is not a party to the action, "the
decision caused considerable delay in
releasing and distributing newly pro-
duced pictures of your corporation."
This resulted in increased inventories
and delayed collection of income,
Republic's annual stockholders'
meeting will be held on April 1, Her-
bert J. Yates, president, announced at
the weekend. Proxy statements, he
added, will be mailed to stockholders
on or about March 6.
Reagan Invites Mantz
Paul Mantz, winner of last year's
Bendix Air Race, and Hollywood
stunt-flyer, has accepted the invitation
of Charles Reagan, Paramount vice-
president in charge of distribution, to
be honor guest at the' world premiere
of "Blaze, of Noon" at the Rivoli
Theatre here on March 4. The veteran
aviator is responsible for the stunt
flying in the picture.
SCREENCRAFT PICTURES, INC.
341 West 44th St.. N. Y. C. 18
35MM — Distributors of — 16MM
FEATURES/WESTERNS,
COMEDIES and SHORTS
French Film Decree
Not Binding on U.S.
Revival of an old French law which
earlier had been viewed as a serious
threat to the U. S. film trade in that
country has yet to have any effects on
Hollywood films, according to the lat-
est Paris information received by John
McCarthy, assistant to Gerald Mayer,
head of the MPA international divi-
sion, discloses.
• McCarthy said that the decree is
apparently directed at countries which
were not friendly to the French dur-
ing World War II. It dictates that
films more than two years old cannot
be dubbed and that new films must
pass through three government agen-
cies in addition to the regular censor.
U. S. companies are now trading
under the so-called Blum-Byrnes ac-
cord which provides that French ex-
hibitors set aside at least four of
every 13 weeks for French product.
This will be raised to five weeks after
two years and will then go down to
three weeks in 1950.
O'Connor Names 49
(Continued from page 1 )
gin immediately, and he announced
the following 49 appointments to the
motion pictures committee : Charles
A. and John W. Alicoate, William
E. Barry, Martin F. Bennett, Harry
Buckley, Frank E. Cahill, Jr., Patrick
Casey, T. J. Connors, James P.
Cunningham, G. S. Eyssell, Si Fabian,
James M. Franey, E. C. Grainger, J.
R. Grainger, Al Hovell, William W.
Howard, John Kane, Austin Keough,
T. J. Martin, Joseph McConville,
Charles B. McDonald, Joseph E. Mc-
Mahon.
Also: James A. Mulvey, John Mur-
phy, William P. Murphy, William
J. Murray, Leon Netter, John No-
lan, Paul O'Brien, Robert H.
O'Brien, Thomas F. O'Connor,
Charles L. O'Reilly, E. K. O'Shea,
P. A. Powers, Martin Quigley,
Charles Reagan, Phil Reisman, Her-
man Robbins, W. F. Rodgers, George
J. Schaefer, C. J.' Scollard, William
A. Scully, E. H. Seifert, George
"Skouras, Spyros Skouras, Andrew
Subbiondo, Nick Tronolone, Richard
F. Walsh and William White.
John S. Burke is chairman of the
Cardinal's full committee ; John A.
Coleman, executive chairman ; Frank
C. Walker, treasurer ; Schaefer, as-
sistant treasurer.
Storm Cut Grosses
(Continued from page 1 )
from 20 to 40 per cent, said that
while the storm abated Friday the
streets remained heavily covered and
many potential customers were ex-
pected to remain at home over the
weekend.
Virginia, Washington, Maryland,
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as
well as New York, were severely hit.
Home offices of a majority of film
companies here, and the Motion Pic-
ture Association closed about two
hours earlier than usual Friday be-
cause of travel conditions.
Friday's heavy snowfall caused the
postponement until today of the Cen-
tury Circuit-New York City Board
of Education visual education ex-
perimental showing at the Rialto The-
atre in Brooklyn.
UA — Selznick
(Continued from page 1).
retain joint ownership of UA indefi-
nitely. They are said to have agreed
that the shares heretofore held by
Selznick and additional treasury
stock of United Artists will be retired.
The two will own all of the outstand-
ing stock of the company equally and
there is no plan to issue additional
shares to a new partner.
Selznick was allowed a cash-
in valuation of $2,000,000 on the
UA shares he held. However,
the producer was obligated to
the company in the amount of
some $1,700,000 for advances on
productions, advance advertis-
ing and exploitation costs for
"Duel in the Sun" and for ac-
counts abroad paid to Selznick
representatives by United Art-
ists in countries in which UA
had credits and Selznick did not.
Chaplin agreed to withdraw the
suit filed against Selznick in New
York in 1943, asking an accounting
and damages for Selznick's disposal
of the production properties of "Keys
of the Kingdom," "Claudia," and
"Jane Eyre" to 20th Century-Fox.
United Artists agreed not to file a
contemplated action against Selznick
for disposal to RKO Radio of the
production assets involved in "Spiral
Staircase," "Notorious" and " 'Till
the End of Time."
Selznick, in turn, agreed to with-
draw his $13,500,000 damage action
for breach of contract which is pend-
ing against UA in Los Angeles courts.
The suit was an outgrowth of UA
board action last November in de-
claring Selznick's distribution con-
tract with the company to have been
breached and terminating it.
In addition, the settlement provides
that UA will continue to distribute
four Selznick productions wherever
they now are in release. The produc-
tions are "Since You Went Away,"
"Rebecca," "I'll Be Seeing You" and
"Spellbound." They have been played
off in all but a few foreign territories.
Selznick retains the right to withdraw
them from UA distribution in terri-
tories in which contracts for them
have not been made.
The UA board meeting continued
until midnight Friday. Numerous
differences corollary to the dispute
between the company and Selznick
were settled. An open wire to Hol-
lywood was maintained linking Chap-
lin and Selznick with the New York
meeting. Miss ■ Pickford was in New
York while the session was in pro-
gress. She was to have left for the
Coast on Saturday.
The settlement was described
as "completely amicable." In
fact, Selznjck now is reported
to be negotiating with United
Artists for physical distribution
of his future product, including
"Duel in the Sun." Sales would
be handled by the recently
formed Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization even if such a deal
is concluded.
Miss Pickford and Chaplin are said
to be in complete agreement on future
operations. It is said they are pre-
pared to eliminate for the future all
preferential contracts which gave
some producers more favorable dis-
tribution terms than others. Such ar-
rangements are said to have proven
unprofitable to the company in the
main and to have been the source of
much dissatisfaction among the com-
pany's less favored producers.
U.S. Appeal
(Continued from page 1 )
line set for filing appeals.
Although Robert L. Wright, spe-
cial assistant to the Attorney Gen-
eral, told Judges Augustus N. Hand,
Henry W. Goddard and John Bright
in a hearing on Jan. 22 that the De-
partment's position, with respect to
competitive bidding, was to sr*. it 1
"given a trial in actual opeu n,"
the appeal declares that the ^ ftem
would "harm the independent produc-
ers,' distributors and exhibitors more
than it would the major defendants in -\
the case."
The Government's stand on bidding,
tied in with its long-anticipated appeal
for the divorcement of affiliated thea- |
tres, is backed up with the declaration
that the basic issue has become "one I
of judicial power rather than the mere ,
exercise of judicial discretion," add- \
ing, "If the district court is right in
its assumption that the untried and
unenforceable competitive bidding re- J
lief is an adequate substitute for the
traditional divestiture relief, and com-
plete prohibition of future agreement
among the guilty defendants, then a
proceeding under section four of the
Sherman Act has become an instru-
ment for protecting an established
monopoly from either effective judi-
cial or legislative correction," the De-
partment states.
Government Criticizes Court
As forecast Friday in Motion Pic-
ture Daily, the Government's appeal
holds that the New York court "erred
as a matter of law in concluding that
any of the defendants may make valid
clearance agreements for the purpose
of protecting any exhibitor from com-
petition." Also, "in concluding that
major defendants had not actually
achieved a monopoly in exhibition, |
either singly or collectively, and that
all of the defendants had not actually
collectively achieved a monopoly of
distribution," as well as in failing to
order "the ultimate divorcement of the
major defendants' theatre holdings
from their distribution and production
activities" and to "restrain them from
licensing films in each other's thea-
tres while such relief is being ef-
fectuated."
Commentary Filed
A commentary filed by Acting I
Solicitor General George T. Wash-
ington declares, with regard to the de-
fendants' control and ownership of
first-run theatres, that the New York
decree "does nothing to disturb the
continuance of this dominance because |
the opinion did not find it to be un-
lawful, despite the fact that it has
been acquired and maintained by un-
lawful means."
"The defendants," the commentary
continues, "have not competed with
each other either in buying or selling
films in the past, and there is nothing
in the decree to induce such competi-
tion."
"In light of recent decisions," the
brief declares, "the court's failure to
find any monopolization of exhibition
seems inexplicable. The areas of com-
merce embraced by the defendants' i
theatre operations were sufficiently
large to be the subject of monopoliza-
tion, even though the defendants might
not be regarded as having ever in-
tended to secure a nationwide monopo-
ly of exhibition."
An "Assignment of Errors," filed
under the signature of Wendel Berge, (
( Continued on following page) -
Motion Picture daily
Reviews
"Beat the Band"
(RKO Radio)
f~\ FFERING the delectable Frances Langford with some good tunes,
plus radio's funnyman Ralph Edwards, who illumines the proceed-
ings wherever the script permits, and Gene Krupa, drum-beater extraordi-
nary, "Beat the Band" is light, quite merchandisable, and seemingly capable
of holding its own.
Playing opposite Miss Langford in the romance department, Phillip
Terry, bandleader, finds that his money has been squandered by his man-
ager, Edwards, thus leaving him without a band. Edwards seeks to make
amends by way of a little promotion, using "borrowed" funds — money sent
by Miss Langford's mother for the girl's musical education. Many com-
plications set in, particularly when the ruse is exposed on Terry's opening
night. The yarn is played for laughs mostly and with welcome musical
interludes. The songs are "Kissin' Well," "I'm in Love," and "I've Got My
Fingers Crossed."
June Clayworth, Mabel Paige, Andrew Tombes, Donald MacBride and
Mira McKinney also appear in the Michel Kraike production, which was
directed by John A. Auer. Lawrence Kimble did the screenplay, from George
Abbott's stage musical.
Running time, 67 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Gene Arneel.
"Jungle Flight"
(Paramount)
Hollyit'ood, Feb. 23
THE Pine-Thomas talent for telling a straight adventure story in a man-
ner to get the most out of it is on display here in characteristic effective-
ness, extracting a maximum of entertainment from a story about American
commercial freight pilots in a Latin- American country who encounter dangers
both mechanical, natural, and human. Robert Lowery, Ann Savage and Bart
McLane are the top names, Peter Stewart directed, with emphasis on move-
ment.
The screenplay, by Whitman Chambers, from an original story by David
Lang, opens with Lowery and Douglas Blackley engaged in flying ore from
a jungle mine site to a port city in an unnamed Latin- American country.
Blackley dies in a plane crash, under circumstances setting up a feeling of
responsibility on Lowery's part, and the latter determines to give up his
roistering ways and earn enough to support Blackley's family. Ann Savage,
fleeing an annulled husband and paroled criminal who has pursued her to the
country, persuades Lowery to fly her to the mine, where she engages as cook.
The criminal, played by Douglas Fowley, traces her to the mine, is caught up
with and arrested by local police, but slugs his guard and escapes with the
girl in a small plane which is forced down. Lowery locates the grounded
party, and fights with the criminal, but the girl kills the latter and a happy
ending follows. It is a joint production of the Williams Pine and Thomas.
Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. William R. Weaver.
Monday, February 24, 1947
U.S. Appeal
(Continuing from preceding page)
head of the Department's anti-trust
I division, along with Wright, his as-
sistant, attacks the New York court's
judgment at 25 points, questioning
virtually every provision of the decree
except its official abolition of industry
j arbitration. The court erred, accord-
ing to the Government, as follows :
I "In concluding that the relief grant-
j ed _ - - | adequate to prevent the guilty
I defv^ints from unreasonably re-
straining competition in the motion
picture business in the future.
"In concluding that the major de-
fendants had not actually achieved a
monopoly in exhibition, either collec-
tively or singly.
"In not concluding that the defend-
ants had actually achieved a collective
monopoly of distribution.
"In failing to prohibit the guilty
[ defendants from making clearance
I agreements in the future.
"In failing to prohibit the continued
use by the major defendants of each
other's theatres as exhibition outlets
for each other's films.
Theatre Holdings ..
"In failing to order ultimate divorce-
ment of the distribution and produc-
i tion businesses of the major defend-
ants from their theatre operations.
"In failing to require the major de-
fendants to divest themselves of all
I their theatre holdings.
"In failing to prohibit absolutely
any future acquistion of theatre in-
I terests by the major defendants.
"In failing to prohibit the major de-
fendants from continuing to exhibit
their own films in their own theatres
upon terms which discriminate against
| their competitors.
"In decreeing competitive bidding
i as appropriate relief in situations
where the defendants' theatres were
in competition with independent thea-
tres.
"In failing to require that all com-
petitive bids be stated in terms of
flat rental.
"In concluding that none of the de-
fendants had attempted to monopolize
or conspired to monopolize or restrain
trade in the business of producing mo-
tion pictures.
"In concluding that the factor of
print cost would confine exhibition to
high-priced theatres unless a system
of successive runs protected by clear-
ance is employed.
Fair Protection
"In concluding that a grant of
clearance when not accompanied by
a fixing of admission prices or by an
undue extension as to area or duration
| affords a fair protection to the licensee
j without unreasonably interfering with
the public interest.
"In concluding that the fixing of
clearance in license contracts or by
other agreements is essential to the
reasonable conduct of the motion pic-
ture business.
"In concluding that competition can
be introduced into the present system
of fixing admission prices, clearances,
and runs by requiring a defendant-
distributor, when licensing its features,
1 to grant the license for each run at a
reasonable clearance (if clearance is
I involved) to the highest bidder.
"In concluding that the percentage
of features on the market which any
of the five major defendants might
play in its own theatres would be so
small as in no wise to approximate a
monopoly in film exhibition.
\ _ "In concluding that the competitive
bidding decreed by it would make it
impossible for the defendants to dis-
criminate unreasonably in favor of
circuit theatres and against indepen-
dents. - , i
"In concluding that a defendants' in-
terest of five per cent or less of a
theatre investment in which others are
also interested was de mmimis and
only to be treated as an inconsequen-
tial investment in exhibition.
"In concluding that the defendants'
theatre holdings are not large enough
to permit them, individually or collec-
tively, to have a monopoly' of exhibi-
tion.
"In concluding that there was or
would be under its decree adequate
competition between theatres operated
by the major defendants in any city.
"In concluding that certain theatres
which had used the product of more
than one distributor in the past could
not operate on the product of one dis-
tributor in the future.
"In concluding that the illegalities
and restraints found to exist in the
industry did not lie in or result from
the ownership of theatres by the ma-
jor defendants.
"In concluding that total theatre di-
vestiture. would be injurious to the
corporations concerned and would be
damaging to the public.
"In concluding that such divestiture
would not remedy the illegal practices
found by it which had unreasonably
restricted competition in the industry."
The Government cites the Schinc
and Crescent decisions to support its
contentions as to an exhibition mon-
opoly and contends that the U. S.
Supreme Court decision in the Ameri-
can Tobacco case "clearly establishes
that a finding of possession of monopo-
ly power is not dependent upon proof
of overt acts by which it is exercised
against a particular competitor. The
American Tobacco decision also shows
that the percentage of the market con-
trolled by two or more parties to a
conspiracy to monopolize may be ag-
gregated," the brief adds.
The Department also cites the In-
terstate Circuit case to refute the as-
sumption that "a film distributor may
adopt licensing restrictions by agree-
ment with an exhibitor which are
calculated to protect the licenses from
competition. If such agreements are to
be sanctioned at all," it declares, "their
legality must apparently be made to
rest upon protection of the licensor,
which owns the copyright in the film
licensed. But it is hardly possible to
justify the making of any such agree-
ments in the future by defendants
found to have made in the past the
persistent and widespread use of them
found in this case."
Outright Dismissal Asked
The Government's action on Fri-
day had been preceded by the filing
of appeals on behalf of the non-thea-
tre-owning defendants — United Art-
ists and Universal, seeking outright
dismissal of the charges against them,
while Columbia asks reversal of the
single sales, competitive bidding and
"arbitrary refusal" provisions. Among
7
the theatre-owning defendants, Para-
mount plans to appeal, and Loew's
has been working on an appeal docu-
ment. Twentieth Century-Fox offi-
cials have declared that an appeal by
their company is unlikely, while RKO
and Warner Brothers have not yet
revealed their intentions.
The American Theatres Association
and the Confederacy of Southern As-
sociations will appeal from the denial
of their intervention petitions.
The New York court's decree is
scheduled to become effective April 1,
except for single sales, competitive
bidding and the dissolution of pools
and leases between the theatre-owning
defendants and independent exhibitors,
which have been ordered as of July 1,
and the partial divestiture clause, full
compliance with which is mandatory
by Dec. 31, 1948. Some or all of the
appellants, however, may ask the Su-
preme Court for an additional stay of
various provisions.
Details of the New York court's
final decision were published in Mo-
tion Picture Daily on Jan. 2.
RCA Video Sets to
Los Angeles Soon
Los- Angeles, Feb. 23. — RCA Vic-
tor will open a television receiver
campaign here with a series of dealer
meetings on Feb. 26-27, to be held in
cooperation with the Leo J. Meyberg
Co., the company's distributor in this
area. This will be followed by in-
stallation of sample receivers in fran-
chised dealer stores. The company-
then plans to send "several carloads"
of sets to the area in March for the
public. RCA introduced television
receivers along the same lines recently
in St. Louis, Detroit and Washington.
STANDING THEM UP
IN BOSTON
AND
HELD OVER!
Devonshire's
SOCK
Combination
REX HARRISON and
VIVIEN LEIGH
in
"STORM in a TEACUP"
Together with
"SOUTH RIDING"
Starring
ANN TODD and
SIR RALPH RICHARDSON
*****
It Can Do The Same For You
*****
For United States and Canada
Call, Write or Wire
Steve Fitzgibbon, Jr.
DEVONSHIRE FILM CO.
185 DEVONSHIRE ST.
BOSTON, MASS.
Telephone: HUbbard 6450
MOST ADVANCED TEXTBOOK ON SOUND
REPRODUCTION AND PROJECTION
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ROCKEFELLER CENTER (20) • NEW YORK CITY
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
V^- ) 61. NO. 38
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1947
TEN CENTS
2 of 4 Groups
To End Strike
In Hollywood
Walsh Sees Full Coast
Peace at Early Date
An imminent return to work by
members of two of Hollywood's
four striking studio union groups,
affiliates of the International Broth-
erhood of Electrical Workers and the
Building Service Employees Interna-
tional, was predicted here yesterday
by Richard F. Walsh, IATSE inter-
national president, who has returned
from an extended stay on the Coast
following the "IA" executive board's
mid-winter meeting last month in
Seattle.
Walsh is convinced that the
prolonged labor disruption at
the studios will be cleared up
entirely within a short time.
The electrical workers, man-
agement of whose local has
been taken over by interna-
tional headquarters, and the
building service employees will
be back on the job as soon as
a few details have been ironed
out, he said, adding that the
two remaining groups, affiliates
(Continued on page 6)
Dietz, Blumenstock
In NY Ad Bill Fight
Albany, Feb. 24. — Veto of tht
Wilson-Condon bill, which would em-
power the New York State Censors
to reject a filrn_the advertising mate-
rial of which is found objectionable
was urged on Gov. Thomas Dewey
today by a group representing the
industry as well as by the American
Civil Liberties Union.
A delegation from New York ex-
(Continued on page 6)
Pal Enters Feature
Production, Sets 3
Hollywood, Feb. 24. — George Pal
is entering the feature production field
with three budgeted at $1,500,000 each
on his schedule and has simultaneously
dropped his Puppetoon program in the
face of "prohibitive production costs"
of those Technicolor short subjects,
released through Paramount. Retire-
ment of the Pal Puppetoon characters
was announced by the producer on his
return from New York where he com-
pleted financing details.
Johnston Asks
Mediation
Washington, Feb. 24. — The Hol-
lywood jurisdictional strike could
have been prevented if an unbiased
referee had been appointed to settle
the dispute, Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Association,
said here today.
Johnston made his statement at a
press conference at which a report
was issued by the Committee for Eco-
nomic Development dealing with
means of more constructive collective
bargaining between labor and manage-
ment. Johnston was head of the
C. E. D. group which drafted the
report and recommendations.
The organization said that Congress
should provide a "greatly strength-
ened" Federal mediation service. The
Johnston report stated that a good
remedy for jurisdictional strikes
would be a ban on secondary boycotts
and "equalization" of the rights of
management under the Wagner Act.
New UA Amity Era
Wins Chaplin Film
Strong indications that Charles
Chaplin will turn over his new pro-
duction, "Monsieur Verdoux," to
United Artists for distribution appear
as the first evidence of the new era
of harmony in the company resulting
from the centering of sole ownership
of United Artists in Chaplin and
Mary Pickford.
There is no legal compulsion upon
Chaplin to deliver the picture, a
murder mystery with comedy over-
tones, to United Artists, and other
(Continued on page 7)
UA Verbal Pact
Replaces Directive
Hollywood, Feb. 24. — A written
directive from individual United Art-
ists' producers to vice-president Grad-
well Sears, authorizing sales chiefs
to disregard releasing contract clauses
incompatible with procedures im-
posed by the government decree, was
dispensed with today in favor of a
verbal understanding pledging the
producers' sales representatives to co-
operate fully with the distributor in
preventing infractions.
The decision came at a closed,
two-hour meeting of producers and
attorneys with Sears and UA coun-
sel Edward Kaftery, which followed
a meeting attended by the same
(Continued on page 7)
Two Tax Proposals
In California
Sacramento, Feb. 24. — When
the California legislature re-
convenes on March 3, theatre-
men will not only face a day-
light saving bill, but also a
state admission tax measure.
The two bills were presented
at the last session and were
defeated.
Also, the board of supervi-
sors of San Francisco is con-
sidering the levying of an ad-
mission tax, and theatremen
are battling to kill this pro-
posal.
4 Aid Britain Through
More Playing Time'
Emphatic in his conviction that
England would not draft further re-
strictive legislation aimed principally
at American product, Murray Sil-
verstone, president of 20th Century-
Fox International, yesterday voiced
a plea for a drive by the U. S. hv-
dustry, and more particularly exhib-
itors, to gain greater playing time
here for British product as a source
of foreign (U. S.) currency to help
(Continued on page 6)
British Import Cut
Threatened for '48
London, Feb. 24. — Unless the gap
between Britain's aggregate import
volume and the country's lagging vol-
ume of exports can be closed during
the remainder of this year, imports of
American motion pictures and tobacco
will have to be reduced, it was clearly
implied although not expressly stated
in the government's "Economic Sur-
vey for 1947," issued here at the week-
end.
Single Trial Ruled
For Lightman Suit
Memphis, Feb. 24. — Federal Judge
Marion S. Boyd has held that the
$2,910,000 suit for monopoly damages
against M. A. Lightman and others
must be heard at a single trial. Judge
Boyd denied a motion by the defen-
dants asking that the suit be divided
into a series oi small suits, and ruled
that the joint complaint must be an-
(Contfnued on page 6)
D. of J. Sees
US Policing
Final Decree
Believes Anti - Trust
Unit Should Do Job
Washington, Feb. 24. — It is the
opinion of Justice Department anti-
trust men that eventual policing of
the final decree in the pending New
York industry law suit may rest with
the Government and possibly the anti-
trust division where the case
originated.
This was brought out here by Rob-
ert L. Wright, Assistant U. S. At-
torney General, who asserted that he
thinks enforcement in any anti-trust
litigation is ultimately left to the Jus-
tice Department anti-trust division.
There has been considerable discus-
sion regarding special arbitration
boards, or a Federal Trade Commis-
sion unit to enforce the final judgment
of the U. S. Supreme Court after ap-
peal arguments are heard some time
(Continued on page 7)
21 Outlets Ready
For Selznick Films
Film depots for physical distribution
of David O. Selznick product already
have been established in 21 key cities
by National Film Distributors, with
more to follow if needed, Neil Agnew,
president of Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization, announced yesterday.
The deal, which was closed by Mil-
ton S. Kusell, general sales manager
of SRO, provides Selznick with film
vault, inspection and shipping facili-
(Continued on page 7)
National Allied Dues
To Go Up One-Third
Minneapolis, Feb. 24. — Stanley D.
Kane, executive director of North
Central Allied, reporting on his atten-
dance at the recent National Allied
board meeting and election in Wash-
ington early this month, with NCA
president Ben Berger, has disclosed
that the national organization's board
approved, in principle, an increase of
one-third in dues to be paid annually
by regional units.
In This Issue
"The Fabulous Dorseys" is
reviewed on page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, February 25, 1947
Personal
Mention
OSCAR DOOB, Loew's executive,
left Hollywood by plane for
New York.
•
Andrew Mayo, M-G-M studio ex-
ecutive, is due to arrive in Philadel-
phia shortly from the Coast. - He
plans to go into business with his
brother William DeMayo, Philadel-
phia booking agent.
•
William C. Gehring, Central
sales manager of 20th Century-Fox,
has returned to New York from
Rochester, Minn., where he underwent
an operation at the Mayo Clinic.
•
Adolph Zukor, Paramount board
chairman, will leave on Friday for
Tucson, Ariz., for a month's vacation.
He will return here on April 1st.
•
F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal-In-
ternational Southern and Canadian
sales manager, will leave New York
today for Toronto.
•
Epifanio Aramayo, United Artists
publicity director in Argentina, ar-
rived here yesterday by plane from
Buenos Aires.
•
William R. Ferguson, M-G-M
exploitation director, will leave New
York today by plane for Lincoln,
Neb.
•
Ike and Harry Katz, executives
of Kay Film Exchanges, are in New
York from Washington and Atlanta.
•
Arthur Jeffrey, Eagle-Lion field
exploitation manager, is due to arrive
in Boston today from New York.
•
Ted Morris of M-G-M's studio
publicity department has arrived in
New York from Chicago.
•
Charles Stern, Loew's treasurer,
will leave Hollywood for here on
March 5.
Broidy Names Porter
Sales Contract Head
Hollywood, Feb. 24. — William Z.
Porter, traveling auditor for Mono-
gram for the past six years, has been
appointed by president Steve Broidy
to head the company's sales contract
department. In addition to his new
duties, Porter will continue as audi-
tor of Monogram's exchange at Los
Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and
Seattle.
Film Classics Opens
Kansas City Branch
Film Classics has acquired a newly-
modernized branch office in Kansas
City through a lease negotiated by
L. F. Durland, Film Classics' branch
manager there.
Jack Kloepper, formerly franchise
holder, has been placed in charge of
Film Classics' recently acquired
branches in Portland and Seattle.
Williams Due for
ATA Appeal Meeting
Paul Williams, counsel for the
Southern California Theatre Owners
Association, is expected here shortly,
probably tomorrow, from Los Angeles,
to confer with Robert Coyne, execu-
tive director of the American Thea-
tres Association, and Thurman Arn-
old, counsel, on the drafting of both
organizations' joint appeal of the de-
nial of their intervention petition in
the New York anti-trust case. Wil-
liams will remain here to attend the
meeting on the proposed motion pic-
ture forum at the Hotel Astor,
March 10.
Atlanta Censoring
Powers Curtailed
Atlanta, Feb. 24. — Mayor Wil-
liam B. Hartsfield has recalled and
vetoed a council-approved measure
authorizing him, the Council and
the Carnegie Library Board to dele-
gate to the local censors such powers
as they deem proper in censoring
exhibitions in Atlanta.
Hartsfield said the measure inad-
vertently was placed in a batch of
approved measures and that he had
recalled it from City Clerk Joe L.
Richardson. The measure was passed
at a council session after having been
presented by Aid. Ed. A. Gilliam.
Hartfield said he will write a message
to accompany the veto, setting forth
his belief that the matter should have
more study and the fact that it had
never been considered by the Library
Board, which is headed by Aubery
Milam. The board hears appeals on
decisions of the censors banning films.
H. Gluckman Forms
Theatre Screen Firm
Herman Gluckman has been named
president of the recently organized
Nu-Screen Corp. with offices in New
York.
The appointment marks Gluck-
man's return to active work in the
industry after a five-year association
by invitation with the War Activities
Committee, of which he served as
chief of distribution and later succeed-
ed Arthur Mayer as treasurer, in ad-
dition. During the formation of Re-
public Pictures in 1935, he acquired
franchises for New York and Eastern
Pennsylvania, which he relinquished to
the company in 1940.
In association with the Sparks-
Withington Co. of Jackson, Mich.,
Nu-Screen is the developer, manufac-
turer, and sole distributor of a new
type of screen made of fibre glass.
New Canadian Unit
Will Handle E-L
Toronto,_ Feb. 24. — International
Film Distributors, Ltd., has been or-
ganized here to handle the Hollywood
productions of Eagle-Lion interests
separately from Eagle-Lion Films of
Canada, which will continue to be the
Canadian distributor of Arthur Rank's
product from Britain, Australia, and
other countries.
A Toronto group associated with
20th Century Theatres, a circuit linked
with Famous Players Canadian Corp.,
recently made a trip to New York to
start arrangements for the deal. The
group included N. A. Taylor, presi-
dent of 20th Century Theatres, Harry
S. Mandell, also with that company
and other enterprises, and Harry J.
Allen and David Griesdorf, president
and general sales manager, respective-
ly, of Producers Releasing Corp.
Taylor is also interested in Canadian
PRC.
The Taylor-Allen group organized
Anglo-American Film Co. last year,
with offices in Toronto, to distribute
British Grand National and other
British product in the Dominion. The
20th Century circuit is made up of
more than SO theatres in Ontario and
operates on a partnership basis with
Famous Players.
Eight Universal Reissues
Universal yesterday officially con-
firmed its plan to reissue eight pictures
as double bills. They are : "Destry
Rides Again" and "When the Daltons
Rode," "Magnificent Obsession" and
"100 Men and a Girl," "You Can't
Cheat an Honest Man" and "I Stole
a Million," "Frankenstein" and
'Dracula."
Australian Studios
Open to U.S.: Hall
Australian studios will have diffi-
culty increasing production schedules
this year due to a continued lack of
needed equipment which is not ex-
pected to be filled before 1948, Ken-
neth Hall, managing director of Cine-
sound Studio, Sydney, Australia, re-
ported here yesterday.
Hall is in New York en route to
Hollywood for a visit before return-
ing to Australia. He arrived here
from England last week following
production conferences with J. Ar-
thur Rank and examination of the
nrospect of equipment deliveries by
British manufacturers. Rank's con-
trolling interest in Cinesound will
have no effect whatever on Ameri-
can companies which may wish to
produce in Australia for monetary,
quota or other purposes, Hall re-
ported. Production facilities will be
available in Australia exactly as they
have been in the past, he said.
'Dimes' Total Higher
Alliance, O., Feb. 24.— Ray Wal-
lace, president of Tri-State Theatres
which operates all of Alliance's four
theatres, the Morrison, Columbia,
Strand and Mount Union, reports
March of Dimes collections bigger
this year than last, for a total of
$2,015, against last year's $1,403.
'Henry V in Albany
Albany, Feb. 24. — J. Arthur
Rank's "Henry V" has been booked to
play the Colonial here, regularly a
subsequent run, on a two-a-day, re-
served seat basis, for one week begin-
ning March 10.
Paramount Officials
Back from Florida
Leonard L. Goldenson, president of
Paramount Theatre Service Corp. ;
Leon D. Netter, vice-president, and
Louis Phillips and Walter Gross of
Paramount's legal department returned
to New York yesterday from St.
Augustine, Fla., where meetings with
the company's theatre partners were
held throughout last week. Barney
Balaban, Paramount's president, is due
to arrive today, while Aus'i) „C.
Keough, general counsel, whc - ok
part in the sessions, will remain in
Florida until around April 1.
Current theatre problems, especially
in light of the industry anti-trust suit,
were canvassed at the meeting.
NEW YORK THEATRES
-RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
"THE YEARLING"
GREGORY PECK ■ JANE WYMAN
CLAUDE JARMAN. JR.
In Technicolor . An M-G-M Picture
SPECTACULAR 8TAGE PRESENTATION
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
IV1AUREEM O'HAHA • WALTER SIEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
M GORGCOUS TSCH/V/COiO/! V
^ ON SCREEN
HELD OVER
M-G-M's
'TILL THE
CLOUDS
ROLL BY*
IN PERSON
RICHARD
HIMBER
and ORCH.
9ARRV
VfTZGERAUD
U/NN TUFTS
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
"The BEST Years
o[ Our Lives'
Confinuouj A CTP/~\T> *'
Performances XV»3 X V-/XV.
'WAY and
45th ST.
CALIFORNIA"
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starrinf
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MILLAND STANWYCK FITZGERALD
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau,(<624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
e same
ho tamed
JANf S CARTER • BARRY SULLIVAN
EDGAR BUCHANAN - KAREN MO RLEY • IIM BAN N 0 H
Screenplay by Ben Maddow • Directed by RICHARD WALLACE • Produced by JULES SCHERMER
/ / HAVE YC
* GO OVER
PRODUCTION
Produced by CLAUDE BIN YON
Directed by MITCHELL LEISEN
Screen Play by Claude Binyon and P. J. Wolfson
Original Story by P. J. Wolfson
fOlVER HEARD THE TRADE BOYS
jtRD LIKE THIS - EVEN FOR A JParamOUIlt PICTURE !
"A joy entertainment-wise for the audience... and box-
.l: b) office-wise for the exhibitor. Goddard and MacMurray
give it all the color and ginger it needs."— M. P. Daily
"Laughter will be so loud and continuous that spectators
are apt to miss much of the crisp dialog. That should
happen to more pictures. Sure to score solidly."— Boxoffice
"One of those extraordinary pictures that turns out just
as funny as its makers hoped. Paramount hasn't had as gay
and riotous a farce to release in many moons." — Hollywood Reporter
"Socko. Will pay off in all situations. Topnotch script,
lusty laughs. Goddard and MacMurray troup to the hilt."— Variety
"A smart piece of showmanship of which Paramount may be
proud. Assured high popularity from its opening scene.
Gay, rollicking comedy is credit in all departments."— Daily Variety
"A must... light and gay... plenty of comedy. Pace is fast
and will provide many a belly-laugh."— The Independent
World Premiere
At the Paramount Tomorrow
And Paramount Will Spring Its Next Great Grosser Nationally
On The First Day Of Spring!
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Tuesday, February 25, 1947
Dull Week at
NY First Runs
Total grosses for the week at New
York's first runs are for the most part
poor, with the stormy weather of last
Thursday and Friday lopping off
much potential income.
"The Beginning or the End" ap-
peared an obvious casualty with only
$88,000 anticipated for the first week
at the Capitol. Actually, this is a good
figure but it is short of what might
have been expected under normal con-
ditions. Kathryn Grayson tops the
stage bill. At the Rialto it was said
the weather kept "Michigan Kid"
from taking the record crown. A total
of $15,500 is looked for in the first
week.
"The Strange Woman," however,
escaped the effects of the storm with
a Saturday opening at the Globe. A
strong $18,000 for the first two days
indicates a first week's total of $40,-
000. At the Hollywood, "Nora Pren-
tiss" promises to bring $35,000 in a
first week, and this, too, might have
been better. The same holds for "I'll
Be Yours" at the Winter Garden
where only $22,000 is estimated for
an initial week.
"The Best Years of Our Lives" fell
a little below its usual take with $51,-
000 seen for the 14th week. "The
Yearling" in a fifth and final week at
the Music Hall should draw $110,000.
"The Sea of Grass" is to follow on
Thursday.
"The Shocking Miss Pilgrim,"
which gave the Roxy close to $120,000
in its opening week, is down to an
estimated $80,000 for a second week;
Peter Lorre, Gil Larnb and Evelyn
Knight are on the stage.
At the Strand, "That Way with
Women," with Claude Thornhill's or-
chestra, Alan Hale and Martha Vick-
ers on the stage is moderate at $40,-
000 for the second week. The third
and final week of "Easy Come, Easy
Go" is good for $61,000 at the Para-
mount; Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink
Spots are on the stage. "Suddenly It's
Spring" will open tomorrow with
Johnny Long's crew, Joan Edwards
and Buddy Lester in person.
The sixth week of "California"
probably will give the Rivoli a fair
$25,000. The Victoria looks for $14,-
500 in a third week of "Bedelia,"
which is about average.
"San Quentin" is down to $10,000,
estimated, in a third week at the
Gotham; "Angel and the Badman"
will follow on Mar. 1. "Henry V"
grossed an estimated $9,000 in its 26th
week of a moveover run at the John
Golden Theatre.
N.Y. Ad Bill Fight
(Continued from page 1)
pressed objections to the measure,
which already has passed both houses
of the legislature, in a meeting with
Charles Breitel, Dewey's counsel,
and others. The group comprised
Howard Dietz, advertising-publicity
chief of M-G-M and a vice-president
of Loe'w's ; Mort Blumenstock, War-
ner vice-president in charge of adver-
tising-publicity ; Stanleigh Friedman,
Warner vice-president and counsel,
and, representing the Motion Picture
Association, Sidney Schreiber, coun-
sel, Glendon Allvine, New York di-
rector of public relations, and Gor-
don White, director of the Eastern
Advertising Code Administration.
SWG Asks Producers
To End Studio Strike
Hollywood, Feb. 24. — In a
telegram signed by Screen
Writers Guild President
Emmet Lavery, the SWG
urges producers to "make
every effort to open negotia-
tions with striking unions so
that their return to work may
be arranged without delay."
The action followed a SWG
membership meeting, at
which it was disclosed that
the SWG executive board had
been meeting with a pro-
ducers' committee in an at-
tempt to find means of set-
tling the dispute.
Ending Strike
(Continued from page 1)
of the United Brotherhood of
Carpenters and Joiners of Am-
erica and the Brotherhood of
Painters, Decorators and Pa-
perhangers, will not be long in
following.
The locals which initiated the strike,
most of them making up the Confer-
ence of Studio Unions, are thorough-
ly defeated, in the opinion of Walsh,
who ordered his "IA" workers to stay
on the job at the outset and took over
management of his union's film tech-
nician's local when its members joined
the walkout. Numerous replacement
employes sent in by the "IA" will have
to be "kept on" in the final settlement,
and the producers this time will not
put up money for a double payroll, as
they did in helping bring the preceding
strike to an end, he declared, indicat-
ing that work priority will go to "IA"
members. Walsh estimates that be-
tween 2,000 and 3,000 workers still
are on strike, "although the other side
claims 7,000."
Recalling that a disagreement be-
tween CSU and "IA" studio carpen-
ters started the present walkout,
Walsh would like to see the avoid-
ance of strikes growing from juris-
dictional disputes, but he is doubtful
that legislation to "outlaw" them,
such as is now pending in Washing-
ton, will prove effective. He pointed
out that compulsory arbitration would
be necessary and cited the present
Hollywood difficulty as an instance in
which one side failed to live up to the
arbitration decision.
Washington, Feb. 24. — Jurisdic-
tional strikes will "definitely" be
outlawed when Congress takes final
action on labor legislation, Sen. Rob-
ert Taft (R-Ohio) said here to-
day.
Taft asserted that the jurisdictional
dispute in Hollywood is a good ex-
ample of the industrial chaos and tie-
up which can result.
Illinois Allied Votes
Chicago, Feb. 24. — The annual
election of officers of Allied of Illinois
will be held tomorrow at the Conti-
nental Hotel here. Jack Kirsch in all
probability will be reelected president.
'Ramrod' Sets Record
Enterprise's "Ramrod" grossed $6,-
832 at its world premiere at the Utah
Theatre, Salt Lake City, Saturday and
Sunday, to break the previous house
record by 30 per cent.
Paramount May Be
Alone on Price Cut
Other Broadway theatres do not
plan to cut admission prices, a check-
up disclosed yesterday, following the
Paramount's weekend announcement
that some of its weekday, Saturday
and Sunday price scales had been low-
ered, effective tomorrow, in deference
to a public opinion survey which Par-
amount managing director Robert M.
Weitman held demonstrated that the
public is shopping for bargains in en-
tertainment. In announcing the thea-
tre's new price scales, which will ef-
fect an over-all average price drop of
about four cents, Weitman forecast a
general trend toward lowered admis-
sion prices. The New York Para-
mount's action, he said, however, is
not being taken by any other theatre
in the Paramount circuit.
Yesterday the Paramount gave the
news of its new price policy to the.
public through five-column by 14-inch
announcements in the daily newspa-
pers. The advertisements highlighted
the theatre's new weekday opening
price of 55 cents, compared with a
former 70 cents.
The cut in weekday opening admis-
sion price represents generally the big-
gest drop, the scale falling from the
present average of about 78 cents to
55 cents. Other new prices were
quoted in Motion Picture Daily
yesterday. Midnight show prices will
be lowered 10 cents for weekdays, and
25 cents on Saturdays. For the most
part afternoon and evening price
scales have been raised and lowered
slightly to establish some compensa-
tion for the weekday slash, making
for an over-all average drop from 97
cents to 93 cents.
Moloney, 10 Others
Promoted by Para,
Edward Maloney, for 23 years with
Paramount, currently in the Boston
exchange, has been named sales man-
ager in that area, by Charles M. Rea-
gan, vice-president in charge of the
company's distribution.
At the same time Reagan also dis-
closed 10 other promotions, all of non-
exchange managerial status, in vari-
ous of the company's branches, includ-
ing Harold Wycoff, Edward Fitter,
Jr., and Joseph Murphy, New Or-
leans ; Wendell Clement, Boston ; Bert
Turgeon, B. W. Smith and Paul Mor-
gan, Atlanta, and Adolph Trilling,
Gerald Frankel and Phil Isaacs, New
York.
Anglican Vicar Asks
For Film Liaison
London, Feb. 24. — Creation of a
liaison office by the Church of En-
gland with Hollywood to secure more
favorable treatment for its church of-
ficials in American films has been
suggested by Rev. Brian Hessian, an
Aylesbury vicar and chairman of
"Bible Films," film production organ-
ization of the Church of England.
Citing the "politically alert" minority
of Catholics in America, he criticized
U. S. portrayal of Anglican vicars as
"a bit of a buffoon."
Para. Tradescreening
Paramount will screen "The Imper-
fect Lady" for the trade in all
branch areas on Friday, March 7.
Pathe-PRC in Global
Expansion of 16mm.
Pathe Industries will enter the
16mm, field on a worldwide basis.
Lloyd Lind, vice-president and assist-
ant general sales manager of Pro-
ducers Releasing Corp., has been
named president of Pathe's Pictorial
Films, Inc., and will shortly take
over complete charge.
Pictorial has operated on a limited
basis, confining its catalogue of 16mm.
films to PRC releases, and a res4
er number of independent pi^ - i-
tions. While Pictorial formerly re-
ceived its revenue solely through
agency outlets, the new program pro-
vides for the integration of 16mm.
films into Producers' exchange sys-
tem in the United States.
MPEA Names Core
Manager for Indies
Charles H. Core, formerly United
Artists manager in the Philippines,
who has been making an industrial
survey of China and the Far East
since May, 1946, has been named man-
ager for the Motion Picture Export
Association for the Netherlands East
Indies, it was announced here yester-
day by Irving Maas, MPEA vice-
president and general manager.
Aid Britain"
(Continued from page 1)
Britain buck its "severe" economic
crisis.
He urged, furthermore, that Eric
A. Johnston, Motion Picture Associa-
tion head, and other top industry ex-
ecutives, scheduled for forthcoming
conferences with British government
and industry officials, be armed with
a mandate to encourage English pro-
ducers to concentrate on "fewer, but
greater" picture through guarantees
of wider and longer exhibition in the
U. S.
Britain's most immediate problem
is to get sufficient foreign exchange
to enable here to buy basic necessi-
ties, Silverstone, who returned last
week from a month's trip abroad, ex-
plained. The U. K. is determined to
pay her own way, and the American
film industry, which finds its biggest
foreign market in the British Em-
pire, "should do all that it can to
help Britain and the British film in-
dustry," he continued.
Lightman Trial
(Continued from page 1)
swered in court within 20 days.
Lowell Taylor, attorney for Light-
man-Paramount, argued that the aver-
age jury will be baffled by the com-
plexity of the case if it is tried jointly.
Other arguments supporting the mo-
tions held that many defendants in
the case would find their cause preju-
diced if testimony is heard on a
charge that a conspiracy existed in the
acquisition of the old Orpheum in
1938 by Lightman. It also was argued
two charges of conspiracy were con-
tained in the joint suit, one involving
the Orpheum transaction and the oth-
er involving clearances of films to
neighborhood theatres.
Boyd, in making his ruling, de-
clared he was uncertain as to whether
the facts involved in the Orpheum
sale would be material and competent.
Tuesday, February 25, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
Review
"The Fabulous Dorseys"
(Charles R. Rogers — United Artists)
Hollywood, Feb. 24
FASHIONED strictly for a public responsive to popular music as dispensed
by name bands, Charles R. Rogers' good-humored presentation of the
syncopated careers of the Brothers Dorsey — Tommy and Jimmy — contains a
lot of the kind of music in which those gentlemen have so successfully special-
ized. A picture produced with a definitely outlined public in mind, it figures to
do very well for itself in exhibition areas where this type of subject matter
thrives. And in addition to the names of Tommy and Jimmy for exploitation
purposes, there are present also those of Paul Whiteman, Art Tatum, Bob
Eberly, Henry Busse, and others with their own followings in "hep" circles.
As written by Richard English, Art Arthur 'and Curtis Kenyon, the story
opens in 1916 with the Dorsey boys learning music under the tutelage of
their coal-miner father. They are repeatedly in brotherly conflict, which pre-
pares the audience for their ultimate separation when, years later, they have
established the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra in the big time. The narrative
aspect of the script has to do with the long unrealized ambition of their
parents to get them to join forces again, despite their separate successes, and
it makes enough of a story to support the wealth of band music which is the
principal content of the production.
There is nostalgia in the early sections of the picture, and a bit of history,
but the music — performed by both Dorsey bands, by the Whiteman band, by
Tatum and the Dorseys, and otherwise — is what the picture is all about. Tt is
expertly played, naturally, and assuredly will satisfy the customers attracted
by the title and billing. John W. Rogers acted as associate producer, and
Alfred E. Green directed.
In addition to the persons who enact themselves, the cast includes Janet
Blair, William Lundigan, Sara Allgood, Arthur Shields, James Flavin, Wil-
liam Bakewell, Dave Willock, Bobby Warde, Buz Buckley, Ann Carter, Tom
Dugan, Jack Searl and Andrew Tombes.
Running time, 90 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
February 21. William R. Weaver
3 Clearance Awards
By Cleveland AAA
With the announcement of three
clearance awards, two of which were
consolidated, the Cleveland tribunal
of the American Arbitration Associa-
tion has cleared all cases before it,
enabling it to liquidate on April 1
under the New York Federal Court
C2
LAKE (2,700) (95c). Gross: $44,000.
erage: $30,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-C-M)
—UNITED ARTISTS (1,700) (95c) 5th
week. Gross: $27,000: (Average: $27,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— WOODS (1.200) (95c-$1.20-
$1.40-$1.80) 10th week. Gross: $38,000. (Av-
erage: $28,000)
1-G-M)
INDIANAPOLIS
The cold wave has cut grosses here.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Feb. 25-26:
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) and FABU-
LOUS SUZANNE (Rep.)— CIRCLE (2,800)
(40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average:
$11,700)
MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (ZOth-Fox)
—INDIANA (3,200) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross:
$14,000. (Average: $15,800)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-KEITH'S (1,300)
(40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000.
(Average: $9,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— LOEWS
(2,450) (40c-60c) 7 days. 4th week. Gross:
$11,000. (Average: $14,400)
THE TIME, THE PLACE AND THE
GIRL (WB)— LYRIC (1,600) (40c-60c) 7
days, on a moveover from the Indiana.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $6,700)
F. J. Alford Shifts
From MP A to M PEA
Frank J. Alford, assistant to Motion
Picture Association treasurer George
Borthwick, has been appointed chief
accountant and assistant treasurer of
the Motion Picture Export Associa-
tion, succeeding William Laffan who
has resigned, it was announced here
yesterday by MPEA vice-president
and general manager Irving .Maas.
Prior to joining MPA early in 1946,
Alford served RKO for 12 years.
Gruenberg on Coast
For Sales Meeting
San Francisco, Feb. 25. — Len S.
Gruenberg, captain of the 1947 "Ned
Depinet Drive," is expected here for
a sales rally Thursday, following a
similar meeting in RKO Radio's Los
Angeles exchange. He will then pro-
ceed to Portland and Seattle, which
latter exchange includes Vancouver
and Calgary. Walter E. Branson,
western division sales manager, will
be present at all of the meetings.
Dorothy Kilgallen
Gets Cinema Scroll
Dorothy Kilgallen, columnist, was
presented with an "honor scroll" last
night by James A. Farley on behalf
of Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith at the
Hotel Astor. Many people from the
film and allied entertainment indus-
tries paid tribute to Miss Kilgallen,
who was cited for promoting under-
standing among all races, colors and
creeds.
Academy Ballots Mailed
Hollywood, Feb. 25. — The Academy
has mailed 1,600 final ballots to mem-
bers who will select 1946 award win-
ners. Results will be announced at a
presentation here on March 13.
j
Wednesday, February 26, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
Dewey Considers
Ad Bill Protests
Assurance that Gov. Thomas Dewey
will give full consideration to the in-
dustry's protests against New York
State's Wilson-Condon film advertis-
ing censorship bill, now awaiting his
signature or veto, has been given by
Dewey's counsel, according to a
spokesman for the New York film
group which appeared at a hearing in
4 'bany on Monday.
1%/trlen Allvine, New York public re-
'iltions director for the Motion Pic-
ture Association, reported here yes-
terday that a brief supplementary to
one filed Monday was requested by
the governor's attorneys who set next
Thursday as a deadline for the filing.
Stanleigh Friedman, Warner vice-
president, conferred with Dewey on
the subject. Additionally, he and Sid-
ney Schreiber, MPA counsel here,
argued against the bill at the hearing.
The measure would authorize the
State Board of Regents to ban a
picture on the grounds that its adver-
tising copy is objectionable.
The industry holds that the bill
would place an unconstitutional re-
straint on freedom of expression, that
it represents an encroachment on the
freedom of the press, and is discrim-
inatory in that it covers only films
and no other commodities.
Friedman, Schreiber and Allvine
appeared along with Howard Dietz,
director of advertising-publicity for
M-G-M ; Mort Blumenstock, Warner
publicity-advertising chief, and Gor-
don White, director of the Eastern
Advertising Code Administration.
Charles Breitel, counsel, and Law-
rence Walsh, assistant counsel for
Dewey, conducted the hearing.
Chancellor May Ask
Dewey to Sign Bill
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 25.— William
J. Wallin, chancellor of the New York
Board of Regents, reportedly may
come here tomorrow to urge Governor
Dewey to sign the Condon-Wilson
film advertising bill. The recommen-
dation that the present law be amend-
ed to cover newspapers, magazines
and other public media was made by
the Regents in denying Commissioner
Fielding's appeal to revoke the license
of "The Outlaw." So far as is known,
the Regents took no official stand
while the bill was before the Legis-
lature.
The New York Catholic Welfare
Committee approved the measure
without comment.
The bill has not yet been received
by the Governor, who will have 10
days to act.
Citizens Group Protests
The film division of the Progres-
sive Citizens of America, headed by
Bosley Crowther, chairman, and
Maurice Bergman, vice-chairman, has
joined in the fight to kill the Con-
don-Wilson bill, sending a telegram
to Gov. Dewey asserting that the
measure would establish a "danger-
ous and unprecedented infringement
not only directed against the motion
picture industry but also threatening
freedom of communications ; press,
radio and publishing as well."
Philatelists To Meet
Next meeting of the Cinema Stamp
Collectors will be held today at Town
Hall Club here The president is Nat
Cohn.
United Productions'
Officers Reelected
Hollywood, Feb. 25. — United Pro-
ductions of America officers have been
reelected following the annual stock-
holders' meeting. Stephen Bosustow
was reelected president ; Edward
Gershman, John Hubley and Ade
Woolery, vice-presidents ; Leo Rosen,
secretary, and Maxine Davis, assist-
ant secretary.
Bosustow is executive producer,
Edward Gershman is business man-
ager, John Hubley, supervising direc-
tor, and Ade Woolery, production
manager.
UPA has completed an agreement
with Pathescope Productions of New
York whereby the latter will repre-
sent UPA in commercial sales in the
New York area. Also announced is a
new UPA Latin-American sales of-
fice in Havana, headed by Alfredo Al-
varez and Fabian Garcia.
Peron Opposes Film
Import Cut of 80%
Washington, Feb. 25. — President
Peron of Argentina is opposed to re-
stricting the number of American
films imported by that country, George
Canty of the State Department dis-
closed today.
Peron announced that he is against
a pending measure which would cut
the importation of U. S. pictures by
80 per cent.
President Peron favors expansion
of the Argentine industry, but be-
lieves it would not be wise to restrict
present imports. Canty pointed out
that Argentina depends upon the
United States for its raw stock and
equipment.
Mrs. Fred S. Meyer, 53
Hollywood, Feb. 25. — Funeral
services were held at the Groman
Mortuary, here, yesterday for Mrs.
Ida Meyer, 53, wife of Fred S. Meyer,
20th Century-Fox's industrial rela-
tions director. Mrs. Meyer, who died
Saturday at Cedars of Lebanon Hos-
pital, is survived also by her mother,
Mrs. Sara Solk ; a daughter, Mrs.
Delphine Blumenthal ; two brothers,
and a son, Stanley. The latter and his
wife, Doris, daughter of Universal
president Nate Blumberg, interrupted
their South American honeymoon to
return here at the weekend for the
services.
Felder's Mother Dies
Mrs. Annie Felder, mother of Jo-
seph J. Felder of Favorite Films, here,
died on Saturday after a short illness.
Iowa Censor Bill
(Continued from page 1 )
state department of censorship and
licensing within the State Board of
Education.' The director of the de-
partment and his assistants would be
appointed by the Board of Education
upon recommendation of the state su-
perintendent of public instruction.
The bill specifically provides that all
motion pictures, except "current-
event" films, and films shown by re-
ligious, charitable and other groups
without profit, shall lie examined and
licensed bv the new department. The
department also would he given au-
thority t<> inspect and charge a per-
mit fee of $3 for each 1,000 feet of
film on a picture and $2 cm 1,000 feet
for each copy of a picture.
Candy Not Under
Miss. Store Tax
Jackson, Feb. 25. — Theatres are
not subject to Mississippi's state
chain-store tax if they operate gum
and candy counters in the lobby, the
state supreme court held here today.
The court reversed a Hinds County
circuit court decision in the case of
Richards-Lightman Theatres Corp.
vs. A. H. Stone, chairman of the
State Tax Commission. The circuit
court had denied the corporation's
right to recover a chain-store tax of
some $2,000, including penalties.
However, the supreme court held that
advantages of mass buying available
to ordinary chain stores were not
present in the case of theatre gum
and candy counters.
These counters, the high court
held, were accessible only to those
who first purchased theatre tickets.
Curtis Says British
Back Labor Officials
Rochester, N. Y, Feb. 25. — Ob-
serving that the British are firmly be-
hind the present Labor Government,
E. P. Curtis, vice-president of East-
man - Kodak, today declared that
"Britain is in trouble . . . but the La-
bor Government certainly didn't cause
the country's present problems."
Curtis, who pointed out that the
Eastman plant in Harrow, England,
has reduced its output about one-half
because of the fuel shortage, added
that the Labor Government is a "good
thing" for England. "If the Con-
servatives were in power, I think
there would have been considerable
more internal trouble," he said.
Paramount Host to
France's Maud Lamy
Executives of Paramount's domestic
and international departments will
gather in the Hotel Astor tomorrow at
a luncheon to be given by the company
in honor of Maud Lamy, French ac-
tress, who is the guest of Paramount
during her American visit. Later in
the day she will meet the press at a
reception in the Sherry-Netherland
Hotel, and she will leave on Thursday
for Hollywood to be feted by Para-
mount studio executives.
ATA Intervention
(Continued from page 1 )
ruling against direct exhibitor inter-
vention. This will be a joint appeal
with the Southern California Theatre
Owners Association.
ATA will contend that the exhib-
itor is not adequately represented be-
fore the court. Arnold's previous pe-
tion was accepted by the court a--
amicus curaie.
Robert L. Wright, Justice Depart-
ment counsel, said today that he may
not answer the ATA brief until the
case is argued. Points to be made by
ATA in its appeal of the decision
against intervention were outlined in
Motion Picture Daily on Feb. 13.
The Confederacy of Southern As-
sociations also will file an appeal this
week on the same grounds, but ad-
vancing different arguments. CS.A
has been cooperating closely with
ATA and the SCTOA in the litiga-
tion.
RCA Service Corp.
Dinner on Coast
San Francisco, Feb. 25. — RCA
Service Corp. was host at a dinner
here for RCA field engineers and the
Western Theatrical Equipment Co.,
held at the Whitcomb Hotel. Bob
Schultz, district sales manager for the
RCA theatre equipment section, and
"Stub" Schultz, district service man-
ager, welcomed the guests. Policies
and future plans for RCA sales and
service were discussed.
Among those present were : Helen
Taylor, John Corriveau, Jerry Gillet,
Jean Willetts, Lou Gibbs, Karl Ste-
phenson, Herb Sauter, Eddie Doyle,
George Williams.
Ralph Clark
(Continued from page 1 )
tion, more and more of my time has
been required on the West Coast,"
said Thomas, adding : "In the four
months I have just spent there, I have
been able to get properties, personnel
and material into a form that is be-
ginning to take shape."
Clark entered the industry with the
Turner and Dahnken Circuit in Cali-
fornia. In 1917, he became general
manager of T. and D. and represented
the circuit's interests in First Nation-
al. Leaving that post in 1921, Clark
operated his own theatres in New
York and New Jersey until 1927,
when he joined Warner Brothers as
general sales manager for the Far
East, Australia and New Zealand.
With the outbreak of war in 1942, he
returned to this country as a member
of the Warner domestic sales organ-
ization in Ben Kalmenson's sales cab-
inet. He joined International Pictures
in 1945.
Federal to Lease 200
(Continued from page 1 )
decree, through United Artists, he
added.
The picture, which he said cost
$2,500,000, was filmed completely in
New York, and because it has a
wide range of talent from opera and
concert, plus a dash of Harry James,
it cost 20 per cent less for produc-
tion here than in Hollywood. Mor-
ros further explained that he found
an "excellent crew of technicians"
here without having had to trans-
port them from the Coast.
He explained that an additional
source of economies came in making
the film in Carnegie Hall, which pre-
cluded the expense of constructing a
replica.
Federal Films, Morros also re-
vealed, has begun work on its next
production, Victor Herbert's "Babes
in Toyland," in Hollywood.
I PRESS
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Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, February 26, 1947
'Razor' Promotions
For 20 More Films
Point-of-sale advertising, as exem-
plified by the campaign applied to
"The Razor's Edge," will be given
to all 20 of 20th Century-Fox's pic-
tures to be released this year, Charles
Schlaifer, the companys' advertising-
publicity director, announces. The
"Razor's Edge" campaign, he said,
saw the fulfillment of all the company
had learned from premieres applied
to previous pictures. The company,
he added, has completed all plans for
every picture on this year's schedule
up to and including "Forever Am-
ber" and "Captain From Castile."
"Finished advertising layouts,"
Schlaifer said, "are ready now on re-
leases from March through October,
including such productions as 'Alex-
ander's Ragtime Band,' The Late
George Apley,' 'Carnival in Costa
Rica,' 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,'
'The Homestretch,' 'Moss Rose,'
'Miracle on 34th Street,' 'Bob, Son
of Battle,' 'Kiss of Death,' 'Night-
mare Alley,' 'I Wonder Who's Kiss-
ing Her Now,' 'The Walls of Jer-
icho,' 'Snake Pit' and 'Mother Wore
Tights.'
"While our plans are complete now
they are flexible enough so that we
can add to them new ideas and new
thoughts as we approach the release
of each picture. With this long-range
planning we have been able to step
up the effectiveness of each campaign
to a greater degree than ever before
attained," he said.
To this end, the periodic trips into
the field for conferences with exhib-
itors and advertising men, which
Schlaifer started last year, will be
continued this year, he reiterated. The
first of these trips will be made early
in March and will cover the South-
ern territory. On this two weeks'
tour Schlaifer will be accompanied by
several members of his advertising-
publicity staff. This trip will be fol-
lowed by other excursions into dif-
ferent territories and it is planned to
continue this contact with the field
at regular intervals in order to keep
pace with changing conditions.
To further implement a closer con-
tact with the field, the company's zone
exploitation men also will be brought
together from time to time to discuss
preater concentration of 20th Century-
Fox advertising in local areas and
to make the point of sale advertising
more effective, Schlaifer concluded.
Kay to Expand
(Continued from page 1)
brother will go to the Coast to at-
tend "the Variety Clubs' convention
and while there will negotiate with
several independent producers in con-
nection with the planned expansion.
They are devoting their New York
visit to discussions with independent
distributors looking toward the for-
mation of the organization.
There are a number of independent
Hollywood producers unaffiliated with
any distribution organization, Katz
pointed out, asserting that an ex-
panded Kay organization will offer
them permanent distribution facili-
ties. Katz said also that with an
"increased number of new theatres in
the offing there will be need for in-
creased production and distribution."
Odd Man Out"
(Continued from page '1)
shrinks into protective, dark corners, endeavors to harbor his waning strength
in a horse-driven cab, falls in the rain and mud and snow, makes his way to
the haven of a saloon. He is picked up by an underworld character who is
prepared to turn him over to police or friends, depending upon the greater
reward, gets sorely needed aid from a medical student, stumbles out to meet
Kathleen Ryan, who loves him and has been appealing to W. G. Fay, the
parish priest, for information and assistance. In the final few minutes, the
girl and Mason meet. Escape cut off, she fires two shots at the police ad-
vancing across a snow-covered square. In the returning fusilade, and as she
had planned, both are killed.
Here are the essentials of taut and vigorous drama, compounded with exact-
ing expertness in the screen play by R. C. Sheriff and R. L. Green, from a
novel by another Green — F. J. But the bigger job was vested in Reed. To
bring to life the realistic relentlessness of the hunt, to probe and to find the
soul-searching required for utter conviction, to develop the stark mood, to
unfold and then to catch the uncertainities and the cross-purposes of the
good and the less-than-good characters parading the screen — these are among
the contributions of Reed's undeniable talents as a director. His work is
magnificent.
Mason is completely convincing and touching as the illegal resistance fighter
whose inner conflict finds him unable to determine if the processes of par-
liamentary law ought not give way to violence. Miss Ryan, whose first film
this is, immediately establishes her competency as an actress of depth and
professional worth. Other players, drawn principally from the ranks of Dub-
lin's famed Abbey Playhouse, are perfectly etched in their realism. Shading
them for comparative values, the two who stand above the others are F. J.
McCormick, as Shell, and Fay as Father Tom. Robert Newton, as a half-
mad artist, and Fay Compton, in a minor role, are invaluable assets of a
noted cast.
Commercially, "Odd Man Out" has Mason whose vogue in this country
is on the upbeat. This film will enhance his popularity, but the measure of
the attraction's ticket-selling potential perhaps is best drawn by a throwback
to "The Informer", with which this bears many resemblances.
First reviewed from London in Motion Picture Daily of Jan. 30, Peter
Burnup wrote : "This may well be rated in years to come among the screen's
choicest masterpieces". His appraisal could prove correct.
Tinkering with an end product of such distinguished values, moreover, may
be foolhardy yet the opinion of this impressed reviewer is that the film would
be better served in less length. As it stands, on the other hand, "Odd Man
Out" is a drama-on-film which will not be quickly forgotten.
Running time, 113 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
not set.
Red Kann
Joint Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
in its present form, with Tom Con-
nors, vice-president in charge of dis-
tribution, reporting an appeal as "un-
likely" and with president Spyros P.
Skouras instructing the field sales
force to abide by the spirit as well as
the letter of the New York court's
decision.
As late as yesterday morning, fol-
lowing a meeting of the attorneys
Monday night, 20th-Fox apparently
had still not given its approval to the
appeal. At that time, Louis Phillips
of the Paramount legal department
said the document would be filed at
three o'clock this afternoon and that
it would "probably" be a joint action
by all five theatre-owning defendants.
Another meeting was held yesterday
afternoon, following which Koegel au-
thorized the 20th-Fox statement.
Paramount, the first theatre-owning
defendant to announce its definite ap-
peal intention, would be the hardest
hit of the five companies by the court's
order for divestiture of most of its
theatre holdings in partnership with
independent exhibitors. In early con-
ferences among the counsel, however,
there was sentiment for accepting this
feature of the decree, a spokesman for
one of the defendants said yesterday,
adding that there was a similar in-
clination to make no appeal from the
court's competitive-bidding provisions.
Enterprise Ads to D. & C.
Hollywood, Feb. 25. — Enterprise
Films has given Donahue and Coe a
long-term contract as advertising
counsel.
16mm. Theatres
(Continued from page 1)
war reconstruction, has long been con-
sidered less urgent in the U. S., where
35mm. houses have penetrated into
smaller communities than elsewhere in
the world, but recent surveys by dis-
tribution-company executives show
that much potential revenue exists in
villages and outlying suburbs unable
to support a substantial standard-
gauge investment.
Interest in narrow-gauge expansion
in this country began to develop prom-
inently with the end of the war, when
many servicemen, newly-trained in
motion picture techniques, were ex-
pected to obtain used Government
equipment and "set up shop" for them-
selves. Established exhibitors, so far,
have run into little competition from
this source, largely because of build-
ing difficulties, but many of them are
understood to be ready to establish
16mm. houses as a protection for their
investments as soon as opportunity
permits.
Benefit 'Egg' Premiere
Los Angeles, -Feb. 25. — The Los
Angeles Variety Club will sponsor a
pre-release premiere of "The Egg and
I" at the Carthay Circle on March
21st, (with proceeds to go to the
club's Heart Fund for the premature-
birth clinic project.
Welles in Cancer Film
Orson Welles has agreed to make
a five-minute short which will be used
by the American Cancer Society in
its 1947 appeal for funds.
MPEA Sees Early
Deal With Bulgaria
Conclusion of a distribution deal
between the Motion Picture Export
Association and the Bulgarian Film
Monopoly is anticipated at an early
date, it was disclosed here yesterday
by Irving Maas, MPEA vice-presi-
dent and general manager.
Jean Birkhahn, MPEA representa-
tive, is now in Bulgaria working out
preliminary details of a distribution
agreement w ith officials of the mcjJjL
oly. He will soon be joined in
by Louis Kanturek, MPEA super-
visor of Eastern Europe, who will
assist in the negotiations.
Meanwhile, Maas revealed that all
prints belonging to MPEA's member
companies which were previously re-
quisitioned by the Bulgarian govern-
ment, have been withdrawn from cir-
culation and placed under seal with
the American mission in Sofia.
Para. Joins 'TB' Drive
Paramount became the first com-
pany in the industry to cooperate with
New York health authorities in the
city's intensified campaign against
tuberculosis. The firm has accepted
the offer of the Department of Health
to have its employes in the Metropoli-
tan area participate in the current
mass chest x-ray survey being con-
ducted throughout New York. The
service will be free.
Paramount Pool
(Continued from page 1)
lowing his return from St. Augustine,
Fla., where the company's theatre
partners met last week to plan com-
pliance with the New York Federal
District Court's decree in the indus-
try anti-trust suit. The court has
ordered dissolution of all pools by
July 1.
Goldenson said the Florida discus-
sions, for the most part, were lim-
ited to an interpretation of the de-
cree by Austin C. Keough, general
counsel, and Louis Phillips and Wal-
ter Gross of the company's legal de-
partment. Although the partners
discussed the requirements of the par-
tial-divestiture clause, plans for abid-
ing by it, if it is approved by the
Supreme Court, were deferred until
a later meeting, a date for which has
not yet been set, Goldenson declared.
The divestiture clause would re-
quire Paramount to absorb up to 95
per cent of the interests in theatres
now owned in partnership, or to sell
all but five per cent of such inter-
ests. Splitting up of the circuits,
with Paramount taking half the
houses,' has been suggested as one
possible solution of the problem.
Barney Balaban, president of the
company, who attended the meeting,
arrived here from Florida yesterday.
Red Cross Short
(Continued from page 1)
RKO-Radio, United Artists, Univer-
sal and Warner Brothers.
Peter G. Levathes, assistant to Tom
Connors, chairman of the national
film distributors committee, reports
that the film will be pre-released in
major first-runs tomorrow. Some
3,000 prints have been made for the
31 exchanges handling the film in or-
der to insure complete national show-
ing during March.
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE tamte
' ■ ^ A TT "^^^ ' Concise
JL#/\A JL 1l ^
W761. NO. 40
NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1947
TEN CENTS
M. P. Forum's
N. Y. Meeting
Is Called Off
Film Laboratories
In London Seen
Closing in 3 Weeks
PARA. ALONE HITS
BIDS AS 5 APPEAL
Plan Is Dropped Until
Anti-Trust Suit Ends
St. Louis, Feb. 26. — Fred Wehr-
enberg, sponsor of the plan for a
motion picture exhibitor forum to
adjust internal trade problems, an-
nounced here today that the organiz-
ing meeting scheduled for March 10-
11 at the Hotel Astor, New York,
has been called off.
Wehrenberg explained that
incomplete exhibitor represen-
tation for the scheduled meet-
ing made it impractical to pro-
ceed further with the forum
plans at this time. He insisted
that another attempt to organ-
ize the forum will be made
after the U. S. Supreme Court
has acted on the pending ap-
peals in the U. S. industry anti-
trust suit, or whenever the suit
ultimately is disposed of by the
courts.
From present indications that could
(Contimted on page .7)
Para. Price Drop
Scores with Public
Morning attendance at the Para-
mount Theatre on Broadway yester-
day nearly doubled the previous high
for the year as its thoroughly pub-
licized morning admission price re-
duction went into effect, Robert
Weitman, managing director, re-
ported. Revenue also was up, he
said, exceeding by $1,500 the open-
ing day morning income of the av-
erage of the three previous attractions
at the house.
The price was lowered to 55 cents
{Continued on page 7)
Education Dept.
May Favor Ad Bill
• Albany, N. Y., Feb. 26.— The
State Education Department was ex-
pected to file with Governor Dewey
a memorandum favoring the Condon-
Wilson obscene advertising bill, as
the State Board of Regents today be-
gan a three-day meeting to discuss
{Continued on page 7)
By PETER BURNUP
London, Feb. 26. — All sections of
the industry here agree that the Brit-
ish laboratory operational outlook is
extremely bleak with no possibility
in sight for catching up on the time-
lag brought about by the national coal
crisis. According to the Kinemato-
graph Renters Society, film printing
is assured for the next three weeks,
under present coal crisis conditions,
but it is doubtful thereafter.
KRS president Reginald Baker has
paid tribute to the work done by those
laboratories and laboratory workers
who have taken the load from closed
plants. J. Arthur Rank's Denham
Laboratory, he said, "worked miracles
in keeping the laboratory going 64
hours a week without a break." The
Humphries Laboratory and others are
still closed, as is Eastman's Kodak,
{Continued on page 5)
Bidding Contrary
To Trust Law: ATA
In a joint appeal filed with the
New York Federal Court here yes-
terday, the American Theatres Asso-
ciation and the Southern California
Theatre Owners Association charge
that the court has given judicial
sanction to a method of doing busi-
ness by competitive bidding which
is contrary to the Sherman anti-trust
law. Both groups appealed from the
New York court's order denying their
(Continued on page 7)
NCCJ Lauds
Industry's Aid
Voicing appreciation for the "ex-
cellent accomplishments" of the motion
picture industry in the fund and mem-
bership drive conducted in conjunc-
tion with the National Conference cf
Christians and Jews, Dr. Everett
Clinchy, NCCJ president, yesterday
declared that while radio, the press,
magazines and advertising agencies
achieved "magnificent" results, "noth-
ing compares with what was done by
the film industry." He spoke at a
luncheon at the Hotel Astor for the
amusements division of the NCCJ fol-
lowing committee reports on the in-
terim results of the drive which was
climaxed by "American Brotherhood
(Continued on page 7)
Ind. House Passes
Anti-ASCAP Bill
Indianapolis, Feb. 26. — The Indi-
ana House of Representatives passed
the so-called Anti-ASCAP Bill today
by a vote of 79 to 1. The measure in-
cluded amendments which would give
theatre-owners full protection as the
result of unlicensed performances. The
House version, which would make
producers or distributors liable for
damages, now returns to the Senate,
which approved the original measure,
38 to 0.
All Want Arbitration;
Score Price-Fixing Ban,
Theatre Restrictions
By TOM LOY
Four of the five theatre-owning
defendants in the industry anti-
trust suit — Loew's, RKO, 20th
Century-Fox and Warners — yester-
day accepted the system of single
sales and. competitive bidding out-
lined by the New York Federal Dis-
trict Court when they filed a joint
appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court
from most other features of the local
tribunal's decree.
_ Paramount, joining in a single ju-
risdictional statement, filed a separate
assignment of errors, which appealed
from the selling provisions also.
The five defendants, in a summary
of _ "substantial questions," center
their attack on four main conten-
tions :
That the industry arbitration sys-
tem, terminated by the New York
court, should have been continued.
That the injunction against price
(Continued on page 8)
Companies Unlikely
To Ask for Stay
The five theatre-owning defendants
in the industry anti-trust suit are un-
likely to ask the U. S. Supreme Court
for a stay of the effective date of any
of the provisions of the New York
Court's decree, John F. Caskey,
counsel for 20th Century-Fox, indi-
cated here yesterday as these defend-
ants filed a joint appeal.
Stressing that a final decision with
regard to stay action has not yet been
(Continued on page 5)
9 Reviews Today
In addition to "Carnegie
Hall," the following films are
reviewed inside: "The Macom-
ber Affair," "I Cover Big
Town," page 4; "Danger
Street," "Blondie's Holiday,"
The Lone Hand Texan," "The
Devil Thumbs a Ride," page
6; and "Valley of Fear," "Be-
fore Him AH Rome Trembled,"
page 8.
Key city grosses are given
on page 4.
"Carnegie Hall"
[ Federal Films-United Artists ] — Fine Music, Big Show
THE tariff to hear them runs high when they sing at Carnegie Hall
or at the Metropolitan. But, here wrapped in a single film, are
seven concert artistes and a great, American symphonic orchestra.
The singers — all soloists of high reputation in their field — are Lily
Pons, Rise Stevens, Ezio Pinza and Jan Peerce. The musicians — equally
as renowned — are Jascha Heifetz, violinist; Artur Rubinstein, pianist;
and Gregor Piatigorsky, cellist. The orchestra is the famed New York-
Philharmonic, broadcasting to millions in the United States and Canada
every Sunday afternoon, led by Bruno Walter, Fritz Reiner, Artur
Rodzinski and Leopold Stokowski.
They, and their magnificent solos and their music superbly recorded,
are woven into a story which tells the ambitions of a mother for her
musical son and how he finds his place, not among the classicists of her
hope, but among the rising sons of the modern American musical scene.
The whole package, slanted sharply toward the bobby sockers via Vaughn
Monroe and Harry James, results in a long, but big-scale, show with
particularized appeal to the many lovers of good music and a decided
(Continued on page 8)
2
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, February 27, 1947
Personal
Mention
D
AVID O. SELZNICK is due
here from the Coast next week.
Rudy Berger, Southern M-G-M
sales manager, accompanied by his
home office assistant, Leonard
Hirsch, will leave Dallas today for
Oklahoma City fromg where, on Sat-
urday, they will leave for Kansas
City.
•
George A. Smith, Paramount's
Western sales manager, left Holly-
wood yesterday for Omaha, Des
Moines, Kansas City and St. Louis
en route here for conferences with
Charles M. Reagan, vice-president.
•
S. Barret McCormick, RKO
Radio director of advertising-public-
ity, has extended his Hollywood visit
for another week, and plans now to
return here March 10.
•
Victoria Tsukalas, secretary to
Joel Swensen, Warner Bros, home
office researcher, will be married in
June to William Pavlou, New York
restaurateur.
•
Harry Goldberg, Warner The-
atres' director of advertising-public-
ity, will leave New York by plane to-
dav for the Coast.
•
J. Arthur Rank, British industry
leader, is expected to arrive here from
London on May 7 for a two-months'
New York-and-Hollywood visit.
•
Moe Silver, Warner Theatres
Pittsburgh zone manager, will termi-
nate his New York visit at the week-
end.
•
Robert Weitman, managing direc-
tor of the Paramount Theatre here,
will leave for the Coast early next
week.
RCA Showroom To
Open Here in April
A public showroom featuring a tele-
vision and radio studio is being built
by RCA in Rockefeller Center for
opening probably in April. The cost
is_ put at $1,000,000. The showroom
will be a two-story structure, part of
the Eastern Air Lines Building.
Warner Men Open
2-Day Meet Today
Warner district managers and home
office sales executives convene at the
home office this morning for the first
session of a two-day conference.
Ben Kalmenson, vice-president and
general sales manager will preside.
Gift to Philippines
Monogram International Corp. has
donated 30,000 feet of 35mm. sound
negative to Ateneo College, Philio-
pine Islands boys' school. The film
was flown to Manila by Pan-Ameri-
can free of charge for use in a bene-
fit picture, "The End of the Road."
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
A^T INETY-EIGHT per cent
-L^" of those who replied to 500
cards handed them when the
Paramount went to a 55 cent
morning-to-one P.M. price, in-
cluding- tax, yesterday replied
they came on account of the
price, not on account of the
show. So Bob Weitman, man^
aging director of the big Times
Square theatre, reported. And
there is this to capture the
attention of that current school
which believes the time has ar-
rived to start shaving admission
scales now that the war is over :
When "Suddenly It's Spring"
started rolling for the first time
at nine A.M., there were 1,900
patrons in the house, or more
than the Paramount has seen
around in a long, long time. By
noon, about 7,000 admissions
had been clocked. By one P.M.,
when the price went to 90 cents,
as against its former 95, it was
about 8,400. This meant smart
dispersal of those unable to get
seats in the inside lobby, upper
promenade, outer lobby, upper
balcony and whatever other
space was available. The thea-
tre seats 3,664.
The letter-carrier and the
night worker whose shift breaks
at eight o'clock were on hand.
So, also, was the salesman who
once flocked to the theatre when
the price was lower and, evi-
dently, closer to his liking and
means. The boys wearing the
lumber jackets were around yes-
terday morning. The fact is a
flock of people who have been
absent for about nine months
seem to have made a reappear-
ance.
It was price that did it.
■ ■
Decision to play "The Razor's
Edge" along with "Dangerous
Money," a Charlie Chan, over
its Metropolitan circuit — it
raised some eyebrows — turns
out to be another manifestation
of RKO's conviction that Great-
er New York is a deeply-rooted
double-feature town. Circuit
executives point to the record,
stoutly maintaining their thea-
tres do best on that kind of pol-
icy. They stand by it as often
as possible, moreover, although
there have been occasional ex-
ceptions. One was "Night and
Day." Another was "Saratoga
Trunk." Both ran single bill
because Warner sold these at-
tractions that way nationally.
This suggests 20th-Fox did
not insist "The Razor's Edge"
stand entirely on its own. But
the questions worth throwing
on the table become several.
One is whether or not RKO
made friends of those who may
not patronize its houses regular-
ly but who may have been drawn
by this film because of its heavy
advertising campaign and its
out-of-the-ordinary appeal. An-
other is whether "The Razor's
Edge" did not rate the handling
accorded "Night and Day" and
"Saratoga Trunk." A third,
which could run to considerable
length and much argument, con-
cerns the attitude of those who
control important playing time
toward attractions seeking to be
different and backed up by suf-
ficient conviction to make this
possible.
■ ■
As he stepped into his new
post as distribution vice-presi-
dent of Enterprise, George J.
Schaefer held a Hollywood
press interview. At it, he is
quoted as having declared ex-
hibitors will have to start pay-
ing rentals in accordance with
their ability to pay rather than
their ability to trade if existing
production standards are to be
maintained.
It has been our impression —
and that of practically everyone
else, we venture — that exhibitors
paid rentals in accordance with
the ability of the film to produce
revenue.
Buried in a Sunday article
written for the New York
Herald-Tribune, Thornton Del-
ehanty reports this, out of con-
versation with Dore Schary,
now executive vice-president in
charge of RKO Radio produc-
tion :
"Although RKO in the
recent past has made dis-
tribution deals with nearly
a dozen independent pro-
ducers, Schary said this was
to be no longer a studio
trend. On the contrary,
the policy now 'is to build up
a growing list of contract •
actors and directors and to
play along less with the out-
side, or freelance, groups."
Very important, even if
buried. And, of course, if true.
■ ■
Sidney Skolsky, always alert
to Hollywood's changing trends,
reports it is now corny to call
something corny. "They don't
use it any more. The latest is
that, if a thing is corny, it's
'chintzy'."
Not from where we sit.
QP Awards Judged
Here on Monday
More than 100 industry executives
on the "Quigley Awards Committee"
will appraise the work of 22 finalists
competing for the annual Quigley
Showmanship titles in the Hotel As-
tor. New York, on Monday.
The two selected as the outstanding
showmen for 1946 will receive ;sentfr
and bronze plaques as evidence Cn the
skill displayed throughout the year in
promoting the motion picture theatre
and its screen attractions.
Following appraisal of the cam-
paigns, the judges will be the guests
of Martin Quigley. Principal speaker
at the luncheon will be Sol A.
Schwartz, vice-president in charge of
theatres for RKO Service Corp. Many
out-of-town theatre executives and ex-
hibitors will attend.
The 22 candidates, comprising top
winners in the quarterly competitions
during 1946, represent the largest
number of individual entries ever pre-
sented to the judges' committee. In
addition to theatremen from the
United States and Canada, the judges
will view evidences of showmanship
submitted by theatremen in South
America, England, New Zealand, Bel-
gium and Cuba.
McManus Gets Coast
Advertising Post
Los Angeles, Feb. 26.— John Mc-
Manus has been appointed head of ad-
vertising and publicity for Warner
Brothers Theatres on the West Coast.
The post had been temporarily filled
since the recent resignation of Mort
Goodman. Doug George will handle
exploitation under McManus.
Johnston Address Today
Eric A. Johnston, president of the
Motion Picture Association, will speak
on "American Foreign Economic Pol-
icy,'' before the second international
affairs committee forum to be con-
ducted by the Women's National Re-
publican Club at its headquarters here
today._ Mrs. Robert Low Bacon is
committee chairman.
Loew Election Today
The entire Loew's Inc., board of di-
rectors will be up for reelection at
the company's annual stockholders
meeting at the home office here today.
Nat'l Distributors
Will Meet March 7-8
Chicago, Feb. 26.— The new
National Film Distributors,
composed of members of the
National Film Carriers, oper-
ating in 21 cities, will meet
here on March 7-8 at the Ho-
tel Sherman to establish
organizational procedure in
connection with its furnishing
physical distribution to the
Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion.
, Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
"ivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
rhimtrn Rureai, ~" V" juuwuouiw nunywuua rsureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor:
cabfe add"e£f "Oui™fc?n T™H™ » nrt V Washington, Jim H. Brady 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor
International Modon Pirture Almf™, SSS Q ?'fley , P^hcations: Motion Picture Herald Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald
tfeK^^/to*! £dm$12 S; asL^COcnodpietSrOcmatter' §ePt' 23'* 1938' 3t ^ P°5t °ffiCe 31 NeW Y°rk' N- Y" UDder the 3Ct °f March 3''1879' SubsCriP:
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CO-STARRINS
UL
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ROSE MARY DECAMP f^V^ BY N R,CHARD NASH "0M A ST0RY
VEBSTER 4 JACK SOBELL • MUSIC BY FRANZ WAXMAN
oiRecuo er
VINCENT SHERMAN
PRODUCED BY
WILLIAM JACOBS
4
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, February 27, 1947 |
Key City
Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
PHILADELPHIA
Business was hit badly by Thurs-
day's storm but picked up over the
weekend. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 25-27 :
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) —
ALDINE (900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-8Sc-94c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,400. (Average:
$14,000)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) — ARCADIA
(900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd
run. Gross: $6,300. (Average: $7,250)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — BOYD (3,000)
(5Qc-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $16,500. (Average: $22,800)
THE CHASE (UA)— EARLE (3,000) (60c-
70c-80c-90c-99c) 6 days, with vaudeville
starring Gene Krupa's band. Gross: $25,-
000. (Average for 7 days: $22,800)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — FOX (3,000) (50c-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c)
7 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $28,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) — GOLDMAN
(1,400) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross $26,000. (Average: $26,000)
JOHNNY O'CLOCK (Col.) - KARLTON
(1,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $7,800)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (20th - Fox) -
KEITH'S (2,200) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd week, 2nd run. Gross: $6,000.
(Average: $6,500)
HUMORESQUE (WB) — M ASTBAUM
(4,700) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $24,500. (Average: $28,300)
HENRY V (UA) — PIX (500) ($1.30-$1.95-
$2.60) 7 days, 9th week. Gross: $7,500. (Av-
erage: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—STANLEY (3,000) (50c-6Oc-74c-8Oc-85c-
94c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $22,000. .(Av-
erage: $24,900)
LADIES' MAN (Para.) — STAN TON (1,700)
(50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. Gross:
$12,000. (Average: $11,200)
Reviews
PITTSBURGH
"The Jolson Story" continues to
roll up sensational grosses at the J. P.
Harris despite an overall drop in busi-
ness throughout town because of heavy
snows. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 27 :
THE BRASHER DOUBLOON (ZOth-Fox)
— FULTON (1,700) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $9,000. (Average: $9,700)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— J. P. HAR-
RIS (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $25,000. (Average: $11,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
— PENN (3,400) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $25,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
— RITZ (1,100) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 4th
week on moveover from Warner. Gross:
$3,000. (Average: $3,500)
WILD WEST (PRC) and BLACK BEAU-
TY (ZOth-Fox)— SENATOR (1,700) (40c-55c-
70c) 7 days. Gross: $2,000. (Average:
$3,200)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
"The Macomber Affair"
(Bogeaus-United Artists)
<«npHE Macomber Affair" doubtless will prove the point that good pictures
1 will make good. The elaboration of the Ernest Hemingway short story
of husband, wife and a third person on a hunting expedition in Africa, so
realistically enacted by Gregory Peck, Joan Bennett and Robert Preston, is
one which sustains dramatic compulsion all the way.
Miss Bennett and Preston are the Macombers of the story, he wealthy but
lacking in character and she his beautiful wife, on the verge of separating.
They seek to find the happiness they once knew with each other, in Africa.
Peck is their guide on the expedition. Upon this foundation the screenplay,
by Casey Robinson and Seymour Bennett, is a noteworthy job of plot con-
struction, directed adeptly by Zoltan Korda who exercises just the right
amount of restraint in just the right places.
Peck, very masculine, is of course found attractive by Miss Bennett, who
in one instance steals from her tent to his. Preston loses out entirely when
he proves himself to be a coward in an exciting chase after a lion, who, after
being wounded, turns and charges. In a similar sequence a buffalo attacks
the group but is downed by a shower of bullets. In the excitement here Miss
Bennett fires from the background and Preston falls dead. Upon returning
to town from the jungle she confesses it was no accident.
Dialogue is relied upon as a substitute for action in many instances, but it
is intelligent, meaningful dialogue, always engaging. Peck's performance
seems effortless. Both Miss Bennett and Preston, too, discharge their duties
with a maximum of effectiveness. Carl Harbord, Jean Gillie and Earl Smith
have small parts in the Benedict Bogeaus presentation. He and Robinson
produced.
Running time, 90 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
March 21. Gene Arneel
"I Cover Big Town"
( Pine-Thomas — Paramount)
Hollywood Feb. 26
THE second in the "Big Town" series, lately launched by producers Wil-
liam Pine and William Thomas, tops the standard set by the first of
these melodramas, which are based on the radio program of the same name,
Leading members of the cast of the first— Philip Reed, Hillary Brooke and
Robert Lowery — are present again in the roles of a newspaper editor, a girl
reporter, and the police reporter of a rival paper, respectively.
Whitman Chambers' original screenplay hinges on the discovery by "Lore-
lei," the beautiful blonde reporter, of a body in a trunk in the garage of a
prominent contractor. Subsequent investigation discloses that the murdered
man was the first husband of the contractor's wife; that the firm's books are
in a bad way ; and that the contractor and his wife had made plane reserva
tions for an extended tour of South America. The evidence against the
contractor is damning, but, after a good deal of gunplay and some sharp
deduction, Reed, in the role of the editor of the Big Town Illustrated Press,
proves conclusively that the contractor is the innocent victim of his partner's
plotting. All is well that ends well, and the picture's finale sees justice tri-
umphant, and "Steve" and "Lorelei" ready for fresh adventures. William
Thomas directed.
Running time, 63 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Thalia Beli
STANLEY (3,800) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $25,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) — WARNER
(2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $8,000)
BUFFALO
Business has been generally good
despite a weekend snow storm. "Sis-
ter Kenny" is doubling the house aver-
age at the Twentieth Century Theatre,
and "California" also is rolling up an
impressive gross at the Great Lakes.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing March 1 :
Played 8 Weeks at the Verdi Theatre— A First Run New York House
FERRUCCIO TAGLIAVINI
I LIVE AS I PLEASE"/ S^Btf&ifi
j5S
< VOOLIO VIVERE COSI ) • Compltte Enqlish Titles
1UPESFIIM DIST. CORR^N.. °»t
FERRUCCIO TAGLIAVINI, after his Metropolitan Engagement, is scheduled to
sing in Baltimore on April 7 and Washington on April 23 and 24.
The New York Newspapers and Music Critics have acclaimed him the second
Caruso of our time.
SUPERFILM DIST. CORP., 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York 17. N. Y.
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M) — BUF-
FALO (3,489) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days,
Gross: $16,000. (Average: $19,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — GREAT LAKES
(3,000) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$28,000. (Average: $18,000)
THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS
(WB) and BRINGING UP FATHER
(Mono.)— HIPPODROME (2.100) (40c-50c-
60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,800. (Average:
$10,000)
THE RETURN OF MONTE CRISTO
(Col.) and LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
(Col.) — LAFAYETTE (3,000) (40c-50c-60c
70c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average
$15,000)
THE SHOW-OFF (M-G-M) and STRANGE
JOURNEY (ZOth-Fox) — TECK (1,500) (40c
50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week on a move
over. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $6,000)
SISTER KENNY (RKO Radio) and CRIM-
INAL COURT (RKO Radio) — TWEN-
TIETH CENTURY (3,000) (40c-SOc-60c-70c)
7 days. Gross: $32,000. (Average: $16,000)
GOLDEN GATE (2,825) (65c-$1.00) With
Danny Kaye on stage. 7 days. Gross: $55,-
000. (Average: $32,000)
THE WICKED LADY (U-I) and THE
DEVIL'S MASK (Col.)— ESQUIRE (1,008)
(55c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average:
$6,000)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and CODE
OF THE WEST (RKO Radio)— PARA-
MOUNT (2,735) (60c-85c) 7 days. 2nd week.
Gross: $14,000. (Average: $23,000)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and CODE
OF THE WEST (RKO Radio)— UNITED
NATIONS (1,129) (60c-85c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Grss: $6,500. (Average: $6,000;
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.) and
CALENDAR GIRL (Rep.)— STATE M5)
7 days, 2nd week on moveover. fesent.s:
$9,000. (Average: $13,000)
THE WICKED LADY (U-I) and THE
DEVIL'S MASK (Col.) — TIVOLI (1,008)
(55c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average:
$14,000)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— UNITED ART-
ISTS (1,465) (85c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000.
(Average: $14,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
WARFIELD (2,672) (60c-85c) 7 days, 2nd
eek. Gross: $29,000. (Average: $27,000)
DENVER
"Open City" set a record at the
Rialto, and business for other films
held up fairly well despite snow and
cold weather. Estimated receipts for
the week ending Feb. 26 :
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.) and
THE PILGRIM LADY (Rep.)— ALADDIN
(1,400) (35c-74c) 7 days after week each at
the Denver, Webber. Gross: $5,500. (Aver-
age: $4,000)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) and]
BIG TOWN (Para.) — DENHAM (1,750)
(35c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, for "Marriage:"
Gross: $8,500. (Average: $11,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox) and
ROLLING HOME (Screen Guild)— DEN-
VER (2,525) (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date
with Esquire, Webber. Gross: $14,000.
(Average: $15,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox) and
ROLLING HOME (Screen Guild)— ES-
QUIRE (742) (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date
with Denver, Webber. Gross: $4,000. (Av-
erage: $3,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
and STRANGE VOYAGE (Mono.)— OR
PHEUM (2,600) (35c-74c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $15,500. (Average: $15,500)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and THE
FABULOUS SUZANNE (Rep.) — PARA-
MOUNT (2,200) (35c-74c) 7 days. Gross:
$10,000. (Average: $8,000)
OPEN CITY (Mayer-Burstyi*)^RIALTO
(878) (35c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000.
(Average: $3,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox) and
ROLLING HOME (Screen Guild)— WEB-
BER (750) (34c-74c) 7 days, day and date
with Denver, Esquire. Gross: $3,000.
(Average: $2,000)
MINNEAPOLIS
SAN FRANCISCO
Top honors here go to the Golden
Gate Theatre, where a Danny Kaye
stage show is coupled with "The Lone
Wolf in Mexico." Estimated receipts
for the week ending Feb. 28 :
TEMPTATION (U-I) and SECRET OF
THE WHISTLER (Col.) -OEPEEUM
(2 440) (55c-85c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross:
S9.500. (Averase: $14,000")
NORA PRENTISS (WB) and DANGER-
OUS MONEY (Mono.)— FOX (4,651) (60c-
85c) 5 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average for 7
days: $32,000)
THE LONE WOLF IN MEXICO (CoL)—
"California" paced the week's busi-
ness, with "The Jolson Story" run-
ning a good second. Estimated recipts
for the week ending Feb. 27 :
BOOM TOWN (M-G-M reissue)— CEN-
TURY (1,500) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$6,500. (Average: $7,500)
FLYING DEUCES (RKO Radio reissue)—
GOPHER (1,000) (44c-50c) 7 days. Gross:
$4,000. (Average: $3,400)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (ZOth-
Fox)— LYRIC (1,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week, on moveover from Radio City.
Gross: $4,700. (Average: $6,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— RKO OR
PHEUM (2,800) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $11,500)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — RADIO CITY (4,-
000) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $23,500. (Av-
erage: $18,000)
TEMPTATION (U-I) — RKO PAN (1,500)
(S0c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average:
$8,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— STATE
(2,300) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000.
(Average: $13,500)
Benjamin Webster, 82
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Benjamin
Webster, 82, veteran actor on the
English-speaking stage, died here to-
day, following an operation on Feb.
14. He was the husband of Dame May
Whitty, and the father of Margaret
Webster, actress, director and pro-
ducer.
Thursday, February 27, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Booklet Describes
M. P. Foundation
A 32-page booklet describing the
Motion Picture foundation is in proc-
ess of being printed for distribution
to all theatres, circuit heads, equip-
ment dealers, him exchanges, home
omces and executives of allied in-
dustries, Foundation headquarters
he;- jnnounced yesterday. About
24C\, ^copies will be sent out in time
to be received the last week in
March.
The booklet was prepared follow-
ing the recommendation of the tem-
porary public relations committee
which submitted a report to the Foun-
dation's steering committee after the
organizational meeting held in New
Orleans on Dec. 3-4.
Entitled "Digest of Information,"
the booklet will contain complete de-
tails on the Foundation so that those
who will take part in the organiza-
tion of area committees will possess
a full knowledge of the Foundation
and its aims, it is said.
Organizational meetings in vari-
ous areas are scheduled to take place
in April. The names of area chair-
men who will have charge of organ-
izing committees in the field for the
Foundation will be announced in a
few days. '
4,000 Out as Strike
Enters 6th Month
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Four thous
and studio workers are still on strike,
according to a checkup made today at
the end of the fifth month of the Con-
ference of Studio Unions' strike. This
is about 14 per cent of normal studio
personnel.
The strike hit its peak on Oct.
14th, when 1,500 laboratory workers
flouted their international officers to
observe picket lines. About 1,000 of
these have returned to work.
Settlement was regarded as remote
as ever as the strike entered its sixth
month.
Lober and Silverstein
Get New Loew Posts
LouiB Lober and Maurice Silver-
stein have been named associate re-
gional directors of Loew's Internation-
al Corp. by Morton A. Spring, vice-
president in charge of sales and thea-
tre operations abroad.
Lober, who was assistant to David
Lewis, regional director for Europe,
North Africa, Egypt and the Middle
East, becomes Loew regional director
for that same region. Silverstein is
likewise promoted from assistant to
Uddie F. O'Connor, regional director
tor the Far East, to associate director.
Lober is scheduled to leave New York
on March 17 for a tour of M-G-M
offices in his region.
Seidelman to Europe
For U'l Convention
Joseph A. Seidelman, president of
Universal-International, will leave
New York for Europe on March 7th
to prepare for U-I's first convention
since the war, which will be held in
Paris toward the end of March.
Others who will attend the conven-
tion from here are Al Daff, assistant
to Seidelman, Fortunat Baronat, pub-
licity department chief, and possibly
rlarry bugarman, head of the 16mm.
department.
Stay Bid Unlikely
(Continued from page 1 )
Chicago Strike Ends
Chicago, Feb.26. — Balaban & Katz's
Admiral Theatre has reopened after
staying closed for six weeks because
of a union controversy with the pro-
jectionists. The theatre will remain
open during the negotiation period.
The controversy began when B. & K.
wanted to discontinue matinees. The
union says that the projectionists
should be absorbed elsewhere in the
circuit.
SIMPP Will Move
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — The Soci-
ety of Independent Motion Picture
Producers will move its headquarters
on April 1 from the Pantages The-
atre Building, here, to North Canon
Drive, Beverly Hills, in order to ac-
comodate its expanding activities and
personnel, Donald M. Nelson, presi-
dent, announced today.
REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS. INC.
1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686
Complete Film and
Disc Recording Facilities
reached, Caskey pointed out that, al
though the companies have appealed
from the price-fixing ban, with spe
cial emphasis on roadshowing, none
of them have any films which they
desire to roadshow at present, and
minimum price clauses already have
been eliminated from present con
tracts.
Partial divorcement, under the local
court's ruling, already has been
stayed two years, Caskey further
pointed out, adding that a request for
a stay of abolition of the industry
arbitration system does not seem prac
tical. This and most other provi
sions of the decree are scheduled to
become effective April 1.
Competitive bidding, effective July
1, has not been appealed by Loew's,
RKO, 20th-Fox or Warners, which
precludes their asking for a stay of
that provision, Caskey explained.
Paramount, although appealing on
bidding, has already started licensing
some of its films through that method.
Caskey said the five companies'
praecipe, to be filed within a few
days, will ask that the full record
of the case be forwarded to the Su
preme Court, including the Govern-
ment's Aug., 1944 motion for modifi
cation of the consent decree. This
document was excluded from the
praecipe filed by the Department of
Justice.
The law, Caskey explained, gives
the New York court 40 days in which
to pass the appeals along to Wash
ington. Thereafter, the Supreme
Court is likely to rule that "probable
jurisdiction is noted," he said, adding
however, that a hearing on the merits
of the case could be called.
First step after the case is accepted
will be for the defendants and the
Department to meet and agree on
what parts of the record are to be
nrinted, with numerous exhibits likely
to be eliminated, Caskey said.
He concluded that a hearing of the
appeals before next fall is unlikely
and declared they are all virtually
certain to be heard at the same time
Plan Stoppage of
Newsreels in UK
London, Feb. 26.— Distribu-
tors of newsreels in the
United Kingdom, are con-
sidering abandoning the reels,
production of which has al-
ready been sharply curtailed
as a result of laboratory
shut-downs brought about by
the coal crisis.
At present, under crisis-
inspired restrictions, the
newsreels consume 1,500,000
feet of film per week. This is
the amount of footage the
British Board of Trade has
recommended be saved each
week for the rest of the year
if the entire industry is not
to be imperiled by a complete
lack of rawstock before the
year's end.
Hollanders to Coast
For Month's Vacation
Chicago, Feb. 26. — William K.
Hollander, director of publicity, adver-
tising and exploitation for Balaban &
Katz, and Mrs. Hollander, will leave
for a month's vacation on the West
Coast tomorrow. They will spend two
weeks at the La Quinta Hotel, which
is owned in part by B. and K. head
John Balaban, and two weeks at the
Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly
Hills. On March 19, Hollander will
be feted at a luncheon given by B.
and K. "alumni" who have worked in
his department during the past 25
years. William Pine, Paramount pro-
ducer, is chairman in charge of ar-
rangements for the luncheon.
Laboratories
(Continued from page 1 )
which normally handles 80 per cent
of the nation's rawstock output. East-
man foresees some possibility of ob-
taining a special solid fuel allocation,
bv which means the company can
possibly achieve 50 per cent of normal
production.
A deputation of an all-industry com-
mittee and British Board of Trade
officials met here today for a general
exchange of views designed to lead to
an endeavor to obtain amelioration for
the industry from the government.
The conclave resulted in the officials'
offer of a considerable reduction in
governmental print demands, and dis-
tributors and exhibitors agreeing with
the BOT that 1,500,000 feet of raw-
stock must be conserved weekly for
the rest of the year. The industry
representatives said special releasing
arrangements would have to be made
to effect the saving, but in view of the
threatened darkening of laboratories
there is little hope of starting the
emergency arrangements.
BOT officials estimate that with
pooled rawstock resources about 11,-
500,000 feet will be available weekly.
This estimate is dependent on how
long the present fuel emergency lasts
in the London area, and is regarded
in trade ciracles as unduly optimistic.
Coast Newsmen Cite
Goldwyn and Capra
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Samuel
Goldwyn's production of "The Best
Years of Our Lives" and Frank Cap-
ra for his direction of "It's a Wonder-
ful Life" were presented tonight with
citations by the Hollywood Foreign
Correspondents Asociation at the .or-
ganization's annual ceremonies at the
Hollywood Roosevelt.
Awards for 1946 also were given to
Gregory Peck for his performance in
"The Yearling," Rosalind Russell for
"Sister Kenny" and Anne Baxter and
Clifton Webb for supporting perform-
ances in "The Razor's Edge."
Independent Artists
Signs Allen Rivkin
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Allen Rivkin
has been signed to a producer-writer
contract by Independent Artists, Inc.,
and will report immediately to this
company's offices at the RKO Radio
studio.
Edward Dmytryk has been signed
to a new long-term contract as an
RKO Radio producer-director. His
next assignment is the direction, most-
ly in Switzerland, of "The White
Tower," by James Ramsey Ullman.
Ecclesine to CBS
Joseph A. Ecclesine has left Time
magazine to join Columbia Broad-
casting's sales promotion department.
Ban 'Grapes' in Oslo
Exhibition of Darryl F. Zanuck's
"Grapes of Wrath" has been barred
by authorities in Oslo, Norway, be-
cause American distributors insisted
that audiences were to be informed
that conditions portrayed in the film
are not normal in the U. S., according
to press dispatches reaching here from
Oslo. The distributors also sought to
have inserted at the film's end an ex-
planation that the "less flattering" as-
pects of American life depicted have
since been improved.
"B0MBA THE JUNGLE BOY"
First of a series, based on the famous best selling
BOMBA BOOKS, is the initial feature of a program
to be produced by HARRY STERN PRODUCTIONS.
IN PREPARATION
"IMPERIAL VALLEY"
"RHYTHM of the REDWOODS"
HARRY STERN* pVo*D U C T I O N S
SUITE 20S
118 SO. BEVERLY DR.. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.
The BOMBA BOOKS, published by Cupples and Leon Publishing
Co., New York, have registered sales of well over 1,000,000
copies since first date of publication; sales for 1946 over 75,000.
Motion Picture daily
Thursday, February 27, 1947 |
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood. Feb. 26
MAUREEN O'SULLIVAN, who
has been absent from the screen
for nearly five years, will resume
her career in the lead in "The Big
Clock." Her husband, John Far-
row, will direct the film for Para-
mount, and Ray Milland and Charles
Laughton have been assigned stellar
roles. . . . Jan Grippo, who produces
the "Bowery Boys" series for Mono-
gram, has had his contract extended.
The new pact calls for eight pictures,
to be made within a two-year period.
•
Frederick Brisson, head of Inde-
pendent Artists', producing company
which releases through RKO Radio,
has purchased "Lucky Penny," orig-
inal by Jack Rubin and Mindret
Lord. . . . Carole Landis has been
signed by Eagle-Lion for a lead in
"Out of the Blue." She will co-star
with Virginia Mayo and Turhan Bey.
. . . Current unrest in China has
prompted Sam Bischoff to cancel
plans to send a crew to Shanghai to
shoot backgrounds for his forthcom-
ing production," Intrigue," which will
star George Raft.
•
Producers Jesse L. Lasky and
Walter MacEwen are conducting, a
search through Eastern colleges —
Vassar, Bryn Mawr, Smith and
Wellesley among them — for a girl
to play opposite Fred MacMurray in
"The Miracle of the Bells" . . . Wil-
liam Cameron Menzies will direct
"Purgatory Street," next Interwood
production for Universal-Interna-
tional . . . Maurice Conn has en-
gaged Leslie Goodwins to direct
"Dark Bullet," first Fortune Film
which Conn will produce for Screen
Guild release.
Irving Reis has been signed by U-I
to a long-term directorial contract.
. . . "The Golden Stallion," recently
purchased by Republic, will- serve as
a starring vehicle for Roy Rogers.
It is to be filmed in Trucolor. . . .
Leon Shamroy, three times a winner
of the Academy award for cinematog-
raphy, has been signed to a new long-
term contract by 20th Century-Fox,
as a result of his work on "Forever
Amber," which studio executives be-
lieve will put him in line for a fourth
award.
•
David O. Selznick has purchased
the rights to "Rupert of Hentzau,"
which was first produced a quarter-
of-a-century ago by Selznick^ bro-
ther, Myron. French star Louis
Jourdan is set for the title role,
and Italian actress Valli will play
"Queen Flavia" . . . Betty Hutton
has been assigned the title role in
"Dream Girl," Paramount's version
of Elmer Rice's Broadway play.
•
Sol Siegel, recently signed to a
producer pact at 20th Century-Fox,
has been assigned to make "Lydia
Bailey," from a novel by Kenneth
Roberts. Much of the s'tory is hid
in Haiti, and will be filmed on the
spot. . . . Zoltan Korda has been en-
gaged by U-I to direct "The Mortal
Coil," screen version of Aldous Hux-
ley's famed story, "The Giaconda
Smile."
Reviews
Danger Street
{Pine-Thomas-Paramount)
Hollywood, Feb. 26
JANE WITHERS and Robert Lowery are the top names in a comedy
melodrama of the kind which William Pine and William Thomas have
produced so often and so successfully. That it is not as good as their best is
traceable in part to the screenplay, by Maxwell Shane, Winston Miller and
Kae Salkow. The plot is too contrived to be convincing, and the behavior of
the leading characters such as to be irritating to an adult audience.
Lowery is cast as the editor of a picture magazine; Miss Withers is the
staff photographer. The two hire out as servants to a publicity-shy heiress
in order to get photographs of her and her friends. When one of the pictures
turns out to be evidence that the heiress' finance is somewhat less than single-
minded 'romantically, murder ensues. Miss Withers and Lowery thereafter
attempt to discover the identity of the killer. Their bungling efforts nearly
knot a noose around Lowery's neck, but another photograph saves the day—
and Lowery's neck — after 66 minutes of somewhat uninspired sleuthing.
Lew Landers directed.
Running time, 66 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. j g'
Blondie's Holiday"
{Columbia)
rpURNISHING the usual light entertainment for the whole family the
A bumsteads go through another of their multiple crises with Dagwood
bungling his way out of his job and back in again, while Blondie, anxious to
impress her school-mates with Dagwood's success, offers to have Dagwood
pay the check for a lavish reunion of their high school class. In a fast finish
in which Dagwood, having been caught by the police in a raid on a "bookie
joint, is bailed out by his exasperated ex-boss, Jerome Cowan, all things
come out right side up, with Dagwood appearing at the crucial moment at
the reunion to rescue Blondie from embarrassment.
Produced by Burt Kelly and directed by Abby Berlin, from a screenplay
by Constance Lee, the picture features Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake Larry
Simms and Marjone Kent, as the Bumsteads. Also in the cast are Sid
lomack, as a coarse racetrack tout who teaches Dagwood how to pick
winners,' plus Grant Mitchell, Mary Young, Jeff York, Jody Gilbert and
Anne Nagel.
Running time, 67 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not
set Irving Kaplan
"The Lone Hand Texan"
{Columbia)
CHvni?i!;v^nStIARRETT,a\;he ^rUrang° Kid is pitted a^inst
y villainy in the person of Mary Newton, the principal point which dis-
tinguishes this one from its predecessors. Miss Newton, who appears to be
living a respectable life in a newly-developed frontier oil center, actually heads
a band of desperadoes bent on discouraging independent oil prospectors by
blowing up their well riggings. She succeeds in deceiving all but Durango.
Smiley Burnette, who becomes smitten with Miss Newton, cavorts through
some slap-stick sequences and renders a few Western ditties in company
with a guitar-playing pair called Mustard and Gravy. The proceedings,
marked with much hard-riding and gun-fighting, produce several quick-
changes on Starrett s part whenever the appearance of the black-clad masked
Durango is necessary to strike fear in the hearts of the villains. Completing
the cast are Fred Sears, Maude Prickett, George Chesebro, Robert Stevens
Bob Cason, and others Ray Nazarro directed with an eye to fast action!
Colbert Clark produced.
Running time, 57 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
March 6- Charles L. Franke
"The Devil Thumbs a Ride"
{RKO Radio)
T AWRENCE TIERNEY of "Dillinger" fame again cuts loose with pistol
JL. and fists m a portrayal of a stone-hearted, ruthless stick-up guy who
dupes a traveling salesman into providing automobile transportation and a
beach lodge hide-out in his unsuccessful attempt to elude the relentless arm
of the law. The film is an elemental but peppy cops-and-robbers opus which
should keep the customers wide-awake and watching. It appears destined to
make box-office showings ranging from middling to good, depending on the
tastes of patrons in given neighborhoods.
Following his killing of a theatre manager in a hold-up, Tierney hitches
a ride with a gullible, somewhat inebriated salesman (Ted North) who later
'also accommodates a couple of girl hitch-hikers. Hot on Tierney's trail is
detective Harry Shannon, accompanied by gas station attendant Glenn Vernon
who had given the cops a tip-off on the criminal's possible whereabouts.
Tierney stops at nothing to cover himself, not even at killing one of the girls,
who had discovered his true identity. There are some exciting automobile-chase
sequences and some comedy relief hinging upon Shannon's and Vernon's
poker-playing propensities. Completing the' cast are Nan Leslie, Betty Law-
ford, Andrew Tombes, Marian Carr, and others. Felix Feist directed, from
his own screenplay, based on a novel by Robert C. DuSoe. Herman Sc'hlom's
production was given a good polish.
Running time, 62 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. C. L. F.'
RCA's 1946 Net
Is $10,985,053
Net earnings of Radio Corp. of
America in 1946 amounted to $10,-
985,053, equivalent to 56 cents per
share of common stock, it is disclosed
in RCA's 27th annual report, released
here by David Sarnoff, president, yes-
terday. This compares with $' 1 317,-
068 in 1945, when earnings, af^sentay-
ment of preferred dividends, "Wert
equivalent to 59 cents per share.
Total gross income from all sources
amounted to $236,980,770, representing
a decrease of 15 per cent, compared
with the 1945 total of $279,503,615,
when the corporation was still en-
gaged in filling Government orders.
As of Dec. 31, 1946, RCA person-
nel numbered 39,361, representing an
increase of 6,376 over the total at the
end of 1945.
London, Feb. 26. — British and Do-
minions Films has declared a final
ordinary stock dividend of seven-and-
one-half per cent for the year ending
last October, making total declarations
for the year 10 per cent, compared
with seven-and-one-half per cent for
1945. Profits after taxation increased
by $292,000, to $412,000. The company
is also paying a three per cent interim
dividend for this year.
Chase National Bank has sold some
4,000 shares of RKO Radio common
stock underlying scrip certificates for
fractional shares. Holders of the scrip
certificates, which amount to l/24th
of a share each, have until March 19
to claim their shares of the proceeds
of the sale, ■ estimated at 58^ cents
each.
Boasberg Luncheon
At Astor, Mar. 27
Charles Boasberg, newly-appointed
RKO Radio district manager, will
be given a testimonial luncheon at the
Hotel Astor on March 27 by a com-
mittee of local theatre owners, headed
by Harry Brandt, and including the
following :
Leo Brecher, Max A. Cohen,
Oscar Doob, Julius Joelson, Malcolm
Kingsberg, Walter Reade, Jr., Sam
Rinzler, Sam Rosen, Edward- N.
Rugoff, Joseph Seider, Fred
Schwartz, Sol Straussberg, Robert
Weitman, William White, David
Weinstock, chairman of the arrange-
ments committee, and Ray Moon,
chairman of the distributors' com-
mittee.
Vanguard Outdoor Ad
Vanguard Films is one of three ad-
vertisers participating in an outdoor
motion picture advertising display
which has been installed by Pixad,
Inc., atop the building at 1485 Broad-
way here. The 450 square-foot screen
operates in eight-minute cycles with
three-minute intermissions.
Footballers to Films
Washington, Feb. 26. — The War
Department, reversing a previous de-
cision, has granted football stars Glenn
Davis and Felix (Doc) Blanchard
permission to make a motion picture
in Hollywood. Although the pair are
understood to have made no definite
arrangements with any studio, several
are reported interested.
Thursday, February 27, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
NCCJLaudsIndustry
( Continued from page 1 )
Week" ended last Sunday.
Clinchy singled out the industry's
trade papers for "special thanks" for
their aid and cooperation in bringing
the purpose of the drive to all parts
of the industry.
While the special observance of
"Brotherhood Week" has terminated,
all fjssakers emphasized that their ef-
fort- enroll 250,000 new members
wouSu'' continue throughout the year,
with Spyros P. Skouras, chairman of
the film division, announcing that he
has already consented to remain as
head of next year's campaign.
Reports indicating last year's re-
sults were exceeded by 50 and 100
per cent in enrollment increases and
donations, respectively, were given by
David Weinstock, Robert W. Coyne,
Tom Connors, Rodney H. Smith,
Roger Ferri, Eddie Solomon, Emil
Friedlander, Arthur Israel, Malcolm
Kingsberg, Leon Bamberger, William
White, Harry Greenman and Sam
Shain. Chairman of the luncheon was
J. Robert Rubin.
Also among those present were :
Charles Alicoate, George Feinberg,
Henry Ferber, William German, Jo-
seph Stahl, Harry Goldberg, James
Jerauld, Samuel Mathnovitch, Gilbert
Miller, Louis Novins, Irving Kaplan,
Brock Pemberton, Herman Schleier,
Max Seligman, Ned Shugrue, and M.
H. Shapiro.
Crasto to Hong Kong
As RKO Manager
J. Remi Crasto has been appointed
RKO Radio manager in Hong Kong
by Phil Reisman, vice-president in
charge of foreign distribution, the
home office here announces. Crasto
had been assistant manager in India.
Wolfe, Duff Leave RKO
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Manny Wolfe
has resigned as head of the RKO
Radio story and writing departments.
A similar amicable agreement was
reached between the studio and pro-
ducer Warren Duff, who will leave
upon completion of "Out of the Past."
Neither has announced new affiliations.
Goldstone Joins RKO
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Richard
Goldstone, formerly with M-G-M
and Columbia, has joined RKO-Radio
as a producer under the supervision
of Dore Schary to make "specialized
type" product, the nature of which is
not revealed.
ATA on Bidding
(Continued from page 1)
petition to intervene in the case and
from that part of the decision relating
to bidding.
The appeal documents, prepared by
Thurman Arnold for the ATA, and
Paul Williams for the SCTOA, as-
sert that if the distributors had en-
tered into an agreement to conduct
their sales on a competitive bidding
basis they would have been in viola-
tion of the anti-trust law.
Interference with the property
rights of the exhibitor is the basis
of the objections raised.
George B. Brooks, counsel for the
Confederacy of Southern Associa-
tions, said here last night that his
organization's appeal papers are now
being prepared and will be submitted
to the court tomorrow.
Paramount and Press
Toast French Star
Maud Lamy, Parisian actress, was
given a luncheon by Paramount at the
Hotel Astor, here, yesterday. Present
from the company were : Russell Hol-
man, Curtis Mitchell, Clement Crystal,
C. N. Odell, Sid Mesibov. Paul Ack-
erman, Gordon Swarthout, Hal Perei-
ra, Harry Bruckman, Mary Butler,
Armand Cardea, Floyd C. Henry,
Marian Jordan, Milton Kirshenberg,
Abe Piatt, Linda Salzberger, Edith
Talcott and Ed Sullivan.
Several new Paramount features,
as yet unselected, will be dubbed with
foreign-language sound tracks accord-
ing to a new, long-range contract
signed with Edward J. and Harry
Lee Danziger, owners of Eastern
Sound studios. Eastern has already
dubbed 21 Paramount pictures.
Hitchcock, Hamilton
To Do Film Together
Patrick Hamilton, English play-
wright, will go to Hollywood in April
to write the screenplay of his play,
"Rope," which will be produced by
Transatlantic Pictures and directed by
Alfred Hitchcock. Hamilton also
wrote "Gaslight," produced by
M-G-M, and "Hangover Square,"
produced by 20th Century-Fox.
Hamilton has signed a deal with
Sidney L. Bernstein, who is associated
with Hitchcock in the new independent
company.
William Truog Honored
Kansas City, Feb. 26. — Reproduc-
tion of scenes in the life of William
E. Truog, United Artists branch man-
ager, were enacted by members of the
industry at a party in his honor at the
Muehlebach Hotel here. Elmer C.
Rhoden of Fox' Midwest territory,
presented Truog with a radio on be-
half of friends. Arthur Cole was
toastmaster.
Russell To Be Cited
Harold Russell, star of Samuel
Goldwyn's "Best Years of Our Lives,"
will be presented with the first anni-
versary award plaque of Salute Maga-
zine _ by Jeremiah Ingersoll, editor-
publisher of the magazine, at a lunch-
eon at the Hotel Astor on Monday.
Fredric March is scheduled to be one
of the speakers, and Gen. Omar Brad-
ley is expected to be present.
Nutt Named RKO Editor
Hollywood, Feb. 26. — William Nutt
has been appointed RKO Radio story
editor under William J. Fadiman, ex-
ecutive assistant to Dore Schary.
Para.PriceDropScores
(Continued from page 1)
from opening to one o'clock. Previ-
ously it had been scaled from 70 to
95 cents for that time period. The
new attraction is "Suddenly It's
Spring," with Johnny Long's orches-
tra on the stage.
The theatre management said 1,-
500 customers were on line when the
house opened and the one o'clock
check showed attendance of 8,400.
While the results of the admission
cut at the Paramount were the focal
point of attention of other Broadway
theatremen, they reported business in
the area was not affected to any ap-
parent extent. All maintain that they
are not considering reductions.
M. P. Forum
(Continued from page 1)
be a year or more away.
Wehrenberg declined to elaborate
on the reasons for cancellation of the
New York meeting and the abandon-
ment of the plans for the forum for
the time being. However, it is known
that Allied States has not accepted
the invitation to attend the March 10-
11 meeting and that the Pacific Coast
Conference of Independent Theatre
Owners had declined an invitation.
The Conference of Independent Ex-
hibitor Associations, which was
awaiting its cue from Allied, also has
not responded.
Exhibitors observers here believe
that these defections eliminated the
possibility of any solid front of nation-
al exhibitor representation for the
New York meeting and consequently
for the forum itself.
The Motion Picture Theatre Own-
ers of America, of which Wehren-
berg is president ; the American Thea-
tres Association, the Independent
Theatre Owners Association of New
York and the Southern California
Theatre Owners Association had an-
nounced their intention of attending
the meeting.
Minnesota Sales Levy
Faces Defeat
Minneapolis, Feb. 26. — With Sen.
Neumeier of Stillwater, leading the
fight for a general two per cent sales
tax, efforts to have the current ses-
sion of the state legislature adopt the
levy appeared to have collapsed when
the speaker and majority leader in a
joint statement declared that the
measure is unnecessary, because "we
have just passed through an era of
great prosperity as far as government
receipts in this state are concerned."
Wyoming Legislature
By-Passes Industry
Washington, Feb. 26. — At least
one state legislature will not have be-
fore it a proposal to raise admission
taxes or impose new ones. The Wy-
oming legislature has closed its 1947
session without passing any measure
of harm to the industry, The Motion
Picture Association reports here.
Wyoming was the first of 44 state
legislatures to adjourn.
Eastern Seating Expands
Transfer of Eastern Seating Co. to
larger quarters in Springfield Gardens,
L. I., from its present site in Brook-
lyn is expected to be completed by
Saturday.
Hoskwitz to Warners
Arnold Hoskwitz, formerly with
Samuel Goldwyn and Myron Selz-
nick, has joined Warners as assistant
to Harry Mayer, new head of the tal-
ent department in New York.
Willingham, Ex-MGM
Manager, Dies at 51
Dallas, Feb. 26.— Jay Frank Will-
ingham, 51, recently retired as
M-G-M branch manager in St. Louis,
died at his home here yesterday. He
was stricken early last year. He is
survived by his widow and a four-year
old son.
A member of the Masonic Blud
Lodge, Scottish Rite Masonic Cathe-
dral, a Shriner, the American Legion
and Variety Club, Willingham joined
M-G-M in 1923 as booker and office
manager, after having been with
World Film, Select Pictures, Ameri-
can Releasing and Selznick Pictures.
M. Gerson's Family
Gets Most of Estate
Philadelphia, Feb. 26. — Morris
Gerson, theatre owner who died on
Jan. 29, left most_ of his $25,000 estate
to members of his family. One share
of stock each in the Colonial Amuse-
ment Co. and Borger Realty Co. went
to his son, Philip, and his daughter,
Mrs. Sadie Fertel. The rest of his
estate Gerson left to his wife, Sadie.
Mrs. E. R. J. Hope, 90
London, Feb. 26. — Mrs. Elizabeth
Raines Jefferson Hope, 90, mother of
Mrs. Hope Burnup, manager of Quig-
ley Publications' London Bureau, died
today at her home in Sheffield. Peter
Burnup, Mrs. Hope's son-in-law, is
editor of the bureau.
NY Ad Bill
(Continued from page
1)
pending legislation.
State Chancellor William J. Wallin,
one-time Yonkers mayor, said today
that the bill was necessary "if we are
to do a complete and effective job of
censoring motion pictures, as a large
body of people think we should do."
"If that is not our assignment," he
continued, "some State agency should
say so.
Wallin added that the authority
vested by the bill would be used with
discretion. Declaring that there was
no intention of reviewing every piece
of copy, he said that "all decisions
would be reviewable by the courts."
"Assuming responsibility as spokes-
men for the advertising and publicity
personnel of the industry," the Asso-
ciated Motion Picture Advertisers has
gone on record as being opposed to
the pending Wilson-Condon bill.
Rutgers Neilson, AMP president,
by authority of the board of directors,
in a telegram to Governor Dewey
said, in part : "The Associated Motion
Picture Advertisers strongly urges
you to veto the Wilson-Condon motion
picture censorship bill."
The industry's supplementary brief
attacking the Wilson-Condon bill was
sent to Governor Dewey last night.
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Motion picture daily
Thursday, February 27, 1947
Five Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
fixing deprives the defendants of
their rights under the copyright laws
and deprives the public of exceptional
pictures.
That prohibition against owning
theatres jointly with independent ex-
hibitors, except for interests exceed-
ing 95 per cent or not exceeding 5
per cent, "did not result from the
trial of any issue tendered by the
plaintiff."
And that the failure to permit the
exhibitor defendants to acquire addi-
tional theatres to protect their in-
vestments or enter competitive fields
"is far more restrictive" than the
decree directed by the Supreme Court
in the Crescent Amusement case.
Paramount's assignment of errors,
while identical in many respects with
that of the other four defendants,
differs in three particulars. Besides
appealing from single sales and com-
petitive bidding, it objects much more
lengthily to the partial-divestiture
clause than do the co-appellants. Also,
it accepts the ban on pooling agree-
ments with independent exhibitors,
while Loew's, RKO, 20th-Fox and
Warners cite that injunction as an
error of the local court.
Court Said to be Wrong
Declaring that the court erred in
finding that the defendants discrimi-
nated against small independent ex-
hibitors, agreed with their licensees
to grant discriminatory privileges to
affiliated theatres and conspired as
exhibitors to receive such privileges,
the five companies specifically pro-
test the court's judgment that they
"acted in concert in their grant of
clearance and run." While accepting
the court's bans on clearance be-
tween theatres not in substantial com-
petition, they object to having the
burden of the proof of "reasonable"
clearance in competitive situations
placed upon the distributors.
Yesterday's appeal does not ques-
tion the court's prohibition of fran-
chise deals, formula deals and master
agreements, although objection to
these clauses was raised earlier in
appeals by Universal and United Art-
ists, which, along with Columbia, are
the non-theatre-owning defendants in
the case. Like these three defendants,
Paramount appeals from the court's
grant of a 20 per cent cancellation
privilege on features sold prior to
trade showing, but Loew's, RKO,
20th-Fox and Warners accept this
provision.
Industry Arbitration
With regard to industry arbitration,
the five co-appellants point out that
the court held that the system has
"demonstrated its usefulness" and
urged its continuance on a voluntary
basis. "The court's holding that it
lacked the power to continue the sys-
tem is contrary to the decision in
United States vs. Swift & Co.," the
appeal declares.
The appellant's objection to the
court's ban on fixing admission prices
is predicated on the fact that many
features are licensed on percentage
terms. During the period of exhibi-
tion, the defendants declare, "the li-
censor has an immediate and direct
interest in the admission prices
charged. The prohibition imposed bv
the court has particular effect in the
case of a feature of unusual cost,
(Continued in column 4)
'Carnegie Hall9
(Continued from Page 1)
flirtation with those who prefer their notes hot.
Marsha Hunt is the mother, and William Prince grows up to be her
piano-playing son. When they are not living in the shadow of Carnegie Hall,
they are living right on the premises. The parade of the years throws mother
and budding bov into contact with many of the noted virtuosi who play the
Hall. But Prince leans toward the new in music, leaves home to join Mon-
roe's band, comes back to write the "57th Street Rhapsody" m a debut at
Carnegie. This reconciles mother and son and patches the temporary rift
between the boy and his wife, Martha O'Driscoll.
THE narrative thread is not too weighty, nor is it new. But it is highly
serviceable and made innocuously palatable under Edgar G. Ulmer's direc-
tion, aided by a nice array of performances chiefly in the hands of Miss Hunt,
Prince, Frank McHugh and Miss O'Driscoll. Of this limited cast, the first
three do the best jobs. Miss Hunt is understanding as the mother. Prince
is boyish, enthusiastic and likeable in what is a better performance than any
he rendered Warner. McHugh is the Irish attache and all-around Good
Samaritan. . „
But the professional players are not the real stars of ' Carnegie Hall.
These are the real-to-life stars of the concert and orchestra stage. Unaccus-
tomed to cameras and lights, all of them do unusually well in the dramatic
bits which they are called upon to perform. In their real-to-life tasks as con-
temporary leaders in music they are, of course, completely professional and
accomplished.
Producers William Le Baron and Boris Morros, moreover, were particu-
larly adroit in tailoring their musical catalogue. Wisely, they have resisted
whatever temptations perhaps confronted them to roam beyond the ken of
the popularly known classics and near-classics. Thus, Walter Damrosch con-
ducts parts of the Tschaikowsky piano concerto and one of the "Leonora"
overtures of Beethoven. The list is too long to enumerate.
BY title itself, "Carnegie Hall" has an asset which will attract many and
make others cautious. But what they will be seeing is a first-class job
of picture-making, designed for a broad appeal and drawing upon established
concertists to project this. Before any exhibitor predetermines that classical
music is not for his audience he had better check around to fortify such a
position. He will find more people like, and listen to, good music than he may
suspect. This is something to bear well in mind when he considers "Carnegie
Hall." He may find himself attracting patronage not normally flowing to his
theatre and substantial reason to conclude his regulars will also be on hand,
as usual. .
Running time, 134 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Red Kann
Valley of Fear"
(Monogram)
JOHNNY MACK BROWN and his side-kick, Raymond Hatton, have
their hands full in this story, which concerns a land-grabbing plot engi-
neered by an ostensibly peaceable and trusted citizen of a frontier town. The
villain, played by Steve Darrell, whose machinations are pretty well concealed
from the townsfolk until the closing minutes of the film, leads the folks to
believe that banker Tristram Coffin is the culprit who swindled them out of
money so their mortgaged properties could be taken over by the Darrell
interests. However, some clever investigating by Johnny and Hatton, fol-
lowed by considerable shooting, fist-fighting and horseback chases, leads the
two to the real swindler who is duly turned over to the law.
This is standard Western fare, liberally sprinkled with the kind of action
which saddle-saga customers want. The cast is rounded out with Christine
Mclntyre, Ed Cassidy, Ted Adams, Eddie Parker, and others. Lambert
Hillyer directed, from an original by J. Benton Cheney. Production was
supervised by Charles J. Bigelow. _
Running time, 54 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
Feb. 15. C. L. F.
"Before Him All Rome Trembled"
(Super film)
FACTUAL or not, "Before Him All Rome Trembled," which brings Anna
Magnani to American audiences for the second time, on the heels of her
triumph in "Open City," is exciting film fare which traverses the path of
many a good U. S. cloak-and-dagger thriller about the underground in occu-
pied Europe and its heroic contributions to the liberation. Ostensibly based
on the work of Italian Anti-fascists operating in the Royal Opera House in
Rome, the film, directed by Carmine Gallone from a script written by him,
in collaboration with G. Gherard and C. Cataldo, offers a liberal portion of
Puccini's "Tosca" as an integral part of the background and action. In fact,
the opera quite obviously inspired the plot.
With English titles by Armando Macaluso providing an excellent explana-
tion of the story as it unfolds, the picture is "art house" material not only
because of the language barrier but also because of the operatic material.
However, as a story about two opera stars, portrayed by Miss Magnani and
Gino Sinimberghi, who shield an English agent at the risk of their own lives
their associates among stagehands engineer a spectacular escape at the climax
of a performance of "Tosca," it has flashes of suspense and action.
Apart from some annoying disturbances in the sound and an inability to
capture fidelity in the reproduction of the music, "Before Him All Rome
Trembled" — a title taken, incidentally, from the Puccini score — is a good
"quality" picture, capably directed and skillfully acted. Its basic drawback
lies in its slow pace, with the camera lingering too long on the opera per-
formance thereby impeding momentum of the climax.
Running time, 105 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. • L K.
Five Appeal
(Continued from column 1)
where it is necessary to 'roadshow'
the production. The limited number
of such features precludes the pos-
sibility that their continued produc-
tion and exhibition can be the basis
of an unlawful monopoly. The de-
cree as drawn will prevent the pro-
duction in the future of such fea-
tures," the appeal contends. £sent?
On the subject of partial » , esti-
ture, the appellants state that "the
decree compels these exhibitor de-
fendants to dispose of many valuable
theatre interests, unless they can ar-
range to purchase the partial inter-
est of their respective co-owners, and
then only if they can obtain court
approval of such purchase." Para-
mount, in addition, holds the the court
erred in not specifically decreeing
that the company might applv for per-
mission "to retain any presently-
owned partial interest in a theatre
or group of theatres upon a showing
to and finding by the court that re-
tention of such partial interest did
not and would not unreasonably re-
strain competition." Also in refusing
to decree that "in any case where it
is shown that a joint relationship be-
tween an exhibitor defendant and an
independent exhibitor resulted from a
sale by the defendant (or a trustee in
bankruptcy), the defendant may apply
to the court to continue such rela-
tionship to the extent to which, and
in the places to which the parties
were not in competition at the time
of the sale."
The assignment filed by Loew's,
RKO, 20th-Fox and Warners alleges
that the New York court made 39
errors, while Paramount cites 47.
Included are virtually all the findings
and conclusions with regard to price
fixing, those with regard to run and
clearance which hold that the defend-
ants "acquiesced in and forwarded"
a unified system, those which held
that theatre interests owned jointly
with independents enabled the parties
to operate the houses "collectively
rather than competitively" and elim-
inates competition ; as well as the pro-
vision that the consent decree entered
on Nov. 20, 1940, should be of no,
further effect.
Paramount and its affiliated com-
panies asks that the "decree, judg-
ment and final order be reversed and
a judgment entered in favor of each
of them." Loew's, RKO, 20th-Fox
and Warners asks that the "decree,
judgment and orders be reversed,
modified or corrected and that appro-
priate judgment be entered."
15 Additional Films
Get Legion Ratings
Fifteen additional features have
been classified by the National Legion
of Decency. One of these, "Man's
Hope" (Spanish), Lopert Films, has
been rated Class B. In Class A-I are:
Lopert's "Cage of Nightingales"
(French), RKO Radio's "Code of the
West" and "The Farmer's Daughter,"
Republic's "Heldorado" and "Last
Frontier Uprising," M-G-M's "It
Happened in Brooklyn," PRC's "Law
of the Lash," Universal's "Michigan
Kid," and Columbia's "Over the Santa
Fe Trail." Placed in Class A-II -are :
"Backlash," 20th Century-Fox ; "Queen
of the Amazons" and "Renegade Girl,"
both Screen Guild; "Suddenly It's
Spring," Paramount, and "That Bren-
nan Girl," Republic.
OT REM1
1 ^
61. NO. 41
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1947
TEN CENTS
Loew's Builds
Cash to Buy
Theatre Stock
Distribution Receipts
Down; Theatres Up 8%
Although Loew's theatre business
this year is running eight per cent
ahead of the same period last year
the company has refrained from
declaring an
extra dividend,
Charles C. Mos-
kowitz, vice-
president and
treasurer, told
the annual
meeting of
stockholde r s
here yesterday,
explaining that
a factor is the
possible need
for cash re-
serves to buy
up minority in-
terests in houses
jointly owned
with independent exhibitors which are
affected by the New York suit decree.
(Continued on page 7)
Charles Moskowitz
Loew's Directors,
Officers Reelected
Loew's stockholders at a meeting
here yesterday reelected all directors
who in turn continued in office all
officers of the company.
Officers are : Nicholas M. Schenck,
president ; vice presidents, J. Robert
Rubin, Alexander Lichtman, Edgar J.
Mannix, William F. Rodgers, How-
ard Dietz, Charles C. Moskowitz
(treasurer), Joseph R. Vogel, Benja-
min Thau, Leopold Friedman (secre-
tary), and Marvin H. Schenck; assis-
(Continued on page 7)
43 Win in 'Dimes'
'47 Drive Contest
Forty-three exhibitor "March of
Dimes' contest winners were an-
nounced here yesterday at a Hotel
Astor luncheon given by the National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to
trade press publishers and their repre-
sentatives who judged the campaigns
of the 2,116 theatre contestants. Some
(Continued on page 6)
UA Weighs Changes
In Its Management;
Raftery May Retire
Management changes within United
Artists are in the offing in conse-
quence of the concentration last week
of company ownership in the hands of
Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin.
Preliminary discussions have been
held concerning selection of a new
president of the company to replace
Edward C. Raftery who for long has
wished to relinquish the post and re-
turn to his law practice from which
he was drafted 'for the UA presidency
in 1941.
Several names have been proposed
already but discussions still are in
such an early stage that such nomi-
nations have only the status of sug-
gestions at the moment.
There has been mention, also, of
the election of Arthur W. Kelly as a
vice-president of the company. Kelly
was associated with UA for many
(Continued on page 7)
PRC Managers Will
Meet Here Saturday
Selling procedure for the remainder
of 1946-47 and reissuing plants for
nine Edward Small productions will
be the chief topics at a two-day meet-
ing of Producers Releasing Corp. dis-
trict managers to be held here Satur-
day and Sunday at the Warwick
(Continued on page 7)
Decision Stay Seen
Up to Chief Justice
Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson
of the U. S. Supreme Court
probably will be called upon
to rule on any motions for a
stay in the effective date
of competitive bidding and
other provisions of the final
decree in the industry anti-
trust suit, according to legal
observers here. Justice Jack-
son, they point out, normally
rules on preliminary matters
connected with appeals from
the New York area but is ex-
pected to disqualify himself
because he was Attorney Gen-
eral during a part of the time
when the film case was before
the Federal District Court
here.
Columbia Will Ask
For Bidding Stay
Columbia will ask the Supreme
Court to postpone competitive bidding
and single sales from the July 1, effec-
tive date set by the New York Fed-
eral District Court, until after the
high tribunal rules on the company's
appeal of the industry anti-trust suit,
Louis Frohlich, Columbia counsel,
said here yesterday.
At the same time, indication was
given that Universal attorneys also
lean toward asking for a stay of bid-
ding and possibly some other features
of the decree, although a final de-
(Continued on page 7)
MPA Urges Elimination of
Trade Bars for Geneva
Portuguese Solons
Defeat Quota Bill
By JOAO DE MORAS PALMEIRO
Lisbon, Feb. 26. — The Portuguese
National Assembly has rejected the
proposed new film quota law for this
country, and is now weighing the
few, relatively unimportant amend-
ments which were added to the origi-
nal text following its introduction.
Main points of the proposal were :
All theatres must devote one week
out of each six weeks' playing time to
Portuguese product ; all pictures en-
(Continued on page 6)
Provisions applying specifically to
films guaranteeing their protection
from discrimination in foreign coun-
tries is asked by the Motion Picture
Association of the U. S. delegation to
the international trade conference to
begin April 10 in Geneva.
In a 4.Vpage statement submitted to
the Committee for Reciprocity Infor-
mation, supplementary to one already
given, the MPA sets down "for the
convenience of the negotiators" what
it terms as ideal trade arrangements
to be sought, including the elimination
of quota limitations except only where
this would interfere with the opera-
tion of normal censorship laws and
regulations.
The brief, signed by MPA presi-
(Continucd on page 7)
See Forum End
A Death Knell
Of Arbitration
No Plan to Continue
System Remains Now
Wednesday's cancellation of the
March 10-11 meeting here to dis-
cuss formation of a motion picture
forum was seen by local exhibitors
yesterday as a possible death knell to
hopes for continuing the industry ar-
bitration system on a voluntary basis
beyond the April 1 termination date
for its accepting cases under the juris-
diction of the New York Federal
District Court.
Voluntary arbitration, endorsed by
both the court and a number of ex-
hibitor groups and leaders, had been
placed prominently on the agenda of
the March meeting by Fred Wehren-
berg, MPTOA president, who called
the session and then cancelled it be-
cause of some feeling that conciliation
machinery should not be prepared un-
til after the U. S. Supreme Court dis-
poses of the industry anti-trust suit.
That could be more than a year away.
(Continued on page 7)
WB Sets Clearance
Plans Under Decree
Plans for abiding by the industry
anti-trust suit's decree provision that
clearance in competitive areas shall
be "reasonable," with the burden of
proof placed on the distributor, were
discussed here yesterday afternoon at
the opening session of a two-day meet-
ing of Warner district managers. Ben
(Continued on page 7)
No Side Deals in
UA Sales: Raftery
Pittsburgh, Feb. 27.— Warning
that "no side agreements can lie writ-
ten into contracts with exhibitors."
Edward C. Raftery, United Artists
president, in an opening-day address
today told delegates to the company's
four-day regional meeting at the Wil-
(Conlinued on page b)
In This Issue
Key city grosses are given
on page 6.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 28, 1947
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
APPEALS of the five circuit-own-
ing distributors from the New
York decision in the Government's
anti-trust case were in the hands of
the clerk in Federal Court here for
three hours on Wednesday when the
six P.M. edition of the New York
Post published this columnistic obser-
vation by Leonard Lyons : "Both sides
(Government and distributors') sup-
posedly are appealing to the U. S.
Supreme Court. The Government has
filed its appeal, but the movie com-
panies— content with the decision —
won't sign an appeal."
V
The motion picture industry, indi-
rectly, is responsible for the devas-
tating revelation that a redhead is
not necessarily a disrupting ele-
ment in an office — we wouldn't
know, 'cause there is none here-
abouts— and also that a square-
jawed individual may be as spine-
less as his jaw is square.
We have the word of Dr. W. Cook,
assistant director of industrial re-
lations for the General Aniline and
Film Corp., parent of Ansco Film,
that, "Scientific studies prove that
such generalities are the bunk.
Many redheads are weak and vacil-
lating, and the number of chinless
successes refutes the old theory
that they are unfit for leadeship."
V
Mexico City's radio station regular-
ly uses six — count 'em — -cheery chirp-
ing canaries to announce sports pro-
grams. Sort of giving them the bird.
A large likeness of "Bugs Bunny,"
Warner cartoon character, in fur
coat and skis, appears in bright red
on the cabin of the Red Tailed
Raider, the Army Transport Com-
mand's C-54 that figured in the
heroic rescue of the 11 stranded mem-
bers of the wrecked B-29 in Greenland.
V
Paramount stunt-flyer Paul Mantz,
who has already hit 475 m.p.h., will,
take to the air from Lockheed
Terminal, Los Angeles, this morn-
ing, in his sleek 1,500-horse pow-
ered Mustang racer, "Blaze of
Noon," headed for New York in an
attempt to beat the present record
of six hours.
V
Lezv Lehr tells the story about the
20th Century-Fox home office stenog-
rapher ivho, looking over an assort-
ment of perfumes in a drugstore at
57th and Eighth, noticed such items as
"Take Me," "My Sin," "Breathless,"
"One Glorious Night," and myriad
other similarities , shly asked the sales
clerk, "Haven't you anything for be-
ginners?"
V
Charles Dacus, Motion Picture
Daily correspondent, proud Floridian
of Miami, reports that it seldom rains
down his 'way, but when it does, Mr.
Bookbinder, manager of the out-door
Colony . Theatre, makes paper hats
out of newspapers to protect his
patrons from the "usual light drizzle."
Personal Mention
HERBERT J. YATES, Republic
president, left New York last
night for Hollywood.
•
George A. Smith, Paramount's
Western division sales manager ;
Hugh Braly, West Coast district
manager, and the latter's assistant,
Harold Wirthwein, have left the
Coast for the Mid-West.
•
William C. Eddy, director of tele-
vision for the Paramount-Balaban
and Katz station in Chicago, WBKB,
is en route to New York.
•
Wolfe Cohen, Warner Interna-
tional vice-president, will leave here
Wednesday for a South American
tour.
Jack Pegler, New York general
manager for Jerry Fairbanks, Inc.,
returned to Hollywood yesterday
from New York.
•
Henderson M. Richey, M-G-M
exhibitor relations head, is due to
return here on Monday from a Flor-
ida vacation.
Harold Zeltner, M-G-M - Pitts-
burgh salesman, is the father of a baby
boy born Feb. 8 at Montefiore Hos-
pital, that city.
•
Don Prince, RKO Radio foreign
publicity director, will leave New
York for Mexico City this weekend.
•
Len Gruenberg, RKO Radio New,
York district manager, was in Mem-
phis this week.
•
A. M. Kane, Paramount district
manager, has returned to Boston from
Albany, N. Y.
•
Sid Blumenstock, 20th Century-
Fox assistant exploitation manager, is
in New Orleans from New York.
•
Joe Pasternak, M-G-M producer,
will return here in a few days from
a Bahamas vacation.
•
William B. Zoellner, head of M-
G-M's reprints and importations, has
returned here from a Southern tour.
E
RNEST EMERLING, advertis-
ing-publicity director of Loew's
Theatres, left here yesterday for At-
lanta and other points South.
Leon Errol, RKO Radio star, will
be honored by the West Coast Lambs
Club at a dinner on March 15, in rec-
ognition of his 46 years in show busi-
ness.
•
Joseph M. Schenck, 20th Century-
Fox production head, and Fred L.
Metzler, studio treasurer, entrained
East yesterday for several weeks' con-
ferences with Spyros Skouras.
•
Bart Sheridan, head of magazine
publicity for Vanguard, is here from
the Coast.
•
Sey Roman of Columbia's home
office exploitation department, is the
father of a new-born baby boy.
•
John J. Jones head of Screen
Guild Productions, is in Chicago from
the Coast.
Ben Judell, independent producer,
will leave Hollywood for New York
on Sunday.
•
M. A. Lightman, Sr., president of
Malco Theatres, Memphis, is vaca-
tioning' in Florida.
Duke Clark,
district manager,
phis.
Paramount's Dallas
is visiting in Mem-
Tony Stern, Warner film buyer
in Cleveland, has left the hospital fol-
lowing a gall bladder operation.
•
I. J. Schmertz, 20th Century-Fox
branch manager, has returned to
Cleveland from a Miami vacation.
•
M. N. Wolf, M-G-M Boston dis-
trict manager, is vacationing in Flor-
ida.
•
Arthur Jeffrey, Eagle-Lion ex-
ploitation manager, has returned to
New York from Boston.
•
Carol Reed, British director, left
here yesterday for the Coast.
SRO Setting Up
Atlanta Office
Atlanta, Feb. 27. — Al Delcambre
of Dallas, South- Southwest division
manager of the Selznick Releasing
Organization, is here to establish an
SRO sales office which he expects to
open by April 1. The Selznick com-
pany has announced that it will set up
21 sales offices throughout the country,
independent of separate physical dis-
tribution facilities of National Film
Distributors which will be used by
SRO.
Reams Resigns Post
Atlanta, Feb. 27.— Sid Reams,
who was appointed Republic branch
manager here three months ago,
resigned, effective immediately.
has
N.Y. Exhibitor Group
In Tax Meet Today
The Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Association will meet here
today with John G. Bryson, assistant
to Motion Picture Association presi-
dent Eric A. Johnston, to discuss the
newly-introduced measure in the New
York State legislature which would
give blanket authorization to cities
and towns to draw additional tax rev-
enues from any source, including
theatres and films.
'Apley' Screening Mar. 5
"The Late George Apley," 20th
Centurv-Fox, will be trade-screened in
all exchange centers on March 5. The
film was directed by Joseph Mankie-
wicz and produced by Fred Kohlmar.
Harry Paul Named
RCA Southern Head
Atlanta, Feb. 27. — Harry Paul
will resign as branch manager of the
Win-Kin Theatre Supply Co. here on
March 15 to become Southern district
manager of RCA, with headquarters
here. Paul was Wil-Kin branch man-
ager for nine years. Previously he
was with National Theatre Supply Co.
for 11 years. .
NEW YORK THEATRES
yesti-
'the
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
Katharine HEPBURN
Melvyn DOUGLAS
11
■Spencer TRACY
] Robert WALKER
;"THE SEA OF GRASS'
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
■SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION'
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
J HARA - WALTER SLEZAK
St N BAD the SAILOR
//V GORG£OVS T£CM/CO10K
ON SCREEN
1st N.Y. Showing !
'Ill
DENNIS O'KEEFE
IN PERSON
MAX BAER
AND
SLAPSY MAXIE
HUM
Paramount Presents
paulette goddard
fred mac murray
"SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING"
PARAMOUNT — TIMES SQUARE
In Person
JOHNNY LONG
and His Orchestra
JOAN EDWARDS
LEWIS & VAN
BUDDY LESTER
DON BAKER
at tho Organ
■THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. y. FILM CRITICS
"The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Continuous
Performances
ASTOR*
WAY and
'45th ST.
CALIFORNIA
IN TECHNICOLOR
A Paramount Picture Starring
RAY BARBARA BARRY
MILLAND STANWYCK FITZGERALD
RIVOLI THEATER
B'way & 49th St.
Doors Open
9:30 A. M.
Betty G ft ABLE - Dick HAYMES
"THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM"
A 20th Century- Fox Picture in Technicolor
PLUS ON STAGE — PETER LORRE
GIL LAMB - Extra! EVELYN KNIGHT
ROXY
7th Ave. &
50th St.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Ouigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company. Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, Qmgpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James f.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William K. Weaver, £ditor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept, 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879, bubscnp-
tion rates per yean $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Friday, February 28, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
3
New Selection Basis
For U-I Overseas
One of the main objectives of Uni-
versal - International's forthcoming
Paris convention, for which Joseph
A. Seidelman, head of the company's
foreign operations, will leave New
York on March 7 with a contingent of
home office delegates, is to give U-I
' -territorial managers an opportunity to
Vilect pictures for their individual
^untries before they are set for dis-
tribution, Seidelman disclosed here
yesterday.
"In putting our foreign markets on
a selective basis, we hope to meet
successfully the particular demands of
each country's audiences," Seidelman
said, adding that "The Egg and I,"
"Time Out of Mind," "I'll Be Yours,"
"Song of Scheherazade," "Buck Pri-
vates Come Home," and a recently-
completed French film, "The Devil in
the Flesh," will be screened at the
convention.
U-I Sets $1,000,000
For 'Egg' Promotion
With the addition of $150,000 for an
advance "teaser" advertising campaign
for "The Egg and I," Universal-In-
ternational claims that it has set a
record one-picture promotion budget
of $1,000,000. The "teaser" campaign
starts eight weeks in advance of the
scheduled Easter openings, and is in
addition to the $850,000 budget pre-
viously reported.
Music Hall Books "Egg"
Universal-International's "The Egg
and I" will follow "The Late George
Apley," the next attraction, into the
Music Hall here. This will be the first
U-I picture to play the house since
International began producing at Uni-
versal Studios.
Fabian, Rosen Head
Charity Institute
Si Fabian and Sam Rosen, partners
in the operation of Fabian Theatres,
have formed Fabian-Rosen Founda-
tions, Inc., a charitable membership
organization in which they and their
respective families will participate. It
is indicated that the organiaztion will
contribute to the industry's Motion
Picture Foundation as well as to oth-
er causes.
$2,000 for 'Pimpernels'
Grossing approximately $2,000 on
the opening day at the New York
Squire Theatre, Film Classics' re-re-
leases, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and
"The Return of the Scarlet Pim-
pernel," have exceeded the . theatre's
previous opening day record by $500,
Sydney Weiner, FC branch manager,
reports here. Both were produced by
Alexander Korda.
RKO Gets 5,020 Pledges
RKO Theatres secured 5,020
pledges during the recent "American
Brotherhood Week," exclusive of
those secured by the circuit's field
personnel, Sol A. Schwartz, RKO
Theatres general manager, reports..
'Henry V in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Feb. 27. — "Henry V"
will open a two-week engagement at
the Taft Auditorium here tomorrow,
on a $1.25-$2.50 scale.
Levinson to Handle
Foreign Films Here
Mike J. Levinson is setting up of-
fices in New York for the distribution
of a series of foreign features to be
presented by Levinson-Finney Enter-
prises, Inc. Levinson is organizing
road-show engagements for prolonged
runs in first-run keys throughout the
U. S. and will first concentrate on the
Eastern seaboard, then proceeding to
Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis.
Edward Finney, associated with
Levinson, is now getting the pictures
ready. Those now completed include
"Bel Ami," starring Willi Forst, and
"Hello Janine."
Kumin Joins Cagney
As Talent Chief
Hollywood, Feb. 27. — Irving Ku-
min has been appointed executive in
charge of talent for William Cagney
Productions. Kumin resigned Jan. 1 as
talent executive for Warners after a
15-year association with that com-
pany. Formerly the studio's casting
director, Kumin entered the Army
Air Forces in 1942, returning a year
and a half ago as aide to. Steve Trill-
ing. A few months later he was hand-
ed the top talent spot.
Coast Judge Rejects
16 Carpenters' Suit
Hollywood, Feb. 27 .-^Federal Judge
Ben Harrison today dismissed the suit
brought three months ago by 16 car-
penters charging the IATSE, the
Conference of Studio Unions and 10
studios with conspiracy to deprive
them of their right to work. The case,
which attracted wide interest as a test
of the right to work principle, was
dismissed on the grounds that the
Federal Court lacked jurisdiction.
IATSE Local Wins
Local No. H-63, IATSE, was de-
signated yesterday as collective bar-
gaining agent for "white collar" em-
ployes of Robbins, Feist and Miller,
music publishing subsidiary of M-G-M.
Negotiations for a contract, which will
cover about 50 employes, are slated to
get under way immediately.
Albany Workers' Union
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 27. — Cashiers,
doormen, ushers, matrons and cus-
todians of Albany theatres have
established a unit of the projectionists
union. Edward Foley, Strand door-
man, has been elected president. No
demands have been filed as yet.
Fox Theatre Changes
Hollywood, Feb. 27. — Dick Dick-
son, formerly head of the maintenance
and purchasing departments of Fox-
West Coast Theatres, has been ap-
pointed Southern California division
manager, thus permitting general man-
ager George Bowser to devote more
time to management and film prob-
lems arising out of the court decree.
R. H. McCullough replaces Dickson.
Levee to be Feted
Hollywood, Feb. 27. — M. C. Levee,
chairman of the Permanent Charities
Committee's United Appeal, will be
honored at a reception tendered next
week by studio officials, campaign
captains and representatives of all
guilds and crafts.
Boston AAA Office
In Clearance Award
Reduction of clearance held by the
Strand and Albert Theatres of Berlin,
N. H., operated by Allied Theatres of
Berlin, over the Ritz Theatre of Gor-
ham, N. H., in licenses from M-G-M,
20th Century-Fox, Warner Brothers,
Paramount and RKO Radio, from 30
days to 21 days was made in an award
by the Boston tribunal of the Ameri-
can Arbitration Association. With
the disposition of the complaint, filed
by Ritz Amusements against the five
companies and Allied Theatres, as in-
tervener, the Boston tribunal now has
seven cases before it.
The arbitrator further held that the
clearance would apply only to product
shown by either the Strand or Albert
within 60 days of availability. All
pictures not shown by either of these
theatres within that period shall be-
come available to the Ritz immedi-
ately upon the expiration of the 60
days.
Theatre Lighting Bill
In N. H. Legislature
Concord, N. H., Feb. 27. — A bill
has been introduced in the New
Hampshire legislature that would re-
quire theatres, dance halls, churches
and other public buildings to install
emergency lighting equipment.
The measure calls for installation
of an auxiliary storage battery light-
ing system which would go on auto-
matically in case the regular electric
nower failed.
St. Louis Union Told
To End Permit Cards
St. Louis, Feb. 27. — International
headquarters of the Theatrical Broth-
erhood has ordered St. Louis local No.
6 to stop issuing permit cards to
stagehands. Thirty-three men holding
permit cards have been admitted to
the union as full-fledged members.
Permit cards are described by a union
representative as "not in keeping with
our international rules."
Children's Admissions
Hartford, Feb. 27. — The Connecti-
cut Legislature's Judiciary Committee
today reported favorably on. a bill
which would permit children under 14
to attend motion picture theatres after
six P.M. without parents.
Para. Declares Dividend
Paramount Pictures yesterday de-
clared a regular quarterly dividend of
50 cents per share, payable on March
31 to stockholders of record on March
11.
Republic Dividend
Republic Pictures' board of directors
yesterday declared a regular quarterly
dividend of 25 cents per share on pre-
ferred stock, payable on April 1 to
stockholders of record on March 10.
Columbia Stock Dividend
The board of directors of Columbia
Pictures has declared a common stock
dividend of two and a half per cent,
payable on May 9 to stockholders of
record on April 24. Fractional shares
arising from the dividend will be paid
for in cash.
Dewey Said To Be
Studying Local Taxes
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 27.— A report
printed today of Governor Dewey's
special committee on education, in
recommending teachers' salary boosts,
stated that "It has already been in-
dicated that the Administration will
recommend that additional taxing
power be conferred locally for educa-
tional purposes in connection with a
general program of increased local
taxing power."
The report continued : "This is out-
side the direct purposes of this com-
mittee, and we understand that the
details concerning these special local
taxes will be forthcoming within a
few days."
N. Y. Exhibitors Wire
Local Tax Protest
Buffalo, Feb. 27. — Representing
approximately 400 theatres in this
State, the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of New York State, Inc.', to-
day wired Governor Dewey urging
defeat of the measure introduced by
Sen. Chauncey B. Hammond which
would allow municipalities to levy dis-
criminatory taxes against local busi-
nesses. The wire was signed by presi-
dent Merritt A. Kyser.
Pottstown, Pa., Tax
Fought by Warners
Philadelphia, Feb. 27. — Suit has
been filed by Warner Theatres, Inc.,
in Montgomery County against the
borough of Pottstown to declare in-
valid the five per cent tax on admis-
sions. Warners claims the tax, passed
last December, is increasing the annu-
al county fee for operation of its
house, the_ Strand, from $100 to $10,-
000. William Goldman, who operates
the Hippodrome in Pottstown, said
his company has filed a similar suit.
Suit will be tried on Friday before
Judge William F. Dannenhower in the
Court of Quarter Sessions, county of
Montgomery.
Atlantic City Tax
Being Considered
Atlantic City, Feb. 27. — A bill
which would permit New Jersey
municipalities to tax amusements,
tobacco, hotel rooms and liquor five
per cent will be introduced in the
New Jersey Legislature by represen-
tatives of this county early in March.
The bill is designed to replace the
former "luxury-tax" which has been
called unconstitutional by the state
Supreme court which decision was
upheld by the Court of Errors and
Appeals.
Maine Solons Get
Admission Tax Bill
Augusta, Me., Feb. 27. — A bill
providing for a five per cent tax on
theatre admissions to finance a state
soldiers' bonus in Maine has been
introduced in the state legislature.
The tax would also apply to dance
halls and juke boxes.
The Vermont legislature has voted
down, 131 to 94, a bill which would
allow motion pictures, basketball and
football on Sunday afternoons.
School Films Asked
Hartford, Feb. 27. — Rep.- Edgerton
has introduced a bill which would au-
thorize the hoard of education to pro-
mole visual education in public schools.
THIS IS THE AD THAT STARTS THE
IN NEW YORK'S 10 GREAT NEWSPAP&
THIS IS THE UNPARALLELED PARADE
OF BOXOFFICE RECORD-
NOW PLAYING AND ON THE
WAY FROM
CENTURY-FOX
THE
RAZOR'S EDGE
13 RUE
MADELEINE
BOOMERANG!
THE LATE
GEORGE APLEY
THE GHOST
AND MRS. MUIR
CARNIVAL IN
COSTA RICA
In Technicolor!
THE HOMESTRETCH
In Technicolor!
MOSS ROSE
I WONDER WHO'S
KISSING HER NOW
In Technicolor!
MIRACLE ON
34th STREET
BOB, SON
OF BATTLE
In Technicolor!
KISS OF DEATH
NIGHTMARE ALLEY
CALL
NORTHSIDE 777
MOTHER WORE
TIGHTS
In Technicolor!
THE FOXES
OF HARROW
FOREVER AMBER
In Technicolor!
CAPTAIN FROM
CASTILE
In Technicolor!
his is the
TRUTH!
No Fiction Writer Could Create Such Drama!
. . . Told how it happened!
. * . Filmed the way it happened!
brings to a stunning climax of
perfection the technique 20th Century-Fox made
famous in "The House On 92nd Street"
and "13 Rue Madeleine"
Because it is real. . ♦ true. . . authentic. . .
tf()(J#IU!tofflMff is a new kind of motion picture,
lifted, alive and pulsating, out of life itself!
2a
CENTURY-FOX
TRIUMPH!
PHI
mmm
^ JANE WYATT ■ LEE J. COBB ^
e.b¥ ELIA KAi
LOUIS de ROCHEMONT
, :llf
JiHf
■i
Screen Play by Richard Murphy • Based Upon an Article by Anthony Abbot, Published in the Reader's Digest
ROXY
7th AVE. & 50th ST.
COMING
SOON!
6
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, February 28, 1947
Short Subjects . . .
Key City
Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
BOSTON
A majority of local houses are show-
ing satisfactory business for the week.
Estimated receipts for the week ended
Feb. 27 :
SWELL GUY (U-I) — BOSTON (2,900)
(50c-$1.10) Stage show: Lionel Hampton
orchestra. Gross: $34,000. (Average: $27,-
500)
HUMORESQUE (WB) and MR. HEX
(Mono.) — FENWAY (1,700) (40c-80c) Gross
$6,000. (Average: $6,900)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (2flth-Fox) — MEMO-
RIAL (2,900) (40c-80c) Gross: $38,000. (Av-
erage: $25,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and SUSIE STEPS
OUT (UA)— METROPOLITAN (4,736) (40c-
80c) Gross: $26,000. (Average: $25,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— ORPHEUM
(3,200) (40c-80c) 4th week. Gross: $25,000.
(Average: $23,500)
HUMORESQUE (WB) and MR. HEX
(Mono.) — PARAMOUNT (1,700) (40c-80c)
Gross: $13,500. (Average: $15,100)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — STATE
(2,900) (35c-80c) 4th week. Gross: $14,000.
(Average: $16,900)
CLEVELAND
"Sinbad the Sailor" played to good
attendance, while business at other
theatres was fair. The city escaped
the heavy Eastern snow storm. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
Feb. 26-27 :
BLUE SKIES (Para.)— LOEWS OHIO
(1,268) (50c-70c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross:
$5,500. (Average: $7,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)—
LOEWS STATE (3,300) (50c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: ' $23,000. (Average: $23,800)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M) — LOEWS STILLMAN (1,900)
(50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $11,000)
MURDER IN REVERSE (Four Conti-
nents) — LOWER MALL (563) (45c-60c) 7
days. Gross: $2,500. (Average: $2,500)
ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
— RKO ALLEN (3,000) (55c-70c) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $12,-
000)
SlNBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
RKO PALACE (3,300) (55c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $30,000. (Average: $21,400)
HUMORESQUE (WB) — WARNERS'
HIPPODROME (3,500) (55c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $21,500. (Average: $22,600)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — WARNERS' LAKE (714) (55c-70c)
7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,000. (Aver-
age: $3,650)
CINCINNATI
Although there are some bright
spots on the box office horizon,
grosses generally are below ' the fig-
ures registered in recent weeks. The
weekend weather was cold. Estimat-
ed receipts for the week ending Feb.
23-27 :
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M)— RKO
ALBEE (3,300) (5Oc-55c-6Oc-65c-70c-75c) 7
days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Gross: $14,000. (Average: $15,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—RKO CAPITOL (2,000) (50c-55c-60c-65c-
70c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week, plus a Saturday
midnight show. Gross: $9,000. (Average:
$10,000)
BLUE SKIES (Para.) — RKO FAMILY
(1,000) (50c-55c-60c-6Sc-70c-75c) 7 days, 5th
week, after an initial two weeks at the
Albee, and two moveover weeks at the
Shubert. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $3,500)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
RKO GRAND (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-
75c) 7 days, 2nd week, plus a Saturday
midnight show. Gross: $9,500. (Average:
$8,000)
"Goofy Gophers"
(Warner Brothers)
A prize-winning vegetable patch is
carefully guarded by a watchdog, but
two gophers manage to raid it anyway.
They got the dog off their trail, but
encounter new competition in the per-
son of Bugs Bunny. In Technicolor.
Running time, seven minutes.
"Monkey-Tone News"
{20th Century-Fox)
Lew Lehr in this "Dribble-Puss Pa-
rade" issue, pops up with the commen-
tary for a newsreel-like presentation
of comical stunts. Running time, nine
minutes.
"Follow that Music"
(RKO Radio)
Gene Krupa and his band, with Nan
Leslie, furnish the music and acting in
which Gene, the small-town favorite
son, takes his band to New York for
a seven-league jump to success, while
he leaves his fiancee and soloist at the
town radio station, where she is spotted
by a talent scout and lands a job at a
New York nitery, while the boys are
having tough going in the big city.
But it all turns out all right, after a
couple of jam sessions and a sequence
in which the boys dress as Russians to
get a job and are chased by immigra-
tion authorities. Running time, 18
minutes.
"The Singing Barbers"
( Universal)
Four singing barbers and a cowboy
sing "I Want a Girl Just Like the
Girl," "By the Light of the Silvery
THE SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)
-KEITH'S (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days,
plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross:
$14,000. (Average: $7,500)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—RKO LYRIC (1,400) (5Oc-55c-60c-65c-7Oc-
75c) 7 days, 4th week, following two initial
weeks at the Palace and a first moveover
week at the Lyric. Gross: $6,500. (Aver-
age: $5,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.)— RKO PAL-
ACE (2,700) (40c-55c-6Oc-65c-70c-75c) 7
days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $15,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th-Fox)— RKO
SHUBERT (2,150) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c)
7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the
Albee. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $5,000)
OMAHA
Business hovered around average as
snow flurries discouraged weekend at-
tendance. Estimated receipts for the
week ending Feb. 26-27:
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M) and
IT'S GREAT TO BE YOUNG (CoL)—
OMAHA (2,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$9,400. (Average: $8,600)
TWO SMART PEOPLE (M-G-M) and
TALK ABOUT A LADY (Col.)-ORPHE-
UM (3,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $9,-
300. (Average: $9,400)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — PARAMOUNT (2,900) (50c-65c) 7
days. Gross: $9,600. (Average: $11,000)
TINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) and
BETTY COED (Col.)— RKO BRANDEIS
(1.200) (50c -65c) 7 days. Gross: $8,400.
(Average: $6,800)
H ellman, Zanuck to C onfer
London, Feb. 27. — Marcel Hellman,
managing producer-director of Excel-
sior Productions will fly on March 5
to Hollywood for discussions with
Daryll Zanuck on the proposed world-
wide release of Excelsior product
through 20th Century-Fox. Hellman
will also seek a loan of American stars.
Moon" and "Oh, You Beautiful Doll."
The Gordonaires of Fred Waring's
Pennsylvanians are also featured.
Running time, nine minutes.
"Music Through the
Ages"
(Superfilm)
Accompanied by artful photography
which has captured the scenic land-
scape of the Italian countryside, "Mu-
sic Through the Ages" traces the de-
velopment of music from the early
Gregorian chants down through such
masters as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven,
Rossini, Chopin, Verdi and others,
concluding with music and scenes from
the "jazz era." An English commen-
tary elaborates on the visual presenta-
tion. Running time, 16 minutes.
"Summer Trails"
(20th Century-Fox)
The subject covers the trail of four
lads through the beautiful Pocono
Mountain scenery at Buckhill Falls in
Pennsylvania. Pausing for some fish-
ing, the scene follows the trail to
Wellsboro, the Grand Canyon of
Pennsylvania. Running time, eight
minutes.
"Sleepy Time Donald"
(Walt Disney-RKO Radio)
Donald Duck proves to be a very
sound sleepwalker as he goes through
some hair-raising adventures, includ-
ing a walk through the zoo and a fly-
like stroll along skyscrapers, with his
girl-friend, Daisy, taking most of the
punishment. In Technicolor. Run-
ning time, seven minutes.
Raftery on UA Sales
(Continued from page 1)
liam Penn Hotel here that under the
sales procedure decreed by the New
York Federal Court such agreements
"will be termed unlawful" and "leave
the burden of responsibility upon the
distributor."
Raftery also recommended that UA
place a series of institutional adver-
tisements to explain the company's
policy. Other speakers at today's meet-
ing of delegates of the Pennsylvania-
Washington and Central districts
were: J. J. Unger, general sales man-
ager ; Edward M. Schnitzer, Eastern
and Canadian sales manager, and Paul
N. Lazarus, Jr., advertising-publicity
director.
UA product to be seen by the dele-
gates include: Loew-Lewin's "The
Private Affairs of Bel Ami" ; Enter-
prise-Sherman's "Ramrod" ; Califor-
nia Pictures' "The Sin of Harold
Diddlebock" ; Benedict Bogeaus' "The
Macomber Affair" ; Jules Levey's
"New Orleans" ; Enterprise's "The
Other Love" ; Hunt Stromberg's "Dis-
honored Lady" ; Federal Films' "Car-
negie Hall" ; Charles R. Rogers'
"The Fabulous Dorseys," Andrew
Stone's "Fun on a Weekend."
Fire Follows Repairs
Brazil, Ind., Feb. 27.— A fire be-
lieved to have originated in or near
the projection room swept the Sour-
wine Theatre here.
Carolina Theatre Fire
Henderson, N. C, Feb. 27. — Fire
destroyed the Vance Theatre and a
tobacco warehouse here.
Dimes' Drive Winners
(Continued from page 1)
7,000 theatres participated in this
year's campaign.
Also present at the luncheon were :
Warren D. Coss, National Founda-
tion director : Emil Jensen, film cam-
paign director ; Charles Reed Jones,
publicity director ; Joseph W. Savage
and John J. O'Connell, of the Founda-
tion; Lillian Feldman and Thomas J.
Murphy of the film, March of Dimes ;
Glendon Allvine, MPA ; Dave Badfeti-
and Jack Alicoatej chairman of ti"thf/
j udging committee.
Winners m contest No. 1. on the basis
of the most dimes per seat, first to 14th
places in the order named were: Lamar
Swift, Capitol Theatre, Macon, Ga.; John
L. Miller, Henry's, Hagerstown, Md. ; Jack
Foxe, Columbia, Washington; J. Cleveland
Hester, Florida, Pensacola; Joel Margolis,
Capitol, Washington; Fred MacMillan,
Earle, Washington; J. Elmer Redelle. Vic-
tory, Dayton; Orangela Ratto, Palace,
Washington ; M. Thode, Princess, Honolulu ;
Notis Komnenos, State, Jersey City; Sol
Sorkin, RKO' Keith's. Washington; Roland
Robbins,, Trans-Lux, Washington; Mrs.
Louise Nconan Miller, Little, Washington,
and Sante Macci, Wayne, Greenville, O.
Winners in contest No. 2. on the basis
of the largest percentage of collection in-
creases over last year, first to 14th places,
in the order named, were: S. Frank, Chief
Theatre, Coldwater, Kan.; Ray Syufy, Rita,
Vallejo, Cal.; Thomas R. Stancil, Rialto,
Grayling, Mich. ; Elaine S. George, Star,
Heppner, Ore., W. E. Anderson, Palace,
Mt. Jewett, Pa.; Gerald Anderson, Union,
Richwood, O. ; L. Frederick, Minnesota
Lake, Lake Bronson, Minn.; Marjorie M.
Muzikj Lee, Carson City, Mich.; M. L
Reibold, Princeton. Princeton, Wis.; Carl
Mansfield, Colfax, Schuyler, Neb.; Douglas
D. Bunch, Parkway, West Jefferson, N. C.-
Roy C. Hallowell, Amus U, La Harpe,
111.; Mrs. E. F. Weinreich, Flasher, Flasher,
N. D., and G. Wise, West End. Birming-
ham.
Winners in contest No. 3. division No. 1.
on the basis of ' the largest percentage in-
crease in collections for theatres with a
seating capacity of 300 or less, first to
third places, in the order named, were:
Harry Bert Lee, Rialto Theatre, , Terry,
Mont.; Gerard Lavigne, Roxy, Island Pond,
Vt., and Frances M. Wright, Rialto, La
Bell, Mo.
In contest No. 3, division No. 2, on the
basis of percentage increase for theatres
with seating capacities of 301 to 600, the
three winners were: Paul Horton, State
Theatre, Inman, S. C. ; Milburn Kenworthv,
Nuart, Moscow, Id., and Earl S. McKen-
drick, Eldred, Eldred, Pa.
Division No. 3, for theatres with seating
capacities of 601 to 1,000, the three win-
ners were: Allan Koff, Murray Theatre,
Rochester, N. Y. ; E. Chadwick, Beverly,
Peoria, I1L, and Jack A. Cameron, Ritz,
Bartow, Fla.
Division No. 4, for theatres with capaci-
ties of 1,001 to 1,500, the three winners
were: George P. Santer, Radio City, Fern-
dale, Mich.; William C. Riester, Capitol,
Shamokin, Pa., and Walter D. Heaney,
Mayfair, West New York, N. J.
Division No. 5, for theatres with capaci-
ties of 1.501 and over, the three winners
were: N. A. Meyers, Adams Theatre, De-
troit; James A. Field, Paramount, Salem,
Mass., and Harvey G. Cocks, Palace, Fort
Wayne, Ind.
Portuguese Quota
(Continued jrom page 1)
tering Portugal must obtain a special
license from the Board of Public En-
tertainment and must be passed by
the censor ; money obtained from the
licenses to go into a fund to protect
the national Portuguese film industry ;
no Portuguese theatre may be owned
or exploited by any foreign company
or individual ; the screening of any
pictures dubbed into Portuguese in a
foreign laboratory would not be per-
mitted. An exception was made in the
case of Brazilian films.
The amendments still to be decided
upon involve a reduction in exhibition
licenses for short features and news-
reels and exemption of all short fea-
tures imported into the country prior
to Dec. 31, 1946, from dubbing regu-
lations.
Friday, February 28, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
RKO Shifts 8 Field
Staffers, Adds Two
Chicago, Feb. 27. — Addition of two
new staff men, Keith Bain in Omaha
and Leo Young in Oklahoma City,
and the transfer of eight in the field
staff has been announced by Terry
Turner, head of exploitation for RKO
Radio, who is visiting here from New
York.
The shifted personnel include : Bill
Prager, from Chicago to Washington;
yj/ally Heim, Cincinnati to Chicago;
_ugh McKenzie, St. Louis to Cin-
cinnati ; Lou Carroll, Milwaukee to
St. Louis; Carol Weld, Atlanta to
Memphis ; Charles Kinney, New Or-
leans to Atlanta; Jack Quirk, New
Haven- to New Orleans; Fred Ford,
Memphis to Milwaukee. .
Loew's Builds
(Continued from page 1)
Under the decree the five exhibitor
defendants, including Loew's, have
been given until Dec. 31, 1948, to re-
duce their partnership holdings at
least to five per cent per theatre or
increase them at least to 95 per cent.
Regarding the present increased
business trend, Moskowitz said he
looked for no early decline, although
unpredictable factors may influence
future grosses. His optimistic opinion
was shared by Joseph R. Vogel, vice-
president and head of the Loew cir-
cuit, who told the stockholders that
New York's Broadway theatres, some
of which have suffered a dip in re-
ceipts, are an inadequate criterion of
conditions throughout the country, tie
expects a continuing drop here, at-
tributing this to fewer visitors and an
apparent lessening in the popularity of
stage-show jazz bands.
Experiments with single features in
some houses heretofore operating on a
double-bill policy have met with pub-
lic resentment, Vogel said. J. Robert
Rubin, vice-president and general
counsel, who presided at the meeting,
pointed out that 70 per cent of the
exhibitors in the U. S. offer double
bills.
Loew's revenue from film sales for
the first quarter of the current fiscal
year fell below receipts for the same
period in 1946, according to Mosko-
witz, who added that the trend has
been better during the second quarter,
which will end March 13, and that he
expects the early decline to be over-
come.
In compliance with the anti-trust
suit decree, Loew's few remaining
pooling agreements will be dissolved
by the July 1 deadline, Vogel reported.
A pool with the Fabian circuit was
liquidated last September, he pointed
out.
The company's new recording plant
at Bloomfield, N. J., will send its first
records to dealers in the East within
10 days, Moskowitz announced.
Loew's Re-Elects
(Continued from page 1)
tant secretaries Jesse T. Mills (con-
troller), Nicholas Nayfack, Irving H.
Greenfield and Harold J. Cleary ; as-
sistant treasurers, Charles K. Stern.
Louis K. Sidney and R. Lazarus.
Directors are Friedman, Eugene W.
Leake, Moskowitz, William A. Parker,
Rodgers, Rubin, Schenck, Vogel,
David Warfield and Henry Rogers
Winthrop.
Forum's End
(Continued from page 1)
Although voluntary arbitration un-
doubtedly, will come up at the conven-
tion of the American Theatres Asso-
ciation, planned for either Washing-
ton or Chicago in April, . indications
are that some 23 of the 31 tribunals
functioning under the present system
will have to be discontinued before
that date, with the remainder existing
beyond then only until they can dis-
pose of the old cases on their agendas.
Also, it is pointed out, since many
exhibitors are not ATA members,
additional time would be required to
expand any movement launched at the
convention.
The five theatre-owning film com-
panies— Paramount, Loew's, RKO,
20th Century-Fox and Warners —
which have 'settled many distribution
disputes with exhibitors through the
arbitration tribunals under the 1940
consent decree, have appealed to the
Supreme Court for continuation of the
system but have indicated that they
will not ask for a stay of the New
York court's dissolution order, and
legal observers believe the judges in
Washington will not be able to rule
on the case until early next year.
These companies have been conspicu-
ously silent regarding the local court's
voluntary arbitration plea, but numer-
ous exhibitors have felt that they
would go along on the plan if the in-
dependent owners throughout the
country first would demonstrate that
they desired such a system-.
Department of Justice officials have
expressed opposition to continuation
of industry arbitration and, it is as-
sumed, are prepared to counter dis-
tributor-defendants' appeals in the
Supreme Court on the issue.
PRC Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
Hotel. Ralph C. Clark, PRC general
sales manager, recently appointed,
will preside at this, his first PRC
sales session.
The nine reissues are : "Kit Car-
son," "The Last of the Mohicans,"
"South of Pago Pago," "International
Lady," "The Corsican Brothers," "My
Son, My Son," "The Man in the Iron
Mask," "The Count of Monte Cristo"
and "The Son of Monte Cristo."
The meeting will also discuss plans
for the Eddie Dean outdoor musical
adventures and the "Lash" LaRue-Al-
"Fuzzy" St. John action Westerns.
Clark will be assisted at the meet-
ings by Harold S. Dunn, assistant
general sales manager. District sales
executives attending will include:
Max Roth, Eastern sales manager ;
Al Herman, New England manager;
Joe Miller, New York State manager ;
James Hendel, district manager of
Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Cincinnati;
Fred Rohrs, Washington-Philadelphia
district manager ; Grover Parsons,
Southern manager ; William Sherman,
Midwestern manager; Abbot M.
Swartz, Minneapolis-Milwaukee dis-
trict manager; Beverly Miller, West
ern manager.
Home office executives who will
attend include: Frank Soule, [act
Bellman, Phil Gettelson, George Licit-
man, Elmer Hollander, Abe Sutton.
Neil Astrin, Joe Sugar, Frank Heffer
nan and New York branch manager
Seymour Schussell.
Charge Circuit With
Fraud, 'Bicycling'
Phoenix, Feb. 27. — Percentage
fraud and "bicycling" charges are
combined for the first time in four
separate suits filed here yesterday in
U. S. District Court by Paramount,
Warner Bros., Loew's and 20th Cen-
tury-Fox against Louis F. Long, op-
erating 23 Arizona theatres.
Columbia and RKO, in two other
suits, charged only infringements of
copyright by unauthorized exhibitions.
Damages are asked on the percen-
tage claims and for each copyright
infringement.
UA Changes
(Continued from page 1)
years, at various times having been
a vice-president, head of distribution,
foreign manager and chairman of the
finance committee. He left UA in
1944 to organize Eagle-Lion here for
J. Arthur Rank. Kelly is now in Eng-
land.
It is stated that Miss Pickford and
Chaplin are desirous of having Grad-
well L. Sears continue as vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution and
George Bagnall in charge of produc-
tion affairs.
Some management changes may be
effected by the UA board in the near
future but it appears unlikely that a
successor to Raftery will be elected
before the company's annual meeting
in May.
Raftery was in Pittsburgh and could
not be reached for comment yester-
day. However, he has on more than
one occasion since assuming the UA
presidency expressed his intention of
returning to his law firm, O'Brien,
Driscoll, Raftery and Lawler, as soon
as conditions within UA permitted
him to do so. It is recalled that when
he was drafted for the post he agreed
to serve for only one year and with-
out a contract.
The O'Brien, Driscoll, Raftery and
Lawler firm has been counsel for UA
since the company was founded. The
relationship is not expected to be af-
fected by Raftery's withdrawal from
the UA presidency.
A public issue of United Artists
stock has been discussed with under-
writers and while no action is con-
templated for the present a public
stock sale remains a possibility for the
future.
WB Clearance Plans
(Continued, from page 1)
Kalmenson, vice-president and general
sales manager, presided, and the
court's requirements were explained
by Robert W. Perkins, vice-president
and_ general counsel, and Howard
Levinson of the legal department.
The decree's competitive bidding
provisions will be outlined al today's
session, at which time, presumably,
plans will be made For placing the
company's bidding policy in effect.
Previously it had been indicated that
Warners would not offer any films
competitively until July 1, when the
systern becomes officially effective — or
later if the Supreme Court should
grant a stay. Competitive bidding,
however, was not included in the ap-
peal of the case filed here Thursday
bv the company, along with Loew's,
RKO, Paramount and 20th Century-
Fox.
MPA Urges
(Continued from page 1 )
dent Eric A. Johnston, and prepared
with the assistance of Allen W.
Dulles of the New York law firm of
Sullivan and Cromwell, maintains
that reciprocal trade agreements in the
past were made with the view of pro-
tecting the ordinary article of com-
merce generally on a most-favored-
nation basis but because of its special
characteristics the U. S. film industry
was subjected to "very special" re-
strictions.
It is pointed out that the American
distributor is hardest hit by restric-
tions on all foreign films in countries
where Hollywood pictures virtually
may be the only ones imported. This
is one of several examples cited in
which international trade pacts are
agreeable to other U. S. industries
but detrimental to American pictures.
Exemption Asked
MPA asks that U. S. films be ex-
empt from internal taxes and charges
other than those imposed on other
foreign or domestic films. Specifically,
the U. S. industry wants at least the
same treatment given the foreign
trade of any other country by any
foreign government.
It would eliminate the requirement
of import permits for advertising ma-
terial for exposed films of U. S. origin.
There would be no demand that a
picture be dubbed in the country where
it is to be distributed. Branch offices
would be established in any country
in conformity with that country's
laws.
Importers of U. S. product shall
not be required as a condition to the
importation, distribution and sale of
such product, to purchase or handle
films of any other origin or to be a
member of "any official, semi-official
or private trade organization."
Equal Consideration
As for remittances from any for-
eign government, MPA wants the
same considerations as are given to
other industries, again on the most-
favored-nation basis. Newsreels would
be exempt from customs duties and
censorship upon their importation by
any foreign nation.
MPA proposes that in no case will
a foreign government impose new re-
strictive measures without consulta-
tion with U. S. Government repre-
sentatives, It frankly recognizes that
these conditions could hardly be ob-
tained in some countries but suggests
that efforts be made to obtain as m^r
of them as possible.
The organization states that
pects to have representation
Geneva conferences and that Jot,
will re-arrange his European tr*.
to be present if necessary.
Bidding Stay
(Continued from page 1)
cision has not yet been reached.
United Artists, however, definitely
will not ask for a stay of any parts
of the decree, a spokesman for that
company's counsel declared, and, as
reported yesterdav in Motion Picturi
Daily, the five theatre-owning defen-
dants have indicated that a stay re-
quest from them is unlikely. Joseph
M. Proskauer, special attorney for
Warners, is understood to have told
the attorneys that, in his opinion, the
Supreme Court would not be inclined
to grant any stays, inasmuch as the
New York judges denied thetn.
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20TH-FOX
(Feb. Releases)
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
D — 88 mins.
(Rev. 1/24/47)
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
D — 72 mins.
ALEXANDER'S
RAGTIME BAND
(Reissue)
Tyrone Power
Alice Fay
M — 105 mins.
(Rev. 5/26/38)
HOW GREEN
WAS MY
VALLEY
(Reissue)
(Rev. 10/29/41)
RKO RADIO
(Liberty Special)
IT'S A
WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
D— 130 mins. (781)
(Rev. 12/19/46)
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
D — 66 mins.
(Rev. 9/2/46)
SINBAD THE
SAILOR
(Color)
Douglas
Fairbanks, Jr.
Maureen O'Hara
D — 117 mins.
(Rev. 1/14/47)
DICK TRACY
VS. CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Rita Corday
D — 62 mins.
(Rev. 11/18/46)
THE FALCON'S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Myrna Dell
D — 61 mins.
(Rev. 12/11/46)
VACATION
IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
C — 60 mins.
(Rev. 10/11/46)
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
D — 86 mins.
(Rev. 12/14/46)
REPUBLIC
CALENDAR
GIRL
Jane Frazee
William Marshall
M— 88 mins.
(Rev. 2/14/47)
ANGEL AND
THE BADMAN
John Wayne
Irene Rich
0— 100 mins.
(Rev. 2/6/47)
APACHE ROSE
(Color)
Roy Rogers
O — 75 mins.
VIGILANTES
OF BOOMTOWN
Alan Lane
O — 56 mins.
THE
MAGNIFICENT
ROGUE
Warren Douglas
C — 74 min.
THAT'S MY
GAL
Lynn Roberts
Don Barry
THE GHOST
GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
HIT PARADE
OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
(April 1 Releases)
HOMESTEADERS
OF PARADISE
VALLEY
TWILIGHT ON
The RIO GRANDE
YANKEE FAKIR
BELLS OF
SAN ANGELO
Roy Rogers
Dale Evans
PRC
(Eagle-Lion)
(Eagle- Lion)
IT'S A JOKE,
SON
Kenny Delmar
Una Merkel
C — 64 mins.
(Rev. 1/21/47)
(Eagle-Lion)
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
Ian Hunter
D — 81 mins.
(Rev. 1/29/47)
LAW OF
THE LASH
Al LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
O — 58 mins.
(Rev. 2/20/47)
DEVIL ON
WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
RANGE
BEYOND THE
BLUE
(Eagle- Lion)
LOST
HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
(Eagle-Lion)
ADVENTURESS
Deborah Kerr
UNTAMED FURY
( Reissues)
KIT CARSON
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
William Wright
Ramsey Ames
THREE ON A
TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
FRONTIER
FIGHTERS
Buster Crabbe
Fuzzy St. John
PARA.
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
C — 90 mins.
(Rev. 1/7/47)
CALIFORNIA
(Color)
Ray Milland
0—97 min.
(Rev. 12/16/46)
EASY COME,
EASY GO
Sonny Tufts
Diana Lynn
C-78 mins.
(Rev. 2/3/47)
SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING
Fred MacMurray
Paulette Goddard
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/10/47)
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/18/47)
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VOL. 61. NO. 42
NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1947
TEN CENTS
l^w Cases Will
Prolong Life
Of Arbitration
Filings in N. Y., Ohio;
3 Others in Preparation
Evidences of renewed exhibitor
interest in the industry arbitration
system were disclosed on Friday
with the filing of new complaints
in New York and Cleveland and in-
dications that additional complaints
will be filed within the next few days
in Albany, New Haven and Cincin-
nati.
The arbitration tribunals may accept
new cases up to April 1 and tribunals
which have cases pending before them
then may remain in existence until
those cases are disposed of.
Accordingly there has been trade
speculation whether the recent and
current activity is indicative of inde-
pendent exhibitor interest in seeing
the boards maintained for as long as
possible despite Department of Justice
(Continued on page 6)
Record High Is Hit
By Admission Taxes
Washington, March 2. — Fed-
eral admission tax collections reached
an all-time high of $454,928,352 dur-
ing the calendar year of 1946, com-
pared with $375,306,023 for 1945, the
Bureau of Internal Revenue reported
on Friday. Between 80 and 90 per
cent of both totals represent receipts
(Continued on page 6)
Levin Appoints Five
District Managers
John J. Shine, Frank S. Ingres,
Otto Stradley, Barry Halbert and
Arthur W. Davis have been named
district managers of Confidential Re-
ports, Inc., by Jack H. Levin.
Shine will work out of the Atlanta
office, covering Charlotte, Dallas,
Memphis, New Orleans, and Okla-
homa City ; Ingres, from the Chicago
office, will cover Des Moines, Kansas
City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha,
and St. Louis ; Stradley, in Cleveland,
will cover Buffalo, Detroit, Cincinnati,
Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh ; Halbert,
in Los Angeles, will cover Denver,
Portland, Salt Lake City, San Fran-
cisco, and Seattle, and Davis, from
Philadelphia, will cover Albany, Bos-
ton, New Haven, New York, and
Washington.
Exhibitor Records
Seized in Court
Tilt on Percentages
Pittsburgh, March 2. — Seizure of
an exhibitor's books and records and
removing them from his' theatre of-
fice is the latest move in the distribu-
tors' prosecutions on claims alleging
monetary withholdings on the playing
of percentage pictures. This is be-
lieved to be the first such seizure in
this type of case.
An order was signed by U. S. Dis-
trict Judge McVicar in Federal
Court directing the U. S. Marshal
here to seize and impound books and
records in the office of Bart Dattola
in the New Dattola Theatre, at New
Kensington, Pa. The order also pro-
vides that counsel for all parties and
their auditors may have access to the
impounded records at all reasonable
times.
The seizure order arose in the
course of inspection of theatre rec-
ords of 19 exhibitor plaintiffs now
being made for eight distributors un-
der a supplementary order granted
(Continued on page 6)
Columbia Half -Year
Profit, $1,560,000
A net profit of $1,560,000 for the
26-week period ended Dec. 28, 1946,
was reported at the weekend by Co-
lumbia. This compares with $1,295,000
for the same period of the previous
year.
The company reports an operating
profit of $2,480,000 for the period,
compared with $2,250,000 in 1945. Es-
timated provision for Federal taxes for
the 26 weeks in 1946 amounts to $920,-
000 ; in 1945, the amount was $955,000.
The comparative earnings per share
(Continued on page 6)
Showmanship Award
To Be Judged Today
The work of 22 finalists
competing for the annual
Quigley Showmanship Awards
will be appraised by more
than 100 industry executives
of the Quigley Awards Com-
mittee, at the Hotel Astor,
here, today. Following the
appraisings, Martin Quigley
will be host at a luncheon at
which Sol A. Schwartz, vice-
president in charge of thea-
tres for RKO Service Corp.,
will be the principal speaker.
Many out-of-town theatre ex-
ecutives and exhibitors will
attend.
Italy Keeping Lid
On Film Profits
By ARGEO SANTUCCI
Rome, Feb. 24 (By Airmail) —
While no quota restrictions against
foreign product appears to be in the
offing, according to informed industry
spokesmen here, it is possible that
earnings of foreign pictures will still
have to be held in blocked accounts.
That investment of these earnings
will continue under government con-
trol seems certain, according to these
observers."
Concerned over the prohibition
against converting lire into dollars,
American companies in Italy have
indicated their dissatisfaction and
point to the ban as making unprofit-
able the distribution of pictures which
cost, on the average, about $13,500
for dubbing, prints and advertising.
This country's banks need govern-
ment permission to spend earnings
from the exploitation of foreign pic-
tures in blocked accounts, but this rule
may be relaxed to enable American
companies to invest in Italian stocks.
"It Happened in Brooklyn"
[ M-G-M ] — A Can't-Miss Musical
LET'S see about this one: There's Frank Sinatra, as faithful a son
as Brooklyn has ever known ; Jimmy Durante, combining the
mellow with his inimitable brand of humor; Kathryn Grayson,
ready for song and romance and finding both ; Peter Lawford, the voting
folks' delight; warmly sympathetic direction by Richard Whorf under
the experienced hand of producer Jack Cummings ; six song numbers
by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, who rank high in their field; a smatter-
ing of Bach, Dclibes and Mozart, who were no slouches, either. There,
also, is a story which is never important, but reliable enough for a
musical.
All this sounds like a package of entertainment which is what "It
Happened in Brooklyn" is. A tip-top package, unquestionably slated to
(Continued on page 5)
CSA Hits U.S.
As Exhibitor
Representative
Holds Bidding Bad, Not
Just Inadequate Relief
Holding that divorcement is un-
necessary, the Confederacy of
Southern Associations on Friday
declared in an appeal to the Su-
preme Court that the Department of
Justice's opposition to competitive
bidding does not constitute a repre-
sentation of their interests, inasmuch
as the government objects to the bid-
ding system solely on the ground that
it is an inadequate substitute for
divorcement.
The CSA petition, asking the high
tribunal to reverse the New York
Federal District Court's denial of the
association's right to intervene in the
industry antitrust suit and to elimi-
nate the bidding provision from the
court's decree, was the 10th and last
appeal placed on record. It came two
(Continued on page 6)
FWC Gains Seven
In Pooling Breakup
Hollywood, March 2.— Seventeen
theatres in Southern and Northern
California which Fox West Coast
has operated in pooling arrangements
will pass to individual control and
the circuit will take over 100 per cent
operation of 24 other houses on com-
pletion of current paper work.
The split-up, necessitated by the
(Continued on page 6)
Myers Anticipates
4Clean-Cut' Verdict
Washington, March 2. — Unlike
the New York Federal District
Court, the U. S. Supreme Court early
next year will make a "clean-cut" de-
cision in the industry anti-trust suit to
cither remove producer-distributors
from "thin legal ice" by affirming
that they do not have a monopoly
(Continued on page 6)
In This Issue
"Fall Guy" is reviewed <>n
page 5.
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 3, 1947
Personal
Mention
Tradewise . . .
H
president and director of adver-
tising-publicity-exploitation, left here
at the weekend by plane for the
Coast.
•
Ike and Harry Katz, Kay Film
Exchanges executives, have returned
to Atlanta from visits in Washington
and New York. They will depart
shortly for Memphis and New Or-
leans.
•
Paulette Goddard is due here
from Hollywood today en route to
London. She and her husband Bur-
gess Meredith will sail on the Queen
Elizabeth March 7.
•
Lowell Calvert, sales representa-
tive for Hunt Stromberg Productions,
has returned to New York from. the
Coast.
•
Paula Gould, New York Capitol
publicist, will return to her desk today
following an attack of the grippe.
•
Frank Capra has been awarded the
Foreign Correspondents Association
"Gold Globe" for 1946 for his direc-
tion of "It's a Wonderful Life."
•
Harry Young, Universal salesman,
Columbus, is recuperating at his
home there from injuries sustained
in an automobile accident last month
•
Morey Goldstein, Monogram's
general sales manager, left here at
the weekend for a ten-day tour of
Charlotte, Atlanta and Miami.
•
Lige Brien, Eagle-Lion represen
tative, will leave New York for
Pittsburgh tomorrow accompanied by
Kenny Delmar.
•
R. E. Martin, head of Martin
Theatres, Atlanta, will celebrate his
62nd birthday on Thursday.
•
Charles K. Stearn, Loew's assist-
ant treasurer, will leave the Coast
for New York on Wednesday.
•
William G. Brenner, head of M-
G-M's field auditing staff, is in Los
Angeles from New York.
By SHERWIN KANE
'Blaze' Tradeshow Set
Paramount will tradeshow "Blaze
of Noon" in all branch areas, New
York excepted, on Friday, March 21.
The picture, which was produced by
Robert Fellows and directed by John
Farrow, will be screened in New
York at the Normandie Theater today.
The film's world premiere will be
held at the Rivoli, here, tomorrow.
Larkin Opens Office
Mark Larkin has opened his own
public relations and publicity office in
New York, to promote road-show en-
gagements and special attractions for
film companies, as well as public re-
lations and publicity for advertising
agencies and book publishers.
HP HE return of United Artists
ownership a week ago to
two of the company's founders,
Mary Pickford and Charles
Chaplin, together with their con-
cord on future administrative
policies, stirred considerable in-
terest in the trade not the least
of which is evident among inde-
pendent producers and stars and
directors who are contemplating
companies of their own.
The abandonment of produc-
er-partnerships and the corollary
preferential contract terms
granted to such producers sits
well with those in the UA fold
and others who would like to
be there.
The producer-partnerships for
more than 15 years past have
been the source of internal dif-
ferences in UA which reverber-
ated throughout the company
from high to low. It was a
perennial question whether a
producer-partner continuously
engaged in production rated
more administrative weight and
financial return than the UA
owners who were not continu-
ously engaged in production.
That was at the root of the
troubles which surrounded and
marked the leave-takings of
Samuel Goldwyn, Alexander
Korda and, now, David Selznick.
Without producer-partners, it
would seem, UA will have end-
ed that source of internal con-
troversy which distracted and
frequently unseated management
and personnel far down the line.
UA's producer-partners auto-
matically obtained preferential
distribution contracts with the
company, largely- as an induce-
ment for their affiliation. Such
preferential contracts, however,
often proved unprofitable to the
company and almost, always
caused dissatisfaction among
less favored producers. Many
are known to have left the com-
pany for that reason.
The present status of UA
ownership and the declared poli-
cies of that ownership result in
an entirely different United
Artists than heretofore. Many
trade observers believe it is the
answer to the problems which
have plagued the company for
years. They believe UA now
faces its most promising busi-
ness era in several decades.
The ./V. Y. Times opposes the
dangerous Wilson-Condon bill
to revoke licenses of pictures ad-
vertised immorally partly on the
ground that it poses the threat of
general censorship. Yet other
columns of the Times recom-
mend the Dr. Ruth A. Inglis re-
port, "Freedom of the Movies,"
which Terry Ramsaye diagnosed
recently as a proposal for a "set
of national censors to tell the
picture business what to do."
According to the Times'
record here, regulation is good
or bad depending upon who
wants to do it to whom.
The Times also remarks that
the law is unnecessary ; responsi-
ble papers police their ad col-
umns. Still, publication of ob-
jectionable ads on "The Outlaw''
inspired the bill.
It is no secret throughout ex-
hibition that the national inde-
pendent exhibitor forum which
was scheduled to be held in New
York March 10 and 11 was
called off because Allied States,
without responding to Fred
Wehrenberg's invitation to at-
tend, indicated publicly it would
not participate. Allied gave as
its reason its belief that nothing
coufd be accomplished until the
Supreme Court has acted on ap-
peals in the industry anti-trust
suit, despite the fact that Wehr-
enberg clearly stated that the
meeting was designed primarily
for discussion of the proposal
and the initiation of organizing
details if it met with the ap-
proval of exhibitors.
In that way the forum would
be prepared to function when
the Supreme Court rulings were
in. The best it can do now is to
make its belated start perhaps a
year from now, if ever.
Exhibitors and distributors
what sat through the futile
United Motion Picture Industry
conferences in 1942 predicted
this outcome for the forum pro-
posal. They were accused of
being overly cynical. Obvious-
ly, they were merely being
realistic.
Industry experience in the
promotion of conciliation ma-
chinery and cooperative effort
has been so consistently discour-
aging over the years that it has
now reached a point at which
the very men who are best
equipped to initiate and lead con-
structive movements of the kind
have begun to view them as des-
tined for failure and participa-
tion in them to be a complete
waste of time.
It is regrettable but nonethe-
less a fact that the good inten-
tions of so many can be negated
by so few.
Newsreel
Parade
TfRIC JOHNSTON presenting his
J—* plan for industrial peace is covered
by all current neivsrc'els. Other hap-
penings spotlighted arc the Buffalo
teachers' strike, Arctic and Antarctic
aviation activities, the Indo-China war
and a wide variety of sports contests.
Full synopses follozv :
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 53^-B-29 cgw
rescued in Greenland. Buffalo tea e -
strike for higher pay. Human traced8 Q /
ruin in Indo-China war. Washington :' m ic
Johnston presents plan for industrial peace.
Los Angeles golf tourney. Motorcycling
thrills. Basketball: Notre Dame vs. New
York University.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 251— Buffalo:
Nation's biggest teachers strike. War-torn
Indo-China. Rescue of airmen in Arctic and
Antarctic. Eric Johnston urges labor plan.
Coyote hunt in Idaho. Florida motor-bike
races. Water-skiing.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 54-King
George meets King Neptune. Teachers' un-
rest reaches climax in Buffalo. Eric John-
ston reports on industrial relations. Indo-
China war. Sports: basketball, motorcycling,
water-skiing.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 56-Strike
shuts Buffalo schools. French repel Indo-
Chinese. Eric Johnston asks for labor peace.
Chile dog-club holds show. Air rescue of
lost Byrd fliers. Riggs-Budge tennis tour-
ney.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 17-
French troops in Indo-China fighting. Rail-
road head Robert R. Young urges reforms
and points way toward improvement. Eric
Johnston urges plan for industrial labor
peace. Lion cub "quads" born. Trained
monkey goes through paces in Memphis.
World's golf championship game in San
Diego.
Stoltz Resigns PRC
Sales Reissue Post
Arnold T. Stoltz, who has been with
Producers Releasing Corp. from the
time of the company's formation more
than two years ago, and who recently
moved up from national director of
advertising-publicity to sales manager
in charge of PRC's Edward Small re-
issues, resigned from the company at
the weekend. His resignation will
become effective in two weeks, or
sooner, depending upon the develop-
ment of Stoltz' plans.
Stoltz, 1941 winner of the Quig-
ley silver showmanship award, was
at one time publicity director and
manager of Warner and Loew the-
atres. In 1943 he became exploitation
manager of United Artists.
Schaefer's Enterprise
Office Opens Today
George J. Schaefer, newly elected
vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion for Enterprise, is due here from
the Coast today to establish the com-
pany's New York office, which, for
the time being at least, will occupy
the headquarters of George J.
Schaefer Associates, industry financ-
ing firm.
Upon Schaefer's arrival, he is ex-
pected to finalize a deal for the ac-
quisition of approximately 300 fea-
tures made by Universal prior to
1938. Reissuance of them will be
through a new company to be formed
by George J. Schaefer, Jr., and John
J. Cahill. it is understood.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, Editor-m-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company. Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, Quigpubco, London.' Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879 Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
ism
66
Odd Man Out
99
[ Two Cities-Universal ] — Dramatic Atom Bomb
THE scene is an unidentified city in Northern Ireland, no doubt Bel-
fast. The time is during the war ; the story, an incident in the activi-
ties of the Irish Republican Army. The action starts at four o'clock
and ends at midnight. The result, brilliantly produced and directed by
Carol Reed, is the unrelenting and uncompromising drama of a manhunt
in what is one of the few outstanding examples of its type and a motion
picture which has substantial possibilities of finding ultimate place among
the screen's greats.
First, the dramatic outline : James Mason, out of prison and ill, is- chief in
his city of the illegal organization. Funds are required. A mill is robbed.
In the getaway, the group escapes but Mason kills a mill manager who, in
turn, badly injures Mason whose companions recoup him temporarily and
thereafter lose him when he falls out of the escape car. The remainder of
the film deals with the man hunt and Mason's adventures on his road to death.
Two of his men are cut down outside the house of ail informer. Another,
seeking Mason and finding him, draws off the police and is captured, but not
before Mason gets a temporary breather.
Hundreds of police are on the trail. The pursued man hides in alleys,
(Continued on fafic 8)
7+
'Odd Man Out"
(Continued from page 1)
shrinks into protective, dark corners, endeavors to harbor his waning strength
in a horse-driven cab, falls in the rain and mud and snow, makes his way to
the haven of a saloon. He is picked up by an underworld character who is
prepared to turn him over to police or friends, depending upon the greater
reward, gets sorely tieedid aid from a medical student, stumbles out to meet
Kathleen Ryan, who loves him and has been appealing to W. G. Fay, the
parish priest, for information and assistance. In the final few minutes, the
girl and Mason meet. Escape cut off, she fires two shots at the police ad-
vancing across a snow-covered square. In the returning fusilade, and as she
had planned, both are killed.
■• Here are the essentials of taut and vigorous drama, compounded with exact-
ing expertness in the screen play by R. C. Sheriff and R. L. Green, from a
novel by another Green — F. J. But the bigger job was vested in Reed. To
bring to life the realistic relentlessness of the hunt, to probe and to find the
soul-searching required for utter conviction, to develop the stark mood, to
unfold and then to catch the uncertainities and the cross-purposes of the
good and the less-than-good characters parading the screen — these are among
the contributions of Reed's undeniable talents as a director. His work is
magnificent.
Mason is completely convincing and touching as the illegal resistance fighter
whose inner conflict finds him unable to determine if the processes of par-
liamentary law ought not give way to violence. Miss Ryan, whose first film
this is, immediately establishes her competency as an actress of depth and
professional worth. Other players, drawn principally from the ranks "of Dub-
lin's famed Abbey Playhouse, are perfectly etched in their realism. Shading
them for comparative values, the two who stand above the others are F. J.
McCormick, as Shell, and Fay as Father Tom. Robert Newton, as a half-
mad artist, and Fay Compton, in a minor role, are invaluable assets of a
noted cast.
Commerciall}', "Odd Man Out" has Mason whose vogue in this country
is on the upbeat. This film will enhance his popularity, but the measure of
the attraction's ticket-selling potential perhaps is best drawn by a throwback
to "The Informer", with which this bears many resemblances.
First reviewed from London in Motion Picture Daily of Jan. 30, Peter
Burnup wrote : "This may well be rated in years to come among the screen's
choicest masterpieces". His appraisal could prove correct.
Tinkering with an end product of such distinguished values, moreover, may
be foolhardy yet the opinion of this impressed reviewer is that the film would
be better served in less length. As it stands, on the other hand, "Odd Man
Out" is a drama-on-film which will not be quickly forgotten.
Running time, 113 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
not set.
Red Kann
It will be coming to
you soon, backed
by a tremendous
newspaper, mag-
azine and radio
advance campaign.
Monday, March 3, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
5
There
never
was
There
never
will
be
Another
picture
like
"It Happened in Brooklyn"
(Continued from page 1)
send audiences away glad they came and to convince theatremen they
had bought themselves an attraction.
Sinatra is the shy, boyish "GI" from Brooklyn. The war over, he is
on his way home. There, he meets Miss Grayson, singing teacher for a
bunch of school kids and disappointed in her failure to click as an
an operatic vocalist. Sinatra and the girl like one another, sort of ; but the
real romance develops when Lawford, also shy, comes over from England to
learn something of the practicalities of life, and girls, in the distinctive
atmosphere of Brooklyn under Sinatra's tutelage. Hovering over all three,
like a mother chick, is Durante, school janitor. He meets all impasses, solves
all problems and even finally sets Sinatra on his true road to romance with
Gloria Grahame, Army nurse first met in London.
This pleasant shadow of a story is not what is particularly vital. What is
vital is the handling of the characters and their response, the many heart-
warming twists and comedy slants which come out of John McGowan's
original, from which Isobel Lennart prepared the script for Whorf to imple-
ment thereafter.
For instance, when Sinatra and Durante go into "The Song's Gotta Come
from the Heart" as a duet, it is a high point. When Lawford throws the
switch from classical to jazz and sings "Whose Baby Are You?" it is another
sequence which scores. When Sinatra and Miss Grayson do an aria from
"Don Giovanni" with Lawford hitting the ivories in an Italian restaurant,
there another ten-strike. In fact, the mood is so genial throughout and the
atmosphere so infectious that a good time is practically assured all comers.
Running time, 103 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set Red Kann
"Fall Guy"
(Monogram)
Hollywood, March 2
BASED on Cornell Woolrich's story called "Cocaine," this is the first to
be produced in sequel to the revision of the Production Code in such a
way as to permit the presentation of drug addiction on the screen, and it
presumably rates special consideration in the trade. The news in this .connec-
tion is that it does deal with the use of drugs (referred to in dialogue both
as "drugs" and as "narcotics") and therefore does offer an exhibitor disposed
to exploit it on this ground an opportunity to do so, but will not offer his
audiences the type of thing that sort of exploitation would suggest. In point
of fact, nothing has been done with the "dope" element which could not have
been done with drunkenness, amnesia, or even an accidental bump on the
head, and possibly a good deal more clearly and convincingly. To ballyhoo
the picture as an "expose" or anything like that is to court customer com-
plaint.
On the other hand, it's a quite tense little melodrama that Producer Walter
M. Mirisch and Director Reginald Le Borg put together from Jerry Warner's
screenplay, and the players assembled for the project — Clifford Perm, Robert
Armstrong, Teala Loring, Elisha Cook, Jr., Douglas Fowley and others — do
pretty well with it. Penn portrays a young man who goes to an apartment
party where drinking is being done, finds himself later in a police station ward
being questioned about blood on his hands and a bloody knife, escapes, and
then manages to trace forgotten events with the aid of a police officer who
risks his job to help him do so. It's established that the boy has been drugged,
and that a murder has been committed by his sweetheart's guardian, a drug
addict, who has been secretly in love with the girl and has sought to eliminate
the boy by framing him for the murder. It's pretty well contrived, but could
have been done more coherently if the dialogue pertaining to the drugging
had been outright language concerning liquor (the boy is shown as an
habitual drunk) instead of studiously indirect reference to the quite unneces-
sarily introduced contraband.
Running time, 64 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
February 22. William R. Weaver
Lohrenz's District
Wins 'Sears Drive'
United Artists' Midwest district,
headed by Rud Lohrenz, has won first
prize in the "Grad Sears Gold Cup
Sales Drive" on over-all performance,
it was announced at the weekend by
J. J. Unger, general sales manager.
The drive started in July.
Other winning district managers
are : W. E. Ca'llaway, West ; Jack
EilL New York; Moe Dudelson,
Mjfcl; Fred M. Jack, South,
branch honors were taken by Chi-
cago, headed by Sid Rose, with Win-
nipeg, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City
and Atlanta landing in the first five,
respectively. Other prize- winning
branches included Los Angeles, Phil-
adelphia, New York, Detroit, Pitts-
burgh, Buffalo, New Orleans, New
Haven, Vancouver and St. Louis.
Winning salesmen who will receive
awards for outstanding performances
include G. B. Davis, Atlanta; T. R.
Barber, Dallas; W. T. Keith, New
Orleans ; Nat Ross and Irving Men-
delsohn, Boston ; Dave Leff , Buffalo ;
Lou Geiger, Cleveland ; R. J. Forman,
Detroit ; Sam Rifkin, New York ;
William Scott, Pittsburgh ; Harold
Ross, Washington ; W. R. Riddle,
Denver ; M. M'. Krueger, Indianap-
olis ; John Graham, Kansas City ;
Jack Drum, Los Angeles; Moe Pro-
vencher, Milwaukee ; E. J. Stoller,
Minneapolis, C. F. Reese, Omaha and
Jack O'Bryan, Seattle.
Warner Men Discuss
Auction Selling
Auction selling as specified under
the decree was the chief topic at Fri-
day's closing session of the two-day
Warner district sales managers' meet-
ing conducted by Ben Kalmenson,'
vice-president and general sales man-
ager, at the home office.
Howard Levinson, member of the
legal staff representing distribution,
outlined procedure to be followed in
complying with the decree edict. Oth-
er new stipulations in sales methods
also were taken up, following the pre-
vious day's discussion of clearance.
An outline of product scheduled for
release during the spring and summer
was 'the final business of the Friday
afternoon session.
WB Promotes Fletcher
Herbert E. Fletcher, formerly man-
ager_ of the Warner Bros, branch of-
fice in Cali, Colombia, and before that
in Trinidad, has been appointed man-
ager for Peru by Wolfe Cohen, vice-
oresident of Warner International. He
succeeds James E. Pepper, resigned.
A new manager for Cali will be an-
nounced later by Cohen, who will
leave here for South America on
Wednesday.
Two More WB Showings
Two additional tradeshowings in
March have been set by Warner Broth-
ers, giying the company three national
screenings for exhibitors this month.
"Stallion Road" is set for March 17,
"Love and Learn," March 24, and
"The Two Mrs. Carrolls," March 31.
xeneralPrecisionDividend
Directors of General Precision
Equipment Corp. has declared a divi-
dend of 25 cents per share on the com-
pany's capital stock, payable March 25
to stockholders of record on March 10.
Republic Sales Meet
Opening on Coast
San Francisco, March 2. — James
R. Grainger, Republic executive vice-
president in charge of sales and dis-
tribution, and Edward L. Walton, as-
sistant general sales manager, are
here for a three-dav sales conference
which begins tomorrow.
They made the trip from Los An-
geles with Western district sales man-
ager Earl R. Collins, and the trio is
meeting with S. C. Martenstein, San
Francisco branch manager, and oth-
ers. At the close of the meeting,
Grainger and Walton will return to
the Studio, and will leave for New
York at the end of the week.
Classics Names Hankin
Sol Hankin has been named branch
manager of Film niaseics' recentlv-
acriuired branch in St 1 ouis, by Sam
Wheeler, sales manager.
Century Men Meet
At Astor Tomorrow
Century Theatres' department heads,
district managers and theatre managers
"'ill hold the first in a planned series
of open forums at the Hotel Astor
here tomorrow. The session will hear
any questions, suggestions or com-
plaints, in an effort to increase the
i gamzation's efficiency.
Century vice-president Fred J.
Schwartz will preside.
Girl Scout Trailer
Manv theatres have agreed to run
a Girl Scout 35th anniversary trailer,
reports Leon T. Bamberger of RKO-
Radio, who is the industry's repre-
sentative on the national nublic re-
lations committee of tb<= Scouts, The
one-minute shnH featuring a nvs^aee
by Margaret O'Brien, will be avail-
able March 12 through National
Screen Service.
Motion Picture Daily
6
Film Editors' Union
Wins 15-20% Boosts
Film editors, assistant editors and
apprentices at Columbia, M-G-M In-
ternational, March of Time and Pathe-
scope under new contracts concluded
between the companies and the Motion
Picture Film Editors, Local No. 771,
IATSE, have been awarded wage in-
creases of 15 and 20 per cent, accord-
ing to Charles Wolfe, the local's busi-
ness agent. The Columbia pact, retro-
active to Jan. 1, 1946, is the- first
signed between the company and the
union.
Setting a 40-hour week at Colum-
bia and Pathescope and a 37y2-hour
week at March of Time, the contracts,
which cover an estimated SO employes,
provide 15 per cent wage boosts for
editors and assistant editors, bringing
their respective weekly wages to
$120.75 and $60.38, while editing room
assistants are given a 20 per cent in-
crease, to $42.00 a week, Wolfe de-
clared. M-G-M International's syn-
chronization editors are receiving
$97.75 a week, with assistant editors
and apprentices granted scales similar
to those provided in contracts with
the other companies, he added.
Retroactivity of the Pathescope and
March of Time agreements is to Jan.
1, 1947, and of the M-G-M Interna-
tional pact to Nov. 15, 1946.
Solon Presses for Survey
Washington, March 2. — Congress-
man Robert J. Twyman of Illinois has
urged Congress to approve the sweep-
ing nationwide census of business pro-
posed last year by the Department of
Commerce. The study would embrace
ail businesses, including films.
Records Seizure
(Continued from page 1)
last month by Judge Mc Vicar in the
action brought some time ago by Dat-
tola and 23 other exhibitor plain-
tiffs in this area. Distributors have
been inspecting the theatre records
of the 23 for the purpose of over
140 counterclaims filed by the com-
panies in their action alleging dam-
ages from fraudulent percentage re-
turns.
Still pending is a motion made last
week by the distributors to have Dat-
talo held for contempt of court for
failure to produce for inspection cer-
tain records in accordance with pre-
vious orders of the court. While
awaiting determination of this motion,
the court issued the order directing
the marshal to seize and impound
the records in Dattola's office.
According to the papers filed by
the distributors in support of their
motion, Dattalo kept certain theatre
records in a metal filing cabinet,
which records were not produced for
their inspection, as directed by the
court in previous orders, the exist-
ence as well as the keeping of certain
of them allegedly having been denied
by Dattalo in an affidavit previously
submitted by him to the court on an
earlier motion.
SCREENCRAFT PICTURES, INC.
341 West 44th St., N. Y. C. 18
35MM — Distributors of — 16MM
FEATURES/WESTERNS,
COMEDIES and SHORTS
Marker Resigns as
D. of J. Video Chief
Joseph B. Marker, special attorney
for the Department of Justice's New
York anti-trust division, who has been
in charge of the Government's tele-
vision anti-trust case since it was
started against Paramount, General
Precision Equipment, Television Pro-
ductions, Inc., Scophony Corp. of
America, Scophony Ltd., and others
announced on Friday that he has res-
signed from the Department to return
to private law practice.
With Marker's resignation went his
agreement to make his services avail-
able to the anti-trust division in the
event that negotiations now going on
in Washington for a settlement of the
suit prove fruitless. Currently, also,
the Government is appealing in the
U. S. Supreme Court the dismissal
of Scophony Ltd. as a defendant on
jurisdictional grounds.
Sees National Video
Schenectady, March 2. — Creation
of a Coast-to-Coast television network
is "only a few years away," in the
opinion of Niles Trammell, president
of National Broadcasting.
Arbitration
( Continued from page 1 )
opposition to the system and criticism
by some exhibitor organizations.
As reported on Friday in Motion
Pictuhe Daily, movement for ex-
tending arbitration on a voluntary
basis, outside the jurisdiction of the
court, was thwarted by cancellation of
the March 10-11 New York meeting
which had been called for considering
that subject along with the formation
of a motion picture forum. Should all
or most of the tribunals be kept going
with new cases, the system might be
held_ together long enough to give a
possible new voluntary movement time
enough to succeed.
In the new Cleveland complaint,
against M-G-M, R. D. Stone operator
of the Idol Theatre at Lodi, O., seeks
correction of a licensing agreement to
conform to the clearances offered by
other distributors, namely seven days
after Akron and availability 30 . days
after territorial or national release
date. Asserting that the M-G-M clear-
ance is unreasonable, Stone says that
the Idol is subject to clearance after
first run in Ashland and 35 days after
Mansfield, both Ohio. Schine's Pal-
ace, Ashland and Medina theatres are
named as interested parties.
Bringing the number of cases now
before the New York tribunal to
three, the Newtown Theatre Corp. in
its complaint seeks complete elimina-
tion of the seven-day clearance to
which its Newtown Theatre, Elm-
hurst, Queens, is subject in favor of
the Granada. Newtown Corp. main-
tains that the two theatres are not in
competition, or in substantial enough
competition to warrant seven days'
clearance, since they are in different
neighborhoods.
Columbia Profits
(Continued from page 1)
of common stock after preferred stock
dividends, calculated on the increased
amount of common which was out-
standing on Dec. 28, 1946, are: $2.25
for the 1946 period; $1.92 for the
1945 period. Shares outstanding on
Dec. 28, 1946 totaled 622,782 ; on Dec.
29. 1945, 595,447.
Govt. Film Division
May Win Extension
Washington, March 2. — Support
by exhibitor organizations and the
Motion Picture Association may make
possible continuation of the film di-
vision of the Office of Government
Reports.
With an operating expense of
slightly under $50,000 per year, the
OGR film unit has been assigned to
handle all Government film matters,
thus saving the industry considerable
confusion by receiving overlapping
and impossible requests.
The American Theatres Associa-
tion may be represented at closed
hearings of the House Appropriations
Committee when the OGR appropria-
tion is heard. It is also believed that
Eric . Johnston or another MPA rep-
resentative will be asked to appear.
Myers Anticipates
(Continued from page 1)
of exhibition or, on the other hand,
placing them in an "icy bath" of the-
atre divorcement, Abram F. Myers,
Allied chairman and general counsel,
predicts.
' Drawing his conclusion from the
Government's appeal and those filed
by Columbia, United Artists and
Universal (prior to a study of the
theatre-owning defendants' appeal
filed last week), Myers says:
"The divorcement issue has been
dished up in so many ways that the
high court cannot fairly escape mak-
ing a clean-cut decision." He notes
that 25 of the Government's assign-
ments of error are against the Dis-
trict Court's finding that no monop-
oly of exhibition exists, that six are
against failure to grant divorcement,
three seek a ban on cross-licensing
and five strike at the lower court's
conclusions relating to clearance.
"The non-theatre-owning defend-
ants are making the competitive bid-
ding system the chief targets of their
appeals, while the Department of Jus-
tice snipes at bidding from so many
angles as to leave it thoroughly dis-
credited," Myers adds.
FWC Gains Seven
(Continued from page 1)
New_ York Federal court decree in
the industry anti-trust suit, will be
completed before July 1.
The policy inaugurated in the dis-
position of these pooling interests will
provide the pattern for similar ar-
rangements throughout the National
Theatres setup, a circuit spokesman
said.
Theatres involved in the present
rearrangement are located in Los An-
geles, Inglewood, South Pasadena,
Monrovia, Long Beach, San Diego,
Riverside, Bakersfield, San Francisco
and Hanford.
Admission Taxes
. (Continued from page 1)
based on motion picture admission
taxes.
Federal admission tax receipts dur-
ing January, representing collections
for the preceding month, amounted to
$37,054,760. compared with- $33,741,-
349 in the same period of the previous
year. Between 80 and 90 per cent of
these figures also represent taxes on
motion picture admissions.
Monday, March 3, 1947
Okla. Bill Would
Widen Local Taxes
Oklahoma City, March 2. — State
Senators Robert Burns of Oklahoma
City and Arthur Price of Tulsa have
introduced a bill permitting Oklahoma |
cities to levy additional taxes includ-
ing levies on amusements.
Exhibitors are expected to organize
a fight against it.
Chevalier to be Welcomed
Maurice Chevalier will be wel-
comed on his return to the U. S. i^g \
Paris, by the Associated Motion^Q'
ture Advertisers, it is announced "ny
President Rutgers Neilson, president.
He will be its guest at a luncheon at
the Town Hall Club on Thursday.
CSA Hits U.S.
( Continued from page 1 )
days in advance of the deadline for
filing.
Without competition bidding, the
CSA contends, the other directions of
the court "are fully adequate to ter-
minate the restraints of commerce
found to be unlawful." The bidding
system, moreover, would cause, the
petitioners "irreparable damage," the
appeal states.
Such damage, according to CSA,
would spring from several causes :
The larger theatres would outbid
the independents operating smaller
theatres, making the latter mediocre
houses, exhibiting on a second ,and
subsequent run basis.
The theatre-owning defendants, per-
mitted to continue exhibiting features
produced by them, may, if they pro-
duce enough, never have to enter the
competitive market.
The definition of a competitive area
is so vague that it may result in the
elimination of all clearances.
The determination of "the highest
responsible bidder, having a theatre of
a size, location and equipment ade-
quate to yield a reasonable return"
furnishes no practical measure by
which a defendant may properly de-
termine to which exhibitor to award
a feature.
The decreed method of licensing
will increase admission prices through
the increase in film rentals.
The method overlooks such estab-
lished business considerations as hon-
esty, integrity, experience, good will
and reputation.
The method forbids and prevents
necessary post-exhibition adjustments.
Material losses would result from
uncertainty as to the result of bids.
An exhibitor operating two theatres
equal in seating capacity to one larger
theatre cannot successfully bid against
such a house, because the decree pro-
vides that each license must be taken
theatre by theatre.
Washington, March 2. — The De-
partment of Justice will not ask for a
stay of the effective date of competi-
tive bidding beyond July 1, the date
set by the New York court, despite
the fact that the bidding system is
criticized by the Department in its
appeal to the Supreme Court, accord-
ing to Robert L. Wright, assistant to
the Attorney General.
Wright said the Department has
no reason to request a stay until the
Supreme Court has acted on appeals.
Indications are the Department is less
concerned with bidding as an undesir-
able film licensing method than as an
unsatisfactory substitute for divorce-
ment.
THESE ARE
THE WORLD'S NEEDIEST WAR
ORPHANS! THEY NEED YOU NOW!
The Motion Picture Industry has accepted the
humane privilege of saving, through adoption,
15,000 orphans of war-ravaged Greece.
$80 will provide for a war orphan and will sustain and
clothe the child for one year.
ALL motion picture industry personnel — in theatres, in
home-offices, in branch film distribution offices and in Holly-
wood studios are urgently invited to form "$80 SAVES
A GREEK WAR ORPHAN" Clubs and thus adopt one
or more GREEK WAR ORPHANS for one year.
NO THEATRE COLLECTIONS ARE REQUESTED
. . . although outside contributions are desired.
Local merchants and suppliers to this industry
may participate with generous contributions to
YOUR CLUB.
FORM YOUR CLUBS NOW!
START COLLECTING
NOW!
80
1
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY'S APPEAL FOR THE WAR ORPHANS OF GREECE
in honor of SPYROS P. SKOURAS— March 8th to April 8th
,.,tch \N\UCHEU- says:
mJl „A Throbbing
•Taut and m
Cinema-
■'BEOeUA'J*,?
b-a-a-a-
"COLD WAVE CHILLS B'WAY GROSSES
but "BEDELIA" SMASH ... 55
Headlines
when
MOTION PICTURE DAILY says
(THE WICKEDEST
WOMAN WHO
EVER LOVED!)
FIGURES TO RING UP .
A TERRIFIC GROSS! ^
On Broadway and Main Street "BEDELIA" is BOX OFFICE!
Ed Emanuel says, of the Harrisburg and Reading (Pa.)
Twin World Premieres, Troves beyond doubt that
'BEDELIA' will do outstanding business!"
i «
V0
FIRST
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
..j
VOL. 61. NO. 43
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1947
TEN CENTS
Pfty to Meet
Living Cost
Asked by 'IA'
Seeks 6-Month Bonuses
Under Studio Pacts
Notice has been served on Holly-
wood producers that all IATSE
studio workers expect to receive
bonuses equal to the increase in
living costs which occurred between
July and December of last year, Rich-
ard F. Walsh, "IA" international
president, said here yesterday.
The notice was given under author-
ity of a reopening clause in contracts
negotiated since an interim agree-
ment was entered into last July,
Walsh explained. Under terms of that
settlement, the bonuses were to be
granted if costs advanced more than
five per cent during the last half of
the year.
Preliminary plans for the new
talks were made by Walsh during his
recent visit to the Coast, and the ne-
gotiations now are expected to be
(Continued on page 9)
Wage Demands Seen
Costing 13 Millions
Hollywood, March 3. — Studio labor
costs for 1947 will rise approximately
$13,500,000 if all unions petitioning for
cost-of-living increases are successful
in obtaining increases proportionate to
the 11.17 per cent boost granted the
Screen Extras' Guild last week.
The SEG, the only Hollywood
union whose contract outrightly spe-
(Continued on page 9)
20th Is Accepting
Product Bids in
Competitive Areas
Minneapolis, March 3. — Film-bid-
ding has already been effected by 20th
Century-Fox in competitive situations
in some territories, following similar
action taken by other companies, al-
though the New York Federal Court
decree does not make the bidding sys-
tem binding until July 1 ; 20th-Fox is
acting at this time to iron-out "wrin-
kles" that might arise.
Beyond the acknowledgment that
some bids have been received spokes-
men for the local 20th-Fox branch
said that the bids "under consideration
and will be acted upon in accordance
with terms of the decree."
Earlier, M. A. Levy, _ 20th-Fox
Prairie district manager, said theatres
in the Minneapolis zone which had re-
quested the right to bid for product
had been advised that such bids were
now being accepted. He said the prod-
(Continued on page 9)
Zorn Hits MPA on
Public Relations
Peoria, 111., March 3. — Edward G.
Zorn, Pontiac exhibitor and president
of the United Theatre Owners of
Illinois, today blasted the Motion Pic-
ture Association, for failing in what
he termed its main task and purpose,
to better public relations.
Zorn, speaking at a Central Illinois
meeting of the United Theatre Own-
ers, at the Pere Marquette Hotel
(Continued on page 9)
See No Tax Relief
Before July, 1949
Hollywood, March 3— War-
time admission tax rates will
not be lowered until probably
July 1, 1949, according to the
House and Senate conference
committee which approved in-
definite continuation of pres-
ent excise rates on Saturday.
The present 20 per cent
rate will be necessary in the
light of GOP efforts to reduce
the budget and at the same
time pay part of the national
debt, the committee said.
Taxes on some fur coats and
on travel outside the U. S.
were revised partially or elim-
inated in the re-drafting of
the bill in committee.
Attorneys on
Tour in Survey
Of Clearance
Para., Warners, Others
Checking Pact Terms
Save 2 U. S.
Film Sections
Washington, March 3. — Republi-
can leaders in Congress have indi-
cated that they will not slash two im-
portant film functions of the Govern-
ment, the commercial policy division
of the State Department and the Com-
merce Department trade information
unit.
Inasmuch as neither unit has a high
appropriation and neither engages in
propaganda or private business, the
GOP will approve their continuation.
The Commerce section, headed by
Nathan D. Golden for 25 years, has a
fund request of less than $25,000 per
year. Golden operates under the
(Continued on page 9)
Johnston Will Ask
For a Strike Ban
Washington, March 3. — Eric
Johnston, president of the Motion Pic-
ture Association, will appear before
the House Labor and Education Com-
mittee tomorrow to urge a permanent
ban on jurisdictional strikes.
He is expected to point out that
labor unions had an adequate warning
to clean house, but obviously refused
to do so. Therefore, Johnston will
urge the committee to ban internal
disputes and boycotts. Several days
ago Johnston warned that if labor did
not accept its responsibilities and
eliminate jurisdictional disputes such
as the Hollywood strike, it would be
the duty of Congress to step in and
create accord by regulation.
Showmanship Need Ahead
Cited at 'Awards' Function
Distribution companies, charged
by the New York Federal District
Court with the burden of proof of
"reasonable" clearance under the
decree in the industry anti-trust suit,
have begun sending home office attor-
neys into the field to review clear-
ances in consultation with division and
district managers.
Paramount, first company to con-
firm taking this step, has assigned
attorneys Richard Morgan, Thomas
Gibbons, Sam Boverman and Morton
Lane to the field duty. Morgan is on
hand for assignment following his re-
turn over the weekend from an ex-
tended stay on the Coast.
Warner _ Brothers are understood to
be following a similar policy, with
attorney Howard Levinson now in
(Continued on page 8)
U.S. Explains Stand
On Arbitration
Chicago Interests
Form Film Company
Chicago, March 3.— With Marshall
Grant, former Universal producer-
director, as president ; William D.
Saltiel, head of the Chicago Opera
Company, as board chairman, and
Herbert Lyon, formerly in charge of
publicity for the Balaban and Katz
television station WBKB, as publicity
director, Marshall Grant Pictures,
Inc., has been formed here by a group
of Chicago businessmen who have in-
(Continued on page 8)
Calling for a return to "old fash-
ioned showmanship" as a means of
keeping business on a comfortable lev-
el after the "past few lush years," Sol
A. Schwartz, vice-president in charge
of theatres for RKO Service Corp.,
yesterday cited the annual Quigley
Publications' Showmanship Awards as
the industry's "best medium through
which managers have an opportunity
to be heard and to receive deserved
recognition for outstanding talent in
the field of advertising and exploita-
tion."
Schwartz addressed approximately
80 distribution, advertising and ex-
hibition executives at a luncheon in
(Continued on page 8)
Washington, March 3. — Justice
Department opposition to arbitration
is motivated by a fear that such a sys-
tem would be used to place the bur-
den of final decree enforcement upon
the exhibitor, it was said here today.
The Department has no opposition
(Continued on page 8)
20th Buys Into Nine
M-G-M Music Firms
Twentieth Century-Fox has ac-
quired a substantial interest in the
stock of M-G-M Robbins Music Corp.,
and eight affiliates, according to an
announcement made here yesterday by
Charles C. Moskowitz, president of
(Continued on page 9)
In This Issue
"Blaze of Noon" and "Un-
dercover Maisie"are reviewed
on page 10.
Key city grosses are given
on the same page.
2
Motion Picture daily
Tuesday, March 4, 1947
CSU Head Shot at
And Beaten in Calif.
Hollywood, March 3. — Police today
were investigating the abduction and
shooting of Herbert K. Sorrell, presi-
dent of the striking Conference, of
Studio Unions, who was found bound
at a roadside near Freeman's Junction,
135 miles from Los Angeles, late last
night. He was taken to Ridgecrest
Hospital where he is being treated for
head injuries.
Sorrell, whose life was threatened
in Oct., 1945, when four shots were
fired at him as he sat in his car near
his Glendale home, said that three
men, one wearing a police uniform,
seized him as he was returning from
taking his wife to church.
The labor leader, who will remain
in the hospital for several days, added
that his assailants fired three shots at
him after dragging him into the desert
and departed, believing him dead.
Carl Head, taking charge of the
CSU in Sorrell's absence, said, "The
violence of last night is a thing to be
laid directly at the door of the con-
spiracy between the producers and
racketeer labor leaders in Hollywood."
Hollywood Labor Up
For Investigation
Washington, March 3. — Rep. Rich-
ard Nixon (Cal.) will make an in-
vestigation of labor discord in Holly-
wood and also will conduct a study
for the House Un-American Activities
Committee on alleged Communist
activities there.
A member of the labor committee,
he will investigate the current studio
jurisdictional strike and attempt to
find its causes. He will conduct the
un-American probe with the assistance
of a committee investigator.
Hobbs Will Manage
Republic Branch
Atlanta, March 3. — James Hobbs,
formerly with Universal in Charlotte
and Oklahoma City, has been appoint-
ed local branch manager of Republic
Pictures by Merritt Davis, Southern
district manager. He replaces Sid
Reams who has resigned.
UK Power Grants
Exclude Theatres
London, March 3. — Despite
the Government's restoration
of electric power to all in-
dustries today, theatre and
office building restrictions
will continue, and domestic
consumers still must con-
serve electricity five hours a
day.
The new order authorizes
full production for all indus-
tries, including the film in-
dustry, except theatres. How-
ever, the shut-down of lab-
oratories during the coal
crisis resulted in a severe
raw-stock shortage here, and
producers will have to move
cautiously if yearlv require-
ments of all are to be met.
Personal Mention
IOSEPH M. SCHENCK, execu-
«J tive head of production for 20th
Century-Fox, arrived here yesterday
from the Coast accompanied by Fred
Metzler, studio treasurer. Schenck
will leave here soon for a Florida
vacation.
•
Bernard Lewis will leave for
Hollywood today to begin his new
job as executive assistant to Hal
Horne, vice-president in charge of
production for Story Productions,
Inc.
•
Jack Simons has replaced Ar-
nold Leapard as manager of the Cen-
ter Theatre, Hartford. The latter
has been transferred by the Contin-
ental Circuit to Durham, N. C.
•
Wade M. Carr, Manley, Inc., dis-
trict manager, Cleveland, suffered a
broken leg and his wife was killed in
a recent automobile accident near
Cincinnati.
•
Phil Reisman, RKO Radio vice-
president in charge of foreign dis-
tribution, has returned to New York
from a South American tour.
Sid Kramer, assistant to Harry
Michaelson, RKO Radio short sub-
jects sales manager, has arrived in
Hollywood from New York.
•
Bucky Harris has succeeded Jack
Quirk as RKO Radio's New Haven
field exploiteer. The latter has been
transferred to New Orleans.
•
Arthur W. Kelly, president of
General Motion Picture Corp., is due
here from England tomorrow on the
Queen Elisabeth.
•
William K. Saxton, Baltimore
city manager for Loew Theatres, will
be host to Tom Drake, M-G-M star,
at a reception here today.
•
Ernest Emerling, Loew's pub-
licity-advertising manager, has been
visiting Atlanta from New York.
•
William N. Skirball, of the
Skirball circuit, is in Cleveland from
the Coast.
•
Henderson M. Richey, M-G-M
director of exhibitor relations, re-
turned here from Florida yesterday.
•
Edward C. Raftery, president of
United Artists, has returned here
from Pittsburgh.
•
Arthur Jeffrey, Eagle-Lion ex-
ploitation head, will leave here today
for Philadelphia.
•
Harry Paul, Wil-Kin Theatre
Supply Co., has returned to Atlanta
^rom Tampa.
Nate B. Spingold, Columbia ex-
ecutive, has left New York for a
Florida vacation.
•
David O. Selznick is en route here
from Hollywood by train.
NATE BLUMBERG, Universal
president, has arrived in New
York from the Coast, accompanied by
Mrs. Blumberg and their daughter
and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Stan
Meyer.
•
Maurice A. Bergman, Universal-
Inaternational Eastern advertising-
publicity director, returned to his
desk here yesterday following recup-
eration from a chipped hip bone sus-
tained several weeks ago while riding
horseback in San Francisco.
•
Robert Weitman, managing direc-
tor of the New York Paramount The-
atre, who is en route to Phoenix by
train, will be met there by Leonard
H. Goldenson, Paramount circuit
general manager, who will leave here
by plane tomorrow.
Rudy Berger, M-G-M Southern
sales manager ; Burtus Bishop, Jr.,
district manager, and Leonard J.
Hirsch, home office sales assistant,
are in Kansas City from where they
will depart for Oklahoma City on Fri-
day.
•
Bernard Mack, secretary of the
Filmack Trailer Corp., and son of
president Irving Mack, was married
in Chicago on March 1 to Dorothea
Fein of New York. The couple will
honeymoon in Florida.
•
George J. Schaefer, Enterprise
distribution vice-president, has been
delayed by bad weather while flying
here from the Coast. He is expected
to arrive today.
•
R. J. O'Donnell, head of Inter-
state Circuit, Dallas, was host to
Frank Capra and James Stewart
at a reception in the Hotel Adolphus
there yesterday.
•
Maurice Grad. Columbia's short
subject sales manager, left New York
yesterday for a 10-day tour of At-
lanta, Charlotte, New Orleans and
Washington.
•
A. A. Ward, Altec Lansing vice-
nresident, and John K. Hilliard.
chief engineer, have arrived in New
York from the Coast for a week's
stay.
•
William F. Rodgers, M-G-M vice-
president in charge of distribution, is
due to return to New York from the
Coast on March 15.
•
F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal-In-
national Southern and Canadian
sales manager, will leave New York
today for Jacksonville, Fla.
Charles E. Kessnich, Southern
M-G-M district manager, returned to
Atlanta vesterdav from Charlotte.
•
Nicholas Schenck, president of
Loew's, Inc., will leave Hollywood to-
day for New York.
•
Morton Lane of the Paramount
home office legal denartment, is in
Chicago from New York.
'High Tide' to Monogram
Hollywood, March 3. — Jack
Wrathers' second production, "High
Tide," will be released by Monogram.
NEW YORK THEATRES
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
'Spencer TRACY - Katharine HEPBURN
i Robert WALKER
Melvyn DOUGLAS'
i"THE SEA OF GRASf
A Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer Picture
■SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION"
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN 0 HARA - WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
W SOKOeOC/S T£O///V/C0£0K V
§3 DENNIS O'KEEFE
IN PERSON
MAX BAER
AND
SLAPSY MAX1E
RQSENBLQQM
(/;„„,.«,, Pauiette GotWanJ
I " Fred MacMurray
^Suddenly
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
—N. Y. FILM CRITICS
"The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Continuous A CTf\D
Performoneef /Yk3 J. V-/IV
«'WAY and
A45th ST.
Paramount's
"BLAZE OF NOON"
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
He was made for ACTION!
She was made for LOVE!
JOHN
WAYNE
GAIL
RUSSELL
"ANGEL
and the
BADMAN
it
with
HARRY CAREY - BRUCE CABOT
IRENE RICH - LEE DIXON
A JOHN WAYNE Production
A Republic Picture
BRANDT'S GOTHAM %Vst
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Ouigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New \ork. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President: Martin Ouigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau.^624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady. 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
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A DORE SCHARY PRODUCTION
by H, C» fOTU. - — - — — - — ~
this is a reproduction of one of the regular national magazine
ads in RKO's big new DOUBLE-PLAY seat-selling smash!
Tuesday, March 4, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
5
Theatres Clear of
New Tennessee Tax
Memphis, March 3. — The State's
two per cent sales tax does not apply
to theatre or other amusement admis-
sion tickets, Assistant State Attorney
General William Barry, said today,
explaining that entertainment is not a
"tangible personal property."
However, a measure may be intro-
duced taxing admission tickets. Such
a measure was introduced by the
Knox delegation as a local act apply-
j Tir111^ t0 arnusements in Knoxville
if 7 Knox County. The Knox Act
levies a one-cent tax on each 20 cents
of admission fee. The act taxes all
forms of amusement admission fees
and specifically states that a cover
charge will be considered an admis-
sion.
Some doubt as to the constitution-
ality of the local Knox Act has been
raised on grounds that it would be
class legislation, applying a tax burden
to the residents of one community and
not to residents of others. The Knox
Act has not yet been signed by the
governor.
Minneapolis Again
Seeks License Rise
Minneapolis, March 3. — Local
members of North Central Allied, met
at luncheon today at the Dyckman
Hotel to discuss their position and
map moves to oppose a rise in the-
atre license fees, proposed by the city
council. Stanley Kane, executive di-
rector, presided in the absence of presi-
dent Ben Berger, who will not return
from Florida until March .8.
Kane will appear before the city
council at an open hearing scheduled
for March 7, the council's opening
move to increase annual fees for the-
atres. Fees in the city now range
from $50 to $500 annually, depending
on their location.
Seek Voice in N. Y.
State Tax Hearings
The Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Association will request per-
mission to appear at any New York
State Senate hearing on new taxation.
This was decided at a meeting here
presided over by Rodney Smith, ex-
ecutive director. The group is con-
cerned at present over a newly-intro-
duced measure which would give blan-
ket authorization to New York cities
and towns to draw additional tax
revenue from any source, including
theatres.
Wisconsin Considers
Local Tax Measure
Milwaukee, March 3. — A bill al-
lowing cities and villages of the state
to levy admission taxes on film the-
atres and other entertainment places
has been introduced in the Wisconsin
Senate.
Theatre Exemption
Stays in ASCAP Bill
Indianapolis, March 3. — A State
Legislature conference committee to-
day rejected the radio amendment to
Indiana's Anti-ASCAP Bill, which
would have freed broadcasters from
its provisions, but accepted the thea-
tre amendment, which would make
distributors and producers liable for
any damages assessed against exhibi-
tors for unlicensed performances. The
bill was sent to conference after the
Senate failed to concur in House
amendments. It is now up for final
passage in both houses.
South Dakota Faces
10% Admission Levy
Pierre, S. D., March 3.— A
10-per cent tax on admissions
to theatres and ballrooms is
proposed in House bill No. 257
introduced in the South Da-
kota legislature. Proceeds
would be earmarked for mu-
nicipalities of township gen-
eral funds.
Milwaukee Facing
Strict Censorship
Milwaukee, March 3. — Mayor
Bohn, the chief of police, and city
councilmen are studying Chicago's
motion picture censorship ordinance
with a view to adopting a similar plan,
following the recent controversy in
which the city's motion picture com-
mission recommended a ban on "The
Outlaw" and the common council
threatened to revoke the Towne Thea-
tre's license if it did not halt the pic-
ture's exhibition.
The Chicago censorship ordinance
is considered one of the toughest in
the country, giving absolute power to
mayor over film exhibition in the city.
Permits are issued by the police chief
before a film can be shown and viola-
tors may be fined $10 to $100. It also
provides for an exhibition fee, which
costs local exhibitors hundreds of
thousands of dollars annually. The
Chicago ordinance bars immortal pic-
tures, as well as films which ridicule
any race or creed and pictures involv-
ing hanging, lynching or burning of
a human being.
Chester To Produce
5 Films This Year
Hollywood, March 3. — Hal E.
Chester, Allied Artists and Mono-
gram producer, has five films slated
for completion this year. First pic-
ture, to begin March 15, will be "A
Guy Named Joe Palooka." The Con-
stance Bennett Production for Allied
Artists, "Smart Woman," will start
on June 1. "The Big Story," Craig
Rice mystery, is scheduled to start
Aug. 1, followed by the second Joe
Palooka film on Sept. 15. "Master-
piece," the Victor Pahlen novel, is set
to start Nov. 14.
Bernard W. Burton will be asso-
ciate producer on all films except
"Smart Woman."
Jack Kirsch* s Father, 80
Chicago, March 3. — Funeral ser-
vices for Benjamin Kirsch, 80, father
of_ National Allied president Jack
Kirsch, will be held tomorrow at the
Jaffee and Albert funeral chapel, with
burial at Jewish Waldheim Cemetery.
Kirsch died Saturday in Miami, fol-
lowing a lengthy illness.
Brennan Memorial Mass
A memorial mass will be celebrated
at St. Patrick's Cathedral, here, on
Thursday for the late James M. Bren-
nan, RKO Theatres executive, who
died one year ago.
Warren Conner, 50
Cincinnati, March 3. — Warren
Conner, district manager for Altec
Service Corp., died here on his 50th
birthday.
20th-Fox Leads
Tax Refund List
Washington, March 3.— Twentieth
Century-Fox received the largest tax
refund from the Government for over-
payment during 1946, according to fig-
ures released by the Bureau of Internal
Revenue today. The company was
credited with an $821,348 refund.
Second on the list were Warner
Brothers officials, who received a total
of $178,023.
Other industry refunds listed were:
Columbia Pictures Corp., $5,173 ;
Columbia Pictures of Brazil, $1,632;
Columbia Pictures of Puerto Rico,
$3,512; Columbia Pictures of West
Indies, $588; Columbia Pictures of
Near East, $7,493; International
Newsreel Corp., $5,787; Loew's, $25,-
000; Loew's Theatre and Realty
Corp., $6,875; Paramount Pictures of
South America, $1,016; Paramount
Films of India, $843.
Also: Paramount Land Corp
$700; Universal, $59,826; Warner
Bros. Circuit Management Corp.,
$942; Warner Bros. Theatres of
Pennsylvania, $684; United Artists
Theatre Co. of Michigan, $762-
United Booking Office, $3,373; Ar-
nold Productions, Inc., $2,130; Sam-
uel Goldwyn Studios, $6,710; Mono-
gram Pictures, $38,230; National
Theatres Corp., $6,638; National Pic-
ture Corp. of Califor nia, $1,011 ;
Principal Theatres, Inc. of Arizona,
$550; Sherman Oaks Theatre Corp'
$3,315; United Artists, $21,145.
Also, Albert Warner Trust, $27,-
385; Harry M. Warner Trust, $17,'-
898; Jack L. Warner Trust, $13,808-
Jack M. Warner, $24,000; Milton ~B.
Warner (deceased), $830; Rea E.
Warner, $14,666; Doris Warner Le-
roy, $65,280; and Jean Warner
Sprague, $21,530.
Refunds to film stars included : Can-
ada Lee, $1,200; Brian Aherne, $16,-
923; Louise Albritton, $859; June
Allyson, $1,241; Thomas Mitchell,
$14,654; Harry James, $18,586; John
Wayne, $16,514; Ann Harding, $1,-
595; Sabu Dastagir, $15,014; Gracie
Fields, $7,090. Producer Joseph Pas-
ternak received $9,437.
General Aniline and Film Corp. re-
ceived $461,072 (excess profits tax).
Radio industry refunds included : Col-
umbia Broadcasting, $2,072; National
Broadcasting, $430,866; and Radio
Corp. of America, $811,860 (excess
profits tax) and $12,584 (income.)
Mrs. Cliff Almy Dead
Hollywood, March 3. — Mrs. Cliff
Almy, wife of the Warner supervisor
for Philippines and Japan, died in her
sleep at her home here last Thursday,
after a long illness brought on by con-
finement in a Japanese prison camp
during the war. Burial plans await
word from Almy, who recently re-
turned to Manila.
Universal Stock
Meeting Next Week
Universal's annual Stockholders'
meeting will be held in Wilmington
on March 12, the company reported
yesterday.
Preparatory to the meeting, presi-
dent Nate J. Blumberg has returned
here from the Coast, and Charles D.
Prutzman, vice-president and general
counsel, has returned from Nassau.
Final UA Meeting
Begins on Thursday
United Artists' -final four-day sales
meeting in its current series will get
under way in Chicago on Thursday.
Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in
charge of distribution; Maury Orr,
Western sales manager, and George
Raftery of the legal department, have
left El Paso, where the third meeting
was concluded, for Chicago, and today
J. J. Unger, general sales manager,
and Paul N. Lazarus, Jr., advertising-
publicity director, will leave New
York for the final meeting.
The Chicago meeting, like its pre-
decessors, will be devoted to discus-
sions of sales policy and the screening
of nine pictures. At the third meeting,
delegates were briefed on the new pro-
visions of the New York decree by
Raftery. Sears presented a review of
the company's current production
status and cited the UA backlog of 29
pictures already completed and await-
ing release. The negative cost to date
he said, amounts to $41,000,000. The
meeting was conducted by Orr.
' Harry Thomas Drive'
Will Begin April 23
Producers Releasing Corp. will
launch on April 23, birthday of PRC
president Harry H. Thomas, a "Harry
Thomas Drive," which will run
through Aug. 30, Ralph H. Clark,
the company's new sales manager, an-
nounced yesterday. The following-
films will establish the drive's nu-
cleus : "Born to Speed," "Devil on
Wheels," "Untamed Fury" and cur-
rent Philo Vance releases.
Clark said forthcoming PRC prod-
uct will receive advertising-publicity-
exploitation campaigns of vastly in-
creased scope, with special emphasis
to be placed on direct-to-exhibitor
campaigns. "Higher budgets and more
coordinated effort in production" will
be evidenced by PRC, he added.
Loew's Enterprise Party
Loew's International, which will
handle foreign distribution for Enter-
prise Prod., will be host at a cock-
tail party today to David Lewis, En-
terprise producer, and Erich Maria
Remarque, author of "Arch of Tri-
umph" and "The Other Love."
ITS TIME!
It's time you learned about Filmack's NEW Prevue
Trailer Service. It's READY NOW! For full information
write Filmack, 1 32 1 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, 111.
HLHXCK gives QUICKEST SERVICE on SPECIAL TRAILERS
akes John Wayne to its hear
" 'ANGEL AND THE BADMAN' is winner. Especially a 'must see' for connois-
seurs of leather and stirrup sagas . . . stellar cast. Producer Wayne has suc-
ceeded to noteworthy degree. Simple down-to-earth drama. . . rough and
ready vigor."
SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
"Wayne and the great outdoors at their best. The plot . . . fresher than most.
All praise due Writer-Director James Edward Grant."
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
"One of lustiest barroom brawls you ever saw and cattle stampedes and
shooting. Able cast. Wayne competent and engaging. Gail Russell glamor-
ous in high degree . . . rattling good, she is, too. Harry Carey aces as always."
THE SAN FRANCISCO NEWS
"Something away from run-of-the-prairie tales. Ambushes, wild chases, a
cattle stampede and a barroom battle royal. The climactic twist is also there."
SAN FRANCISCO CALL-BULLETIN
HARRY CAREY • BRUCE CABOT • IRENE RICH • LEE DIXON
and STEPHEN GRANT • TOM POWERS • PAUL HURST
Written and Directed by James Edward Grant • a JOHN WAYNE Production^.. il^}
8
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, March 4, 1947
QP 'Awards' Function Held
QP Photo
Some 80 showmen and film company leaders of New York and
elsewhere attended the annual judging of the "Quigley Showman-
ship Awards" held at the Hotel Astor here yesterday. The judging
considered 22 top campaigns sent in from most states, Canada
and other countries. Pictured above at the dais are, reading
from left to right: Robert Mochrie, RKO Radio distribution vice-
president; Sol Schwartz, RKO Service Corp. theatre vice-presi-
dent, guest spokesman of the day; Martin Quigley, host; Gus
Eyssell, head of New York's Music Hall; Malcolm Kingsberg,
president of RKO Theatres, and J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of
Famous Players Canadian Corp., a visitor from Toronto.
(Continued from page 1)
Walter Gould Extends
Bromberg Territory
Osmar Bromberg, general manager
for United Artists in Mexico City has
been promoted to the post of regional
supervisor of the" "Northern tier of
Latin American countries, by Walter
Gould, VA foreign manager. These
comprise Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico,
Canal Zone, Colombia, Trinidad,
Venezuela and the Caribbean area.
J. B. Urbina was named Bromberg's
successor in Mexico. Urbina rejoins
UA after a lapse of 'five years. He
resigned in 1942 as the company's
manager in Mexico to become sales
manager of Clasa-Films Mundiales.
Broders Will Open
NY Branch Thursday
Paul and Jack Broder are due in
New York on Thursday from their
home city-Xif JDetroit to open the first
of at least three branch offices ..of
a new company which they have start-
ed, to distribute 40 United Artists re-
issues, rights to which they have al-
ready acquired. Among the produc-
tions are 13 Hopalong Cassidys.
The Broders' company will be
known as American Releasing Corp.
The other two cities picked so far are
Detroit and Los Angeles.
DeMille Wins Appeal
San Francisco, March 3. — Cecil
B. DeMille has won a California Su-
preme Court hearing on his appeal
of a lower court upholding his sus-
pension by the American Federation
of Radio Artists, AFL, for refusing
to pay a. one-dollar union assessment
in 1944. His appeal will be heard in
April in Los Angeles.
Clearance Survey
(Continued from page 1)
Chicago, following a meeting of sales
executives from all over the country
here last week, and with the possibil-
ity that at least one. other member of
the . legal department . also will make
field trips to review clearances.
A spokesman for M-G-M said yes-
terday that his company's clearance
check-up still is scheduled to be
made through a series of regional
meetings, first of which was held in
Chicago recently. However, difficul-
ties have been encountered in sched-
uling the remaining sessions, with the
result that attorneys may be dis-
patched on field survey trips in order
to assure^ full —compliance with the
court's clearance requirements before
the decree becomes effective on April 1.
RKO Radio and 20th Century- Fox
carried on discussions of the clear-
ance provisions at their recent New
York sales meetings but they too are
understood, to be extending the survey
to the field.
MITCHELL MAY, Jr.
CO., INC.
INSURANCE
•
Specializing
in requirements of the
Motion Picture Industry
75 Maiden Lane, New York
510 W. 6th St., Los Angeles
the Astor Hotel here following judg-
ing of the entries submitted by 22 fin-
alists in the 13th annual competition
sponsored by the Managers Round
Table of Motion Picture Herald. An-
nouncement of winners of the silver
and bronze plaques, as well as a plaque
for outstanding showmanship overseas,
will be made on Friday.
Special tribute was paid by
Schwartz to the efforts of second,
third and fourth-run theatre managers,
whose "ingenuity and enterprise are
so important, where there is no pub-
licity department, exploitation direc-
tor or advertising man close at hand,
where the entire campaign has to be
planned and executed by the same per-
son." He also commended the Quig-
ley organization for "the high plane
on which this competition has been
conducted."
Martin Quigley, host at the
luncheon, referred to screen entertain-
ment and the way m which this enter-
tainment is directed to public attention
as "the two principal factors which
determine the public relations status of
the motion picture." He stressed the
importance of keeping both films and
selling methods "of the right charac-
ter."
U. S. on Arbitration
(Continued from page 1)
to voluntary arbitration, as such, pro-
vided it is employed only to settle
contractual differences rather than to
enforce the final judgment of the U.S.
Supreme Court.
Although the Justice Department
has suggested that Congress could
establish compulsory arbitration, it
does not plan to ask for such legisla-
tion. The Department believes, how-
ever, that the only way to establish
such a system is by Congressional
sanction.
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The annual awards were character-
ized by Quigley as "a direct and vital
stimulus to that kind of thinking and
action which leads to the effective and
profitable presentation of motion pic-
ture shows" and as "the means of
proper and continuing recognition of
that quality of distinguished showman-
ship which is vital to the welfare and
prosperity of the industry." Antici-
pating that the marked prosperity of
recent years cannot continue indefi-
nitely, he predicted that the "very
real challenge" of the future will be
met by the exploitation forces in this
country and around the world in a
manner which will be "another demon-
stration of their imagination, ingenuity
and energy."
Arnold Stoltz and Lige Brien, pre-
vious Quigley Grand Award winners,
were introduced at the luncheon, as
were J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of
Famous Players-Canadian, and James
B. Nairn, FP-C advertising-publicity
director.
Others present included : Paul Ack-
erman, Glendon Allvine, Leon Bam-
berger, David Blum, Steve Brener,
Samuel Cohen, Jerry Dale, Hal Dan-
son, Oscar Doob, Steve Edwards, H.
R. Emde, Gus Eyssell, William R.
Ferguson, Mel Gold, Lou Goldberg,
Leonard Goldenson, Ben Grimm, Wil-
liam J. Heineman, Al Horwitz,
Charles Reed Jones, Gerald Keyser,
Malcolm Kingsberg, Blanche Living-
ston, Hank Linet, Lawrence Lipkin,
Fred Lynch, F. J. A. McCarthy,
Charles B. McDonald, Harry Mc-
Williams, Harry Mandel, Robert
Mochrie, Rutgers Neilson, John J.
O'Connor, David O'Malley, Lew
Preston, Charles M. Reagan, Hender-
son M. Richey, Sidney Schaefer,
Charles Schlaifer, Ed Schreiber, Fred
Schwartz, Si Seadler, Ben Serkow-
ich, Milt Silver, Robert Ungerfeld,
Victor Volmar, Max Youngstein and
Al Zimbalist.
Also: Martin Quigley, Jr., Charles
Aaronson, Gertrude Merriam Ernst-
thall, Gus Fausel, Herbert Fecke,
Chester Friedman, Ray Gallagher,
Ray Gallo, David Harris, James D.
Ivers, Sherwin Kane, Red Kann.
Ray Lanning, Tom Loy, Paul Mooney,
Jr., Terry Ramsaye, Floyd Stone,
Theodore J. Sullivan and Sally Wal-
ton.
Greek Aid Regional
Meetings Scheduled
Regional meetings on the industry's
appeal for the War Orphans of
Greece will be held throughout the
country during the drive, March 8
through April 8, with film executives
attending from New York, it was de-
cided at a meeting here yesterday at
the offices of the American Theatres
Association.
Meetings already are scheduled for
New York, Chicago, Boston, Los An-
geles, Washington and San Francisco.
Si Fabian, co-chairman of the drive
with Ned Depinet and Jack 4§^hn>
presided at yesterday's session, (V'\h
was attended by : Charles Scni-ifer,
Ben Serkowich, Fred Schwartz, Rob-
ert W. Coyne, Leon J. Bamberger,
Harry Takiff, Arthur W. Brilant,
Sam Rosen, Peter Levathes, George
Skouras, Ed Fabian, Harold Rinzler,
Harry Brandt, Sjam Shain, Phillip
Hailing and George Xanthaky, the
latter executive director of the Greek
War Relief Appeal.
Snyder Moving Here
Cleveland, March 3. — Robert Sny-
der, Film Classics branch manager
here for three years, left for New
York at the weekend to become as-
sistant to Albert Dezel, head of Al-
bert Dezel Roadshow Attractions,
which is being reorganized.
Chicago Interests
( Continued from page 1 )
vested more than $1,000,000 in the
company which will "invade" Holly-
wood as a production unit. Sonja
Henie and- Dan Duryea have been
signed to co-star in one of the com-
pany's first pictures, and William A.
Wellman has been contracted to direct
its initial venture, "Moonrise."
Other Chicagoans who have in-
vested in the new company include the
following : Maurice A. Horner, Jr.,
retired head of Durand - McNeil,
wholesale grocers; David M. Saltiel,
banker; Richard Rosenwald, financier;
Lee Heiman, head of Heiman and Co.,
textiles ; David Copeland, director of
General Transportation Corp. ; David
N. Goldenson, stock broker ; Louis B.
Kuppenheimer, clothing manufacturer ;
Maxwell Abbell, head of an office
building-hotel syndicate ; David Saul
Klafter, architect; Peter Torosian,
rubber manufacturer ; Harry Hoff-
man, head of J. S. Hoffman Co., and
Henry Hart, head of Hart, Schaffner
and Marx. A. Ronald Button, Los
Angeles attorney, is secretary of the
company, which has been incorporated
at Sacramento, Cal.
Vladimir Pozner, who wrote "The
Dark Mirror," has been signed to
write "Moonrise". The new company
will also produce "The Loop," an
original about Chicago, which is being
written by Jay Dratler, and "Gaines-
ville, USA" which will be written by
Lynn Riggs.
In addition to Wellman, other direc-
tors signed include E. H. Griffith,
Arthur Lubin and John Rawlins.
Production manager for the unit in
Hollywood is Ben Hirsch. No releas-
ing arrangements have been made as
yet with any distributor, although
negotiations are now underway. Abe
Lastfogel of the William Morris
Agency, is supervising all talent deals
being negotiated by the company.
Although unconfirmed, it is reported
that the Grant organization has
offered James Stewart $335,000 to di-
rect and star in "Moonrise," which
will be adapted from the book by
Chicagoan Theodore Strauss:
Tuesday, March 4, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
4-Day Electronics
Convention Opens
Described by its president W. R. G.
Baker as a "realistic appraisal of what
has been accomplished to date and
what may reasonably be expected in
the near future," the Institute of Ra-
dio Engineers opened its four-day con-
vention and exhibit at the Grand Cen-
tral Palace and Hotel Commodore
here yesterday. The field of electronics
is covered by 166 companies showing
new-components, materials and tech-
niq T^jn operating equipment. _
\J .nical advances in television will
be taken up in panel discussions today
by E. W. Engstrom, R. D. Kell and
G. C. Sziklai of RCA Laboratories,
by C. E. Hallmark of Farnsworth
Television, and by representatives of
a Holland television company. W. B.
Lodge of Columbia Broadcasting, will
report tomorrow on the results of nine
months of field tests to determine the
coverage of the CBS color transmit-
ter W2XCS operating on 480 mega-
cycles in New York.
Board Here Weighs
Video Plan Today
A plan has been adopted by the
sub-committee on apartment house
television installations of the Televi-
sion Broadcasters Association in an-
swer to objections which landlords
have made against placing video an-
tennas on the roofs of buildings, and
will be presented to representatives
of the Real Estate Board of New
York when the two groups meet here
today.
The suggested plan will permit im-
mediate installation of television re-
ceivers in multiple dwellings, TBA
reports.
100th Loew Dividend
Loew's, Inc., which has paid con-
secutive dividends since 1923, will pay
its 100th dividend on March 31.
Music Deal
(Continued from page 1)
Robbins and vice-president and treas-
urer of Loew's.
At a meeting of the stockholders of
Robbins, the following directors were
elected : Moskowitz, Leopold Fried-
man, J. Robert Rubin, Joseph R.
Vogel, Jesse T. Mills, Joseph H. Mos-
wokitz and W. C. Michel, the last
two also being vice-presidents of 20th
Century-Fox.
Newly-elected officers of Robbins
include: C. C. Moskowitz, president;
Friedman and J. H. Moskowitz, vice-
presidents ; Charles K. Stern, treas-
urer; Abe Olman, secretary; Harold
J. Cleary, Bernard Prager and Ste-
phen Lezitz, assistant secretaries, and
Mills, assistant treasurer.
The Robbins group of music pub-
lishing firms includes : Robbins, Leo
Feist, Inc., Miller Music Corp., Wal-
ter Jacobs, Inc., Big Three Music
Corp., Gene Krupa Music Corp., Rob-
bins International Corp., Variety Mu-
sic, Inc., and the newly-formed Harry
Warren Music Corp.
A BUY-TRANS-LUX MOVIE SCREEN
13' x 18', Still in Original Frame.
Used Once. Perfect Condition.
CALL MURRAY HILL 5-0863
Three Promoted by
Minneapolis Circuit
Minneapolis, March 3. — Creation
of two new executive positions and
one promotion in the Minnesota
Amusement circuit are announced by
Harry B. French, president. George
C. Shepherd, auditor, has been ap-
pointed to the new post of director
of sales and merchandising ; Robert
J. LaPiner becomes the company's first
director of special events, and Forrest
D. Sathre replaces Shepherd. All ap-
pointments are effective March 15.
The new post occupied by Shepherd
has been created to launch a program
of expansion and improvement of mer-
chandising in the 82 theatres operated
by the company in Minnesota, the
Dakotas and Wisconsin. In his new
assignment, La Piner will be in charge
of planning and execution of special
events, including conventions, business
meetings and traffic management.
Wage Demands
(Continued from page 1)
cified an increase equalling the living-
cost increase shown by U. S. Labor
Bureau statistics as representing the
rise between July 1, 1946 and Jan. 1,
has announced that its new wage levels
will go into effect on A "HI 1, retro-
active to Jan. 1.
All other unions, which uniformly
were parties to the strike-settlement
interim agreement made on July 1,
when they received 25 per cent in-
creases, were given contracts provid-
ing for reopening when the figure now
made public made by the Labor De-
partment became available. Most of
them have already applied for reopen-
ing negotiations.
Although employers were not bound
to deal identically with all, it is re-
garded as certain that all will seek
11.17 per cent. The total increase
figure of $13,500,000 for _ 1947, if all
unions are granted identical alterna-
tions in scale, is based on December
employment figures, when average pay-
ment, received by about 24,000 work-
ers, was $98.98 per week.
Living-Cost Pay
(Continued from page 1)
carried on by the IATSE's Holly-
wood leaders.
Walsh denied reports that he is tak-
ing part in a movement to settle the
current Hollywood studio strike
through conversations with William
Hutcheson, president of the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Join-
ers of America, an affiliate of which
is involved in a jurisdictional dispute
with "IA" carpenters. Walsh indi-
cated that he is standing firm on his
contention that the Hutcheson group
has failed to live up to an arbitration
decision.
Save 2 Film Sections
(Continued from page 1 )
Office of International Trade and is a
fact-finding officer for the film indus-
try.
George Canty of the State Depart-
ment has only two assistants, and his
total requirement for a year is around
$30,000. This figure includes office
rent, equipment, printing and other
expenses. Canty's section exchanges
information about foreign trade and
acts in behalf of the industry to elim-
inate trade barriers.
MGM Sales Officials
In Midwest Session
Des Moines, March 3. — Future
sales and distribution policies on
forthcoming releases were discussed
by M-G-M executives with local and
Midwest representatives today at the
opening here of a three-day sales ses-
sion. Officials of Tri-States and Cen-
tral States, as well as independent ex-
hibitors were also present today.
Among the executives here are :
John E. Flynn, Chicago ; Joel Bezahl-
er, New York, and Ralph W. Maw,
Minneapolis. D. C. Kennedy, local
branch manager, was host.
Zorn Hits MPA
(Continued from page 1)
here, asked, "When are exhibitors
going to awaken to the fact the John-
ston office has not and cannot speak
for exhibitors ? Only a strong na-
tional exhibitor organization can
speak for exhibitors and the need for
such leadership is great."
United Theatre Owners, while en-
dorsing the work of the American
Theatres Association, is not officially
a member. Zorn, however, is a na-
tional ATA officer.
Zorn said : "Pictures are loaded
with crime, horror and sensuality. It
is becoming a problem to avoid book-
ing and playing two, three or even
four murder pictures in a row. The
Johnston office pays no more heed to
complaints of exhibitors and this con-
dition than do producers."
Zorn also criticized what he
termed extravagant motion picture ad-
vertising and said that as a result
the public today disbelieves all mo-
tion picture advertising. He also
condemned publicity given to Holly-
wood divorces, and predicted that it is
fast becoming a disgrace and may
even threaten the entire business as
it did in the past. "In the wake
of all this questionable publicity and
subject matter, there is a rising tide
of censure by religious grouns, Par-
ent-Teacher associations and youth
organizations against the motion pic-
ture business. Bovcotts of theatres
for long periods of time, and not just
a certain picture are threatened and
censorship and higher taxes are sure
to come unless something is done and
quickly," Zorn said, adding : "Instead
of trying to correct these conditions
the Johnston office has sat supinely by
and let these conditions develop."
20th-Fox Product Bid
(Continued from page 1 )
uct would be sold picture-by-picture
and theatre-by-theatre, with the dis-
tributor being obligated to accept
the highest bid, "if such bid pro-
duces the rental revenue" set up. If
no bid matches a designated minimum
flat rental, 20th-Fox reserves the right
to reject all bids, Levy added.
Levy said the new competitive bid
ding system ordered by the New York
Federal Court applies to all unplayed
company product in a competitive sit-
uation, and new product as it becomes
available.
It is also understood that in case a
bids are rejected clue to failure of the
jidding theatres to offer the minimum
rental requirements on a flal basis,
20th-Fox is then free to negotiate ex-
hibition of the picture or pictures re-
jected in the competitive situation,
either flat rental or percentage, "in
any way it sees fit" without violating
the sales provision of the decree.
sold
10
Motion Picture daily
Tuesday, March 4, 1947
Reviews
"Blaze of Noon"
(Paramount)
Hollywood, March 3
FOR marquee purposes, Paramount's dramatization of pioneer days in the
airmail service offers the names of Anne Baxter, William Holden, Sonny
Tufts and William Bendix. Sterling Hayden and Howard da Silva lend added
strength, and newcomer Johnny Sands distinguishes himself with a fine per-
formance.
Laid in the early '20s, the opening of the screenplay by Frank Wead and
Arthur Sheekman finds the principals— four brothers— barnstorming with a
circus troupe. One of them leaves the troupe to take a job with a small
airline which has landed an airmail contract. He is followed by his brothers,
who get similar jobs piloting mail planes.
The venture starts out rosily enough, but as soon as one of the brothers
falls in love and marries, conflict arises. The girl, living in the same house
with so many brothers-in-law, finds herself deprived of privacy, of any
semblance of normal home life and, at all times, she is less important to her
husband — and to his brothers — than flying, with which all four are com-
pletely absorbed.
Then the youngest brother crashes and is killed. Another brother, hysterical
over the accident, gives up flying — but only temporarily. A friend and co-pilot
is grounded for recklessness, and his antics lead the company's backers to
threaten withdrawal of their financial support. A third brother, haying fallen
in love with his sister-in-law, and thereby disrupted his emotional life,
crashes and is permanently crippled.
Final and most crushing blow comes when Holden, the married brother
(and by now a father as well) is trapped bv storm and darkness, and plunges
to his death. It is not, certainly, a cheerful picture, and its audiences had
best bring handkerchiefs. John Farrow's direction is masterly, and takes full
advantage of the many opportunities for suspense which the script affords.
The flying sequences, as performed by ace stuntman Paul Mantz, are breath-
taking. Robert Fellows produced.
Running time, 90 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Thalia Bell
"Undercover Maisie"
(M-G-M)
ANN SOTHERN'S familiar and reliable "Maisie" comedy character,
turning police detective, romps through a series of adventures which
are thoroughly delightful. The humor is a blend of sophistication and "corn,"
thus widening its audience appeal. And the storv is solid, at least until it
goes just a little wild toward the climax, when the suspense grows so great
that some fans may fear a threatened bullet is going to put an end to the
Maisie saga.
Thelma Robinson's original screenplay avoids the worn-out paths of worka-
day crime fiction bv giving over more than half of the yarn to Miss Sothern's
training for her police career. These sequences, spiced by legitimate slapstick
in a gymnasium, find MaHe pulled back and forth between the amorous
attentions of Barry Nelson, her mentor on the police force, and Mark Daniels,
her tutor. Finally, armed with a diploma and a badge, she goes forth to track
down Leon Ames, a fortune teller whose racket is to rob women who fall
under his spell. She calls on the fellow, pretending to need advice about
investing money, whereupon a fake real estate agent, Dick Simmons, comes
into her5 life. On the verge of trapping him, Maisie blunders and gets carried
off by the culprits, who decide to skip town and shoot her on the way_ out.
Cleverly, however, she sends word to headquarters, and the cops, giving
chase, find her tossing her captors about gvmnastically on a California beach.
Performances are uniformly good, under Harry Beaumont's direction. George
Haight's production is economical but adequate.
Running time 90 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
Feb. 28. ToM LoY
Key City
Grosses
Para. Price
Cut 'Helpful'
First-runs in New York fought an-
other losing battle with the weather-
man over the weekend, particularly
Sunday, as snow, cold and generally
unpleasant conditions kept many a
potential customer at home. Some es-
timated totals for the current week
are good, many are weak and all
would have been better, undoubtedly,
with less adverse business factors as
well as the weather.
The Paramount's lowered admission
scale, the management reports, pro-
vided a "good deal of help," with the
first week's gross for "Suddenly It's
Spring" and a stage show close to
$85,000. This is good but not out-
standing. The house looks to stimulate
its morning business especially with
the price cut from 70-8Sc to 55 cents
from opening to one o'clock. This met
with public approval as the new policy
went into effect on Wednesday but,
reportedly, the attendance figures fell
off Thursday, Friday and again yes-
terday. The Paramount claims a
week-day average of 7,800 for the
new opening-to-one-o'clock period
against an average for the past year
of 3,400, same time of day.
'Sea of Grass' Good
"Sea of Grass" had a good open-
ing at the Music Hall where with a
stage presentation the Thursday-
through-Sunday business is reported at
$84,500. The initial week should wind
ur> with $133,000. "The Late George
Apley," "The Egg and I" and J. Ar-
thur Rank's "Great Expectations" will
follow in that order, the last named
probably to open early in June. "An-
gel and the Badman" stirred up box-
office commotion at the Gotham with
$25,000 likely for the first week.
"Song of Scheherazade" also scored
in its debut on Broadway, with a total
of $35,000 anticipated in its first week
at the Criterion. "The Best Years of
Our Lives" is falling off just a little
at the Astor but still reigns supreme
as a top money-maker on such an
extended run ; the 15th week should
be good for $47,500.
"Beginning or the End," with Kath-
ryn Grayson topping a stage bill is
losing ground at the Capitol where
the second week figures to bring in
$71,000 ; the first week's gross was
$84,700. The Roxy is experiencing a
poor week, the third and final one
for "The Shocking Miss Pilgrim,"
with about $68,000 apparent, the five
days ending Sunday night bringing
$50,000. "Boomerang" bows in tomor-
row with Ed Sullivan, Broadway col-
umnist, and Katherine Dunham among
those on the stage.
Winter Garden Down
"I'll Be Yours" is down to approxi-
mately $15,000 in a second week at
the - Winter Garden and will be fol-
lowed March 15 by "Stairway to
Heaven." The latter film is now at
the Park, playing on a two-a-day basis,
and business for the 10th week is
mediocre, at an estimated $10,000.
The picture will hold for three extra
days, to be followed Saturday by
"The Years Between," which will be
offered on a continuous policy at popu-
lar prices.
Third and final week of "That Way
with Women" and Claude Thornhill's
orchestra probably will give the Strand
an unimportant $30,000, "Pursued"
will follow on Friday with "Stallion
Road" to be next, starting April 4.
At the Hollywood, "Nora Prentiss"
is not doing too impressively with
about $23,000 indicated for a second
week.
"Blaze of Noon" opens today at the
Rivoli, replacing "California" which
grossed an estimated $18,000 in its
seventh and final week. At the Globe,
"Strange Woman" slipped to $23,000,
expected, for a second week, compared
with $34,000 for the first week. "Sin-
bad the Sailor" is holding up fairly
well at the Palace which looks for
$25,000 in a sixth week : "The Locket"
will follow on March 12. "The Michi-
gan Kid" at the Rial to is enjoying a
good second week, estimated at $8,000,
although far short of the first week's
$14,000.
"Bedelia" lost much of its box-office
charm in a fourth week at the Vic-
toria, the gross being estimated at
$7,000; "The Thief of Bagdad," a
reissue, will follow tomorrow. A total
of $8,000— good enough— is reported
for the 27th week of "Henry V" at
the John Golden, on a moveover.
Mexican Exhibitors
Resist Price Cutting
Mexico City, March 3. — Under the
pressure of demands for reduced ad-
mission prices, now at a new high of
85 cents in first-runs here, local ex-
hibitors have notified the Federal and
municipal governments that any re-
ductions will be impossible to sustain
unless wage reductions are also ef-
fected.
Meanwhile, employes have asserted
they will not take a pay cut. Rather,
the employes are said to be agitating
for wage increases.
Cinecolor Board Meeting
Hollywood, March 3. — Cinecolor's
board of directors meets on March
16 at its Burbank studio, with the
replacement of William F. Loss, re-
cently resigned vice-president, among
the matters on the agenda.
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key \
cities as reported by Motion Picture !
Daily correspondents.
BALTIMORE
For the second consecutive weekend, i
bad weather has affected grosAS 'j?sti- |
mated receipts for the weeftsjSiding
March 6 :
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M)—
CENTURY (3,000) (29c-37c-46c-54c and 56c |
weekends) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Aver-
age: $14,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.)— KEITH'S (2,406) I
(29c-37c-44c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: I
$12,500. (Average: $12,000)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (Ztth-
Fox) — NEW (1,800) (28c-40c-50c-58c) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $12,- j
000) 1
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— STANLEY (3,-
280) (29c -37c -50c -58c) 7 days. Gross: $16,-
500. (Average: $16,500)
BEAT THE BAND (RKO Radio) — HIP-
PODROME (2,205) (29c -37c -50c -59c) 7 days.
With stage show. Gross: $18,500. (Aver-
age: $17,500)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)-
TOWN (1,450) (29c-37c-56c) / days. Gross: |
$12,500. (Average: $11,500) ,,
A SCANDAL IN PARIS (UA)- MAY- I
FAIR (1,000) (21c-29c-45c) 7 days. Gross:
$5,500. (Average: $5,500)
BRIEF ENCOUNTER (U-I) — LITTLE
(328) (29c-37c-56c) 7 days. Gross: $3,000. 1
(Average: $3,000)
ATLANTA
Business is satisfactory, considering
the fact that the weather has been very
cold. Estimated receipts for the week
ending March 5 :
THE DARK MIRROR (U-I)— FOX (4,661)
(55c-60c) Gross: $12,000. (Average: $13,000)
THE VERDICT (WB) — PARAMOUNT 1
(2,447) (55c-60c) Gross: $8,000. (Average:
$8 200)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— ROXY (2,446) (5Sc- !
60c) 2nd week, moveover from Fox. Gross: i
$5,700. (Average: $5,600)
SHADOW OF A WOMAN (WB) and
CRIMINAL COURT (RKO1 Radio)— Capitol i
(2,446) (44c-50c) Gross: $4,500. (Average:
$4 200)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— LOEWS I
GRAND' (2,554) (55c-60c) 2nd week. Gross: I
$12,500. (Average: $15,000)
MINNEAPOLIS
Holdovers managed to do near-av-
erage business despite a conglomera-
tion of competing entertainment. Es- 1
timated grosses for the week ending
March 6:
BOOM TOWN (M-G-M reissue) — CEN-
TURY (1,500) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $7,500)
COME AND GET IT (Film Classics)—
GOPHER (1,000) (44c-50c) 7 days. Gross:
$3,200. (Average: $3,400)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (20th-
Fox) — LYRIC (1,100). (50c-70c-I iys,
third week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $6,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (CoL)— RKO OR-
PHEUM (2,800) (50c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $11,500)
CALIFORNIA (Para.)-RADIO CITY (4,- j
000) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$18,500. (Average: $18,000)
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN (Univ. reissue)
and WHEN THE DALTONS RODE
(Univ. reissue) — RKO FAN (1,500) (50c-
70c) 6 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average:
$8,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— STATE
(2,300) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
Gross: $11,500. (Average: $13,500)
AMPP Re-elects Vogel
Hollywood, March 3. — Robert M.
Vogel has been re-elected for the sec-
ond year as chairman of the Associated
Motion Picture Producers' interna-
tional committee.
VOL. 61. NO. 44
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1947
TEN CENTS
^Jtart Ending
Pools With
Independents
Para., Fabian Dissolve;
Other Talks Progress
The five theatre-owning defen-
dants in the industry anti-trust suit,
already well advanced toward carry-
ing out the New York Federal Dis-
trict Court's mandate to dissolve
pooling agreements with each other
by April I, now are turning to the
problem of terminating pools with in-
dependent exhibitors, deadline for
which is July 1.
First of the dissolutions to be
settled with an independent in-
volves Paramount and Fabian
Theaters in Middletown, N. Y.
The Paramount there will be-
come part of the Netco circuit,
Paramount affiliate, and the
State and Stratton will revert
to Fabian. Meanwhile, talks are
progressing between RKO The-
atres and Randforce regarding
the Republic in Brooklyn, and
(Continued on page 6)
UA Still Concerned
Over Bid Approvals
United Artists officials continue to
be concerned over the fixing of legal
responsibility for rejection of exhibi-
tor offers for films under the new
competitive bidding system and be-
lieve that ultimately it must be de-
cided whether the company or the
producer's sales representative is to
be responsible.
Sales representatives of producers
releasing through United Artists have
(Continued on page 4)
N.Y. Decision Held
No Production Curb
The New York Federal Court's
anti-trust decision banning price fix-
ing, and consequently regular road
shows, is hardly likely to discourage
the production of multi-million dol-
lar pictures, according to David
Lewis, Enterprise producer, who sees
four-wall theatre rental deals as an
adequate means of realizing sufficient
returns on high film investments for
(Continued on page 8)
Twenty-Fifth
Anniversary
Twenty-five years ago today Will
H. Hays signed his first contract
bringing him into the motion picture
industry. He became president of the
National Asso-
ciation of the
M. P. Industry,
predecessor of
the Motion Pic-
ture Producers
and Distributors
of America, now
the Motion Pic-
ture Associa-
tion of Amer-
ica, to which
Hays is under
contract in a
consultative ca-
pacity.
Present
at the contract
Will Hays
signing 25 years ago were the late
Marcus Loew, Samuel Goldwyn, R. H.
Cochrane, William Fox, Earle W.
(Continued on page 8)
Dewey Seen Asking
Local Taxes Soon
Albany, N. Y., March 4.— Gov-
ernor Dewey is expected to recom-
mend this week legislation granting
counties, large upstate cities and New
York City increased taxing powers,
largely to pay increased teachers'
salaries. The new taxes could be on
sales, or alternative levies, such as
on amusements, hotel rooms, automo-
biles, etc.
It is reported that cities could share
in county receipts from these taxes,
or impose their own. New York
City's special taxing authority would
also be expanded, it is said.
Meanwhile, Senator Condon and
(Continued on page 6)
Century Policy on
Single Films Eased
Greater flexibility in Century The-
atres' policy on single booking, plus
indications pointing to a stronger
voice for managers and district man-
agers, appeared to be in the offing
as a consequence of suggestions pro-
posed yesterday- at an initial open
forum held at the Hotel Astor here
by the circuit.
Fred J. Schwartz, Century vice-
president, in summing up questions
raised about the determination of
whether a feature would be played
alone or on a double bill, declared
(Continued on page 6)
Kodak Stock
Split 5-to-l
Rochester, N. Y., March 4. — East-
man Kodak's board of directors voted
today to recommend to the stockhold-
ers a five-for-one split of the common
shares now outstanding ; a change of
the common stock from no par to $10
par value; and an increase in the
number of authorized shares of com-
mon stock.
Recurring reports of the contem-
plated split has sent Eastman com-
mon stock on the New York Stock
Exchange soaring another $4 per
share yesterday, bringing its book
value from $215 at the beginning of
the year, to $243 as of yesterday.
The new proposals, which in order
to be effective must obtain a two-
thirds vote of E. K. stockholders at
the annual meeting in Flemington, N.
(Continued on page 6)
Felix Jenkins, 57
Dies in New Jersey
Felix A. Jenkins, 57, secretary of
20th Century-Fox Film Corp. and a
member of its board of directors, died
yesterday at Mountainside Hospital,
Montclair, N. J.
Jenkins, the
son of the late
Henry E. and
Eugenia Alger
Jenkins, was
born in Pelham
Manor, N. Y.,
and was grad-
uated from
M o n t c 1 a i r
School and the
University of
Virginia Law
School. He was
admitted to the
New York Bar
in June, 1913,
and entered the general practice of
law here with the firm of White and
Case. In Jan., 1928, he became a mem-
ber of the legal department of the old
Fox Flm Corp.
He leaves a widow and four sons.
Felix Jenkins
Ind. House Rejects
Formal Censorship
Indianapolis, March 4. — A bill
asking voluntary censorship of motion
pictures, radio and newspapers was
adopted by the Indiana House today,
as a substitute for a bill that would
have set up a censor board in every
county. The resolution stated that
the Legislature "is not desirous of
passing restrictive legislation if agen-
(Continucd on page 6)
Johnston Asks
Arbitration of
Labor Disputes
Hits 'Reds' in House
Testimony on Strike
Washington, March 4. — Com-
pulsory arbitration between labor
and management to eliminate dis-
putes was urged by Eric Johnston,
president of the Motion Picture Asso-
ciation, today before the House Labor
and Education committee. He implied
that the present studio dispute may
have been agitated by Communists.
Johnston said that while some Com-
munists are working in Hollywood
"none of their influence or ideology
gets into pictures." He said the Com-
munists, and there are only a few, are
in minor positions not connected with
actual preparation of film scripts.
_ Questioned at length about the
eight-month-old studio jurisdictional
dispute, Johnston said he does not
know whether the strike was started
by Communists or not. "However,
Communist countries do not permit
(Continued on page 6)
British Exhibitors
Reject Print Cut
London, March 4. — The Cinemato-
graph Exhibitors Association's execu-
tive committee, which has been re-
viewing possible channels for saving
1,500,000 feet of raw stock weekly in
view of the drastic shortage brought
(Continued on page 6)
RKO Pathe Closes
State Dept. Deal
RKO Pathe will produce 12 one-
reel "news magazine" issues for
overseas distribution by the U. S.
State. Department, under terms of a
deal just completed by Hamilton
MacFadden, associate chief of the De-
(Continucd on page 6)
In This Issue
"The Guilt of Janet Ames"
and "Framed" are reviewed
on page 8.
Key city grosses are given
on page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 5, 1947
Eleven Will Join
Equipment Unit
Chicago, March 4. — Roy Boomer,
secretary-treasurer of the Theatre
Equipment and Supply Manufactur-
ers' Association, Inc., has received ap-
plications for membership from the
following 11 theatre equipment firms:
Ace Electric Manufacturing Co., New
York; Ballam Safe Co., St. Peters-
burg ; Detail Production Co., Detroit ;
Electric Ad Clock Co., Chicago; Law-
rence Metal Products, New York ;
Manley, Inc., Kansas City; Metro-
politan Scenic Studios, Omaha ; Mo-
hawk Carpet Mills, Amsterdam ; Star
Manufacturing Co., St. Louis; Thabet
Manufacturing Co., Toledo ; Theatre
Specialties, Los Angeles.
Boomer also disclosed that a meet-
ing of the board of directors of
TESMA will be held in Chicago at
the Drake Hotel on April 20 to dis-
cuss association matters as well as de-
tails of the 1947 annual trade show,
which will be held at the Shoreham
Hotel, Washington, Sept. 24-29. Mem-
bers of the board are : Harry Strong,
Strong Electric Corp.; V. J. Nolan,
National Carbon; Bob Engel, DeVry
Corp. ; Erwin Wagner, Wagner Sign
Service; E. J. Vallen, Vallen, Inc.;
Carl M. Weber, Sr., Weber Machine
Corp. ; and the officers of TESMA :
Oscar F. Neu, president ; W. A. Ged-
ris, vice-president, and Boomer.
Gamble Will Maintain
Monarch Office Here
Ted Gamble, chairman of the board
of the American Theatres Associa-
tion, will establish an office in New
York to take personal charge of Mon-
arch Theatres, Inc., purchase of which
he finalized here this week. Price
for the six houses involved was ap-
proximately $1,350,000.
As reported in Motion Picture
Daily on Feb. 20, the deal was held
up for a time because of legal techni-
calities following the death of David
Chatkin, minority stockholder. Harrv
Katz, president of the company ; E.
J. Gennett, treasurer, and Le Roy J.
Furman, assistant treasurer, will re-
main with the organization.
Monarch has three houses in In-
dianapolis and one each in Akron,
Steubenville and New Castle. Pa.
Gamble has returned to the West
Coast and will be back in New York
later this month.
Personal Mention
Griffith Partners
Meet March 19-20
Oklahoma City, March 4. — An-
nual meeting of Griffith partners and
managers will be held here March
19-20. C. F. Motlev. Griffith Amuse-
ment Co. and Griffith Consolidated
Theatres executive, said formal busi-
ness sessions of the delegates will
be held at the Skirvin Hotel on March
20. The first day will be devoted to
conferences between home office offi-
cials, department heads and the visit-
ing- partners and managers.
L. C. Griffith, circuit president, is
still convalescing at his home in San
Antonio, and will be unable to attend
the convention.
S BARRET McCORMICK, RKO
• Radio advertising-publicity direc-
tor, is due in New York on Monday
after three weeks on the Coast.
•
Ray Bell, former Loew's-M-G-M
publicist, now with Capital Airlines-
PCA, has been elected to a three-year
term on the board of directors of the
National Association of Public Rela-
tions Counsel in New York.
•
William McClure, Universal's
Charlotte office manager, his wife, his
brother Robert McClure of Theatre
Booking Service there, and his wife,
sustained injuries in a recent automo-
bile accident near Shelby, N. C.
•
Albert Lewin, producer, who is
now in London from New York, will
depart for Paris on Saturday, and
later will visit the Mediterranean and
Syria.
•
Sam Lefkowitz, Eastern district
manager for Warner Bros., will be in
Boston from New York for the re-
mainder of the week.
•
Lou Novins, assistant to Paramount
president Barney Balaban, was in
Washington from New York yester-
day.
•
Ed Hinchy, head of Warner
Brothers' home office playdate depart-
ment, was in Albanv yesterdav.
•
Brian Aherne is due here from
the Coast on Friday.
David O. Selznick has arrived in
New York from Hollvwood.
JULES LEVEY, United Artists
«J producer, left New York yesterday
for Chicago.
•
Cliff Almy, Warner Brothers' su-
pervisor for the Philippines and Japan,
arrived in Hollywood from Manila
by plane yesterday to make funeral
arrangements for Mrs. Almy, who
died there last Thursday.
•
Ruth Freeman, statistical clerk in
the United Artists New York ex-
change, will be married here on March
22 to Irving Diamond.
•
C. J. Feldman, Universal-Interna-
tional Western division sales manager,
is vacationing on the Coast and will
return to New York about March 30.
•
Hiller Innes, executive assistant
to Russell Holman, Paramount's
Eastern production chief, has returned
here from a West Indies vacation.
•
George Ivan Smith, J. Arthur
Rank Organization producer, is due
to arrive here today from England
aboard the Queen Elizabeth.
•
J. J. Donohue, Paramount's Cen-
tral division sales manager, is in Chi-
cago from New York.
•
Louis Friedman, production man-
ager of^ Kayton-Spiero advertising
agency, is the father of a babv bov.
born yesterday at the Bronx Hospital.
•
Joseph J. Deitch, Paramount the-
atre executive, has returned to New
York from a tour of the Mid-West
Einfeld, Loew Due on
Enterprise Releasing
Charles Einfeld, Enterprise presi-
dent, and David L. Loew, chairman
of the board, are due here from the
Coast this week to help launch the
company's distribution program, in
conferences with George J. Schaefer,
distribution vice-president, who ar-
rived here yesterday.
Also scheduled for this week is
finalization of Schaefer's deal for pur-
chase of some 300 Universal features
and a large number of short subjects,
most of which were produced prior
to 1938. The pictures, Schaefer con-
firmed, will be reissued by a company
which George J. Schaefer, Jr., will set
up. Purchase price is understood to
be in the neighborhood of $1,500,000.
Lichtman Has Operation
Hollywood, March 4. — Al Licht-
man, a vice-president of Loew's, Inc.,
and a production executive, was re-
ported resting comfortably at Cedars
of Lebanon Hospital here following,
a major operation performed today.
Rieger Signs with Savini
Producer Jack Rieger has signed
with Robert Savini of Astor Pictures
for distribution in the U. S. and
Canada of two features, "Stairway for
a Star" and "Hollywood Bound," plus
a colored short.
Special Events for
'A Wonderful Life9
Beaumont. Tex., March 4. — Julius
Gordon, president of Jefferson Amuse-
ment Co., flew here from Dallas to-
day with Frank Capra and James
Stewart to be guests at a press lunch-
eon in the Hotel Beaumont, where
over 400 were present, including civic
leaders and exhibitors. In the evening
they were interviewed over Dallas ra-
dio station KGKO by R. J. O'Don-
nell of the Interstate Circuit in con-
nection with the Texas premiere of
the Liberty-RKO-Radio production,
"It's a Wonderful Life." at the Ma-
jestic Theatre tomorrow.
'Honeymoon' Preview
A preview of Eagle-Lion Films'
"Lost Honeymoon" will be held at the
Victoria Theatre, here, this evening.
Prior to the screening, E-L executives
will be hosts to trade press represen-
tatives at Toots Shor's.
Festival Office Here
An office has been opened here to
handle American activities of the
World Film Festival to be held in
Brussels in June. Alex Salkin is
Festival representative in this coun-
try, and Richard Zondervan is U. S.
general manager.
Newsreel
Parade
THE record plane flight from Ha-
waii to Neiv York, Chicago's
Loop explosion, President Truman
opening the Red Cross drive, the
British royal family's arrival in South
Africa, sport highlights, including
skiing, baseball and the Santa Anita
Handicap are among happenings re-
corded in current newsreels. Complete
synopses follow:
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 54^Fk7sti:
ane flies 5,000 miles non-stop frorntrj.
waii to New York. Chicago explosion^'Uf-
plane flies 5,000 miles non-stop froi
stroys building — loss runs to millions.
South Africa greets British royal family.
President Truman asks help for the Red
Cross. Sports: Pittsburgh Pirates and
Boston Braves in training. Ski-jumping in
Michigan, Santa Anita handicap.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 252— Army
plane in record hop from Hawaii to New
York. British royal family gets South
Africa welcome. President Truman appeals
for Red Cross aid. Fifteen-to-one shot from
Chile wins $100,000 Santa Anita classic.
Hank Greenberg joins Pittsburgh Pirates.
National ski-jumping champ.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 55— Flying
record smashed: P-51 crosses U. S. in six
hours, P-82 makes Hawaii to New York in
W/i hours. Truman backs Red Cross
campaign. South Africa hails British royal
family. Report from England. Fifteen-to-
one shot wins $100,000 Santa Anita handi-
cap.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 57— P-82 in
record hop from Hawaii. "Lucky" Luciano
in Cuba controversy. Blast rocks Chicago
Loop. Truman opens Red Cross drive.
South Africa greets royal family. Ski
champs. Santa Anita handicap.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 18—
Martial law declared in Palestine. British
royal family greeted on arrival in South
Africa. Army fighter plane breaks long-
distance record from Hawaii to New York.
Long-shot wins Santa Anita handicap.
Skiing: National tourney in Michigan,
Canadian champs.
Would Make Theatre
Taxation Illegal
Sacramento, Cal., March 4. — Fol-
lowing through the successful legal
battle in San Bernardino in which Fox
West Coast Theatres and Warners
joined forces to fight the imposition
of an amusement tax, a bill has been
presented in the California legislature
making local theatre taxes unconstitu-
tional.
Introduced by Assemblyman Lester
A. McMillan of Los Angeles, the bill
states that any taxes collected through
theatre admissions shall be impounded
by the courts and refunded to the
theatres. It further allows that any
person entitled to the refund must file
a claim within six months after the
decision becomes final, otherwise the
money shall automatically go to the
state.
Mayor Advises Tax Wait
Tracy, Cal., March 4. — Mayor
Stocking of this city has advised with-
holding action on a proposed amuse-
ment levy to provide funds for recrea-
tion until other California cities im-
posing such levies complete test cases.
Grabois Promoted
Joseph Grabois has been named Cen-
tury Theatres home office manager,
succeeding Norbert Kellman.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley. Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays
Sundays and holidays, by puigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco
New York.
Cunn
Chicago
cable
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3 1879 Subscrin-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. ' 1
A SEA OF PEOPLE FOR
THE SEA OF GRASS !
It is the third M-G-M Hit in
succession to pack the
Music Hall! First "Till The
Clouds Roll By", next
*"The Yearling" and now
"The Sea of Grass."
The Biggest for the
Biggest Theatre in
the world!
* "YEARLING" PRESS-TIMt FLASH! in its first engage-
ment following its Los Angeles Premiere and its Netu York
Music Hall run it set an all-time M G-M record for the initial
week at the State-Lake Theatre, Chicago. Just the beginning]
Uc spectacular
W*"" ...uv. PhvWs
THE
Grass1
kilter
■«h PhyWis "fh0X,er
wiW rn7Rl.,hanan
Ed9ar B«e n< ^
Harry CorfYRobeM
Nelson _ Scree0
Armstrong -,e
Ptay by ^rScent
lowrence d
,heN°Ve D?e?ed by
ELlA fbv PA^DRO
4
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 5, 1947 I
AAA Receives Two
New Complaints
Two new theatre arbitration com-
plaints, one in New Haven and the
other in Cincinnati, have added to the
recent spurt of activity in the Ameri-
can Arbitration Association's field of-
fices, thereby prolonging the existence
of some tribunals beyond the April
1 deadline set by the New York Fed-
eral Court decree. That these addi-
tional cases were expected was re-
ported Monday in Motion Picture
Daily, with further complaints still
anticipated in Albany and Cleveland.
In the Cincinnati complaint, Mau-
rice Chase and Herman Hunt, rais-
ing charges of discrimination by M-
G-M in its insistence on nine days'
availability for the Vogue, Suburban
and Ritz theatres, all neighborhood
houses in Cincinnati point out that
other distributors grant seven days'
availability. They add, furthermore,
that all distributors, including M-G-M,
grant availability of seven days to 23
local subsequent-run houses there.
In the New Haven complaint,
Princess Theatre Corp., which oper-
ates the Princess in Hartford, con-
tends that the seven days' clearance
provided by Paramount, M-G-M,
20th Century-Fox, RKO Radio and
Warner Brothers in favor of the
Colonial, also in Hartford, causes
"indeterminable hardships" for the
Princess because it is neither in di-
rect or indirect competition with the
Colonial. The complainant seeks 30
days' availability after first runs in
Hartford.
Riesner Joins E-L
Hollywood, March 4. — Charles
Riesner, veteran director who last
week ended his seven-year contract
with M-G-M, has joined Eagle Lion
as a producer.
His wife, Mrs. Miriam Hope Ries-
ner, died Saturday night at their home
in Laguna Beach, after a long illness.
Tennessee House Burns
Atlanta, March 4. — The Cherokee
Theatre at Copperhill, Tenn., has been
destroyed by fire.
Eagle - Lion, Rank
In London Meetings
General discussions on the distribu-
tion interchange of J. Arthur Rank
and Eagle-Lion product between rep-
resentatives of both companies will
take place in London within two
weeks. Arthur B. Krim, Eagle-Lion
president, and Robert S. Benjamin,
Rank, Inc., U. S. president, will sail
aboard the Queen Elizabeth on Fri-
day.
Krim is taking with him a print
of "Lost Honeymoon," which will
be the first Eagle-Lion U. S. film to
be distributed by the Rank organi-
zation abroad. In London Krim will
see several Rank pictures which will
be distributed by Eagle-Lion here.
Following discussions with Rank of-
ficials, Krim will hold talks with Gen-
eral Film Distributors, Ltd., which
will distribute Eagle-Lion's Holly-
wood films in the British Isles. He
will also meet with officials of Brit-
ish Eagle-Lion Distributors, Ltd.,
which will distribute Eagle-Lion prod-
uct throughout the rest of the world,
except North and South America.
Rank Launches New
GB Reorganization
London, March 4. — Under the re-
organization of Associated Provincial
Picture Houses being effected by J.
Arthur Rank, there will be offered
in exchange for each one-pound ($4)
ordinary share, a three-and-one-half
Gaumont-British "A" ordinary five-
shilling ($1 share, plus some two shil-
lings and six-pence (45 cents) in cash,
Rank announced today.
APPH, which is capitalized at
2,800,000 shares of common and 400,-
000 shares of seven-and-one-half per
cent preferred stock, is the first sub-
sidiary to be dealt with under the
over-all reorganization of Gaumont-
British Picture Co., Ltd.
Atomic Film Showing
Lt. Col. John D. Craig, who handled
Army Air Force motion picture activi-
ties at the Bikini atomic-bomb _ tests,
last summer, will show "This is the
Crossroads" at Town Hall here this
morning. A second showing of the
picture, described as the only complete
film of the tests in natural color with
sound track, will be made tomorrow
afternoon at 5 :30 p.m.
$389,000 for "Duel".
Hollywood, March 4. — In the third
month of its local engagement "Duel
in the Sun" grossed $40,200 at the
Vogue and Fairfax theatres. It has
now earned a total of $389,273 in its
eight weeks at the Vogue, seven at
the Fairfax and two at the Egyptian
theatres.
New Rank Company
Opens in Portugal
By JOAO DE MORAES PALMERO
Lisbon, Feb. 28 (By Airmail). —
J. Arthur Rank has, moved into Por-
tugal. The formation of .the Sociedade
Anglo-Portuguesa de Cinema has
been announced, backed by the Rank
Organization, working together with
Portuguese personnel and capital.
The Society already has begun pre-
liminary work in building on Lisbon's
main avenue a large theatre equipped
with modern technical equipment.
Rank's Portuguese organization in-
tends to work in close with Portu-
guese government officials in all de-
tails concerning the future expansion
of theatre activities. Rank also intends
to introduce 16mm films into this
country.
Film circles are wondering just how
this new Society fits into the industry
here under the new Portuguese film
quota law which expressly forbids the
exploitation of any theatre activity in
this country by foreign interests.
A new production company has
been founded, the Produccoes Atlan-
tico Limitada. The company intends
to produce and exploit Portuguese,
Brazilian and Spanish pictures, as well
as engage in exhibition and distribu-
tion.
Rules for Columbia
Hollywood, March 4. — Superior
Judge William J. Palmer has ruled
that Columbia's contract with director
Andre DeToth, entered into in 1943,
is a valid agreement, overruling a
demurrer filed by DeToth on the
ground he had not signed a pact.
DeToth, meanwhile, has directed four
pictures^ for other studios, although,
Columbia states, each was notified he
was under Columbia contract.
'Arch' Premiere in NY
"Arch of Triumph," produced by
Enterprise for United Artists release,
will have its world premiere in New
York, David Lewis, producer of the
film, has announced. Lewis said he will
leave New York for London on the
Queen Elizabeth on March 7 to com-
plete arrangements for the British pre-
miere.
UA Concerned
(Continued from page 1)
rejected the request of Gradwell L.
Sears, UA vice-president in charge
of distribution, for a waiver of their
contract approval rights in favor of
the company. The producers' repre-
sentatives contended that the waiver
is unnecessary.
Company officials believe that if the
New York Federal court decree's pro-
visions on competitive bidding are up-
held, legal responsibility will have to
be fixed if bids accepted by the com-
pany subsequently are rejected by a
producer's representative. They are
convinced that contempt citations
could result from such a happening
and believe that liability should be
determined in advance.
It is understood that the subject
was up for discussion at a meeting
of the UA board of directors here
yesterday. The meeting was ad-
journed until Friday.
Distribution of Charles Chaplin's
new picture, "Monsieur Verdoux,"
which heretofore was undetermined,
will be through United Artists.
Federation Flays
Screen 'Moralities'
Fresno, Cal., March 4. — A resolu-
tion was presented before the Califor-
nia Federation of Women's Clubs, pro-
testing profanity and lewdness on the
screen. Backing the resolution are the
drama sections of approximately 800
clubs.
Final action on the resolution was
delayed on the advice of Hulda Mc-
Ginn, legislative chairman for the
State Federation, and legislative repre-
sentative for theatres.
Cite 'Best Years' gT
Samuel Goldwyn's RKO Radio1
released "The Best Years of Our
Lives" will receive the Foreign Lan-
guage Press Film Critics Circle award
as the best picture of 1946, at cere-
monies to be broadcast over station
WNYC tonight. On behalf of Gold-
wy'n, Robert E. Sherwood, who wrote |
the screenplay, will accept the scroll.
'Years' Advance Sale Big
Pittsburgh, March 4. — An advance
sale of $16,500 for the four-a-day
reserved performance policy for
Samuel Goldwyn's "The Best Years
of Our Lives" has been counted by the I
Fulton Theatre here in a single day.
The picture will open tomorrow.
New Italian Film Here
"Miracle of Monte Cassino," Ital-
ian-produced feature, in 10-reels, and
three years in the making, is now in
New York and Famous International j
Film Corp. will distribute it, with
English subtitles.
Newton to Donahue, Coe
Howard W. Newton, for the past
eight years vice-president and copy
director of J. M. Mathes, Inc., has |
resigned to join Donahue and Coe,
New York advertising agency, in the
same capacity.
Friedlander Services
David W. Friedlander, manager of
Loew's 42nd Street Theatre, here,
who died of a heart attack in his office
at the theatre Sunday afternoon, will
be buried today with services to be
read at the Riverside Funeral Parlor.
Friedlander was associated with
Loew's for 36 years. He is survived
by the widow, Hannah, and two chil-
dren, Evelyn Lopez and Bernard J.
Mel De Lay, 47
Hollywood, March 4. — Mel De
Lay, 47, an associate producer for
Sam Katzman for the past four years,
collapsed on a location set at Saugus
yesterday morning and died before ar-
rival at Newhall Hospital. De Lay was
in the industry since 1923 as an actor,
director and production manager. His
widow, mother, two brothers and three
sisters survive.
Malcolm Mollan, 81
Hartford, March 4. — Malcolm Mol-
lan, 81, retired editor of the Man-
chester (Conn.) Herald who was once
associated with 20th Century-Fox in
New York, died at his home in
Waterford.
Rites Held for Conner
Philadelphia, March 4. — Funeral
services were held here today for
Warren Conner, 56, Altec district
manager in Cincinnati, who died in
that city last Friday. His widow,
Mrs. Bertha Conner, survived.
1)
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6
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 5, 1947 I
Johnston Asks
(Continued from page 1)
showing of American films. Also the
Daily Worker constantly criticises the
motion picture industry. The Commu-
nist tactics seem to be to slow down
the film industry," Johnston said.
He told the committee that it is the
duty of Congress to rid the country
of Communists. He said Communists
are nothing more than enemy agents
and recommended that the committee
approve legislation preventing a
known Red from serving as an officer
of any labor union.
Johnston expressed the belief that
the jurisdictional dispute in Holly-
wood could have been avoided if a
mediator had been appointed with au-
thority to enforce his decision. "A
cooling off period is actually a heating
up period," he commented in opposi-
tion to that practice.
Johnston cautioned that the govern-
ment should be taken out of collective
bargaining as much as possible.
Indiana Censorship
(Continued from page 1)
cies can be made to see the gravity
of the problem and voluntarily coop-
erate in meeting it."
.The so-called Anti-ASCAP bill
hit a snag in the Senate today when
the chamber refused an attempt to re-
call a conference report which killed
an amendment excluding radio sta-
tions from the bill's provisions. It is
expected that the Senate will now
reassign the bill to conference.
Century Policy
(Continued from page 1)
that henceforth, where "reasonable
doubt" exists, the theatre manager
will consult with a district manager
in a review of Century's single-fea-
ture experiments.
Attended by 60 department heads,
district managers and theatre man-
agers, the forum also resulted in the
announcement that Century will study
the revamping of its booking policy
on short subjects with an eye to
creating "a more intelligent, all-
around show." In addition, Century
will enlarge its newspaper advertising-
budget, with special emphasis placed
on its newly-established foreign film
theatre, the Vogue, in Brooklyn. The
increase will also provide for listings
of the entire circuit in weekend edi-
tions, according to Ed Schreiber, di-
rector of advertising-publicity.
Reject Print Cut
(Continued from page 1)
about by England's recent power ban,
has rejected a suggestion made by the
Kinematograph Renters Society for a
cutdown of release prints. The CEA
maintains that releases are their "life
blood."
Meanwhile, the CEA has pro-
pounded a conservation plan for gov-
ernment consideration, under which
newsreels would be required to save
360,000 feet of raw stock weekly, the
studios 250,000, and the balance of
900,000 to be saved by the govern-
ment from its weekly usage of 2,500,-'
000 feet.
A. M. P. A. Salutes the Fan Magazine Press
Welcomes Back a Great Star Personality!
Topping All Previous Record Breaking Luncheon-Meetings
THURSDAY, MARCH 6— 12:30 NOON
Town Hall Club, 123 West 43rd Street
SPEAKERS:
GEORGE T. DELACORTE, President, Dell Publications
PAUL HUNTER, Publisher, Liberty Magazines
CURTIS MITCHELL, Ad-Publicity Director, Paramount Pictures,
Guest-Member, M.C.
RUTGERS NEILSON, President, Presiding
Extra Added Attraction — Welcome Celebration to:
MAURICE CHEVALIER
The Great International Star — Upon His Return to the U.S.A.!
LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY. MAKE RESERVATIONS AT
ONCE TO ABE DASH, FILM DAILY, BY MAIL OR PHONE.
MEMBERS $2.00
GUESTS $2.50
Ending Pools
( Continued from page 1 )
all five companies are under-
stood to have started discus-
sions concerning pools with the
Skouras and United Artists cir-
cuits.
Last of Paramount's pools with co-
defendants in the anti-trust suit was
the one involving Fox West Coast
Theatres, dissolution of which was
reported in Motion Pictuee Daily
on Feb. 26. Amplifying yesterday on
that deal, Leonard H. Goldenson,
Paramount vice-president in charge
of theatre operations, reported that
the company will take over the Para-
mount in San Francisco on March 25,
followed by the St. Francis there on
the 26th and the State on the 27th.
These three houses will be placed un-
der the management of Jerry Zig-
mond, heretofore executive assistant
to Edward L. Hyman, vice-president
of Paramount Theatres Service Corp.
Goldenson and Hyman will leave
here today for conferences in San
Francisco and Los Angeles, followed
by Zigmond, Joseph Deitch and Eu-
gene Street. Robert Weitman left on
Monday. These home office executives
will work out plans for "a resurgence
of aggressive showmanship" in the
Coast situations, according to the
Paramount theatre chief.
Final form of the dissolution of
pools involving the Skouras Theatre
Corp. may not be determined for some
time, a spokesman for that company
said yesterday. The Department of
Justice, in its trial brief, said Skouras
had eight pools with Loew's, 11 with
RKO, eight with Warners and one
with Paramount. The United Artists
Theatre Circuit, according to the gov-
ernment, has four with 20th Century-
Fox affiliates, four with Loew's and
three with Paramount.
Kodak Stock Split
( Continued from page 1 )
J., on April 29, specifically provide
that:
The present 2,500,000 shares of au-
thorized common stock without par
value would be increased to 20,000,-
000 shares of $10 par value; the 2,-
488,242 issued shares of common
without par value would be split —
five shares for each one share now
held— into 12,441,210 shares of $10
par; the present relative voting rights
between common and preferred
shares would be preserved.
The directors emphasized that the
proposed split would not result in a
stock dividend but that it is strictly
a split-up of shares. In other words,
by this split each share of common
stock would be divided into five shares
of common having a total book value
exactly the same as the book value
of the single share before such split.
Eastman Reports Record
Sales and Profit in '46
Rochester, N. Y., March 4— East-
man Kodak's annual report states
that 1946 saw record sales and net
profit "for a year in which opera-
tions were not significantly affected by
war business." Sales are placed at
$274,703,448, and net profit at $35,-
691,318. Continued full capacity op-
eration is predicted for 1947.
Independents 4Balk'
At Gov't-Film Plan
Allied States, the Pacific Coast
Conference of Independent Exhibi-
tors and the Conference of Independ-
ent Exhibitor Associations have
evidenced they will not go along with
the nine other groups on the proposed
program to expedite the handling of
approved Government films,, accord-
ing to Si Fabian who reports that
the three have yet to be heard from
although the proposition was put 7
them last November. §t.
The proposal for a 12-man film co-
ordinating committee has the indorse-
ment of the following, listed along
with their nominee for representative :
American Theatres Association, Si
Fabian ; Conference of Southern As-
sociations, R. W. Wilby; Independ-
ent Theatre Owners Association,
Harry Brandt ; Motion Picture As-
sociation, Francis Harmon; Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of America,
Herman Levy; National Distributors
Committee, Thomas J. Connors ;
Newsreels, Michael Clofine ; Society
of Independent Motion Picture Pro-
ducers, Donald Nelson; Trade Press,
Ben Shlyen.
RKO Pathe Deal
(Continued from page 1)
partment's international motion pic-
ture division.
Short subjects recently completed
for the Government agency include
"Journey Into Medicine," by Willard
Van Dyke's Associated Films, and
"Hurricane Circuit," made by Sco-
field Productions. The latter was
made with the cooperation of the
Army, Navy and U. S. Weather Bu-
reau.
The Department's production pro-
gram for overseas distribution is ex-
pected to pass 100 reels by the end
of the fiscal year, on July 1, Mac-
Fadden said, adding that there are
now 70 reels in release, playing to a
monthly audience of 7,500,000. The
program is designed to give foreign
peoples information on the American
way of life.
Local Taxes
( Continued from page 1 )
Assemblyman Wilson of Yonkers to-
day introduced a measure authorizing
that city to impose, by local law, a
tax not exceeding one cent on each
five cents or fraction thereof paid for
admission to any amusement in Yon-
kers. This tax would be in addition
to any other taxes. It is the first
measure empowering a specific New
York city to levy an amusement tax.
I PRESS i
1 BOOKS PHOTO- OFFSET
| W'COLORCHROME CORP.
j 0 ART SERVICE
2 BROADWAY NEW YORK 4
WHITEHALL 4 — 3 7 2 2 - 3 - 4 - S - 6
• COPYWRITING
• ILLUSTRATION
• PASTE. UP
• STORING
• MAILING
/I Complete Setaioe
Wednesday, March 5, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Estimates of Key City Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
LOS ANGELES
Of three new features at first-run
houses here, "Boomerang" and "The
Red House" divided the cream of the
D'ness. Estimated receipts for the
k ending March 5 :
1 riE HOUSEKEEPER'S DAUGHTER
(Favorite Films) and ONE MILLION
B.C. (Favorite Films)— BELMONT (1,600)
(S0c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $6,800.
(Average: $8,900)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio )— FOX-BEVERLY (1,350)
($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days, 10th week. Gross:
$15,500.
THE YEARLING (M-G-M)— CARTHAY
CIRCLE (1,516) ($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days,
10th week. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $11,-
500)
BOOMERANG (20th- Fox) — CHINESE (2,-
300) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $21,-
500. (Average: $19,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— EGYP-
TIAN ($1,000) (50c-6Oc-85c-$l.OO) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $14,000)
THE HOUSEKEEPER'S DAUGHTER
(Favorite Films) and ONE MILLION
B.C. (Favorite Films)— EL REY (861) (50c-
60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Aver-
age: $7,700)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO) — FAIRFAX
(1,504) ($1.2O-$1.50-$1.8O) 7 days, 7th week.
Gross: $16,000.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I)— FOUR
STAR (900) ($1.00-$1.50) 7 days, 6th week.
Gross: $9,000. (Average: $7,600)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— FOX
WILSHIRE (2,300) (50c-6Oc-85c-$l.O0) 7
days, 3rd week. Gros: $11,000. ■ (Average:
$12,700)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)-
GUILD (965) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $6,200. (Average: $8,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)— HILL-
STREET (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days.
Gross: $23,900. (Average: $23,700)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I) —
IRIS (708) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $11,000)
BOOMERANG (ZOth-Fox) — LOEWS
STATE (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $33,000. (Average: $26,200)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— LOS
ANGELES (2,096) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $24,-
600)
BOOMERANG (20th- Fox)— LOYOLA (1,-
265) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $14,-
000. (Average: $10,000)
THE RED HOUSE (UA- Thalia)— MUSIC
HALL (Beverly Hills) (900) (65c-85c-$1.00)
7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $6,100)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Downtown) (900) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $22,000. (Average: $15,000)
THE RED HOUSE (UA) — MUSIC HALL
(Hawaii) (1,000) (65c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days.
Gross: $7,000. (Average: $6,000)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Hollywood) (490) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,800)
THE HOUSEKEEPER'S DAUGHTER
(Favorite Films) and ONE MILLION B.C.
(Favorite Films)— ORPHEUM (2,210) (50c-
60c -85c -$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Av-
erage: $16,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)-PANTAGES
(2,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross:
$21,900. (Average: $23,100)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— PALACE (1,237) ($1.00-$1.25-
$1.80) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: $25,500.
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and THE GHOST
GOES WILD (Rep.) — PARAMOUNT
(Downtown) (3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days, 3rd week. Gross: $21,000. (Average:
$24,100)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — PARAMOUNT
(Hollywood) (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days, 3rd week. Gross: $13,500. (Average:
$15,400)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I) — RITZ
(1,376) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,300)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)
STUDIO (880) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $8,000)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)
UNITED ARTISTS (2,100) (50c-60c-85c ■
$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000.
(Average: $15,100)
BOOMERANG (Zttth- Fox)— UPTOWN (1,-
716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross:
$17,000. (Average: $12,500)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO)— VOGUE
(800) ($l.OO-$1.5O-$1.80) 7 days, 9th week.
Gross: $15,200. (Average: $8,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — WARNER
(Downtown) (3,400) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average:
$21,600)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — WARNER
(Hollywood) (3,000) (50c -60c -80c -$1.00) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average:
$16,100)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — WARNER
(Wiltern) (2,300) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $15,-
700)
CHICAGO
Business here has been about aver-
age. Estimated reecipts for the week
ending March 5-6 :
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— APOLLO
(1,200) (95c) 10th week. Gross: $17,000.
(Average: $12,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)— CHICAGO
(3,900) (95c). On stage: Connee Boswell
and Dean Murphy, 2nd week. Gross: $55,-
000. (Average: $62,000)
THE WICKED LADY (U-I)— GARRICK
(1,000) (95c) 4th week. Gross: $13,000.
(Average: $13,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
GRAND (1,150) (95c). Gross: $25,000.
(Average: $18,000)
THE CHASE (UA)— ORIENTAL (3,200)
(95c). On stage: "Showtime of 1947," mu-
sical revue. Gross: $50,000. (Average:
$48,000)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I) and
THE GHOST GOES WILD (Rep.) —
PALACE (2,500) (65c-95c). Gross: $23,000.
(Average: $23,000)
THE BOWERY (20th-Fox reissue) and
STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE (ZOth-
Fox reissue) — RIALTO (1,687) (65c-95c).
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $11,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— ROOSEVELT (1,-
000) (95c) 4th week. Gross: $24,000. (Aver-
age: $20,000)
THE YEARLING (M-G-M)— STATE -
LAKE (2,700) (95c) 2nd week. Gross: $40,-
000. (Average: $30,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—UNITED ARTISTS (1,700) (95c) 6th
week. Gross: $27,000. (Average: $27,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — WOODS (1,200) (95c-$1.20-
$1.40-$1.80) 11th week. Gross.: $35,000.
(Average: '$28,000)
PHILADELPHIA
The Earle, with Lionel Hampton
on stage and "The Thirteenth Hour"
on the screen, is competing for top
honors with the Stanley, where "The
Jolson Story" is playing. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March
4-6:
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— AL-
DINE (900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days.
Gross: $24,800. (Average: $13,800)
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M)— AR-
CADIA (900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,800. (Average:
$6,600)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)-
BOYD (3,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days. Gross: $25,600. (Average: $21,000)
THE THIRTEENTH HOUR (Col.)—
EARLE (3,000) (60c-70c-80c-90c-99c) 6 days,
with vaudeville starring Lionel Hampton.
Gross: $42,000. (Average, for 7 days:
$31,700)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (ZOth-
Fox)— FOX (3,000) (50c-6Oc-74c-8Oc-85c-94c)
7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Aver-
age: $25,000)
DEAD RECKONING (CoI.)-GOLDMAN
(1,400) (50c-6Oc-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $22,000. (Average: $24,000)
JOHNNY O'CLOCK (Col.)— KARLTON
(1,000) 50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $9,500)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
KEITH'S (2,200) (50c-60c-74c-8Oc-85c-94c)
7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $9,500. (Average:
$6,200)
HUMORESQUE (WB) -MASTBAUM (4,-
700) (50c-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $18,500. (Average: $29,500)
HENRY V (UA) PIX (500) ($1.30-$1.95-
$2.60) 7 days, 10th week. Gross: $6,500.
(Average: $10,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)-STANLEY
(3,000) (50c-60c-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7 days.
Gross: $48,500. (Average: $27,000)
THE FABULOUS DORSEYS (UA)-
— STANTON (1,700) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-
94c) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average:
$12,700)
PITTSBURGH
Business in general has been spot-
ty, but "The Jolson Story" is holding
up well at the J. P. Harris. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
March 6:
THE BRASHER DOUBLOON (20th-Fox)
— FULTON (1,700) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $9,700)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)-J. P. HAR-
RIS (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week
Gross: $19,000. (Average: $11,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M) — PENN (3,400) (40c-55c-70c) ' 7
days. Gross: $15,500. (Average: $25,000)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—RITZ (1,100) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd
week, on moveover from Penn. Gross- $3,-
500. (Average: $3,500)
ALLEGHENY UPRISING (RKO Radio
reissue) and SEA DEVILS (RKO Radio
reissue) — SENATOR (1,700) (40c-55c-70c) 7
days. Gross: $4,600. (Average: $3,200)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — STANLEY (3 -
800) (40c-5Sc-70c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500
(Average: $25,000)
THE FABULOUS DORSEYS (UA)-
WARNER (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $8,000)
ST. LOUIS
"It's a Wonderful Life" got off to a
good start at the Ambassador, but
most other grosses dipped with the
mercury. A snowstorm over the
weekend was harmful. Estimated re-
ceipts for the week ending March 5:
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
-AMBASSADOR (3,154) (50c-60c-75c).
Gross: $25,000. (Average: $18,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) and SWAMP
FIRE (Para.)-FOX (5,038) (50c -60c -75c).
Gross: $20,000. (Average: $20,000)
THE WICKED LADY (U-I) and WILD
WEST (PRC)-LOEWS ORPHEUM (1 -
^M50c-60c-75c). Gross: $9,000. (Average:
THE l, JOLSON STORY (CoI.)-LOEW'S
MATE (50c-60c-75c) 4th week. Gross-
$19,000. (Average: $20,000)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.) and
AFFAIRS OF GERALDINE (Rep.)— MIS-
SOURI (3,514) (50c-60c-75c). Gross: $10-
000. (Average: $12,500)
GUNGA DIN (RKO Radio reissue) and A
LADY TAKES A CHANCE (RKO Radio
reissue) — ST. LOUIS (4,000) (50c-60c-75c)
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $6,000)
CLEVELAND
Although stormy weather handi-
capped business generally, "Lady in
the Lake" held up well in its second
week. "The Stone Flower" became
the first foreign film to run ahead of
U. S. product in popularity here. Es-
timated receipts for the week endine
March 5-6 :
DANIEL BOONE (Imperial) — LOEWS
OHIO (1,268) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $7,000)
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS OF BEL AMI
(UA)- LOEWS STATE (3.30O) (50c-70c)
7 days. World premiere with personal ap-
pearance of Angela Landbury on opening
night. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $23,800)
LADY J.N THE LAKE (M-G-M) LOEW S
ST1LLMAN (1,900) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $13,000. (Average: $10,500)
THE STONE FLOWER (Artkino) -
LOWER MALL (563) (45c-65c) 7 days
Gross: $3,300. (Average: $2,500)
SWELL GUY (U-I) -RKO ALLEN (3.000)
(55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500.
S'NBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)-
RKO PALACE (3.300) (55c-70c) 7 davs 2nd
week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $21,400)
HUMORESQUE (WB) WAKXKUS' Mil'.
PODROME (3,500) (55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $22,600)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) — WARN K US'
LAKE (714) (55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $3,000. (Average: $3,650)
(Continued on following page)
Released thru
Motion Picture daily
Wednesday, March 5, 1947
Key City
Grosses
(Continued from preceding page)
CINCINNATI
Most current bills are turning in
good figures, although one of the heav-
iest snows of the winter somewhat
hampered weekend attendance. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
March 4-7 :
SWEETHEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.)
— RKO ALBEE (3,300) (55c-65c-7Sc-8Sc-95c)
7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Stage: Bob Crosby and orchestra, plus acts.
Gross: $34,000. (Average: $30,000)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—RKO CAPITOL (2,000) (50c-55c-60c-65c-
70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight
show. 4th week. Gross: $7,000. (Average:
$10,000)
JUNGLE MAN (PRC reissue) and
SWAMP WOMAN (PRC reissue)— RKO
FAMILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c) 3 days. Gross:
$1,100. (Average: $1,100)
BEDELIA (PRC) — RKO GRAND (1,500)
(50c-S5c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Sat-
urday midnight show. Gross: $13,000.
(Average: $8,000)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I) -
KEITH'S (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days,
plus a Saturday midnight show. 2nd week.
Gross: $9,000. (Average: $7,500)
13 RUE MADELEINE (Z0th-Fox) — RKO
LYRIC (1,400) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7
days, 3rd week, following an initial week
at the Albee and a move-over week at the
Shubert. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,000)
THE RETURN OF MONTE CRISTO
(Col.)— RKO PALACE (2,700) (50c-55c-60c-
6Sc-70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday mid-
night show. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $15,-
000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) —
RKO SHUBERT (2,150) (50c-55c-60c-65c-
70c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week on a move-over
after two weeks at the Grand. Gross:
$4,500. (Average: $5,000)
INDIANAPOLIS
Business shows a slight improve-
ment despite bad weather over the
weekend. Estimated receipts for the
week ending March 4-5 :
BLACK ANGEL (U-I)— CIRCLE (2,800)
(46c- 74c) 7 days. Clyde McCoy orchestra
and Micheal O'Shea on stage. Gross: $18,-
000. (Average: $20,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO1 Radio)
and BLONDIE'S BIG MOMENT (Col.)—
INDIANA (3,200) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross:
$16,000. Average: $15,800)
HER SISTER'S SECRET (PRC) and
WILD BEAUTY (U-I)— KEITH'S (1,300)
(4Oc-60e) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average:
$9,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)—
LOEW'S (2,450) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross:
$15,000. (Average: $14,400)
MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (20th-Fox)
—LYRIC (1,600) (40c-60c) 7 days. Move-
over from Indiana. Gross: $5,500. (Aver-
age: $6,700)
KANSAS CITY
Theatre attendance fell off sharply
as the temperature dropped to eight
above zero, accompanied by the first
heavy snow of the season. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March
4-6:
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-ESQUIRE (800)
(45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average:
$8,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-FAIRWAY (700)
(45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,500. (Average:
$1,750)
THE RETURN OF MONTE CRISTO
(Col.) and THE CHASE (UA)— MIDLAND
(3,500) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000.
(Average: $15,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— NEWMAN (1,-
900) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Av-
erage: $11,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB) and BLONDE FOR
A DAY (PRC)— ORPHEUM (1,900) (45c-
65c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $10,-
000)
THE THRILL OF BRAZIL (Col.) and
THE PILGRIM LADY (Rep.)— TOWER
Reviews
"The Guilt of Janet Ames"
{Columbia))
Hollywood, March 4
IN all the long succession of psychiatricals there has been none to equal this
striking presentation of Rosalind Russell and Melvyn Douglas as parties of
the first part and second part in a story you need not be a Freudian to enjoy
fully and completely. It is a fine and different variety of picture, quite psychi-
atric in fundamentals, and yet in a sheer demonstration of production versatil-
ity it stops dead in its tracks about three-fourths of the way through to kid the
whole psychiatric trend to the point of death. It straightens out again after
that hilarious interlude and goes on to a finish which makes other excursions
into the realm of the psychological seem amateurish by comparison. In all the
places where product of merit clicks, this attraction figures to be a solid hit.
The scene of the screenplay, by Louella MacFarlane, Allen Rivkin and
Devery Freeman, from a story by Lenore Coffee, is New York City, and the
story opens with Miss Russell, a young war widow, walking in front of a
truck. In the hospital, where she is identified by Douglas, an alcoholic reporter
and one of the five men whose names are found on a slip of paper in her effects,
it is found that she has no physical injury, yet cannot walk. Douglas, seeing
the list of names, realizes she has set out to locate the men in her dead hus-
band's Army company whose lives were saved by him at the sacrifice of his
own, and he undertakes to overcome her inability to walk by a process of
practical psychoanalysis and direct suggestion. One by one he describes to
her the lives of the other men on the list, making each seem well worth the
dead man's sacrifice, and finally describing himself as a distinguished and
wealthy journalist. When she finds, then, that she can walk, he flees, return-
ing to a bar and starting to drink, but she follows him and they work out an
ending neither commonplace nor idyllic, after he has explained that he lied to
her. about all five of the men she sought.
Resourcefulness, novelty and free imagination are employed in the five
descriptions of the men whose lives the heroine's husband saved by giving his
own, and in one of these, Sid Caesar, as a night club entertainer, does a mono-
logue about psychiatric pictures that stands out as a screamingly funny piece
of business. Among the other players, all admirably cast, are Betsy Blair,
Nina Foch, Charles Cane, Harry Von Zell, Bruce Barber, Arthur Space, Rich-
ard Benedict and Frank Orth. Direction is by Henry Levin, who handles a
greatly varied and always complex wealth of subject material with immense
skill.
Running time, 81 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
in March. William R. Weaver
'Framed'
(Columbiai) Hollywood, March 4
SHOWMEN whose customers have been asking when Glenn Ford is com-
ing back to give them some more of what he dished out in "Gilda" can tell
them that now is the time. As in that picture, he enters this one as a resolute
young man with lightning in his fists and something darker than that in his
"background, and here again he falls in love with a gal whose ways are no
straighter and narrower than his own, in this case a gal more kindly disposed
toward murder and so on than any seen on the screen since "The Postman
Always Rings Twice," if then. It is hot, sock melodrama, tightly built and
plentifully supplied with violence, quite strictly for audiences adult enough to
take crime in the raw and sin on the side without blinking.
The screenplay, by Ben Madd'ow, from a story by Jack Patrick, brings Ford
hurtling into an unnamed Southern California town on a truck with no brakes.
Arrested for traffic violations, he is bailed out by a blonde waitress who
lmances him through a drunk and rents him a room. The waitress, played
with striking ability by Janis Carter, really is setting him up to be knocked
off in an automobile owned by her pal, a bank official who has filched $250,000
and placed it in her safety deposit box, and to be mistaken for the banker,
with whom she is to go elsewhere and spend the money. But it is a long time
before Ford finds this out and upsets the gal's plans, she having upset the
banker's plans meanwhile by killing him instead of Ford. Finally Ford, who
has fallen in love with the gal during all this, decides she is a bit too lethal
for him and turns her in, but a lot of things have taken place before this to
leave the audience in doubt up to the last possible moment about what he is
going to do.
The production is by Jules Schermer, the direction by Richard Wallace, and
both gentlemen rate high mention for the professional quality of the job.
Players, in addition to those already named, are Edgar Buchanan, Barry Sul-
livan, Karen Morley, Jim Bannon, Sid Tomack, Barbara Wooddell and Paul
E. Burns.
Running time, 82 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, in
March. William R. Weaver
(2 100) (45c-65c) 7 days, with stage show.
3ross: $8,500. (Average: $9,000)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-UPTOWN (2,-
000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Av-
:rage: $6,000)
SALT LAKE CITY
Attendance at all theatres has been
bove average, with some holdovers
gaining in favoritism. The weather
has been clear and moderately cold.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing March 6:
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—CAPITOL (1,878) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 3rd
week, on a moveover. Gross: $10,500. (Av-
erage: $7,800)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— CENTRE (1,-
700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,900.
(Average: $13,600)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio)— LYRIC
(1.500) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, with vaudeville.
Gross: $4,500. (Average: $3,700)
THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO POLO
(Film Classics)— RIALTO (1.300) (20c-55c-
75c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average:
$3,600)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) — STUDIO1 (800)
(20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross:
$7,000. (Average: $4,800)
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M)— UP-
TOWN (1,300) (20c-55c-65c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $5,900)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
UTAH (1,700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
$14,000. (Average: $12,300)
TORONTO
Three theatres unfolded new fea-
tures with substantial result, helped
by the arrival of more balmy weather.
Three other theatres continued their
programs for a second week. Mean-
while, pro hockey drew big crowds for
chief opposition. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 6-7 :
THE VERDICT (WB) and BLONDE'S
BIG MOMENT (Col.)— EGLINTON #st)
(18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days, 2nd week. &dir
$4,000. (Average: $4,800)
SISTER KENNY (RKO Radio) — IM-
PERIAL (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days.
Gross: $16,800. (Average: $14,300)
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M) —
LOEW'S (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days.
Gross: $16,300. (Average: $13,800)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (aWi-Fox) — SHEA'S
(2J80) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross:
$17,300. (Average: $14,800)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)— UP-
TOWN (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days,
2nd week. Gross: $12,400. (Average: $11,-
900)
THE VERDICT (WB) and BLONDIE'S
BIG MOMENT (Col.)-VICTORIA (1,240)
(12c-30c-48c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$6,000. (Average: $6,500)
25th Anniversary
(Continued from page 1)
Hammons, the late J. D. Williams, the
late Carl Laemmle, Courtland Smith,
the late Myron Selznick and Winfield
Sheehan and William E. Atkinson.
Hays had been Postmaster Gen-
eral of the U. S. and chairman of
the Republican National Committee,
active for years in national politics
and many more years in state politics
in his native Indiana. His original
law firm still is doing business at the
old stand in Sullivan.
Men in addition to those named
above who helped to persuade Hays
to forsake the political arena for the
celluloid one included : Nicholas and
Joseph M. Schenck, J. Robert Ru-
bin, E. J. Ludvigh, Lewis J. Selznick,
John M. Quinn and Frank J. Godsol.
As is generally known, Hays' im-
mediate mission was to save the mo-
tion picture from state and national
censorship in consequence of some mo-
tion pictures and some doings of mem-
bers of the production community.
The mission was well accomplished.
in_ the early years and the accom-
plishment preserved in subsequent
years with the help of the Produc-
tion Code.
Hays at present is making his an-
nual winter visit to the Coast.
N. Y. Decision
(Continued from page 1)
the independent producer.
The producer of "Arch of Tri-
umph," which, he said, costs a little
over $4,000,000, said that while he
is not too familiar with the New
York decree, other producers, such as
Samuel Goldwyn, have demonstrated
that theatre leasing is feasible. En-
terprise is known to be planning the
rental of theatre situations for "Arch,"
particularly in New York where the
film will have its premiere.
Lewis and Erich Maria Remarque,
author of "Arch," were the guests
of Loew's International, which will
distribute the film abroad, at a recep-
tion here yesterday. Lewis reoorted
he will leave for England on Friday
to arrange for production of a film
there, employing mainly British per-
formers.
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
61. NO. 45
NEW YORK, U. S. A., THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1947
TEN CENTS
Dip in Gross
Level at Key
City Houses
Storms Hit First - Run
Business in February
Heavy snows, reaching blizzard
proportions in many parts of the
country, hampered business at key-
city first runs during last month,
leaving the weekly average gross per
theatre in some 170 situations at
$17,129, according to reports from
Motion Picture Daily field corre-
spondents. The January average
stood at $18,867 but included, of
course, the annual boost from New
Year's Eve midnight shows.
As in January, this year's Febru-
ary average also ran slightly below
that of Feb., 1946, when a level of
$17,761 was maintained.
"The Jolson Story" appeared most
often as the box-office leader in the
'correspondents' reports last month but
received strong competition from
"Till the Clouds Roll By," "The
Shocking Miss Pilgrim," "13 Rue
(Continued on page 4)
Apr. 2 Set for Dual
Trust Suit Answers
Chicago, March 5. — Defendants in
the $2,650,000 treble damage anti-trust
suit filed by Middle States Corp. and
the Riverside Operating Co., on be-
half of the Minnesota Theatre, Min-
neapolis, and the Riverside, Milwaukee,
have been given until April 2, to file
answers.
Defendants are nine distributors,
and, in addition, in the Minneapolis
case, the Minnesota Amusement Co.
is also named as a defendant.
Riverside and Middle States joined
in one suit seeking damages said to
(Continued on page 4)
Johnston to Coast
Before Annual Meet
Washington, March 5. — Eric
Johnston, Motion Picture Association
president, is scheduled to leave for
the Coast at the weekend for meetings
with the Association of Motion Pic-
ture Producers and to attend the
Academy Awards function on March
13. He will be back East in time to
attend the MPA annual meeting in
New York on March 31. His annual
report to the meeting is now in pre-
paration.
M-G-M Deals
Set in Field
Determination of the best bids sub-
mitted by theatremen under the New
York Federal Court's industry decree
is to be made largely in the field with
the home office to give, initially, per-
functory approval of offers recom-
mended, M-G-M has advised branch,
district and division sales managers, a
New York executive of the company
said here yesterday.
He reasoned that it would be physi-
cally impossible for the New York
office to weigh the particulars in every
deal proposed by the bidders, particu-
larly when the program is fully un-
derway.
Some time back, 20th Century-Fox,
in a notice to branch managers on the
clearance provisions of the decree, said
"the responsibility for the correct de-
cision is upon you." And in discussing
(Continued on page 2)
Seeks Producers'
Accord on Bidding
RKO Radio has undertaken a re-
view of its arrangements with inde-
pendent producers to determine who
has the final voice in determining the
best bid under the new competitive
bidding system, a company spokesman
indicated yesterday.
It was reported that the question of
whether the independent producer, the
distributor, or both, is legally respon-
sible for competitive bidding in prac-
tice, remains unsettled at RKO, al-
though, in the spokesman's view, the
distributing company which conducts
negotiations is definitely liable and
(Continued on page 4)
91% Influenced by
Price Cut: Para.
The Paramount Theatre
here states that in a poll con-
ducted since the house low-
ered its admission price to 55
cents from opening to one
o'clock, 91 per cent of the pa-
trons queried said the reduc-
tion influenced their attend-
ing the theatre. The theatre
claims an attendance of 45,000
during that time over a pe-
riod of six days as compared
with an average of under
23,000 for a like period.
Kelly Back to UA
4 In a Few Weeks'
Arthur W. Kelly, president of Gen-
eral Motion Picture Corp., who re-
turned to New York yesterday on the
6"6" Queen Elisabeth after a survey
of studio facilities in France and Italy
for production of films there in asso-
ciation with Edward Small, will join
United Artists as a vice-president
"within a few weeks." Confirmation
of Kelly's projected re-association
with UA, indicated last Friday in
Motion Picture Daily, came from
Charle- Schwartz, of Schwartz and
Frohlich. Kelly was previously a UA
vice-president in charge of foreign
istribution.
Unable to describe what his respon-
sibilities would be, Kelly added that
he was also not in a position to clarify
plans with regard to the company he
now heads.
Intimating that he would submit to
Small a favorable report on the pos-
sibilities of undertaking production in
France and Italy, Kelly said that after
(Continued on page 4)
ATA Set for Year Ahead.
Despite Losing Circuits
New Ticket System
On a Rental Basis
The newly-developed Stub
Rod Control theatre ticket
collection box, invented by
Henry Randel, Paramount's
New York branch manager,
and Irving Dashkin, operator
of the Savoy Theatre, Jamaica,
L. L, will be marketed to ex-
hibitors on a rental basis, the
inventors disclose here.
Although financial support from the
RKO and Loew circuits will end when
the American Theatres Association
completes its initial fiscal year, on
April 1, ATA executives see little or
no difficulty ahead in carrying their
program adequately through another
year on the support which will remain,
a spokesman for the organization said
here yesterday.
Number of theatres paying ATA
dues will be reduced from 7,100 to
6,800 when financing from the two
circuits ends, thus cutting down the
(Continued on page 4)
N. Y. Owners
Will Fight
Proposed Tax
Gov. Dewey Asks for Local
Autonomy for New Levies
New York City's exhibitors are
preparing to launch a full scale at-
tack against Gov. Thomas E.
Dewey's proposal of yesterday that
the state legislature empower the city
to levy an amusement admission tax
of five per cent. Yesterday, Motion
Picture Daily reported that a Dewey
recommendation of that nature, was
impending.
_ Although New York's Mayor Wil-
liam O'Dwyer and City Controller
Lazarus Joseph have given reassur-
ances in the past that they are not in
favor of a city tax on theatre admis-
sions, exhibitors here will strive to
"nip the tax threat in the bud" in the
legislature in Albany, according to ex-
hibitor organization spokesmen here.
It is felt that some cities and towns
would take advantage of special tax-
ing powers while others would not,
and as a result theatres in affected
(Continued on page 2)
Dope Films Scored
By Publisher's Wife
Atlantic City, March 5.— So-
called killer-diller radio programs
and the vulgarization of life alleg-
edly conveyed by 90 per cent of the
films are a handicap to the moral,
mental and emotional development of
American childhood, Mrs. Eugene
Meyer, wife of the owner of the
Washington Post, declared tonight in
an address before the eighth general
session of the American Association
of School Administrators here.
"Movie magnates show a callous
indifference to the nation's welfare,"
(Continued on page 2)
Mason Seeks Court
Rule on Rose 'Deal'
When David Rose, independent pro-
ducer who filed a $1,760,000 suit last
Dec. 1° against lames Mason for
alleged breach of contract, stepped off
the gangplank of the .9\ ( \ueen F.liza-
''(•//; on his arrival here yesterday, lie
was handed a summons and complaint
in connection with a proceeding insti-
tuted by Mason for a declaratory
(Continued on pane 4)
2
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 6, 1947
Personal
Mention
SPYROS P. SKOURAS, 20th
Century-Fox president, is sched-
uled to leave for the Coast today or
tomorrow. He is also slated for a
trip to South America later this
month.
•
Bernard R. Goodman, supervisor
of exchanges for Warner Bros., and
Herman Goldberg, purchasing agent,
will leave here Monday for Charlotte
and Atlanta.
•
Glendon All vine, executive secre-
tary- of the Eastern Public Informa-
tion Committee, who is touring the
South, will return here next Wednes-
day.
•
Glenn Ireton, Warner Bros, field
public relations representative for
Canada, will return to Toronto today
from New York.
•
Lige Brien, Eagle-Lion exploiteer,
returned to New York yesterday from
Philadelphia.
•
Nat Wolf, Warner circuit zone
manager for Cleveland, is celebrating
his 15th anniversary with the circuit.
•
Jack Levin, managing director of
Confidential Reports, returned to New
York yesterday from Chicago.
Technicolor Reward
Hollywood, March 5. — Technicol-
or Corp. has offered $2,500 reward
for information leading to the arrest
and conviction of the assailants who
attacked Claire McNeill, Technicolor
employee, on leaving the plant yes-
terday- morning.
MGM Bids Setin Field
(Continued from, page 1)
bidding, the company directed that all
propositions must be approved by the
division sales manager.
M-G-M encountered a particularly
difficult situation in Savannah where
one exhibitor offered a $5,000 guar-
antee for a seven-day booking and
another bid $5,250 for the same pic-
ture but for 10 days. These were made
against 40 and 41 per cent, respective-
ly, of grosses which the company
knew were beyond the reach of the
houses.
Owners To Fight Tax
(Continued front page 1)
communities stand to lose business to
theatres in adjacent unaffected com-
munities ; hence, notwithstanding tax
opposition stands taken by individual
city officials theatre business at vari-
ous points stands to suffer, it is held
in exhibitor circles here.
It is expected that organized ex-
hibitor drives here against the legis-
lature's acting on the Dewey recom-
mendation will get underway imme-
diately. The legislature is scheduled
to adjourn before the month ends.
Grant Pictures to
Start on May 15
Chicago, March 5. — Marshall Grant
Pictures, Inc., new film-producing firm
set up by a group of Chicago business-
men, will launch production of its
first, "Moonrise," about May 15, and
will adhere to a three-picture-a-year
schedule with each film to be budgeted
at around $2,000,000, the company's
board chairman, William D. Saltiel,
discloses. William A. Wellman_ will
direct "Moonrise," and E. H. Griffith,
Arthur Lubin and John Rawlins are
under option for other pictures sched-
uled, one of which will be "The Loop,"
which will attempt to counter-attack
the overemphasized gangster and sen-
sational phases of Chicago heretofore
played up on the screen, Saltiel said.
Charles F. Haas, former Universal
producer-director, has been named
Grant's vice-president. Details on the
company's plans, backers and other
officers appeared in Motion Picture
Daily on Tuesday. Former Universal
producer-director Marshall Grant is
president of the new company.
Republic Signs with
Feldman for Three
Hollywood, March 5. — Republic
Pictures has signed with Charles K.
Feldman Group Productions for a
minimum of three pictures employing
Feldman players, directors and stor-
ies. Lewis Milestone will produce
and direct "The Red Pony" in Tech-
nicolor as the first. Ben Hecht's
"Shadow" will be the second.
AMP A Luncheon Today
Curtis V. Mitchell, Paramount ad-
vertising-publicity director, will be
toastmaster ; George T. Delacorte,
president of Dell Publications, and
Paul Hunter, president of Liberty
Magazines, will be the principal speak-
ers, and Maurice Chevalier will be
guest of honor at the Associated Mo-
tion Picture Advertisers luncheon-
meeting to be held at the Town Hall
Club, here, today. Rutgers Neilson is
president of AMPA.
Picketing in 3rd Week
San Francisco, March 5. — Picket-
ing of the Fillmore Theatre by negroes
is in its third' week. The disagree-
ment has no labor difficulty origin,
the house being 100 per cent union,
but hinges entirely on the demand by
negroes that there be 50 per cent
negro help employed.
George Nasser, owner and general
manager of the house, has referred
arbitrators directly to the union,
through which he says all employees
are hired.
Columbia Withdraws
Mexico City, March 5. — Columbia
has cancelled a 10-picture contract
with the Tepeyac studio, operated by
Theodore and Albert Gildred follow-
ing collapse of a studio roof that
killed three workmen and injured 19
others. A loss of confidence in the
studio's physical security is said to
have inspired Columbia's action. The
pictures will be made in other Mexican
studios.
AMPP Fetes Price
At Luncheon Today
Hollywood, March 5.— A
farewell luncheon to Byron
Price will be given by Asso-
ciation of Motion Picture Pro-
ducers board members and
other officials tomorrow at
the Beverly Hills Hotel. Price
will leave here on March 15th
to assume his new duties as
U. N. assistant secretary-gen-
eral.
U.S. Film Program Is
Hit by Staff Cuts
Cuts in personnel made recently
throughout the U. S. State Depart-
ment's Office of Information and Cul-
tural Affairs have resulted in tempo-
rary curtailment of some operations
of the international motion picture di-
vision here, it is understood. Chief
delay is being experienced in obtain-
ing new material for adaptation and
in re-editing, although the production
program has not been impeded.
The staff curtailment, according to
a Department spokesman, has no con-
nection with budget hearings now go-
ing on in Congress.
Army Cites de Rochemont
March of Time producer Richard
de Rochemont and MOT directors
Rita Vandivert and Victor Jurgens
were among a group of war corres-
pondents given awards by the War
Department for services overseas and
presented with campaign ribbons by
Gen. Courtney H. Hodges, commander
of the U. S. First Army, at the Over-
seas Press Club Dinner which was
held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel
here.
Ind. ASCAPBill A mended
Indianapolis, March 5. — A new
conference report on the so-called
Anti-ASCAP bill, restoring the
amendment exempting radio stations
from its provisions, was approved in
the House today. The measure will
be up for vote in the Senate tomor-
row.
Friedman Speaks Today
Chester Friedman , editor of the
Managers' Round Table of Motion
Picture Herald, will address a Lion's
Club luncheon-meeting today at the
Roger Smith Hotel in White Plains.
N. Y. on "The Theatre's Place in
the Community . Today and the Man-
ager's in Business and Civic Affairs."
Clinical Unit Begun
Hollywood, March 5. — Motion Pic-
ture Relief Fund president Jean Her-
sholt has announced the start of con-
struction on a $500,000 clinical unit
at the Motion Picture Country House.
The unit will double hospitalization
facilities.
W. P. Mullen to CBS
William P. Mullen has joined
Columbia Broadcasting's snot-sales
division as an account executive in
New York.
1
Creditors of Hirliman
Firms Offered 32V2%
Unsecured creditors of Internation-
al Theatrical and Television Corp. and
Film-Tel, Inc., will receive 32y2 per
cent of their claims if a plan tenta-
tively agreed upon with debtors is
finally approved, it was announced by
Referee Irvin Kurtz in Federal Dis-
trict Court here yesterday. Kurtz
signed an order granting the com-
panies the right to offer a^ioint
amended plan to their creditoi'ecej*
The companies, Kurtz said, port
being in good financial condition and
that they have been able to make full
payment of claims of their secured
creditors, Standard Factors Corp. and
Continental Bank and Trust Co.
George Hirliman is president of both
firms.
Svirnoff, Marcus
Invade Iowa, Buy 2
Milwaukee, March 5. — Svirnoff
and Marcus circuit, heretofore con-
fining its theatre activities to Wis-
consin, has invaded Iowa with the
purchase of the Odeon and Casino
theatres at Marshalltown. S. and M.
will take possession on March 15.
Jutkovitz Services
Services for Alexander Jutkovitz,
59, co-o.wner of the Park Theatre at
Far Rockaway and partner for 25
years with RKO Theatres in owner-
ship of the Columbia and Strand
there, will be held at the Jewish Cen-
ter, Far Rockaway, at noon today.
Jutkovitz died on Tuesday of a heart
attack in Cleveland. He is survived by
a brother, Isador.
Services for Jenkins
Services for Felix A. Jenkins, 57,
secretary of 20th Century-Fox and. a
member of the board of directors, who
died Tuesday, will be held at 3:30
P.M. tomorrow at St. Luke's Epis-
copal Church, Montclair, N. J.
of
New Crouch Feature
"Disc Jockey" is the title
musical feature which William Forrest
Crouch will produce and direct at Film
Craft Studios in New York, starting
about June 1, on a screenplay by
Charles Curran.
Dope Films Scored
(Continued from page 1 )
Mrs. Meyer said. "Only recently the
largest combination of motion picture
magnates deliberately modified their
own code against the use of the nar-
cotic theme in order to exploit that
dangerous and suggestive field for the 1
benefit of our children."
"So notorious have our films be-
come the world over," Mrs., Meyer
continued, "that they are endangering
our foreign relations. The strangle
hold which' these powerful moving
picture magnates have upon the do-
mestic and foreign market is a world-
wide cultural menace. It is an abuse
of free enterprise when any group
can betray the welfare of the Ameri-
can people for profit, and jeopardize
our good name and our good rela-
tions with foreign countries."
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martm Qurgley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley. Jr., Associate Editor. Published dailv. except Saturdays
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company. Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Qui^pubco.
Aew ¥ork. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President: Martin Ouigley, Jr., Vice-President: Theo. J. Sullivan. Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, JNews Editor; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor-
Chicago Bureau,_624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady. 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl. Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup. Editor;
caDie address, Uuigpubco, London. ' Other Ouigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald. Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
international Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879 Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
vol
A
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WHAT
MILDRED
PIERCE
DID
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NORA PRENTISS
DOES ,
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7
PRACTICALLY EVERY ONE OF THE 73 ENGAGEMENTS
UNDER WAY IS WAY AHEAD OF PIERCE'! JESS
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ROSEMARY DECAMP E
PAUL WEBSTER l JACK SOBELL . MUSIC BY FRANZ WAX MAN
V1NP.FNT SHFRMAN
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4
Motion Picture daily
Thursday, March 6, 1947
There are
136
minutes
of the
world's
greatest
musical
artists
and the
world's
greatest
music
in
Gross Level Takes Dip
(Continued from page 1)
Madeleine" and "Sinbad the Salior."
Also coming through as weekly
leaders in a number of situations
were : "Open City," "California,"
"Lady in the Lake," "Dead Reckon-
ing," "Strange Voyage," "San Quen-
tin," "Henry V," "It's a Wonderful
Average'
No. of Total Per
Theatres Gross Theatre
Life," "The Angel and the Badman,"
"The Razor's Edge" and "The Best
Years of Our Lives."
Composite key-city box-office re-
ports for 1947 to date, compared with
the corresponding weeks of 1946, fol-
low :
1947
Week
Ending
Jan. 3-4 167 $3,678,100 $22,024
Jan. 10-11 173 3,363,200 19,440
Jan. 17-18 173 3,007,300 17,383
Jan. 24-2S 176 3,043,700 17,294
Jan. 31— Feb. 1... 181 3,293,600 18,197
Feb. 7-S 177 3,089,600 17,495
Feb. 14-15 177 2,767,900 15,638
Feb. 21-22 182 3,042.700 16,718
Feb. 28— Mar. 1.. 150 2,800.300 18.668
1946
Week
Ending*
No. of Total
Theatres Gross
Average
Per
Theatre
Jan. 4-5 142 $3,304,300 $23,270
Jan. 11-12 144 2,940,100 20,417
Tan. 18-19 150 2,706,300 18,040
Jan. 25-26 158 2,800,100 17,722
Feb. 1-2 157 2.227,000 18,390
Feb. 8-9 158 2,798,300 17,756
Feb. 15-16 159 2,755,400 17,330
Feb. 22-23 156 2,638,200 16,918
Mar. 1-2 164 3,106,000 18,939
Seeks Accord
(Continued from page 1)
vulnerable to court action in the event
of a suit by a disappointed exhibitor-
bidder.
On the basis of his assertion that
all procedure and differences between
RKO and the producers for whom it
distributes have been amicably re-
solved in the past, and the insistence
by producers' representatives here that
they would insist upon the right to de-
termine the best bed, the signs point
to continuation of the policy of review
and final authorization by the indepen-
dent.
Last week distribution representa-
tives of producers releasing through
United Artists declined to accede to
Gradwell L. Sears' request for a waiv-
er of their bidding approval authority
in favor of UA.
It was recalled that Department of
Justice interpretations of the New
York court decree maintained that
while independent producers are not
directly bound by the decree because
they were not parties to the anti-trust
suit, they cannot commit an act de-
clared illegal without placing them-
selves in a position of being subject tc
prosecution under the anti-trust laws.
Executives of several of the pro-
ducers releasing through RKO, which
include Walt Disney, Liberty Films
Samuel Goldwyn. Argosy and Inde-
pendent Artists, have indicated that,
unpressed by early release dates, they
are in a position to "sit back and
watch" development of competitive
bidding. Liberty's "It's a Wonderful
Life !" and Goldwyn's "The Best
Years of Our Lives" have been placed
on the block for competitive negotia-
tions wherever requests have come in.
and Disney's "Song of the South,"
which has played most of its bookings
already and has received several bids
only in the past week from some
"limited and smaller" situations, ac-
cording to a Disney spokesman, com-
prise the only independent product
currently available through RKO.
Since Argosy and IA have films in
production, Disney and Goldwyn
slated to have new product for release
after the summer, and Liberty, expect-
ing to release "State of the Union" by
fall, it appears that these companies
are not confronted with any immediate
problem concerning bidding and pro-
cedure.
Mason -Rose
(Continued from page 1)
judgment in New York Supreme
Court.
Rose, who said he expected to re
main in New York for a week before
going to California, has until March
25 to respond to the charges raised by
Mason who is acting through Schwartz
and Frohlich, attorneys.
The British actor, now in Prince-
ton, N. J., for try-outs of the stage
production, "Bathsheba," in which he
and his wife will appear on Broad-
way, was negotiating last spring with
Rose for the formation of a joint
film-producing venture on a partner-
ship basis.
Insistent upon his avowed intent to
"maintain his position of independence
and control over his own destiny" and
to be half-owner of any company
which produces pictures starring him
henceforth, the British actor cites ne-
gotiations allegedly conducted by Rose
with Paramount under which Mason
vould receive $100,00 a picture as an
advance on 25 per cent of profits after
recoupment of twice the production
:osts by Paramount. The Paramount
"leal, slated to start next May 1,
vould have been for 10 pictures ex-
pending over five years.
Papers in Rose's suit against Mason
'eportedly were never served, while
Mason has been mentioned as having
signed a picture deal with Sir Alex-
ander Korda.
Rose reported that the Odeon cir-
cuit which formerly gave 90 per cent
>f its time to American pictures is
now reserving 31 per cent of its time
cor British product.
Other arrivals on the Queen Elisa-
beth were : Frank Launder, co-pro-
lucer and director of J. Arthur Rank's
"The Adventuress," and George Ivan
Smith, associate producer and literary
xlitor of Rank's "This Modern Age"
series, who is on a four-months' leave
•;o_ devote himself to his position as
-hief of program planning for the
United Nations' international radio
network.
Mirisch Syndicate
Planning Circuit
A New York syndicate headed by j
Harold J. Mirisch, until recently film
buyer here for RKO Theatres, has
its sights on the development of a na-
tional circuit with negotiations now on
for the acquisition of two theatre |
companies holding six and eight !
houses, respectively, according to 1
Maurice Maurer, theatre operator for
City Investing Co., who figures in the I
plan. /ds-
Trust Suit Answers
(Continued from page 1)
have incurred in the operation of the
Riverside, asking a total of $1,750,000.
In the Minneapolis suit, Middle States
alone asks $900,000 for losses al-
legedly suffered in operating the
Minnesota.
Both suits were filed in U. S. Dis-
trict Court here on Jan. 20, by John
Mulder and Abraham Brussell, local
attorneys, who asked for jury trials.
The Minnesota suit was assigned to
Judge Michael L. Igoe, known in
motion picture circles for his verdicts
on the Jackson Park Theatre case.
The Riverside suit was handed to
Judge Philip L. Sullivan, who is also
the judge on the Schoenstadt Circuit's
$6,750,000 suit on behalf of its Pic-
cadilly Theatre.
Another Postponement of
Schoenstadt Trust Suit
Chicago, March 5. — Attorneys for
both sides have agreed upon still an-
other postponement on the Schoenstadt
Circuit's $6,750,000 triple damage anti-
trust suit on behalf of its southside,
Piccadilly Theatre which was sched-
uled to get underway before Special
Master-in-Chancery Charles A. Mc-
Donald tomorrow. According to
Aaron Stein of Rosenberg, Stein and
Rosenberg, law firm, who is represent-
ing the Schoenstadts, the new date
will be "in about three weeks or a
month."
Kelly in UA
(Continued from page 1)
New Film - Effects Firm
C. and G. Film-Effects has been
established here by Milton M. Gott-
lieb, a veteran of 25 years in the in-
dustry, and Hugo A. Casolaro, for-
merly of Sound Masters, Inc.
a "very thorough examination" of
facilities he came to the conclusion
that production is possible, although
it would not be 100 per cent efficient.
The basic problem hampering smooth
production is the replacement of parts
worn out during the war years, he
observed. Kelly also declared that the
^rench and Italian governments are
mxious to have American companies
produce in their respective countries.
ATA's Year Ahead
( Continued from page 1 )
revenue by less than 10 per cent, it
was explained. Moreover, RKO and
Loew's are expected to return to the
association after final settlement of
the industry anti-trust suit, having
dropped out on what is understood to
be a temporary basis when ATA
sought to intervene in the case be-
cause of widespread exhibitor objec-
tions to the competitive bidding sys-
tem set up by the New York Federal
District Court. Of the other three
theatre-owning defendants in the suit,
National Theatres has remained in the
association and many of Paramount's
affiliates belong, while Warner The-
atres never joined.
Only the problem of obtaining ade- .
quate hotel facilities in Washington
or Chicago has held up final plans
for ATA's forthcoming annual con-
vention, which will take place on a
date "to be selected between April 19
and May 1, according to the asso-
ciation spokesman.
Released thru
< REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS, INC.
1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686
Complete Film and
Disc Recording Facilities
r
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
jVG-^Ojt. NO. 46
NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1947
TEN CENTS
[IT, Columbia
In Move for
Bidding Stay
U niver sal's A pplication
Accepts Single Sales
Universal has applied to the
U. S. Supreme Court for a stay of
the competitive bidding provisions
of the New York Federal District
Court's decree, and Columbia is pre-
paring a similar application. The
stays, if granted, would exempt these
companies from the bidding system,
scheduled to become mandatory July
1, at least until after the high court
rules on their pending appeals, which
is not likely before early next year.
Even if the Columbia and
Universal applications are act-
ed upon favorably, four of the
remaining six defendants in the
suit will be required to sell
their films competitively after
(Continued on page 6)
Dunn Named PRC
Asst. Sales Manager
Harold S. Dunn has been appointed
assistant general sales manager of
Producers Releasing Corp. by Ralph
H. Clark, general sales manager.
Dunn entered the industry in 1920,
with Herman Rifkin in Boston. In
1925, he joined Warner's sales de-
partment, shifting to the theatre de-
partment in 1929 and to the foreign
department in 1931.
UK Relaxes Theatre
Closing Regulation
London, Mar. 6. — Theatres
will be permitted to open
weekdays beginning Saturday,
between 11:30, A.M. and 1:30
P.M., or between noon and
two P.M., to allow children's
matinees, tradeshows, press
viewings, etc. Heretofore,
under the power ban, theatres
were closed until four P.M.
With the. industry com-
pelled to save 250,000 feet of
raw stock weekly, the
Cinematograph Exhibitors
Association will meet with
the newsreels on Tuesday to
discuss either further cuts in
newsreel footage or tempo-
rary cancellation of the reels.
Bidding Requests
Often Inadequate
Distributors here are find-
ing a "great many" requests
for competitive bidding from
theatremen not too familiar
with this method of buying
product and consequently
their petitions are in vague
or generalized terms, rather
than being specific. One ex-
hibitor, for example, offered
M-G-M an unnamed "fabu-
lous sum," as he put it, for
"The Yearling."
The majority of non-con-
forming requests simply ex-
press a desire to bid on all
product of a certain company.
Fight on N. Y. Tax
Bill Seen Futile
Albany, N. Y., March 6. — Gover-
nor Dewey's program for increased
local taxing powers, with permissive
levies on amusements, has met an
undercurrent of opposition among
Republican legislators and outspoken
opposition by Democrats here. It
is believed, however, that with the
Governor behind it, the measure will
pass, probably next week.
A theatre official said tonight :
"The Governor supports the bill ;
that's enough to insure passage. Why
kid ourselves? It will go through.
Of course, legislative adoption would
not put any of these taxes in effect.
They must be enacted locally. That's
(Continued on page 6)
WB to Start
Bids in May
First competitive bidding for War-
ner product will take place early in
May, with "The Two Mrs. Carroll's",
"Stallion Road" and "Love and
Learn" among the earliest pictures to
be offered by the company through
the new selling method, it is under-
stood.
Following the initial offers, other
films are expected to be placed on the
competitive market in fairly rapid suc-
cession, thus putting Warners on a
full bidding basis by July 1, when the
system set up by the New York Fed-
eral District Court becomes manda-
tory.
Meanwhile, the company is under-
stood to have completed dissolution
of all -its pooling agreements . except
one involving a few theatres in Okla-
homa City, with this expected to be
ended in the near future.
Bill to Activate
Theatre Building
Washington, March 6. — A new
housing measure which does not in-
clude authorization to restrict non-
residential building will be introduced
in the House by Rep. Jesse P. Wol-
cott, chairman of the House Banking
Committee.
Elimination of present building bar-
riers would result in the construction
of an estimated 300 theatres through-
out the nation.
Ackery, Wise, Bradley-
Selected Top Showmen
This year, for the first time since
the start of the "Quigley Annual
Showmanship Awards," the Silver
Grand Award has gone outside the
United States. The winner : Ivan
Ackery, manager of the Orpheum
Theatre, Vancouver, B. C, one of the
houses in the Famous Players' Cana-
dian circuit. The other winners, who
this week also were designated "top
showmen" by a 42-man board_ of
judges, are Nate Wise, who received
the Bronze Grand Award for his cam-
paigns in Cincinnati, where he is pub-
licity manager for RKO Theatres,
and Frank Bradley, who was present-
ed with the special Overseas Plaque
for his campaigns in Sheffield, En-
gland, where he manages the Regent
(Continued on page 6)
AAF Jack Warner
Citation Mar. 14
Washington, Mar. 6.— The
office of the Commanding
General of the U. S. Army
Air Forces has sent to film
leaders invitations to attend
a ceremony at which the
Medal of Merit will be award-
ed in the name of the Presi-
dent to Jack L. Warner, War-
ner Brothers production vice-
president, to be presented by
General of the Army H. H.
Arnold on March 11 at March
Field, Riverside, Cal.
Film Salesmen
Move in On
Labor Front
Ask. Distributors to Talk
Wages and Other Items
By HAL TATE
Chicago, March 6. — Representa-
tives of motion picture salesmen
of the U. S. have, after repeated
reports of contemplated action,
heard down through the years, finally
and suddenly, appeared on the film
labor scene.
David Benzor, Milwaukee at-
torney and recently-appointed
counsel and labor negotiator
for the Colosseum of Motion
Picture Salesman of America,
has sent letters to New York
home offices of all distributors
requesting them to sit down
and bargain with his organiza-
tion, which represents film
salesmen in many parts of the
country.
To date, Benzor has received re-
( Continued on page 7)
Selznick Board Is
Headed by Kramer
Milton A. Kramer has become ex-
ecutive vice-president and chairman
of the board of the Selznick Releasing
Organization, Neil Agnew, SRO pres-
ident disclosed here yesterday.
Kramer, of the New York law firm
of Paine, Kramer and Marx, until re-
cently was a member of the board of
United Artists, from which he re-
signed to assume his new position.
Kramer succeeds Ernest L. Scan-
Ion, executive vice-president of Van-
guard Films, as chairman of the
board of SRO. Scanlon, who remains
on the SRO board, will devote him-
self mainly to Vanguard fiscal affairs.
Oklahoma Owners
In Anti-Tax Drive
Oklahoma City, March 6. — About
124 Oklahoma exhibitors, representing
54 of the state's 77 counties, gathered
here to organize an all-out campaign
against a bill in the legislature which
would enable city governments to
broaden their tax programs to include
(Continued on page 7)
2
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 7, 1947
Personal
Mention
HENDERSON M. RICHEY, M-
G-M's director of exhibitor re-
lations, has been awarded a U. S.
Navy Certificate of Appreciation for
his services during the war.
•
William Goetz, Universal-Inter-
national production head, accompa-
pied by his wife and Claudette Col-
bert, are expected to arrive here to-
morrow from the Coast.
•
Ben Kalmenson, Warner vice-
president and general sales manager,
left here yesterday for St. Louis and
other Mid-West points.
•
Arthur W. Kelly, General Mo-
tion Pictures Corp. president, will
leave New York today for the Coast
on TWA Constellation.
•
Sam Seidelman, PRC foreign
manager, has returned to New York
after a four and a half months' trip
through the Far East.
•
Milton Kusell, general sales man-
ager for Selznick Releasing Organi-
zation, is scheduled to leave here to-
day for Hollywood.
•
Stuart H. Aaron s, Warner Club
president and member of Warners'
legal staff, left here by plane last
night for the Coast.
•
Robert Gillham, of the J. Walter
Thompson Agency, is scheduled to
leave here today for a vacation in
Florida.
Pizor, Rank Officers,
Seidelman Sailing
William M. Pizor, foreign sales
manager for Screen Guild Produc-
tions; Robert Benjamin, president of
the U. S. J. Arthur Rank Organiza-
tion ; Joseph H. Seidelman, president of
Universal-International, "Us" foreign
sales subsidiary, and A. B. Krimm,
Eagle-Lion president, are among film
industry notables scheduled to leave
for Europe today aboard the 55"
Queen Elizabeth. Pizor, who expects
to be gone about two months, will
stop in London before traveling across
the Continent to set up franchises for
the distribution of SGP releases.
David Lewis, Enterprise producer ;
Paulette Goddard, Burgess Meredith,
Constance Collier, Glynis Johns, Dr.
Hubert Clifford, musical director for
London Film Productions; Noel Cow-
ard, playwright and producer ; Jack
Buchanan and James Whale, will also
sail.
'Adventuress' Opening
A. W. Schwalberg, Eagle-Lion vice-
president and general sales manager,
says that "The Adventuress," starring
Deborah Kerr, will be premiered at
the Majestic Theatre in Boston on
March 14, as planned. He also con-
firms the March 17 national release
date.
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
\ /I ORE on the closely-watched
-1 Paramount price change:
The slash in morning scales
from 70 cents from opening to
11 A.M. and from 85 cents from
11 A.M. to noon in favor of 55
cents straight from opening to
one P.M., all including Federal
tax, is not the only shift, although
emphasis has been concentrated
on that bracket. No doubt, be-
cause it is the deepest cut.
Under the former structure,
the house used to get 95 cents
from noon to five P.M., then
$1.30 from five to midnight,
when the tariff dropped to 95.
Under the new, it is 90 cents
from one to six P.M., then $1.20
to midnight when it slides off to
85 cents. This prevails Monday
through Friday.
On Saturday, from opening-to-
ll A.M. the price was 85 cents,
rising a dime from 11 A.M. to
noon, going to $1.10 from noon
to two P.M., then up 10 cents to
$1.20 for the next hour, climbing
to $1.40 from three to six P.M.,
when it reached a peak of $1.50
and receded to $1.20 at midnight.
Now it is 70 cents from opening
to noon, 95 from noon ta one
P.M., then $1.25 from one to five
P.M., at which hour it clambers
to $1.50 and remains there until
midnight when it is cut back to
95 cents.
The Sunday scale, likewise,
has undergone a change. From
opening to one P.M., the price
formerly was $1.30, changing to
$1.50 throughout the afternoon
and evening until the midnight
hour when it sluffed to $1.20.
Now it is $1.25 from opening to
one P.M., at .its maximum of
$1.50 thereafter until midnight
when it contracts to 95 cents.
■
The full-blown price setup is
essential to any understanding of
what the theatre is endeavoring
to accomplish. That endeavor,
primarily, is to restore morning
business to some semblance of its
former level. On the basis of the
first nine days, the management,
which is to say Bob Weitman,
stoutly maintains the plan al-
ready is so pronounced a success
that attendance is putting the
previous three shows to shame.
On the basis of the first six days,
patronage to one A.M. was up
almost 100 per cent, he reports.
Meanwhile, Broadway com-
petitors continue to look down
their noses. They remain uncon-
vinced, or so they say, of any
need to follow suit and the prob-
ability is their judgment is sound
so far as the new scheme has
gone. One week, plus two days,
hardly can be conclusive.
■
They are pointing out, also,
that any drop in price stacks up
as a bargain to the public whose
support would be automatic.
Principally, however, they are
asking if the Paramount is more
interested in attendance or in
dollars. The answer is pretty ob-
vious. The Paramount is inter-
ested in both.
Weitman maintains the thea-
tre reaches its break figure with
Wednesday and Friday night and
weekend business, which means
the gravy train starts to gather
speed with whatever else is left.
He figures that, while he is get-
ting less money per admission,
particularly in the morning
hours, he also is getting attend-
ance so much greater than the
house has known in about nine
months that the gross inevitably
must improve.
It is in Weitman's mind as
well that he won't have the field
to himself much longer. If some-
one wanted to make a bet, we'd
line up with him.
■ ■
For the record:
Thornton Delehanty, reporting
in the New York Herald-Trib-
une from Hollywood, had Dore
Schary pursuing a new produc-
tion tack at RKO. No longer was
that company to rely so heavily
on independents. Instead, new
policy provided for the develop-
ment of a contract list and "to
play along less with the outside,
or freelance, groups," he wrote.
Hollywood checkup shows that
Schary had been misinterpreted ;
he has no such plan in mind.
■ ■
Century Circuit's program in
cooperation with the Board of
Education to gauge whether
films will complement classroom
studies ties the business of ex-
hibition closer to the business of
running a community. Bearing
all costs and charging no admis-
sion, Century is holding one
morning show a month for four
months.
This is a first-rate instance of
good thinking, good service and
progressive showmanship.
DANA ANDREWS in
"BOOMERANG"
A 20th Century-Fox Picture
PLUS ON STAGE — PHIL REGAN
KATH ERIN E DUNHAM .ERNESTO LECUONA
ED SULLIVAN . SID CAESAR
DA¥V 7th Ave. &
KW^V I 50th St.
HEW YORK THEATRES
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL-
Rockefeller Center
[Spencer TRACY - Katharine HEPBURN1
■ Robert WALKER . Melvyn DOUGLAsl
i'THE SEA OF GRASS"!
A Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer Picture,
SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENpe' JN;
He was made for ACTION!
She was made for LOVE.1
JOHN GAIL
WAYNE RUSSELL
'ANGEL
and the
BADMAN
it
with
HARRY CAREY - BRUCE CABOT
IRENE RICH - LEE DIXON
A JOHN WAYNE Production
A Republic Picture
BRANDT'S GOTHAM SnTst*
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN 0 HARA WALTER SLEZAK
StNBAD the Sailor
//V GORGSOOS T£OM/COt0R
i£30 ON SCREEN
LORETTA YOUNG
The PERFECT
MARRIAGE'
IN PERSON
MOLLHICON
Extra!
Eddie PEABODY
plus Others
fi^-m paulette GotWard
Fred MacMurray
Suddenly
Its Spring
'THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
"The BEST Years
of Our Lives'
Continuous A CTf\D *'
Performances A V-/1V *
WAY and
^45th ST.
Paramount's
"BLAZE OF NOON"
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
bundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau,(624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, 'Quigpubco, London." Other Ouigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. "Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Los Angeles -
4 THEATRES-
LEADING THE CITY!
-Variety
New York Roxy-
OUTGROSSING
13 RUE MADELEINE !
Stamford, Connecticut -
ABOXOFFICE
TRIUMPH !
There's always a Boom at the Boxoffice when you play
Century-Fox
THE RAZOR'S EDGE" • "IDE LATE GEORGE APEEV" • "HE GHOST AND MRS. MINT
'CARNIVAL IN COSTA RICA" In Technicolor • "THE HOMESTRETCH" In Technicolor
ItllJt
*Song of
Scheherazade 3
It's a SWEET TUNE at the B. OJ
SONG HOT! in N.Y.
^wSiS 0RRID!" in Buffal°
^PNG H0T! ln L A-
LOOKS GOOD! in Chi. (2nd Week FANCY! )
"S|RIF! in Cincy
"ana it's /usf beginning fo sing.1
6
Motion Picture daily
Friday, March 7, 1947 I
Big Spurt in
Production as
12 Films Start
Hollywood, March 6. — Production
has surged strongly upward, with
work starting on 12 new films. Five
other have been finished and one —
M-G-M's "The Pirate" — temporarily
suspended. The shooting index stood
at 38, compared to the previous level
of 32. The production scene follows :
Columbia
Finished: "Lady from Shanghai,"
"Three Were Thoroughbreds" (Cava-
lier).
Started : "The Man from Colorado,"
with Glenn Ford, William Holden,
Ellen Drew; "The Lady Knew How,"
with Franchot Tone, Lucille Ball,
Jonathan Hale.
Shooting: "Assigned to Treasury"
( Kennedy-Buchman) .
Eagle-Lion
Finished : "Repeat Performance."
Started: "Out of the Blue," with
George Brent, Virginia Mayo, Turhan
Bey, Carole Landis, Ann Dvorak;
"Love from a Stranger," with John
Hodiak, Sylvia Sidney, Ann Richards.
M-G-M
Shooting: "Song of the Thin Man,"
"The Hucksters."
Monogram
Started: "Sarge Goes to College,"
with Freddie Stewart, June Preisser,
Alan Hale, Jr., Noel Neill.
Shooting: "Louisiana," "The Gang-
ster" (Allied Artists).
Paramount
Started: "The Big Clock," with
Ray Milland, Maureen O' Sullivan,
Charles Laughton, Rita Johnson,
George Macready.
Shooting : "Road to Rio," "Albu-
querque" (Clarion).
PRC
Finished: "Silent Voice."
Started: "Gangway for Murder,"
with Robert Lowery, Anabelle Shaw.
RKO Radio
Shooting : "Tycoon," "Indian Sum-
mer," "If You Knew Susie," "The
Bishop's Wife" (Goldwyn).
Republic
Shooting : "The Trespasser,"
"Springtime in the Sierras."
Selznick
Started: "Portrait of Jennie," with
Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten.
Shooting : "The Paradine Case."
Independents Honor
Price at Dinner
Hollywood, March 6. — The Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers
Association last night gave a farewell
dinner to Byron Price. Speakers were
IMPPA president I. E. Chadwick,
SIMPP president Donald Nelson,
Jean Hersholt, Joseph I. Breen and
IATSE representative Roy Brewer.
A luncheon to Price was given by
the AMPP today at the Beverly Hills
Hotel. Price will leave here for New
York on March 15 to assume new
duties as U. N. assistant secretary-
general.
Top Showmen
(Continued from page 1)
Theatre for Gaumont British.
Judges comprised executives in dis-
tribution and exhibition. Twenty-two
finalists had weathered the quarterly
awards competitions, and their ex-
hibits, which were on view at the Ho-
tel Astor, here, this week, were ex-
amined by hundreds from the industry.
Sol A. Schwartz, vice-president and
general manager of RKO Theatres,
principal speaker at the awards
luncheon, said he found particular
merit in campaigns conducted by
managers of smaller theatres without
the aid of a publicity department or
exploitation director.
Stoltz Nominated
To Head AMPA
N. Y. Tax Bill
(Continued from page 1)
where a fight could be waged."
A Republican Assemblyman de-
clared: "If the bill were to come to
a vote today, it would be defeated,
I think, but the situation will change
by next week. There may be amend-
ments. Some localities will not wish
to levy such taxes. This kind of bill
puts every legislator on the spot."
State lawmakers expect a protest-
ing deluge of mail and wires over
the weekend.
Approve U. S. Tax Bill
Washington, March 6. — The
House today approved a joint Con-
gressional conference committee re-
port continuing indefinitely the Fed-
eral wartime excise taxes, including
the admissions tax. Immediate Senate
approval is expected.
20th Century-Fox
Finished: "Miracle on 34th Street."
Started: "Scudda Hoo, Scudda
Hay," with June Haver, Lon McCal-
lister, Walter Brennan.
Shooting : "The Ghost and Mrs.
Muir," "Captain from Castile," "For-
ever Amber."
United Artists
Shooting: "Atlantis" (Nero) ;
"Body and Soul" (Enterprise).
Universal-International
Started: "Jeopardy," with Edmond
O'Brien, Ella Raines, William Ben-
dix, Vincent Price; "For the Love of
Mary," with Deanna Durbin, John
Dall, Donald O'Connor; "Singapore,"
with Fred MacMurray, Ava Gardner,
Richard Haydn.
Shooting: "The Secret Beyond the
Door" (Diana) ; "Brute Force" (Hel-
linger).
Warners
Shooting: "Voice of the Turtle,"
"Two Guys from Milwaukee," "Wall-
flower," "The Unfaithful," "The Un-
suspected" (Curtiz).
Arnold Stoltz has been designated
by the nominating committee of the
Associated Motion Picture Advertis-
ers to succeed Rutgers Neilson, whose
term of presidency will expire shortly.
Nomination is tantamount to election.
Others nominated are : Vice-presi-
dent, Phil Williams ; treasurer, Max
Stein; secretary, Marguerite Wey-
burn. Nominated for the board of di-
rectors are: Neilson, Joel Swenson,
Harry McWilliams, Hap Hadley and
Don Velde. Charles Alicoate was
nominated to fill a vacancy on the
board of trustees.
Nominating committee chairman
Robert Wile announced the selections
at yesterday's AMPA luncheon-meet-
ing at the Town Hall Club, here,
which was addressed by George T.
Delacorte, president of Dell Publica-
tions ; Muriel Babcock, editor of Ideal
Publications ; O. G. Elder, president
of MacFadden Publications; Ralph
Daigh, Fawcett Publications, and Da-
vid Brown, editor of Liberty maga-
zine, all of whom reviewed progress
made by fan magazines. Maurice
Chevalier, guest of honor, was wel-
comed on his return to the U. S.
Some 200 AMPA members and guests
were present. Curtis Mitchell, Para-
mount's advertising-publicity director,
was master of ceremonies. Irving
Schriffrin was chairman of the
luncheon arrangements committee.
Bidding Stay
(Continued from page 1)
July 1. The other two, Para-
mount and United Artists,
could obtain stays only by ap-
plying separately for them, ac-
cording to informed legal opin-
ion here. M-G-M, RKO Radio,
20th Century-Fox and Warners
have not appealed from the
bidding provision. UA has ap-
pealed on bidding but has
stated it will not ask for a post-
ponement. Paramount, which
also has appealed on bidding,
has made no decision on a stay.
Louis Frohlich, Columbia counsel,
said yesterday that his application
would seek a stay of all the provisions
from which the company has appealed.
These include, besides bidding, injunc-
tions against multiple sales and against
"arbitrarily refusing" to license a fea-
ture on a run selected by an exhibitor
instead of licensing it to a competitor
on such run.
Universal's application, filed by at-
torneys Thomas Turner Cooke and
Charles D. Prutzman, asks, in addition
to the stay of bidding, that the Su-
preme Court exempt the company
temporarily from those injunctions of
the New York court "which forbid
the performance of existing contracts
or invalidate certain provisions there-
of." Thus, Universal, pending action
on its appeal, accepts the local tribu-
nal's order of single sales after July
1 and its ban, beginning April 1, on
new contracts fixing minimum prices,
granting clearance between theatres
not in substantial competition and
"unreasonable" clearance between
competitive houses, and making fran-
chise agreements, formula deals or
master agreements — but seeks the
right to continue all such pacts now in
effect. This would provide, of course,
exemption of any existing sales of the
company's season's product as a whole.
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, Mar. 6
"HpENDER Is the Night," re-
A garded by many critics as one of
the late F. Scott Fitzgerald's most
distinguished novels, will be brought
to the screen by David O. Selznick,
with Jennifer Jones in the sta^L; p
role. . . . Arrangements have „, _n
completed whereby Universal-Inter-
national will release Monte Shaft's
production "Man-Eaters of Kumaon,"
based on a book by Jim Corbett. . . .
Steven Vincent, Young French actor,
has been signed to a long-term con-
tract by Warners.
•
A Story built around the United
States Postal Inspection Service — the
little-publicised "police force" of the
Post Office Department, will be the
basis for one of the pictures on
Benedict Bogeau's 1947 program for
United Artists release. . . . Nicholas
Ray, who directed the New York
stage play, "Beggars' Holiday," has
joined RKO Radio under a writer -
director deal. His first assignment in
the film version of Edward Ander-
son's best-seller, "Thieves Like Us."
•
Glenn Ford, William Holden and
Ellen Drew will co-star in Colum-
bia's Technicolor outdoor action
film, "The Man from Colorado."
Charles Vidor will direct, Jules
Schermer will produce. . . . Peter
Lorre has been signed by Republic
for a leading role with Vera Ral-
ston and John Carroll in "Crime
Passionelle." . . . George Brent has
been signed by Eagle-Lion for a
starring role in "Out of the Blue."
•
"My Own True Love" will be the
title of Paramount's film version of
the Yolanda Foldes novel, "Make
You a Fine Wife." British actress
Phyllis Calvert will be starred, and
Val Lewton has been assigned to pro-
duce. . . . Allen Rivkin has been
signed by Independent Artists to a
producer-writer contract. . . . Screen
rights to "The Tin Flute," Gabrielle
Roy's novel whose locale is modern
Montreal, have been acquired by Uni-
versal-International.
•
Art Gardner has been appointed
executive assistant to Frank and
Maurice King, and will work with
them on "The Gangster," their cur-
rent production for Allied Artists. . . .
That unpredictable bird, the stork,
caused a lot of confusion in Holly-
wood castings last week. Teresa
Wright, forced to withdraw from
Samuel Goldwyn's production, "The
Bishop's Wife," was replaced by Lo-
retta Young, and Miss Young, who
had previously been announced for a
stellar role in RKO Radio's "Mem-
ory of Love," was in turn replaced by
Merle Oberon.
Mr. Exhibitor: Investigate!
Filmack's NEW Prevue Trail-
er Service before signing any
trailer contracts. Write, wire 1
or phone Filmack 1327 S.
Wabash, Chicago 5, III. and
receive full details.
Why are they after
the Girl with the
Little
Black
Book r
Friday, March 7, 1947
Motion Picture daily
Ban Jurisdictionals
By Law: C. of C.
Washington, March 6. — Jurisdic-
tional strikes should be ruled an unfair
labor practice and unions should be
made responsible by law for such dis-
putes, the U. S. Chamber of Com-
merce told the House Education and
Labor committee today.
H-vW. Steinkraus, chairman of the
CVO&er's labor relations committee,
opT~ed compulsory arbitration be-
tween labor and management. He said,
however, that voluntary arbitration is
acceptable to the Chamber.
Commenting on jurisdictional
strikes, the Chamber said: "Labor
unions have failed to see that it is to
their advantage to provide adequate
forums for the settlement of such dis-
putes. For that reason a jurisdiction-
al strike should be made an unfair
labor practice and legal machinery
should be provided for settlement of
such disputes."
Theatres Help Local
Merchants: Friedman
Chester Friedman, editor of the
Managers' Round Table of Motion
Picture Herald, told a White Plains
Lion's Club luncheon-meeting yester-
day that "the theatre is a bulwark in
keeping local consumers of tangible
merchandise in their own communi-
ties." Friedman, who was guest speak-
er at the luncheon, said that the "great
drawing power of motion pictures
helps to attract business" for local
merchants from rural and surrounding
areas.
Lantz Signs 5 - Year
Contract with UA
Hollywood, March 6.— -Walter
Lantz has signed a five-year releasing
contract with United Artists for 11
cartoon shorts annually.
With Universal for the past 20
years, Lantz will continue his "Woody
Woodpecker" musical miniatures and
"Andy Panda" characters in his forth-
coming product.
Flying is the way
to travel to —
CHICAGO
PITTSBURGH
LOS ANGELES
— and TWA is the
friendly way to fly.
See your fravei agent or phone
LExington 2-7100
Save time with TWA AIRFREIGHT
m Trans World Airline
UA's Sears Makes
Gold Cup Awards
Chicago, March 6— The Midwest
district, headed by Rud Lohrenz, has
been awarded first prize of $7,000 in
United Artists vice-president Gradwell
L. Sears' Gold Cup Drive.
At a regional sales meeting here
today, the Chicago branch headed by
Sid Rose, was awarded $5,000 in
prizes. Rose also received a gold cup
from Sears. These five salesmen each
receivd $500 : Milt Kruger of Indiana-
polis, John Graham of Kansas City,
Carl Reece of Omaha, M. Provencher
of Milwaukee and Ed Stoller of Min-
neapolis.
'Years' Nets $16,000
Pittsburgh Advance
Pittsburgh, March 6.— The Ful-
ton Theatre here ran up a $16,000
advance sale for "The Best Years of
Our Lives," which is being shown at
advanced prices four times a day. In-
dividual seats are not reserved, but
no tickets are sold beyond capacity.
The house points out that one ad-
vantage of the system is that it breaks
down resistance to advanced prices
required _ for big pictures. Only
minor hitches occurred; some people
claimed the right to sit through two
shows.
Seven More Pictures
Get Legion Ratings
Columbia's "Thirteenth Hour" has
been classified A-I by the National
Legion of Decency. The following
were classified A-II : "Danger Street"
and "My Favorite Brunette," both
Paramount; "The Sin of Harold Did-
dlebock," United Artists, and "Under-
cover Maisie," M-G-M.
AEF Corp.'s French-made "Angel
and Sinner" and Tricolor Films'
French-made "Children of Paradise,"
were placed in Class B.
RKO-Radio Appoints
Elias Lapinere
Elias Lapinere has been appointed
RKO-Radio European publicity direc-
tor and will make his headquarters in
the Paris office of Wladimir Lissim,
general European supervisor, RKO-
Radio discloses here. Lapinere has
been nominated by European managers
of American companies as chairman
of the public relations committee for
the Brussels Film Festival.
Goldstone to RKO
Hollywood, March 6. — Richard
Goldstone has joined RKO Radio as a
producer, according to an announce-
ment by Dore Schary, executive vice-
president in charge of production. He
will concentrate, under Schary's super-
vision, on a specialized type of pic-
ture, the nature of which will be dis-
closed later. Former head of the
M-G-M short subject department and
more recently a producer at M-G-M
and Columbia, Goldstone served dur-
ing the war with the motion picture
division of the USAAF.
Schary -Wallis Deal
Hollywood, March 6. — Dore Schary
and Hal Wallis have announced a
"package deal" whereby RKO-Radio
secures from Hal Wallis Productions
at Paramount screen rights to "The
White Swamp," along with Lizabeth
Scott and Burt Lancaster as co-stars,
Byron Haskin as director and Leo
Tover as cameraman.
Film Salesmen
( Continued from page 1 )
plies from three major companies ex-
pressing their willingness to sit down
and discuss the film salesmen's de-
mands, it is said.
Arthur M. Van Dyke, sales man-
ager of 20th Century-Fox in Chicago,
who was elected national president of
the Colosseum unit in St. Louis last
Dec. 1, discloses that to date no speci-
fic demands have been asked for. He
also said that because of the peculiar
nature of a film salesmen's job, no
minimum hours will be asked for.
Van Dyke said the Colosseum is
not affiliated with any labor organiza-
tion. The IATSE has on occasion at-
tempted to organize film salesmen. He
pointed out that salesmen are the only
branch of the industry not organized
to date and that their aims are to get
security and proper position in the in-
dustry. He added that salesmen's de-
mands will be fair and reasonable,
observing, "I think the companies will
be fair, and reasonable with us."
Van Dyke said that negotiation
strategy will be set by an executive
group composed of 14 from all sections
of the country. While declining to
state how many salesmen are now
associated with the Colosseum
throughout the country, Van Dyke did
say that the membership in Seattle,
for example, has increased 300 per
cent in 10 days. Omaha and Indi-
anapolis are also completely organized.
He reports that the Colosseum em-
braces 13 film salesmen's groups com-
prising a membership of nearly 500.
Van Dyke succeeded Frairk W. Sol-
ley of RKO Radio in Atlanta as na-
tional president in the December elec-
tion. Solley was elected treasurer,
Mel Keller of Portland, Ore., execu-
tive vice-president; N. Provencher,
Milwaukee, executive secretary.
Hollywood Mass Meeting
Hollywood, March 6. — With the
basic issues in the six-months-old
studio strike still unchanged, the Con-
ference^ Studio Unions prepared for
a special mass meeting on Sunday
night at Legion Stadium. All unions
and several civic organizations have
been invited to hear union president
Herbert Sorrell report on his abduc-
tion and beating by unidentified assail-
ants last Sunday night.
Local 278 Negotiating
Hollywood, March 6. — Building
Service Employes' local No. 278 is
understood to be negotiating with
IATSE leaders for an arrangement
under which its striking members
could disassociate themselves from the
Conference of Studio Unions and re-
turn to work.
Oklahoma Owners
(Continued from- page 1)
amusement levies or gross receipt
taxes.
The meeting, presided over by C.
B. Akers, chairman of the state ex-
hibitors' legislative committee, result-
ed in agreement by the exhibitors to
spark a "grass-roots" drive against
the proposed law and support another
measure designed to increase the
state's property tax system. The op-
posed bill, sponsored by Tulsa and
Oklahoma City officials, has been re-
ferred to a Senate committee for pub-
lic hearings within the next two
weeks.
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PARA.
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley ,
C — 90 mins. J
(Rev. 1/7/47)
CALIFORNIA
(Color)
Ray Milland
O — 97 min.
(Rev. 12/16/46)
EASY COME.
EASY GO
Sonny Tufts
Diana Lynn
C-78 mins.
(Rev. 2/3/47)
SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING
Fred MacMurray
Paulette Goddard
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/10/47)
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/18/47)
Mono.
RAINBOW
OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakelev
O — 54 mins.
VALLEY OF
FEAR
Johnny Mack
Brown
O — 54 mins.
(Rev. 2/27/47)
FALL GUY
Robert Armstrong
Clifford Penn
D — 64 mins.
(Rev. 3/3/47)
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
D
HIGH
CONQUEST
Anna Lee
Warren Douglas
TRAILING
DANGER
Johnny M. Brown
SIX GUN
SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O'Shea
1
9
s
(Feb. Releases)
LOVE LAUGHS
at ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
C — 91 mins.
(Rev. 12/6/46)
MY BROTHER
TALKS TO
HORSES
Butch Jenkins
D— 94 mins.
(Rev. 11/21/46)
BOOMTOWN
(Reprint)
Clark Gable
D — 119 mins.
(Rev. 8/2/40)
(March Release)
BEGINNING OR
THE END
Brian Donlevy
Robert Walker
D — 112 mins.
(Rev. 2/19/47)
(April Releases)
IT HAPPENED
IN BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
C — 103 mins.
(Rev. 3/3/47)
LITTLE MR.
JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
D — 94 mins.
(Rev. 6/10/46)
THE SEA OF
GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katherine Hepburn
D — 125 mins.
(Rev. 2/13/47)
COLUMBIA
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
D — 73 mins.
(Rev. 1/24/47)
CIGARETTE
GIRL
M^ — 67 mins.
OVER THE
SANTA FE
TRAIL
O — 63 mins.
(Feb. Release)
DEAD
RECKONING
D — 100 mins.
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
D — 82 mins.
13TH HOUR
Richard Dix
D — £5 mins.
THE LONE
HAND TEXAN
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(March Release)
JOHNNY 1
O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
D — 85 mins.
(Rev. 1/2/47)
MILLIE'S
DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
D— 70 mins.
(Rev. 2/11/47)
WEST OF
DODGE CITY
KING OF THE
WILD HORSES
Preston Foster
Gail Patrick
BLONDIE'S
HOLIDAY .
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
C — 67 mins.
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(April Releases)
GUILT OF
JANET AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
D — 8 1 mins.
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis Carter
Barry Sullivan
D — 82 mins.
^ 00
ft
•
*
*-
S3 on
3 ~
1
1
<
April
19
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
j
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
J
61. NO. 47
NEW YORK, U. S. A., MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1947
TEN CENTS
Southwest Is
1st in Volume
Of Early Bids
M-G-M Said to Have No
New York Requests
Southwest exhibitors lead the
country in volume of requests for
competitive bidding, according to
M-G-M's records, sources familiar
with the company's bidding operations
report. Theatremen who petitioned the
company are concentrated mostly in
the Dallas and Oklahoma City areas,
it is said, and from this the conclu-
sion is drawn that many independents
are seeking to outbid the Griffith inter-
ests there.
Following in the number of requests
for bidding are the Midwest, Far
West, Central and East in that order,
reportedly, with New York exhibitors
said to be completely inactive in this
respect.
Fred Schwartz, vice-president of
Century Circuit here, long on record
in favor of bidding, states he has yet
to decide on whether he will look for
(Continued on page 9)
St. Louis May Pass
Admissions Levy
St. Louis, March 9. — A five per
cent amusement tax, designed to yield
$750,000 annually, is one of four tax
measures proposed by the Citizens'
Tax Commission to Mayor Kaufmann
as a source of additional' municipal
revenue. First proposed last spring
and blocked through the opposition of
motion picture interests here, the
amusement tax now proposed is be-
fore the Board of Aldermen. Indica-
te CoJiimMed on page 9)
Greek War Orphan
Luncheon March 26
Hollywood stars and military and
government leaders will be guests at
an industry Greek War Orphans Ap-
peal luncheon at the Hotel Astor here
on March 24. On the luncheon com-
mittee are Robert Coyne, Ned Depi-
net, Jack Cohn, Si Fabian, Harry
Kalmine, Sol Schwartz, Harry Brandt,
Ted Gamble, Tom Connors, Ben Ser-
kowich, S. Barret McCormick,
Charles Schlaifer, Sam Shain, Fred
Schwartz, Joseph R. Vogel, Sam
Rinzler, Ralph Pielow, Max Cohen
and Ben Abner.
Columbia Stay Plea
Cites Years Since
Suit Was Docketed
Columbia's application to the U. S.
Supreme Court for a stay of single
sales and competitive bidding will be
backed by the contention that, since
the industry anti-trust suit was filed
eight years ago, the time gained in
effecting these drastic provisions be-
fore the high tribunal rules would be
insignificant, it was indicated by Louis
Frohlich, counsel for the company,
here at the weekend. The application
will be filed early this week.
Frohlich will point out that, in the
event the Supreme Court reverses the
New York Federal District Court on
bidding and single sales, Columbia
would be subjected to "great addition-
al costs" in reverting to its policy of
selling a year's product in advance if
it had been forced meanwhile to in-
(Continued on page 10)
Laboratory Tie-up
Looms Here Tonight
A strike starting at midnight tonight
and threatening virtually all East
Coast film processing appeared to be
in the offing over the weekend, fol-
lowing the breakdown of negotiations
on Friday between representatives of
18 laboratories in New York and
vicinity and the negotiating committee
of Motion Picture Laboratory Tech-
nicians, Local No. 702, IATSE. With
1800 mem'bers expected to attend a
strike-vote meeting scheduled to be
(.Continued on Page 10)
25 New Companies
Use Title Service
Washington, March 9 . —
Twenty-five additional non-
member companies subscribed
to the Motion Picture Asso-
ciation's title registration
during 1946, according to
Margaret Ann Young, the
title bureau's chief.
The word "you" was regis-
tered most often, 683 times,
followed by "love," 649; "I,"
595; "my," 560, and "man,"
363. Together, the top five
words spell: "I love you, my
Halt Building
CodeHearings
The proposed new standard building-
code for New York State, containing
numerous revised theatre regulations,
faces an uncertain future, it was ex-
plained here by John Coggesall, indus-
trial code referee for the State Labor
Department, who said the Board of
Standards and Appeals has failed to
agree as yet to call public hearings on
the document. Such hearings, if they
are held at all, will not take place until
after the Legislature adjourns, he
added.
The code, drawn up by the Depart-
ment more than a year ago, affects
theatres principally as regards projec-
tion booths, stairways, exits, etc.
Meanwhile, it has been announced
in Albany that the Joint Legislative
Committee studying existing require-
ments relative to building construction
will file a report on March 15.
Theatres Seen Escaping
Fire Insurance Rate Rise
Motion picture theatres stand a
good chance of escaping increased
fire insurance rates which are being
sought generally by a majority of U.
S. fire underwriters as a result of in-
creased fire losses outside the theatre
field since 1942.
This favored treatment for the-
atres is forecast by film industry in-
surance brokers. Mitchell May., Jr.,
insurance brokerage organization
here, bases its conclusion on the fact
that U. S. theatre fire losses in re-
cent years have been among the low-
est sustained by American business.
Carelessness is cited as the major
reason for the generally large in-
crease in fires, according to a survey
by Standard aivd Poor's, financial and
business directory. Increased values
and larger amount of property
subject to destruction are chiefly re-
sponsible for the upward trend in fire
losses, the survey finds.
"Assuming that fire losses continue
at a high level, the business (fire un-
derwriting) will need either a further
sharp increase in premium volume or
higher rates, or both," the survey
continues, holding that fire under-
writing may not again become profit-
able until 1948 even if rate increases
are established.
Treasury Will
Review 20%
Admission Tax
Truman Gets Measure
Extending War Excises
Washington, March 9. — The
first- clear-cut indication that the
Treasury is prepared to review the
20 per cent Federal Admission Tax,
along with other wartime excise taxes,
came on Friday, during hearings on
the Treasury appropriation for the
next fiscal year before the House Ap-
propriations Committee.
Stanley S. Surrey, the Treasury's
tax legislative counsel, told the com-
mittee that the Treasury is reviewing
these taxes with a view to correcting
any inequities that may be found.
Meanwhile, the Senate, without a
dissenting vote, approved and sent to
the White House legislation indefinite-
ly extending the wartime excise taxes.
The new bill, already passed by the
House, includes tax concessions on
furs and foreign travel which were
made by a joint conference committee.
New Case Activates
Tenth AAA Board
The filing of a clearance complaint
with the previously inactive Omaha
tribunal of the American Arbitration
Association, bringing to 23 the num-
ber- of cases before the 10 now-active
boards, has further bolstered the sud-
den flurry of renewed exhibitor in-
(Continued on page 10)
Congressman Lauds
Circuit Experiment
Washington, March 9. — Praising
the motion picture industry in general
for its "splendid services" during die
war and Century Theatres of New
York in particular for its visual edu-
cation experiment begun Feb. 24 in
collaboration with the Board of Edu-
(Continued on page 8)
6 Reviews Today
"The Imperfect Lady," page
7; "Buck Privates Come
Home," "The Adventuress,"
page 8; "Range Beyond the
Blue," "The Years Between,"
page 9; and "Lost Honey-
moon," page 10.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 10, 1947
Personal
Mention
HARRY H. THOMAS, Producers
Releasing Corp. president, left
New York for the Coast on Saturday.
•
Leon J. Bamberger, RKO sales
promotion manager, will address the
American Public Relations Associa-
tion in Washington on March 17.
•
Walter L. Titus, Jr., Republic's
southern division sales manager, is in
Charlotte from New York today. He
will be in Nashville Wednesday.
•
Rudy ' Berger, Southern sales man-
ager for M-G-M, and his aide,
Leonard Hirsch, are due in Atlanta
today from Memphis.
•
S. Barret McCormick, RKO Ra-
dio advertising-publicity director, left
the Coast by train for New York on
Saturday.
•
Rube Jackter, Columbia's assistant
general sales manager, will leave New
York today for Washington for a two-
day stay.
•
Bill Johnston, special representa-
tive for Bob Hope, returned to New
York at the weekend from a national
tour.
•
George A. Smith, Paramount's
Western division sales manager, is
visiting New York from Los Angeles.
•
Martin Levine, Brandt Theatres
executive here, left for Florida over
the weekend for a vacation.
•
Claude Lee, Paramount's public
relations director, returned here at the
weekend from Florida.
•
Eugene Arnstein, secretary-treas-
urer of Film Classics, is in Buffalo
from New York.
•
R. M.. Savini, president of Astor
Pictures, returned here from Toronto
on Saturday.
Charles K. Stearn, Loew's assist-
ant treasurer, is due here today from
the Coast.
•
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Reade, Jr.,
have left New York for the Coast.
Record for 'Pursued'
Warner's "Pursued" set a non-holi-
day opening-day record of more than
$13,000 at the Strand Theatre here on
Friday, playing to an attendance in
excess of 18,500, the company reports,
adding that the receipts were over
$1,000 ahead of the previous high non-
holiday opener.
Arthur Dickinson III
Arthur S. Dickinson, head of the
conservation department of the Mo-
tion Picture Associaiton here, is seri-
ously ill at his Rye, N. Y., home.
Jack McCullough of the MPA of-
fice here has been placed in charge of
the department in Dickinson's absence.
Tradewise
By SHERWIN KANE
AN industry representative re-
cently returned from En-
gland concludes that there no
longer is room for doubt that the
British motion picture industry
has come of age because, he says,
it is faced with most of the prob-
lems that confront the American
industry, and is subject to much
the same criticism at home.
It was like being in Holly-
wood, he related, to listen to the
discussions of high production
costs in Britain. It was like
being in New York to read the
ill-tempered criticism and grat-
uitous counsel offered the Brit-
ish industry, so alike are they
and the home-grown variety.
In London, too, considerable
complaint is to be heard that
Britain is sending the wrong
type of pictures to foreign lands,
particularly to Germany, the
traveler reported. The complaint
is that the "furriners" get
the wrong slant on democracy
and the British way of life from
the pictures that London is send-
ing overseas, and something
should be done about it.
Sound familiar? Maybe the
same guys write them all.
He reported that in many
European countries he witnessed
packed theatres and long waiting
lines of customers for American
pictures that critics here have
berated and ridiculed. Admis-
sion prices averaged about 60
cents per seat in Germany for
such film fare and to see it
patrons sat on wooden benches
in poorly heated theatres, most
of which are equipped with but a
single projection machine, which
means an interruption of the
program at the end of every reel.
Moreover, just as a clique of
American film critics are beat-
ing the drum hereabouts for
British pictures so, in England,
is another critics' lodge touting
the motion pictures of France,
according to the returned trav-
eler.
Financial circles here believe
that any public offering of
United Artists which may be
made in the future most likely
would be a $10,000,000 issue,
either 100,000 shares of $100
par or 200,000 shares of $50 par.
They see no likelihood as of now
of such an offering being made
this year.
UA is definitely in the market
for big name producers to add to
its roster. There are some with-
out commitments to other dis-
tributors now and others whose
present commitments will expire
soon whom UA officials will be
making overtures to shortly. In
this connection it is not outside
the realm of probability that UA
may wind up with a new distri-
bution deal with David O. Selz-
nick. The parting of the two
was genuinely amicable. Now if
terms which the company re-
gards as reasonable and Selznick
might find acceptable could be
worked out he would be back in
the UA fold on either a full or
partial basis.
• •
Exhibitors have been heard to
say that the Department of Jus-
tice attack on competitive bid-
ding in its appeal to the U. S.
Supreme Court is evidence that
the Department, after all, is
ready to go to bat for exhibitors,
the majority of whom are as vig-
orously opposed now as ever to
the bidding system.
Tain't so.
The Department was not
thinking of exhibitors at all
when it attacked the bidding
system in its appeal. The De-
partment will not ask for a stay
of the effective date of bidding
beyond July 1. It takes the
position that bidding as a method
of licensing film is untried and
may be good or bad, only ex-
perience with it will demonstrate
which. Its opposition to bidding,
in its appeal, is based solely on
the Department's contention that
it is a poor substitute, or no sub-
stitute at all, for the Depart-
ment's pet phobia, affiliated thea-
tre divorcement.
A correspondent commenting
upon the recent observations
in this space on the relative
merits of industry legislative
action on the local and national
levels, recalls that in 1943 ef-
forts were well along within the
industry to organize what was to
be known as the national tax
conference of exhibitor organi-
zations. It would have includ-
ed all theatre interests and
would have anticipated and
fought on the national, not the
local level, just such measures
as the current one continuing the
Federal wartime admissions tax
indefinitely. The plan was
kicked over at the last minute
presumably by professional
Washington lobbyists who didn't
warit exhibitor leaders messin'
around their backyard.
"Maybe," observes Trade-
wise's correspondent, "the na-
tional exhibitor tax conference
wasn't such a bad idea after all."
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
'"TPHE Morenci, Michigan, Observer
A prints this note: "Because of the
great amount of last-minute advertis-
ing, it has been necessary to omit much
of the news from this issue of the
Observer. The news will be pri"+ed
next week." .
V fccei
N. Y. World-Telegram headline :
"U. S. and Mexico Will Air Hoof,
Mouth Problem." // it isn't one
end, its the other.
V
There was a spell late last Wed-
nesday night when the management
of New York's Music Hall wished it
didn't have at least one of those
fancy gadgets of- stagecraft lining
the Hall's walls backstage. Some
5,000 patrons ran pell mell for the
exits when a backstage engineer
turned the wrong valve shortly
after the house darkened for the
feature picture, and steam jetted
upward from pipes underneath the
footlights, to produce a steam-cur-
tain of hazy effects— used for stage
acts — which this time looked more
like smoke and flame.
V
Fellow staffers right down to a man
send heartfelt expressions of sympathy
to Clark Gable, who — says United
Press— is paid $6,000 a week, yet finds
it a lucky year when he clears more
than $1,000 for himself.
V
Actress Dorothy Lamour reports to
the Hollywood sheriff's office that
her $1,100 cigarette case, a little
trinket featuring 50 rubies and 30 dia-
monds, was "lost" at a cafe party giv-
en the other day by producer Walter
Wanger. Biti the sad news is bright-
ened somewhat by the fact that Dot
still has her sarong.
V
Without showing the slightest
outward sign of trepidation, motion
picture industry members of Va-
riety Tent No. 21 will hold their
next monthly meeting at the At-
lanta Federal Penitentiary.
V
The miners have their portal-to-por-
tal pay and now comes wash-up- time
pay, instituted by DuPont, which is
related to the motion picture industry
by virtue of its DuPont Film raw-
stock subsidiary. The soap-and-wat-
ering process will cost the company
$4,600,000 a year.
V
Lew Lehr's current yarn is about
the young chap in 20th Century-
Fox's home office publicity depart-
ment, about to pop the question to his
gal, who stopped at a jewelry store
where he spotted an engagement ring
he liked.
"How much is it?" the prospective
customer asked.
"Just $100," said the clerk.
The lad zvhistled in surprise.
"How much is that one?" he asked,
pointing to another ring.
"That one is two whistles."
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau,^624_ South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
»
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Monday, March 10, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Newsreel
Parade
PRESIDENT TRUMAN's visit to
JL Mexico is reported by all current
neivsreels. A variety of sports items
and events surrounding personalities
such as Secretary Marshall, Britain's
King and Queen, Herbert Hoover and
Maurice Chevalier round out the cov-
erage Complete contents follow:
i(OL}eTONE NEWS, No. 55— President
Truflia'n visits Mexico City. Secretary of
State Marshall leaves for Moscow. Bel-
gium: 50,000 war veterans demonstrate.
New bombings in Palestine. King George
and Queen Elizabeth in South Africa.
Lewis and miners' union found guilty by
Supreme Court. Sports: Wrestling, ice
boating, baseball.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 253— Truman
in Mexico. Martial law in Palestine. Sec-
retary Marshall off to Moscow. Belgians
riot. High court finds John L. Lewis
guilty. Royal family in Africa. Navy
basketeers sink Army.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 56— Basket-
ball: Army vs. Navy. Marshall begins
Moscow mission. Supreme Court upholds
Lewis conviction. Tension mounts in Pal-
estine. Mexico hails Truman.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 58— Truman
in Mexico. Hoover speaks on food.
Maurice Chevalier arrives in U. S. Marshall
off to Moscow.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 19— Six-
teen killed in Palestine bombing. Presi-
dent Truman's three-day visit to Mexico.
Hoover reports on food conditions in Eu-
rope. Navy beats Army in basketball
contest.
'Roosevelt Story'
Premiere in April
Tola Productions' 82-minute feature
documentation of the life and times
of Franklin D. Roosevelt, "The Roose-
velt Story," will have its world pre-
miere at the Globe Theatre, here,
about April 12, the second anniver-
sary of the late president's death, Tola
executives Martin Levine and Oliver
Unger disclosed at the weekend. Na-
tional and international figures will
be invited to the film's opening, with
receipts to go to the Franklin D.
Roosevelt Memorial Fund, they said.
Two million feet of Army, Navy
and newsreel film about Roosevelt shot
over three decades were combed by
Tola in the making of the picture,
which has been authorized by Mrs.
Eleanor Roosevelt and on which Elliott
Roosevelt has served as editorial con-
sultant, Levine said, adding that the
film will be trade screened in about
two weeks. Negotiations are current-
ly in progress toward lining up a na-
tional distributor," he said. Ultimately
the picture will be made in 14 lan-
guages for distribution abroad and
will be reduced to 16mm. for showings
in • schools, the producers reported.
Webster Named for
FCC Member Post
Washington, March 9. — Edward
Mount Webster, a former assistant
chief engineer of the Federal Com-
munications Commission and now a
director of telecommunications of the
National Federation of American
Shipping, has been nominated by Pres-
ident Truman to fill an FCC vacancy
created more than a year ago when
Paul A. Porter resigned to become
Office of Price Administration chief.
The Senate will vote on the Presi-
dent's nomination.
Review
'The Imperfect Lady'
(Paramount)
rHAT "The Imperfect Lady" emerges as merchandise of importance for
the theatremen is attributable almost solely to an unusually fine cast which
overcomes admirably certain weak spots in the story material, particularly its
somewhat rambling development and not too fully drawn characterizations.
Ray Milland and Teresa Wright share the lead, lending all the histrionic
know-how they possess, and that's plenty, to presentation of the Karl Tunberg
screenplay about the Londoner of noble background and with Parliamentary
aspirations, and the lady he chooses despite the fact she is "below his station."
Virginia Field, Anthony Quinn and Cedric Hardwicke are the principal
supporting players, all doing a splendid job. Milland's election to Parliament
and his marriage to Miss Wright come early in the costumed (1892) drama.
Her innocent encounter, as the story goes, with a stranger, Quinn, leads to
trouble as Quinn subsequently is charged with having committed a murder
at a time when he actually was with Miss Wright.
Her acknowledgment of the meeting with Quinn at his apartment leaves
her wide open to charges of immorality. After much thought, Miss Wright
finally makes a last-minute courtroom appearance and saves Quinn. Milland
leaves her and in face of the notoriety is forced out of Parliament. Later
he learns the truth; then comes the reconciliation.
Tunberg produced, the picture and Lewis Allen directed.
Running time, 97 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
April 25. ' Gene Arneel
National Distributors
Hold Chicago Meet
Chicago, March 9.— National Film
Distributors, preparing a handle phy-
sical distribution for the Selznick Re-
leasing Organization, held a two-day
meeting at the Hotel Sherman here
over the weekend, with James Clark,
head of Clark Film Distributors, Phil-
adelphia, presiding.
Also present were: Harold Shertz,
Philadelphia, general counsel; Clint
Weyer, Philadelphia, secretary; Louis
Molitch, Philadelphia; S. J. Marshall,
Boston; John Vickers, Charlotte; M.
H. Brandon and D. M. Brandon, New
Orleans; George Callahan, Jr., and
Louis Hanna, Pittsburgh; Meyer Ad-
leman and Miss D. Dennis, Phila-
delphia; L. V, Benton, Atlanta; J. W.
Jack, Dallas ; Frank Smith, Syracuse ;
Earl Jamison, Kansas City; Charles
Trampe, Milwaukee; Harold McKin-
ney, Des Moines ; Thomas W. Gillboy,
San Francisco ; W. A. Slater, Seattle,
and Edward Johnson, Cleveland.
Hertz to Coast on
Buchanan Expansion
John Hertz, Jr., chairman of the
board of Buchanan and Co., has gone
to Beverly Hills to discuss plans for
expansion of the motion picture divi-
sion of the agency with Buchanan
West Coast executives.
Sitting in with him on the parleys
will be Fred Jordan, vice-president in
charge of Coast operations ; Paul Ra-
din, creative head of the Buchanan
West Coast office, and John Krimsky,
Buchanan representative, who will fig-
ure strongly in the intended expansion,
the company reports.
Harris Farewell Dinner
Albany, N. Y., March 9. — Variety
Club Tent No. 9 will give a farewell
dinner tomorrow night to Maurice
"Bucky" Harris, RKO exploiteer, who
is being transferred to New Haven.
Lew Allemann has been moved from
Salt Lake City to succeed Harris here.
RKO Wins Court Crown
The RKO basketball team defeated
the Campbell-Ewald five on Friday
evening, 34 to 29, to win the Radio
City basketball championship.
M-G-M Record Plant
Starts Shipments
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's record di-
vision swung into full operation at
the weekend with "platters" going to
Eastern cities for immediate sale and
shipments to the West, Frank Walker,
general manager of the division, re-
ports.
He said the record pressing plant
at Bloomfield, N. J., is equipped to
make 40,000,000 discs annually but the
first year's output will be short of that
figure.
M-G-M has under contract at pres-
ent 30 artists and orchestras, includ-
ing many of the company's screen stars
such as Van Johnson, Keenan Wynn,
Lionel Barrymore, Jimmy Durante
and Kathryn Grayson. Records by Miss
Grayson and Lauritz Melchior were
among the first to be pressed.
Distribution has been arranged
through Zenith Radio Corp. in New
York, Newark and Chicago and with
other independent companies around
the country.
Henry Leaving for
Foreign Para. Talks
Paramount-International's Far East
division manager F. C. Henry was
scheduled to leave here by air yester-
day for Shannon, Eire, and Paris, en
route to India, where he expects to
remain for about a month.
Henry will meet George Weltner,
Paramount-International president,
and Clement S. Crystal, theatre de-
partment head, in India. Later he
will meet Morey Marcus, Southeast
Asia manager, in Singapore.
Hong Kong Company
Set by Paramount
Wilmington, Del., March 9. — In-
corporation papers in this state have
been filed by Paramount Films of
Hong Kong, which will assume the
business formerly conducted by Para-
mount Films Of China, Inc., in Hong
Kong.
Corporation officers are: George
Weltner, president; Floyd C. Henry
and Robert V. Perkins, vice-presi-
dents; Roger C. Clement, secretary;
and Milton Kirshenberg, treasurer.
LILY PONS
ARTDR
RUBINSTEIN
GREG OR
PIATIGORSKY
RISE STEVENS
. . . and more on the next page . . .
Released thru
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
Monday, March 10, 1947
ARTUR
* RODZINSKI
JAN PEERCE
EZIO PINZA
Vaughn MONROI
AND HIS ORCHESTRA
...and more on the ftekt page.
Released thmiflfy
Film Experts from
Germany to U. S.
Washington, March 9. — A large
number of German scientists, experts
in color film development and televi-
jion, may be brought to the U. S. by
the Commerce Department to assist
the industry in numerous research
problems. In addition, the Department
plans to retain some 2,500 scientists
in this country.
The Department has planned expan-
sion of research into the AFGA color
film development for some months. Its
film chief, Nathan D. Golden, and in-
dustry representatives procured the
process in Germany after the war
ended.
Contacts may be let at a future date,
provided Congress provides the funds,
or research on developments brougru
jver from Germany.
'Cynthia' Delayed
M-G-M has cancelled tomorrow's
national tradeshowing of '"Cynthia's
iecret." A new title and date will b
announced shortly. "High Barbaree'
will be screened tomorrow as planned.
12,000,000 Overseas
To Hear Awards
Hollywood, March 9. — Jean Her-
sholt, president of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,
and Mervyn LeRoy, chairman of the
19th Academy Awards program, pre-
dicted at the weekend that the March
13 Awards presentation ceremony will
reach the world's largest listening
audience.
"We can count on 12,000,000 people
listening in on our 11 short-wave
transmitters in San Francisco and
New York," Lieut-Col. Robert E.
Kearney, Commandant of the Armed
Forces Radio Service, declares.
Kansas Premiere of
'Trail Street' Set
RKO Radio has elaborate plans for
the world premiere of "Trail Street"
on March 25 in two theatres in Liber-
al, Kans., locale of the picture, the
company announces here. A group
of Hollywood personalities will attend
the event, which will be followed by
openings of the film in 50 cities in
Kansas and Missouri. J. Lewis, RKO
Radio manager in Kansas City, set
the openings.
Reviews
"Buck Privates Come Home"
{Universal-International)
THE zany antics, the pratfalls, the wild and fast scenes in which Lou
Costello teeters on a ledge or is whirled by an uncontrolled machine — in
short, all the slapstick adventures which have stood up so well in the past —
crop up again in "Buck Privates Come Home." Naturally enough, it is a
riotous concoction that takes up where "Buck Privates" left off ; in fact, to
establish the continuity, a few "reminder" sequences, snipped from the earlier
film, serve as a prelude. Theatre patrons who like their Abbott and Costello
served up in healthy chunks will definitely go for this one.
Written by John Grant, Frederic I. Rinaldo and Robert Lees from a story
by Richard Macaulay and Bradford Ropes, the screenplay brings' Costello and
Bud Abbott into a series of scrapes with Nat Pendleton, initially as the cop
on whose beat they peddle their "2.56" ties for 35 cents, then as their sergeant
and again as the cop. The fount of their postwar problem is finding a home
for a little French orphan, played by Beverly Simmons, whom they have
illegally brought back to America, and before they succeed they tie in with
Tom Brown in his midget racing car scheme, winding up with a furious
finish in which Costello goes careening crazily over the countryside and even
in the air. Others irr the cast are Joan Fulton, Don Beddoe and Donald Mac-
Bride.
Robert Arthur produced and Charles T. Barton directed.
Running time, 77 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
not set. Irving Kaplan
"The Adventuress"
(J. Arthur Rank — Eagle-Lion)
DELIGHTFUL comic passages and a liberal dose of characterization,
portrayed with restraint and sensitivity, are ladled out in this suspenseful
melodrama of espionage and invasion secrets to make "The Adventuress," co-
produced by Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat, and directed by Launder for
J. Arthur Rank, a skillfully-handled picture that should go a long way toward
expanding the receptivity of American audiences to British product. Enhanced
by a whimsicality that runs like an undercurrent to the tense, climactic mo-
ments, this picture may be just the thing for an exhibitor seeking to test
British product on his patrons.
Deborah Kerr, portraying a young Irish lass schooled in the historic bitter
ness of her English-despising forebears, resolves to enlist in the Irish Repub-
lican Army, only to discover that the two countries are at peace and that, in
fact, Britain is preoccupied with the Nazis. In her overpowering sincerity she
is persuaded by a Nazi agent, Raymond Huntley, to enlist in a common fight
against England, but when he and his aides are captured or killed she finds
herself alone in the plot. Her path crosses that of Trevor Howard, a British
officer on leave who is wrongly suspected by the Nazi agents of being a
counter-espionage agent, and from this point until the final clinch, they are as
embattled a pair of lovers as ever graced the screen.
Sought by both the British and Germans for her complicity in the plot, she
goes to thelsle of Man where she falls into the hands of the Nazis. Howard,
who has followed her, aids in their escape when the carriage in which they
are being conveyed back to neutral Eire falls into a "funeral" train which
turns out to be a black market smuggling ring. The script was written by
Launder and Gilliat with Wolfgang Wilhelm.
Running time, 98 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
March 17. l- K-
S. D. Skouras Sees
Good Greek Market
Hollywood, March 9. — Greek audi- .
ences demand good pictures, Spyros
D. Skouras, president of the Skouras
Circuit, operating 45 theatres through-
out Greece, said at a press conference
here. "As long as American producers
maintain present standards of quality,
they need fear no competition in the
Greek market for years to come." -the
exhibitor asserted. t ^ ■
Skouras, a nephew of Charles5ce^y-
ros P. and George Skouras, was ac-
companied on his trip here by Nick
Argyryos, distributor in Greece for
Universal-International, United Artists
and Republic, and their wives. He will
remain here a week longer and then
leave for New York.
Skouras stated that 90 per cent of
the films now playing in Greece are
American, as compared with prewar
figures of 50 per cent American and
50 per cent German, British and
French.
Skouras, who also heads the Skouras
Film Co., distributor in Greece for
20th Century-Fox, Paramount and
RKO, said that the picture business
has been increasingly good in Greece
since the- liberation. He declared "the
Greek people want entertainment as an
anodyne for years of hardship. They
want it, and they'll pay for it, even if
it means depriving themselves of essen-
tials."
Currently, heavy drama, action pic-
tures and a few musicals command the
best grosses in Greece, he said. Local
product is not a competitive factor, he
pointed out, because the Greek indus-
try makes only five pictures a year.
Coast Damon Runyon
Benefit Sold Out
Hollywood, March 9. — All tickets
have been sold to the Damon Runyon
Memorial Fund for Cancer Research,
all-star show to be held at the Down-
town Paramount Theatre on Wednes-
day, March 19.
Bob Hope is organizing the affair
and will be master of ceremonies.
With 17 stars scheduled to attend,
Hope's "My Favorite Brunette" will
be shown, a day ahead of its initial
Los Angeles run.
'Tarzan' Screening
Sol Lesser's "Tarzan and the Hunt-
ress" will be trade screened by RKO-
Radio's New York and Los Angeles
exchanges on March 18.
Congressman Lauds
(Continued from page 1)
cation, Congressman Andrew L. Som-
ers, of Brooklyn, tomorrow will read
into the Congressional Record a letter
he sent to Century vice-president Fred
J. Schwartz citing the theatre execu-
tive for his "public-mindedness" and
"permanent sense of community re-
sponsibility."
Asserting that the experiment "con-
ceivably could develop national im-
plications in the education field,"
Somers will declare : "Anything that
abets the education of your youth is
of key importance." If the experi-
ment proves that there is educational
value in regular commerial films
shown in the ideal technical surround-
ings of the commercial theatre, Cen-
tury will have performed a signal serv-
ice, he will add.
Monday, March 10, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
See Full Fostering
Of UK Producers
Associated British Pictures Corp.
is expected shortly to follow the ex-
ample of the J. Arthur Rank and Al-
exander Korda interests in supplying
financial backing to British indepen-
dent producers, it was disclosed here
at the weekend by British writer-di-
rector Frank Launder, who arrived
'Trfie U. S. last week for a month's
Should ABPC embrace such a
policy, it would mean that the nation's
entire non-independent structure
would be fostering independent pro-
duction. It is customary for Korda
and Rank individually to supply finan-
cial backing to independents up to $2,-
000,000 per picture, and although the
independents do not, under such cir-
cumstances, lose their identity by be-
coming contracted to the backers, the
pictures so financed become the prop-
erty of the backers, Launder explained,
adding that it is likely the same cir-
cumstances will prevail under ABPC
financing.
Touching on the suitability of Brit-
ish pictures for the American market,
Launder said he is in favor of seeing
British producers availed of the ad-
visory services of a permanent pro-
duction Code Administration represen-
tative.
Launder will leave here today for
Boston, where his latest picture, "The
Adventuress," an Eagle-Lion release,
will have its American premiere on
Friday. He will leave New York
March 20 for the Coast, where he will
discuss story properties for future pro-
duction. He will return to England
early in April to start work on "Lon-
don Belongs to Me," his next picture,
which will be followed by "Blue La-
goon." He recently completed "Green
for Danger" and "Captain Boycott,"
both of which are scheduled for re-
lease in the U. S.
The American press, Launder finds,
is prone to treat all British pictures
more kindly than does the British
press, and by the same token, he said,
British critics seem to "go easier" on
American pictures than they do on
British.
St. Louis Tax
(Continued from page 1)
tions are that hearings will be held
soon and that the measure will be
adopted because of depleted city funds
The tax commission pointed out to
the Mayor that* after the earlier pro
posal had been defeated, admission
charges were increased by an amount
exceeding the proposed tax, "thus re
futing motion picture statements that
the public could not absorb a five
per cent increase."
Reviews
'Range Beyond the Blue'
(Producers Releasing)
THERE is a superabundance of saddle work, chases, gun duels and a con-
cession to the ladies in the person of Helen Mowery, a winsome girl who
does a man's job in handling the reins of her harassed stagecoach line; yet
"Range Beyond the Blue" does not succeed in lifting itself out of the average
Western class.
Eddie Dean and his aide-de-camp, Roscoe Ates, intercept and thwart one
in a series of stagecoach holdups co'mmitted against Miss Mowery's line and
they remain for a while, with Ates being drafted as sheriff, to clear up the
"monkey business." Tod Rodgers, playing the role of Miss Mowery's uncle,
turns out to be at the head of the robberies, with an offer from a railroad
company for the stage line as the motivation. Also in the cast is Bob Duncan,
as a strong-arm man for the culprits. Dean offers pleasant renditions of
three songs.
Jerry Thomas produced and Ray Taylor directed from a screenplay by
Patricia Harper. _ .
Running time, 53 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
March 17. L K-
'The Years Between'
(J. Arthur Rank-Prestige — U-I)
MATURE American audiences will regard this Sydney Box production as
a fitting example of the elevated stature which has been claimed for
British cinematic achievement by champions of that phenomenon here and
abroad. Reviewing "The Years Between" from London in Motion Picture
Daily's April 25, 1946, issue, Peter Burnup termed it "a picture^to be com-
mended not only to British showmen but to exhibitors in America." With that
your present reviewer agrees. Muriel and Sydney Box fashioned the screen-
play from a play by Daphne Du Maurier whose novel, "Rebecca," was trans-
formed into a celluloid classic several years ago.
Compton Bennett exercised his directorial acumen to the hilt in converting
the inherently slow-paced story about a returning soldier's disillusionment and
bitterness into an engrossing, emotion-stirring commentary on the unconven-
tional sociological manifestations that follow war. Michael Redgrave, a
British actor with a measure of following in America, is very good as the
"dead" army colonel who returns unexpectedly to his countryside manor,
broken physically and psychologically as a result of his confinement in a
German concentration camp. At home he finds that his iron driveway gate
has been requisitioned by the government, his wife has taken his seat m the
House of Commons, his young son is a virtual stranger, and his best friend
has a claim to his wife's affection.
The very nature of the theme makes the film one with special appeal for
women, and, incidentally, one which the bobbysoxers will find quite out of
their entertainment sphere. ,
Valerie Hobson's performance as the wife is penetrating and sensitive;
Flora Robson contributes a solidly convincing portrayal as the household's
retainer and James McKechnie, Felix Aylmar, Dulcie Gray and John Gilpin
distinguish themselves in satellite roles. Although "The Years Between may
not quite measure up to the sterling qualities of, say, "Brief Encounter," it is
nonetheless one of the finer British importations, and should be well received
by discerning audiences. The original running time of 100 minutes has been
reduced for American showings.
Running time 88 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date,
March 8 Charles L. Franke
Volume of Bids
(Continued from page 1)
new product through that type of
buying.
M-G-M is said to be selling on a
competitive basis regularly in close to
25 situations. Additionally, the com-
pany has agreed to conduct bidding
in 10 new areas where it has been
requested when new product becomes
available, probably next month.
RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc.
NEW YORK ISSw.nc
OF
"TARZAN B! HUNTRESS"
PRODUCED BY SOL LESSER
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, at 2:30 P. M.
RKO PROJECTION ROOM. 630 NINTH AVE., NEW YORK. N. Y.
Australia Shortage
Brings Reissues
By CLIFF HOLT
Sydney, March 1 (By Airmail). -
Exhibitors here are showing a grow
.ng interest in revivals as the feature
shortage, once threatened, now be
comes inevitable. Recent experience
has shown that the public is ready
to patronize the successes of past
years and a boom in the revival field
is predicted. Out-ot-town exnihiu,.
say that they are realizing better ne
profits with some revivals than witl
mediocre first run product.
Meanwhile, British producer Ralpl
Smart has been commissioned by tin
Rank Organization to make a serie
of films in Australia. His first year'
program calls for an expenditure o
about £150,000 ($600,0001 to be spen
on one feature, a serial of six two
reel episodes, and a dozen shorts.
William Osborne, Far Eastern rep
resentative for Monogram. ha
reached here for a four-month visit,
en route to New Zealand.
The
greatest
stars
in the
musical
- vvortd |g
! are
S in '1
JASCHA
HEIFETZ
N. Y. Philharmonic
Symphony Orchestra
... and more
on the next page
Released thru (
iO
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 10, 1947
The
greatest
in the
musical
world
BRUNO WALTER
FRITZ REINER
WALTER
DAMROSCH
Released thru
Review
"Lost Honeymoon"
(Eagle-Lion)
Hollywood, March 9
NOT only names to bill with — Franchot Tone and Tom Conway — but also
laughs for the customers attracted by the billing are dished up here in
Eagle-Lion's best offering to date. It is a neat idea, based on amnesia but
not very seriously, and it gave a Hollywood preview audience a lot of solid
laughs.
Ann Richards plays the girl opposite Tone in Joseph Fields' original screen
play, which opens quite seriously in London with Miss Richards determining
to go to the United States in search of a soldier (Tone) who has failed to
return to his wife, her friend, who has died and left their twins alone in the
world. She arrives just as Tone, who does not remember anything about
six months spent in England following a bump on the head, is about to wed
another girl, played by Frances Rafferty. So Miss Richards pretends to be
the twins' mother, which is to say Tone's wife, and from there on one humor-
ous incident follows another in abundantly laughable succession. Lee Marcus
produced and Leigh Jason directed, both with humor the single consideration
throughout.
Running time, 69 minutes. General audience classification. Release date
March 15. William R. Weaver
10 AAA Boards
(Continued from page 1)
terest in the industry arbitration sys-
tem during its final weeks of existence
under, the New York Federal Court
decree. Under the decree, the AAA
will stop accepting new cases on April
1, although it will continue to process
those cases pending before that date.
A case entered in the Cincinnati
tribunal, reported last Wednesday in
Motion Picture Daily and not yet
officially announced by the AAA,
brings to six the number of complaints
filed last week. In addition, the Mil-
waukee tribunal has an appeal pend-
ing-
Activating the Omaha board, the
latest complaint was filed by C. D.
Frasier, operator of the Joyo Theatre
in Havelock, Neb., against 20th Cen-
tury-Fox, M-G-M, Paramount, RKO
Radio and Warner Brothers. Frasier
contends that clearance granted by the
companies to the Lincoln, Stuart, Ne-
braska, Capitol, Varsity, State and
Colonial theatres, all of Lincoln, is
unreasonable. He seeks reduction of
clearance enjoyed by the Lincoln,
Stuart, Nebraska and State to 14 days
and by the Varsity and Colonial to
one day.
In addition to the case now before
the Omaha board, there are three in
New Haven, one in Chicago, four in
New Orleans, three in New York, one
in St. Louis, six in Boston, one in
Albany, two in Cleveland and one in
Cincinnati.
New Clearance Case
Filed in Cleveland
The second clearance complaint
before the Cleveland tribunal of the
American Arbitration Association has
been filed by the Orville Theatre Co.,
operating the Orr and Grand theatres
in Orville, O., against RKO Radio,
Paramount, 20th Century-Fox,
M-G-M and Warner Brothers.
The Orr, in asking that all clear-
ances be removed, reports that it is
subject to 42 days' clearance after
first-runs in Canton, O., by M-G-M
and Paramount, to 14 days after
Wooster and Massillon by Warners
and 14 days after Wooster by 20th-
Fox and RKO.' Schine's Wooster and
Wayne theatres of Wooster, Warners'
Lincoln in Massillon ; the Weslin and
Grand, also in Massillon, the Massillon
Theatre Co., and Warners' Ohio and
the Loew theatres in Canton are
named as interested parties.
Anti-Tax Committee
To Invade Albany
Spurred by the shortage of time
available before the New York Legis-
lature adjourns this month, and by
the knowledge that Gov. Thomas E.
Dewey's sponsorship of bills which
have already been introduced in the
Senate and Assembly to empower
cities and counties to tax theatre ad-
missions up to five per cent calls for
an all out fight, New York City's ex-
hibitors have already mapped plans
for full-scale, organized attack on the
Governor's tax proposal. A commit-
tee has been appointed to prepare
arguments against further theatre
taxes with a view toward securing a
Senate committee hearing.
Among those who were present at
the anti-tax meeting at Century Cir-
cuit headquarters which resulted in
the committee's formation were : Fred
J. Schwartz, Sam Rosen, Joseph R.
Vogel, Oscar A. Doob, Malcolm
Kingsberg, Morton Sunshine, William
Brandt, Emanuel Frisch, Myron Sie-
gel, Robert W. Coyne, Rodney Smith
and Sam Shain.
Astaire Studios Open
Theatrical and film press represen-
tatives attended a reception at the
weekend at the opening of the Fred
Astaire Dance Studios here. Charles L.
Casanave, former film distribution and
sales executive, as well as head of
Casanave-Artlee Pictures, is vice-pres-
ident and general manager.
Columbia Plea
(Continued from page 1)
augurate a new system as of this July
1. The high tribunal is expected to
rule on appeals from Columbia, as well
as the government and all other de-
fendants, early next year.
Universal, which has applied for a
stay of competitive bidding but not of
single sales, except insofar as multiple
sales are contained in existing con-
tracts, has pointed out to the Supreme
Court through attorneys Thomas
Turner Cooke and Charles D. Prutz-
man that many exhibitor organizations
have opposed the bidding system and
that the Department of Justice objects
to it as "unenforceable."
Details of the Universal application
for a stay were reported Friday in
Motion Picture Daily.
Goldwyn-Selznick
Astor Deal Ending
Samuel Goldwyn'and David O. Selz-
nick will lose their priority on book-
ings at the Astor Theatre, Broadway
"showcase," upon the expiration early
next month of an agreeme"+ under
which they contracted to share the
house on an alternating basis. Mau-
rice Maurer, who manages for City
Investing Co., owner, has annouf*s7
here that the deal will not be rene\ce; >
thus clearing the way for other prod-
uct, and not alone Selznick's and Gold-
wyn's.
Selznick's "Duel in the Sun," which
figured in a controversy last Novem-
ber involving United Artists and the
Astor concerning a booking, has yet
to be set for any New York first-run.
However, Milton Kusell, general sales
manager of Selznick Releasing, has
reported that an opening is expected
to be agreed upon next week. He
added the film will play on a "grind"
policy and at advanced admissions,
which will be determined by whichever
theatre gets the picture.
The Astor expects to holds its pres-
ent tenant, Goldwyn's "Best Years of
Our Lives," until next September. A
spokesman for the house said that the
present scale of $2.40 top will be
lowered when any business decline so
warrants and this he anticipates about
May.
Montgomery in U-I Unit
Hollywood, March 9. — Heading his
own production unit in a deal that
calls for his services as director and
actor also, Robert Montgomery has
signed an exclusive, long-term con-
tract with Universal-International,
according to an announcement by Wil-
'iam Goetz, U-I production chief.
Laboratory Strike
(Continued from page 1)
held at the Hotel Diplomat yesterday-
afternoon and a request sent to Rich-
ard F. Walsh, IATSE president, by
John J. Francavilla, the local's presi-
dent, seeking strike sanction, indica-
tions pointed to the probable walkout
tonight of laboratory technicians.
Negotiations were broken off ab-
ruptly Friday morning, Francavilla
aid. He charged that employers did
an about-face on agreements already
reached and insisted that the union
accept certain contract revisions prior
to discussion of the union's wage re-
quests. The union's demand for wage
parity with West Coast technicians,
he added, was to have been discussed
at the Friday session.
Only RKO Radio and National
Screen Service, neither of which par-
ticipate directly in the industry negoti-
ating committee, will escape the tie-up
if it is called, Francavilla indicated.
Among the laboratories which will be
affected are Pathe in Boundbrook and
New York, Paramount News and
Paramount Pictures, two Warner
Brothers' laboratories, Republic's Con-
solidated and 20th Century-Fox's De-
Luxe.
SCREENCRAFT PICTURES, INC.
341 West 44th St., N. Y. C. 18
35MM — Distributors of — 16MM
FEATURES/WESTERNS,
COMEDIES and SHORTS
It's The PRIZE BABY...0/ coursel...
furthering the cause of the UNITED
PATRONS... through Box Office Diplo-
macy... that induces theatre-goers to
see EYE-to-EYE with TRAILERS and
ACCESSORIES... that bring them IN
. . . and bring them BACK ... to see
your ATTRACTIONS!
He's Ambassador of Good-Will for
the industry ... making friends and
keeping them ... lifting his voice in
behalf of the entertainment you sell
. . . and representing your ATTRAC-
TIONS . . . colorfully ! . . . forcefully ! . . .
truthfully! ...
The PRIZE BABY knows all the
inducements that turn people into
PATRONS ... and he uses them . . . to
build Good -Will for your theatre...
and Profits at your BOX-OFFICE!
He holds the reins on sound . . .
• As a skilled horseman controls
a horse by his touch on the reins
. . . now light, now firm, giving,
taking — so does the production
sound mixer control sound . . .
amplifying, modulating . . . corre-
lating sound with action in proper
perspective.
In this day when the reality of
sound must be absolute, the mix-
er's work has high importance.
His knowledge of his art must be
complete, his skill in using it
great . . . for on him depends much
of a picture's power to move and
hold an audience.
And the mixer's skill is en-
hanced by working with films
which assure faithful reproduc-
tion of sound ... a quality which
is so well provided by the family
of Eastman sound films.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
VOL. 61. NO. 48
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1947
TEN CENTS
T/Vtop Idea of
Voluntary
Arbitration
Companies Hold Court's
Suggestion Impractical
Following discussion of continu-
ing the industry arbitration system
on a voluntary basis, as suggested
by the New York Federal District
Court, counsel for the five threatre-
owning defendants in the industry
anti-trust suit have virtually aban -
doned the project, it is understood.
Conclusion reached in the
discussions, according to a
spokesman for the attorneys,
is that the voluntary system
would be impractical.
"Such arbitration," he said, "would
be fine for the people who agree to
it, but the people who don't agree
would be the ones to give the
trouble." Under the existing arrange-
ment, which the court has ended as
(Continued on page 8)
Petition to Keep
Building Controls
Washington, March 10. — Commis-
sioner D. S. Myer of the Federal
Housing Authority has asked Con-
gress to continue controls over pri-
vate building for another nine months
in order to assure success of the
veterans' housing program.
Myer addressed his appeal to chair-
man Jesse P. Wolcott, of the House
Banking and Currency Committee
Wolcott is the author of a measure
now pending which would immediately
open the door for commercial con
struction projects.
In his confidential reports to the
(Continued on page 8)
K. Collins Joins
Donahue and Coe
New Films Help NY
1st Runs; 'Pursued,'
'Boomerang' Lead
Although a general improvement in
New York first-run business has yet
to materialize, new product came to
the aid of three situations this week.
'Pursued" proved a smash box-of-
fice performer in its opening at the
Strand, where a non-holiday weekend
record was established. The film, sup-
ported by Louis Prima's orchestra on
the stage, drew a mammoth $42,000
Friday through Sunday, indicating a
first week's gross of about $80,000.
At the Roxy, "Boomerang" is clear-
ly demonstrating pulling power
aplenty, with $100,000 rung up in the
first five days. Ed Sullivan and
Katherine Dunham head the stage bill
at the house, which looks good for
(Continued on page 8)
Film 'Famine' Over,
Exhibitors Claim
Eldora, la., March 10. — The film
shortage of the- past four years has
been replaced by "plenty of pictures
in a matter of days" because distribu-
tors are liquidating their backlogs, Leo
F. Wolcott, chairman of the board of
Allied of Iowa and Nebraska, de-
clares in a current membership bulle-
tin. He urges exhibitors to take ad-
(Continued on page 7)
Goldwyn Leasing of
Theatres Begins
Samuel Goldwyn's plan to
lease small theatres for day-
and - date engagements o f
"The Best Years of Our
Lives" is being carried out in
a number of widely scattered
situations. The film opened
Friday at the State and Pal-
macelia in Tampa, Fla., and
will open April 4 at the Ar-
cadia and Pix in Philadelphia
and the Lower Mall and Uni-
versity in Cleveland. Also
understood to have been ob-
tained for the picture are the
Plaza and Visulite in Char-
lotte.
Admission prices are being
advanced at all of the houses.
E-L 'Invades'
S. America
The American Eagle-Lion company,
by virtue of commitments made to J.
Arthur Rank, is launching an "inva-
sion" of Latin America, and by June
will have opened nine distribution of-
fices in Mexico and Central and South
America, Sam Seidelman, Eagle-Lion
and Producers Releasing Corp., for-
eign sales manager, disclosed here
yesterday.
By the end of 1947, 14 Latin Ameri-
(Continued on page 8)
Plan Advertising Drive to
Defeat N. Y. Tax Measure
Kenneth Collins, publisher and gen-
eral manager of the European edition
of the New York Herald Tribune, has
resigned to join the advertising firm
of Donahue and Coe. Inc., in a senior
executive capacity. He will assume his
new duties on April 1. The advertis-
ing agency handles the Loew Theatres
account and others.
Collins has had a career in the fields
(Continued on page 8)
UK Ends Theatre
Closing Regulations
London, March 10. — All
theatres have resumed full-
time operations as of today,
as a result of continuous
intensive Cinematograph Ex-
hibitors Association repre-
sentations at the Fuel Minis-
try. In granting theatre
re - openings, however, the
government has stipulated
that they must save one-third
of electric power on the basis
of that which they consumed
prior to the coal crisis; ex-
hibitors have agreed to cut
all auxiliary lighting, and
will concentrate power ex-
penditure on the showing of
films.
With the New York State legisla-
ture pressing for adjournment this
Saturday night, but likely to be de-
layed, exhibitors are planning to
launch an all-out advertising cam-
paign, if necessary, to head off pas-
sage of a bill to empower cities and
counties to tax theatre admissions up
to five per cent, as suggested by Gov-
ernor Dewey.
A committee headed by J. Henry
Walters of RKO Theatres and Sam
Rosen of the Fabian circuit is seeking
a conference with the Governor prior
to the adjournment date, and the ad-
vertising campaign is being held it.
reserve, to be used if they fail to
secure an appointment, il is under
stood.
I i the campaign is resorted to, il
will make use of newspapers, radio,
billboards and other available media,
pointing out thai the authorized tax,
(Continued on page 7)
Partners' Bids
Are Subject of
Controversy
Undecided If Partly
Owned Houses Must Bid
Parties to the New York Federal
Court's industry decree appear in-
volved in a controversy over
whether a theatre owned jointly by
a distributor and an exhibitor part-
ner must participate in bidding for the
product of that distributor when a
competitive exhibitor requests it.
This would be for the interim peri-
od between July 1, when bidding goes
into effect, and Dec. 31, 1948, when
the distributors are to hold theatre in-
terests of less than five or more than
95 per cent. Loew's and B. S. Moss,
for example, have the Criterion on
Broadway on a 50-50 basis. Moss,
Jr., stated he does not know to what
extent he could become involved in
bidding.
Determination of the question is
(Continued on page 8)
MPA, Foundation
May Affiliate
The 28th annual dinner-dance spon-
sored by the Motion Picture Asso-
ciates will be held Friday evening,
May 16, at the Waldorf-Astoria, here,
it is announced by Fred J. Schwartz,
president of the organization. This
year, MPA visualizes joining the
(Continued on page 7)
Johnston Arranges
Anniversary Dinner
Washington, March 10. — A
dinner to celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the founding
of the Motion Picture Asso-
ciation of America and the
production code will be held in
New York at the Waldorf-
Astoria in mid-May. MPA
president Eric Johnston made
arrangements for the dinner
here before departing for
Hollywood.
Will H. Hays became the
first president of the Na-
tional Association of the Mo-
tion Picture Industry, pre-
decessor of the Motion Pic-
ture Association, on March
5, 1922.
2
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
Tuesday, March 11, 1947
Personal
Mention
o BARRET McCORMICK, RKO
Radio director of advertising-
publicity, is due here today from the
Coast.
•
Sam Siritzky, vice-president of
Siritzky International, will return
here Thursday from France aboard
the 'S. S. America which will have
Joseph Siritzky among its passen-
gers when it departs March 19.
•
Donald Miller Mersereau, asso-
ciate publisher of Film Daily, is con-
valescing at his home here after six
weeks in Doctors Hospital. His leg
was fractured when he was hit by a
hit-and-run driver.
•
Al Lichtman, M-G-M studio ex-
ecutive, is recovering satisfactorily
from his recent operation, but will
remain in Cedars of Lebanon Hospi-
tal, Los Angeles, for several weeks.
•
Gordon White, MPA Advertis-
ing Code Administrator, became a
grandfather yesterday when a boy
was born to his daughter, Mrs.
George Hill.
•
Bert Sanford, Altec executive,
and Mrs. Sanford, have returned to
New York from a six-week tour of
the South.
William F. Rodgers, M-G-M dis-
tribution chief, will leave Hollywood
for New York by train tomorrow
•
Tom Connors, 20th Century-Fox
vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion, is vacationing in Florida.
•
William J. Kupper, 20th Century-
.Fox general sales manager, is in St.
Louis from New York.
•
James R. Graingek, Republic vice-
president, is due here from the Coast
on Monday.
Brooklyn Premiere
Forestalls Boycott
Brooklyn's first world film premiere
will take place tonight, when M-G-M' s
"It Happened in Brooklyn" will
have its first public showing at
Loew's Metropolitan Theatre. The
recently-created First Families of
Broklyn, Inc., had threatened a boycott
of the film if Loew vice-president
Joseph R. Vogel had denied the
borough the opening.
'Egg' Opening Benefit
The Damon Runyon Memorial Fund
for Cancer Research rather than Tent
No. 25 Variety Club," Los Angeles,
will be the beneficiary of the premier'
of Universal-International's "The Egg
And I", at the Carthay Circle Theatre,
Los Angeles, on March 21, U-I an-
nounces here. The suggestion came
from the club.
CSU Wires Hartley,
Taft After Meeting
Hollywood, March 10. — The Con-
ference of Studio Unions has wired
Sen. Robert A. Tafl and Rep. Fred
A. Hartley, Jr., chairmen of the
Senate and House labor committees,
urging a stand against restrictive la-
bor legislation, following a mass meet-
ing last night attended by 6,500 union
members, representatives of civic
groups and others.
CSU president Herbert Sorrell ex-
pressed confidence at the meeting that
his recent abductors would be appre-
hended. Telegrams to local authorities
urged perseverance in putting an end
to recent violence in the strike. The
Association of Motion Picture Pro-
ducers was again charged with re-
sponsibility for the violence through
its failure to negotiate a settlement.
End of Strike Seen
In 2 or 3 Weeks
Washington, March 10. — Dan
Tracy, president of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
looks for a settlement of the jurisdic-
tional strike in the Hollywood studios
"within two or three weeks." He is
not planning, however, to send 400
striking electricians back to work
across Conference of Studio Unions
picket lines. Decisions of that type are
handled on the Coast by local leaders,
Tracy said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Fred A. Hartley,
Jr., chairman of the House Education
and Labor Committee, has appointed
Rep. Richard Nixon of California to
study the situation in Hollywood and
considers conducting a special probe
into the studio jurisdictional dispute.
Oscar Schatte, head carpenter, told the
committee at the weekend that the
violence between the two rival car-
penters' unions is "appalling."
Revision of the Wagner act to in-
clude a ban on jurisdictional strikes
was criticized in the Senate todav by
Sen. Wayne Morse, who said such a
ban could come about only by coopera-
tion between unions.
Schlaifer to South
On Promotion Mar. 17
Continuing his policv of making
periodic trips into the field to consult
with exhibitors and theatre advertis-
ing men, Charles Schlaifer, director
of advertising-publicity for 20th Cen-
tury-Fox, will leave New York on
March 17 for a swing through the
South, accompanied by Rodney Bush,
exploitation manager for the company.
They will visit Atlanta, Charlotte,
Jacksonville and Miami to discuss ad-
vertising and exploitation plans for
the company's 1947 product.
'Yearling' Sets Mark
Chicago, March 10. — "The Yearl-
ing" has set a new record for an
M-G-M picture during its first two
weeks at the State Lake here, with
a combined 14-day gross of almost
$100,000. "Valley of Decision" had
been the record holder.
IATSE Move Staves
Off 'Lab' Tie-up
Intervention by the IATSE,
through the appointment of James J.
Brennan, a vice-president, to proceed
with further attempts at bargaining
has halted preparations by Motion
Picture Laboratory Technicians, local
No. 702, IATSE, for a strike against
18 film laboratories here. The strike
was scheduled to start at 12 :01 A.M.
this morning upon expiration of the
union's contract with the employers.
Brennan was appointed yesterday by
Richard F. Walsh, "IA" president,
after John J. Francavilla, president of
local No. 702, informed him last Fri-
day that negotiations between the
union and the laboratory representa-
tives had been broken off. Under the
IATSE constitution, the local was
obliged to request aid from the Inter-
national before proceeding to more
drastic action. Francavilla declared
that talks will probably be resumed in
a few days.
A strike-vote meeting held here
Sunday afternoon voted confidence in
the local's negotiating committee and
empowered it and the executive board
to call a strike if further efforts at
peaceful settlement of a contract fails.
The employers' group, in the mean-
time, have indicated to Walsh that any
conclusive negotiations would be re-
troactive to today, the date for opera-
tion under a new contract, Francavilla
revealed.
UA Officials Return
From Sales Talks
Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in
charge of production, and other United
Artists home-office executives returned
here yesterday, following a fourth and
final regional sales meeting in Chi-
cago. The other meetings were held
in Buffalo, Pittsburgh and El Paso.
Accompanying Sears here were : J
J. Unger, general sales manager ; Paul
N. Lazarus, Jr., advertising-publicity
director ; Edward M. Schnitzer, East-
ern and Canadian sales manager ; Jack
Wrege and Robert Goldfarb, of the
home office sales department. Maury
Orr, Western sales manager, remained
in Chicago for further discussions with
Rud Lohrenz, Midwest district man-
ager.
Cohn and Montague
Contracts Up Today
Ratification of employment contracts
for Jack Cbhn and A. Montague, ap-
proval of the issuance of options for
common stock and the election of
seven directors will be considered here
this morning at Columbia's annual
stockholders' meeting.
The proposed contract with Cohn
would date from Jan. 1, 1947, while
the agreement with Montague would
date to June 10, 1946, allowing him,
additionally, an option for 10,000
shares of common stock. Both con-
tracts extend for seven years.
Others to be voted stock options
are: B. B. Kahane, 10,000 shares;
Lester W. Roth, 5,000 ; Irving Briskin,
3,500; Gerald Rackett, 1,000 shares.
NEW YORK THEATRES
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
'Spencer TRACY - Katharine HEPBURN!
iRobert WALKER
Metvyn DOUGLAS-
;"THE SEA OF GRASS":
A Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Picture
■SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION1
2nd HIT WEEK!
"UNUSUAL! SUPERIOR!" -Times
JOHN GAIL
WAYNE RUSSELL
ANGEL
and the
BADMAN"
with
HARRY CAREY - BRUCE CABOT
IRENE RICH - LEE DIXON
A JOHN WAYNE Production
A Republic Picture
BRANDT'S GOTH AAA 47thVSL
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN O'HARA • WALTER SLEZAK
Sin bap the Sailor m
ON SCREEN
LORETTA YOUNG
The PERFECT
MARRIAGE'
IN PERSON
MOLLHICON
Exfra!
Eddie PEABODY
plus Others
r>°-«~«paulette GotWard
Fred MacMurray
-Suddenly.
Hs Spring
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
— N. Y. FILM CRITICS
The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Continuous
Performances
ASTOR
»'WAY and
^Sth ST.
Paramount's
"BLAZE OF NOON"
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Qmgley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwm Kane .Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr Associate Editor. _ ^A1^.^^^^^^.!^'
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N Y Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary James P.
Cunningham, News Editor ; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau Posta Union Life Bldg., Will, lam R Weaver Ed or,
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau 4 Golden Sq London Wl Hope Burnup, Manager Peter Burnup, Editor ,
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section^ of _ Motion Picture^ Herald ,
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New \ork, N. Y.,
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
ROSALIND
COLUMBIA PICTURES
presents
MELVYN
RUSSELL "DOUGLAS
with
SID CAESAR - BETSY BLAIR - NINA FOCH
Screenplay by Louella MacFarlane, Allen Rivkin, Devery Freeman
■wedb, HENRY LEVIN
Tuesday, March U, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Coming
Events
Today — Toledo Variety Club in-
auguration dinner.
Mar. 13 — Academy Awards presen-
tations, Shrine Auditorium, Los
Angeles.
March 17 — New Jersey Allied meet-
ing at New York headquarters.
v\*ch 19-20^— Griffith partners and
managers meeting, Oklahoma
City.
March 20 — Meeting of Theatre
Equipment and Supply Manufac-
turers Association, Drake Hotel
Chicago.
March 24 — Industry meeting on
campaign for Greek War Or-
phans fund, Hotel Astor, New
York.
March 25 — Balaban and Katz
"alumni" dinner, Beverly-Wil
shire Hotel, Beverly Hills, Cal.
March 25-26 — Rocky Mountain arej
exhibitors meeting on possible
affiliation with Allied States.
Brown Palace Hotel, Denver.
March 26 — Motion Picture Associa
tion annual meeting, New York.
March 27 — Testimonial for Charles
Boasberg, Hotel Astor, New
York.
March 27— Annual ASCAP meet
ing, Ritz Carlton Hotel, New
York.
Screen Guild Signs King
Hollywood, "March 10. — Screen
Guild Productions has signed with in-
dependent producer Max M. King for
a minimum of one feature production
a year.
Victor Potel, 57
Hollywood, March 10. — Victor
Potel, pioneer film actor and one of
the original Keystone cops, died at his
home here after a short illness.
N. Y. Tax
(Continued from page 1)
when added to the existing 20 per
cent Federal admission tax, will re-
sult in a ticket levy exceeding, pro-
portionately, the imposts on jewelry,
fur coats, night clubs and race tracks.
Sentiment for defeat of the measure
also would be sought through a spe-
cial screen trailer.
The Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Association is spearheading
the drive, with the American Theatres
Association lending assistance.
Dismiss PRC Counter
Charge; PRC of Cuba
In a general denial of allegations
made by Producers Releasing Corp.
in its reply to a suit for alleged breach
of distribution contract instituted by
PRC of Cuba, the company's fran-
chise holder in that country, the plain-
tiff seeks dismissal of counter-claims
raised by the defendant, according to
papers filed in U. S. District Court
here. The proceeding by PRC of
Cuba seeks more than $250,000 dam-
ages allegedly because PRC Pictures
failed to give the plaintiff its full
product quota as stipulated in the dis-
tribution contract.
PRC, in its counter-claim, charges
that the Cuban company owes it more
than $200,000 on the contract.
G. Hoover Elected
Miami Variety Head
Miami, March 10. — George Hoover
has been elected chief barker of the
newly-formed Miami Variety Club.
Mitchell Wolfson was named first as-
sistant chief barker ; Dick Sachsel, sec-
ond assistant ; Al W eiss, property mas-
ter ; Sidney Meyer, dough guy ; Arthur
Schwartz, fixer, and Tom Jefferson,
chief biller. Herb Elisburg head's a
five-man sideshow committee formed
at a luncheon addressed by Mark
Wolfe, national chief dough guy.
R. E. Martin Honored
Atlanta, March 10. — Roy E. Mar-
tin, head of Martin's Theatres and
one of the state's veteran showmen,
was honored at Variety Club head-
quarters here late last week by more
than 250 industry representatives at
a dinner marking his 35th anniversary
in show business.
MPA May Affiliate
(Continued from page 1)
Motion Picture Foundation and is
herefore dedicating the dinner as a
tribute.
Directors of MPA have eliminated
the customary request for donations
and this year organizations and indi-
viduals will be asked to subscribe for
tickets only. As in previous years, a
feature of the dinner will be the pres-
entation of an award for distinguished
service within the industry.
In explaining the elimination of do-
nations, Schwartz said : "Motion Pic-
ture Associates looks forward to the
possibility of a new alliance with the
Motion Picture Foundation which will
become the parent charitable associa-
tion of the industry. It will be pro-
posed to the national trustees of the
Foundation that Motion Picture Asso-
ciates can serve as the administrative
agency in this area, and we will find
ourselves in the position of having
sufficient funds to operate for a while
longer."
ITS TIME!
It's time you learned about Filmack's NEW Prevue
Trailer Service. It's READY NOW! For full information
write Filmack, 1321 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, 111.
riLJl.XCK gives QUICKEST SERVICE on SPECIAL TRAILERS
UK in No Rush to
Cut Imports: Cripps
London, March 10. — The British
government does not feel it should
embark upon a hurried policy of cut-
ting further imports. Sir Stafford
Cripps, president of the Board of
Trade, said today in opening a House
of Commons debate on the internation-
al economic situation. International
films, he said, are important in pro-
viding relaxation. Cinematographic
bill is expected to be introduced
shortly.
Referring to what he called a seri-
ous dollar shortage, Cripps said the
British industry is trying to counter
the tendency of using money on im-
ported foreign films by improving
their own films. In that direction,
Cripps said, "we are having very con-
siderable success — so much so that the
amount of foreign exchange spent on
films is falling."
Allied, ITOA Talk Deal
The possibility of New York's In-
dependent Theatre Owners Associa-
tion joining Allied States still exists,
with a meeting of representatives of,
both groups coming un this month,
probably at the Hotel Astor here.
'Famine' Ended
(Continued from, page 1)
vantage of the situation by buying
"only the best pictures" and not the
"poor and unsuitable ones." This will
do more than anything else to im-
prove product quality, according to
Wolcott.
High flat-rental demands are rap-
idly replacing percentages, he notes.
The Iowa-Nebraska chief urges ex-
hibitors to "get in on the ground
floor" of the Motion Picture Founda-
tion, which he says "will give, for the
first time, a definite future to indus-
try people."
The organization's annual conven-
tion will be held at the Fontanelle
Hotel, Omaha, on May 5-6, Wolcott
announces, adding that regional meet-
ings are being held in Decorah and
Osceola, la., this week and that the
Allied Caravan now is visiting the
Iowa-Nebraska territory. At a recent
meeting in Storm Lake, film rental?,
competitive bidding and theatre over-
head were discussed.
Wolcott's bulletin urges exhibitor
opposition to three bills pending in
the Iowa legislature. One calls for
licensing distributors at $1,000 per
vear, plus one dollar per reel for all
films brought into the state ; another
would create a state censor and licens-
ing department; the third would pro-
vide inspection by the state fire mar-
shal of places of public assembly
where film is used.
Bobby
Soxers
says The
Hollywood
Reporter
about
Released thru
8
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, March 11, 1947
Key City
Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
New York Grosses
{Continued from page 1)
BALTIMORE
Business has taken a turn for the
better, improving over the past fort-
night. Estimated receipts for the week
ending March 13 :
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M) — CENTURY (3,000) (29c-37c-46c-54c
and 56c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $15,000.
(Average: $14,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) - KEITH'S (2,406)
(29c-37c-44c-50c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross:
$9,500. (Average: $12,000)
BOOMERANG (20th- Fox) — NEW (1,800)
(28c-40c-50c-S8c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500.
(Average: $12,C00)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — STANLEY
(3 280) (29c-37c-50c-58c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $16,500)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) — HIPPO-
DROME (2,205) (29c-37c-50c-59c) 7 days.
With stage show. Gross: $19,000. (Aver-
age: $17,500) „ ,. v
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) —
TOWN (1,450) (29c-37c-56c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $11,500)
CALENDAR GIRL (Rep.) - MAYFAIR
(1,000) (21c-29c-45c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500.
(Average: $5,500)
BRIEF ENCOUNTER (U-I) - LITTLE
(328) (29c-37c-56c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$2,500. (Average: $3,CO0)
TORONTO
Torontonians are digging themselves
out of a big snowfall and theatres are
doing reasonably well. Estimated re-
ceipts for the week ending Mar. 12-14:
HER SISTER'S SECRET (PRC) and
BEAT THE BAND (RKO Radio)— EGLIN-
TON (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross:
$4.5CO. (Average: $4,800)
THE TIME, THE PLACE AND THE
GIRL (WB)-IMPERIAL (3,373) (18c-30c-
42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $15,300. (Av-
erage: $14,300)
THE SECRET HEART (M - G - M) -
LOEWS (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6
days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,800. (Average:
$13,800)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (Z0th-Fox) — SHEA S
(2 480) (18c-30c-42c-6Oc-90c) 6 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $15,300. (Average: $14,800)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)-UP
TOWN (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days
3rd week. Gross: $10,400. (Average: $11,
900)
HER SISTER'S SECRET (PRC) and
BEAT THE BAND (RKO Radio) — VIC
TORIA (1,240) (12c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross
$6,000. (Average: $6-500)
$125,000 for the week. The third new
one to score is "The Thief of Bagdad,"
reissue, at the Victoria, which figures
to take in a handsome $24,000 for a
first week.
Two others also made their debut,
"Blaze of Noon," at the Rivoli, where
the gross probably will be about $30,-
000, which is fair enough, and "The
Years Between," playing the Park ;
the latter is the first to play the Park
on a straight, popular-price basis, and
about $10,000 is indicated for the 587-
seat theatre.
"Sea of Grass," with a stage show at
the Music Hall, drew $77,000 on
Thursday through Sunday and appar-
ently will wind up the week, its sec-
ond, with a healthy $120,000. The
third week of "Beginning or the End"
is not too impressive at the Capitol,
which anticipates $55,000. Kathryn
Grayson is on the stage ; "It Hap-
pened in Brooklyn" will open there
Thursday.
"The Best Years of Our Lives" is
still dealing in blue chips at the As-
tor with a very substantial $45,000
apparent for the 16th week. "Song of
Scheherazade" is good for $27,000 in
its second week at the Criterion. _ At
the Paramount, "Suddenly It's Spring"
is holding up fairly well in a second
week, with a $72,000 gross looked for ;
Johnny Long's orchestra is on the
stage. "Angel and the Badman" is
good at the Gotham, with a $19,000
gross likely for the second week.
"Nora Prentiss" should bring in
$19,000, which is profitable, in its
third week at the Hollywood. The
Palace envisions a good $24,000 for a
seventh week of "Sinbad the Sailor" ;
"The Locket" is next, opening on
March 19.
At the Globe, "Strange Woman" is
falling off to an estimated $18,500 in
its third and final week; "The Red
House" will follow on Saturday. "I'll
Be Yours" is headed for a slim $12,-
000 in a third and final week at the
Winter Garden ; "Stairway to Heav-
en" will open there on Friday.
"The House with Seven Gables," a
reissue, will do about $7,000, which
is average, at the Rialto, and will be
succeeded by "Dangerous Millions,"
to open on Friday. "Henry V" is
still making money at the John Gold-
en, where the 28th week's gross was
$8,000.
Alexander Film Co.
Elects Directors
Colorado Springs, March 10. —
Stockholders of the Alexander Film
Co. have elected the following direc-
tors ; J. Don Alexander, Don M.
Alexander, Don Alexander, Jr., Ver-
non A. Cheever and Thomas M.
Burgess.
The board of directors also elected
the following officers: J. Don Alex-
ander, president ; Don M. Alexander,
vice-president ; M. J. Mclnaney, vice-
president ; Don Alexander, Jr., vice-
president, and E. B. Foster, secretary-
treasurer.
E-L Invades
{Continued from page \)
Burns Heads Local 23
Providence, R. I., March 10. — J. F.
Burns, Jr., has been elected president
of IATSE local No. 23, Providence.
Other officers : vice-president, George
Walker ; recording secretary, Fred
Newcomb ; financial secretary-treas-
urer, Frank Walker ; business agent,
William O'Hearn ; to the executive
board, Fred Bartlett, Chester Carty,
Edward D'Adrea and Ralph Fields ;
trustees, Charles Broomfield, Joseph
Hall, Ralph Burns.
M. C. Levee Honored
Hollywood, March 10. — M.C. Levee,
chairman of the 1947 Permanent
Charities Committee Appeal, has been
awarded a scroll of appreciation for
his work by Committee backers.
Among those attending the presenta-
tion ceremony were Edward Arnold
and George Bagnall.
CINCINNATI
Returns for current offerings are
about average, with "Stairway to
Heaven" setting the pace. The week-
end weather was moderately warm.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing Mar. 11-14:
THE MAGNIFICENT ROGUE (Rep.) —
RKO ALBEE (3,300) (55c-65c-75c-85c-95c) 7
days, plus a Saturday midnight show.
Stage: Vivian Blaine, Sonny Dunham's or
chestra, and acts. Gross: $27,000. (Aver-
age: $30,000)
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA)-RKO CAPI-
TOL (2,000) (5Oc-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days,
plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross:
$10,000. (Average: $10,000)
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE (Screen Guild)
and NORTH OF THE BORDER (Screen
Guild)-RKO FAMILY (1.000) (30c-40c-50c)
4 days Gross: $1,600. (Average: $1,600)
THE PERFECT CRIME (Popular) and
THE SECRET EVIDENCE (Popular)—
RKO FAMILY (1.000) (30c-40c-50c) 3 days.
Gross: il.050. (Average: $1,100)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)-RKO GRAND (1,500) (50c-55c-
60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, plus a Saturday
midnight show. Gross: $13,000. (Average:
$8,000)
Building Controls
{Continued from page 1)
committee, Myer stated that it is im-
portant for controls to continue until
there is no longer material shortages.
Indications are that the house will not
ote to continue the controls, which
now prohibit the remodelling or con-
struction of theatres. The Chamber
of Commerce has urged the banking
committee to vote a "quick" end to
regimentation of the construction in-
dustry.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I) -
KEITH'S (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days,
plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross:
$14,000. (Average: $7,500)
THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS
(WB) and DICK TRACY VS. CUEBALL
(RKO Radio)-RKO LYRIC (1.400) (50c-55c-
60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000.
(Average: $5,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)-RKO PALACE
2,700) (50c-55c-6Oc-7Oc-75c-85c) 7 days, plus
a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $17,000.
(Average: $15,000)
BEDELIA (PRC)-RKO SHUBERT (2,
150) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days, 2nd
week, on a moveover from the Grand.
Gross: $4,500. (Average: $5,000)
Washington Tax Hearing
The District Committee will hold a
hearing on a proposed special admis
ions tax for Washington on March 18
Kenneth Collins
{Continued from page 1)
can offices will have been set up, ac-
cording to Seidelman, who will leave
here for Mexico City in May to es-
tablish the first office there. There-
after he will proceed to Panama, Lima,
Santiago, Buenos Aires, Rio de
Janeiro, Trinidid, Puerto Rico and
Cuba to organize other outlets. "We
shall open Latin American offices
wherever other companies are operat-
ing," Seidelman said, pointing out,
however, that PRC will not partici-
pate in the venture since that coy ;y
holds distribution contracts with^ |fi
American agencies.
Seidelman said he has in mind sev-
eral individuals for managerial posts
in Latin America, but has not yet
entered into negotiations with any.
Meanwhile, he said, Eagle-Lion is
about to close a distribution deal with
a Canadian sales organization.
Recently Seidelman returned here
from a four-and-a-half month survey
of the Philippines, China, Siam, Indo-
China, Hong Kong and Singapore to
determine the extent of the Rank dis-
tribution setup in those areas. PRC
will soon open in Manila what will
be its only distribution office in the
Far East, he reported.
He discovered, he said, that film
business is now at a low point in the
Philippines, having fallen as much as
40 per cent between December and
February, due to a "tightening up" of
money. "Small" pictures are suffer-
ing most there, he added. Audiences
throughout the entire East, he reports,
have "gone overboard" for color pic-
tures, to the extent that exhibitors
are demanding two color films for
every black-and-white.
Arbitration
(Continued from page 1 )
of advertising, merchandising and
journalism, first as director of pub-
licity and advertising, and later as ex-
ecutive vice-president of Macy's, dur-
ing the period when their annual sales
increased from $43,000,000 to over
$100,000,000. This was followed by an
association with Gimbel's as general
manager of their New York store.
His entry into the publishing field,
as assistant to the general manager of
the New York Times was followed by
a short period as executive vice-presi-
dent of the Arthur Kudner Agency.
World War II interrupted his agency
career temporarily, and for the past
two years Collins has been publisher
of the Paris edition of the Tribune.
Partners' Bids
(Continued from page 1)
obviously important since about 1,500
houses around the country are oper-
ated in partnerships, mostly by Para-
mount which has about 1,000.
The question was put to as many
attorneys as could be reached and all
came up with only what they "pre-
sumed" to be the answer. The decree
directs that the distributor company
may give its product to ts own theatre
without bidding. The film lawyers
thereupon "presume" that partly-owned
houses would get product the same
way. A Department of Justice spokes-
man, however, takes the position that
these theatres must bid because "there
cannot be any discrimination."
An RKO Radio attorney put it this
way: "It is a controversial subject
not yet met. No decision has been
reached."
of April 1, except for the disposition
of complaints pending on that date,
specific legal machinery was set up
for bringing into each case, either as
parties or intervenors, all theatres
which would be affected by a ruling.
Under a voluntary arrangement, how-
ever, intervention procedure would
be difficult to provide, thus creating
the danger that lawsuits by non-par-
ties might follow the decisions in
many instances.
This danger, magnified by the fact
that numerous exhibitors and exhib-
itor organizations are on record as
opposed to arbitration, is understood
to have prompted the attorneys to
drop the court's proposal, although
the way still may be open for inter-
esting distributors in the voluntary
plan if sufficient theatre owners should
ask that it be effected, thus demon-
strating that any system established
would have widespread exhibitor sup-
port. Such a movement was expected
to be launched at a meeting on arbi-
tration and a motion picture forum,
originally scheduled to open here
yesterday, but it was called off be-
cause too few of the invitations sent
out by Fred Wehrenberg, MPTOA
president, were accepted.
Meanwhile, however, the distribu-
tors which were parties to the indus-
try consent decree continue to press
for the continuance of compulsory
arbitration system. They have ap-
pealed to the U. S. Supreme Court
for reversal of the New York court's
order discontinuing the arrangement,
but it is indicated that they will not
ask for a stav of that order pending
the high tribunal's ruling.
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
VC^ftl. NO. 49
NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1947
TEN CENTS
IATSE Favors
Jurisdictional
Strike Curbs
Walsh Says It Would
Support Legislation
The IATSE stands ready to sup-
port Congressional legislation banning
jurisdictional strikes, provided the
measure drawn is "constructive and
workable," Richard F. Walsh, "IA"
international president, declared here
yesterday. He warned, however, that
drawing a bill to meet these require-
ments is a difficult problem.
Eric Johnston, Motion Picture As-
sociation president, recently appeared
before a Congressional committee to
urge the outlawing of jurisdictional
strikes such as the Hollywood studio
strike.
Walsh and other "IA" officials stand
ready to testify before the House
(Continued on page 5)
500 Millions Expected from 20% Tax
In 1947; Truman Signs Excise Bill
Washington, March 11.— President Truman today signed into
law the excise tax continuation bill which continues indefinitely
the wartime 20 per cent admissions tax.
The Treasury Department estimates that the admission tax will
produce more than $500,000,000 during 1947.
While the Treasury and the Joint Congressional Committee on
Taxation are studying possible future reduction of the excise rates,
a change is not probable before July, 1948, or even later, it is said.
Col. May Drop
'Smaller' Films
4 New SRO Offices
To Be Set by Kusell
Hollywood, March 11. — Milton S.
Kusell, general sales manager of Selz-
nick Releasing Organization, arrived
here yesterday from New York prep-
aratory to setting up new SRO sales
offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Denver and Salt Lake City, and to
arrange for more West Coast open
ings of "Duel in the Sun."
Additional SRO offices will be
opened within the next 30 days, Ku-
sell said, adding that SRO product
will be physically handled by National
Film Distributors. He said person-
(Continued on page 4)
That Columbia has been weighing
the possibility of eliminating its
"smaller" pictures because of high
production costs was indicated yester-
day by Jack Cohn, executive vice-
president, at the company's annual
stockholders' meeting.
In addition to discussing changes in
selling methods necessitated by the
New York Federal Court decree and
the consequent need for "piling up" of
inventory, the stockholders ratified
employment contracts for Cohn and
A. Montague, re-elected its seven di-
rectors and approved the issuance of
options for common stock to Mon-
tague and four others.
At a meeting following the stock-
holders' meeting, the board re-elected
the company's officers.
The new contract with Cohn, which
will continue for seven years from last
Jan. 1, provides for a salary of $2,500
weekly and an expense allowance of
$300 weekly, compared with $2,000
(Continued on page 5)
10-Year SAG
Pact Ending
Hollywood, March 11. — Clearing
the decks for contract renewal negoti-
ations with producers in May, seven
Screen Actors Guild executives who
have financial interests in pictures in
which they appear resigned today.
Those who resigned were Robert
Montgomery, president ; Franchot
Tone, first vice-president; Dick Pow-
ell, second vice-president ; and Board
members James Cagney, John Gar-
field, Harpo Marx and Dennis
O'Keefe.
The Board appointed Ronald Rea-
gan as president ; Gene Kelly, first
vice-president ; William Holden, sec-
ond vice-president, and George Mur-
phy, third vice-president.
The SAG announcement said of the
resigning executives : "They feel that
they should not hold office in the
Guild as long as their present status
in the industry continues."
The SAG pact is 10 years old.
Carry Tax Battle
To Albany Today
Members of the exhibitor committee
opposing passage of a New York
State law permitting municipalities to
place a tax of as high asfive per cent
on theatre admissions will meet with
representatives of both branches of
the state legislature in Albany today.
As reported yesterday in Motion
Picture Daily, the exhibitors stand
ready to carry their fight to the pub-
lic through an extensive advertising
campaign but are holding this step in
(Continued on page 5)
Minneapolis Would
Triple Theatre Tax
Minneapolis, March 11. — This
city's license commission plans to in-
crease annual fees for theatres which
would lift the total income from the
source about three times, the greater
rise hitting smaller theatres, accord-
ing to Stanley Kane, executive direc-
tor of North Central Allied.
Opposing plans for increases, as
suggested by the city engineer, Kane
urges the commission to abolish tin-
present zone system and establish a
flat rate on per-seat capacity. His sug-
gestion was taken under advisement
and will go before the city council on
Friday.
Kane raised objection to the engi-
neer's charges that it costs the city an
average of $228 annually to police
each theatre. He said the requested in-
crease was the highest of any business
group in the city.
Poll to Decide
Road Showings
For Enterprise
Public Interest Study
Under Way: Schaefer
Pioneering in a movement said to
have possibilities for extensive use
among independent producers faced
with the problem of whether to
lease theatres for roadshowing costly
films after the industry anti-trust suit
decree goes into effect on April 1,
Enterprise Productions is conducting
a survey of potential audiences for
"Arch of Triumph" prior to setting
a selling policy on that picture,
George J. Schaefer, Enterprise dis-
tribution vice-president, announced
here yesterday.
The survey, designed to get a cross-
section view of interest in seeing the
film, is being conducted throughout
the country among people in differ-
ent age and income brackets, Schaefer
said, indicating that unless the novel
on which the picture is based has
aroused sufficient anticipation among
those able to pay advanced prices, the
(Continued on page 4)
Coast Pool Split
Details Are Set
San Francisco, March 11. — Rep-
resentatives of Paramount have ar-
rived here from New York for the
purpose of taking over three Fox
West Coast houses under the split-
up of the pooling arrangements oper-
ated by FWC, as reported in Mo-
tion Picture Daily on March 3.
Publix will take over the Paramount,
St. Francis and State and will estab-
lish a local office. Consummation of
the deal is expected within a week.
Meanwhile, FWC's Rialto will go
to Golden State Theatres, leaving
FWC with four local houses, the Fox,
United Nations, Warfield and El Cap-
ital!. In return FWC will take one
Reno, Nev., house from T. and D.
Jr., Enterprises and one Visalia and
one Hanford theatre from Golden
Gate.
Necessitated by the New York Fed-
eral court decree in the industry anti-
trust suit, the split-up will affect 17
theatres in California.
Code Anniversary
Reported in Error
In connection with Eric
Johnston's announcement
Monday of a dinner to be held
in New York City in May in
celebration of the 25th anni-
versary of the founding of the
trade association, Motion Pic-
ture Daily yesterday errone-
ously stated that this event
also marked the 25th anniver-
sary of the Production Code.
The Production Code was
submitted to the Motion Pic-
ture Producers Association,
in Hollywood, in January,
1930, by Martin Quigley.
The Motion Picture Pro-
ducers and Distributors of
America, Inc., was established
in March, 1922, under the
presidency of Will H. Hays.
This association was suc-
cessor to the National Asso-
ciation of the Motion Picture
Industry, Inc., which had
been headed by William A.
Brady. With the election of
Eric Johnston to the presi-
dency, succeeding Hays, the
association's name was
changed to Motion Picture
Association of America.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 12, 1947
Personal
Mention
MORT BLUMENSTOCK, War-
ner Brothers' vice-president in
charge of advertising-publicity, is due
in Hollywood from New York on
Friday.
•
David Giltin, Thomas Ledger,
Clifford J. Cox, Ashley C. Bate,
Alice Holt and Nellie Nisbet, with
Paramount in England, left New
York yesterday for the Coast.
•
Charles M. Reagan, vice-president
in charge of Paramount distribution,
will leave for Hollywood on Friday
and will return to New York in about
three weeks.
•
Robert Gillham, J. Walter
Thompson Agency account executive,
will return to New York from Flor-
ida on Thursday.
•
George A. Smith, Paramount's
Western division sales manager, will
leave Des Moines today for Los An-
geles.
•
Jack Coi-in, Columbia executive,
left New York yesterday for Flor-
ida.
•
A. Pam Blumenthal of Cine-
color will leave New York tomorrow
for Hollywood.
Indecent Stage Show
Bill Exempts Owners
Albany, N. Y., March 11. — Under
terms of an amendment to the state
penal law offered by Senator Mitchell
of New York, an owner of a theatre
would be exempt from prosecution and
revocation of a license for a year, both
of which are now possible, for "inde-
cent" stage performances put on by a
lessee of the theatre.
At present, actors, stage hands and
musicians are exempt from prosecution
for such performances ; under the
proposed amendment a producer and
author would still be liable to prose-
cution. Actors Equity and the New
York Theatre League are reported
to be behind the measure.
Family Life Meeting
Scores Certain Films
Chicago. March 11. — Harmful ef-
fects of certain motion pictures, radio
programs and current reading matter
upon family life were cited today by
speakers at the 15th annual National
Catholic Conference of Family Life
being held here.
The Rev. Patrick J. Masterson, as-
sistant executive secretary of the Na-
tional Legion of Decency, declared
that in the past 10 years the number
of motion pictures rated in Class A-I
(unobjectionable for all) declined
from 61 to 40 per cent. He added
that the number rated "unobjection-
able for adults" increased from 30 to
SO per cent.
Mono. Chiefs Slate
Europe Survey Trip
Steve Broidy, Monogram presi-
dent ; W. Ray Johnston, chairman
of the board, and Norton V. Ritchey,
Monogram - International president,
plan to leave New York for England
and the Continent next month or
early in May for what is understood
will be an examination of economic
conditions and a survey of the com-
pany's agency operations.
Broidy and Johnston are on the
Coast at present, Ritchey has head-
quarters in New York.
75 Exhibitors Due
At Denver Meeting
D enver, March 11. — With more
than 60 individual acceptances, repre-
senting more than 85 theatres, it is
expected that at least 75 theatremen,
operating more than 100 theatres, will
attend an Allied meeting at the Brown
Palace Hotel here on March 25-26
at which it is expected there will be
organized a Rock)' Mountain area
unit.
On hand and presenting National
Allied's case will he Col. H. A.
Cole, Texas Allied president and re-
gional vice-president of the National
Allied; Sidney Samuelson, general
manager of Allied of Eastern Penn-
sylvania, and Trueman T. Rembusch,
president of Indiana Allied.
On the night of the 25th there will
be a get-together at the hotel, and
several other events, including screen-
ings and bridge tournaments, have
been planned for the ladies. John
Wolfberg. manager of the Broadway
Theatre, is the chief sponsor of the
meeting.
On March 28 the Rocky Mountain
Screen Club will hold its annual
Founders Day ball at the same hotel.
Eight More Pictures
Rated by the Legion
Paramount's "Blaze of Noon" lias
been classified A-I by the National
Legion of Decency. In Class A-II
are : "The Adventuress," Eagle-Lion-
T. Arthur Rank; "Cvnthia's Secret,"
M-G-M : "Her First Affair"
(French), Distinguished Films; "I
Cover Big Town." Paramount ; "The
Macomber Affair," United Artists ;
"Millie's Daughter," Columbia ; "Pur-
sued," Warners.
Hughes Boosts Claim
Producer Howard Hughes, who
filed a $5,000,000 triple-damage anti-
trust suit against the Motion Picture
Association at the time its withdrawal
of the Production Code Administra-
tion seal from his picture "The Out-
law" was threatened but had not yet
been effected, yesterday filed an
amended complaint in the case alleg-
ing that the damages suffered have
grown to $7,500,000 since the actual
withdrawal of the seal.
Roxy 20 Years Old
Twenty years ago yesterdav the late
S. L. Rothafel opened the Roxy the-
atre here.
2 Cases Filed with
Cincinnati AAA
Two complaints, each involving
some-run and clearance, have been
filed with the Cincinnati tribunal,
bringing to 24 the number of cases
pending before the 10 active boards of
the American Arbitration Association.
In addition, the AAA appeals board
has received its third case, with the
filing of an appeal by Ritz Theatres
of Gorham, N. H., complainant in the
case, from an award by the Boston
tribunal.
While the existence of the appeals
board will extend until it has dis-
posed of all cases before it, under the
provisions of the New York Federal
Court decree, the tribunals of the
AAA have been instructed to stop
accepting new complaints after April
1. Liquidation of AAA activities in
the industry will be completed upon
the disposition of all cases pending
after the end of this month.
Charging discrimination by M-
G-M, Herman Hunt and Maurice
Chase, operators of the Vogue The-
atre, Cincinnati, maintain that the 23
motion picture houses in the Cin-
cinnati area enjoy an availability date
of the seventh Sunday following the
end of the first or second week of
downtown runs in their licenses with
other distributors. They name the
Roselawn, Bond and Emery theatres
as interested parties in their request
for similar availability from M-
G-M. In the second case, Maurice
Chase, this time representing the
Ritz Theatre, names the 20th Cen-
tury, Plaza and Norwood Theatres
as interested parties in an identical
complaint against M-G-M.
Univ. Stockholders
Will Meet Today
Wilmington, March 11. — Reelection
of 14 directors, and authorization to
retire 155,000 shares of Universal
common stock issued in connection
with the acquisition by the company
of assets of International Pictures,
last summer, will be asked at the an-
nual meeting of Universal stockhold-
ers, to be held here tomorrow.
Robert S. Benjamin, Nate J. Blum-
berg, Paul G. Brown, J. Cheever
Cowdin, Matthew Fox and Charles
D. Prutzman are among those slated
for reelection.
Paul Pease Named
Disney Treasurer
Paul L. Pease has been appointed
treasurer of Walt Disney Productions,
by Roy O. Disney, president. Pease
has been associated with the Disney
organization for nine years, most re-
cently as assistant treasurer.
He succeeds George E. Morris, who
resigned some two years ago, the
post having been vacant since that
time.
ASCAP Meeting Here
ASCAP's annual meeting and din-
ner will be held at the Ritz-Carlton
Hotel here on March 27. Annual of-
ficers' reports will be given at an
afternoon membership meeting.
Netvsreel
Parade
JOHN L. LEWIS, President Tru-
J man, Ambassador Lexvis Douglas,
ice-skating champion Barbara Ann
Scott, David Lilienthal, Joan Fon-
taine, and Hitler's cameraman figure
in events recorded by current news-
reels. Also spotlighted are baseJjall
training, skiing, the S.S. John £^eratji
fire, Mt. Etna in eruption, and so out'-
tivitics. Full contents follow.
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 56-Truman
says economic peace depends on U. S. Mt.
Etna in eruption. John Ericsson de-
stroyed by fire. High seas wreck ship.
Senate labor committee hears John L.
Lewis. Barbara Ann Scott, girl skating
champ. Sports: St. Louis Cardinals and
Boston Red Sox in training, ski school for
kiddies.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 254— Mt. Etna
erupts. Fire perils Queen Elizabeth. Lewis
Douglas, new U. S. Ambassador to En-
gland. Worst Jap train wreck. Marmoset
monkey nursery at Bronx Zoo. Basket
bonnets for spring. Skiing in New Hamp-
shire. World's ice queen.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 57 — Japan's
worst train disaster. Senate hears John L.
Lewis. Crisis hits Europe's displayed per-
sons. Zoo News: Animals get spruced up
for spring.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 59-David
Lilienthal confirmed by Senate sub-com-
mittee. Mt. Etna erupts. Lewis Douglas,
new U. S. Ambassador to the Court of
St. James. Truman speaks at Waco, Tex.
Hitler's cameraman convicted. Boston
Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals in train-
ing.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 20 —
President Truman warns of trade war.
John L. Lewis blasts the Government. Jap
railroad wreck— 178 die. Blaze wrecks liner
in New York Harbor. Mt. Etna goes on
rampage. Lewis Douglas sworn in as U. S.
envoy to Great Britain. Joan Fontaine
leaves for Caribbean cruise. Golden Gloves
tournament of champs. Youngsters learn
to ski at Hanover, N. H.
MPA Members Had
A Fireless Year
Washington, March 11. — There
was no fire loss or personnel fire in-
jury at any film exchange in the U. S.
during 1946 under Motion Picture
Association inspection, Eric Johnston,
president, reported today. Thirty
thousand miles of film was handled
every day in film exchanges, A. S.
Dickinson, head of the MPA's con-
servation department reported.
It was the 10th year since 1926 that
the department was able to report no
losses. The only reported film
handling fire last year was in Chicago
in an independently-operated film ex-
change outside of the scope of MPA
inspection. The fire cost $500 and the
death of one person because a care-
lessly discarded cigarette fell into a
drum of worn out film.
MPA's Allen to Europe
Hollywood, March 11— Rupert Al-
len has left here by plane for New
York en route to Paris where he will
become assistant to Frank McCarthy,
Motion Picture Association's Conti-
nental representative.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays.
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald-
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the past office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879, Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Oh, Frankie!
Red Kann, of Quigley Publica-
tions says your picture is: "A tip-
top package of entertainment !"
Oh, Kathryn!
Boxoffice Magazine says your
picture is: ''Great! One of those
pictures that bulges theatre walls."
\
/
Oh, Peter!
Variety says your picture is: "A
star-studded and sock box-office
entry!"
Oh, Jimmy!
Hollywood Reporter predicts for
your picture: "Box-office returns
and enthusiastic word-of-mouth."
Oh, Leo! They're talking about
HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN
Screen Play by Isobel Lennart
Based on an Original Story by
John McGowan • Directed by
RICHARD WHORF • Produced
by JACK CUMMINGS • A
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
Watch first date Capitol, N. Y.
4
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 12, 1947
Estimates of Key City Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
LOS ANGELES
Business has been unexceptional,
with holdovers at all but six first-run
theatres. Estimated receipts for the
week ending March 12:
THE MICHIGAN KID (U-I) and SWEET-
HEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.) — BEL-
MONT (1,600) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $7,500. (Average: $7,100)
THE YEARLING (M-G-M) — CARTHAY
CIRCLE (1,516) $1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days,
11th week. Gross: $11,500. (Average: $11,-
500)
BOOMERANG (20th-Fox) — CHINESE
(2,300) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $18,000. (Average: $18,200)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M) — EGYPTIAN (1,000) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O)
7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average: $18,100)
THE MICHIGAN KID (U-I) and SWEET-
HEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.) — EL
REY (861) (5Oc-60c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross:
$7,500. (Average: $6,800)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO)-FAIRFAX
(1,504) ($1.20-$1.50-$1.80) 7 days, 8th week.
Gross: $14,500. (Average: $19,000)
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I) — FOUR
STAR (900) ($1.00-$1.50) 7 days, 7th week.
Gross: $8,500. (Average: $9,100)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — FOX - BEVERLY (1,350)
($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days, 11th week. Gross:
$14,C00. (Average: $12,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M) — FOA-W1LSH1RE (2,300) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average:
$13,300)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (UI),—
GUILD (965) (50c-60c-8Sc-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,900)
DEAD RECKONING (CoL) and CIGAR-
ETTE GIRL (CoL) — HILLSTREET (2,700)
(50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$15,500. Average: $19,800)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (UI)— IRIS
(708) (S0c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $7,200)
BOOMERANG (ZOth-Fox) — LOEWS
STATE (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $28,600)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M) — LOS ANGELES— (2,096) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average:
$22 600)
BOOMERANG (2(tth-Fox) — LOYOLA (1,265)
(50c-6Oc-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$12,000. (Average: $11,500)
THE RED HOUSE (UA) — MUSIC HALL
(Beverly Hills) (900) (65c- 85c -$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $4,700)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
Flying is the way
to travel to —
CHICAGO
PITTSBURGH
LOS ANGELES
— and TWA is the
friendly way to fly.
See your travel agent or phone
LExington 2-7100
Save time with TWA AIRFREIGHT
(Downtown) (900) (65c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. 2nd
week. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $14,200)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Hawaii) (1,000) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,400)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Hollywood) (490) (65c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $4,700)
THE MICHIGAN KID (U-I) and SWEET-
HEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.)— ORPH-
EUM (2,210) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $18,500. Average: $18,800)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and CIGAR-
ETTE GIRL (Col.) — PANTAGES (2,000)
(50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$13,500. (Average: $20,800)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and THE GHOST
GOES WILD (Rep.) - PARAMOU NT
(Downtown (3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days,
4th week. Gross: $17,500. (Average: $26,-
600)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — PARAMOUNT
(Hollyfood) (1,407) (5Oc-60c-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days,
4th week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $16,-
100)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (UI)— RITZ
(1,376) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $8,500. (Average: $9,600)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (UI)— STU-
DIO (880) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $5,800. (Average: $6,100)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (UI) —
UNITED ARTISTS (2,100) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,000.
(Average: $15,800)
BOOMERANG (2flth-Fox) —UPTOWN
(1,716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $13,500. (Average: $13,200)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO) — VOGUE
(800) ($l.O0-$1.50-$1.80) 7 days, 10th week.
Gross: $15,000. (Average: $10,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — WARNER
(Downtown) (3,400) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days, 3rd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average:
$18,200)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — WARNER
(Hollywood) (3,000) (5Oc-6Oc-80c-$l.OO) 7
days, 3rd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average:
$15,500)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — WARNER
(Wiltern) (2,300) (50c -60c -80c -$1.00) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $14,-
900)
PHILADELPHIA
"The Jolson Story," in its second
week, still is the box-office leader, with
two newcomers, "Pursued" and
"Boomerang," also drawing nicely.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing March 11-13:
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— AL-
DINE (900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $13,-
800)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.)—
ARCADIA (900) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,500. (Average:
$6,6C0)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)-
BOYD (3,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,000. (Average:
$21,000)
MILLIE'S DAUGHTER (Col.)-EARLE
(3,000) _ (60c-70c-80c-90c-99c) 6 days, with
vaudeville starring Lionel Hampton. Gross:
$32,500. (Average, for 7 days: $31,700)
BOOMERANG (ZOth-Fox)— (3,000) (50c-60c-
74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. Gross: $33,000.
(Average: $25,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)— GOLDMAN
(1,400) (50c-6Oc-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $24.0001
JOHNNY O'CLOCK (Col.)— KARLTON
(1,000) (50c-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $9,500)
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (M-G-M)
—KEITH'S (2,200) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c)
7 days, 2nd week, 2nd run. Gross: $7,000.
(Average: $6,200)
PURSUED (WB)— MASTBAUM (4,700)
(50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. Gross:
$35,000. (Average: $29,500)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— STANLEY
(3.000) (50c-60c-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $46,500. (Average: $27,000)
THE FABULOUS DORSEYS (UA)—
STANTON (1,700) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c)
7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,500. (Aver-
age: $12,700)
PITTSBURGH
"The Best Years of Our Lives"
easily broke the house record at the
Fulton in its opening week, topping
the theatre's previous title holder,
"The Kid from Brooklyn," by $15,-
000. Estimated receipts for the week
ending March 13 :
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — FULTON (1,700) (40c-55c-
70c) 7 days. Gross: $32,000. (Average:
$9,700)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— J. P. HAR-
RIS (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 4th week.
Gross: $19,000. (Average: $11,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— PENN (3,400) (40c-55c-70c) 7
days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $25,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M)— RITZ (1,100) (40c-55c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week, on tnoveover from Penn.
Gross: $3,500. (Average: $3,500)
IT'S A JOKE, SON (PRC)— SENATOR
(1,700) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $3,200.
(Average: $3,200)
PURSUED (WB) — STANLEY (3,800)
(40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $25,000. (Aver-
age: $25,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— WARNER (2,-
000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on
moveover from Stanley. Gross: $9,000.
(Average: $8,000)
OMAHA
Theatres generally are doing better
than average business. The weather
has been somewhat warmer than in
recent weeks, although there have been
occasional snowfalls. Estimated re-
ceipts for the week ending March
12-13 :
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and LADY CHASER
(PRC)— OMAHA (2,000) (50c-65c) 7 days,
2nd week, moveover from Paramount.
Gross: $9,000. (Average: $8,500)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.) and PLAINS-
MAN AND THE LADY (Rep.)— ORPH-
EUM (3,000) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $9,900.
(Average: $9,300)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— PARAMOUNT (2,900) (50c -65c)
7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,-
600)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio) and SING-
ING IN THE CORN (Col.)— RKO BRAN-
DEIS (1,200) (50c-65c). Gross: $7,000.
(Average: $6,600)
Canadian Pioneers
Name New Officers
Toronto, March 11. — A directors'
meeting of the Canadian Picture
Pioneers here has elected E. Lawson,
head of Odeon Theatres, as chairman
of the finance committee. Len
Bishop, manager of the Tivoli The-
atre here was named entertainment
chairman, succeeding Jack Arthur,
who has moved up to the vice-presi-
dency. A. W. Perry of this city was
named chairman of the organization
committee.
'Brooklyn' in Brooklyn
Guests of the First Families cf
Brooklyn, newly-created organization
of Brooklyn boosters, New York
wire service and syndicate writers,
columnists, film critics and news pho-
tographers journeyed from New
York to Brooklyn last evening for
the premiere of M-G-M's "It Hap-
pened in Brooklyn" at Loew's Metro-
politan Theatre. It was that bor-
ough's first big-time film premiere.
Participating in the stage show, were
Lauritz Melchior, Kathryn Grayson,
Johnnie Johnston and Tom Drake.
A BUY-TRANS-LUX MOVIE SCREEN
13' x 18', Still in Original Frame.
Used Once. Perfect Condition.
CALL MURRAY HILL 5-0863
Poll to Decide
(Continued from page 1)
leasing of theatres would be an un-
wise investment. Under the decree in
the industry suit, distribution contracts
may not specify minimum prices, but
there is no limitation on prices in
houses 'controlled by the distributor.
Schaefer said Enterprise will ap-
point advertising and publicity chiefs
in the near future.
Scouting reports that Enterp46™/^
having financial difficulties, Schaefer
declared that with "Ramrod" in re-
lease and 'Arch of Triumph," "The
Other Love" and "Body and Soul"
virtually finished, the company has a
valuable backlog ready for liquida-
tion. Two other films, "Wild Cal-
endar" and possibly "The Pursuit of
Love" will be made this year, thus
completing the list of six committed
to United Artists for domestic dis-
tribution.
Although Schaefer will devote full
time to Enterprise, his production
financing company, George Schaefer
Associates, will continue, the execu-
tive declared.
Commenting on the previously re-
ported deal whereby reissue rights to
some 350 Universal features, short
subjects and serials are being ac-
quired for distribution through .a new
company which George Schaefer, Jr.,
will head, Schaefer said this includes
all but about 60 of the pictures Uni-
versal has or will have made between
1933 and the end of 1947. An invest-
ment of approximately $1,500,000 is
involved, he confirmed. The new
company probably will handle the re-
leases directly in New York, Phila-
delphia and Boston and through fran-
chise holders elsewhere. First of the
pictures will be placed on the market
in July.
Four New SRO Offices
(Continued from page 1)
nel for West Coast offices will be an-
nounced next week.
The company has already estab-
lished offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Chi-
cago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des
Moines, St. Louis, Cleveland, Cin-
cinnati, Detroit, New York, Phila-
delphia, Washington, Pittsburgh, Bos-
ton and Buffalo.
'Duel' Brings $40,000 in
11th Week in Los Angeles
Hollywood, March 11. — "Duel in
the Sun" grossed $40,000 in its 11th
week at the Vogue and Fairfax The-
atres, Los Angeles, bringing to $429,-
273 the overall gross of the picture
since it opened, the Selznick Releas-
ing Organization reports. The lat-
ter figure exceeds by 43 per cent the
gross attained by "Gone With the
Wind" during its first 11 weeks.
Switch SRO Ad Account
The Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion has withdrawn its advertising ac-
count from Foote, Cone and Belding
in favor of another agency, according
to Paul McNamara, SRO executive.
MacNamara will leave here for the
Coast tonight.
(Amok' Ban Upheld
Albany, N. Y., March 11. — The
Board of Regents' ban on the French
picture, "Amok," has been unanimous-
ly upheld by the Appellate Division.
It was described as "indecent and im-
moral."
Wednesday, March 12, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
5
'CAPABLE
OF
REGISTERING
MIGHTILY
AT THE
BOXOFFICE!'
Says
Variety
of
Balaban Holds Two
Million Para. Notes
Philadelphia, March 11. — Brisk
activity in film stocks was noted from
Jan. 11 to Feb. 10 in a Securities and
Exchange Commission report released
here today. The largest holding was
credited to Barney Balaban, who re-
vealed that he has 2,000,000 two and
thr quarter per cent conversion
rti3^3n Paramount. Also at Para-
moultf, Balaban sold 900 shares,
Henry Ginsberg sold 300 shares, and
Leonard Goldenson sold 300 shares
jointly with his wife, leaving his hold-
ings at 2,100 shares.
At RKO, Frederick L. Ehrman dis-
posed of 2,300 shares of common
leaving his holdings at 200. At Uni-
versal, Daniel M. Schaeffer sold 2,100
shares of common, bringing his total
to 18,307; Charles Prutzman sold 350
shares, leaving his holdings at 20,550 ;
Nate Blumberg sold 200 shares in
November ; J. Cheever Cowdin re-
ported holdoing 11,637 shares.
At Warner Brothers, Jack L. War-
ner reported holding 429,000 shares of
common, and his trust acquired 700
more shares, bringing his total to
20,000. Albert Warner reported hold-
ing 430,000 shares with his trust now
holding 20,000 shares with the acquisi-
tion of an additional 600. Samuel
Schneider purchased 500 shares.
At Monogram, Norton V. Richey
exercised an option and purchased
2,500 shares of common, bringing his
holdings to 7,754 shares.
J. E. Brulatour, Inc., reported the
addition of 17,092 shares of Associated
Motion Picture Industries, Inc., in a
stock splitup, bringing its holdings to
34,184 shares.
Kanin Names Gerson
Hollywood, March 11. — Hal Ger-
son has been named Eastern represen-
tative of Kanin Productions to handle
deals on story properties, talent and
general business.
Tax Battle
(Continued from page 1)
abeyance pending the outcome of to-
day's talks.
The committee, newly appointed to
present the exhibitors' views to the
lawmakers, consists of Oscar Doob,
of Loew's ; Robert Coyne, executive
director of the American Theatres As-
sociation ; Fred Schwartz, represent-
ing the Metropolitan Theatre Owners
Association, and Harry Brandt of the
Independent Theatre Owners Associa-
tion of New York. They have re-
placed a preliminary study committee,
of which J. Henry Walters of RKO
Theatres, and Sam Rosen of the Fabi-
an circuit were members.
I PRESS
I BOOKS PHOTO-OFFSET
mB^colorchrome corp.
^ ART SERVICE
2 BROADWAY NEW YORK 4
WHITEHALL 4 — 3 7 2 2 - 3 -4-5-4
• COPYWRITING
• ILLUSTRATION
• PASTE-IJP
• STORING
• MAILING
/J Go+nfUete. Sesutioe.
Newsreel Theatres
Income Is Down 25%
Newsreel theatres have ex-
perienced a business reduc-
tion of about 25 per cent
since the war, Norman Elson,
vice-president of Trans-Lux,
declared here yesterday. He
said subjects of late have
been lacking in importance
and interest in comparison
with the war reels, conse-
quently cutting revenue.
Johnston to Discuss
Price Successor
Hollywood, March 11. — Eric John-
ston, Motion Picture Association pres-
ident, who arrived here this morning
from Washington, will discuss with
studio heads, during a 10-day stay, a
successor to Byron Price who re-
signed a few weeks ago as MP A
Hollywood vice-president to become
assistant secretary-general of the
United Nations. Other matters affect-
ing Hollywood operations of the
MPA also will be discussed. Mean-
while, Johnston will speak at the
award ceremonies of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on
Thursday evening.
MPA executive Joyce O'Hara has
also arrived here from the East.
PRC, Eagle-Lion Meet
Cleveland, March 11. — PRC and
Eagle-Lion held a district meeting
here over the weekend at the Statler
Hotel. William S. Shartin, E-L dis-
trict manager and James Hendel, PRC
district manager, were in charge.
Roth Heads PRC Drive
Max Roth, Eastern sales manager
for PRC has been named captain for
the "Harry Thomas Drive," which
starts on Apr. 23, Thomas's birthday,
and runs through Aug. 30.
Columbia
(Continued from page 1)
weekly and $200 for expenses weekly
under a previous agreement. Mon-
tague, whose new contract also ex-
tends for seven years, from June 10,
1946, will now receive a weekly sal-
ary of $2,500, compared with $1,500
weekly formerly. Details of stock op-
tions voted to B. B. Kahane, vice-
president and studio executive ; Lester
W. Roth, Irving Briskin and Gerald
Rackett were reported in Motion
Picture Daily on Feb. 18.
Although Harry Cohn, president of
Columbia, has been working without
a contract since June 30, 1945, con-
tract proposals for him were not in-
troduced at the meeting because, ac-
cording to a company spokesman, they
still are being negotiated.
Renamed to the board were Harry
and Jack Cohn, A. Schneider, Mon-
tague, Nate Spingold, Donald Stralem
and Ted Blancke.
Remarking on the court decree in
answer to a question about dividends
raised by a stockholder, Schneider,
company treasurer, explained that
operations under competitive bidding
will require the amassing of a large
inventory, thereby necessitating the
"tying up" of profits. The release of
product has been delayed in the past
few months, it was pointed out, be-
cause of the change in selling tech-
nique.
Says Bidding Spurs
Theatre Expansion
Competitive bidding yesterday was
given as_ a factor in Trans-Lux's de-
termination to expand its theatre
holdings, by Norman Elson, vice-pres-
ident. He said in effect that the acqui-
sition of houses now operating or the
construction of new ones will become
all the more practical when bidding
will offer an equal opportunity to ob-
tain product.
Elson coupled this with the gradual
easing _ of building restrictions as
prompting renewed interest in theatre
expansion. He said that Trans-Lux
is now negotiating for a "couple of
circuits," but declined to elaborate.
Elson said that his policy on bid-
ding has yet to be determined. The
Boston Trans-Lux operates profitably
with secondary product shown i first-
run, he pointed out, adding that he
would have to await further develop-
ments to decide on the feasibility of
seeking top-notch films by-' bidding.
Trans-Lux's consideration of new
theatres was made known some time
ago but the program was stymied by
Government priorities. The circuit has
property at 59th St. and Madison Ave-
nue here for a new feature house,
opposite its newsreel theatre. It has,
too, ^ the site for a planned "Radio
City" in Washington, also a9 previ-
ously announced.
IATSE Favors
(Continued from page 1)
Labor Committee, which has been
nolding hearings on proposals to ban
jurisdictional strikes, he declared
yesterday following publication of tes-
timony given before that group at the
weekend by Oscar Schatte, Hollywood
"boss'' carpenter. Schatte's infer-
ence that the "IA" has been respon-
sible for violence is without founda-
tion, Walsh declared in a telegram to
Kep. Fred A. Hartley, chairman of
the committee. "This false charge is
intended to bolster up a dying morale
on the part of those who have been
duped by false propaganda," he said.
'A complete investigation will show
the American people who are the truly
responsible parties in the Hollywood
conflict," Walsh added.
Declaring that he had always op-
posed violence, Walsh reported that
the strike continues to dwindle toward
a conclusion. The 1,500 striking-
building service employes have just
been ordered back to work, and the
400 striking electricians are likely to
be ordered back before the end of the
week, he said. However, there is no
early termination in sight for the
walkout by 2,000 carpenters and 900
members of the painters' union, Walsh
added. Negotiations with William
Hutcheson, international president of
the carpenter group, apparently are at
a standstill, according to the "IA"
chief, who said he had not heard
from Hutcheson for several weeks
following preliminary reports to settle
their jurisdictional differences.
Hollywood, March 11. — Reports
that IATSE president Richard Walsh
had forecast, settlement of the studio
strike before the weekend were pro-
tested by Conference of Studio Unions
officials, who declared that Walsh
could not speak for the painters and
carpenters, who comprise the majority
of the workers on strike.
AS
A
MATTER
OF
FACT... • the picture that's doing
tremendous business wherever it plays is
"ABIE'S IRISH ROSE"
from UA!
IS PROVING ONE OF THE
BIG MONEY PICTURES
OF THE YEAR!
rv
V mcK San Francisco (3 weeks)
y mcK Oakland (4th week)
V check Philadelphia (3rd week)
check Reading (io days)
v check Oklahoma City (2 weeks)
DICK
EVELYN
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
POWELL* KEYES
Johnny O'clock
wi,h Lee J. COBB • Ellen DREW • Nina FOCH
S. THOMAS GOMEZ • JOHN KELLOGG
Screenplay by Robert Rossen • Directed by ROBERT ROSSEN
Proceed by EDWARD G. NEALIS • Associate Producer MILTON HOLMES-
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
yos-sZi. NO. 50
NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1947
TEN CENTS
Majors Offer
17 Per Cent
Salary Boost
Year's Cost Estimated
At $11,000,000 by MP A
Hollywood, March 12. — Major
producers today offered an 11 -point,
17 per cent cost-of-living wage in-
crease to approximately 15,000 pro-
duction employees, representing all
unions and guilds with which the
Association of Motion Picture Pro-
ducers holds executed contracts. The
percentage coincides exactly with fig-
ures released by the U. S. Depart-
ment of Labor showing the living
cost rise in the Los Angeles area
between July 1, 1946, and Jan. 1.
The increase, which is retroactive
to Jan. 1 and effective until Dec.
31, is in compliance with the interim
agreement entered into as a step to-
ward ending the two-day studio strike
last July 1, when all unions received
a 25 per cent increase retroactive to
Jan. 1, 1946. An identical increase
was given the Screen Extras' Guild
last month under the terms of a spe-
cial contract it held.
The only unions not receiving the
{Continued on page 7)
SAG Sets April 15
Contract Talk Date
Hollywood, March 12. — In letters
to 400 producers, including the New
York group, the Screen Actors'
Guild today set April 15 as the start-
ing date of negotiations for a new
contract to replace the present pact,
which expires a month later.
Naming 17 members to represent
itself, the SAG suggested that the
producers set up a numerically simi-
(Continued on page 7)
Set Republic Annual
Meeting for April 1
Walter L. Titus, Jr., Republic's
vice-president and divisional sales
manager, and Arthur J. Miller, man-
ager of Republic's Consolidated Film
Industries, have been renominated for
two of the five vacancies on the board
of directors to be filled at the annual
stockholders' meeting here on April 1.
Other candidates for the three-year
(Continued on page 7)
Mexico Majors
Expanding
To Exhibition
By LUIS BECERRA CELIS
Mexico City, March 12. — Pro--
ducers entering exhibition as well
as distribution is the latest trend
in the Mexican film industry policy,
somewhat like that of major com-
panies in the U. S. It is said to have
been prompted by too many theatres
in too few hands, a circumstance obvi-
ously much to the disadvantage of
producers in the matter of playing
time and percentages accruals, and, it
is complained, largely responsible for
so many Mexican pictures — at present
estimated at about 50 — being kept
from exhibition in Mexico.
Filmex, one of Mexico's four lead-
ing producer-distributors, has pio-
neered in this departure by obtaining
Government approval of plans to build
and operate a circuit, primarily as an
(Continued on page 7)
Krumm Named SRO
Division Manager
Atlanta, March 12. — Henry
Krumm, former Warner branch man-
ager and later with United Artists,
has been appointed Southern division
sales manager for the Selznick Re-
leasing Organization.
General sales manager Milton S.
Kusell is now on the Coast to set
up SRO sales offices in Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Denver and Salt
Lake City. The Atlanta branch is one
of 16 SRO offices.
Academy Awards In
Spotlight Tonight
Hollywood, March 12.— The
"bests" from among 65 in-
dustry actor, director, writer,
technician and other nomi-
nees, and from among 25
films, will be announced to-
morrow night during cere-
monies at the Shrine Audi-
torium, for the annual awards
of the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences.
For the first time, the pub-
lic will be admitted to the
presentations, which, of
course, will be attended by a
large number of industry
leaders and talent. Radio and
television coverage is expect-
ed to exceed that given any
previous Academy awards
event.
N.Y. Owners Warn
Of Peril in Tax Bill
Albany, N. Y., March 12. — Argu-
ing that the present 20 per cent Fed-
eral admission tax alone "makes the
motion picture business a hazardous
enterprise" and one which well might
have an adverse economic effect upon
theatres in the event of a business re-
cession, a contingent of New York ex-
hibitor association and circuit repre-
sentatives today appealed to Senate
Finance Committee chairman Arthur
Wicks, and Charles Breitel, counsel
to Gov. Dewey, for the elimination of
the five per cent tax on theatre admis-
sions which is included in the pro-
(Continued on page 5)
Competitive Bidding on
Big Scale in Chicago Area
By HAL TATE
Chicago, March 12. — Loew's, Para-
mount, RKO Radio and 20th Century-
Fox, comprising half of the distributor
defendants affected by the provisions
of the New York Federal court de-
cree, already are engaged in offering
their product to competitive bidders
in this territory, although not com-
pelled by the decree to do so until
July 1.
At least 20 theatres in this exchange
area, and perhaps many more, are
known to be engaged currently in bid-
ding for pictures of the four compa-
nies. Moreover, it has been ascertained
that whenever any theatre here re-
quests pictures or a run of the four
companies not heretofore enjoyed, ma-
chinery immediately is put in motion
to obtain bids from the theatres in-
volved.
Indications are that Chicago is the
foremost experimental station and
proving ground for competitive bid-
ding in the country today.
It is apparent that no common pol-
icy on bidding procedure is shared by
the distributors. Each company ap-
pears to be feeling its own way into
the new marketing system, guided per-
haps only by the individual way in
(Continued on page 7)
New Exchange
Areas Are
In the Making
Offices at San Antonio,
Jacksonville Planned
Division of several of the dis-
tribution industry's 31 exchange
areas throughout the country into
smaller units as the competitive
bidding system of selling films gains
momentum appears to be imminent,
with Jacksonville, Fla., and San An-
tonio, Texas, already tentatively se-
lected as new exchange cities in nego-
tiations for sites now being carried on
by at least two companies. This marks
the first time in many years that new
exchange areas have been set up.
Paramount, which up to the present
has maintained only a shipping station
at Jacksonville, hopes to establish a
full exchange there to relieve the load
of business facing the Atlanta office
under the new method of decree sell-
ing, a spokesman for the company said
here yesterday, and Warner Brothers
(Continued on page 5)
No U.S. Opposition
To Universal Stay
Washington, March 12.— The De-
partment of Justice does not plan to
oppose Universal's application to the
Supreme Court for a stay of competi-
tive bidding and other features of the
New York Federal District Court's
decree in the industry anti-trust suit,
it is understood here. Frequently, as a
(Continued on page 5)
RKO to Maintain
Advertising Level
RKO Radio's advertising outlay will
not be cut, S. Barret McCormick, ad-
vertising-publicity director, declared
here yesterday upon his return from
Hollywood where campaigns on new
(Continued on page 7)
In This Issue
"High Barbaree" and "High
Conquest" are reviewed on
page 8.
Key city grosses are given
on page 6.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 13, 1947
Personal
Mention
HOWARD DIETZ, vice-president
and director of advertising-
publicity for M-G-M, will leave
Hollywood for New York by train
tomorrow. Si Seadler, advertising
director, will leave here for the Coast
on March 20.
- •
John Joseph, Universal-Interna-
tional advertising - publicity director,
is in Santa Monica Hospital with a
broken heel bone sustained in a fall
from a ladder at his Hollywood home.
•
N. E. Savini, assistant to Robert
M. Savini, Astor Pictures president,
is in New York from Atlanta. The
latter has returned here from a three-
day trip to Canada.
•
Lew Breyer, manager of the
Strand, Westfield, Mass., has re-
turned to his desk after a two months'
absence, completely recovered from a
recent operation.
•
Stephen E. Fitzgibbon, Sr., pres-
ident of the Devonshire Film Co.,
Boston, and Maxwell Andelman,
vice-president, are on a two-week
Mid-West tour.
•
Roy Haines, Warner's Western
division sales manager, and Jules
Lapidus, Eastern division sales man-
ager, have left New York on Mid-
western tours.
•
F. L. Hopper, transmission engi-
neering supervisor of the Electrical
Research Products division of West-
ern Electric, has arrived here from
Hollywood.
•
Charles Levy, Eastern publicity
director for Walt Disney Produc-
tions, is in Bronx Hospital where
he will undergo a knee operation to-
morrow.
•
Glendon Allvine, director of pub-
lic relations for the Motion Picture
Association here, has returned to New
York from the South.
Arthur Greenblatt, Eastern sales
manager for Monogram, left New
York yesterday for a two-week tour
of the South.
•
Ben Judell, independent producer,
will return to the Coast on Friday
from New York. He will stop over
in Chicago.
•
Don Prince, RKO Radio foreign
publicity manager, has returned to
New York from Mexico City.
Paul O. Styker of the Samuel
Goldwyn Productions office here has
left for the' Coast by plane.
•
Sam Lefkowitz, Eastern district
manager for Warner Brothers, is in
Buffalo from New York.
•
C. J. Scollard, Paramount labor
relations director, was in Washington
yesterday.
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
THE Government collected
$384,701,909 in admission
taxes in 1945, in most instances
a straight 20 per cent on each
ticket sold. For general pur-
poses, which are more specific
than general, anyway, this indi-
cates a national gross of $1,923,-
509,545 from all forms of enter-
tainment covered by the statute.
It has become regarded as fact
that from 80 to 90 per cent of
the collections are to be attrib-
uted to film theatres. Shading
this further, the braeket is be-
lieved by many who have en-
deavored to rivet the yardstick
with absolute precision, to be
about 87 per cent. No one has
ever declared it false.
■
Accepting this, the mathe-
matics shows the 1945 gross
from picture houses alone was
about $1,673,453,304. Last year,
however, collections rose $63,-
537,810 for a grand total of
$458,239,719. In turn, this places
national gross from all sources
at $2,291,198,595. By applica-
tion of the same formula, film
theatre intake appears to have
been $1,993,342,777, which would
mean an increase of $319,889,473
in 1946 over 1945.
Last year was the entertain-
ment world's greatest, as all
hands know. In connection with
enacting the excise tax continua-
tion bill, which maintains the 20
per cent tax at its present level
indefinitely, the Treasury De-
partment on Tuesday estimated a
$500,000,000 tax in 1947. Evi-
dently, official Washington is far
more optimistic than many of the
industry's own executives.
■ ■ m
From a source probably as re-
liable as any, which is not say-
ing much in the light of the ap-
palling lack of authoritative sta-
tistics on this business, is ad-
vanced the claim 65,000,000 tick-
ets are sold each week, on an
average; that 54,000,000 repre-
sent the reliables who show up,
come high water and the rest
of it; that the regular audience
for an "A" attraction is 18,000,-
000 each week.
If this is even reasonably cor-
rect, we suppose it means those
54,000,000 dependables buy tick-
ets regardless of the merit of the
film while the figures approaches
65,000,000 because large numbers
of the 54,000,000 go more than
once and another segment of the
differential of 11,000,000 is
drawn by a particular film. It
ought to be understood that pub-
lication of these statistics here
suggests no blanket acceptance
of their reliability. They are as
good as any others, marshalled
from any other source and just
as inconclusive.
■ ■
In Hollywood tonight, the
Academy Awards for 1946 will
be made known. Never before
in the history of this competition
has Hollywood encountered a
parallel situation. England is
represented by four nominations
in the top categories — "Henry
V" for the best picture ; Lau-
rence Olivier, who starred in it,
for best actor; Celia Johnson,
feminine lead in "Brief Encoun-
ter," for best actress and David
Lean for best direction for the
.same film. If this indicates
nothing else, it indicates impar-
tiality and an evidence of fair
play at the hands of the Coast
colony and a demonstration
which the British industry might
note the further.
■
It has been custom, suggested
by nobody and nothing besides
enthusiasm, to draw a bead on
the winners. This has been a
practice never especially noted
for its success, although last year
was an improvement over the
year before when we stood in
dubious magnificence holding a
bag — mostly empty.
But again we have a slant on
the victors for 1946 honors. It
reflects what we would decide if
this business of voting were a
one-man process, which it is not.
You are now about to witness
the leap into space :
Best Picture — "The Best
Years of Our Lives." A diffi-
cult choice in the face of "Henry
V."
Best Performance, Actor —
Olivier in "Henry V." Another
toughie in the light of Fredric
March's beautiful performance in
"The Best Years."
Best Performance, Actress —
Miss Johnson in "Brief Encoun-
ter."
Best Performance, Supporting
Actor — Harold Russell, the non-
professional, armless veteran in
"The Best Years."
Best Performance, Supporting
Actress — Ethel Barrymore in
"The Spiral Staircase."
Best Achievement in Direction
— William Wyler, for "The Best
Years."
Tomorrow morning will reveal
what Academy members deter-
mine. Final box score right here
in the accustomed space next
week.
Universal Common
Retirement Voted
Wilmington, March 12. — Retire-
ment of 155,000 shares of Universal
common stock, issued in connection
with the acquisition of Internation
Pictures last summer was approved by
the company's stockholders at their
annual meeting here today.
All 14 Universal directors were re-
elected. They include: Robert SCq,Ji-
jamin, N. J. Blumberg, Pa. G.
Brown, J. Cheever Cowdin, Preston
Davie, Matthew Fox, William J. Ger-
man, John J. O'Connor, Ottavio
Prochet, Charles D. Prutzman, J.
Arthur Rank, Budd Rogers, Daniel M.
Schaeffer and G. I. Woodham-Smith.
The directors are scheduled to meet
in New York on March 20 for the
annual election of officers.
'Brotherhood' Cites
Film Industry Aid
In recognition of the cooperation
given by exchange, circuit, and the-
atre managers, American Brother-
hood will issue a certificate of ap-
preciation carrying the signatures of
its honorary chairman, President
Truman, the general chairman, John
G. Winant, and the two film indus-
try leaders, Spyros P. Skouras and
J. Robert Rubin.
All managers who have secured
10 or more members and all who now
plan to enroll members are urged
to send in returns to Skouras' at the
20th Century-Fox home office, here.
Bergman, Griffith on
SPG Forum Tonight
At the first of a series of discussion
panels planned by the Eastern Screen
Publicists Guild, to be held tonight at
the Hotel Piccadilly, here, industry
executives, and others will discuss
"The Future of the Films in 1947."
Among those who will present their
views are : Maurice Bergman, East-
ern advertising-publicity director for
Universal-International ; Richard Grif-
fith, executive director of the National
Board of Review ; Hans Burger, on
the staff of the film division of the
United Nations, and Archer Winsten,
film critic for the New York Post.
Skouras, Silverstone
To Tour S. America
Spyros P. Skouras, president of
20th Century-Fox, is expected to re-
turn here today from the Coast prior
to his joining Murray Silverstone,
20th-Fox International head, for a
survey of conditions in South America.
Accompanied by their respective wives,
they are to leave for Latin America
on Monday.
Trust Law Study Due
Washington, March 12. — A re-
view of the anti-trust laws has been
planned by the House and Senate
Small Business committees. Recom-
mendations for revision of the Sher-
man and Clayton acts will be request-
ed by the groups when hearings start.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas 3n(j §\2 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Columbia made a
better mousetrap...
and millions are beating a path
to your door, Mr. Exhibitor. Yes,
millions of people. More people
than have ever seen any picture since
GONE WITH THE WIND are seeing
THE JOLSON STORY. . . and will see
THE JOLSON STORY. . . in the biggest
cities and the smallest towns . . .wherever
in this broad land an exhibitor
places in his marquee these proud
QLUMBIA PICTURES presents THE JOLSON ST 0 RY in TECHNICOLOR „lk LARRY PARKS • EVELYN KEYES • William Demarest • Bill Goodwin • VS^ImiSSh Produced
4
Motion Picture daily
Thursday, March 13, 1947
Sees Market Study
Denting Trade Bars
Washington, March 12. — George
Canty, State Department film con-
sultant, declares that the film indus-
try's analysis of foreign market prob-
lems will be an "excellent tool" to
effect the elimination of foreign bar-
riers imposed upon American films at
the Geneva Trade Conference. The
industry analysis was presented to the
inter-departmental committee on reci-
procity information recently.
Canty said the State Department
will work with industry during the
trade negotiations, and expressed be-
lief that restrictions in several of the
18 nations participating will be elim-
inated by agreements.
Every effort is being made to open
the world market for all media of
communication, Canty said.
Under-Secretary of State William
Clayton has pledged complete support
to Eric Johnston, president of the Mo-
tion Picture Association.
AGFA Color Patent
Status Delays Use
Washington, March 12. — Use of
the AGFA German color film process
may result in a lawsuit between Gen-
eral Aniline and Film Corp. and the
company producing it unless the U. S.
Alien Property Custodian places the
color patent on the open market, it is
indicated here.
ANSCO, a General Aniline asso-
ciate company, is now working on the
color process and has it ready for in-
spection by producer's, it is reported.
Meanwhile Eastman and other raw
companies are interested in further de-
velopment and production of the film,
but while research is being conducted
by them, actual production of the color
would result in a legal battle.
While the Commerce Department
procured the process from the I. G.
Farben film plant in Germany, that
agency refuses to directly enter into
the controversy over its patent. Ulti-
mate decision permitting open market
use of the film, therefore, is up to
either the Alien Property Custodian
or the Justice Department.
Demonstration of
'Magnetic Sound'
Chicago, March 12. — Marvin Cam-
ras of the Armour Research Founda-
tion, here, will demonstrate a new in-
vention involving magnetic sound for
motion pictures when the Society of
Midwest Motion Picture Engineers
holds its monthly meeting here to-
morrow.
According to Camras, his sound-
track may be used for 35, 16 or eight
mm. films, for it allows direct play-
back, multiple tracks, immediate moni-
toring and new flexibility in arrang-
ing, editing and scoring, he said.
Altec Supplying New
Test Film for Sound
Altec field engineers are now being
supplied with a new theatre test film,
to be used in the servicing of theatres.
The new test film, developed by Altec
with the aid of the research council
of the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences, will be of labora-
tory precision, printed on safety stock
and made up of a wide variety of sec-
tions, according to Altec.
AMP A Committee Meets
The 30th anniversary dinner-dance
committee of the Associated Motion
Picture Advertisers, headed by Phil
Williams, met yesterday in New
York's Hotel Edison at luncheon to
further plans for the event, which will
be held on April 23. Others attending
yesterday were : Chester Friedman,
David Bader, Charles Alicoate, Har-
ry Blair, Max Stein, Abe Dash, Her-
man Schlier and Jacques Kopfstein.
Korman in New Post
Howard Korman has joined Dona-
hue and Coe, Inc., as advertising
merchandising director, ending 15
years as vice-president in charge of
merchandising and promotion for Mc-
Cann-Erickson.
Blue Law Hearing
Lenoir, N. C, March 12. — Requests
for repeal of a 1940 ordinance barring
Sunday shows, baseball games and
other forms of amusement here will
be heard shortly by the city council.
Newsprint Shortage
Hits NY Film Ads
An increasing renewed shortage of
newsprint among New York City
daily newspapers has brought about
new reductions in space allocations
tor motion picture and other amuse-
ment advertising, with further reduc-
tions said to be in the offing.
The Daily Mirror, which is de-
scribed as the most hard-pressed,
and the Post, also seriously affected,
are to establish the greatest cuts in
film advertising space. According to
a Herald Tribune advertising depart-
ment spokesman that paper has not
yet etsablished any reductions, but
he said the paper is concerned about
the general shortage and that amuse-
ment and other space will be limited
if conditions do not improve. Sim-
ilar situations exist with other papers.
A Times advertising department
spokesman, who pointed out that the
general shortage of newsprint stems
solely from the fact that transporta-
tion is inadequate, said the Times is
well supplied and, of course, will not
limit advertising space, at least for
the present.
Bill Would Prevent
Race Discrimination
Sacramento, March 12. — An act to
prohibit discrimination on account of
race or color in theatres and other
public places, has been introduced in
the state legislature by Assemblyman
Willard M. Huyck of Beverly Hills.
The measure calls for full and equal
enjoyment of any "accommodation, ad-
vantage or privilege furnished by the-
atres or other public places of amuse-
ment."
Violators shall be liable in a civil
action for damages up to $500.
Memphis Censorship
Extended to County
Memphis, March 12. — Memphis
censorship has been extended to all of
Shelby County by the State Legisla-
ture. The Memphis board of censors
had objected to pictures banned in
Memphis being shown just outside the
city limits.
Projection Bill Passes
Albany, N. Y., March 12. — The
Condon bill to amend the general busi-
ness law to exempt school auditoriums,
halls, and other similar places from
the projection booth restrictions ap-
plying to theatres, has passed the State
Senate. The companion Wadlin meas-
ure is on the Assembly calendar. The
State Labor Department requested the
bill.
Bischoff Slates Two
Hollywood, March 12. — Sam Bisch-
off, independent producer for LTnited
Artists, has established headquarters
at General Service Studios and is
planning two pictures, "The Pitfall"
and "Intrigue."
Edgar W. Adams, 62
Montclair, N. J., March 12. — Ed-
gar W. Adams, 62, Western Electric
general patent attorney, died of a
heart attack at his home here. He is
survived by the widow and three sons.
Pres. Truman Sees
'Years' Third Time
Washington, March 12. — Presi-
dent and Mrs. Truman saw Samuel
Goldwyn's "The Best Years of Our
Lives" for the third time last night
when they attended the local premiere
of the picture at Keith's.
The benefit performance was spon-
sored by the Washington Committee
for National Civilian Rehabilitation,
of which Mrs. Truman is honorary
chairman. Chief Justice Fred M.
Vinson, among many notables 'C^nt,
termed the benefit "still anotL j Evi-
dence of the heart of show business in
assisting this venture in behalf of
civilian rehabilitation."
Scripps-HowardVideo
Promised for Fall
Cleveland, March 12. — Television
by fall is promised Ohio as a result of
Scripps-Howard Radio, Inc.'s new
station, WEWS, which recently an-
nounced leasing of studio quarters for
erection of a micro-wave radio relay
transmitter in the Allerton Hotel pent-
house to beam television broadcasts to
the proposed WEWS transmitter site
in Parma.
Work on the WEWS studio marks
the first step toward starting television
broadcasts by any of the five stations
allocated to Cleveland by the Federal
Communications Commission. It is
also the first to be taken by Scripps-
Howard Radio nationally.
Radio, Video Booms
Air Conditioners
Chicago, March 12. — The addition
of nearly 1,000 standard and FM radio
and television stations throughout the
country will add millions of dollars to
the market for air conditioning equip-
ment, it has been disclosed here by
the Refrigeration Equipment Manu-
facturers Association following an
analysis of 1947 and 1948 construction
plans of radio and television broad-
casters along with a review of the air
conditioning requirements in studios
and auditoriums.
DeVry Plants Closed
By Union Disputes
Chicago, March 12. — A battle be-
tween the American Federation of La-
bor Electrical Workers Union and the
independent International Association
of Machinists has closed two plants of
the DeVry Corp.
IAM has a contract with the com-
pany. However, the AFL unit claims
a majority of workers. M. F. Darling,
president of the latter union, asserts
it is striking for a collective bargain-
ing election.
Fay Testimonial Advanced
Providence, March 12. — The golden
testimonial dinner to be given to Ed-
ward M. Fay, veteran Providence
theatre-owner, by the Independent
Exhibitors of Rhode Island has been
advanced to April 21 from May 1.
The dinner will be held at the Shera-
ton-Biltmore Hotel here.
^ REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS, INC.
1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Clrelt $-6686
Complete Film and
Disc Recording Facilities
Thursday, March 13, 1947
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
500 at Television
Sessions Apr. 14-15
"With a favorable Federal Commu-
nications Commission decision an im-
minent anticipated reality," 500 radio,
advertising and television executives
from all parts of the United States
will meet here April 14-15 at the
Hotel Commodore, it was announced
by Irwin A. Shane, publisher of The
Tele *^r, trade journal, who will be
hosfr~=)he gathering.
Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, television
consultant, and J. R. Poppele, presi-
dent of the Television Broadcasters
Association, will preside as co-chair-
men. Seven panels and four seminars
will explore "television's challenge,"
with costs, programs, sponsors and
equipment occupying top places on the
agendas.
On hand for the discussions con-
cerned with getting more stations and
programs on the air as quickly as pos-
sible will be Dr. Allen B. DuMont;
Dr. Lee deForest; Ernest B. Loveman,
vice-president of Philco Television
Broadcasting; Paul Raibourn, presi-
dent of Paramount Television Produc-
tions; Will Baltin, secretary-treasurer
of the Television Broadcasters Asso-
ciation ; C. L. Hooper, audience re-
search expert; William C. Eddy, man-
ager of Station WBKB, Chicago;
Paul Mowrey, national director of
television, American Broadcasting ;
Ralph Austrian, president of RKO-
Television Corporation ; George Shu-
pert, president of the American Tele-
vision Society, among others.
$1,317,037 for PCC
Hollywood, March 12. — The total
subscribed to the 1947 Permanent
Charities Committee of the industry
was $1,317,037, raising the per capita
average to a new high of $63.75, cam-
paign chairman M. C. Levee announces.
Universal Stay
(Continued from page 1)
result of the lack of such opposition
the high tribunal has granted stays.
Universal's application yesterday
was placed in the hands of Justice
Stanley F. Reed after Justice Robert
Jackson, who normally handles pre-
liminary motions on cases from the
New York Court, disqualified him-
self on the grounds that he was Attor-
ney General when the original com-
plaint was filed.
Although Thomas Turner Cooke,
Universal special counsel, has request-
ed that any arguments on the appli-
cation be held in open court, it is un-
derstood that Justice Reed may hand
down a ruling without the formality
of a hearing. Although opposition to
Universal's request is not planned, a
Department of Justice spokesman said
the government sees "no real reason"
for granting a stay.
Along with competitive bidding,
Universal would have the court stay
those sections of the decree invalidat-
ing existing contracts until after a
final ruling on the company's appeal.
Bidding is scheduled to start July 1,
while the remainder of the decree, as
it affects Universal, goes into effect
April 1.
Columbia's request for a stay is be-
ing prepared for filing this week.
Paramount remains undecided about a
similar petition. The other five defen-
dants have indicated that they are un-
likely to ask for stays.
Minnesota CIO
Fights New Tax
Minneapolis, March 12. —
The Minnesota State CIO has
joined the fight against the
Governor's proposed 20 per
cent admission tax, declaring
that it, along with a proposed
three-cent cigarette tax, de-
prives the public "of a similar
amount of purchasing power
for necessities."
Oklahomans Argue
Against Tax Bill
Oklahoma City, March 12. — A
Senate committee of the Oklahoma
legislature today heard arguments for
and against a bill to extend the tax-
ing powers of city governments of
this state, to include levies on the-
atre admissions and on a variety of
commodities. The committee has de-
layed making a recommendation un-
til after further study.
Monogram Names Page
Hollywood, March 12. — Canadian
Navy veteran Harry C. Page has been
named manager of the Vancouver,
B. C. Monogram exchange. Page was
formerly with United Artists and
Warner Brothers in that territory.
He succeeds Joe Archer, who will now
handle Vancouver 16mm. trade.
Convention Date Changes
Columbus, O., March 12. — Final
dates for the statewide convention of
the Independent Theatre Owners of
Ohio have been changed to July 13-16,
at the Breakers, Cedar Point.
New Exchange Areas
(Continued ]rom page 1)
is understood to be working on a sim-
ilar plan. Paramount likewise hopes
to lighten the pressure at Dallas by
opening an exchange in San Antonio,
where the industry now is represented
only by two Mexican distributors.
Other points where shipping sta-
tions are maintained include : Butte,
Mont., for Columbia, Loew's, Para-
mount, United Artists, RKO Radio
and Republic ; and Sioux Falls, S. D.,
for Paramount and RKO Radio.
The regular exchanges, through
which the distribution business of
most companies has been carried on,
are in Albany, Atlanta, Boston, Buf-
falo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Des
Moines, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas
City, Los Angeles, Memphis, Mil-
waukee, Minneapolis, New Haven,
New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma
City, Omaha, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
Portland, Ore., St. Louis, Salt Lake
City, San Francisco, Seattle and
Washington.
The motion picture arbitration sys-
tem maintains a tribunal in each of
the exchange areas, but the tribunals
are scheduled for liquidation starting
April 1 under the New York Federal
District Court's decree in the indus-
try anti-trust suit.
The competitive bidding clause of
the decree, distribution executives
have pointed out, tends to increase the
detail of business with exhibitors at
each exchange. Although formal bids
must be sent to the home offices, they
are routed from there to the field for
practical handling.
Children's Program
Progresses: Allvine
The Children's Film Library, fos-
tered by the Motion Picture Associa-
tion and participated in by all princi-
pal distributors, has been completely
"sold" to New Orleans exhibitors who
have booked all prints of the films in
that area, as well as five borrowed
from other territories, through June,
Glendon Allvine, MPA public rela-
tions director in New York, reported
here yesterday following a tour of the
South and Cincinnati in behalf of the
program.
Atlanta and Charlotte also have
shown considerable interest in the
library which consists of 27 pictures
of the various companies, designed for
special children's showings on Satur-
days. Only 48 prints were booked in
Cincinnati during the first four
months of the program.
Paramount leads the list, Allvine
states, with 929 bookings of its three
films — "Alice in Wonderland," "Mrs.
Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" and
"Little Miss Marker."
Arthur DeBra is working with All-
vine at the MPA office here on pro-
motion of the pictures. Duke Hickey,
Irwin Deer and Marjorie Dawson are
in the field handling the program.
N. Y. Owners Warn
(Continued from page 1)
ppsed law to empower cities and coun-
ties to increase taxes.
The group here included : Robert W.
Coyne, executive director of the
American Theatres Association ; Os-
car Doob, representing Loew's Thea-
tres ; Fred J. Schwartz, Metropolitan
Motion Picture Theatres Association
president; Morton Sunshine, repre-
senting the Independent Theatre Own-
ers Association of New York ; H. J.
Walters, representing RKO Theatres,
and Sol Ullman, representing Fabian
Theatres.
They contended that films are not a
luxury, and that the proposed legisla-
tion is directed against small wage-
earners and children. They described
such legislation as "regressive" in that
it "could emasculate a medium of edu-
cation, information and persuasion that
has not yet attained its full growth."
The theatremen went away not too
optimistic over chances that the meas-
ure would be defeated or amended.
The Governor's support is believed
enough to insure passage intact.
But as public opposition continues to
mount against the Dewey-proposed
sales and admission taxes, some pos-
sibility is seen here that the legisla-
tion will face either drastic amend-
ment or defeat. Republican legislators
from New York have sided with the
Democrats who are solidly opposed to
the measure. However, a Republican
caucus is said to be in the offing witli
a view toward binding the party to in-
sure passage of the bill unamended.
The lateness in the legislative session
is said to pose the main difficulty in
making amendments, since all bills are
required to lie on lawmakers' desks for
three days before being voted upon.
Adjournment of the legislature is
threatened for Saturday night. If,
however, the session is extended an-
other week, amendments, including,
possibly, elimination of the admission
tax provision, could be made. Mean-
while, some Senators have indicated
they would oppose the amusement tax
if it fell on working-class theatre
patrons.
"Sure to
receive
cheers the
Motion Picture
Herald
Released thru (0
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 13, 1947 1
Estimates of Key City Grosses
TPOLLOWING are estimated pic-
P ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
CHICAGO
"The Beginning or the End" opened
strong, while "The Yearling" contin-
ues to do good business. A number
of other films also are grossing above
average. Estimated receipts for the
week ending March 12-13 :
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— APOLLO
(1,200) (95c) 11th week. Gross: $17,000. (Av-
erage: $12,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) — CHICAGO
(3,900) (95c) On stage: Connee Boswell and
Dean Murphy. 3rd week. Gross: $50,000.
(Average: $62,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M)— GARRICK (1.000) (95c) Gross: $20,000.
(Average: $13,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
GRAND (1,150) (95c) 4th week. Gross:
$21,000. (Average: $18,000)
THE CHASE (UA) — ORIENTAL (3,200)
(95c) On stage: "Showtime of 1947." 2nd
week. Gross: $40,000. (Average: $48,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) and SWEET-
HEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.) — PAL-
ACE (2,500) (65c-95c) Gross: $25,000. (Av-
erage: $48,000)
THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (PRC
reissue) and! KIT CARSON (PRC reissue)
— RIALTO (1,687) (65c-95c) Gross: $20,000.
(Average: $11,000)
HUMORESQUE ( W B ) — ROOSEVELT
(1,000) (95c) 5th week. Gross: $19,000. (Av-
erage: $20,000.
THE YEARLING (M-G-M) — STATE-
LAKE (2,700) (95c) 3rd week. Gross: $38,-
000. (Average: $30,000)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) —
UNITED ARTISTS (1,700) (95c) 4 days.
Gross: $18,000. (Average: $27,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— WOODS (1.200) (95c-$1.20-
$1.40-$1.80). 12th week. Gross: $34,000.
(Average: $28,000)
BUFFALO
Except for good business for "Nora
Prentiss" at the Great Lakes, films at
first-run theatres are playing to aver-
age business or below. The ground
is still under much snow. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March IS :
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M)— BUFFALO (3,489) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7
days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $19,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— GREAT LAKES
(3,000) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $25,-
300. (Average: $18,000)
HUMORESQUE (WB) and VACATION
DAYS (Mono.) — HIPPODROME (2,100)
(40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week on a
moveover. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,-
000)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I) and
CRIME DOCTOR'S MANHUNT (Col.)—
LAFAYETTE (3,000) (40c-£0c-60c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average:
$15,000)
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M) and
AFFAIRS OF GERALDINE (Rep.)-TECK
(1,500) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $5,500. (Average: $6,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) and QUEEN
OF BURLESQUE (PRC) — TWENTIETH
CENTURY (3,000) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $16,000. (Average: $16,000)
SAN FRANCISCO
Business has fallen off for all films
except "Smash-Up," coupled with
"Accomplice," which is above average
at two houses. Estimated receipts for
the week ending March 14:
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I) and THE 13TH
HOUR (Col.)— ORPHEUM (2,440) (55c-85c)
7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $14,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and THE GHOST
GOES WILD (Rep.)— FOX (4,651) (60c-85c)
7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,500. (Aver-
age: $32,000).
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
GOLDEN GATE (2,825) (65c-$1.0O) With
vaudeville. 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$24,000. (Average: $32,000)
SMASH-UP (U-I) and ACCOMPLICE
(PRC)-ESQUIRE (1.008) (55c-85c) 7 days.
Gross: $9,000. (Average: $6,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M) and SEVEN WERE SAVED
(Para,)— PARAMOUNT (2,835) (60c-85c) 7
days. Gross: $19,000. Average: $23,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and THE GHOST
GOES WILD (Rep.)-UNITED NATIONS
(1,129) (60c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$4,000. (Average: $6,000)
SMASH-UP (U-I) and ACCOMPLICE
(PRC)— TIVOLI (1,008) (55c-85c) 7 days.
Gross: $15,000. (Average: $14,000)
THE RED HOUSE (UA) — UNITED ART-
ISTS (1,465) (85c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross:
$11,500. (Average: $14,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— WARFIELD (2,672) (60c-85c) 7
days. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $27,000)
KANSAS CITY
"Sinbad the Sailor," coupled with
"Dangerous Money," is setting the
pace here, with business generally be-
ing above average. There was heavy
snow early in the week, temperatures
falling into the 20's, but the period
ended with a thaw. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 11-13:
THE ANGEL AND THE BADMAN
(Rep.)— ESQUIRE (800) (45c-65c) 7 days.
Gross: $9,400. (Average: $8,000)
THE ANGEL AND THE BADMAN
(Rep.)— FAIRWAY (700) (45c-65c) 7 days.
Gross: $1,900. (Average: $1,750)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M) and BLIND SPOT (Col.) — MID-
LAND (3.500) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$16,000. (Average: $15,000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — NEWMAN
(1,900) (45c-6Sc) 7 days. Gross: $12,000.
(Average: $11,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) and
DANGEROUS MONEY (Mono.) — OR-
PHEUM (1,900) (45c -65c) 7 days. Gross:
$16,500. (Average: $10,000)
HOME SWEET HOMICIDE (20th-Fox)
and MAGNIFICENT ROGUE (Rep.)—
TOWER (2,100) (45c-65c) 7 days. Stage
show. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $9,000)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.)—
UPTOWN (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$6,700. (Average: $6,000)
INDIANAPOLIS
A slump is evident here, with most
grosses running below average. "Song
of the South," co-featured with
"Blondie's Big Moment," is an excep-
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tion however. Estimated receipts for
the week ended March 11-12:
NOCTURNE (RKO-Radio) and VACA-
TION IN RENO (RKO-Radio)— CTRCLE
(2,800) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $11,700)
HUMORESQUE (WB)— INDIANA (3,200)
(40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average:
$15,800)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)—
KEITH'S (1,300*) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross:
$7,500. (Average: $9,000)
THE CHASE (UA) and THE RETURN
OF MONTE CRISTO (Col.) — LOEWS
(2,450) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $14,400)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO Radio) and
BLONDIE'S BIG MOMENT (Col.) —
LYRIC (1,600) (40c-60c) 7 days on a move-
over from the Indiana. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $6,700)
BOSTON
Although night business has held up
well, daytime grosses have slumped,
pulling down the over-all average.
The weather has been good. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ended
March 12:
SWEETHEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.)
—BOSTON (2,900) (50c-$1.10) Stage show,
Jimmy Dorsey and orchestra. Gross: $30, :
000. (Average: $31,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and SUSIE STEPS
OUT (UA)— FENWAY (1,700) (40c-80c).
Gross: $5,600. (Average: $6,500)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (ZOth-Fox) — ME-
MORIAL (2,900) (40c-80c). Gross: $24,000.
(Average: $27,200)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.) and
HER SISTER'S SISTER (PRC)— METRO-
POLITAN (4.736) (40c-80c). Gross: $23,-
000. Average: $26,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— ORPHEUM (3,200) (40c-80c).
Gross: $22,000. (Average: $25,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) and SUSIE STEPS
OUT (UA)— PARAMOUNT (1,700) (40c-
80c). Gross: $13,000. (Average: $14,900)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— STATE (2,900) (35c-80c). Gross:
$14.00. (Average: $17,000)
ATLANTA
Better than average grosses were
collected by most theatres here. The
weather has been fair. Estimated re-
ceipts for the week ended March 12 :
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — FOX (4,661) (55c-
60c). Gross: $14,000. (Average: $13,000)
CROSS MY HEART (Para.)— PARA-
MOUNT (2.447) (55c-60c). Gross: $8,300.
(Average: $8,200)
TT'S A JOKE, SON (PRC)— ROXY (2,446)
(55c-60c). Gross: $8,300. (Average: $5.6001
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— LOEWS GRAND (2.554) (55c-
60c). Gross: $15,000. (Average: $15,000)
THE DARK MIRROR (U-I)-CAPITAL
(2.446) (55c-60c) 2nd week, moveover from
Fox. Gross: $4,400. (Average: $4,200)
DENVER
Fine weather helped first-runs to
good business. "The Jolson Story"
and "California" showed especially
good grosses. Estimated receipts for
the week ended March 12 :
RAMROD (UA) and BETTY CO-ED (Col.)
—ALADDIN (1,400) (35c-74c) 7 days, after
week each at Denver, Esquire. Webber.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $4,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M) and CARAVAN TRAIL (PRC)
-BROADWAY (1.500) (35c-74c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $9,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.)— DENHAM (1,750)
(35c-74c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,000.
("Average: $11,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (CoL)— DENVER
(2,525^ (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date with
Esquire. Webber. Gross: $20,000. (Aver-
age: $15,000)
THE .'OLSON STORY (Col.)— ESQUIRE
(742) (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date with
Denver, Webber. Gross: $6,000.
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) and
VACATION IN RENO (RKO Radio)— OR-
PHEUM (2,600) (35c-74c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $11,000. (Average: $15,500)
THE MAN I LOVE (WB) and MR. HEX
(Mono.)— PARAMOUNT (2,200) (35c-74c) 7
days. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $8,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (ZOth-Fox) and
ROLLING HOME (Screen Guild)— RIAL-
TO (878) (35c-74c) 7 days, after week each
at Denver, Esquire, Webber, Aladdin.
Gross: $4,000. (Average: $3,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— WEBBER
(750) (35c-74c) 7 days, day and date with
Denver, Esquire. Gross: $4,000. >rage:
$2,000) I
CLEVELAND
Vaudeville has returned to the RKO
Palace after a 12-week absence. With
"San Quentin" on the screen, the
week's gross at the theatre is near the
house average. Estimated receipts for
the week ending March 12-13 :
HER SISTER'S SECRET (PRC)— LOEWS
OHIO (1,268) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,-
000. (Average: $7,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)-LOEW'S STATE (3,300) (50c-
70c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average:
$23,800)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.)-
LOEW'S ST1LLMAN (1,900) (50c-70c) 7
days. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $11,000)
STONE FLOWER (Artkino)— LOWER
MALL (563) (45c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $3,000. (Average: $2,500)
I'LL BE YOURS (U-I)-RKO ALLEN
(3,000) (55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500.
(Average: $12,000)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio)-RKO PAL-
ACE (3,300) (60c-85c-95c). Stage: King
Cole Trio and acts. Gross: $42,000. (Aver-
age: $30,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)- WARNERS'
HIPPODROME (3,500) (55c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $29,000. (Average: $22,600)
HUMORESQUE (WB) — WARNERS'
LAKE (714) (55c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $4,000. (Average: $3,650)
ST. LOUIS
"Swell Guy" is the leader here, with
"Song of the South" also playing to
good business. Estimated receipts for
the week ended March 12:
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
—AMBASSADOR (3,154) (50c-60c-75c) 2nd
week. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $18,000)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (RKO< Radio)—
FOX (5,038) (50c-60c-7Sc). Gross: $24,000.
(Average: $20,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— LOEWS
ORPHEUM (1,900) (50c-60c-75c). Gross:
$11,000. (Average: $9,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— LOEWS STATE (3,154) (50c-
50c-75c). Gross: $16,000. (Average: $20,-
000)
ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (Rep.) and
AFFAIRS OF GERALDINE (Rep.) — MIS-
SOURI (3,514) (50c-60c-75c). Gross: $9,000.
(Average: $12,500)
SWELL GUY (U-I)-ST. LOUIS (4,000)
(50c-60c-75c). Gross: $12,000. (Average:
$6,000)
MINNEAPOLIS
Balmy weather has been furnishing
somewhat damaging competition to
theatre business. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 13 :
CALIFORNIA (Para,)— CENTURY (1,500)
(50c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week (moveover from
Radio City). Gross: $7,500. (Average: $7,300)
THE SHOCKING MISS PILGRIM (ZOth-
Fox)— LYRIC (1,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $4,250. (Average: $5,600)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — RKO
ORPHEUM (2,800) (50c-70c) 7 days, 4th
week. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $14,500)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — RADIO CITY
(4.0C0) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000.
(Average: $18,000)
PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (Col. reissue)
and MY SISTER EILEEN (Col. reissue)-
RKO PAN (1.500) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross:'
$6,000. (Average: $8,500)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M)— STATE (2,300) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$13,000. Average: $13,000)
(Continued on following page)
j Thursday, March 13, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Short
Subjects
"The Teachers' Crisis"
{March of Time — 20th-Fox)
In "The Teachers' Crisis," March
of Time serves up a well-knit, com-
prehensive analysis of the jeopardy in
which the American educational struc-
ture 's itself today. This is certain-
ly olf~—h the best MOT presentations
to date and as timely as this morning's
headlines. Some startling facts are re-
vealed to explain why fully 100,000
U. S. school children are inadequate
ly taught, and why teachers are under
paid to the extent that a full-scale
exodus from the profession has been
underway for a decade.
Eye-opening penetration into Amer
ica's education sore-spot, aided by
some first-rate dramatizing in which
classroom youngsters shine, makes
this subject one that can be recom
mended unqualifiedly to exhibitors
everywhere. Running time, l6T/-> min
utes.
"San Francisco —
Pacific Gateway"
(This Is America-RKO Radio)
Careful selectivity of subject mat
ter, points of particular interest in
San Francisco, and splendid photogra-
phy combine to make this newest This
Is America subject a short which may
be relied on for almost any program
Both camera and commentary point to
the growth of the city since its found
ing 100 years ago, and its position in
finance, commerce, and industry.
Color material includes Chinatown
and Fisherman's Wharf. Frederic
Ullman, Jr., produced. Running time
18 minutes.
"Have You Any Castles?
(Warner Brothers)
Characters on various book-covers
come to life in this Technicolor fable,
which takes place in a library. The
din made by the literature people is
so great that even old Rip Van Winkle
cannot sleep. With the aid of other
book titles, Rip gets rid of the an
noyers and returns to his slumber.
Running time, seven minutes.
Key City Grosses
(Continued from preceding page)
Chicago Bids
(Continued from page 1)
SALT LAKE CITY
Business generally is good, wit!
"It's a Wonderful Life" in the lead
The weather continues mild and clear
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing March 13 :
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— CAPITOL (1,-
878) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$8,S0O. (Average: $7,800)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio)— CENTRE
(1,700) (20c-5Sc-75c) 7 days. Gross: $14,-
500. (Average: $13,600)
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE (PRC) and
SANTA FE UPRISING (Rep.) — LYRIC
(1,500) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. With vaude-
ville. Gross: $3,700. (Average: $3,700)
THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO' POLO
(Film Classics) and NORTH OF THE
BORDER (Screen Guild)— RIALTO (1,300)
(20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd wek. Gross: $5,-
000. (Average: $3,600)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (RKO Radio)
-STUDIO' (800) (20c-55c-75c). Gross: $7,-
700. (Average: $4,800)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— UPTOWN (1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7
days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $5,900)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
UTAH (1,700) (20c-55c-75c) 10 days. Gross:
$13,500. (Average, for 7 days: $12,300)
which the decree provisions are inter-
preted by individual company attor-
neys.
Paramount, for example, affixes a
minimum price tag to each picture of-
fered to competing exhibitors who
wish to bid for it, according to J.
Harold Steevns, branch manager.
RKO Radio, on the other hand, does
not, Sam Gorelick, manager, said.
Paramount allows 10 days for submis-
sion of bids ; RKO up to 24 days.
Film Row opinion on the subject of
a minimum price tag is divided. One
executive feels that any bid in excess
of the specified minimum may have to
be accepted but in the absence of a
minimum all bids may be rejected if
they prove unsatisfactory at the time
of receipt.
Independent theatres in at least three
downstate theatres are known to be
bidding currently against Great States
Circuit, a Paramount affiliate. The
Wanee in Kewanee, operated by Nor-
ton & Bramlett, is bidding against
Great States' Peerless ; the Avon, De-
catur, operated by Gus Constan, is bid-
ding against the Lincoln and Empress
there, and Kerasotes Bros. Senate,
Springfield, against Great States'
Orpheum.
In Decatur, RKO offered four pic-
tures competitively, two going to the
Avon, and two to Great States. Other
awards have not been made yet.
The Manta-Rose circuit, operating
29 houses in Illinois-Indiana, lost prod-
uct in Michigan City, Ind., to Lewis
Philon, "a veteran, who reopened the
Liberty there on Feb. 4. In Maywood,
111., the Van Nomikos Circuit has
asked to bid for product for its Yale
Theatre against Manta & Rose's Lido.
Inauguration of competitive bidding
is credited with having brought about
the settlement of one anti-trust suit
and one neighborhood feud already.
Philon is plaintiff on an anti-trust
suit filed against Manta-Rose and dis-
tributors, alleging inability to obtain
product. With bidding, he gained sec-
ond run in Michigan City and can
bid for first run with Paramount,
Loew's and 20th-Fox. In consequence,
an agreement settling his suit out of
court is now being negotiated.
The product "feud" involved Jim
Booth's Palace and Bartelstein's An-
netta in Cicero. With the inaugura-
tion of bidding by MGM and RKO
Radio, both obtained product and the
feud appears to have been resolved.
(Editor's Note: A second install-
ment on the status of competitive bid-
ding in the Chicago exchange area
will be published tomorrow.)
Mexican Union Lifts
Anti-Red Film Ban
RKO Advertising
(Continued from page 1)
Mexico City, March 12. — Two
film satires on Communism, "Ninot-
chka" and "He Stayed for Break-
fast," are now being shown in Mex-
ico without any demonstrations from
the powerful Confederation of Mexi-
can Workers, which prevented show-
ing of the films in 1940 by calling
strikes against theatres scheduled to
show them.
The Confederation, which controls
most Mexican film labor, explained
at the time that it disapproved of the
pictures because of their treatment of
Communism. Government censors
had approved both pictures, but the
Confederation's walkout prevented
their showing.
The fact that there were no pro-
tests this time is taken as an indica-
tion of less Communistic strength in
the Confederation.
product were blue-printed.
Each picture will be dealt with,
promotionally, as it comes up rather
than being placed within the limita-
tions of an established annual budget
for advertising, McCormick said.
Top product will still be backed by
extensive, nationwide campaigns. In
this category are : "The Locket," "The
Farmer's Daughter," "Honeymoon,"
"Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer," "The
Long Night," Walt Disney's "Fun
and Fancy Free," "Woman on the
Beach," "They Won't Believe Me,"
Samuel Goldwyn's "The Secret Life
of Walter Mitty," "If You Knew
Susie" and "Tycoon," among others.
SIMPP Names Advisors
Hollywood, March 12. — The Soci-
ety of Independent Motion Picture
Producers has appointed a six-man
advisory committee to counsel execu-
tives on the recently announced col-
lective activity program. Committee
members are : Joe Alvin, chairman and
Barry Buchanan, William Herbert,
Jerry Hoffman, Joe Reddy and Bernie
Williams.
Republic Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
terms are : Samuel Becker of the New
York law firm' of Becker and Ber-
man; Harry M. Goetz, producer, and
Harry C. Mills, an executive of the
J. C. Penney Co. Retiring directors
are : Walter P. Stevens, John J.
O'Connell and Walter W. Vincent.
President Herbert J. Yates, a com-
pany proxy statement discloses, last
year received $69,430 apart from his
participation in consolidated net prof-
its, which amounted to $100,000 addi-
tionally. His contract is for a five-
year term, beginning Jan. 1, 1946. He
will receive $75,000 a year plus 10
per cent of the annual consolidated
net profits after taxes.
Majors Offer Increase
(Continued from page 1)
present offer are those on strike, the
Musicians' Union (which received a
special contract in New York last
year), IATSE cameramen and sound
men) whose contracts are still under
negotiations), and others still debat-
ing points in offered contracts.
The Motion Picture Association
has estimated that the increase will
amount to $11,000,000 in 1947. In-
dependent producers customarily du-
plicate the majors' wage scales au-
tomatically.
SAG Sets Date
(Continued from page 1)
Mexican Union Seeks
Dispute Settlement
Mexico City, March 12. — President
Miguel Aleman has been asked by the
National Cinematographic Industry
Workers Union, Mexico's original
film labor organization, to effect a
working agreement with its rival, the
Picture Production Workers Union,
which is dominated by the players and
headed by Mario Moreno (Cantin-
flas).
Producers are eager for peace be-
tween the two unions which have baen
at odds for two years over the dis-
tribution of workers from each among
the producers. Efforts are also being
made to merge the two unions.
Mexican Workers To
Demand 40% Increase
_ Mexico City, March 12.— The Na-
tional Cinematographic Industry
Workers Union is expected to de-
mand a 40 per cent wage increase
around May or June, prior to the ex-
piration in August of their two-year
contract which American distributors
made to end the 1945 strike.
Both American and Mexican dis-
tributors claim a further pay rise
would eliminate all profits which are
said to be averaging about seven per
cent of gross income.
Mexico Expansion
(Continued front page 1)
lar committee to represent them,
stating that the new contract, while
admittedly complex, can be negoti-
ated in 30 days if daily meetings are
held.
Guild demands will be outlined to
a full membership meeting April l).
The new pact, when completed, will
also be submitted to the full mem-
bership for approval.
outlet for its films. The Government
has agreed to help finance plans which
call for an investment of some $4,000,-
000 for about 10 theatres, three or
four here and the others in principal
provincial cities. The first, here, is
nearly finished. It is expected to open
in the summer. Work on the others
will start as soon as possible.
That the Government has agreed to
help finance the circuit is seen as a
further demonstration of its policy
against monopolies and for free-trade.
The rest of the financing will be from
Filmex's bank, the manager of which
is Simon Wishnack.
Besides producing and distributing,
Filmex also owns and operates Mexi-
co's second largest studio, the Azteca,
here. The company president is Gre-
gorio Walerstein. Oscar J. Brooks,
for some years Warner manager here,
is distribution chief. Manuel Suarez,
wealthy Spaniard who has numerous
industrial interests in Mexico, is a
board member.
Adding exhibition to production-
distribution is also being arranged by
Producciones Grovas, also one of the
big four of Mexican producers, whose
president is Jesus Grovas, who. 15
years ago, was Paramount assistant
manager here. Grovas is completing
plans for a circuit, the size of which
has not yet been decided but is ex-
pected to be about six as a starter.
8
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
Thursday, March 13, 1947
Reviews
'High Barbaree"
Hollywood
{M-G-M)
THOMAS MITCHELL, seafaring man spinning his tall yarns, tells his
tallest to Van Johnson about an imaginary South Sea island which he
calls "High Barbaree." It never was there in the first place, but it is enough
to condition the life of Claude Jarman, Jr., who grows up to be Johnson and
to provide the foundation line of the film, in which June Allyson is co-star.
"High Barbaree" is a pleasant enough film, with several touching moments.
While no great shakes as an attraction, it ought to provide satisfaction at
large and probably something beyond where Johnson displays particular
strength. Most of it is told by way of flashback.
The film opens in the Pacific war zone with Johnson and the girl in loving
farewell. His plane is shot down in the sea, the crew killed, except for two
men. The outlook is discouraging until the chart indicates the wind is_ convoy-
ing the disabled plane toward "High Barbaree," or so Johnson believes. In
retrospect, thereafter Johnson unfolds his life tale, the flow of the story
interrupting itself intermittently to return the audience to the disabled machine.
How he and Miss Allyson grew up as kids, were separated when her family
moved West and how he foregoes medicine for a quick killing in aviation are
portions of the yarn. Other chapters show the girl's return — this time a woman
— and how the old romance and the old ambitions are rekindled. Then comes
the war. Johnson is off to combat as a flyer, she as an Army nurse. In the
finale, the hospital ship — Mitchell, its captain, and Miss Allyson, one of its
nurses — goes off course to locate and find Johnson.
"High Barbaree" is adventure-love-romance in standard proportions and
has no villain aside from the war. Its principal performances in a cast which
includes Henry Hull, Marilyn Maxwell and Cameron Mitchell, are satis-
factory. Everett Riskin produced and Jack Conway directed, from a script by
Anne Morrison Chapin, Whitfield Cook and Cyril Hume, from a novel by
Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall.
Running time 91 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Red Kann
"High Conquest"
{Monogram)
Hollywood, March 12
ANNA LEE, Gilbert Roland and Warren Douglas are the principals in a
triangular struggle filmed against the breath-taking scenery of the Swiss
Alps. Producer-director Irving Allen, who last summer took a camera crew
to Zermatt to photograph the backgrounds for this unusual film, herewith
proves the validity of his contention that not all of Hollywood's resources
can equal the emotional impact of man's struggle against nature, filmed on the
spot and at the moment of its occurrence.
The Matterhorn, that mysteriously fascinating mountain, is at once the
background for Max Trell's screenplay, and one of the participants in the
drama itself. Both of the leading male characters are expert climbers,
though one of them suffers from a neurotic dread of the Matterhorn, upon
whose slopes his father died. Both of them are in love with the same girl, a
conflict that is heightened when the three attempt the ascent of the mountain
together. Roland, cast as an Alpine guide, plans to rid himself of his rival
forever, and leaves the unconscious Douglas to his fate on the summit. When
the girl learns of his action she learns, too, the true state of her heart. She
persuades the guide to go back and rescue the man she loves. Reluctantly,
he does so, and loses his own life thereby. The picture's freshness of approach,
and the sense of reality which that approach conveys, make it more than
ordinarily absorbing.
Running time, 83 minutes. General audience classification. Release date^
April 19. Thalia Bell-
Production In
New Climb; Up
Three, to 41
Hollywood, March 12. — Produc-
tion continues to climb, the shooting
index reaching 41, compared with last
week's level of 38. Three films went
to cutting rooms, and six reached the
stages. The production scene fol-
lows :
Columbia
Started: "Swing the Western
Way," with Jack Leonard, Mary Du-
gan, Hoosier Hot Shots, Thurston
Hall.
Shooting : "The Man from Colo-
rado," "Assigned to Treasury" (Ken-
nedy-Buchman) ; "Her Husband's
Affairs" (formerly "The Lady Knew
How) ."
Eagle-Lion
Started: "The Red Stallion," with
Noreen Nash, Ted Donaldson, Jane
Darwell, Robert Paige, Guy Kib-
bee.
Shooting : "Out of the Blue,"
"Love from a Stranger."
M-G-M
Started: "Good News," with Gene
Kelly, Judy Garland.
Shooting : "Song of the Thin Man,"
"The Hucksters."
Monogram
Finished : "Louisiana."
Started : "The Law Comes to Gun-
sight," with Johnny Mack Brown,
Raymond Hatton, Reno Blair.
Shooting : "Sarge Goes to College,"
"The Gangster" (Allied Artists).
Paramount
Shooting: "The Big Clock," "Road
to Rio," "Albuquerque" (Clarion).
PRC
Finished : "Gangway for Murder."
RKO Radio
Started : "Crossfire," with Robert
Young, Robert Mitchum, Robert
Ryan, Gloria Grahame, Jacqueline
White.
Shooting : "Tycoon," "Indian Sum-
mer," "If You Knew Susie," "The
Bishop's Wife" (Goldwyn).
Republic
Finished: "The Trespasser."
Started: "Saddle Pals," with Gene
Autry, Sterling Holloway, Lynne
Roberts.
Shooting : "Springtime in the Sier-
ras."
Selznick
Shooting : "Portrait of Jennie,"
"The Paradine Case."
20th Century-Fox
Shooting : "Scudda Hoo, Scudda
Hay," "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,"
"Captain from Castile," "Forever
Amber."
United Artists
Shooting: "Atlantis" (Nero);
"Body and Soul" (Enterprise).
Universal-International
Shooting : "Jeopardy," "For the
Love of Mary," "Singapore," "The
Secret Beyond the Door" (Diana) ;
"Brute Force" (Hellinger).
Owners May Close
All Belgian Houses
By LOUIS QUIEVREAUX
Brussels, March 4 (By Airmail).—
Initial voting by members of Associa-
tion des Directeurs de Theatres Cine-
matographiques Beiges, Belgian ex-
hibitor organization, shows an over-
whelming number to be in favor of
closing their theatres in protest against
the official refusal of Economic Affairs
Minister Liebaert to allow theatre
operators to fix admission prices. Of
the first 200 ballots recorded, 198 exr
hibitors are in favor of a "strike," and
only two are opposed.
Warners
Shooting: "Voice of the Turtle,"
"Two Guys from Texas," "Wall-
flower," "The Unfaithful," "The Un-
suspected" (Curtiz).
International Film
Exhibition Aug. 23
By ARGEO SANTUCCI
Rome, March 3 ( By Airmail ) —Ven-
ice will hold an International Cinema
Exhibition beginning Aug. 23, to con-
tinue for a maximum of 18 days.
Nations having a production of
more than 200 films a year may show
four feature films and five shorts.
Those producing from 50 to 200 a
year may show two features and three
shorts. Other producing countries may
show one feature and two shorts.
A jury representing all participating
countries will award an international
grand prize, seven international prizes
to features, and prizes for documen-
taries, cartoons and short films.
The date chosen for the Exhibition
has been protested by the industry be-
cause the Cannes Film Festival is an-
nounced for Sept. 1 and there are to
be festivals in Belgium and Sweden.
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, March 12 I
TN a package deal, RKO Radio '
1 has acquired from Hal Wallis
screen rights to "The White Swamp," j
as well as Lizabeth Scott and Burt '
Lancaster, who will be starredjn the 1
picture, Byron Haskin, whoA^f di-
rect, and cameraman Leo Tovl 'iSort
Granet is slated to produce. . . . ]
Donald (Red) Barry has been signed i
by Republic to a new seven-year con-
tract. He will be starred in the forth- I
coming Trucolor production, "Slippy
McGee."
•
"John Loves Mary," Norman
Krasna's current Broadivay success,
will be brought to the screen by War- <
ners. Jerry Wald hast been assigned |
to produce. . . . Scott R. Dunlap is \
to take over production of "The
Hunted," Steve Fisher's story which j
Allied Artists acquired recently from
the King brothers. Jack Bernhard \
will direct. . . . Victor McLaglen has j
returned to 20th Century-Fox' for his
first assignment there in five years, j
a top role in "The Foxes of Har- >
row," which William Bacher will pro- \
duce and John M. Stahl will direct.
•
Betty Hutton and Diana Lynn
have been selected for the title
roles in "The Sainted Sisters,"
which Mitchel Leisen will direct and
Val Lewton will produce for Para-
mount. . . . Irene Dunne and Bar-
bara Bel Geddes will be co-starred,
and Oscar Homolka will have a top
featured role in "I Remember
Mama," Harriet Parsons' next pro-
duction at RKO Radio. George
Stevens will direct. . . . Phil Karl- !
son has been engaged to direct "Kil- j
roy Was Here," Monogram film
starring Jackie Coogan and Jackie
Cooper.
•
Diana Productions, which releases j
through Universal-International, has I
purchased "Corruption," original by
Silvia Richards, reported to be based j
on the current gubernatorial squabble 1
in Georgia. . . . Among those compet- i
ing for the attentions of Franchot
Tone in his next picture for Colum-
bia, "Double Take," will be Janet ;
Blair, Janis Carter and Adele Jer- j
gens. S. Sylvan Simon will produce
and direct. . . . Jack Schwarz plans '
to produce "Western Barn Dance" for ;
screen Guild release, and has engaged
B. B. Ray, who wrote the original i
story, to direct the picture.
•
William Dieterle will direct David
O. Selznick's production of "Rupert
of Hentzau," in which Valli, Louis
Jourdan and Joseph Cotten are set
for stellar roles. . . . John Ford and
Merian C. Cooper, who head Argosy \
Pictures, have signed Pedro Armen- \
dariz to star in five films for the com-
pany. . . . Patricia Marshall, young
signer who scored on Broadway in
"Day Before Spring'' will make her \
film debut in "Good News," now
shooting at M-G-M.
Michael Curtiz Productions has
purchased "Shadow of Fear," orig-
inal by Frances Marion, and added
it to the comnany's production
schedule for release through War-
ners. . . . George Archainbaud has
been engaged to direct a series of L
seven "Hopalong Cassidy" features.
DO NOT REMC
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
a©
61. NO. 51
NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1947
TEN CENTS
Argue Decree
Stay Motions
On March 25
To Pass on 'U' Petition;
Columbia Filing Today
Washington, March 13. — Jus-
tice Stanley F. Reed of the U. S.
Supreme Court has set March 25
for a hearing on Universale appli-
cation for a stay of competitive bid-
ding and certain other sections of the
New York Federal District Court's
decree in the industry anti-trust suit.
Thomas Turner Cooke, special coun-
sel for the company, will present argu-
ments for the petition.
The hearing will be held exactly a
week before the April 1 effective date
of most sections of the decree, and a
(Continued on page 9)
Pickwick Anti-Trust
Suit Is Settled
The six-year old Pickwick Theatre
anti-trust suit against major distribu-
tors has been settled by parties to the
litigation and has been withdrawn, a
stipulation on file in the U. S. Circuit
Court of Appeals here revealed yes-
terday.
Counsel and representatives of all
(Continued on page 9)
State Senate Passes
Local Levy Bill
Albany, N. Y., March 13. — The
Senate tonight passed the Burney Bill,
53-to-l, permitting counties and large
cities to levy special taxes, including
a five per cent amusement tax. Sena-
tor Kenneth Sherbell, ALP, of Kings
County, was the lone dissenter.
The Assembly is expected to con-
cur. The Legislature will not adjourn
(Continued on page 3)
New Academy Rules
On Trial in Choices
Hollywood, March 13. — On trial
tonight before the entire industry
well as before the audience which
jammed the 6,700-seat Shrine Audi-
torium for the 19th annual Academy
(Continued on page 12)
Academy Winners
HOLLYWOOD, March 13.— The Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences tonight announced the following winners of its an-
nual awards:
Best motion picture of the year — "The Best Years of Our Lives,"
Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio.
Best performance by an actor — Fredric March in "The Best Years
of Our Lives," Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio.
Best performance by an actress — Olivia deHaviland in "To Each
His Own," Paramount.
Best performance by an actor in a supporting role — Harold Russell
in "The Best Years of Our Lives," Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio.
Best performance by an actress in a supporting role — Anne Baxter
in "The Razor's Edge," 20th Century-Fox.
Best achievement in directing — "The Best Years of Our Lives,"
Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio; William Wyler.
Best written screenplay — "The Best Years of Our Lives," Samuel
Goldwyn, RKO-Radio, Screenplay by Robert E. Sherwood.
Best original screenplay — "The Seventh Veil," J. Arthur Rank-
Sydney Box-Ortus, Universal (British). Screen play by Muriel
Box and Sydney Box.
Best original motion picture story — "Vacation from Marriage,"
London Films Prods., Ltd., M-G-M (British). Original story by
Clemence Dane.
Best achievements in art direction — Black-and-white: "Anna and the
King of Siam," 20th Century-Fox. Lyle Wheeler and William
Darling. Color: "The Yearling," M-G-M. Cedric Gibbons and Paul
Groesse.
Certificates of merit to interior decorators of the productions
receiving awards for art direction — Black-and-white: "Anna and
the King of Siam," 20th Century-Fox. Thomas Little and Frank
E. Hughes. Color: "The Yearling," M-G-M. Edwin B. Willis.
Best achievements in cinematography — Black-and-white: "Anna and
the King of Siam," 20th Century-Fox. Arthur Miller. Color:
"The Yearling," M-G-M. Charles Rosher, Leonard Smith and
Arthur Arling.
Best achievements in sound recording — "The Jolson Story," Colum-
bia, John Livadary.
Best achievements in film editing — "The Best Years of Our Lives,"
Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio. Daniel Mandell.
Best achievements in special effects — "Blithe Spirit," J. Arthur
Rank-Noel Coward-Cineguild, U.A. (British). Thomas Howard,
Special Visual Effects.
Best short subjects — Cartoons: "The Cat Concert," M-G-M. Fred-
erick Quimby, Producer. One-reel: "Facing Your Danger," Warner
Bros. Gordon Hollingshead, Producer. Two-reel: "A Boy and
His Dog," Warner Bros. Gordon Hollingshead, Producer.
Best scoring of a musical picture — "The Jolson Story," Columbia.
By Morris Stoloff.
Best music scoring of a dramatic or comedy picture — "The Best
Years of Our Lives," Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio. By Hugo
Friedhofer.
Best original song — "On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe" from
"The Harvey Girls," M-G-M. Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics
by Johnny Mercer.
Distinctive achievement in documentary production — Short subject:
"Seeds of Destiny," U. S. War Department.
The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for the most consistently
high quality of production achieved by an individual producer —
Sam Goldwyn.
Special award to Laurence Olivier as producer, director and star
of "Henry V."
Special Junior award to Claude Jarman,, Jr., actor in "The
Yearling," M-G-M.
Special award to Harold Russell, actor in "The Best Years of
Our Lives," Samuel Goldwyn, RKO-Radio.
Special achievement award to Ernest Lubitsch, director.
Bidding Could
Start for All
Firms April 1
See Sec. 2 Permitting
Theatres to Demand It
All major distributors can be
compelled to offer their product to
bidders on and after April 1 in any
competitive situation under the pro-
visions of paragraph nine, section
two, of the New York decree, com-
pany attorneys and sales executives
here conceded yesterday.
Paragraph nine of section two,
which becomes effective April 1,
whereas the decree's competitive bid-
ding provision is not effective until
July 1, enjoins the distributors "from
arbitrarily refusing the demand of an
exhibitor" for a run of a film instead
of licensing it to a competitor. This
(Continued on page 12)
Independents Like
Bidding in Chicago
By HAL TATE
Chicago, March 13. — Small inde-
pendent exhibitors are appearing here
as the most enthusiastic boosters for
competitive bidding. At the moment,
at least, they are pleased with the
prospect of being able to bid for
better runs and different product,
whether they get it or not.
They can bid for it here today
(Continued on page IS)
Selznick Reveals
'Duel' Is Re-Edited
David O. Selznick announced yester-
day that his Technicolor production,
"Duel in the Sun," had been re-edited
in accordance with the suggestions of
various religious and civic groups, in-
cluding the Legion of Decency.
Selznick stated : "While the re-
(Continucd on page 12)
/// This Issue
"King of the Wild Horses"
and "West of Dodge City" are
reviewed on page 9.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 14, 1947
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
WANTED: A home for the
United States Government
plaque honoring the motion picture
industry for its efforts in World
War II.
George Schaefer, former War Ac-
tivities Committee chairman, has been
boarding the 200-pound bronze plaque
in his New York office since its return
from a two-year tour of display in
theatres throughout the country.
Schaefer is stymied on a decision de-
termining a permanent resting place
for the giant medal because it belongs
to all three branches of the industry
and, he fears, presentation of it to any
one branch will bring loud squawks
from one of the others, there being
such sensitive souls in all three.
Schaefer is wide open to suggestions
on what to do with the plaque. So,
we offer this one : When the Depart-
ment of Justice really takes over the
"policing" of the film business, as it
hopes to, what better "resting" place
could there be than on the long, white
marble walls of the stately anti-trust
department in the Hall of Justice?
V
Correspondence from Qidgley Pub-
lications' Swiss representative. Carlo
Fedier, at Zurich, explains that he mill
be absent from his post for three weeks
on a compulsory military service as-
signment. Sivitserland hasn't had a
war in 500 years'.
V
The Strand Theatre, Louisville, in
the blue-grass country of Kentucky,
introduced Senator Claghorn's "It's
a Joke, Son!" by serving highly
frosted, very minty juleps.
We always were fond of Southern
hospitality, except that of Rich-
mond, Virginia, the Confederate
capital, on the occasion when Para-
mount's press agent, "Oddie" Odell,
himself a Southernaire, while on a
junket with newsmen for the pre-
miere of "So Red the Rose," intro-
duced the writer of this column to
a bevy of Richmond belles, as "Col.
Cunningham, great grandson of
General Grant"! We never did get
to see how red that rose was.
S'help us, the Strand gave free
admission last week during the
Claghorn run, to any gent wearing
a Confederate Army uniform!
"Bring a companion, too," said the
Strand's announcement, "but make
sure he's not a Northerner." — ! ! !
To 20th Century-Fox's No. 1 film-
seller, Tom Connors, we call attention
to this headline in New York's PM:
" 'Forever Amber' Ruled a Lady," re-
porting a decision by Boston's Supe-
rior Court Judge Frank J. Donahue.
V
Topping the many unique meth-
ods employed by Hollywood labor-
ites to prevent the crossing of
picket lines are the kites used by
New Bedford, Mass., pickets to pre-
vent helicopters from ferrying raw
materials into the struck Cornell-
Dubilier plant.
Personal Mention
BYRON PRICE, retired vice-pres-
ident of the Motion Picture As-
sociation, will leave Holl}Twood on
Sunday for New York to assume his
new post as assistant secretary-gen-
eral of the United Nations.
•
Sabie Conti, manager of Reade's
Paramount, Plainfield, N. J., has been
elected treasurer of the Town of
Raritan, N. J. Tony Hunting,
Reade manager in Red Bank, N. J.,
this week celebrated his 25th year as
a member of the Raritan Township
Council.
•
William Goetz, Universal-Inter-
national vice-president in charge of
production, will return to Hollywood
from New York next Friday.
•
Leonard H. Goldenson, Para-
mount vice-president in charge of the-
atre operations, is due in New York
from the Coast tomorrow.
•
Curts Mitchell, director of adver-
tising-publicity for Paramount, re-
turned to New York from Washing-
ton yesterday.
•
Stanley and Mrs. Meyer (she is
the former Doris Blumberg), will
leave here for the Coast tomorrow.
•
Tom Farrell, Loew's International
manager in Shanghai, is en route
here from the Coast by train.
•
Dan Michalove, National The-
atres vice-president, is due here from
the Coast on Monday.
•
Marcel Hellman, British produc-
er, will leave New York for the
Coast on Sunday.
•
Bryan Foy, Eagle-Lion produc-
tion chief, will leave the Coast today
for New York.
•
David Rose, independent producer,
has left here for Hollywood.
SI FABIAN will return here on
Monday from Florida.
•
Judy Hoffman, Loew's SOPEG
vice-chairman, is leaving the company
to await the stork. She was feted yes-
terday at the Hotel Bristol by fellow
workers.
•
Ben Kalmenson, vice-president
and general sales manager of War-
ner Brothers, returned to New York
yesterday from the Mid- West.
•
Vincent Trotta, Jr., son of Na-
tional Screen Service's art director,
has been elected president of the
Rhodes School student body.
•
Edwin W. Aaron, assistant gen-
eral sales manager for M-G-M, left
Xew York yesterday for a Miami
vacation.
•
Harry Goldberg, Warner Circuit's
director of advertising-publicity, has
returned here from the Coast.
•
Walter E. Branson, RKO Radio
Western division sales manager, has
returned here from the Coast.
•
Charles Boasberg, RKO Radio
divisional sales manager, will return
here from Dallas today.
•
E. C. Grainger, president of the
Shea Circuit, will leave here for
Florida tomorrow.
•
Sid Mesibov, Paramount's assistant
exploitation manager, was in Wash-
ington yesterday.
•
Budd Rogers, producers' represen-
tative, has returned here from the
Coast.
•
E. L. Alperson of Anson Produc-
tions will leave here for Hollywood
today.
•
Ramos Cobian, Puerto Rico the-
atre owner, is in New York.
H. W. Auten Joins
UA Foreign Staff
Harold William Auten has been ap-
pointed assistant European division
manager for United Artists, by Wal-
ter Gould, UA foreign manager.
Auten, who will work with William
M. Levy, division manager for Eu-
rope and the Near East, entered the
industry in 1937 as a member of the
Warner sales organization in London.
In 1940 he joined the British Army
where, as a staff officer during the
war years and the immediate post-
war period, he handled various film as-
signments in Continental Europe, in-
cluding that of Controller of the UFA
film combine in the British zone of
German}-. Auten also was responsible
for the reopening of theatres in Greece,
Belgium and Holland when the war
ended.
Auten is the son of Harold Auten.
British Raw Stock
Emergency Passes
London, March 13. — The present
program of raw stock economies
placed in effect under the government's
edict to conserve the nation's coal sup-
ply will be adequate at least until early
April, when a further check-up will be
necessary, according to an industry
committee which has examined the
situation.
The weekly saving now totals 850,-
000 feet. Newsreels have been cut to
750 feet. Eastman Kodak, the largest
raw stock producer, reports being
"temporarily happy and working hard
on the present uncertain coal supply
but apprehensive of the future."
The committee stands ready for in-
stantaneous recall if a new emergency
should develop. Officers of the Cine-
matograph Exhibitors Association are
in constant touch with fuel officials.
NEW YORK THEATRES
-RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
i
i Rockefeller Center
i
Spencer TRACY - Katharine HEPBURN
Robert WALKER
Melvyn DOUGLASi
"THE SEA OF GRASS"!
A Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION'
2nd HIT WEEK! < \\
"UNUSUAL! SUPERIOR!" — Tt,...s
JOHN GAIL
WAYNE RUSSELL
"ANGEL
and the
BADMAN"
with
HARRY CAREY - BRUCE CABOT
IRENE RICH • LEE DIXON
A JOHN WAYNE Production
A Republic Picture
BRANDT'S GOTHAM ^th'sf
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAUREEN O'HARA • WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbad the Sailor %
ON SCREEN
YOU and ROBT.
MONTGOMERY
Audrey TOTTER
'LADY IN
THE LAKE'
IN PERSON
MICHAHJ'SHEA
J.CJEARD
The WILDE TWINS
plus OTHERS
flufeffe Goddard
FredMacMurrau
'Suddenly I TSJES*
° r> \B^DY LESTER.
It's Spring
low?
HESTftA,
EDWARDS
"THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR"
—N. Y. FILM CRITICS
"The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Performances
Paramount's
"BLAZE OF NOON"
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
DANA ANDREWS in
"BOOMERANG"
A 20th Century-Fox Picture
PLUS ON STAGE — PHIL REGAN
KATHER1NE DUNHAM .ERNESTO LECUONA
ED SULLIVAN .SID CAESAR
ROXY thAve &
50th St.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady,' Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady. 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Bumup', Editor-
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies. 10c.
Friday, March 14, 1947
Motion Picture daily
5
Electricians Told
To Return to Jobs
At Studios' Call
Hollywood, March 13. — Members
of the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers, Local 40, which
has been observing Conference of Stu-
dio Unions picket lines although the
union was recently withdrawn from
f~~*\ affiliation, were told today to re-
v„- ^/to work when and as called by
the' studios. The order was given at
a special meeting last night by Charles
Hughes, trustee, on instruction from
International president Dan Tracy.
Hughes and IATSE International
representative Roy M. Brewer today
.issued a joint statement saying that
the agreement reached by Tracy and
IATSE president Walsh provides for
recognition of the Dec, 1945, AFL
jurisdictional directive, and for settle-
ment of all remaining disputes on a
local level, unless an appeal to the
International becomes necessary.
Producers had no immediate com-
ment on the overnight development.
About 400 electricians constitute
IBEW membership. A CSU spokes-
man said that the rank and file of
Local 40 is rebellious, adding that the
incident strengthens, rather than
weakens, the CSU position with the
workers still on strike.
CSU president Herbert Sorrell
spent the morning closeted with U. S.
labor conciliator Frank Wenig, who
arrived yesterday from San Francisco.
He quoted Wenig as intending to visit
the IATSE and the producers in an
attempt to get all parties to sit down
around a conference table this week-
end to work out a strike settlement.
Local 702, Eastern
'Labs9 Resume Talks
Negotiations between 18 Eastern
laboratories and Motion Picture Lab-
oratory Technicians Local No. 702,
IATSE, were resumed here yesterday
at the Hotel Astor. Participating in
the discussion was James J. Brennan,
IATSE vice-president, who was as-
signed to attempt a solution of wage
issues after the local voted last Sunday
to tie up virtually all Eastern film
processing at midnight, last Monday.
The contract between the union and
the laboratories expired Monday.
Negotiations were broken off last
Friday, reportedly when the local's
demand for wage parity with West
Coast technicians was to have been
considered. Further talks are sched-
uled for today.
DeVry Strike Ends
Chicago, March 13.— The DeVry
Projector Co. strike ended today after
president William C. DeVry consent-
ed to a collective bargaining agent
election, to be held on Monday. The
American Federation of Labor Elec-
trical Workers, which had called the
strike, claims a majority. The com-
pany has a one-year contract, signed
last month, with the International As-
sociation of Machinists, an indepen-
dent union.
McCue To Film Classics
Thomas McCue has been appointed
traveling auditor for Film Classics, by
Samuel N. Wheeler, sales manager
for the company. McCue held the
same post with Universal-Internation-
al for the past six years.
Theatres Approve 1st
Run for Purdue 'V
Precedental sale of prior-run rights
to nine of J. Arthur Rank's Prestige
Pictures for showing in the auditori-
um of Purdue University, Lafayette,
Ind., has been consummated, but only
after the five commercial theatres in
that city had given the "go-ahead" for
such a sale of all but one of the films,
a spokesman for the Rank company
said here yesterday. Commercial thea-
tre interest had been expressed in
"The Overlanders," which is included
in the pact with the university, he
added.
The school auditorium, it was point-
ed out, has a seating capacity of 6,146,
while the largest of the five regular
theatres seats 1,472. The school popu-
iation is approximately 14,000, out of
some 50,000 for Lafayette and West
Lafayette combined.
Patent Suit Won by
Park -In Theatres
Providence, R. I., March 13.— E. M.
Loew's Drive-In Theatre, Inc., of
Providence, lost a 6-year court battle
over patent rights in the drive-in thea-
tre, as Judge John P. Hartigan ruled
in an opinion filed in U. S. District
Court here that the Drive-In is liable
for royalties to Park-In Theatres, Inc.,
on income derived from the Loew's
Theatre between June 1, 1938, and
1944.
The decision is of wide importance
to drive-in theatres. All of those
using the Park-In patent will be sub-
ject to royalty payments in conse-
quence. No move to appeal the de-
cision has been made yet.
The amount of the sum owing the
Park-In Theatres is to be determined
by further hearings before Judge Har-
tigan as agreed upon before the suit
to collect royalties was heard.
Park-In Thaetres filed the suit
against Loew's on April 30, 1941, to
recover triple damages for infringe-
ment of Patent 1,909,537 for the drive-
in theatre. Park-In contended that
it held patent rights through assign-
ment from the inventor of the drive-
in theatre, Richard M. Hollingsworth,
Jr.
On June 1, 1937, the Park-In said,
it entered into an agreement with the
defendant under which Loew's was
granted certain license rights, in re-
turn for which the Drive-In was to
make weekly reports of receipts and
make weekly payment of royalties,
with royalties to be paid on the basis
of 12 per cent of gross receipts in
excess of $1,000 a week for each op-
erating week, and for not less than
12 weeks of a year, and 10 per cent
of the gross over $2,000.
The Drive-In reported to the Park-
In from the beginning of its opera-
tions on July 21, 1937, to Nov. 13,
1937, during which the Drive-In col-
lected $29,065 in admissions and made
royalty payments.
After that, the Park-In said in its
suit, the Drive-In ceased making roy-
alty payments, with the result the
Park-In cancelled the agreement and
after June 1, 1938, the Drive-In op-
erated without any license from the
Park-In.
Hammer stein Heads ALA
Oscar Hammcrstein, 2nd, has been
elected president of the Authors
League of America by the ALA coun-
cil. He will fill the vacancy created
by the resignation of Elmer Rice.
Rivoli May Revert
To U.A. Circuit
The Rivoli Theatre, New
York, is expected to revert to
United Artists Theatre Cir-
cuit, Inc., under the Federal
Court mandate which pro-
vides for dissolution of thea-
tre pools. Currently, Skouras
Theatres Corp. is managing
the house which has been
operating on a split of Para-
mount and 20th-Fox product.
N. Y. Tax Bill
(Continued from page 1)
until Tuesday.
Earlier, exhibitor leaders from New
York City held conferences with state
legislators in an effort to head off
passage of the bill.
In view of strong pressure for im-
mediate passage of the measure,
which has been recommended by Gov.
Jcwey and made a party issue in the
Legislature by the Republicans, who
can outvote the Democrats six to one,
the exhibitor group is understood to
have abandoned plans for carrying op-
position to the public through an ad-
vertising campaign and will, instead,
concentrate later on persuading mun-
icipalities not to pass admission-tax
ordinances if the state bill passes.
Projection Booth
Bill to Gov. Dewey
Albany, N. Y., March 13.— The
State Assembly has passed unani-
mously the Condon-Wadlin bill
amending the general business law to
place projection booths under the in-
spection of the State Labor Depart-
ment. The bill now goes to the gov-
ernor.
According to Assemblyman John
Wadlin, the bill is intended as a safe-
ty measure to insure the meeting of
present-day fire-proofing standards in
all booths. He said that some booths
now in operation are likely to be af-
fected by the proposed law.
Albany, N. Y., March 13.— The
Assembly today passed the Finch Bill,
allowing the appearance of children
under 16 in motion pictures, circuses,
stage shows and radio and television
broadcasts under a permit system. The
Board of Education or a designated
officer would issue a permit if the
performance is deemed not harmful to
the child's physical or moral welfare.
School, church and amateur entertain-
ments are exempt.
Book Universal Film
Into Capitol Here
"Smash-Up," distributed by Univer-
sal, has been booked into the Capitol
Theatre here to follow M-G-M's "It
Happened in Brooklyn," which opened
yesterday. This will mark the first
time that a Universal picture has
played the house in several years.
Two other Universal films go into
the Music Hall soon. Its "The Egg
and I" will follow "The Late George
Apley," the Hall's Easter picture, and
will be followed in turn bv "Great
Expectations," a J. Arthur Rank pic-
ture distributed here by Universal.
Delay Ad Censorship
BilVs Consideration
Albany, N. Y., March 13.— Al-
though the Wilson-Condon film adver-
tising censorship bill passed both the
Senate and Assembly several weeks
ago, a copy of it has not yet been
transmitted to Gov. Dewey for signa-
ture or veto, and, therefore, the bill
will be among those the governor will
consider during the 30-day period to
which he is entitled for "such action
following the adjournment of the
legislature.
It is believed in some Capitol quar-
ters that the governor will not approve
the bill, which would give the State
Board of Regents power to revoke
the license of a film that had been
given "salacious" advertising in any
medium, due to strong opposition
which has been manifested by news-
papers throughout the state.
397 Features Made
In '46, 371 in '45
\ Washington, March 13.— Produc-
tion of feature product on the Coast
last year rose seven per cent. During
1946 there were 397 films produced,
compared with 371 in 1945, the Pro-
duction Code Administration reports,
through Motion Picture Association
headquarters here.
Joseph Breen, PCA administrator,
reported to president Eric Johnston that
62 per cent of the features approved
by the PCA were based on original
stories. Others were derived from 65
novels, 22 stage plays, 10 radio plays,
10 published short stories and 14 car-
toon strips.
During 1946 the PCA rejected 91
books, play treatments and scripts, it
was said. Breen said 62 of those re-
jected were basically objectionable and
29 objectionable in part. His staff
read a total of 928 scripts during the
year, an increase of 6.4 per cent over
the 872 in 1945. Melodramas ranked
first in the number of approved fea-
tures, and 45 were mysteries. West-
erns numbered 88, compared with 73
in 1945. The list of dramas rated
"social problem dramas" as most
numerous, with comedies second.
U niversal Asking Bids
For 2 New Exchanges
Universal's program of building 28
new exchanges throughout the coun-
try has been advanced to the point of
advertising for construction bids in
Philadelphia and New Orleans, John
J. O'Connor, "U" vice-president and
executive assistant to president Nate
J. Blumberg, reported here yesterday.
When the Philadelphia and New
Orleans buildings are started, in the
near future, three will be under con-
struction, ground having been broken
recently for a Chicago exchange.
Meanwhile, negotiations are going
on for the acquisition of sites in four
or five key cities where locations for
buildings have not yet been secured, it
is understood.
Reception for Colbert
Claudctte Colbert will be the honor
guest of Gus Eyssell, head of the
Music Hall, here, at a reception on
Tuesday afternoon, in that theatre's
studio. Miss Colbert appears in "The
Kgg and I," which has been booked
into the Hall after Easter.
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6
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 14, 1947
Mexican Talent Cut
Aids the Industry
Mexico City, March 13.—
Mexican producers have an
improved economic labor out-
look with the acceptance of
lower wages by talent. Pro-
ducers call the accepted cuts
a -gesture of co-operation by
talent in aiding the Mexican
industry.
Only four pictures are n( |
in production under the pre
ducers' new policy of quality
over quantity.
$8,100,000 Bonus
To Kodak Employes
Rochester, N. Y., March 13. — A
record wage dividend reaching a great-
er number of employes than ever be-
fore in the company's history, totaling
$8,100,000, to cover 48,800 workers
in the Western hemisphere, will be
distributed tomorrow by Eastman Ko-
dak. Last year, when payments in-
cluded a large number of returned war
veterans who participated in the divi-
dend, 42,000 employes shared $7,362,-
000, the company declares.
Based on common stock dividends
declared in the preceding year, the
wage dividend is apportioned on a
pro rata basis of one-half per cent of
the total individual earnings for five
years for each dollar of declared com-
mon stock dividend above $3.50 a
share. If the five-to-one split recom-
mended last week by the directors is
adopted at the annual Kodak meeting
on April 29, appropriate adjustments
will be made in the wage-dividend
formula, the company stated.
Since 1946 dividends totaled $7 per
share, the current employee rate is
one and three-quarter per cent of an
eligible employe's wages during 1942-
1946, the company explained. It point-
ed out that for each $1,000 earned
in that period, the employe will receive
$17.50 in a wage dividend. Minimum
payments are $15, it continued, and
an employe who completed five years'
service by the end of 1946 will receive
a check for about four and one-half
times his average weekly wage during
the five years.
About 31,800 employes in this city,
site of the parent company, will re-
ceive $5,800,000, representing about
71 per cent of the total.
International Film
Group Meets Here
The International Film Relations
Committee held a meeting here yes-
terday at headquarters of the Motion
Picture Association, with chairman
Fortunat Baronat of Universal-Inter-
national, presiding over a discussion
of overseas problems. Attending were:
Paul Ackerman and Mary Butler,
Paramount ; David Blum and Rosa
Lewis, M-G-M ; David O'Malley and
Clarence Schneider, Columbia ; James
Solan, Universal ; Samuel Cohen,
United Artists ; Salph de Alberich,
20th Century-Fox; Mel Strauss, Van-
guard, and Walton B. Thomas of the
MPA.
Variety Club Aids Family
Albany, N. Y., March 13.— With
the presentation of a check for $100
to John Tice, head of a local family
whose house was leveled by fire, Vari-
ety Club here inspired other residents
to go to the assistance of the Tice
family in helping them to rebuild.
C. J. Latta, chairman of Tent No. 9's
"Heart Fund" and second asistant na-
tional chief barker, made the presen-
tation.
To Alter Variety Club
Charlotte, March 13.— Officials of
Charlotte's Variety Club have ap-
proved plans for complete renovation
of their club rooms in the Hotel Char-
lotte. The club rooms occupy one-half
of the southern wing on the second
floor. The cost will be approximately
$6,000.
Newsreel Footage
Satisfies the GOP
Washington, March 13. —
Newsreels are now giving the
GOP its share of footage,
William Murphy, public rela-
tions director of the Republi-
can National Committee, ob-
serves.
After the last election, com-
mittee chairman Carroll
Reese notified newsreels pro-
ducers that the GOP wanted
equal representation with
footage given to the Demo-
cratic Executive Administra-
tion. Since the protest was
made, it was said, the news-
reels have carried as much
Republic an Congressional
footage as they have White
House and Executive Depart-
ment material.
Indian Producer To
Make Buddha Film
Vajay Bhatt, president of Prakash
Pictures of India, has arrived in the
U. S. to arrange for the production
of a color film on the life of Buddha,
it was disclosed here yesterday by the
India Society. Asserting the film will
be made "on American standards,"
Bhatt said American rights to the film
will be made available.
Next month the Society will hold a
conference in New York to implement
a program for cultural exchange of
films and other media. The first new
films arriving from India will then
be exhibited. Bhatt and Hari Govil,
Society founder, are pressing for in-
tensified interchange of films between
the U. S. and India, holding that films
provide a means for India to quickly
absorb Western culture, industrial
techniques and other sorely-needed in-
formation in the modernization of that
country.
E-L Group in Boston
To Attend Premiere
Boston, March 13. — A party of
Eagle-Lion officials, including Alfred
W. Schwalberg, vice-president and
general sales manager; Max E.
Youngstein, advertising-publicity chief,
and Arthur Jeffrey, exploitation man-
ager, are here to attend tomorrow
night's premiere of "The Adventuress"
at the Majestic Theatre. Frank Laun-
der, director, co-author and co-pro-
ducer of the film, which stars Deborah
Kerr, accompanied the executives from
New York.
New Move to Push Films
■ Johannesburg, March 8 (By Air-
Mail). — Private film societies to fur-
ther interest in motion pictures and
to study the sociological aspects of
films are gaining ground here. Start-
ing in Cape Town, the movement has
spread to Johannesburg, where month-
ly showings of features with educa-
tional interest are held.
'Goldwyn Girls' Return
Veterans of 25,000 miles of air trav-
el in a tour of 15 capitals of the Carib-
bean and South American republics,
the six Goldwyn Girls returned to
New York by air last night en route
to Hollywood. The tour was made to
promote Samuel Goldwyn's "The Kid
from Brooklyn."
Delay Formation of
New Radio Council
The radio industry's plans to estab-
lish a Broadcasters' Advisory Coun-
cil to function somewhat similarly to
the Motion Picture Association in that
it would be a voluntary organization
aimed to raise standards will not be
further developed until at least late
next month when an organizational
committee will meet.
The proposed council, which already
is said to have run into opposition by
sponsors of network shows, would in-
volve the appointment of an executive
director.
On the organizational committee
are : Edgar Kobak, president of Mu-
tual, chairman; Niles Trammell, pres-
ident of NBC; Clair R. McCullough,
president of WGAL, Lancaster, Pa.;
I. R. Lounsberry, executive vice-presi-
dent of WGR, Buffalo; Thomas
D'Arcy Brophy, president of Kenyon
and Eckhardt ; Sigurd S. Larmon,
president of Young and Rubicam ;
Robert F. Elder, vice-president of Lev-
er Brothers, and Donovan B. Stetler,
advertising director of Standard
Brands.
As reported in Motion Picture
Daily on March 7, the council was
first proposed by Frank Stanton,
president of CBS ; F. B. Ryan, Jr.,
president of Ruthrauff and Ryan, and
Charles G. Mortimer, vice-president of
General Foods. Purpose of the or-
ganization, they said then, is "to im-
prove radio's service to the public un-
der the structure of a free radio."
Skouras Will Start
Showmanship Drive
Los Angeles, March 13. — Charles
Skouras, president of National Thea-
tres, will leave here on March 25 to
personally initiate the fifth annual
showmanship campaign for the circuit.
He will be accompanied by John Ber-
tero, Harry Cox, Eddie Zabel and
Tom Page. Meetings with managers
and district managers in San Fran-
cisco, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Den-
ver and Seattle are scheduled.
Greek Orphans Plan
To Start Monday
Los Angeles, March 13. — The drive
to secure support for the adoption of
15,000 Greek war orphans by the mo-
tion picture industry will be launched
Monday at a luncheon to be given by
Charles Skouras, one of the sponsors
of the plan, at the Ambassador here,
in honor of Ned Depinet, national
chairman of the Greek Orphans Fund.
Depinet will explain the adoption pro-
gram to Hollywood industry leaders.
Favorite Acquires Four
Favorite Films has acquired from
Pickford-Laskey Corp. reissue rights
to "Gay Desperado" and "One Rainy
Afternoon." Moe Kerman, Favorite
president, who recently returned here
from the Coast, also acquired "Sea
Bandits" and "Revolt of the Zombies."
'Daughter' Premiere M. 25
World premiere of the RKO-Dore
Schary "The Farmer's Daughter," co-
starring Loretta Young, Joseph Cot-
ten and Ethel Barrymore, will take
place at the Rivoli Theatre, here, on
March 25.
Warner Gets Mexican
Go- Ahead on Filming
Mexico City, March 13. — The Mex-
ican censorship office has granted ap-
proval to Warner Brothers' "The
Treasures of the Sierra Madre," fol-
lowing trouble during filming at Tam-
pico under direction of John Huston.
The office examined the disputed
scenes and found nothing in them of-
fensive to the country or its inhabi-
tants, as charged. Warners is now
free to continue production in this
country.
Mexican Business Is
Hit by a Recession
Mexico City, March 13. — The Mex-
ican film industry attributes a current
business slump partly to a regular
seasonal decline and partly to generally
adverse business conditions.
The price of silver and a lessened
demand for it is also an adverse influ-
ence, the country being the world's
largest silver producer. A special
session of Congress has been called to
aid mining and the general economic
situation.
U.S. Companies in on
Brussels Festival
Brussels, March 9 (By Airmail).
— On behalf of eight American com-
panies, the Motion Picture Associa-
tion has accepted an invitation to par-
ticipate in the Brussels World Film
Festival to be held June 1-30.
The acceptance was made on behalf
of United Artists, Columbia, M-G-M,
Paramount, RKO, Universal, 20th
Century-Fox and Warner Brothers.
Circuit Would Dissolve
Mexico City, March 13.— Circuito
del Norte of Monterrey, has petitioned
the Federal Board of Conciliation and
Arbitration for authorization to close
its business, contending that opera-
tions have become unprofitable. Ex-
cessively high labor costs are said to
be principally responsible for the cir-
cuit's inability to realize any profits.
Loew Mexican Tribute
Mexico City, March 13.— M-G-M
Mexican manager Carlos Niebla is
completing details for an extensive ex-
hibition of M-G-M Technicolor pic-
tures from March 30 to May 10 as a
tribute to Arthur M. Loew, president
of Loew-International.
Winter in New Post
Norman Winter has joined the New
York office of Foote, Cone and Beld-
ing as director of television and mo-
tion pictures.
Of course, we are extremely excited
and happy about "THE EGG AND I" being booked into
the Radio City Music Hall by Mr. Gus Eyssell, President
and Managing Director.
This is a fitting tribute to this fine American comedy
based upon the perennial best-seller by Betty MacDonald.
We extend our appreciation to Gus Eyssell and to all ex-
hibitors throughout the country who will ultimately appraise
to the same degree the box office and entertainment quality
of "THE EGG AND I." At this writing it is estimated that
"THE EGG AND I" has been read by twenty-five million
persons. This indicates that "THE EGG AND I" will be one
of the best patronized pictures of all time.
Naturally, U-I is backing it up with the biggest adver-
tising campaign in its history.
From the Best Selling Book by Betty MacDonald
Produced and Written for the Screen by CHESTER IlkSKINE and FRED F. FINKLEHOFFE
Directed by CHESTER ERSKINE . A UNIVERSAL- INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
Friday, March 14, 1947
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
9
RCA 16mm. Parley
In Camden April 14
Camden, March 13. — Distribution
and product plans, including first de-
tails of a new line of 16mm. equip-
ment, will be discussed by RCA's
16mm. equipment section at a five-day
meeting, starting April 14, to be held
at the company's home office here.
O. V. Swisher, 16mm. section man-
ages will speak on new product, with
J. ) Petrasek, sales head, slated to
oui.,iie a distribution policy.
Other speakers will be Ed Jones,
promotional manager of the division,
who will present dealer and merchan-
dising plans, and W. H. Knowles,
chief of the educational department.
RCA regional representatives who
will attend the meeting include Al
Josephsen and M. F. Blakeslee, New
York; Hal Winter, Harry Somerville
and Milt Romney, Cleveland; Elmer
Eades and Elmer Beneke, Atlanta ;
Hal Maag, Larry LaHar and Bob
Cleveland, Los Angeles; R. H. Ren-
holm, Buck Lewis and Bob Hunt, Chi-
cago; Jim Cocke and Max Heiden-
reich, Dallas.
A series of follow-up meetings to
announce plans made at the Camden
meeting to 16mm. equipment dealers,
will be held in New York, Cleveland,
Chicago, New Orleans and Los An-
geles, in May.
Reviews
"King of the Wild Horses"
(Columbia)
WHILE "King of the Wild Horses" has the substance to make it a sensi-
tive drama about the adjustment of a young boy to a new family and
environment, it stumbles somewhat in the telling, principally because it is
over-long for the material available. More astute editing might have over-
come the fault ; however, the film does provide good family entertainment
through Bill Sheffield's polished portrayal of the shy, city-bred lad who moves
West to join his uncle on his ranch.
Filled with stories of his late father's success in befriending "King," leader
of a herd of wild horses, Bill finds understanding in Preston Foster, his uncle,
and Gail Patrick, his aunt. With Patti Brady, their daughter, Bill becomes
familiar with the chores of ranch life. He, too, befriends King, as his father
once did, but, unlike his father, determines to settle down to cattle raising. Others
in the cast are: Guinn Williams, Buzz Henry, Charles Kemper and John
Kellogg. The picture was produced by Ted Richmond and directed by George
Archainbaud, from a screenplay by Brenda Weisberg and story by Ted Thomas.
Running time, 79 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
March 27. Irving Kaplan
Forum Discusses
Outlook, Censorship
Future industry trends and the
growing threat of film censorship
were the dual subjects of a forum held
last night at the Hotel Piccadilly here
by the Screen Publicists' Guild.
Participating- were Maurice Berg-
man, Universal-International Eastern
advertising-publicity director, who
discussed the 1947 outlook; Hans
Burger of the United Nations film
section, who outlined U.N. film plans ;
Richard Griffith, executive director of
the National Board of Review, who
highlighted the growing censorship
threat on local levels ; and Frank
-Launder, president of the British Film
Renters' Association, and J. Arthur
Rank, producer, who contrasted Brit-
ish and American censorship.
This afternoon, Bergman and Bos-
ley Crowther, New York Times film
critic, will debate the question, "Is the
Influence of the Movies Good or
Bad?" on the "Opinions Please" series
in the CBS School of. the Air pro-
gram.
"West of Dodge City"
(Columbia)
POPPING up all over the place at crucial moments, "The Durango Kid,"
played by Charles Starrett, who also appears as a placid surveyor, has
plenty of work on his hands in preventing "carpet-bagger" Fred Sears and
his crew from becoming cattle barons through unscrupulous deals. The action
is fast, albeit a bit hackneyed, as Starrett, the surveyor, helps to "put the
finger" on Sears for the murder of Nolan Leary, and then, as "Durango,"
succeeds in bringing the culprits to justice. Fetching Nancy Saunders, show-
ing the same stubbornness as her late father did in holding his ranch against
onslaughts of the crooks, lends feminine grace to the picture, while Glen
Stuart, as her brother, provides a few moments of uncertainty in his readiness
to sell out to Sears.
Also in the cast are Smiley Burnette, as the town's editor, who alone and
in company with two bewilderingly-named characters, "Mustard" and "Gravy,"
renders some amusing songs. Bert Horswell wrote the script, Colbert Clark
produced and Ray Nazarro directed.
Running time, 57 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
Brief Hits Jackson
Park Court Ruling
Chicago, March 13. — Distributor
defendants with Balaban and Katz and
the Warner circuits have filed briefs
with the U. S. Circuit Cout of Ap-
peals, here, protesting District Court
Judge Michael L. Igoe's decision call-
ing for elimination of Chicago's sys-
tem of release, and recommending that
the Jackson Park Theatre be given
an opportunity to bid for pictures.
The defendants hold that Igoe was
in error in holding that all issues
were settled in the Jackson Park's pre-
vious damage trial and could not be
brought up again during the present
injunction trial; that when those find-
ing's are set aside there is nothing for
the decision to stand on in its present
form ; that even if the findings were
all right the decision goes too far and
grants relief which the findings do
not justify. Arguments are slated to
be heard at the April, session, the
plaintiff having 20 days in which to
file a reply brief.
Objected to, also, are the two weeks'
limitation of first-runs in Loop thea-
tres, the elimination of twin bills, and
the decision of the court ordering dis-
tributors to sell Jackson Park films
one week ahead of B. and K.'s Mary-
land and Warner's Jeffrey theatres.
March 27.
I. K.
Para.-Adams Tiff
Ends in a Draw
Pickwick Suit
(Continued from page 1)
principals involved in the action de-
clined to discuss terms of the settle-
ment. It was reported in trade circles,
however, that the settlement figure
was $225,000.
The action, originally filed in 1941
in U. S. District Court at New Hav-
en, Conn., asked $5,000,000 damages
of the major distributors. It alleged
that the Pickwick Theatre, Green-
wich, Conn., which had been operated
by E. J. Peskay, was forced to close
in 1939 due to inability to obtain suf-
ficient product on an equitable run in
relation to Stamford, Conn., and Port
Chester, N. Y.
Willard McKay and Saul Rogers,
attorneys for plaintiffs, took an appeal
to the Circuit Court here when the
case was dismissed by the lower court
in 1944. The appeal was pending up
to the time of the settlement.
Disagreement between Paramount
and Adam Adams over what com-
prises fair rental terms under a 21-
year franchise held by Adams for the
Paramount, Newark, and the U. S.,
Paterson, N. J., has been determined
by arbitration which gives neither
side a complete victory. Text of the
findings was mailed to both parties
last night.
Under the franchise, which would
have expired in 1951 if the Federal
Court had not ruled them out, the
distributor and exhibitor were com-
mitted to arbitration in the event of
a dispute which had been brewing for
some time and reached its climax on
August 1, 1946.
Paramount named George J.
Schaefer as its arbitrator and Adams
named Edmund C. ' Grainger, presi-
dent of the Shea circuit, as his ar-
bitrator. Failing to reach an ac-
cord, the two arbitrators turned to
Paul Mead, former vice-president of
Irving Trust, as a third.
The decision covers product played
by Adams in both situations from the
break-off date last year to the pres-
ent. If distributors should prove suc-
cessful in any efforts made to rein-
state franchises generally, its terms
are to be binding until the expiration
of the Paramount-Adams franchise
igreement four years hence.
To See Wright on
Equity Record Costs
Following a meeting yesterday in
the office here of Edward C. Raftery,
president of United Artists, attorneys
for the eight distributors said they
will confer with Robert L. Wright,
special assistant to the Attorney Gen-
eral, on how much of the court record
of the New York anti-trust case must
be printed for the U. S. Supreme
Court, where appeals of the decision
are now pending.
The issue particularly involves the
printing of all or parts of the hundreds
of exhibits entered in the case, which
along with the rest of the record
would bring costs to about $90,000
it was estimated. The companies pre-
fer to offer only that part of the record
pertaining to the provisions of the de
cree from which they are appealing
Wright wants the entire record print-
ed. No decision has been reached on
how the printing costs are to be met.
Astor Names Wernick
Astor Film Exchange, Inc., has
appointed Irving Wernick office man-
I ager.
U.S. Will Reprint
So. America Survey
Washington, March 13. — A U. S.
Department of Commerce survey of
motion pictures and equipment ii
Latin America, containing new infor
mation on markets and data collectei
and published in a 1944 report, ha
been reprinted because of a continued
demand by the industry, Nathan 1).
Golden, Commerce film consultant
discloses. Latest reports are on Brazil
Colombia, Cuba and Uruguay,
Beja and Nylund Are
Named by Reisman
Rene Beja, former RKO Radio
manager in Portugal and Brazil, has
been appointed manager in Spain, and
Kurt Nylund, former RKO Radio dis-
tributor in Finland, has been named
manager in that country, by Phil
Reisman, vice-president in charge of
foreign distribution. Nylund will have
headquarters in Oslo, Beja in Bar-
celona.
Bidding Stay
(Continued from page 1)
decision is expected to be* handed
down within several days after the
arguments. Universal's application
asks, in addition to the bidding stay,
that enforcement of the injunctions of
the New York Court which would in-
validate existing contracts, notably
franchises and the sales of a year's
product in advance, be postponed until
after the high tribunal rules on the
company's pending appeal, probably
early next year. Formal bidding un-
der the decree is scheduled to begin
July 1.
Robert L. Wright, special assistant
to the U. S. Attorney General, said
today that the Department of Justice
has not yet reached a final decision
on whether to oppose Universal's ap-
plication for a stay. On Wednesday,
one of his assistants had reported that
such opposition was not planned, al-
though the government "saw no rea-
son" why a stay should be granted.
Columbia's application, for a stay of
single sales as well as competitive bid-
ding, will be filed with the Suprenje
Court tomorrow. Paramount, which
also has appealed from the bidding
provision, remained undecided today
on whether to ask for a stay. Pre-
sumably, all slay requests will he
argued at the March 25 hearing. Jus-
tice Reed received jurisdiction in the
matter after Justice Robert Jackson,
who normally considers preliminary
motions on cases from the New York
court, had disqualified himself on the
grounds that he was Attorney General
when the original complaint was filed.
JAM GOTHAM THEATRE, BROADWAY,
TO GREET JOHN WAYNE'S FIRST
PRODUCER-STAR PICTURE
'ANGEL AND THE BADMAN"
\9&
c\oSe-
12
MOTION PICTURE DAILY
Friday, March 14, 1947 |
14 Charged as Trust
In $1,400,000 Suit
Burlington, Vt., March 13— A $1,-
400,000 anti-trust suit against 10 dis-
tributors and four exhibitors has been
filed in U. S. District Court here by
Joseph P. Wilson, operator of the
Brandon Community Theatre, who
charges that in 1935 the defendants
had formed a combine in a conspiracy
allegedly to break the law.
Distributors named are: Para-
mount, Loew-M-G-M, Warners,
RKO, United Artists, Universal, Co-
lumbia, Republic, Monogram, and
PRC of Boston. The four exhibitors
named are : Samuel Kurson, Bangor,
Me. ; Newell and Kenneth Kurson,
Newton, Mass., and the Millinocket
Opera House.
The suit charges that the combine
was directed against independent thea-
tre operators, who were discriminated
against in that they could not obtain
first-run pictures ; as a result, the
plaintiff's business was damaged.
'Duel' Re-Edited
(Continued from page 1)
Bristol Exhibitors
Defeat 5% Tax Bill
Bristol, Tenn., March 13. — Exhibi-
tors here have won their battle against
a threatened five per cent admission
tax.
Recently, when the City Council
met in an unannounced session, a five
per cent tax was introduced and
passed and was slated to become effec-
tive 48 hours thereafter. However,
theatre managers organized quickly,
succeeded in having the tax rescinded
until a public hearing was given the
proposal, and during it persuaded the
council to abandon the tax.
Bidding April 1
(Continued from page 1)
editing for the groups involved result-
ed in 46 individual cuts, they were
of the same type that is normally made
in the process of editing a film follow-
ing previews or trial engagements.
With the substitutions and additions
the overall length of the film has not
been materially changed and its drama-
tic values and integrity have not suf-
fered in the least."
In its trial engagements in Los An-
geles, the film ran slightly less than
two hours and 20 minutes. In its new
form the picture's running time is two
hours and 18 minutes.
"It can be observed in this connec-
tion," Selznick's statement said, "that
the film has received the 'B' classifica-
tion from the Legion of Decency. Pic-
tures which have this 'B' classifica-
tion for various moral reasons have
been 'The Best Years of Our Lives',
'Blue Skies', 'Humoresque', 'Open
City', '13 Rue Madeleine' and 'The
Sign of the Cross'.
could invoke bidding when a contest
for a run consequently develops — spe-
cifically when an exhibitor offers bet-
ter terms for a run which his com-
petitor would otherwise obtain.
With this in mind United Artists
has directed its sales force to map
local competitive areas so that re-
quested runs could be negotiated.
Similarly, a Universal sales executive
reports that the company will be pre-
pared to so negotiate in compliance
with the "arbitrary refusal" clause of
the decree. All companies have re-
quests for bidding totaling hundreds.
Actual "tests" have been made by
Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, principally,
and by RKO-Radio and Paramount.
Twentieth Century-Fox instituted a
system of considering run and film re-
quests by theatremen some time ago.
Recent Universal negotiations re
suited in booking "The Egg and I'
into the Manor Theatre, Charlotte,
where it will be shown on a roadshow
basis, rather than at a Wilby-Kincey
house. Wilby-Kincey similarly lost
"The Shocking Miss Pilgrim," 20th-
Fox, to the Manor, which is operated
by H. B. Meiselman, and to the Ritz,
also in Charlotte, operated by Ed
ward Curtis.
The Department of Justice has yet
to formulate any policy on how it will
deal with "arbitrary refusal" and bid
ding provisions, and will await com
plaints from exhibitors against the de
fendants' compliance.
Award Rules
(Continued from page 1)
"After seeing Deborah Kerr's
tB superb performance in 'The
Isjb Adventuress', it is not difficult
V to see why she was chosen
|»Bi for the extremely enticing
•V^ role opposite Gable in
The Hucksters.'"
tee Mortimer,
New York Daily Mirror
(6
if
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Awards ceremonies, were not only all
1946 pictures and performances but
also the Academy's newly-established
rule limiting final voting to the Acad-
emy membership. With contenders for
the best-picture award regarded as
more evenly matched than in any year
since1 the nominations were reduced
from 10 films to five, experienced ob-
servers believed that Academy pres-
tige "tonight faced the sternest test in
its history.
The restrictions of final ballot priv-
ileges to Academy members was an-
nounced last September by president
Jean Hersholt as a change made by
the board of governors in an endeavor
to end long reiterated charges that the
major studios enjoyed an advantage
in ballotting due to the numerical
superiority of their employees eligible
to vote.
The change was a topic of contro-
versy when disclosed. It narrowed the
electorate substantially. Voters in pre-
vious Academy ballotings averaged
10,000 individuals. Under this year's
system, voters eligible to cast final
ballots numbered only 1,620.
Although preliminary nominations
were conducted for the most part on a
broad basis roughly comparable to
previous years the possibility that re-
sentment in runner-up ranks might as-
sume important proportions following
announcement of winners voted by
less electors than formerly has an-
imated widespread speculation. But
Academy executives, inaugurating sev-
eral other procedural changes this
year, were confident that the results
would meet, nevertheless, with general
approval. They point out that the whole
purpose of the changes was to offset
previous criticism.
Tonight's ceremonies, the first ever
opened to the public, were run off un-
der perfect weather conditions, with
the full accompaniment of floodlights,
fanfare and glamour traditionally
marking _ an all-out Hollywood event.
^ Asserting that motion pictures are
"the newest form of dramatic art
since the birth of the Grecian drama,"
Eric A. Johnston, president of the
Motion Picture Association, in mak-
ing the presentations, called upon the
assembled leaders and film workers to
use the medium to "give the world
understanding.'
"Giveit ties of friendship and affec-
tion which come only through knowl-
edge and appreciation," he continued.
"Join with those who work in motion
pictures throughout the world to show
by example the way to a broader, hap-
pier life for peoples everywhere."
After emphasizing that "our gener-
ation has the tragic privilege ... of
living in the greatest human crisis
since the fall of the Roman Empire "
the MPA head added: "It also has
the magnificent opportunity to mold,
form and direct the inevitable changes'
of tomorrow so that eventually we
may have peace on earth and good
will toward men."
An EAGLE-LION FILMS Release!
PREMIERE TODAY! MAJESTIC, BOSTON I
Research Council Cites Many
For Technical Developments
The Academy's research council,
which annually bestows scientific and
technical awards for "outstanding
merit, tonight extended honorable
mentions to the following: Harlan L.
Baumbach and the Paramount labora-
tory for an improved method for
quantitative i determination of hydro-
qumone and metal photographic de-
velopment; Herbert E. Britt for de-
New N. J. Theatre
To Use Television
A corporation headed by New York
theatre-owner Harry Brandt has
signed a 21 -year lease with Chestnut
Manor, Inc., for a new 1,200-seat thea-
tre to be built in Union, N. J., with
special television equipment, it is an-
nounced by Berk and Krumgold,
theatre realtors.
A special television auditorium will
be built in the lounge to accommodate
about 200. In addition, television
equipment will be installed in the* 9; a-
tre itself to be used to flash ^ ^kl
events as they happen. In the deal
with Brandt is New Jersey exhibitor
Fred Kalkner.
Frangooles to Albany
Albany, N. Y., March 13.— James
Frangooles, formerly with Basil. The-
atres and Paramount, in Buffalo, has
been named Paramount booker here,
replacing Howard Goldstein who re-
signed to join RKO Radio here as
head booker succeeding the late A. H.
(Abe) Van Deusen.
velopment and application of formulas
and equipment for producing cloud
and smoke effects ; Burton F. Miller
and the Warner sound and electrical
departments for design and construc-
tion of an arc lighting generator filter.
Also, Carl Faulkner and the 20th
Century-Fox sound department for
development of a reversed bias meth-
od, including a double bias method,
for light valve and galvonometer
density recording ; Mole-Richardson
Co. for its type 450 high intensity
carbon arc lamp; Arthur F. Blinn,
Robert O. Cook, C. O. Slyfield and
the Walt Disney sound department for
the design and development of an
audio finder and track viewer for
checking and locating noise in sound
tracks.
Also, Burton F. Miller and the
Warner sound department for design
and application of an equalizer to
eliminate relative spectral energy dis-
tortion in electronic compressors;
Marty Martin and Hal Hadkins for
RKO Radio's miniature visual bullet
effects; Harold Nye and the Warner
electrical department for the develop-
ment of an electronically-controlled
fire and gaslight effect.
CHICAGO
PITTSBURGH
LOS ANGELES
' — and TWA is the
friendly way to fly.
See youi travel agent or phone
LExington 2-7100
Serve time with TWA AIRFREIGHT
Congratulations
to all of the
ACADEMY
AWARD
WINNERS
EASTMAN FILM
BRULATOUR SERVICE
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC.
FORT LEE - CHICAGO - HOLLYWOOD
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13TH HOUR
Richard Dix
D — 65 mins.
THE LONE
HAND TEXAN
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(March Release)
JOHNNY
O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
D — 85 mins.
(Rev. 1/2/47)
MILLIE'S*
DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
D — 70 mins.
(Rev. 2/11/47)
WEST OF
DODGE CITY
KING OF THE
WILD HORSES
Preston Foster
Gail Patrick
BLONDIE'S
HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
C — 67 mins.
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(April Releases)
GUILT OF
JANET AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
D — 81 mins.
vivev. 0/3/ 4/^
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis Carter
"Barry Sullivan
D — 82 mins.
(Rev. 3/5/47)
s
>— — i
<
April
12
April
19
Friday, March 14, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
15
!l '
Chicago Bids
Critics' Quotes
( Continued from page 1 )
with Loew's, Paramount, RKO Radio
and 20th Century-Fox. And they
are doing it in sufficient numbers to
make the Chicago territory what ap-
pears to be the largest competitive
bidding experimental station in the
country today.
All local distributors believe that
the volume of bidding will increase
fro-^ny to day, reaching a high peak
in „ very near future. However,
they also believe it will tend to level
off eventually, particularly as over-
zealous exhibitors realize that even
successful bidding can be unprofitable.
One spokesman said that a small
exhibitor probably will not be able
to bid in more than 15 or 16 new
pictures a year on terms new to him
which will prove profitable to both the
exhibitor and distributor.
Summary of Situation
Following is a summary of the
competitive bidding situation here of
the four companies engaging in it,
Loew's, RKO, Paramount and 20th-
Fox.
RKO RADIO: Ten films offered
the Bartelstein Circuit's Annetta and
Jim Booth's Palace in Cicero. The
Palace got nine, the Annetta, one.
Six films have been offered both the-
atres in a second group, bidding on
which is going on at the present time.
In Decatur, Great States' Lincoln
and Empress got two, Gus Constan's
Avon obtained two.
In Springfield, bidding will start
with the next group of RKO re-
leases. Competing are Great States^
Orpheum and the Kerasotes Bros.'
Senata.
Lewis Philon obtained six RKO
pictures for second run for his Liberty,
Michigan City, Ind., while Manta &
Rose Circuit's Tivoli, Lido and Up-
town in the same town have obtained
none. RKO at present has nothing
available for bidding for first-run in
Michigan City.
In Toluca, 111., John Tozzie, oper-
ator of the Roxy, obtained four RKO
pictures while Russell Hurt, operator
of the Isis, obtained one.
Bidding is currently going on for
RKO product between Anderson Cir-
cuit's Wilton Theatre and Butcher
Bros. Mar Theatre. Both houses are
in Wilmington, 111.
Pictures will shortly be offered to
the Revue Theatre and Meltzer Bros.
Rivoli, Chicago, for competitive bids.
Seven films have been offered for
bidding to Morris Alshuler's Vision,
booked by Si Greiver, and Ben Bano-
witz's Harmony, booked by Allied.
In Gary, Ind., RKO is offering a
group of films to the Fifth Avenue,
operated by Harry Abbott, and Ti-
voli, operated by V. U. Young, head
of Theatrical Enterprises.
20th-Fox Offerings
TWENTIETH CENTURY -
FOX: In Kewanee, 111., the follow-
ing pictures have been offered to both
the Wanee Theatre and Great States'
Peerless: "Razor's Edge," "13 Rue
Madeleine," "The Shocking Miss Pil-
grim," "Wanted for Murder,'' and
"Dangerous Millions."
In Chicago, the competing Harmon
and Vision Theatres have been of-
fered "My Darling Clementine,"
"Margie," "Dangerous Millions," and
"Wanted for Murder."
In Michigan City, Ind., the follow-
ing films have been offered for first-
"THE BEGINNING OR THE END" (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
. . . one of the most important films of our sorry decade ... no mere
documentary, but a tense, moving, inflammable and dramatic drama around
the greatest news story of all time. . . . exceptionally well cast. — Lee Morti-
mer, New York Daily Mirror.
This amazing picture contains far more thrilling and suspenseful action
than the average movie that is based on some fictional adventure tale . . .
Every man and woman in the United States, as well as every child who
has reached the age of reason, should see "The Beginning or the End."—
Kate Cameron, New York Daily News.
Aside from the inevitable suspense and terror implicit in the subject mat-
ter, "The Beginning or the End" is a sorry dramatization of the atom bomb
performances veer wildly from realistic characterizations to mere speech-
making. — Howard Barnes, New York Herald Tribune.
... a powerful, intensely exciting production ... a picture every one
should see.— Rose Pelswick, New York Journal- American. _ _ _
For all its formalized framework, its color-added, juvenile-lead scientist
and its Hollywood-and-Vine-ripened heroines and the inevitable wax-museum
effect its various impersonations of contemporary characters cast over the
drama of atomic energy, it is an extremely clear, thoughtful and dramatic
presentation.— John T. McManus, PM, New York.
Possibly there is no story of modern times with the devastating, all-
pervading significance of the subject of this picture . . . it's absorbing . . .
distinctly Hollywood in its overdramatization . . . comes down to an almost
juvenile level with Robert Walker's cozy characterization of a Colonel in
charge of security.— Archer Winsten, New York Post.
a picture at least 10 times better than I'd expected and I d ex-
pected it to be pretty good ... a fine example of movie-making . . last
minutes are Hollywood at its poorest, using the Lincoln Memorial as back-
ground for a badly written, badly acted sequence ... the rest is too good
for such a finish.— Eileen Creelman, New York Sun.
Metro has made a motion picture which fairly re-enacts the mam events
in this almost incredible story and which gravely points the fearfulness
thereof . . . laced with sentiment of the silliest and most theatrical nature.
—Bosley Crowther, New York Times.
run to Lewis B. Philon's Liberty and
Manta and Rose Circuit's Tivoli :
"The Razor's Edge," "13 Rue Made-
leine," "The Shocking Miss Pilgrim, '
"Strange Journey," "Wake Up and
Dream," "Dangerous M i 1 1 io n s,
"Wanted for Murder," and the follow-
ing re-issues: "Stanley and Living-
ston," "Sun Valley Serenade," and
"The Bowery."
For first-run in Decatur, 111., tor
bidding between Gus Constan's Avon
and Great States' Lincoln, "The
Razor's Edge," "13 Rue Madeleine,"
"The Shocking Miss Pilgrim," "Dan-
gerous Millions," "Strange Journey"
and "Wanted for Murder."
In Cicero, 111., between Jim
Booth's Palace and the Bartelstein's
Annetta, the following have been of-
fered: "The Razor's Edge," "13 Rue
Madeleine," "The Shocking Miss
Pilgrim," "Strange Journey," "If I'm
Lucky," and two re-issues, "Sun Val-
ley Serenade," and "The Bowery."
Quick Availability
PARAMOUNT: Offering all pic-
tures that become available eight days
after Loop opening to Philon's Lib-
erty, Michigan City, Ind., competing
with the Tivoli, first run Manta &
Rose Circuit house.
"Two Years Before the Mast" was
won by Dudley Gazzolo's Imperial
over Harry Lubliner, owner of the
Four Star, while Ben Banowitz won
the film for his Harmony against
Morris Altcherler's Vision.
The same group of theatres also
are bidding on Paramount's "Blue
Skies."
Paramount also will offer pictures
for bidding in Wilmington, 111.
when requested by Anderson Circuit':
Wilton and Butcher Bros.
In Toluca, 111., John Tozzie, oper
ator of the Roxy, will be offered Par-
amount pictures in competition with
Russell Hurt's Isis.
M-G-M: Has offered several
groups of films in Cicero to Booth
and Bartclsteins. The latest to be
offered are : "The Beginning or the
Destroyed by Fire
Uhrichville, O., March 13. — A
fire of unknown origin almost com
pletely demolished the State Theatre,
here. Patrons left in an orderly man-
ner and no injuries were reported even
though the blaze started during a well-
attended evening performance. Irving
Gandell, the owner, plans to rebuild
immediately.
Fire Proposal Delayed
Springfield, Mass., March 13. — The
Springfield City Council has indefi
nitely postponed action on a proposal
to require theatres to pay for a fire-
man on duty during all showings
Theatres are already required to pay
for a policeman at all shows.
Portland House Burns
Portland, Ore., March 13. — Fire of
undetermined origin caused $25,000 in
damage to the 21st Avenue Theatre
here. Leo Pallay is the owner of the
house.
Georgia Theatre Fire
Blackshear, Ga., March 13. — The
Royal, sole theatre here, was com
pletely destroyed by a fire of undeter
mined origin.
Altec Promotes Thomas
Milton G. Thomas, who has been
Altec's branch manager at Cincinnati,
has been appointed district manager
there by H. M. Bessey, vice-president.
End," "My Brother Who Talks to
Horses," "Gallant Bess," and two re-
issues, "Rage in Heaven" and "Boom
Town."
M-G-M has also offered films in
disputes between the Harmony and
Vision, Chicago; the' Revue and Ri-
voli, Chicago; the Wanee and the
Great States' Peerless, Kewanee ; and
Gus Constan's Avon and Great
States' Lincoln, Decatur.
music !
are
Released thru
y
IT ROBERT MITCHUM in milton Sperling s production of niven busch s'TURSOED" I
with Judith Anderson . dean jagger • alan hale and introducing JOHN rodney-ormi screen puwnwn busch. music by maxsteiner. Directed by RAOUL WALSH • Produced by UNITED STATES PICTURES for WARNEf
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
J
VOL. 61. NO. 52
NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1947
TEN CENTS
I^prieve for
Arbitration
May Be Asked
Consider Court Move to
Keep Tribunals Intact
By TOM LOY
Theatre-owning defendants in the
industry anti-trust suit are consid-
ering asking the U. S. Supreme
Court for a stay of the New York
Federal District Court's order ending
the industry arbitration system on
April 1, except for the liquidation of
cases filed prior to that date.
Having appealed from the
New York order, the companies,
which strongly urged retention
of the system when the case
was tried, now face the fact
that, even if the high tribunal
should grant the appeal, there
will be no officially-constituted
arbitration machinery between
the end of this month and the
early part of next year unless
a stay is sought and obtained.
Paramount, Loew's and 20th Cen-
tury-Fox are understood to favor
seeking a stay, with RKO and War-
(Continued on page 2)
President and Army Cite
Jack Warner's War Work
Riverside, Cal., March 16. — The
highest award of the U. S. Govern-
ment to a civilian, the Medal for
Merit, was presented Friday by Gen-
eral of the Ar-
my H. H. Ar-
nold in behalf
of the President
to Jack L. War-
ner, Warner
Brothers' pro-
duction vice-
president, in a
ceremony at
March Field,
here, attended
by military, in-
dustry and civic
leaders.
The award
covers Warner's
services to the
War Department in the recruiting and
organization of motion picture per-
sonnel for the Armed Forces, for the
production of training and recruiting
films, and for his participation in the
provision of entertainment films for
overseas.
In a personal tribute to Warner,
(Continued on page 6)
CSU Requests
AFL Aid Here
Three representatives of Holly
wood's Conference of Studio Unions,
establishing temporary Eastern head-
quarters here for the purpose of so
liciting financial support from Ameri-
can Federation of Labor locals in the
New York area, reiterated CSU
charges that the West Coast jurisdic
tional dispute was provoked by the
producers, in presenting their case be
(Continued on page 6)
5 at 20th Promoted
By Silverstone
Arthur G. Doyle, formerly 20th
Century-Fox managing director in
India, has been named district man
ager for India, China, Hong Kong
the Philippines, Singapore, Siam and
Indo-China, and Herbert White, un
til recently managing director o
(Continued on page 2)
Jack Warner
Columbia Meeting
Starts Tomorrow
A three-day meeting of home office
executives, district managers, and top
sales personnel will be held by Colum
bia tomorrow through Thursday at
the Hotel Warwick, New York. A
Montague, general sales manager, will
preside.
Purpose of the meeting is to discuss
selling plans under the Federal anti
(Continued on page 2)
Studio Workers Want
House to End Strike
Washington, March 16. — A
plea for an immediate Con-
gressional investigation of
the Hollywood studio strike
was made to the House Labor
and Education Committee
Friday by a studio employes
committee.
The group urged that Con-
gress enact legislation au-
thorizing the courts to issue
injunctions halting jurisdic-
tional disputes. The commit-
tee said studio workers do
not want to "resort to
strikes." Its appeal was made
by telegram to Congressman
Richard Nixon (R.-Cal.) who
turned the request over to
the committee.
Plans 50 Theatres
For Foreign Films
Conversion of nine West Coast the-
atres and plans to develop a 50-unit,
nationwide circuit; all for the exhibi-
tion of imported product was disclosed
here Friday by Sidney J. Pink, presi-
dent of Trans-international Pictures
Corp. of Los Angeles.
Pink simultaneously announced that
his company has entered into distribu-
tion of foreign product, covering all
territories west of Chicago, in asso
ciation with Trans-international of
New York, which will handle the films
here. The company will release prod-
uct of Super Films, Siritzky Brothers
and others, he said.
UA Joins Tf\
Columbia in
Asking Stays
Seeks Postponement of
Distributor Injunctions
The three non-theatre-owning de-
fendants in the industtry anti-trust
suit lined up solidly at the weekend
on a campaign to keen much of the
New York Federal District Court's
decree from going into effect this
year, so far as their own distribution
activities are concerned.
United Artists, unexpectedly join-
ing Universal and Columbia in their
efforts to obtain stays from the U. S.
Supreme Court, prepared to file a
petition today asking that the company
be exempted from virtually all the
injunctions against distributors until
after a final ruling in the case.
Excepting only the decree clause
that bans franchise agreements, UA
will seek a stay of the orders against
admission-price fixing, clearances
other than those which are "reason-
able" in competitive situations, for-
mula deals, master agreements and
the "arbitrary refusal" to license a
(Continued on page 6)
Radio Looks
For PC A Aid
End of Exhibitor Trust Attacks Seen
Under a Decision Sustained by Court
Compliance with the New York Federal Court's equity decision,
if sustained in U. S. Supreme Court, will mean the end of exhibitor
trust suits against distributors, according to a consensus of legal
opinion here.
Attorneys drew this conclusion from the fact that the decree
covers all situations which prompted legal action by theatremen to
date, and the unlikelihood of any new cause for anti-trust proceed-
ings is remote to them.
One lawyer while in agreement on this, however, said he is
frankly pessimistic as far as other exhibitor-distributor litigation
is concerned. He explained that while he can assure conformity
with the decree, he feels certain that some theatremen probably
will have complaints concerning the injunction against product
sales discrimination.
Washington, March 16. — The Na-
tional Association of Broadcasters,
now in the process of revising and
strengthening its "standards of prac-
tice" for the radio industry, has con-
sulted the Motion Picture Association
on the Coast on the workings of the
(Continued on page 6)
Legion Explains Its
Position on 'Duel'
The National Legion of Decency has
classified "Duel in the Sun." after re-
vision, as "B-Objcctionablc in Part."
The reason for the classification is as
{Continued on page 6)
In This Issue
"Time Out of Mind" is re-
viewed on page (i.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 17, 1947
Personal
Mention
yy7 1LLIAM F. RODGERS,
M-
G-M vice-president in charge
of distribution, will return here today
from the Coast.
James Patrick Cunningham,
Motion Picture Daily news editor,
will observe his 27th anniversary in
film trade journalism today, having
joined Wid's on St. Patrick's Day,
1920, as a copy boy,
•
Charles Schlaifer, 20th Century-
Fox advertising-publicity director, and
Rodney Bush, exploitation manager,
will leave here today on a tour of the
South. Th#y expect to return about
April 1.
Robert J. O'Donnell, William
McCraw and Winifred Cutler are
due in Hollywood today to make ar-
rangements for the Variety Club con-
vention in May.
• '
Ben Melnicker of the M-G-M
home office legal department is the
father of a baby- boy, Harvey David,
born recently at Beth David Hospital
here.
•
James V. O'Gara, Republic East-
ern division sales manager, is in Cin-
cinnati. He will return here next
Monday following a visit to Cleve-
land.
•
Mort Blumenstock, Warner
Brothers vice-president in charge of
advertising-publicity, is due to return
here from the Coast next weekend.
•
Paul MacNamara, Selznick Re-
leasing Organization advertising-pub-
licity chief, left New York on Fri-
day for the Coast.
Joel Harvey of the M-G-M adver-
tising department here, left New
York by plane for Palm Springs,
Fla., over the weekend.
•
Ernest Emerling, Loew's The-
atres publicity director, will return
here today from a two-week tour of
the South.
Quimby Wins Fifth
Award in Six Years
Hollywood, March 16.— When
the Academy of Motion Pic-
ture Arts and Sciences an-
nounced the M-G-M cartoon,
"The Cat Concerto" as "the
best short subject cartoon of
the year," it was the fifth
such award in the past six
years to go to the company
and producer Frederick
Quimby.
Nine Assistants in
Century Move-Overs
Nine additional assistant theatre
manager changes have been made by
Century Circuit, J. R. Springer, gen-
eral theatre manager, announces.
The changes are : Fred Bethel to
the 43rd St. Theatre in Long Island ;
Harry Johnson to the Tivoli, Brook-
lyn, replacing Enrico Ferrari who
moved over to the Mayfair, Brooklyn,
from where George Fascher was trans-
ferred to the Vogue ; Murray Cohan
moved from the Kingsway to the Lin-
den, replacing Leo Schrank who went
to the Nostrand, Brooklyn, from where
Irwin Auerbach was transferred to
the Elm ; Lawrence Wicker moved
from the Elm to the Albemarle, Brook-
lyn, replacing Harry Gilbert who was
transferred to the Marine, Brooklyn.
Johnston Called by
House Committee
Washington, March 16. — Eric
Johnston, as chairman of the motion
picture advisory committee of Holly-
wood, will be asked to testify before
the House Un-American Activities
committee on legislation to outlaw
Communism, Chairman J. P. Thomas
announced.
Hearings will begin on March 24.
Legislation will be proposed which
would make it "unlawful" to be a
Communist.
Columbia Meeting
(Continued from page 1)
trust directive, as well as forthcoming
top product, including "Framed" and
"The Guilt of Janet Ames."
Among those attending from the
home office will be Rube Jackter,
Louis Astor, Irving Wormser, Mau-
rice" Grad, Leo Jaffe, George Josephs,
H. C. Kaufman, Joseph Freiberg,
Irving Sherman, Seth Raisler, Vincent
Borelli, Irving Moross, Sydney Sing-
erman and William Brennan.
From the field there will be: Nat
Cohn, Sam Galanty, Carl Shalit, B.
C. Marcus, I. H. Rogovin, R. J. In-
gram, J. B. Underwood, H. E. Wein-
er, J. C. Bullwinkle, B. J. Lourie and
Phil Fox.
Field, Iowa Theatre
Man, Into Production
Hollywood, March 16. — Daniel E.
Field is organizing an independent
production company and plans as his
first "Student Nurse," by Ann Froe-
lick. Field is an officer of the Pio-
neers Theatre Corp., as well as Chief
Theatres Corp., which operate in nine
Iowa cities.
'Apley' Opens Thursday
The Radio City Music Hall's Easter
film, "The Late George Apley," will
open Thursday, following "The Sea
of Grass." Bookings have been ad-
vanced all along the line at the Hall
because "The Yearling" was limited
to five weeks and "Grass" to three.
"The Egg and I" will follow "Apley"
and will- -be followed in turn by
"Great Expectations."'. _ .
Powers Heads Music
Hollywood, March 16.— Dick Pow-
ers has been named director of the
M-G-M studio music department, suc-
ceeding the late David Chatkin.
Short
Subjects
"One World or None"
(Philip Ragan)
Under the sponsorship of the Na
tional Committee on Atomic Informa
tion, Philip Ragan has produced an
intelligent analysis of the devastating
potentialities of the atom bomb by
way of adeptly sketched illustrations
coupling this with a plea for world,
not individual, control of the weapon
as a means of avoiding the annihila
tion of nations. Raymond Gram
Swing's narration adds to the force-
fulness of the presentation. It seems
worthy of consideration.
Film Publishers, Inc., New York,
will release the short through states-
right distributors, beginning next
month. Running time, nine minutes.
"Bill Bailey and the Four
Pillars",
( Y orke- American Bankers
Association)
Based on a "Reader's Digest" ar-
ticle by J. P. McEvoy, this Emerson
Yorke production, filmed in Tennes-
see, portrays the single-handed fight
waged by Bill Bailey, local bank
president, in winning farmers over to
the four-crop system. Commentary is
by Walter Preston. The film is
available to theatres as well as to edu-
cational and business groups. Run-
ntng time, 18 minutes.
Local Levies Seen
In Effect by July
Albany, N. Y., March 16.— Pas-
sage by the Legislature of the bill
permitting counties and cities of 100,-
000 or more population to impose a
five per cent amusement tax, among
a series of special levies to pay school
teachers' pay increases, is expected to
clear the path for taxes to be effected
by July 1.
Industry spokesmen believe that
some cities are likely to impose the
amusement levy, although the New
York contingent here on Wednesday
did not think that city would do so
immediately.
Charles Jones Named
Levey Representative
Charles Reed Jones has been ap-
pointed special representative by Jules
Levey for his forthcoming United
Artists release, "New Orleans." Jones
was recently national publicity direc-
tor .of the motion picture division for
the March of Dimes campaign.
Lord Tyrrell, 80
London, March 16.— Lord Tyrrell
of Avon, president of the British
Board of Film Censors and a former
diplomat, died at his home on Friday.
He was 80 years old.
Newsreel
Parade
/JLL current newsreels spotlight
•S3- President Truman's appeal for
financial and military aid to Greece
and Turkey, with Paramount News
and RKO Pathe devoting nearly a
full reel each to the subject. Other
happenings reported generally include
the New York warehouse fire, base-
ball training, other sport highlights,
and some novelty items. Complete
contents follow.
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. .SI i-
dent Truman addresses joint seas, of
Congress on aid to Greece and Turkey.
Warehouse fire in New York. Building
cave-in in Cincinnati. Rhine River locked
by cold wave. Philadelphia Athletics, Cin-
cinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers in train-
ing. Ski-jumping youngsters.
NEWS OF THE DAY. No. 255-Truman
urges action to halt Red threat. Marshall
goes to Moscow. New Anglo-French alli-
ance. Behind the scenes in Greece.
Drought in Algeria. Germany's Rhine
River is frozen over. Warehouse fire in
New York.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 58 — Tru-
man's speech to Congress on aid to Greece
and Turkey (full reel, incorporating a re-
port on events in Greece and Turkey lead-
ing up to the speech).
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 60-President
Truman's speech on Greece (500 feet). New
York warehouse fire. "Best Years of Our
Lives" premiere in Washington.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL. No. 21 -
President urges financial and military aid
to Greece and Turkey. New York ware-
house fire. Olympic ski try-out in Sun
Valley. Smith College girls hold caval-
cade of fashion. Mud-packs for men at
Hollywood beauty shop. India elephant
plays volley ball at Philadelphia zoo.
Arbitration
(Continued from page 1)
Film Council in Capital
Washington, March 16.— Govern-
ment and industry film personnel lo-
cated here have organized a Washing-
ton Film Council. A committee is now
drawing up a constitution and by-laws.
ner Brothers said to oppose such a
petition, presumably on the ground
that a favorable ruling upon it would
be difficult to obtain from the high
tribunal.
Although Federal District Judges
Augustus N. Hand, Henry W. God-
dard and John Bright,' who handed
down the New York ruling in the
suit, urged continuance of arbitration
on a voluntary basis, they declared
themselves powerless to order the
system to go on, inasmuch as it was
opposed by the Department of Jus-
tice. The distributors are understood
to have decided that voluntary ar-
bitration machinery would be imprac-
tical to operate.
5 at 20th Promoted
(Continued from page 1)
Cuba, succeeds Doyle as managing
director of India. White is currently
in New York and will leave for his
new post late this month. The pro-
motions were made by Murray Sil-
verstone, president of 20th-Fox Inter-
national Corp.
Other appointments include Andrew
Jaeger, named manager of Puerto
Rico, replacing Carlo Zeno who has
retired; John Finder, promoted to as-
sistant manager of Belgium after sev-
eral months in the company's branch
in Switzerland ; Oscar Lax, trans-
ferred from Belgium to become assis-
tant manager of the Middle East.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley Tr
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20 N Y '
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"THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES"
LOOK AT THE SENSATIONAL j
PRE-RELEASE RECORD TO DATE! \
NEW YORK, Asfor 18th WEEK
CHICAGO, Woods 14th WEEK
BOSTON, Esquire 14th WEEK
LOS ANGELES, Beverly 13th WEEK
Palace 9th WEEK
Guild 2nd WEEK
MIAMI, Colony 10th WEEK
JACKSONVILLE, St. John 3rd WEEK
ST. PETERSBURG, Playhouse 2nd WEEK
TAMPA, State 2nd WEEK
Palma Ceia. 2nd WEEK
CINCINNATI, Capitol 2nd WEEK
DENVER, Aladdin 2nd WEEK
WASHINGTON, Keith's. . 2nd WEEK
MINNEAPOLIS, Pan. . . 2nd WEEK
SAN DIEGO, Mission 2nd WEEK
Adams 2nd WEEK
SAN FRANCISCO, United Nations 1st WEEK
FORT MYERS, Lee 1st WEEK
COLORADO SPRINGS, Trail 1st WEEK
PROVIDENCE, Albee. . . . 1st WEEK
LONG BEACH, Santa Fe 1st WEEK
Town 1st WEEK
Cabart 1st WEEK]
PALM SPRINGS, Plaza 1st WEEK
ElPaseo. 1st WEEK
AND SOON THE STORY WILL BE THE SAME, AS IT OPENS IN
Son Pedro, Col., Strand .....3/19
Greeley, Colo., Sterling 3/20
Buffalo, N. Y., 20th Century 3/20
St. Louis, Mo., St. Louis 3/20
Baltimore, Md., Town 3/20
Portland, Ore., Music Box 3/21
Richmond, Vo., Capitol 3/26
Seattle, Wash., Music Holl 3/28
Salt Lake City, Utah, Rialto 4/1
Boise, Ida., Rialto 4/1
Provo, Utah, Academy 4/1
Long Beach, Cal., State (M.O.) 4/2
New Orleans, La., Liberty 4/2
Orpheum 4/2
Bakersfield, Cal., Nile 4/2
Phoenix, Ariz., Vista 4/2
Stockton, Cal., State 4/2
Louisville, Ky., Strand 4/3
Rochester, N. Y., Temple 4/3
Santa Ana, Cal., West Coast 4/3
Sacramento, Cal., Capitol 4/3
Vallejo, Cal., Senator 4/3
Joplin, Mo., Electric 4/3
Cleveland, Ohio, Lower Mall 4/4
University 4/4
Syracuse, N. Y., Empire 4/4
Detroit, Mich., Downtown 4/4
Philadelphia, Pa., Arcadia 4/4
Pix 4/4
Riverside, Cal., Lido 4/4
Las Vegas, Nev., Huntridge 4/4
Montreal, Que., Kent 4/5
Miami, Fla., Royal 4/5
Milwaukee, Wise, Riverside 4/5
Ft. Collins, Colo., State 4/5
Las Vegas, N. M., Coronado 4/5
Pocatello, Ida., Capitol 4/5
Kansas City, Mo., Power 4/5
Bridgeport, Conn., Klein Memorial 4/5
Macon, Ga., Bibb 4/6
Birmingham, Ala., Birmingham 4/6
Charlotte, N. C, Visulite 4/6
Raleigh, N. C, Colony 4/6
Durham, N. C, Uptown 4/6
Greensboro, N. C, State 4/6
Greenville, S. C, Paris 4/6
San Bernardino, Cal., Studio 4/6
El Centra, Cal., Valley 4/6
Redwood City, Cal., Redwood 4/6
San Jose, Cal., Padre 4/6
Burlingame, Cal., Broadway 4/6
Palo Alto, Cal., Varsity 4/6
Salinas, Cal., Alisal 4/6
Watsonville, Cal., State 4/6
Richmond, Cal., Grand 4/6
Berkeley, Cal., U. C... 4/6
San Mateo, Cal., Baywood 4/ 6
Alliance, Neb., Rialto 4/6
Pomona, Cal., Sunkist 4/6
Pueblo, Colo., Main 4/8
Spokane, Wash., State 4/8
Portland, Me., Empire 4/9
New Bedford, Mass., New Bedford. .. 4/9
Bellingham, Wash., American 4/9
Boulder, Colo., Varsity 4/9
Cheyenne, Wyo., Paramount 4/9
Ogden, Utah, Ogden 4/9
Springfield, Mass., Broadway 4/9
Worcester, Mass., Plymouth 4/10
Grand Junction, Colo., Avalon 4/10
Altoona, Pa., Olympic 4/10
Laramie, Wyo., Varsity 4/10
Sheridan, Wyo., Orpheum 4/10
Moberly, Mo., 4th St.. 4/10
Coffeyville, Kan., Ismo 4/10
Longmont, Colo., Longmont 4/11
Sterling, Colo., American 4/11
Excelsior Spgs., Mo., Siloam 4/11
Sedalia, Mo., Liberty .". 4/11
Topeka, Kan., Orpheum 4/11
Memphis, Tenn., Strand 4/12
Hamilton, Ont., Capitol 4/12
Savannah, Ga., Weis 4/13
Hutchinson, Kan., Strand 4/13
Dodge City, Kan., Crown 4/13
Calgary, Alta., Grand 4/14
Fresno, Cal., Tower 4/14
Edmonton, Alta., Rialto 4/15
Vancouver, B. C, Vogue 4/16
Hastings 4/16
Winnipeg, Man., Garrick 4/16
Oklahoma City, Okla., Plaza 4/16
Criterion 4/16
Everett, Wash., Balboa „ 4/16
Aberdeen, Wash., D & R 4/16
Cannon City, Colo., Rex 4/17
Muscatine, Iowa, Palace 4/17
Albany, N. Y., Grand 4/18
Norfolk, Va., Granby 4/18
Wenatchee, Wash., Vitaphone 4/18
Hot Springs, N. M., El Rio 4/19
Calexico, Cal., Capitol 4/20
Butte, Mont., Montana 4/20
Salina, Kan., El Ray 4/20
Saskatoon, Sask., Victory 4. .21
Billings, Mont., Empire 4/23
Gt. Falls, Mont., Rainbow 4/23
Helena, Mont., Antlers 4/23
Missoula, Mont., Roxy 4/23
Duluth, Minn., Granada 4/24
Springfield, Mo., Kickapoo 4/24
Wichita, Kan., Sandra... 4/24
Pittsburg, Kan., Cozy 4/24
La Junta, Colo., Scout 4/25
McCook, Neb., Temple 4/25
Halifax, N. S., Casino 4/26
Milwaukee, Wise, Alhambra (M.O.)... 4/26
Newton, Kan., Chief. 4/27
Winfield, Kan., Zimm 4/27
Ottawa, Ont., Avalon 4/28
Victoria, B. C, Oak Bay 4/28
Dayton, Ohio, Colonial 4/30
Pittsfield, Mass., Colonial 4/30
Lewiston, Mont., Broadway 5/1
Schenectady, N. Y., Erie 5/2
Omak, Wash., Omak 5/2
Chelan, Wash., Ruby 5/2
Belleville, Ont., McCarthy: 5/9
No. Bay., Ont., Melrose 5/9
New Haven, Conn., Shubert 5/11
London, Ont., Elmwood 5/12
FLASH! 31 INTERSTATE, PLAYDAIES JUST BOOKED FOR EARLY APRIL!
Screen Play by
From a novel by
Director of Photography
UI1LUU IWU1IW
ased through RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.
6
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 17, 1947 |
"One
of the
finest
nusical
ever
REPORTER
Review
"Time Out of Mind"
( U niversal )
ROBERT SIODMAK foregoes murder and the psychological for straight
drama on this occasion and comes up with a well-acted piece so leisurely
in pace and content that it seems longer than its 88 minutes.
Perhaps Rachel Field, on whose novel "Time Out of Mind" is based, did
her concentrating more on character development than on story progression.
It is the film, not the book, which is up for appraisal here, however, and the
analysis is that it takes a good deal of footage before Phyllis Calvert wins
Robert Hutton.
Hutton plays the son of Leo G. Carroll, Maine shipowner who decrees the
son must follow the father. The conflict between them develops because
Hutton wants music to sing through his being, not the salty tang of the sea.
Ella Raines, his sister, is on his side. So, too, is Miss Calvert, servant in the
household and practically a member of the family. She conspires to get Hutton
and Miss Raines off to Paris to pursue his muse.
He returns after three or more years to find his estranged father dead
and Miss Calvert still in love. Hutton, meanwhile, has married the wealthy
Hel ena Carter. It is an unsuccessful match, predicated on money. Hutton
deliberately throws away a concert arranged for him, takes further to drink,
is nursed back by Miss Calvert, recovers his stance as a composer and
emerges triumphant at a New York concert. Miss Calvert and her love
become triumphant, also.
This is all there is to the dramatic action. Performances, on the other hand,
are better than the norm. In her first American-made film, Miss Calvert is
very good. Hutton is far better than this reviewer has even seen him. The
experienced Carroll, always to be relied upon for an intelligent acting job,
does not disappoint. Good support comes from Eddie Albert as a minor-scale
heavy and from John Abbott, whose characterization of music critic is one
of the best things in the film. "Time Out of Mind" is top-grade all the way
on the production side. On the entertainment side, it is satisfying at best.
Abem Finkel and Arnold Phillips wrote the screenplay. Miklos Rozsa and
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco prepared an effective music score.
Running time 88 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Red Kann
CSU Here
(Continued from page 1)
fore delegates of various AFL unions
at a meeting at the Hotel Piccadilly
here Friday afternoon.
J. L. Nisbett, leader of the CSU
delegation which also includes Walter
R. Scheibel and Edward J. Smith, dis-
closed that since their arrival last
Tuesday they had met with several
locals, adding that they would hold
further meetings this week in Brook-
lyn and Queens.
Unions attending the Friday meet-
ing included the International Asso-
ciation of Machinists, whose Holly-
wood local is part of the CSU and
the Brotherhood of Painters, also in-
volved in the Coast dispute. In addi-
tion to a pledge of $10,000 from the
painters and a suggestion by Louis
Weinstock, of the Brooklyn district
council, that the union collect $1 from
each member, it was disclosed that
the machinists union has been con-
tributing almost $3,000 a week to the
CSU fund.
Meanwhile, efforts of the CSU- to
bring about a strike settlement con-
ference of all parties to the dispute
over the weekend, as reported Friday
in Motion Picture Daily, appeared
headed for at least temporary delay.
Richard F. Walsh, IATSE president,
said here that he would be willing to
hold such a conference with William
Hutcheson, international president of
the Carpenters Brotherhood, and L. P.
Lindelof, international president of the
Painters Brotherhood. Walsh indi-
cated that action by these executives
alone could resolve the issues in the
jurisdictional dispute.
Hollywood, March 16. — U. S.
Conciliator Frank Wenig, who con-
ferred on Thursday with CSU presi-
dent Herbert Sorrell on issues under-
lying the studio strike, met on Friday
with the major producers' labor con-
Jack Warner Cited
(Continued from page 1)
Gen. Arnold said : "The entire motion
picture industry won the gratitude of
the nation for the part it played
through our four years of conflict.
Jack Warner, a leader in that indus-
try, is a fine example of the whole-
hearted effort and integrity of that
great part."
Arnold was introduced by Briga-
dier-Gen. John P. Doyle, who ex-
plained that the Medal for Merit grew
out of the badge for military -merit
which was established by Gen. George
Washington in 1782 and in its present
form was authorized by executive or-
der of President Roosevelt in 1942.
"Since then," General Doyle said, "it
has been awarded to those few civil-
ians who have most distinguished
themselves by their service to their
country."
President Truman's citation of War-
ner for "exceptionally meritorious
conduct in the performance of out-
standing services to the United States"
was read by Major L. C. Quinn, Jr.
In addition to the civilian service for
which he was cited in "this connection,
Warner entered active army duty
with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
to expedite the development of the
first motion picture unit. That duty
completed, he returned to civilian life
to aid in the mobilization of the mo-
tion picture industry for war effort.
President Truman's citation credited
Warner with having, "on his own in-
itiative, pointed out to the armed ser-
vices of the United States the use
which could be made of motion pic-
tures in the effective prosecution of
the war."
tact man Pat Casey in an exploratory
session. An expected conference with
IATSE international representative
Roy M. Brewer, was postponed due
to Brewer's illness.
Asking Stays
(Continued from page 1)
feature on a run selected by an ex-
hibitor, all of which are scheduled
to go into effect April 1. Likewise to
be requested is a stay of competitive
bidding, which is due to start July 1.
"A tremendous hardship" will be
imposed on UA if these sections of
the decree are placed in effect and
then finally reversed by the high tri-
bunal, the company will point out, add-
ing that, in such an event, it would
have to "undo everything it bfr' ried
to do" to comply with the Ne ork
rulings.
Columbia's application for a stay,
filed on Friday, elaborates on the same
general argument as planned by UA.
Incorporating a statement by Abe
Montague, Columbia vice-president
and general sales manager, it declares
that the selling and administrative de-
tail required by competitive bidding
would force the company to add ap-
proximately $600,000 per year in aug-
mented personnel ; $300,000 through
increasing the sales force from 100
to 140, another $200,000 in the ex-
changes and $100,000 in the home
office.
Columbia further argues that it
would be forced to compete on unfair
terms with Producers Releasing,
Monogram and Republic, which are
not bound by the decree, and with
the five theatre-owning defendants,
which can show their own product
in their own theatres on any terms
they choose. Moreover, the applica-
tion declares, the slowing down of
licenses under competitive bidding
would slow down the turnover of
working capital, thus causing "con-
siderable refinancing and costly bor-
rowing." Inevitably, Columbia ar-
gues, these increased costs would have
to be passed on to the exhibitor and
then to the public.
Legion on 'Duel'
(Continued from page 1)
set forth as follows :
"Immodestly suggestive sequences;
glorification of illicit love."
"In effecting the revision the pro-
ducer, David Selznick, has responded
with cooperation and understanding to
critical reaction subsequent to the trial
engagement of the film in Los An^
geles and has thus displayed an aware-
ness of responsibility for the moral
and social integrity of motion pic-
tures," said a statement issued by the
National Legion of Decency, here.
PCA, Radio
(Continued from page 1)
Production Code Administration for
whatever application can be made to
higher radio standards.
Don Petty, NAB general counsel,
just returned from Hollywood, will
report on results of the study and his
consultations with the MPA, at
NAB's Special Standards of Practice
Committee meeting in New York on
March 31.
SCREENCRAFT PICTURES, INC.
341 West 44th St., N. Y. C. 18
35MM — Distributors of — 16MM
FEATURES, WESTERNS,
COMEDIES and SHORTS
Released thru^
So«H.*i «■■» """""
ture! 4 #yy
Adventure!
Action
Romance!
RICHARD ARLEN
Jennifer HOLT • Lee SHUMWAY
Producer, JACK SCHWARZ
Director, BERNARD B. RAY
Donald WOODS • Gloria WARREN
Shirley O'HARA • Anthony WARDE
Producer, JAMES S. BURKETT
Associate Producer
RENAULT DUNCAN
Director
TERRY MORSE
SI
V:
f m
Fearless!
Roaring!
Rugged
Daredevils
of the
North!
Russell Edmund
WADE • MacDONALD
Douglas Susan
BLACKLEY • WALTERS
Produced and Directed bv WILLIAM BERKE
Rochelle HUDSON Jack LaRUE
Austin WILLIS • Frank PERRY
Producer, LARRY CROMIEN
Associate Producer, JACK W. OGILVIE
Director, STERLING CAMPBELL
:,. ....
DETECTIVE ACTION STREAMLINERS
THE HAT BOX MYSTERY
The Case of the BABY SITTER
Tom NEAL • Pamela BLAKE • Virginia SALE
Tom NEAL • Pamela BLAKE • Virginia SALE
Directed by LAMBERT HILLVER
id by
HOME OFFICE- 346 So. La Brea, Hollywood, California • FOREIGN DEPT.: 723 7th Avenue, New York City
RAY MILLAND
Star of the 1946
Academy Award Picture
TERESA WRIGHT
of the 1947
Academy Award Picture
Sir Cedric Hardwicke - Virginia Field • Reginald Owen - Anthony Quinn • Melville Cooper
Produced by Karl Tunberg • Directed bv Lew is Allen
Screen Play by Karl Tunberg
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
.J
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
V'.'j3»l. NO. 53
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1947
TEN CENTS
See Tax Fight
In at Least
3 N. Y. Cities
5 Other 'Danger Points';
Plan Opposition Meeting
With at least three of New York
State's seven largest municipalities
expected by theatre men to consider
passing five per cent admission tax
ordinances, the exhibitor committee
which fought the legislature's act au-
thorizing such measures will meet
here next week to plan opposition to
the levies on the local level.
The state law, regarded as certain
of signature by Gov. Dewey, will en-
able all counties and those cities which
have over 100,000 population to im-
pose the tax. Of the cities, Buffalo
and Yonkers are understood to incline
toward doing so, while Mayor
O'Dwyer has said here that he is glad
{.Continued on page 2)
Seattle Impatient
For Bidding Start
Seattle, March 17— Numer-
ous exhibitors in this area
are looking forward to the
introduction of competitive
bidding here with keen an-
ticipation. The view of most
toward the new licensing sys-
tem appears to be favorable.
Typical of local exhibitor
comment is this from Roy
Johnson, general manager of
Jensen and Von Herberg
Theatres: "We would very
much like to see distributors
start the new system."
Ohio Now Faces a
Local Tax System
Columbus, O., March 17. — Sound-
ing a "call to arms," P. J. Wood, sec-
retary of the Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio, tells Ohio exhibitors,
in a special bulletin, to contact their
state representatives immediately and
voice their opposition to Gov. Thomas
J. Herbert's proposal that the state
vacate the admission tax field and per-
mit municipalities to impose local ad-
mission taxes.
"If this bill were passed by the
legislature," said the Wood bulletin,
"it would bring down upon the amuse-
ment industry in Ohio a hodge-podge
of local amusement taxes of varying
rates as high as 10 per cent."
MGM Considers One
4Big' Decree Meeting
With many provisions of the in-
dustry anti-trust suit decree scheduled
to go into effect officially on April
1, M-G-M compliance policies may
be outlined at a single meeting of
sales personnel 'from all over the
country rather than through a series
of regional sessions, it was indicated
here yesterday following the return
of William F. Rodgers, vice-president
and general sales manager, after, six
weeks on the Coast.
Rodgers discussed the matter yes-
terday with Nicholas M. Schenck,
president of the company, and a
prompt decision now is expected.
First meeting in the originally intend-
ed series was held in Chicago just
prior to Rodgers' Hollywood visit.
Hit Snag in
Ending Pools
Interpretation of what constitutes a
partnership and what a pool, with
specific references to joint arrange-
ments which have no individual cor-
porate set-up, has created a snag for
defendants in the Federal anti-trust
suit who are now in the process of
implementing the New York Federal
Court order for dissolution of such
agreements in theatre operation.
That this stumbling-block has arisen
was revealed yesterday by Dan
Michalove, vice-president of National
Theatres, 20th Century-Fox subsid-
iary, upon his return here from the
Coast where the Fox West Coast
Theatres-Paramount pool in San
Francisco has been dissolved. Para-
mount, he revealed, will take over
operation of the three theatres in-
volved in the pool on March 26, six
days before the date set by the de-
cree for terminating pools between
defendant companies.
While the pool with Paramount was
the only instance in which this phase
(Continued on page 7)
U-I Wins Franchise
Case; Cited Decree
'JJ\ Rank and
Schlesinger
In 3-Way Deal
Also, Schlesinger Will
Acquire U. S. Interests
A three-way film and theatre alli-
ance has been consummated between
the Schlesinger group of " South
Africa, the J. Arthur Rank group
of Great Britain and the Universal
group of America. Also, Schlesinger
plans to, acquire film interests in the
U. S., said Universal yesterday.
A joint statement released simul-
taneously yesterday in New York,
London and Johannesburg follows :
"The film and theatre alliance now
consummated provides for the exhibi-
tion in Africa, South of the Equator,
of all films produced by Universal-
International and the Rank group,
which represents the major film pro-
duction of Great Britain.
"In the territory governed by the
affiliation, distribution to over 400
theatres is controlled by the Schlesin-
ger group, which operates a large
number itself, and will serve the bal-
ance which are independently operated.
"Under this alliance, Rank and Uni-
(Continucd on page 7)
Weitman Nominated
B'nai B'rith Head
Columbia Opens Sales
Parley Here Today
Twenty-five Columbia home-
office executives and field men
will begin a three-day sales
meeting at the Hotel War-
wick here today. A. Montague,
general sales manager, will
preside.
On the agenda will be dis-
cussion of selling plans under
the Federal anti-trust direc-
tive. Future product also will
figure in the talks.
Robert M. Weitman, managing di-
rector of the New York Paramount
Theatre and one of the entertainment
industry's key workers on behalf of
charitable undertakings, has been
nominated to the presidency of New
York's Cinema Lodge of B'nai B'rith,
whose membership has reached 1,400.
Elections will be held at the Hotel
(Continued on page 7)
Selznick Sales Meet
Starts Tomorrow
Neil Agnew, president of Selznick
Releasing Organization, and Milton
Kusell, general sales manager, have
summoned all SRO district sales man-
agers to attend a sales meeting in
New York tomorrow and Thursday,
at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. At-
tending will be Sam Horowitz, Chi-
(Continued on page 7)
Columbus, O., March 17. — Having
contended that a three-year franchise
between Universal-International and
the Drexel Amusement Co., a Miles
Circuit affiliate, was inoperative under
terms of the decision rendered by the
court in the industry New York anti-
trust suit, U-I won a dismissal of the
injunction suit brought by Drexel in
an attempt to prevent the defendants
from selling films to other theatres in
the Drexel competitive area. This was
the first case of its kind to follow the
New York decision which held that
franchises are illegal.
Johnston Sets Off
On Tour of Studios
Hollywood, March 17. — Motion
Picture Association president Eric
Johnston started a series of meetings
with major studio executives, pro-
ducers and writers today by visiting
the Paramount, RKO-Radio and Col-
umbia studios here. Although the
nature of the talks was not dis-
closed, Motion Picture Daily
learned that the principal topic were
foreign market conditions, domestic
censorship and how film makers can
co-operate in these connections l>\
observing the Production Code.
Code Administrator Joseph [. Breen
and Johnston's executive assistant,
Joyce O'Hara, accompany Johnston.
Independent Sues
Schine, 8 Companies
Washington, March 17. — Suit has
been filed in District Court here by
Shore Amusement, Inc.. of Milford,
Del., against Schine Circuit, and its
affiliate Chesapeake Theatres Corp.,
charging violation of the Sherman
Act.
Also named defendants in the $105,-
(Continiied on page 7)
Sell 'Jolson Story'
Away from Richards
New Orleans, March 17. —
Columbia is selling "The Jol-
son Story" away from Para-
mount - Richards Theatres.
Picture played the opposition
Joy Theatre here and has
been bought by independents
in Paramount-Richards towns
elsewhere in this territory.
This development occurs
shortly after 20th Century-
Fox started selling away
from Paramount-Richards.
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, March 18, 1947
Personal
Mention
I AMES R. GRAINGER, Republic
J vice-president, has returned to
New York from the Coast.
•
Spyros P. Skouras, 20th Century-
Fox president, and Murray Silver-
stone, head of 20th-Fox Interna-
tional,' who were slated to leave here
yesterday for South America, have
delayed their departure until today.
•
Leonard Goldenson, Paramount
vice-president in charge of theatre op-
erations, returned to New York yes-
terday from California.
•
Richard Boris Morros, son of
producer Boris Morros, was married
to Diane Joyce Berman at the Hotel
Plaza, here, yesterday.
•
Lige Brien, assistant exploitation
manager of Eagle-Lion, will leave
here today for Buffalo, returning on
Friday.
•
Bottus Bishop, Jr., M-G-M dis-
trict manager, returned to Dallas
yesterday from Little Rock.
•
Silas F. Seadler, M-G-M adver-
tising manager, will leave here for the
Coast on Thursday.
•
Robert Gillham, J. Walter
Thompson account executive, has re-
turned to New York from Florida.
•
Milton Kusell, Selznick Releasing
Organization executive, has returned
here from Hollywood.
Nine Cocalis N. /.
Houses Go to Alden
Alden Theatre Corp., New Jersey,
an affiliate of B. and Q. Associates,
has leased from Cocalis Theatres, nine
houses in New Jersey, J. J. Thomp-
son, Cocalis representative, reported
yesterday. Theatres are : Elmora,
Royal and Strand in Elizabeth; Em-
pire and Rahway, Rahway; Park,
Newark; Roslyn, Roselle; Park, Ro-
selle Park; Maplewood, Maplewood.
Donald Jacocks is Alden president.
$2,500,000 E-L Deal
Hollywood, March 17. — A 10-year
contract between Vera Caspary, author,
and Eagle-Lion Studios has been con-
summated, under the terms of which
Miss Caspary is to deliver one story
annually to Eagle-Lion and will re-
ceive a flat sum for each story and five
per cent of net profits on each. It is
estimated by E-L that this will net the
author at least $2,500,000 in the 10
Wm. Hosie Leaves Disney
William Hosie has resigned as
Eastern publicity representative for
Walt Disney Productions, after seven
years with that organization. Hosie,
formerly assistant to the studio pub-
licity head, came East 10 months ago.
His resignation becomes effective
April 1 at which time he plans to re-
turn to Hollywood.
Monogram Directors
To Meet March 22
Washington, March 17. — Steve
Broidy, president of Monogram and
Allied Artists, will leave Hollywood
tomorrow for Chicago, accompanied
by George D. Burrows, treasurer, and
Howard Stubbins, Pacific Coast fran-
chise owner, to attend a quarterly
board of directors meeting at the
Blackstone Hotel on March 22. Fol-
lowing the meeting Broidy will go to
Miami, to attend the world premiere
of Roy Del Ruth's "It Happened on
Fifth Avenue," Allied Artists release
which will open day and date at the
Capitol and Tower Theatres in
Miami, and the Lincoln Theatre,
Miami Beach, on April 5.
Broidy will then go to Dallas, Tex-
as, for the April 24 premiere of the
picture at the Majestic Theatre.
Suits Expected on
Back -Tax Bills
Washington, March 17. — Former
members of so-called personal corpo-
rations, which are formed to make
one picture and then dissolve, are ex-
pected to contest the Treasury De-
partment's right to ask back-tax pay-
ments. These corporations dissolve
after collecting distribution profits and
thus receive the benefit of the cut-
rate liquidation tax rather than pay-
ing full earning revenue.
Following last year's ruling on capi-
tal gains in the film business, the Los
Angeles and New York offices of the
Internal Revenue Bureau have been
sending bills to ex-members of per-
sonal corporations.
Tennessee Escapes
Proposed Film Tax
Memphis, March 17. — The State
General Assembly has adjourned with-
out enacting any admission tax. A
proposed bill to put a five per cent
state tax on theatre tickets never
reached the floor of either house.
The Attorney General's office has
held that the two per cent sales tax,
which will take effect on June 1 in
Tennessee does not apply to theatre
admissions.
Indiana Governor
Vetoes ASCAP Bill
Indianapolis, March 17. — Gov.
Ralph F. Gates has vetoed a copyright
bill which was directed against the
operation of the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers in
that state.
Under provisions of the bill, own-
ers of copyright musical works were
forbidden to operate in conjunction
with other copyright owners to en-
force payments for the public per-
formance of their works.
Pathe Eleven-Month
Profit Is $1,073,396
Pathe Industries, Inc., had a net
profit of $1,073,396 for the first 11
months of 1946, equal to 73 cents on
each of 1,306,838 common shares, on
net sales of $14,977,306. Net profit for
1945 was $511,212 on net sales of
$8,474,860.
Release Switch Halts
Schlaifer Trip South
Charles Schlaifer, 20th Century-Fox
advertising publicity director, has in-
definitely postponed his scheduled
Southern trip to work on long-range
publicity plans for Darryl F. Zanuck's
"Gentlemen's Agreement," which will
now be released this season instead
of next. Exploitation manager Rod-
ney Bush is making the tour without
Schlaifer, who originally intended to
hold local exhibitor and advertising
meetings with Bush in Atlanta, Char-
lotte, Jacksonville and Miami.
The "Gentlemen's Agreement" cam-
paign will be set up immediately by
Schlaifer and will be similar to the
drive for "The Razor's Edge."
E-L Production Is
Well A long; Foy Here
With two pictures completed, two
editing, two in production and nine
ready for filming, Bryan Foy, Eagle-
Lion production vice-president, ar-
rived in New York yesterday from
Hollywood to make his first progress
report to the board of directors of
Pathe Industries, E-L's parent com-
pany, and home office heads.
Foy has completed rebuilding the
studio at a cost of $1,500,000, and has
a filming schedule covering the next
12 months.
Jeff Davis Returns
As UA Atlanta Head
Atlanta, March 17. — Jeff Davis,
formerly with United Artists in Atlan-
ta and later transferred to New Or-
leans, will return here to replace
Henry Krumm as branch manager.
As reported in Motion Picture
Daily on March 13, Krumm left his
UA post here to join the Selznick
Releasing Organization as Southern
division sales manager.
Bernard Hirsh Funeral
Philadelphia, March 17. — Funeral
services were held today for Bernard
Hirsh, president of the Hirsch Amuse-
ment Co., motion picture theatre oper-
tors. Hirsch, who was active in the
industry for 35 years, died here on
Friday. A native Philadelphian, he
once managed a chain of 23 theatres
in Arizona.
Tax Fight
(Continued from page 1)
New York will have the taxing pow-
er. Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Al-
bany and Schenectady, other cities af-
fected, are regarded by the exhibitors
as possible "danger points." The
counties, on the other hand, are con-
sidered unlikely to tax admissions, in-
asmuch as they have sources thought
capable of yielding larger revenue.
The exhibitor committee which was
active in Albany last week includes :
Robert W. Coyne, American The-
atres Association ; Oscar Doob,
Loew's Theatres ; Fred J. Schwartz,
Metropolitan Motion Picture The-
atres Association ; Morton Sunshine,
Independent Theatre Owners Associa-
tion of New York; H. J. Walters,
RKO Theatres ; and Sol Ullman, Fa-
bian Theatres.
Coast Convention in May
Hollywood, March 17. — The Pa-
cific Coast Conference of Independ-
ent Theatre Owners will hold iis
annual convention in Los Angeles
May 6 through 8.
NEW YORK THEATRES
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
JSpencer TRACY
^Robert WALKER
Katharine HEPBURn;
Melvyn DOUGLAS*
;"THE SEA OF GRASS";
A Metro-Goldwyn. Mayer Picture
•SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION"
3rd HIT WEEK!
"UNUSUAL! SUPERIOR!" —Times
JOHN GAIL
WAYNE RUSSELL
"ANGEL
and the
BADMAN"
with
HARRY CAREY - BRUCE CABOT
IRENE RICH - LEE DIXON
A JOHN WAYNE Production
A Republic Picture
BRANDT'S GOTHAM «"haysL
PALACE
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr.
MAM (MARA • WALTER SLEZAK
Sinbadthe Sailor m
//V GORSeOC/S T£CM/C0£Ofl V
ON SCREEN
YOU and ROBT.
MONTGOMERY
Audrey TOTTER
'LADY IN
THE LAKE'
IN PERSON
The WILDE TWINS
plus OTHERS
LONG
EDWARDS
ruiomouni preienu
'fctuleite Goddard
FredMacMurrau
Suddenly V „ wwsxww
° o \Buiw LESTER.
Its Spring
THE ACADEMY AWARD PICTURE.
WINNER OF 9 ACADEMY AWARDS.
The BEST Years
of Our Lives"
Continuous A CTVVD *'WAY ■»
Performances I >4S* ST.
and
Paramount's
"BLAZE OF NOON"
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, _ Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bid?., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bid?.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year,- $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
In a Blaze of
Mighty Action
mwm
J HCTivii,
RKO Gives You
The Giant Drama
T
he lusty story
of those lawless days
when frontier Kansas
roared *■ when badmen
ruled and women had
no say - when it took
a fearless two-gun
fighting man to tame
a town wilder than
Dodge City... Big "Bat
Masterson, the famous
U. S. Marshal whose
shooting arm wrote
history in the
making of a
mighty State!
JProduced by NAT^HOLT • Directed I byJ^A YjNRIGHT^
starring
RANDOLPH SCOTT- ROBERT RYAN
ANNE JEFFREYS - GEORGE gabby HAYES
-Blasting out the big news about a
great action entertainment to the readers of the
88,421,433
CIRCULATION
of National Magazines like Life - Look - Saturday
Evening Post -Cosmopolitan -True -22 Pulp Favor-
ites-Fan Publications . . . with full-color comic-strip
type ads in the Magazine Sections of Supple-
ments of 101 important Sunday Newspapers!
!j Tuesday, March 18, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Key City
Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
'U'-Rank-Schlesinger
(Continued from page 1)
PITTSBURGH
w
Despite wintry weather, "The Best
Years of Our Lives" is setting box-
office records here. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 20 :
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— FULTON (1,700) (40c-55c-
70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $30,000.
(Average: $9,700) v tt
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— J. P. HAR-
RIS (2,000) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days, Sth week.
Gross: $13,000. (Average: $11,000)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)—
PENN (3,400) (40c-5Sc-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$28,0C0. (Average: $25,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M) — RITZ (1,100) (40c-55c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week, on moveover from Penn.
Gross: $2,500. (Average: $3,500)
THE SHANGHAI GESTURE (Crown)
and MILLIE'S DAUGHTER (Col.)— SEN-
ATOR (1,700) (40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$3,800. (Average: $3,200)
PURSUED (WB)— STANLEY (3,800) (40c-
55c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000.
(Average: $25,000)
LADIES' MAN (Para.) — WARNER (2,000)
(40c-55c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Aver-
age: $8,000)
BALTIMORE
The combination of good weather
and substantial new attractions is
boosting business to something better
than has been scored in recent weeks.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing March 20 :
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M)— CENTURY (3.C00) (29c-37c-46c-
54c and 56c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $18,
GOO. (Average: $14,000)
SMASH-UP (U-I)-KEITH'S (2,406) (29c
37c-44c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Aver-
age: $12,000)
BOOMERANG (2«th-Fox)— NEW
(28c-40c-50c-58c) 7 days, 2nd week.
$11,000. (Average: $12,000)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)
STANLEY (3,280) (29c-47c-50c-58c) 7 days.
Gross: $20,000. (Average: $16,500)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)— HIPPO
DROME (2,205) (29c-37c-50c-59c) 7 days,
2nd week. With stage show. Gross: $17,
000. (Average: $17,500)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)-
TOWN (1,450) (29c-37c-56c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $11,500)
SUN VALLEY SERENADE (ZOth-Fox)—
MAYFAIR (1,000) (21c-29c-45c) 7 days.
Gross: $5,500. (Average: $5,500)
BRIEF ENCOUNTER (U-I)-LITTLE
(328) (29c-37c-56c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross:
$2,500. (Average: $3,000)
(1,800)
Gro
versal have acquired an interest in
African Consolidated Theatres and
African Consolidated Films, the con-
trol of which companies remains with
Schesinger.
'Owing to building restrictions still
in force, a considerable portion of the
building program of African Consoli-
dated Theatres has not yet been car-
ried out, but immediately the building
of theatres becomes possible in the
territory, which is anticipated will be
in about five years, the full building
program will be completed, sites hav-
ing already been acquired.
"The Schlesinger group, through
African Film Productions, has plans
for the future development of film
production in South Africa in connec-
tion with which large studios are to
be erected at Parkmore, Johannesburg
and it is anticipated that Rank and
Universal may also become interested
in African Film Productions, thereby
making available the production re-
sources of those two groups for the
future development of film production
in South Africa through that com-
pany."
Weitman Nominated
(Continued from page 1)
Astor, Tuesday evening, March 25.
Jack H. Levin, vice-president and
general manager of Confidential Re-
ports, Inc., is the incumbent president.
Nominated for vice-presidencies are
Julius Collins, ASCAP; S. M. Char-
tock, producer ; S. Arthur Glixon, at-
torney ; Bernard Goodman, Warner
Brothers ; Leo Jaffe, Columbia Pic-
tures; Marvin Kirsch, Radio Daily;
Martin Levine, Brandt Theatres; Mil-
ton Livingston, Universal ; Nat K.
Loder, Republic Pictures ; Louis A.
Novins, Paramount. With the excep-
tion of Collins who is currently sec-
retary, all of the vice-presidents are
renominations.
Max B. Blackmail, Warner Broth-
ers, has been renominated for treasur-
er ; Malvin T. Davidson, attorney, has
been nominated for secretary ; Dr.
Morris K. Silberman has been nomi-
nated for sergeant-at-arms ; and
Rabbi Bernard Birstein of the Actors'
Temple has been nominated for the
post of second chaplain, Rabbi Ralph
Silverstein, the incumbent chaplain,
having been renominated.
Ending Pools
(Continued from page 1)
of the decree applies to National,
Michalove indicated that in undertak-
ing a survey of those pools with non-
defendants for dissolution by the July
1 deadline established in the decree,
company attorneys encountered diffi-
culties in deciding which type of ar-
rangement might be interpreted by the
Government as a pool and which as
a partnership. Under the decree, part-
nerships must be dissolved by Dec. 31,
1948, two years from the issuance of
the court order, to allow sufficient
time for transfer of stock.
Scrupulous examination of clauses
in partnership and pooling deals,
Michalove pointed out in referring to
National Theatre arrangements, have
brought to light questionable stipula-
tions which could be regarded as
changing a partnership into a pool,
Independent Sues
(Continued from page 1)
'Ragtime Band' Reissued
A trade press screening of Irving
Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band,"
20th Century-Fox reissue, was held at
the company's home office here yes-
terday. Motion Picture Daily re-
viewed the picture on May 26, 1938.
000 anti-trust action are Paramount,
Loew's, 20th Century-Fox, Warner
Brothers, RKO-Radio, Universal,
United Artists and Republic Pictures.
The brief charges that the defend-
ants conspired to keep the Shore
Theatre from getting first-run prod-
uct, which was sold to Schine's Plaza.
The management wrote all defen
dant distributors requesting product,
the petition related, adding, "Only de
fendants Paramount, 20th-Fox, RKO
and Republic acknowledged the letters
and those defendants all informed
plaintiff that they had no pictures
available for the Shore."
ITS TIME!
It's time you learned about Filmack's NEW Prevue
Trailer Service. It's READY NOW! For full information
write Filmack, 1321 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, 111.
Ff LM/tCK gives QUICKEST SERVICE on SPECIAL TRAILERS
Selznick Sales Meet
(Continued from page 1 )
cago ; Edward Fontaine, Washington ;
A. J. Delcambrae, Dallas ; Tom Du-
ane, Boston ; Henry Krumm, Atlanta ;
John Howard, Los Angeles.
National release of "Due! in the
Sun," David O. Selznick, is scheduled
as the first subject on the agenda
Plans for the release Sept. 1 of the
Selznick-Alfred Hitchcock "The Para
dine Case" will also be arranged. The
sales force will also discuss plans for
the release this year of Selznick's
"Portrait of Jennie." Also on the
agenda is the re-issue this summer of
Selznick's "Intermezzo."
The SRO production schedule, Ag-
new and Kusell revealed, will be con
tinuous and also on the program is the
F. Scott Fitzgerald "Tender Is the
Night" ; "Rupert of Hentzau," "Tess
of the D'Ubervilles," "Dark Medal
lion," "The Scarlet Lily," "Little
Women," "Trent's Last Case," "Sarah
Bernhardt," "Conspiracy," "Intimate
Notes."
Form New Haven Council
New Haven, March 17. — A motion
Picture Council, representing about
12 local groups, has been formed here.
B ■ ■
I "PREVIEW ROOM"
I ... will really SELL
I your picture.
I Fully equipped for 35MM,
I 16MM, and Slide Projection.
Cocktail parties, luncheons
and dinners served in this ver-
I satile room — setting a gay
I mood for a favorable reaction
to your film.
' MADISON AVENUE at 54th St.
I New York. N. Y.
. Tel. : PL. 5-3 too PAUL GREEN. Mar.
Jt
TO EACH HIS OWN . . . AND PARAMOUNT S OWN IS
livia De^avilland
1946 Winner of the Academy Award for
the Best Performance by an Actress ... in
a
OLIVIA De HAVILLAND
TO EACH HIS OWN"
with
Mary Anderson ■ Roland Culver
Virginia Welles • Phillip Terry
Bill Goodwin ■ and introducing John Lund
A MITCHELL LEISEN Production
Produced by Charles Brackett
Directed by Mitchell Leisen
Screen Play by Charles Brackett
and Jacques Thery
Paramount
salutes its newest Academy Award winner for this
honor that takes its place Beside last year's Academy
Awards to "The Lost Weekend" and the previous
year's Academy honors to "Going My Way."
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
J
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
m
61. NO. 54
NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1947
TEN CENTS
NY Indecent] Competitive Bidding in NY
Ad Bill Killed May Wait Until July 1
By Amendment
Surprise Move Follows
Mounting Opposition
Albany, N. Y., March 18.— An
unexpected amendment to the in-
decent advertising bill by Assem-
blyman Malcolm Wilson, one of the
co-sponsors of the bill, has killed the
measure for this session of the legis-
lature. The State Constitution re-
quires that a printed copy of every
bill must be on each Legislator's desk
for three days. With the adjourn-
ment deadline hours away, there is no
chance of meeting this requirement,
unless Gov. Dewey should waive it,
which he is not expected to do.
It is rumored here that the amend-
(Continued on page 8)
Names . . .
in Today 9s News
C AMUEL BURGER has been
^ appointed sales manager of
Loew's International, by Morton A.
Spring, vice-president, who, at the
same time, named Maurice (Red)
Silverstein regional sales director for
Latin America.
Prior to Burger's new appointment
he was regional director for Latin
America and before that was M-G-M
Eastern district sales manager, here.
He later became a home office rep-
resentative traveling abroad.
Silverstein has been with M-G-M's
international department for 15 years,
as manager in the Far East, South
America and Southeast Asia. During
the war he was with the OWL
Clark Promotes Sobel and
Milner in PRC Sales
Sam Sobel, veteran Pacific Coast
showman, has been appointed West
Coast sales supervisor for PRC, by
Ralph Clark, general sales manager
Sobel, original owner of the PRC
franchise in the San Francisco area,
became the company's West Coast
district 'maniager when it acquired
Seattle and Portland franchises, re-
cently.
In a further realignment of sales
personnel, Clark announces that Sam
Milner, former branch manager in
Los Angeles, will replace Sobel as
West Coast district manager, over
Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and
{Continued on facie 6)
FCC Denies CBS
Color Video Permit
Washington, March 18. —
The Federal Communications
Commission today denied the
petition of Columbia Broad-
casting for the right to put
its color television system on
a commercial basis.
J. R. Poppele, president of
Television Broadcasters As-
sociation, yesterday stated
here that the FCC rejection
of the CBS petition would
mean "greatly accelerated"
production of television re-
ceivers and applications for
television station permits.
TBA, among others, strongly
opposed CBS's application.
National Gives Up
Its Mexican Houses
Los Angeles, March 18. — National
Theatres headquarters here discloses
a complete withdrawal from Mexican
exhibition through disposition of its
51 per cent interest in the Del Norte
circuit of 38 theatres, jointly held
with Frederico Rodriguez, to Theo-
dore Gildred's newly-formed Credito
Cinematografico.
The deal, negotiated with Charles
Skouras, National's president, pro-
vides for B. V. Sturdivant, for the
past two years NT's representative in
Mexico, to remain as general mana-
ger of Credito, under a 10-year con-
tract. The latter organization, with
which Rodriguez remains affiliated,
is capitalized at $6,000,000 and in ad-
dition to theatre interests will sponsor
production at a new studio being con-
structed in Tepeyac.
The transaction with NT was on a
cash basis for an undisclosed amount.
The competitive bidding system of
film sales, which has been inaugu-
rated gradually by several distributors
in various parts of the country, es-
pecially among theatres in smaller sit-
uations, may not be started in New
York City before July 1, when the
bidding clause of the industry anti-
trust decree goes into effect officially,
it was indicated in exchange circles
here yesterday. Spokesmen for dis-
tributor legal departments, however,
declined to comment.
Reason for the delay, it was indi-
cated, is that competitive situations
requiring bidding are less numerous,
proportionately, in a heavy subse-
quent-run area like New York than
in smaller places where the rivalry be-
tween the few existing houses is
more pronounced.
Bearing out this theory are recent
reports that requests for bids from
local theatres here have been conspic-
uous by their absence, but a substan-
tial number of such requests now is
understood to have reached at least
one home office, to be passed on from
there to its exchange within a few
days.
The bidding system has been started
(Continued on page 6)
Enlarged Schedule
For E-L in '47-48
Eagle-Lion expects to have a
larger production schedule in 1947-
48 than it did in 1946-47, for which
10 pictures were set, Bryan Foy,
vice-president in charge of produc-
tion, who is here from the Coast, said
yesterday. Where the company made
two in Cinecolor this season, next
{Continued on page 6)
Johnston Warns of
Film Effects Abroad
Hollywood, March 18.— Continuing
his round of major studios to address
executives, producers, directors^ and
writers, Motion Picture Association
president Eric Johnston today coun-
selled against unnecessary screen pre-
sentation of drinking, sex situations and
loose conduct in general, lest pictures
give rise to a false conception of
{Continued on page 6)
Okla. Senate Group
Kills Local Tax Bill
Oklahoma City, March 18. — The
Oklahoma Senate committee on rev-
enue and taxation today voted unani-
mously to kill a bill which would
have extended municipal taxing pow-
ers. No attempt was made by the
Senate to override the committee's
action. The measure had been op-
posed bv the legislative committee of
the MPTO of Oklahoma. C. B.
Akers, chairman of the exhibitors'
committee, hailing defeat of the
measure, said that he will report on
state-wide campaign against the pro-
posal when 50 managers and partners
of Griffith Amusement Co. gather
here for a two-day meeting tomorrow.
See New Stay
Plea Set for
Filing Today
5 Defendants Reported
Working on Document
Application by some or all of
the five theatre owning defendants
for a U. S. Supreme Court stay
of part of the industry anti-trust
suit decree, is expected to be ready
for filing today, it was indicated here
yesterday by a spokesman for company
counsel, who have held two pro-
longed meetings this week.
Although official comment on the
stay question continues to be that
"no decision has been reached," the
attorneys are understood to have been
working on a request to the high trib-
unal, with the New York Federal
(Continued on page 6)
'Big 5' May Oppose
ATA Appeal Plea
Several major company defendants
and the Department of Justice are ex-
pected to ask the U. S. Supreme
Court for dismissal of the appeal of
American Theatres Association, Con-
federacy of Southern Associations
and Southern California Theatre
Owners Association from denial of
their application to intervene in the
New York anti-trust suit.
If the high court dismissed the ATA
(Continued on page 6)
Urges Continuance
Of Building Bans
Washington, March 18.— Frank
Creedon, Federal housing expediter,
today told the House Banking and
Currency Committee that he does not
recommend the removal of building
controls in June.
Two of his assistants have agreed
that the commercial construction limi-
tations should be removed. Creedon
said, however, that there are too many
homes needed and materials are still
short of demand
In This Issue
"Stallion Koad.""The Guilty"
and "Rainbow Over the Rock-
ies" are reviewed on page 8.
Key city grosses begin on
page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 19, 1947
Personal
Mention
LEONARD H. GOLDENSON,
Paramount vice-president in
charge of theatre operations, and Ed-
ward L. Hyman, vice-president of
Paramount Theatres Service Corp.,
left here for Chicago yesterday.
•
Robert Stevenson, United Artists
director, is due here tomorrow from
the Coast. He will sail for London
on the Queen Elisabeth on Saturday.
•
Ruppert Allen, assistant foreign
representative of the Motion Picture
Association, is en route to Paris from
New York on the ■S'S' America.
•
F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal
Southern-Canadian sales manager,
has returned to New York from a
trip through the South.
•
Robert Weitman, managing direc-
tor of the New York Paramount, has
returned here from a trip to Arizona
and the Coast.
•
Joseph Siritzky, president of Sir-
itzky International, is en route to
France from New York.
•
Louis Lober, M-G-M European
representative, has left New York for
France.
•
Harry Goldstein, Monogram's
Eastern exploitation representative, is
in Miami.
•
M. A. Schlesinger, head of Inter-
national Variety and Theatrical
Agency, is in Chicago.
•
Maury Orr, Western sales mana-
ger for United Artists, has returned
here from a Midwestern trip.
•
R. Ramos Cobian, Puerto Rico
circuit operator, has returned there
from New York by plane.
Skouras, Silverstone
To Visit SA Branches
Spyros P. Skouras, president of
20th-Fox, and Murray Silverstone,
president of 20th-International, will
address branch conferences and meet
with exhibitors and circuit heads in
each territory they visit during their
tour of Latin-American branches,
which they began yesterday.
Skouras and Silverstone, accom-
panied by their wives, left here by air
and expect to return late in April.
'V Sues for Alleged
Fraudulent Returns
New Orleans, March 18.— Univer-
sal has filed suit here in U. S. District
Court against Gordon C. Ogden, op-
erator of the Ogden and Chimes thea-
tres in Baton Rouge, alleging fraudu-
lent returns on percentage pictures.
Chaffe, McCall, Bruns, Toler and
Phillips of New Orleans are attorneys
for the plaintiff.
35 Theatres Being
Built in Kentucky
Louisville, March 18. — Be-
tween 35 and 40 new theatres
are under construction in this
state., and others are planned.
The Architectural Forum
and the U. S. Department of
Commerce both predict that
the days of the shortage of
materials are ending rapidly.
Gypsum products and hard-
wood flooring are the princi-
pal bottlenecks at present.
Gypsum products are ready
for delivery but transporta-
tion is short, there being a
shortage of box-cars to haul
it out of producing areas.
Convention Plan Due
On Coyne's Return
Decision on a date and place for
the American Theatres Association's
annual convention is expected to be
made promptly following the return
here tonight of Robert W. Coyne,
ATA executive director, and Ned
Shugrue, publicity director, both of
whom left New York for Washington
yesterday afternoon. Previously, it had
been announced that the convention
would be held either in Washington or
Chicago between April 19 and May 1.
The final selection will be made in
conferences between ATA home office
executives and S. H. Fabian, president
of the association, who returned here
yesterday from Florida.
Chaplin, Roosevelt
Linked in Film Plan
Charles Chaplin, Elliott Roosevelt
and Miles M. Sherover, who was
named last October by the Czecho-
slovakian government as "exclusive
agent" for the purchase of American
films for the Czech government, yes-
terday were described as partners in
a proposed deal to import Soviet
films for sale and exhibition here.
This disclosure was made in the
course of a separation suit in New
York Supreme Court by Sherover's
wife.
RKO-Radio Sets Up
'47 Publicity Plans
RKO-Radio's advertising campaigns
for the entire calendar year have
been set, including a build-up for
"Tycoon," its Christmas release, S.
Barret McCormick, advertising-pub-
licity director, announces here.
Advertising public emphasis will be
on national magazine color campaigns,
including the use of newspaper comic
sections.
Will Assist Boasberg
_ Carl Peppercorn has been named as-
sistant to Charles Boasberg, recently
appointed a division sales manager at
RKO Radio. Peppercorn, who has
been with the company in various
sales capacities for 20 years, was most
recently sales manager at RKO-Ra-
dio's New York Exchange.
FWC Will Adopt 500
Green War Orphans
Hollywood, March 18. — Charles P.
Skouras, president of Fox West Coast,
pledged that circuit to adopt 500
Greek war orphans at the close of a
Greek Orphans Fund luncheon, held
at the Ambassador Hotel, Los An-
geles, yesterday. The luncheon was
addressed by Ned Depinet, national
drive co-chairman, and local co-chair-
men Robert Poole, Paul Williams and
others.
On the basis of Skouras' pledge, in-
dications are that Southern California
exhibitors and distributors, originally
asked to adopt a total of 648 Greek
orphans, will treble their quota.
Schwartz Holds Meet to
Plan Greek Drive Fund
Sol A. Schwartz of RKO Theatres,
home office chairman of the Industry's
appeal for the war orphans of Greece,
held a luncheon-meeting here yester-
day at the St. Moritz, to formulate
plans for home office collections.
Among those attending were :
Eugene Picker, Loew's ; Pat Scollard,
Paramount ; Al O'Keefe, Universal ;
Leon Bamberger, RKO Radio ; Jack
Lang, 20th Century-Fox; Sam Shain,
20th Century-Fox ; Mike Dolid, War-
ner Brothers ; Robert Goldfarb, United
Artists; Max Seligman, Columbia;
Jerry Pickman, Eagle-Lion; Peter
Friedhoff, Monogram; Robert Coyne,
American Theatres Association.
Greek Drive Luncheon
The industry's appeal for war or-
phans of Greece will be the subject of
a luncheon-meeting called yesterday
for next Monday, at the Hotel Astor,
here.
Albany Zone Launches Drive
Albany, N. Y., March 18. — Man-
agers and salesmen of theatres and
film- companies here met yesterday at
the 20th Century-Fox exchange to or-
ganize the Albany zone drive in behalf
of Greek orphans. An endeavor will
be made to have each theatre agree to
adopt an orphan. C. J. Latta, Warners
New York State manager, is local
chairman ; his assistants include :
Louis Schine, Neil Hellman and Ed-
ward Ruff.
Talent Aided 717
Events Last Year
Washington, March 18.— A total
of 659 Hollywood artists contributed
their services for 1,784 appearances in
717 patriotic and charitable events
during 1946 through the Hollywood
Coordinating Committee, Motion Pic-
ture Association headquarters reported
here today.
Davis Remains in Post
Atlanta, March 18— Jeff Davis,
United Artists branch manager at
New Orleans, has been obliged be-
cause of ill health to decline appoint-
ment to the local branch succeeding
Henry Krumm, who resigned to be-
come Southern division manager for
the Selznick Releasing Organization.
Davis will remain in the New Orleans
post and, meanwhile, no appointment
filling the local vacancy has been
made.
Newsreel
Parade
TACK L. WARNER being cited
J by the Army at March Field cere-
monies on the Coast is spotlighted by
all current neivsreels. Also featured
are Academy Azvard highlights, the
"Big Four" meeting in Moscow, Adm.
Byrd's South Pole expedition, reports
on conditions in England and Ger-
many, and a variety of sports and mis-
cellaneous items. Complete c( fits
follow : -*
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 58— "Big
Four" Parley in Moscow. Floods in En-
gland. Salvaging sheep. Byrd South Pole
expedition. Truman on vacation. Jack
Warner honored by Army. Royal family
on South Africa tour. Academy Awards
cerea»ony in Hollywood. Sports: rowing,
women wrestlers.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 2S6-"Big
Four" in Moscow. Report from "Little
America." Royal tour of South Africa.
Army honors Jack Warner. Sports: hurl-
ing champs, women wrestlers in Boston.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 59-Basket-
ball: West Virginia University vs. Bradley
Uinversity in 10th annual invitation tourna-
ment. Headline people: Lewis W. Douglas,
Jack L. Warner, Olivia de Havilland, golf-
ers Ben Hogan and Mike Phipps. Royal
Family continues African tour. Meeting
in Moscow.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 61-Byrd ex
pedition at South Pole. Jack Warner re-
ceives Army merit award. Hunger, cold
plague Germany. Academy Awards cere-
mony. "Big Four" in Moscow.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 22-
Four-power conference held in Moscow.
New York salutes Irish on St. Patrick's
Day. King and Queen in South Africa.
Soviet envoy recalled to Moscow. Jack L.
Warner receives Army medal of merit.
Sports: hurling club holds Nova Scotia
competition. Table-tennis matches in Paris.
Lady wrestlers mix it up in Boston.
B'nai B'rith to Honor
Gene Buck at Astor
Gene Buck, former president of the
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers, will be honored
by' New York's Cinema Lodge of
B'nai B'rith in a salute at the Hotel
Astor next Tuesday evening, Jack
H. Levin, president of the Lodge, anr
nounces. Composer Oscar Hammer-
stein II will present Cinema's "Honor
Scroll" to Buck.
Barney Balaban, president of Para-
mount Pictures, will induct his son,
Burt, and a group of others into the
Lodge on Tuesday evening.
Livingston Joins 'U'
Jeff Livmgston, formerly with the
J. Arthur Rank Organization, has
joined the Universal home office pub-
licity staff for assignments on syndi-
cates and news-wires, replacing Ralph
Ober, who has joined "U's" exploita-
tion staff, in Dallas, Maurice A. Berg-
man, "U's" Eastern advertising-pub-
licity director, . disclosed here yester-
day. David Susskind of the publicity
staff, with special assignments on New
York newspapers, has resigned to join
Century Artists.
'Idiof Due Soon
European Copyrights and Distribu-
tion plans release in this country of
Sacha Gordino's French production of
Dostoievsky's "The Idiot."
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver Editor-
Chicago Bureau,(624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor-
cable address, 'Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald-
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York N. Y. under the act of March 3, 1879 Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
IT'S HEAVEN FOR THE FANS !
(And they're packing Broadway's Capitol Theatre!)
Leo's got a new sweetie now! "It Happened In Brooklyn" is
Another big M-G-M Musical in the "Anchors Aweigh" manner!
Listen to those packed houses roar at the Capitol, N. Y.
"It Happened In Brooklyn" is the Happiest Musical that ever happened!
Happy stars for the fan millions! Happy songs for a singing nation!
j Happiness is an M-G-M habit: "The Yearling" is busting
I Chicago records— biggest M-G-M biz in State-Lake history!
"Sea of Grass" Music Hall Masterpiece -plus "Till The Clouds Roll By"
Plus "Secret Heart." And "High Barbaree" coming soon!
Happy thought: An M-G-M smile reaches from Y-ear to Y-ear!
NOW, while circuits
like WARNERS!
WOMETCO! M. A. SHEA!
KINCEY! LUCAS & JENKINS!
COMERFORD! BOYD!
CHAMBERLAIN! MANOS!
CO-OPERATIVE! are
\ gleefully grabbing
the Dorsey Bros.
starrer!
NOW, while there's
great business, repeat
business in READING,
PHILADELPHIA,
ALTOONA,
WILLIAMSPORT,
LANCASTER,
PITTSBURGH.
ft ■■
GU EST
STARS
Charlie Barnet
^| Henry Busse
Helen O'Connell
Bob Eberly
Ray Bauduc
Mike Pingatore
Ziggy Elman
Art Tatum
Stuart Foster
NOW,
while the word's
out about the
fabulous 45-city
day-and-date
PREMIERE
of
Mm o
MET
Tommy Dorsey's
Orchestra
Jimmy Dorsey's
Orchestra
PAUL WHITEMAN
and William Lundigan
Sara Allgood • Arthur Shields
Associate Producer JOHN W. ROGERS
Original Screen Play by Richard
English, Art Arthur, Curtis Kenyon
Produced by Charles R. Rogers
Directed by
Alfred E. Green
NOW, while it's doing
that fabulous
business, get it
from UA!
6
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 19, 1947
'Years' Reacts Big
To Award; Most NY
1st Runs Rallying
Winning of the Academy Award
has served "The Best Years of Our
Lives" with additional business at the
Astor Theatre, here, bringing an im-
pressively solid $23,500 between Fri-
day and Sunday, and promising a
handsome $47,000 for its 17th week.
The picture is expected to remain at
that house at least until Labor Day.
New York first-runs generally en-
joyed a rebound of very healthy bus-
iness, with a sudden turn of good
weather principally responsible.
Among newcomers, "It Happened in
Brooklyn," at the Capitol, shone
brightest, with a very strong $90,000
indicated for the first week; Sammy
Kay and his orchestra are on stage.
A smart $30,000 is envisioned for
"The Red House," at the Globe,
where an initial weekend business
brought in $17,500.
"Boomerang," at the Roxy, contin-
ued to demonstrate plenty of pulling
power in its second week, which will
bring in a mighty $105,000; Ed Sul-
livan and Katherine Dunham head the
stage bill. At the Music Hall, "Sea
of Grass" and a stage show, which
drew $68,500 between Thursday and
Sunday, is in line for a satisfactory
$105,000 for its third and final week;
"The Late George Apley" and an
Easter stage presentation will bow in
tomorrow at the Hall.
"Pursued" and Louis Prima's or-
chestra at the Strand, sparked by an
excellent $35,000 over the weekend,
is expected to draw a vigorous $62,-
000 for its second week. At the
Hollywood, "Nora Prentiss" is ex-
pected to bring in a fair $16,000 for
a fourth week ; Friday through Sun-
day brought a better-than-fair $11,000.
"Sinbad the Sailor" concluded an eight-
week run at the Palace yesterday ;
weekend business totalled $11,600, and
a sprightly $17,500 was rung up during
THE
BANK OF THE
MOTION PICTURE
INDUSTRY
ISank of
America
NATIONAL 1 Agile's ASSOCIATION
BER FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
MEMBER FEDFRAL RESERVE SYSTEM
Local 702 'Lab' Talks
Continue Unresolved
Contract negotiations between 18
Eastern film laboratories and Motion
Picture Laboratory Technicians, Local
No._ 702, IATSE, will be held here
again today. Since the resumption of
talks after the local voted to halt
work beginning March 11, no prog-
ress has been made, according to John
J. Francavilla, president of the local,
but he emphasized that the issue "will
be resolved by the end of this week,
one way or the other."
E-L Schedule
(Continued from page 1)
season four will be made in Cine-
color, he reported. While here dur-
ing the next two weeks Foy will con-
fer with A. W. Schwalberg, E-L
vice-president and general sales man-
ager ; Max E. Youngstein, advertis-
ing-publicity director, and Pathe
Industries executives, for the purpose
of laying out next season's schedule.
Asserting that producers are in a
better position to determine the cine-
matic likes and dislikes of the public
than are national poll organizations,
Foy said he will make exhibitor tours
four times a year into various sec-
tions of the country with a view to-
ward gathering information that will
establish the nature of much of the
company's new product.
Questioned on whether PRC and
Eagle-Lion (both are Pathe Indus-
tries affiliates) will merge, Foy said
such a merger will not take place, at
least in the foreseeable future.
the week. "The Locket" will take over
there today. "Angel and the Badman"
will ring up about $15,000 in a third
week at the Gotham, and is viewed to
be good for at least a five-week run ;
the weekend brought in $7,500.
At the Paramount, "Suddenly It's
Spring" is expected to chalk up a
pretty good $61,000 for a third and
final week, along with Johnny Long's
orchestra on stage ; "My Favorite
Brunette" and Jimmy Dorsey's or-
chestra will move in today. "Blaze of
Noon," at the Rivoli, is headed for a
fair $25,000 in a second week; "The
Farmer's Daughter" will have its world
premiere at that house on March 25.
A good $38,000 is anticipated for
"Stairway to Heaven" at the Winter
Garden where it is in its initial week,
having moved over from 12 weeks at
the Park which has now a straight,
popular-price basis for "The Years
Between," in its second week and
with a moderate $10,000 in view.
At the Victoria, $16,500 for "The
Thief of Bagdad," a reissue, in its
second week, is regarded worthy of
further holdover. "Song of Sche-
herazade" is good for $20,000 in a
third and final week at the Criterion
where "The Show-Off" will take over
today. An average $7,000 is seen for
"Dangerous Millions" at the Rialto, in
a one-week stand ; "The Devil Thumbs
a Ride" will debut there on Friday.
"Henry V" continues profitable at the
John Golden, where the 29th week's
gross hit $9,300 ; it is expected to run
there through the summer.
'Adventuress' to Victoria
Eagle-Lion's "The Adventuress"
will open April 5 at the Victoria
Theatre, here, following "The Thief
of Bagdad," E-L announced yester-
day.
Competitive Bidding
(Continued from page 1)
in various parts of the country by
RKO Radio, M-G-M and Paramount,
while 20th Century-Fox has been
carrying on "competitive negotia-
tions." Paramount has appealed from
the bidding clause in the decree, al-
though the other theatre-owning de-
fendants in the suit have not.
Johnston Warns
Bidding for RKO Pictures
Started in Plainfield, N. J.
Plainfield, N. J. has entered the
competitive bidding field for RKO
Radio product. This was revealed
here yesterday by James Watson,
booker-buyer for the Walter Reade
Circuit, who said he had responded to
RKO's bidding form on behalf of
Reade's Strand, Oxford and Para-
mount theatres in Plainfield.
Apparently resulting from a request
by Andora Amusement Corp., opera-
tor of the Liberty Theatre, bidding in
the New Jersey locality is the first
reported in that area, and also the first
engaged in by the circuit.
Names in the News
(Continued from page 1)
Los Angeles. George Lefko, former-
ly of Warner's sales staff, succeeds
Milner as PRC branch manager in
Los Angeles.
E. T. Dickinson Gets Post
With 'U's' United World
Edward T. Dickinson, Jr., has been
named vice-president in charge of the
development and distribution of 16mm.
films for United World, subsidiary of
Universal, by Matthew Fox, chairman
of the UW board. He was last a
member of the Emergency Economic
Committee for Europe, representing
the U. S.
George Ornstein Becomes
Assistant to Grad Sears
George H. Ornstein, a member of
United Artists' foreign department for
the past year, has been named assist-
ant to Gradwell L. Sears, vice-presi-
dent in charge of UA distribution.
(Continued from page 1)
American social customs when dis-
tributed abroad and invite autocratic
censorship, local or national, in this
country.
Pointing out that the Production
Code allows full scope for the presen-
tation of such scenes when they are
directly relevant to the story, such as
in "The Lost Weekend," Johnston
said that the common tendency tr ^ow
social drinking simply as a con( ipnt
stage business leads, unintentionally
but effectually, to the- impression that
this is a nation of drinkers.
Johnston's talks follow, in general,
the pattern of those made several
months ago by Production Code Ad-
ministrator Joseph I. Breen, to whom
Johnston paid, warm tribute. Johnston
visited M-G-M and 20th Century-Fox
today. He will address principal per-
sonnel at Warner, Universal-Interna-
tional and Republic tomorrow.
At Johnston's request, Donald Nel-
son, president of the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers, has
called a meeting on Thursday of that
organization's 24 producer members to
hear Johnston speak on "The Import-
ance of improving the Moral Tone of
Motion Pictures" and to engage in a
round-table discussion.
New Stay Plea
(Continued from page 1)
District Court's abolition of the in-
dustry arbitration system said to be
the chief clause which the companies
desire to keep from taking effect un-
til after a final ruling of their appeal
on that issue.
Considered less likely to grow out
of this week's meetings is an applica-
tion for a stay of competitive bidding.
While Paramount has appealed from
the decrees' bidding clause, M-G-M,
RKO Radio, 20th Century-Fox and
Warners have not. However, both
appeals and stay applications with re-
gard to the new selling method are
pending on behalf of each of the three
non-theatre-owning defendants, Uni-
versal, Columbia and United Artists.
Hearing on all stay applications, to
be held by Supreme Court Justice
Stanley F. Reed, probably will be
postponed from March 25 to March
28, according to Thomas Turner
Cooke, Universal special counsel,
who yesterday received word from
Robert L. Wright of the Department
of Justice that the time in which a
stay could be granted has been ex-
tended to April 1.
Reports that the theatre-owning de-
fendants might oppose a stay of bid-
ding were termed "not the correct
position" by counsel for one of them
yesterday.
'Big 5' May Oppose
(Continued from page 1)
appeal, it would bar Thurman Ar-
nold, ATA attorney, from argument
on the issues in the New York de-
cree to which ATA has taken excep-
tion. The court probably will rule
on the ATA appeal move when it
hears petitions for stays of the New
York decree filed by Columbia,
United Artists and Universal. The
hearing is tentatively set for March
25 but may be delayed several days.
Some major defendants are known
to have considered asking for dis-
missal of the ATA appeal petition and
the Department of Justice has ex-
pressed opposition to the ATA action.
Wednesday, March 19, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
(Estimates of Key City Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
LOS ANGELES
C^CP^X new offerings at first-run
thea": — 7, only "Sinbad the Sailor" was
well received in a week of unusually
warm weather which sent thousands
swarming to the beaches. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March
19:
BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME (U-I)
and THE DEVIL ON WHEELS (PRC)—
BELMONT (1,600) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $8,500. Average: $7,100)
THE MAGIC BOW (U-I)— CARTHAY
i CIRCLE. (1,516) (50c-60c-85c-$l. 00) 7 days.
! Gross: $8,500. (Average: $11,500)
: BOOMERANG (2(Hh-Fox) — CHINESE (2,-
i .100) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $18,200)
I THE BEGINNING OR THE END
j (M-G-M)— EGYPTIAN (1,000) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $18,-
100)
BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME (U-I)
and THE DEVIL ON WHEELS (PRC)—
EL REY (861) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days.
Cross: $8,500. ( Average: $6,800)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO)— FAIRFAX
(1,504) ($1.20-$1.5G-S1.80) 7 days, 9th week.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $19,000)
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I)— FOUR
STAR (900) ($1.00-$1.50) 7 days, 8th week.
Gross: $7,500. (Average: $9,100)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — FOX BEVERLY (1,350)
($1.00-$1.25-$1.80) 7 days, 12th week. Gross:
$15,000. (Average: $12,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— FOX WILSHIRE (2,300) (50c-
60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $7,-
500. (Average: $13,300)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — GUILD (965) ($1.00-$1.25-
$1.80) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average:
$5 900)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)-
HILLSTREET (2,700) (50c-60c-8C'c-$1.0O) 7
days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $19,800)
SMASH-UP (U-I)— IRIS (708) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average:
$7,200)
BOOMERANG (20th - Fox) — LOEWS
STATE (2,500) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $15,500. (Average: $28,-
600)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— LOS ANGELES (2,096) 50c-60c-
85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,-
500. (Average: $22,600)
BOOMERANG (20th-Fox) — LOYOLA (1,-
265) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $9,000. (Average: $11,500)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Beverly Hills) (900) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,700)
THE RED HOUSE (UA) — MUSIC HALL
(Downtown) (900) (65c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $14,-
200)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Hawaii) (1,000) (65c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,400)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— MUSIC HALL
(Hollywood) (490) (65c -85c -$1.00) 7 days.
3rd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,700)
BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME (UI)
and THE DEVIL ON WHEELS (PRC)—
ORPHEUM (2,210) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $18,800)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
I PRESS
| BOOKS PHOTO-OFFSET
j •rCOLORCHROME CORP.
£ A RT SERVICE
2 BROADWAY NEW YORK 4
WHITEHALL 4 — 3722-3-4-5-4
• COPYWRITING
• ILLUSTRATION
• PASTE-UP
• STORING
• MAILING
/7 Complete S&utice.
(RKO Radio)— PALACE (1,237) ($1.00-
$1.25-$1.80) 7 days, 8th week. Gross: $28,-
C00. (Average: $21,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)-
PANTAGES (2,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $25,000. (Average: $20,800)
EASY COME, EASY GO (Para.) and
LADIES' MAN (Para.) — PARAMOUNT
(Downtown) (3,595) (S0c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $26,600)
EASY COME, EASY GO (Para.) and
LADIES' MAN (Para.)— PARAMOUNT
(Hollywood) (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7
days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $16,100)
SMASH-UP (U-I)— RITZ (1,376) (50c-60c-
85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average:
$9,600)
SMASH-UP (U-I) — STUDIO (880) (50c-60c-
S5c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Average:
$6,100)
SMASH-UP (U-I) and GENTLEMAN
JOE PALOOKA (Mono.)— UNITED ART-
ISTS (2,100) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $23,500. (Average: $15,800)
BOOMERANG (20th- Fox)— UPTOWN (1.-
716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $10,000. (Average: $13,200)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO)— VOGUE
(800) ($1.00-$1.50-$1.80) 7 days, 11th week.
Gross: $13,500. (Average: $10,000)
PURSUED (WB)— WARNER (Down-
town) (3,400) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days.
Gross: $24,500. (Average: $18,200)
PURSUED (WB)— WARNER (Hollywood)
(3.000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross:
$22,500. (Average: $15,500)
PURSUED (WB) — WARNER (Wiltern)
(2,300) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross:
$22,000. (Average: $14,900)
CHICAGO
Good weather and St. Patrick's Day
combined to help Loop grosses. Of
the new entries, "My Favorite Bru-
nette" is doing the biggest business.
Estimated receipts for the week ending
March 19-20:
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — APOLLO
(1,200) (95c) 12th week. Gross : $18,000.
(Average: $12,000)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.) —
CHICAGO (3.900) (95c) On stage: Danny
O'Neill. Gross: $65,000. (Average: $62,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END (M-G-
M) — GARRICK (1,000) (95c) 2nd week.
Gross: $18,000. (Average: $13,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio)—
GRAND (1,150) (95c) 5th week. Gross:
$17,000. (Average: $18,000)
APACHE ROSE (Rep.) — ORIENTAL
(3,200) (95c) On stage: "Sugar Chile" Rob-
inson. Gross: $58,000. (Average: $48,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) and SWEET-
HEART OF SIGMA CHI (Mono.) — PAL-
ACE (2,500) (65c-95c) Gross: $19,000. (Av-
erage: $24,000)
THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (PRC
reissue) and KIT CARSON (PRC reissue)
— RIALTO (1,687) (65c-95c) Gross: $11,000.
(Average: $11,000)
PURSUED (WB) - ROOSEVELT (1,000)
(95c) Gross $24,000. (Average: $20,000)
THE YEARLING (M - G - M) — STATE-
LAKE (2,700) (95c) 4th week. Gross: $33,000.
(Average: $30,000)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) —
UNITED ARTISTS (1.700) (95c) 2nd week.
Gross: $28,000. (Average: $27,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — WOODS (1,200) (95c-$1.20-
$1.40-$1.80) 13th week. Gross: $36,000. (Av-
erage: $28,000)
PHILADELPHIA
"The Jolson Story" and "The
Locket" are doing outstanding busi-
ness in a week of otherwise fair
grosses. Estimated receipts for the
.week ending March 18-20:
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M) AL
DINE (900) (50c-60c-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7 days.
3rd week. Gross: $10,200. (Average: $13.-
800)
NORA PRENTISS (WB)
(50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
Gross: $7,500. (Average:
THAT WAY WITH WOMEN (WB)
BOYD (3,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7
days. Gross: $21,900. (Average: $21,000)
SWELL GUY (U-I) EARLE (3,000) (60c-
70c -80c -90c -99c) 6 days, with vaudeville star-
ring Tommy Tucker. Gross: $21,300. (Av-
erage, for 7 days: $31,700)
BOOMERANG (20th-Fox) FOX (3.0001
(50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days. 2nd week.
Gross: $22,000. (Average: $25,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.)-GOLDMAN
ARCADIA (900)
days. 2nd run.
..600)
(1.400) (50c-60c-74c-80g-85c-94c) 7 days, 5th
week. Gross: $14,500. (Average: $24,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio)— KARLTON
(1,000) (5Oc-6Oc-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 1st
week. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $9,500)
13 RUE MADELEINE (Z0th-Fox)-
KEITH'S (2.200) (50c-60c-74c-8Oc-85c-94c) 7
days, 2nd run. Gross: $7,000. (Average:
$6,200)
PURSUED (WB)— MASTBAUM (4,700)
(50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $19,700. (Average: $29,500)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— STANLEY
(3,000) (50c-60c-74c-80c-85c-94c) 7 days, 3rd
week. Gross: $38,200. (Average: $27,000)
THE BEGINNING OR THE END
(M-G-M)— STANTON (1,700) (50c-60c-74c-
80c -85c -94c) 7 davs. Gross: $15,900. (Aver-
age: $12,700)
BUFFALO
The Buffalo Theatre, with "Ladies'
Man" on the screen and a big stage
show, is doing sky-high business^ while
grosses at other houses hover around
the average mark. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 22 :
LADIES' MAN (Para.) — BUFFALO (3,489)
(40c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days. Hal Mclntyre and
orchestra on stage in revue featuring
Frankie Lester, John Turnbull, Nancy
Reed, Gil Lamb, George Prentice and Eve
Matthews. Gross: $30,000. (Average: $19,-
000)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — GREAT LAKES
(3,000) (40c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $15,500. (Average: $18,000)
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE (Para.) and
DECOY (Mono.) — HIPPODROME (2,100)
(40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $10,000)
JOHNNY O'CLOCK (Col.) and CIGAR-
ETTE GIRL (Col.) -LAFAYETTE (3,000)
(40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $18,200.
(Average: $15,000)
THE MIGHTY McGURK (M-G-M) and
AFFAIRS OF GERALDINE (Rep.) — TECK
(1,500) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week
Gross: $3,900. (Average: $6,000)
THE SHANGHAI GESTURE (Crown) and
DICK TRACY vs. CUEBALL (RKO Radio)
TWENTIETH CENTURY (3,000) (40c-50c-
60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Average:
$16,000)
KANSAS CITY
Influenza and bad colds are factors
in reduced attendance here. Although
there has been snow, the temperature
generally has been moderate. Esti-
mated receipts for the week ending
March 18-20:
BOOMERANG (20th-Fox) — ESQUIRE (800)
(45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average:
$8,000)
BOOMERANG (20th-Fox) — FAIRWAY
(700) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,400. (Av-
erage: $1,750)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and SUSIE
STEPS OUT (UA) — MIDLAND (45c-65c)
7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $15,000)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)—
NEWMAN (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross-
$15,000. (Average: $11,000)
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO Radio) and
DANGEROUS MONEY (Mono.)— ORPHE-
I'M (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $11,000. (Average: $10,000)
SECRET OF THE WHISTLER (Col.) and
BOSTON BLACKIE AND THE LAW
(Co!.)— TOWER (2,100) (45c-65c) 7 days.
Stage show. Gross: $9,000. (Average:
$9,000)
BOOMERANG (20th- Fox)— UPTOWN U.
000) (45c -65c) 7 days. Gross: $4,800. (Aver-
age: $6,000)
OMAHA
Three of the four first-runs arc do-
ing above-average business. The
weather has been milder, with little
sunshine and considerable snow and
rain. Estimated receipts for tin- week
ending March 20-21 :
PEDELIA (PRC) and SING WHILE YOU
DANCE (Col.) OMAHA (2.000) (S0c-6Sc) 7
days. Gross: $8,900. (Average: $8,500)
WAKE UP AND DREAM (20th-Fox) and
DANGEROUS MILLIONS (20th - Fox)
ORPHEUM (3,000) (50c-65c) 7 days.
(Continued on following page)
"Has just
about
can't
miss
film!"
says
FILM DAILY
Released thru
8
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 19, 1947
Key City
Grosses
(Continued from preceding page)
Gross: $9,900. (Average: $9,300)
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — PARAMOUNT
(2,900) (50c-6Sc) 7 days. Gross: $9,900. (Av-
erage: $10,600)
THE RETURN OF MONTE CRISTO
(Col.) and SINGING IN THE CORN (Col.)
RKO BRANDEIS (1,200) (50c-6Sc) 7 days.
Gross: $9,100. (Average: $6,600)
MINNEAPOLIS
Although most films did below-aver-
age business, "The Best Years of
Our Lives," playing to advanced ad-
mission prices at the RKO Pan,
grossed almost four times the regular-
price average for the house. Estimat-
ed receipts for the week ending
March 20:
NORA PRENTISS (WB)— CENTURY (1,-
500) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on move-
over from Radio City. Gross: $5,000. (Av-
erage: $7,300)
SAN QUENTIN (RKO Radio)— GOPHER
(1.000) (44c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Av-
erage: $3,400)
CALIFORNIA (Para.)— LYRIC (1,100) (50c-
70c) 7 days, 3rd week, on moveover from
Century. Gross: $5,800. (Average: $5,600)
HUMORESQUE (WB) — RKO ORPHEUM
(2,800) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500.
(Average: $14,500)
SUDDENLY IT'S SPRING (Para.)— RA-
DIO CITY (4,000) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross:
$14.5CO. (Average: $18,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— RKO' PAN (1.500) (90c-$1.50)
7 days. Gross: $32,000. (Average: $8,500)
THE RED HOUSE (UA) — STATE (2,300)
(50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average:
$13,000)
Reviews
INDIANAPOLIS
Business generally is quiet, hurt
somewhat by a mild influenza epi-
demic, but "The Crime Doctor's Man-
hunt," with a stage show at the Cir^
cle, is well above average. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March
18-19:
CRIME DOCTOR'S MANHUNT (Col.)—
CIRCLE (2,800) (48c-72c) 7 days, with Bob
Crosby orchestra on stage. Gross: $22,000.
(Average: $18,500)
13 RUE MADELEINE (2 in©.)
— ORP'HEUM (2,000) (35c-74c) 7 days.
Gross: $17,500. (Average: $15,500)
SWELL GUY (U-I) and BRINGING UP
FATHER (Mono.)- -PARAMOUNT (2,200)
(35c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average:
$8,000)
RAMROD (UA) and BETTY CO-ED (Col.)
— RIALTO (878) (35c-74c) 7 days, after week-
each at Denver, Esquire, Webber, Aladdin.
Gross: $3,700. (Average: $3,000)
SALT LAKE CITY
The early spring continues sunny.
AH first-run theatres are doing aver-
age business or above. Estimated re-
ceipts for the week ending March 20
JESSE JAMES (20th-Fox reissue) and
THE RETURN OF FRANK JAMES
(20th-Fox reissue) -CAPITOL (1,878) (20c-
55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $7,900. (Average:
$7,800)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)-
CENTRE (1,700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days!
Gross: $14,000. (Average: $13,600)
BOSTON BLACK IE AND THE LAW
(Col.) and PILGRIM LADY (Rep.)— LY
RIC (1,500) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, with vaude
ville. Gross: $3,800. (Average: $3,700)
BOOM TOWN (M-G-M reissue)— RIALTO
(1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $3,600.
(Average: $3,600)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) — STUDIO
(800) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$6,000. (Average: $4,800)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M)— UP-
TOWN (1,300) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
$6,500. (Average: $5,900)
NOCTURNE (RKO- Radio) — UTAH 1,700)
(20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Av-
erage: $12,300)
Sweden Halts Import
Of American Films
The Swedish board of trade will no
longer grant import licenses for Hol-
lywood films as long as a recently-es-
tablished government decision to cur-
tail imports is in force, according to
press dispatches reaching here yester-
day from Stockholm. Following a
warning by the Swedish national bank
that its stock of gold and foreign
currencies are dangerously low, the
government decided to curtail im-
ports.
It was stated, however, that since
there are ample stocks of American
films in Sweden, it is not likely that
they will disappear from film nouses
there for some time.
Indecent Ad Bill
{Continued from page 1)
ment, which struck out the entire sec-
tion on licensing pictures and author-
izing revocation of a permit when
"any" advertising on a film was ob-
scene, was drafted so that Gov. Dewey
would not have to act on the con-
troversial measure, which has recentb
been attacked as dangerous to freedom
of the press. No objections were raised
during the month the bill was before
the legislature.
Both houses of the legislature
passed the bill just a month ago, with
only one negative vote, but since then
it has remained on the Assembly desk
with the explanation that printing
difficulties held up the engrossing
copy necessary before the measure
could be forwarded to the Governor.
■ r
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
XV JL V wto! MOTION PICTURE Q? . V/
AMERICA,
2S «TE8T 44TH ST. , 21 ST WL
NEW YORK, N. Y.
(6 COPIES)
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
61. NO. 55
NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1947
TEN CENTS
Closed Shops
In Industry
Escape Bans
Managements Prefer to
Preserve Labor Peace
Although legislation banning
closed union shops appears to be
making considerable headway in a
number of states this year, it is un-
likely that such legislation will alter
closed shop maintenance within the
motion picture industry in states
where the ban is being established,
according to industry labor spokesmen
here.
This contention is based on the fact,
they say, that projectionists, exchange
workers, theatre service employes and
other industry personnel in states that
have long since "outlawed" the closed
shop have not been deprived of that
privilege and continue to maintain
closed shops with management's "bless-
sings." Theatre owners, exchange
managers, and other industry "bosses,"
(Continued on page 4)
UA Gets Broadway
Theatre on Lease
United Artists has concluded nego-
tiations for leasing the 1,600-seat
Shubert's Broadway Theatre at Broad-
way and 53rd Street as a first-run
showcase and roadshow house for its
product.
The lease is for 18 months, starting
April 1, immediately following the
close of the stage musical, "Beggar's
Holiday," current at the theatre. The
lease is understood to carry extension
options and requires the approval of
the UA board, which is expected.
Negotiations between UA and Selz-
(Continued on page 6)
Good Pictures Still
Gross High: Yates
Hollywood, March 19. — Grosses
are off between 12 and 15 per cent in
this country and between 20 and 25
per cent in England, according to Re-
public president Herbert J. Yates, who
was host to the press at lunch today.
Despite the slump in receipts, Yates
declared that outstanding pictures are
still grossing as much as in wartime.
The 16mm. field offers all producers
(Continued on page 6)
US Set to Oppose
Stay Petitions on
Economic Grounds
Washington, March 19. — The De-
partment of Justice, understood to be
planning opposition to applications for
stays in the industry anti-trust decree,
is expected to contend that placing the
New York Federal District Court's
judgment in effect promptly will not
be a "serious economic burden" to the
defendant companies.
Hearing on the stay applications
will be held, probably on March 28,
in a closed chamber session before
Justice Stanley F. Reed. Petitions
from Universal, Columbia and United
Artists already are pending, seeking
principally to have the start of com-
petitive bidding postponed from July
1 until after the high tribunal rules
on the appeals in the case. Also, filing
(Continued on page 6)
Bids Two U-I Films
Away from Warners
Universal-International has closed
its second deal on a competitive bid-
ding basis, having licensed "The Egg
and I" and "Song of Scheherazade"
first-run to the Home Theatre, Okla-
homa City, in competition with War-
(Continued on page 6)
Charges Companies
Delay Bid Answers
Interboro Circuit has thus
far met refusal or delay by
some distributors in its at-
tempt to enter competitive
bids for its Elmwood Theatre
against Brandt's Drake in
Rego Park, L. I., a spokesman
for the circuit revealed here
yesterday. He said that the
circuit's attorneys are now
consulting with distributor
lawyers to determine when
bidding under the Federal
court decree will be insti-
tuted.
Motion Picture Daily said
yesterday that distributors
may not start bidding nego-
tiations in New York before
the July 1 court deadline.
Feature Promoting
Hollywood Weighed
Hollywood, March 19. — Represen-
tatives of producers, the Screen Writ-
ers Guild, Directors Guild and Screen
Actors Guild last night weighed a
project for jointly producing a feature,
or a series of shorts, which would
show the serious, constructive activi-
ties of the Hollywood phase of the film
industry's operations. Motion Picture
Association president Eric Johnston
(Continued on page 6)
Fabian Planning to Retire
As President of the ATA
MPA Protests
Swedish Film Ban
Gerald Mayer, manager of
the international division of
the Motion Picture Associa-
tion, yesterday wired the
U. S. State Department in
Washington for a clarification
of the Swedish board of
trade's decision to no longer
grant import licenses for
Hollywood films.
Additionally, Mayer cabled
MPA's Fayette W. Allport in
London to investigate the
Swedish move, which is said
to stem from a government
decision to curtail all im-
ports, following a warning by
the Swedish National Bank
that its stock of gold and for-
eign currencies are low.
S. H. Fabian, first president of the
American Theatres Association, in-
tends to retire from that office follow-
ing the ATA annual convention next
month, he said here yesterday follow-
ing his return from a vacation in
Florida. Although Fabian did not
elaborate on the fact that he would
not be a candidate and would seek to
avoid being drafted for a second term,
if that situation should arise, it was
indicated by other spokesmen for the
organization that the ATA leadership
has made very heavy demands on the
circuit president's time. This has been
especially true with regard to com-
mittee work in cooperation with other
groups.
A slate of nominees for ATA offices
will be drawn up here next week,
when Ted R. Gamble, chairman of the
board, arrives from the Coast for
conferences preliminary to the conven-
tion, Fabian said, adding that he will
(Continued on page 61
5 New State
Censor Laws
Now in Effect
MPA's Bryson Reports
To Delaware Meeting
Milford, Del., March 19. — Five
of seven state legislatures which
started sessions in January and
have already adjourned have passed
film censorship bills, reported Jack
Bryson of the Motion Picture Associa-
tion's Washington office, at a meeting
here of the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of Delaware and the Eastern
Shore of Maryland. The five states
are : North and South Dakota, Indi-
ana, West Virginia and Montana.
Bryson asserted that industry self-
censorship was superior to political
censorship.
The Delaware legislature is now
considering a censorship bill, which,
along with a proposed Wilmington
admissions tax, was discussed by the
theatremen. A. Joseph DeFiore,
(Continued on page 6)
Gillham Named SRO
Eastern Ad Head
Hollywood, March 19. — Robert M.
Gillham, former advertising-publicity
director of Paramount and until this
w»ek associated with the J. Walter
Thompson Ad-
vertising Agen-
cy, has joined
the Selznick
Releasing Or-
ganization i n
charge of East-
ern and foreign
advertis-
ing- publicity.
His headquar-
ters will be in
New- York.
Gillham re-
ported to SRO
today and is at-
t e n (1 i n g the
company's cur-
rent sales meeting at the Waldorf- A s
toria Hotel in New York. He will
(Continued on page 6)
Robert M. Gilham
In This Issue
"Backlash," "Tarzan and
the Huntress" and "Apache
Rose" are reviewed on page
7.
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 20, 1947
Personal
Mention
BEN KALMENSON, Warner
Brothers vice-president and gen-
eral sales manager, left here yester-
day for Philadelphia and Washington.
•
Edward Morey, vice-president ' of
Monogram and Allied Artists, will
leave here today for Chicago to at-
tend the companies' board meetings
on Saturday.
•
Elmer C. Rhoden, head of Fox
Midwest, is chairman of the Kansas
City Citizens Bond Committee which
for several months has been studying
local needs and a bond proposal.
•
Chester Friedman, , editor of
Manager's Round Table of Motion
Picture Herald, is in Lexington Hos-
pital here for an appendectomy.
•
Carl Leserman, executive vice-
president of Benedict Bogeaus Pro-
ductions, arrived here from the Coast
yesterday.
•
Norman H. Moray, Warners' short
subjects sales manager, is due to ar-
rive on the Coast from New York-
today.
e
Mrs. Si F. Seadler, wife of the
M-G-M advertising manager, is en
route to the Coast where she .will be
joined by her husband tomorrow.
•
George F. Dembow, National
Screen vice-president in charge of
sales, has returned here from a vaca-
tion at Boca Raton, Fla.
•
O. S. Barnett, office manager of
Monogram Southern Exchanges, At-
lanta, has returned to his desk fol-
lowing a week's illness.
•
Paul Broder, president of Brod-
er American Releasing Corp., left
here for Detroit last night.
•
Edward L. Walton, Republic as-
sistant general sales manager, has re-
turned to New York from the Coast.
•
Walter Reade, Jr., is expected to
return to New York from the Coast
on April 1.
•
N. E. Savtni, of Astor Pictures,
Atlanta, has returned there from New
York and Washington.
•
Norman Ayers, Southern division
sales manager for Warner Brothers,
is in Dallas.
•
Roy Haines, Warners' Western
division sales manager, has returned
here from a Midwestern tour.
MP A Directors Meet
The board of directors of the Mo-
tion Picture Association met at its
office here yesterday for a general dis-
cussion of the forthcoming 25th anni-
versary of the MPA and its prede-
cessors. No decision was reached on
a specific date for the event, to be
held in May.
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
HpHERE isn't a busier place in
New York than Sam Gold-
wyn's Eastern headquarters.
Roadshow and pre-release runs
of "The Best Years of Our
Lives" were being set up as part
of the routine of distribution.
Came last Thursday and the
Academy Awards, of which nine
in various classifications went to
the attraction, including its
selection as the best film of the
year and Freddie March as the
best actor.
Nothing much happened in the
next 24 hours. Thereafter,
much did. On Saturday grosses
began to shoot up. So, too, Sun-
day's. It became quickly evi-
dent the Academy Awards pack
considerable wallop and can do
the film voted best substantial
good under given circumstances.
Chiefly, this was the fact the
award came along while "The
Best Years" was beginning to
gain playdate momentum. It
was new and practically un-
played. In the 19-year history
of the Awards this has been an
infrequent event, although last
year Paramount happily faced a
somewhat similar situation with
"The Lost Weekend."
■
Sol Schwartz, whose business
is fathering RKO theatre op-
erations, acknowledges excite-
ment over the initial week at the
1,600 seat Pan, in Minneapolis,
where the opening stanza, end-
ing Tuesday, did a whopping
$31,471. At Keith's, Washing-
ton, where the capacity is 1,500,
the gross on the first week,
which also closed out Tuesday,
was $41,890. Last Saturday, at
the Astor, New- York, brought
in $8,745, making it the biggest
Saturday in the preceding six
weeks of the run, then 17 weeks
old. First week at the Esquire,
Boston — 941 seats — recorded
$12,216. But in the 11th,' the
take was $11,317.
There are others, all on about
the same level, which leads to
the conclusion on the Goldwyn
premises that business jumped
between 30 and 35 per cent since
the Academy vote was revealed.
■
"The Best Years" cost about
$3,000,000 to produce. If it
stays at the Astor here in New
York until Labor Day and main-
tains its present speed, it is pos-
sible the producer's end will be
close to $1,000,000. If the
Woods, Chicago, date goes to 26
weeks and holds its pace, Gold-
wyn's share will pile on approxi-
mately another $700,000, thereby
returning about 57 per cent of
the negative cost, which includes
prints by the way, from two en-
gagements. Amazing if it does
acording to currently enthusias-
tic blueprint — and it may.
It couldn't happen to a more
deserving picture.
■ ■
What we would have deter-
mined as the Acadamy Awards
was not what Academy members
voted in three categories out of
six. At 50 per cent correct, it's
obvious we didn't do well. The
facts, hard and inescapable :
Best Picture — Our Vote :
"The Best Years of Our Lives."
Academy's Vote: The same.
Best Performance, Actor —
Our Vote: Laurence Olivier for
"Henry V." Academy's Vote:
Fredric March for "The Best
Years.''
Best Performance, Actress —
Ours : Celia Johnson for "Brief
Encounter." Academy's : Olivia
De Havilland for "To Each His
Own."
Best Performance, Supporting
Actor — Ours: Harold Russell
for "The Best Years.'' Acade-
my's: Identical.
Best Performance, Supporting
Actress — Ours: Ethel Barry-
more for "The Spiral Staircase."
Academy's : Anne Baxter in
"The Razor's Edge."
Best Achievement in Direc-
tion— Ours : William Wyler for
"The Best Years." Academy's :
Ditto.
■ ■
Note in Passing: Frank
Launder, British director whose
latest is "The Adventuress,"
thinks : "The producer is always
better off when he starts with a
story which has been conceived
in terms of motion picture
scenes and sequences without
having to translate action and
motivation from terms of the
original medium [books or stage
plays] into films.''
In other words, he likes
originals.
But is the producer always
better off? If this were true,
which obviously it is not, there
might never have been "Gone
with the Wind," "The Green
Years," "The Song of Berna-
dette," "Lost Horizon," "Mrs.
Miniver," "Since You Went
Away," "Sergeant York," "Cav-
alcade," "Ben Hur," "The Birth
of a Nation," and all manner of
greats in between.
■ ■
"Troubles?" observes a na-
tional distributor yesterday. "I
don't think we've seen anything
yet. Wait until we have to get
embroiled in clearances !"
Merger Inquiry Unit
Set Up by Tom Clark
Washington, March 19. — Attorney
General Tom Clark today established
a special Justice Department unit to
review all business mergers. "Through
our new anti-trust division unit, we
hope to. prevent by anticipation the
creation of any illegal combines which
violate the anti-trust laws," he said.
All mergers between corporations
must be investigated by the unit, Clark
explained. It will be under the M\ 1 -
plaints and Small Business SeV n,
operating with the Anti-Trust Divi-
sion.
Nelson to Talk at
UNESCO Meeting
Hollywood, March 19. — Donald
Nelson, president of the Society of In-
dependent Motion Picture Producers,
will participate in a national confer-
ence of the United Nations Educa-
tional, Scientific and Cultural Organ-
ization, in Philadelphia, March 27-28,
counselling that group on how to fa-
cilitate an international exchange of
both educational and commercial films.
The agenda of the meeting also in-
cludes a discussion of plans for form-
ing a United States film council to
work with the UNESCO.
CPA Approves New
eUf Omaha Exchange
Omaha, March 19. — The Civilian
Production Administration has ap-
proved a $135,000 exchange building
here for Universal, CPA district man-
ager Frank Epperson discloses. It will
be located on Davenport Street, on
Film Row.
The project is part of Universal's
plans to replace most existing 'U' ex-
changes with new structures nation-
ally.
Lawrence and Woolf
Due Here Tomorrow
Jock Lawrence, American repre-
sentative of the J. Arthur Rank Or-
ganization ; Robert S. Woolf, general
manager for RKO Pathe Films in the
United Kingdom, and Col. J. W.
Votion, Pathe studio representative in
Europe, will arrive here tomorrow on
the SS Queen Elizabeth. Mile. Corinne
Calvert, French film star, is also
aboard.
Film Council Elects
Griffith Chairman
Richard Griffith, executive director
of the National Board of Review of
Motion Pictures, was elected chair-
man of the New York Film Council
yesterday. Alfred Rosenberg was
elected vice chairman ; Emily Jones,
executive secretary and William
Rogers, treasurer.
Franchise Transferred
Washington, March 19. — Devon-
shire Films has sold its local fran- L
chise to Hollywood Pictures here,
operated by Teddy Shull and Irwin
Cohen.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-m-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays.
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York. Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor-
Chicago Bureau,(624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, 'Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald-
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
4
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 20. 1947
Production on
Coast in New
Spurt, to 43
Hollywood, March 19. — Produc-
tion activity is still increasing, the
shooting index reaching 43, compared
with the previous level of 41. Nine
new films have been started, seven
completed. The production scene fol-
lows :
Columbia
Started : "Keeper of the Bees,*' with
Gloria Henry, Michael Duane, Jane
Darwell, Henry Davenport, Jo Ann
Marlowe.
Shooting: "Swing the Western
Way" "The Man from Colorado,
"HeV Husband's Affairs," "Assigned
to Treasury" (Kennedy-Buchman).
Eagle- Lion
Shooting: "The Red Stallion,"
"Out of the Blue," "Love from a
Stranger."
M-G-M
Finished: "Song of the Thin Mam"
Shooting-. "Good News, lhe
Hucksters."
Monogram
Finished: "The Law Comes to
Gunsight," "Sarge Goes to College.
Started: "Scarheads," with L«o
Gorcey, Huntz HalL Bill Kennedy,
Bobbv Jordan.
Shooting: "The Gangster (Allied
Artists).
Paramount
Finished: "Albuquerque" (.Clarion).
Shooting: "The Big Clock." "Road
to Rio."'
RKO Radio
Shooting : "Crossfire," "Tycoon,"
"Indian Summer," "If You Knew bu-
sie." "The Bishop's Wife" (Gold-
wyn) .
Republic
Shooting: "Saddle Pals," "Spring-
time in the Sierras."
Screen Guild
Started: "Western Barn Dance."
(.Schwarz) with Frank Tubb. Helen
Rovce, Frank McGlynn, Carl Hodges ;
"Killer Dill." (King) with Anne
Gwynne. Frank Albertson, Stuart Er-
win; "The Hat-Box Mystery" and
"The Case of the Baby Sitter,"
(Screen Art) with Pamela Blake,
Tom Xeal. Virginia Sale. Allen Jen-
kins.
Selzrtick
Sh-ooting: "Portrait of Jennie."
"The Paradine Case."
2Qih Century-Fox
Finished: "The Ghost and Mrs.
Muir." "Forever Amber."
Started : "Kiss of Death," with Vic-
tor Mature. Patricia Morison. Bryan
Donlevy. Colleen Gray; "Second
Chance," (Wurtzel) with Kent Tay-
for, Louise Currie, Dennis Hoey.
Shooting : "Scudda Hoo. Scudda
Hay." "Captain from Castile."
United Artists
Shooting: "Atlantis" (Xero) :
B. & K., Great States \ \B to Congress ou
Officials in Meeting T. . ^. ,
Chicago, March : -Executive, . llltm-l IllOll I lglltS
Balaban and Katz and Great States, |
Paramount affiliates in this area, held
a one-day meeting today at the Black-
stone Hotel here, conducted by Leon-
ard Goldenson, Paramount theatre
head, and Edward Hyman, Golden-
son's assistant. Goldenson and Hyman
flew back to New York after the
meeting.
At the meeting were : John Balaban,
Walter Immerman, Henry Stickle-
maier, Dave Stickleniaier, Dave Wal-
lerstein, M. M. Rubens. Harry Lust-
garten, Xate Piatt, Arthur Goldberg
and Tohn Dromev.
Charge Red Suspect
On Canada Board
Ottawa, March 19. — Canada had
another Communistic sensation, almost
rivalling the Soviet spy revelations,
when J. A. Sullivan resigned from im-
portant jobs in organized labor be-
cause, he claimed Sovietism had per-
meated not only Canadian labor activi-
ties but had infiltrated the govern-
ment service throughout the Dominion.
In a statement at Ottawa. Sullivan
disclosed highlights of the Commun-
ists' program in which he introduced
the name of Freda Linton, who "be-
came private secretary to Jolin Grier-
son, head of the National Film Board
in Ottawa." Sullivan added: "She
was one of the ones charged under the
Royal Commission (investigating the
Soviet spy system in Canada) but left
the country and was never brought to
trial."
The U. S. State Department recently
refused to grant permission to Grier-
son to enter the United States to re-
side.
Washington, March 19. — Citing
the effects which jurisdictional union
strikes have had on Hollywood pro-
duction, Justin Miller, president of the
National Association of Broadcasters,
today asked Congress for a "sound
national labor policy" which would
outlaw these intra-union disputes and
would ban secondary boycotts.
In letters to the House and Senate
labor committees. Miller warned that
jurisdictional disputes would consider- 1
ably hamper the progress of television, I
adding that a number of television!
programs already have had to be can- 1
celled because of them.
He stressed the need for a policy
which would make labor contracts en-
forceable and the parties mutually re- 1
sponsible. Miller branded the secondary
boycott as a "flagrantly abusive union I
practice."
XBC Television Gets
Soviet Xeics Films
National Broadcasting has
concluded an agreement with
the Russian Government giv-
ing- the network television
rights to newsreel and special
feature films made in the
Soviet Union, it was an-
nounced yesterday by John F.
Royal. NBC vice-presiden*
charge of television.
Two Coast Stations
Off Air in Strike
> AM FRANCIS*
3r:ad-
ls here
L an-
reases.
tations
Foundation Trustees
To Study Canada Bid
Extension of the scope of the Mo-
tion Picture Foundation to include
Canada, understood to be sought by
the Canadian Picture Pioneers, will be
considered by the foundation's trustees
at their annual meeting, tentatively
scheduled for May, a spokesman for
the organization indicated here yes-
terday.
Up until a late hour yesterday, the
Canadian request had not yet been
received by foundation officials here.
Uphold 'LA' in Taking
Over Local's Control
Authority of Richard F. Walsh,
LVTSE international president, to
take over control of the Affiliated
Property Craftsmen's Union. Local I
No. 44. Hollywood, has been upheld
by the California District Court of
Appeals, the IATSE has announced
here. The action was taken under
emergency powers granted by the in-
ternational group's constitution when
the craftsmen's local joined with the
Conference of Studio Unions in the,
jurisdictional strike of March, 1945.
A disagreement over the arbitration
settling that dispute brought on the
current strike.
Attorneys Matthew M. Levy of
New York and Michael G. Luddy of
California represented "L\" in the
case. The Coast firm of Katz, Gal-
lagher and Margolis. represented
Local No. 44.
TA and KSFO. Stations KSAX
IBS of this dry and KLX and
Oakland, maintained schedules, i
Closed Shops
[Continued from page 1)
American Seating Xet
has been reported by the American
Seating Co.. the figure being arrived
at after a 5800,000 tax carry-back
credit The net was equal to 55 cents
a share, compared with the 1945 net
of $376,903, or $1.70 per share after
a $100,000 tax credit
More Houses Leased
For 'Henry3 Runs
Albaxy, March 19. — J. Arthur
Rank's representatives have engaged
subsequent-run independent theatres in
Troy and Schenectady for engage-
ments of "Henry V." They first did
this with the Colonial in Albany,
which ran the film for five days, last
week. The Lansing, Troy, will" show
it this week and the Colony, Schenec-
tady, March 25-26. Upstate Theatres
arranged the bookings.
"Body and Soul" (Enterprise).
Universal-International
Started: "The Lost Love," (Wang-
er) with Robert Cummings, Susan
Hayward. Agnes Moorehead. Joan
Loring, Frank Puglia.
Warners
Finished: "The LTnfaithful."
Shooting : "Voice of the Turtle,"
"Two Guys from Texas,"' 'Wallflow-
er," "The Unsuspected" (Curtiz)
Central Casting Has
41c~c Rise in Activity
Casting Corporation, affiliate of the
Motion Picture Association, placed
266.065 extras, who grossed $4,614,-
154 during 1946, the association re-
ports. This was an increase of more
than 41 per cent over 1945.
MPA pointed out that the average
extra worked onlv 40 davs and earned
S700.
Drive for C. J. Latta
Albaxy, X. Y., March 19. — A di
to observe C J- Latta's sixth annh
sary as upstate zone manager of W
ner Theatres will be held from Ma
30 to June 28. Managers in the
bany and Buffalo districts will a
pete. Attendance, expenses and cle
liness will be the criteria on wb
awards will be made.
rve
er-
ar-
it appears, have been disinclined to
destroy harmonious employee-manage-
ment relationships merely for the sake
of applying a closed shop law in their
situations.
The IATSE, representing many
thousands of projectionists through-
out the country, exchange workers at
most of the key cities, some theatre
service employes and Hollywood studio
personnel in various categories, has
numerous closed shop contracts. Anti-
closed shop legislation would affect
this union principally in new terri-
tories it might seek to organize, ac-
cording to Richard F. Walsh, inter-
national president
Walsh noted that the "IA" already
has closed-shop contracts in some
states where "forcing" employers to
sign such agreements is banned. In
these areas, he" said, there- is nothing
to prevent voluntary acceptance of a
closed shop clause following legiti-
mate negotiation between the parties.
Thus, in Walsh's opinion, the existing
arrangements, which have" served to
promote harmony, will continue with-
out difficulty even in the states newly
adopting such legislation.
The closed shop has been outlawed
since 1943 in Florida, Arkansas, Ne-
braska, Arizona and South Dakota.
This year the closed shop has been
banned in Virginia, North Carolina
and Tennessee, and is threatened with
a similar fate in Georgia. A measure
to outlaw the closed shop and ban
jurisdictional strikes has been intro-
duced in the California legislature.
effect "outlawing*' the closed shop
provide that the right of persons to
work shall not be denied or abridged ■
on account of membership of nan-
membership in any labor organization. )
The Arizona law forbids denial of
ired to join either.
He holds the reins on sound • . .
• As a skilled horseman controls
a horse by his touch on the reins
. . . now light, now firm, giving,
taking — so does' the production
sound mixer control sound . . .
amplifying, modulating . . . corre-
lating sound with action in proper
perspective.
In this day when the reality of
sound must be absolute, the mix-
er's work has high importance.
His knowledge of his art must be
complete, his skill in using it
great . . . for on him depends much
of a picture's power to move and
hold an audience.
And the mixer's skill is en-
hanced by working with films
which assure faithful reproduc-
tion of sound ... a quality which
is so well provided by the family
of Eastman sound films.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y .
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS *
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 20, 1947
Set Program for
Greek Aid Luncheon
Harold Russell, handless war vet-
eran who won two Academy Awards
for his work in "The Best Years of
Our Lives," will be present at the
industry's luncheon for Greek war or-
phans in the Hotel Astor, here, on
Monday. Also present will be Paul
Economou-Gouras, Charge d'Affairs
at the Greek Embassy.
Fred Schwartz will be toastmaster
and the following are scheduled to be
on the dais : Frank Walker, George
Skouras, John O'Conner, Si Fabian,
Joseph Vogel, Malcolm Kingsberg,
Gus Eyssell, Harry Brandt, William
White, Sam Rinzler, and others.
Gillham to SRO
(Continued from page 1)
work in association with Paul Mac-
Namara, who continues in charge of
advertising-publicity for Selznick.
It was reported but not confirmed
that Gillham may appoint Al Wilkie,
former Paramount publicity manager,
to a corresponding post in SRO's
Eastern and foreign organization.
U. S. Firms Accept
Italian Program
By ARGEO SANTUCCI
Rome, March 13 (By Airmail). —
American producer-distributor repre-
sentatives here have accepted a six-
point conditional program governing
their Hollywood imports for the rest
of 1947. The program, advanced by
the Italian government, had been in
discussion for a month. A revised
program will be drawn up for 1948.
Provisions of the 1947 agreement
include :
Importing countries are to grant
Italy reciprocal treatment ; proceeds
from all imported features must be
placed in a non-transferable lira ac-
count at a bank authorized to deal
in foreign exchange selected by the
importer ; foreign companies producing
in Italy must use Italian studio facili-
ties and participate in Italian produc-
tion up to 50 per cent ; proceeds from
such pictures will be shared propor-
tionately, funds to be applied to the
construction and rental of theatres ;
foreign companies may dispose of ac-
cumulated foreign exchange by export-
ing films produced in Italy in part-
nership ; permission for importing
must be obtained from the Minister
of Foreign Trade.
Four new theatres will open in
Rome within the next few months.
Bids Two U-I Films
(Continued from page 1)
ner Theatres located in that city.
U-I also closed a deal for "The Egg
and I" with the Manor, suburban
Charlotte theatre, in competitive bid-
ding with Wilby-Kincey Theatres
there.
Universal home office sales officials
emphasized that the company is not
soliciting competitive bids on any of
its product and that the deals in Okla-
homa City and Charlotte originated
with the independent exhibitors in-
volved. Terms were offered by the
Home and Manor in both cities which
were acceptable to Universal and were
not matched by the circuits and other
competition, it was said.
Stay Petitions
(Continued from page 1)
of briefs asking the continuance of the
industry arbitration system is said to
be under consideration by at least
some of the five theatre-owning de-
fendants.
If the petitioners can establish that
a financial loss would result from
placing the bidding system and other
decree clauses in effect, Justice Reed
would be bound by previous actions to
grant stays, according to legal ob-
servers here.
UA Gets Broadway
(Continued from page 1)
nick Releasing Organization for physi-
cal distribution of the latter's "Duel
in the Sun," which have been in
progress despite SRO's announcement
several weeks ago that it had made a
deal with Film Carriers, were ended
recently and the latter deal stands.
SRO is said to have balked at the
terms asked by UA for physical dis-
tribution, which were $15 per print
for shipping and 35 cents per reel for
servicing, among other provisions.
$6,600,000 in Gross
Blocked by Italy
Rome, March 13 (By Air-
mail).— An estimated 1,500,-
000,000 lira ($6,600,000 by the
official exchange rate), are
deposited in blocked bank ac-
counts by American film com-
panies here. The Italian gov-
ernment permits only limited
investment of this income,
which is judged to be about
30,000,000 to 50,000,000 lira
monthly from each U. S.
company.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and
20th Century-Fox are said to
have the most on deposit,
with Warner Brothers third.
Yates Luncheon
(Continued from page 1)
a source of revenue as yet largely un-
tapped, according to Yates, who re-
vealed that his company had signed a
contract yesterday with Loew's Inc.,
for foreign distribution of 16mm.
prints of Republic pictures. He said
that the factor to be considered is
the lesser costs of exhibiting such
prints.
Consolidated Laboratories, owned
by Republic, has perfected a three-
color process, Yates disclosed, which
compares favorably with processes
now in use. By October Consolidated
will be able to supply color prints in
a matter of days, as against the
months now required by other firms.
Upon installation of the required
equipment, Republic will abandon its
present two-color process for the new
three-color process, which will also be
called Trucolor.
"The transition from black-and-
white to color films will, in my opin-
ion, be as revolutionary as the tran-
sition from silent to sound pictures
was," Yates said. He added that with-
in two years all Republic pictures will
be in color, with the possible exception
of certain types of pictures in which
black-and-white expresses the desired
mood more accurately than color.
Feature on Hollywood
(Continued from page 1)
presided over a round-table discussion
of the idea, which is the outgrowth of
a suggestion advanced several months
ago by the SWG to a Motion Picture
Association committee headed by for-
mer vice-president Byron Price, who
has since resigned to join the United
Nations.
The SWG version of the project
entails complete cooperation of all
guilds and unions, with all producers
taking a common interest. A decision
on the project was reserved.
Pro-Owner Obscene
Show Measure Dies
he |
Albany, N. Y., March 19.— The
Mitchell bill, which would have ex
empted the owner or lessee of a thea-
tre from prosecution under the penal
law for an indecent or obscene stage
show was not reported out of the
Senate Finance Committee, and died
as the legislature adjourned.
Safety Bill Dies
Albany, N. Y., March 19.-/^ Mil
to change the definition of placet .as-
sembly and providing uniform en-
forcement of safety regulations by the
State Industrial Commissioner in
cities with 100,000 population, or more, 1
died as the legislature adjourned here i
this week. The bill was not reported 1
out of the Senate Finance Committee. I1
Tax Bill Still in Chamber
Albany, N. Y., March 19.— The bill
authorizing a five per cent local
amusement tax will be sent to the j'
Governor within a few days, follow-
ing receipt of the engrossing copy. 1
Legislators believe that some cities
may invoke the new levies, while rural
counties proceed slowly.
5 New Censor Laws
(Continued from page 1)
manager of the Park in that city, de-
scribed some of the legislative pro-
posals as "vicious."
The meeting appointed a steering
committee consisting of Edgar J.
Doob, Loew's, Wilmington ; Lewis S.
Black, Warner, Wilmington ; A. J.
Belair, Rialto, Wilmington ; Mrs.
Reba Schwartz, Dover ; Reese Har-
rington, Harrington ; Walter Betts,
Millsboro, and Mayor Edward C. Ev-
ans of Milford. A. J. DeFiore,
Wilmington, was named chairman.
Circuit representatives at the meet-
ing included Norman Pragar and Ed-
ward C. Evans, of the Schine circuit ;
A. J. Vanni, William Morgan and
Lewis S. Black, of the Warner thea-
tres, and Orville Crouch and Edgar
J. Doob, of Loew's, Inc.
Fabian, ATA
(Continued from page 1)
then suggest a successor to himself.
Final decision on a date and place
for the ATA convention will be made
at the same time, according to Fabian.
Washington and Chicago are both
still under consideration, and the event
is expected to be held before the end
of May. Robert W. Coyne, ATA ex-
ecutive director, and Ned Shugrue,
publicity director, are scheduled to re-
turn here today from Washington.
ATA officers, in addition to Fabian
and Gamble, include : Charles Skou-
ras, Los Angeles, first vice-president;
William Skirball, Cleveland, second
vice-president; Sam Pinanski, Boston,,
treasurer; William F. Crockett, Vir-
ginia Beach, Va., secretary.
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1
Thursday, March 20, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, March 19
« T OAN OF LORRAINE," for
»J which no distribution deal has
been set, will be made by the E. N.
Corp., which is owned by Ingrid
Ber _an, Victor Fleming, Peetr Lind-
stv-— "Cand Walter Wanger.
Local boys make good: Lee Ben-
nett, son of Cinecolor president Wil-
liam Crespinel, has been signed for a
fop role in the current Clarion pro-
duction, "Albuquerque," which co-
stars Randolph Scott, Barbara Brit-
ton, George (Gabby) Hayes and Lon
Chaney. And Robert Peoples, son of
Clem Peoples, chief jailer of Los An-
geles County Jail, has been signed to
a term contract by Paramount. He
will make his debut in "Road to Rio"
under the name of Bret Hamilton.
•
Warners has arranged to borrow
Tim Holt from RKO Radio for an
important part in "Treasure of the
Sierra Madre." Walter Huston has
also been signed for a leading
role in the film, which John Hus-
ton will direct and Henry Blanke
will produce. . . . Michael Fessier
and Ernest Pagano, U-I producer-
writer team, have been assigned to
develop and produce the film ver-
sion of the Broadway musical,
"Bloomer Girl."
•
Ted Richmond and Robert Cohn,
Columbia's newest producing team,
have been assigned two story proper-
ties : "The Black Shadow," based on
an Alexandre Dumas story, and
"Thunderhoof," based on Jack Lon-
don's "White Silence." . . . Producers
Jesse L. Lasky and Walter MacEwen
are looking for five campanologists, of
all things. A campanologist is an ex-
pert bell-ringer, and five are required
to ring the bells of the five churches
which are featured in "The Miracle
of the Bells," first Lasky-McEwen
production for RKO Radio.
•
Henry Fonda has been assigned a
stellar role in "Call Northside 777,"
which producer Otto Lang will film
in Chicago for 20th Century-Fox. . . .
Dame May Whitty has been engaged
for a key part in Samuel Goldivyn's
current production, "The Bishop's
Wife." . . . Monogram producer
Lindsley Parsons has signed Roddy
McDowall to a contract, under the
terms of which the juvenile actor will
appear in two pictures annually over
a three-year period, and will function
as associate producer on the films.
Pa. Owners Adjourn
Philadelphia, March 19. — The
meeting here of the Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsyl-
vania has adjourned after protests
against high film rentals in the light
of declining box-office receipts. Plans
to combat the situation will be drawn
up at another meeting shortly, says
S. E. Samuelson, business manager.
Reviews
WANTED
BOOKKEEPER WITH MOTION
PICTURE EXPERIENCE
BELL PICTURES CORP.
630 NINTH AVE.. N. Y. C.
"Backlash"
(20th Century-Fox)
PROBLEMS for the audience to puzzle over in this slightly-above-average
mystery are numerous and juicy. Was the criminal attorney really poisoned
by his wife before being found shot through the heart and burned in his
wrecked auto, or did somebody else do the job? Were the "charred remains
really those of the criminal attorney, or of the escaping convict he picked up,
or of an unknown third party? Had his wife been true to him, or had she
been running around with the district attorney? Where does the victim's
embattled law partner fit into the picture, if at all?
These and other assorted ingredients have been stirred into a fairly palata-
ble detective stew, greatly to the credit of writer Irving Elman and director
Eugene Forde, who used frequent flashbacks and shifting points of view to
keep everybody guessing and yet came through with a solid job for producer
Sol M. Wurtzel.
The cast is all adequate, with Leonard Strong outstanding as a tramp who
stumbles across the solution. John Eldredge is the criminal attorney, Jean
Rogers the wife, and Richard Travis the "DA." But chief focus is on the
investigations of Detective Lieutenant Larry Blake and his assistant, Richard
Benedict. They finally pick up the escaping convict, Douglas Fowley. along
with the victim's partner, Robert Shayne, and the girl friend of both suspects,
Louise Currie. Thus, with two triangles, plus an unknown number of killings
to be resolved, there is plenty of excuse for the pistol-packing finish.
Running time, 66 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. T<™[ Loy.
"Tarzan and the Huntress"
(RKO Radio)
A LIVELY jungle story, some first-rate wild animal stock shots, and
sprightly talkativeness on the part of the usually quiet Tarzan (Johnny
Weisrr.uller), make this latest of the RKO Radio series, based upon charac-
ters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, a far-belter-than-average piece of Tar-
zan merchandise. Brenda Joyce and Johnny Sheffield again play Tarzan's
wife and son. The cast, a good one, also includes Patricia Morison, Barton
MacLane, John Warburton, Charles Trowbridge, and others.
Miss Morison, MacLane and Warburton appear as bring-'em-back-alive
animal hunters who seek to capture more than their fair share of animals, a
jungle quota restriction notwithstanding. They conspire toward this end with
an avaricious jungle prince who kills his uncle, a good and wise king, and
takes over the throne. Tarzan, his family and Cheta, the educated chim-
panzee, step in, of course, to prevent depletion of the jungle, and in the end
rout the hunters with an elephant stampede. Associate producer Kurt Neu-
mann, directing from a screenplay by Jerry Gruskin and Rowland Leigh,
makes certain there is never a dull moment in this well-devised production by
Sol Lesser. "... „
Running time, 72 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
April 5. " Charles L. Franks
'Apache Rose'
(Republic)
PITTING horses against automobiles for chase sequences, and Roy Rogers
against ruthless gamblers for vigorous hand-to-hand scrapes, "Apache
Rose," aided by several entertaining musical numbers rendered by_ Rogers,
Dale' Evans and Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers, is a notch or two
above average. Furthermore, it offers Rogers in color, in Republic's own
Trucolor. All in all, Western fans, and more specifically, Rogers' followers,
should respond favorably.
Rogers, as an enterprising petroleum engineer, discovers oil on property
which is 'part of a ranch owned by Russ Vincent. But Rogers' efforts to
convince Vincent to lease exploitation rights meet with failure when gamblers
to whom the ranch head is indebted intervene to wrest those rights. After an
attempted killing of Vincent's cousin and co-owner, Miss Evans, operator of a
tugboat and object of Vincent's proposals, assumes the cousin's identity and
helps Rogers bring the badman to justice. Olin Howlin, a former associate
of Rogers, goes along for the laughs. George Meeker, head of the racketeers,
is a slick operator. Edward J. White was associate producer and William
Witney directed, from an original by Gerald Geraghty. Photography, by
Jack Marta, is striking, particularly in oceanside gun-battle scenes.
Running time, 75 minutes. General audience classification.
I k\ i \(; Kaplan
Indiana Theatre Burns
Carlisle, Ind., March 19.— The
Vivian Theatre has been completely
destroyed by fire. It was operated by
lohn N. Allison.
REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS, INC.
1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Clnle 6-6686
Complete Film arid
Disc Recording Facilities
Ten Additional Films
Get Legion Ratings
The National Legion of Decency
has rated the following as A-I :
"Apache Rose," Republic; "Blondie'-.
Holiday" and "The Lone Hand Tex-
an," both Columbia ; "Buck Privates
Come Home," Universal; "High Bar
baree," M-G-M.
Placed in Class A-I I were: "The
Devil Thumbs a Ride," RKO Radio;
"Hard Boiled Mahoney," Monogram;
"Imperfect Lady," Paramount", "Ram-
rod," United Artists; "Forbidden Mu-
sic" (Italian), Continental Pictures.
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SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING
Fred MacMurray
Paulette Goddard
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/10/47)
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
C — 87 mins.
(Rev. 2/18/47)
FALL GUY
Robert Armstrong
Clifford Penn
D — 64 mins.
(Rev. 3/3/47)
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
D
TRAILING
DANGER
Johnny M. Brown
SIX GUN
SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O'Shea
HIGH
CONQUEST
Anna Lee
Warren Douglas
D — 83 mins.
(Rev.' 3/13/47)
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COLUMBIA
(Feb. Release)
DEAD
RECKONING
D — 100 mins.
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
D — 82 mins.
13TH HOUR
Richard Dix
D — 65 mins.
THE LONE
HAND TEXAN
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(March Release)
JOHNNY
O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
D — 85 mins.
(Rev. 1/2/47)
MILLIE'S
DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
D — 70 mins.
(Rev. 2/11/47)
WEST OF
DODGE CITY
(Rev. 3/14/47)
KING OF THE
WILD HORSES
(Rev. 3/14/47)
BLONDIE'S
HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
C — 67 mins.
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(April Releases)
GUILT OF
JANET AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
D — 81 mins.
(Rev. 3/5/47)
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis Carter
Barry Sullivan
ft — 82 mins.
(Rev. 3/5/47)
M
WO
*
<3 on
1
1 "
<
April
19
L
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1947
TEN CENTS
20th-Fox Net
For Year Is
22,600,000
Johnston Describes
General Approval
Of Production Code
1946 Profit, 8 Millions
Above Previous Year's
Net profit of 20th Century-Fox
for the year ended Dec. 28, 1946,
is estimated at $22,600,000 accord-
ing to a report to stockholders by
S p y r o s P.
Skouras, com-
pany president.
The figure
soared above
the previous
year's net of
$12,746,467 to
the tune of
more than $8,-
000,000.
Last year's
% net, as well as
| the previous
* year's is arrived
at after all
Spyros P. Skouras charges of 20th-
Fox and its
voting-controlled subsidiaries, includ-
ing National Theatres and Roxy
{Continued on page 6)
Universal Reelects
Cowdin, Blumberg
J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of
Universal's board of directors, Nate
J. Blumberg, president, and all other
officers were reelected at a meeting of
[Continued on page 7)
Hollywood, March 20. — "Satisfac-
tion with the Production Code is
general" among the producers, di-
rectors and writers, with whom lie
held open forum discussions during
the past three days, Motion Picture
Association president Eric Johnston
told the press today in his first inter-
view since arrival here early last
week. He added that, "Although
there were some, of course, who
complained that their art was being
stifled, 1 found a surprising degree
of acceptance throughout the stu-
dios."
Johnston's talks to studio groups
included, he said, a report by him
on conditions abroad in a "very sick
{Continued on page 6)
Formal Universal
Bidding in South
F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal-Inter-
national Southern division sales man-
ager, has inaugurated formal competi-
tive bidding wherever requested in all
competitive situations throughout his
territory, he reported here yesterday,
following his return from a tour
through the area.
Previously, E. T. Gomersall, assis-
tant general sales manager, had ex-
plained that, while the company has
adopted no blanket policy to put for-
mal bidding into effect prior to the
July 1 deadline set by the New York
{Continued on page 7)
Pickford, Chaplin
Due Here Next Week
Mary Pickford and Charles
Chaplin, co-owners of United
Artists are expected at the
home office here next week
from the Coast to hold de-
finitive meetings on the re-
shaping of company affairs.
The UA board will meet to-
day to act on the leasing of
the Broadway Theatre at 53rd
Street and Broadway here.
Negotiations for the house,
owned by the Shuberts,
already have been concluded.
5 Companies
Unite to Save
Arbitration
UA to Lease Houses
For 'Carnegie Hall'
5 Censorship Bills
Reported in Error
A story from Milford, Del.,
printed in Motion Picture
Daily yesterday, which re-
ported that film censorship
measures had been passed by
the North and South Dakota,
Indiana, West Virginia and
Montana state legislatures
was in error.
Censorship bills were de-
feated in Indiana and West
Virginia. The Motion Picture
Association has no knowledge
of such bills in the other
three legislatures. The report
was attributed to an MPA
official.
The trend toward theatre leasing
deals for road-showing top films con-
tinues, with United Artists aiming
to lease some 200 houses around the
country for exhibition of "Carnegie
Hall," Boris Morros-William Le-
Baron production.
Previously, plans for leasing deals
were made known by Samuel Gold-
vvyn, for his "Best Years of Our
Lives," and by Enterprise for its
"Arch of Triumph."
UA's decision to roadshow "Car
negie," followed a test run at the Bush
nell Memorial Auditorium, Hartford.
UA field representatives are now ne-
gotiating theatre-leasing contracts for
the film. General release is not
planned for some time, probably not
until next year. "Carnegie" will play
its pre-release runs on a two or three-
a-day policy.
To File Document
Today or Monday
The five theatre-owning de-
fendants in the industry anti-trust
suit have united on a Supreme
Court application asking continu-
ance of the industry arbitration system
beyond April 1, and will file the docu-
ment today or Monday, immediately
following the preparation of printed
copies, a spokesman for the defense
counsel said here yesterday.
This petition, seeking to have the
New York Federal District Court's
dissolution of the arbitration machin-
ery stayed pending the outcome of an
appeal on that issue, will be con-
sidered by Justice Stanley F. Reed
at a closed hearing in Washington
next Thursday or Friday, along with
Universal's,. Columbia's and United
Artists' petitions for stays of com-
petitive bidding and numerous injunc-
tions of the New York decree.
The theatre-owning defendants will
{Continued on page 7)
Decree Application Calls
For Showmanship: Skouras
Ready to Produce
US 'News Magazine'
Production of "News Magazine,"
one-reel, semi-monthly film on U. S.
domestic affairs sponsored by the U. S.
Department of State, will go into pro-
duction within the next week at RKO
Pathe studios here, it was disclosed
yesterday by Hamilton MacFadd'en,
associate chief of the international
motion picture division of the State
Department, and Walton C Anient,
vice-president and general manager ot
RKO Pathe.
The films will be documented in 24
languages and arc slated for distribu-
(Continucd on page 6)
Hollywood, March 20.— Impending
application of the provisions of the
Federal Court's decision in the New
York anti-trust suit, and an increasing
demonstration by the public of selec-
tivity toward motion picture entertain-
ment, are two conditions which will
make success in exhibition more than
ever depend upon efficient theatre
operation and aggressive showman-
ship, Charles P. Skouras, president of
National Theatres and Fox West
Coast told 250 FWC managers and
circuit executives here yesterday.
The occasion was the first of a
series of meetings launching the an-
nual "Skouras Showmanship Drive."
{Continued on page 7)
Myers Charges Bids
Being 'Discredited'
Washington, March 20. — Competi-
tive bidding is being used by distribu-
tors to stir up antagonism among in-
dependent exhibitors with a view to
securing still higher film rentals,
Abram F. Myers. Allied States board
chairman, charged today.
"Competitive bidding is being dis-
{Continucd on page 7)
Partners May Bid on
Co-owner's Product
A theatre operated with a dis-
tributor on a partnership basis would
In- compelled to bid for the product
of that distributor, according to at-
torneys particularly concerned with
this situation as it is covered by the
{Continued on page f>)
In This Issue
"Untamed Fury" is reviewed
on page .">.
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 21, 1947
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES CUNNINGHAM
UNITED ARTISTS' views of the
"potentially disastrous conse-
quences" of decree selling is expressed,
strictly gag-wise, in a sample "Branch
Managers' Decree Selling and Escape
Kit," assembled at the UA home office,
by advertising-publicity director Paul
Lazarus, Jr., and containing the fol-
lowing equipment and pertinent in-
structions :
An expense voucher for $78, ear-
marked : "For caviar and champagne
for the (exhibitor) customer; a con-
tract form for a competitive area film
deal ; a bottle of fine liquor for cele-
brating the conclusion of the deal ;
stationery for "writing to family and
UA sales manager Grad Sears" dur-
ing the lengthy period required to ne-
gotiate the deal.
The salesman is warned that at the
conclusion of the deal, "a gentleman
with handcuffs arrives, charging col-
lusion, legerdemain, contempt, etc."
But the salesman need not give up
hope yet, for the UA kit provides tools
for escaping from jail, together with a
nice shiny pistol. And, finally, if all
is beyond hope, the company further
provides such "commodities" as a
sharp razor, poison, and a noose !"
V
Plagued by juvenile rowdyism, the
Main Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, has
pasted on its box-office window a set
of rides for theatre conduct among
youngsters, with a warning that in
fractions will cause expulsion without
refunds. Marked out-of-bounds are
"Cracking gum, Everlastingly chang-
ing seats, Using bean shooters, Roam-
ing the theatre for dates, Using water-
guns, Throwing things, Using cap pis-
tols, Lighting matches," etc.
V
Dave Epstein, producer Fritz
Lang's Hollywood press agent, de-
scribes as 'flattering" an offer sent
by Lang to Mississippi's Theodore
(The Man) Bilbo to appear in the
producer's next production, "Cor-
ruption."
Personal Mention
Lost Weekend Department, head-
line in the New York Herald Tribune :
"Stores Say Liquor Taxes Are at Sat-
uration Point."
V
A purse containing $2,300 worth of
jewels found last November in New
York's Music Hall by 19-year-old
usher Harold Harris, and turned over
by him to the police, has been returned
to Harris, unclaimed.
V
On paper as pink as the color of his
embarrassed countenance, Columbia
home office publicist Ray Murray sent
to our news desk the startling an-
nouncement that the League of Present
Day Artists is shipping a "permani-
tized" plastic life-size figure of Rita
Hayworth, which his organization is
shipping to troops of Task Force
Frigid in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the
request that the shapely figure be
buried in the snows "down to earth,
so that posterity 100 years from today
might see what one of the most beau-
tiful girls of 1947 looked like."
BEN GOETZ, M-G-M production
chief in England, is due here
from the Coast on April 4, en route
to London.
•
Chester Friedman, editor of the
Manager's Round Table of Motion
Picture Herald, was reported "rest-
ing comfortably" at Lexington Hos-
pital here last night following an ap-
pendectomy.
•
Jack Segal, vice-president and
treasurer of Columbia International,
has returned to New York from a six-
month European tour.
•
William Schreckler, manager of
the Strand, Memphis, and Mrs.
Schreckler, have returned there
from a honeymoon in Mississippi.
•
Nat Weinreb of the 20th Century-
Fox story department here, is the
father of a baby boy, born last Friday
at Beth Israel Hospital, New York.
•
Charles Bowers, manager of the
Hollywood Theatre, here, will be
married to the theatre's assistant
manager, Nolda Bishop, today.
•
Leo Samuels, assistant to William
Levy, international sales head of Walt
Disney Productions, is due here to-
day from London.
•
Harvey Day, Sr., Eastern repre-
sentative for Jules Levey, will re-
turn to New York from New Or-
leans early next week.
•
Herbert Biberman, producer as-
sociate of Jules Levey, will leave
New York for Hollywood tomorrow.
•
Jason S. Joy, 20th Century-Fox
studio personnel manager, is en route
to New York from the Coast by train.
dent of Monogram International,
will leave here today for Chicago.
•
Ed Hinchy, head of the Warner
playdate department, is accompany-
ing Ben Kalmenson, vice-president
and general sales manager, on a trip
to Philadelphia, Washington and
Pittsburgh.
•
Norman Elson, vice-president of
Trans-Lux Theatres, will leave here
tomorrow for Mexico City for the
opening of the company's Prado The-
atre there March 27.
•
Julian Blaustein, Selznick stu-
dio executive, is the father of a baby
boy, born Tuesday at Cedars of Leb-
anon Hospital, Hollywood.
•
J. R. Edwards, formerly of At-
lanta, has been named manager of
the Martin-Thompson theatres in
Live Oak, Alimar and Suwanee, Fla.
•
Leonard Vaughn has been ap-
pointed manager of the Columbia
Theatre, Lake City, Fla., by owner
Robert Cannon.
•
Reuben Rosenberg, RKO Radio
production executive, will arrive here
today from England.
•
Louis J. Kaufman, Warner The-
atres executive, has left here for
Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
•
Frank Launder, British Eagle-
Lion producer, left here yesterday
for the Coast.
•
Benedict Bogeaus and his wife,
Dolores Moran, will leave Holly-
wood this weekend for New York.
•
Leo Pillot of Columbia left New
York yesterday for Richmond, Va.
Intermissions Raise
Candy Vending Sales
Chicago, March 20. — Trailer or-
ders received during the past three
week by the local Filmack Trailer
Co. indicate that many theatres
throughout the country are institut-
ing short intermission periods in an
effort to bolster vending receipts.
The trailers announce the inter-
missions and call attention to the the-
atre's confection items available.
Many of the intermissions are for a
three-minute time period with theatre
managers claiming that candy sales
have shown a decided increase as a
result.
Seven Classed 'Adult'
Toronto, March 20. — Seven fea-
tures have been classed as "adult en-
tertainment" by the Ontario Board of
Censors compared with five "A" pic-
tures in the previous month, it is an-
nounced. The "A" graded features
were "Johnny O'Clock," "Blind
Spot," "Woman to Woman," "Sea of
Grass," "Nora Prentiss," "Accom-
plice" and "Beast with Five Fingers."
Phila. Paper Asks
Television Permit
Philadelphia, March 20. — The
WIBG Philadelphia Daily News Tele-
vision Corp., a new firm combining the
interests of radio station WIBG and
the Philadelphia Daily News, has filed
application with the Federal Com-
munications Commission for a new
television station to be set up in this
city.
Houtz in K.C. Shift
Kansas City, March 20. — Neil
Houtz, long with Eddie Mansfield,
Commonwealth Theatres' city man-
ager here, is now at district headquar-
ters booking for Commonwealth's city
theatres. Morton Vinzant succeeds
Houtz as manager of the Ashland.
DANA ANDREWS in
"BOOMERANG"
A 20th Century-Fox Picture
PLUS ON STAGE — PHIL REGAN
KATHERINE DUNHAM .ERNESTO LECUONA
ED SULLIVAN .SID CAESAR
ROXY
7th Ave. &
50th St.
NEW YORK THEATRES
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL-
Rockefeller Center
RONALD COLMAN in
'THE LATE GEORGE APLEY'
m
Introducing PEGGY CUMMINS
A 20th Century-Fox Picture
THE MUSIC HALL'S
GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW I
3rd HIT WEEK!
"UNUSUAL! SUPERIOR!" -Time
JOHN GAIL
WAYNE RUSSELL
n
ANGEL
and the
BADMAN
n
with
HARRY CAREY - BRUCE CABOT
IRENE RICH . LEE DIXON
A JOHN WAYNE Production
A Republic Picture
BRANDTS GOTHAM
B'way &
47th St.
PALACE
Laraine DAY • Brian AHERNE
Robert MITCHUMGene RAYMOND
'THE LOCKET' "xszr
ON SCREEN
HUMPHREY
BOGART
LIZABETH SCOTT
'DEAD
RECKONING'
IN PERSON
GENE SHELDON
Extra I
'SONGWRITERS
ON PARADE'
Plus OTHERS
i
BOB HOPE
In Person
DOROTHY LAMOUR
JIMMY DORSEY
"MY
and his orchestra
PAT HENNING
FAVORITE
Lyn Shirley
LOUIS JORDAN
BRUNETTE"
and his
Tympany Five
PARAMOUNT - TIMES SQUARE
The Academy Award Picture!
Winner of Nine Academy Awards !
!? THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Paramount's
"BLAZE OF NOON"
RIVOLI THEATER Doors Open
B'way & 49th St. 9:30 A. M.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Ouigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holiday^ by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York. " Martin Quigky President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P
Curmineham News Editor • Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg William R. Weaver, Editor;
ChfcaS Bureau 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bid*.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq London Wl Hope Burnup, Manager Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres,_ published every fo_urth_ week as
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept.
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under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
"IT'S HAPPIER THAN HEAVEN... THE HIT OF '47!"
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Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 21, 1947
Coming
Events
Tomorrow — Monogram directors
meeting, Blackstone Hotel, Chi-
cago.
March 24 — Film industry's Greek
War Orphan Relief luncheon,
Hotel Astor, New York.
March 25 — Cinema Lodge, B'nai
B'rith, dinner, Hotel Astor, New
York.
March 25-26 — Rocky Mountain area
exhibitors meeting,' Brown Palace
Hotel, Denver.
March 27 — Annual ASCAP meet-
ing, Ritz Carlton Hotel, New
York.
March 27 — Testimonial for Charles
Boasberg, Hotel Astor. New
York.
March 27-28 — National conference
of the United Nations Educa-
tional, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, Philadelphia.
March 31 — Annual meeting of the
Motion Picture Association, New
York.
April 14-15 — Television executives
to meet at the Hotel Commodore,
New York.
April 20 — Theatre Equipment and
Supply Dealers meeting. Hotel
Drake, Chicago.
April 21-22— North Central Allied
convention, Minneapolis.
Broder Acquires 40
UA Re-releases
Broder American Releasing Corp.
has acquired 40 United Artists re-
releases for distribution in the U.
S., Paul Broder, president, discloses.
Eight of these, he said, are being
prepared for release shortly. They
are : "Buckskin Frontier," "The
Kansan," "You Only Live Once,"
"History Is Made at Night," "Stand
In," "House Across the Bay," "The
Long Voyage Home" and "Sundown."
National Screen Service is at pres-
ent making trailers on the eight,
Broder reported.
Northwest Airlines
Testing Use of Film
Minneapolis, March 20.— North-
west Airlines is experimenting with
the idea of showing motion pictures on
its planes on the Pacific run. This
follows Robert Young's recent intro-
duction of films on his Chesapeake
and Ohio Railroad.
The line has not yet decided what
type of pictures will be shown if the
experiments are successful.
"Conquest' Postponed
Hollywood, March 20. — National
release date of Irving Allen's "High
Conquest" has been set back three
months to June 1 to give the recently
completed film maximum national ad-
vertising and exploitation campaigns.
Seasonal Book Sales
Hit an FPC Record
Toronto, March 20. — The annual
contest for the sale of gift books of
admission tickets by employes of Fam-
ous Players Canadian Corp. resulted
in a new record for aggregate returns.
Total sales were $1,339 higher than
one year ago, when the mark was
some $80,000 greater than the preced-
ing annual contest. For the third year
in succession the individual selling
champion proved to be Dennis Mur-
phy of the Capitol Theatre, Halifax.
Second and third were J. W. Parsons,
Capitol, Regina, and B. Blondell, the
Imperial, Toronto.
SWG Modifies Plan
For Author Authority
Hollywood, March 20. — In a 64-
page supplement to its monthly maga-
zine, the Screen Writers Guild has
published a revised version of its pro-
posal for formation of an American
Authors Authority plan for leasing
instead of selling the rights to written
works. The SWG statement says that
the new version includes modifications
designed to meet "the more valid ob-
jections aroused by the first prospec-
tus_ as outlined by novelist James M.
Cain." It proposes to set up the AAA
as a non-profit corporation and as an
integral part of the Authors League.
New Paramount Record
The Paramount, Times Square, sold
9,000 tickets at 55 cents each, includ-
ing tax, by one P.M., Wednesday when
the price change went into effect, ac-
cording to Robert Weitman, manag-
ing director. It was the opening stanza
of a new show, headed by "My Favor-
ite Brunette" as the feature and a
stage show with Jimmy Dorsey and
his orchestra, Pat Henning, Lyn Shir-
ley, and Louis Jordan and His Tym-
pany Five.
The figure is a record since Weit-
man inaugurated his "early bird"
policy.
Cite Pete Smith Short
Pete Smith's latest M-G-M short, "I
Love My Wife, but . . .", has been
selected by the National Laugh Week
Foundation as a key for "National
Laugh Week," April 1-8,. the inaugu-
ration to take place at the first, annual
National Gagwriters convention to be
held March 26 at Public School No.
17, here. Smith himself has been nom-
inated for the proposed "Humor Hall
of Fame" which is to be set up by the
Foundation to cite those who have
made outstanding contributions in the
field of American humor.
Safe Balks Thieves
Philadelphia, March 20.— An at-
tempted robbery at the Oxford Thea-
tre, in Northeast Philadelphia, was
balked when the thieves were un-
able to crack the 500-pound theatre
safe containing $2,500. After appar-
ently working several hours in the
early morning, the robbers left hastily,
leaving behind a 15-pound sledge-ham-
mer and an assortment of tools.
Tent 19 Donates $5,000
Baltimore, March 20.— Variety
Club Tent No. 19 has donated $5,000
to the Cylburn Home for Children,
the presentation having been made bv
William K. Saxton, ex-chief barker,
in the absence of chief barker Fred
Schanberger, Jr., who is hospitalized.
Review Board Set
For Reorganization
Some of 22 additional national or-
ganizations were welcomed to the
ranks of the National Board of Re-
view yesterday, as it initiated a pro-
gram of reorganizing its constitution
with the objective of transfering con-
trol of the board to the organizations
represented within it and for the di-
rect election of a board of directors
from its own membership. Quincy
Howe, president of the board, in out-
lining the change to an audience of
500 delegates from all over the coun-
try, announced that representatives
from 22 new groups will be convoked
in April as a general assembly to
draft the constitutional changes.
The reorganization plan was dis-
closed at the board's 38th anniversary
conference yesterday at the Hotel Mc-
Alpin here, which had as its theme
the status and potentialities of films
in the world today. Speakers included
Jean Benoit-Levy, former French di-
rector and now director of films and
visual information for the United Na-
tions; Louis de Rochemont, 20th Cen-
tury-Fox producer, who discussed
plans to concentrate on documentary
films for educational purposes, and
Orton H. Hicks of Loew's Interna-
tional. Schools and community rela-
tions were the dominant subjects at
the morning session.
Also adopted by the board were
resolutions lauding the development of
a Children's Film Library by the
MPA, voicing support of the United
Nation's film project, and calling for
the production of more "family pic-
tures."
Howe and Richard Griffith, execu-
tive _ director of the National Board,
presided over the sessions.
Anti-Bingo Bill Loses
In Ohio Legislature
Cincinnati, March 20.— The Ohio
Senate Judiciary Committee has killed
the anti-bingo bill of Sen. George C.
Shurtz of Newcomerstown and lias
voted to legalize bingo when conduct-
ed for religious, charitable or educa-
tional purposes. The game is said to
provide serious theatre competition
here, particularly for neighborhood
houses.
Fox Midwest Meeting
Kansas City, March 20.— A con-
vention of the Fox Midwest division
of National Theatres will be held in
Kansas City on Monday, March 31,
preliminary to the company's fifth an-
nual showmanship campaign. Charles
Skouras, president of National Thea-
tres, will speak. Others to be present
from Los Angeles headquarters will be
Tom Page, John Bertero and Ed
Cabel. Elmer C. Rhoden. president of
Fox Midwest, will conduct the ses-
sions.
'Henry' in Louisville
Louisville, March 20.— "Henry V"
will play a one-week engagement here
at the Scoop Theatre beginning yes-
terday. The film is being shown twice
daily on a reserved-seat basis. The
Scoop ordinarily is a newsreel theatre.
Amusement Expenditure
Columbus, O., March 20.— The av-
erage Ohioan spent $12.08 in 1946 for
amusements, according to an estimate
by the Columbus Dispatch.
Two Companies File
In Connecticut
Hartford, March 20. — Certificates
of incorporation have been filed
by the following corporation at
the State capital here : Associated |
Film Libraries, Inc., Hartford; presi- [
dent, Alfred C. Baldwin, Jr. ; vice- |
president , Tony Pastor ; treasurer, i
Alexander Warner ; secretary, Clar-
ence Kantrowitz.
Montrose Theatre Corp., Water-
bury; president, John R. Mahan ; v: &
president, Marie F. Mahan ; treaan Juan
"Boys, step up and ogle Olga! She's
from Brooklyn, fellas — not from the
hill by the same name. But she's
made history from the Copacabana
floor show to 'Blue Skies.'
You lucky guys will get her soon in
Variety Girl'
VERONICA LAKE,
so alluring in "Saigon,'"
sees stardom ahead for
MACDONALD
farey
"The Marine has landed — back in
Hollywood — after a long absence
overseas! You played Mac's last
hit, 'Wake Island' — and you'll
surely want to play his new one.
It's the gay, romantic, amusing comedy
Suddenly Irs Spring
mm
DOROTHY LAMOUR pauses
on "The Road To Rio"
to say a word about
BILLY
©e Wolfe
"He wears proudly Uncle Sam's discharge
emblem — and his first postwar hit was
'Blue Skies.' Everybody's talking
about his great comedy routines in
that picture — so everybody's waiting
for his appearance with Betty Hutton in
The Perils of Pauline: "
In Technicolor
BARRY FITZGERALD,
"Easy Come, Easy Go" star,
gives you a girl who's easy to go for
JOAN
Caulfield
"In 'Welcome Stranger,' she plays with
two lucky lads — Crosby and Fitzgerald
by name. And prettier she is than in
'Blue Skies' and 'Monsieur Beaucaire.'
It'll be a bit of heaven playdating her
in 'Welcome Stranger,' then in
Dear Ruth "
BETTY HUTTON, star of
"The Perils of Pauline" introduces
a bad man who's good . . .
^^HOWARD
o ear Ruth "
''•♦•'it: :::: ^♦^♦♦*f*,Htn
always
The q^tar
WILLIAM BENDIX
EDDIE BRACKEN
PHYLLIS CALVERT
MACDONALD CAREY
JOAN CAULFIELD
WENDELL COREY*
BING CROSBY
ROLAND CULVER
ROBERT CUMMINGS*
CASS DALEY
ROGER DANN
HOWARD DA SILVA
DON DeFORE*
WILLIAM DEMAREST
BILLY DE *WOLFE
DOUGLAS DICK*
MARLENE DIETRICH
OLIVIA De H AVILL AND
KIRK DOUGLAS*
FRANK FAYLEN
VIRGINIA FIELD
BARRY FITZGERALD
MONA FREEMAN
PAULETTE GODDARD
MARY HATCHER *
STERLING HAYDEN
"WANDA HENDRIX
WILLIAM HOLDEN
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
CECIL KELLAWAY
DeFORE ST KELLEY *
PATRIC KNOWLES
ALAN LADD
VERONICA LAKE
DOROTHY LAMOUR
BURT LANCASTER*
JOHN LUND
DIANA LYNN
RAY MILLAND '
KRISTINE MILLER*
KATINA PAXINOU * .
ROBERT PRESTON *
MIKHAIL RASUMNY
PHILIP REED
GEORGE REEVES
ANN RICHARDS*
GEORGE RIGAUD*
GAIL RUSSELL
OLGA SAN JUAN
LIZABETH SCOTT*
BARBARA STANWYCK*
SONNY TUFTS
MURVYN VYE *
VIRGINIA WELLES ,
ARLEEN WHELAN
•
Monday, March 24, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
13
Wolff, Votion Here
For Product Talks
RKO Radio's production plans in
England will be the subject of talks
scheduled to be held here with Ned E.
Depinet, RKO executive vice-president,
and Phil Reisman, foreign operations
head, by Robert E. Wolff, the com-
pany's managing director in the United
Kingdom, Wolff said here Friday upon
his arrival on the .SS Queen Eliza-
beth. Accompanied by Jack W. Vo-
RKO's foreign studio represen-
.. ^Je, Wolff added that they would
remain in New York for about 10 days
before heading for the Coast. They
plan to return to England in May,
after two months in the U. S.
Also among the passengers was
Arnold Pressburger, who disclosed
that he is seeking an American ac-
tress to appear opposite George Sand-
ers in "Then and Now," Pressburger's
forthcoming production for J. Arthur
Rank. The production is budgeted
at approximately $2,000,000, Press-
burger said.
Of the European scene, Pressburg-
er observed that the economic situa-
tion is so uncertain that it is difficult
to judge the financial resources neces-
sary for production. Budgetary esti-
mates fluctuate very rapidly, he added.
After completion of his current obli-
gations to Rank, he expects to return
to the U. S., where his plans include
production of "Last Year's Snow."
Leo Samuels, assistant to William
Levy, who is international sales chief
for Disney Productions, said he re-
turned to New York after two months
abroad to set up release schedules for
Disney product in countries "blacked
out" by the war. France, Italy,
Switzerland, Spain and England were
on his itinerary. In those countries,
he indicated, particularly in France
and Italy, Disney films will be shown
for the first time in several years.
With a backlog that goes back to
"Pinocchio," he pointed out, the prin-
cipal difficulty in arranging release
schedules abroad derives from the
technical hurdle of having to dub pic-
tures in some of the countries in which
they are to be shown and then ship-
ping them back to America for Tech-
nicolor processing.
Others who arrived on the ship Fri-
day were Reuben Rosenberg, assistant
production manager for RKO's "The
White Tower," and Corinne Calvert,
French film star. Jock Lawrence,
American representative of the Rank
Organization, who was originally
scheduled to return, cancelled his de-
parture in order to visit France with
Arthur B. Krim, president of Eagle-
Lion. They plan to return to the U.S.
by plane this week.
Parade, Barbecue at
RKO KansasO petting
Liberal, Kan., March 23. — A four-
mile-long street parade, featuring 12
bands, indians, soldiers, cowboys and
cowgirls and a train of stage coaches
and covered wagons, will usher in the
world premiere of RKO Radio's
"Trail Street" here on Tuesday. More
than 50,000 persons from Kansas,
Oklahoma and Texas are expected to
participate in a huge barbecue.
WE Names Whitfield
Ha/old B. Whitfield, patent attor-
ney for Western Electric, has been
appointed general patent attorney for
the company effective immediately. He
succeeds the late Edgar W. Adams.
$90,000 in 1947 for
N.Y. Censor Board
Albany, N. Y., March 23.—
An appropriation of $60,670,
plus $14,911 for maintenance
and operation expenses is
listed for the motion picture
division of the New York
State Education Department
in the state budget for the
fiscal year beginning April 1.
However, with general salary
adjustments, already ap-
proved by the legislature, the
final figure for employe costs
probably will be 25 per cent
higher. This would raise that
phase of the appropriation to
about $75,000, and the over-all
sum to approximately $90,000.
Build 340 Theatres
In Japan in Year
Film theatres in Japan now number
1,477, representing an increase of 340
since Jan. 1, 1946, according to the
Motion Picture Association's Tokyo
office. About 210 of the new outlets
are old theatres repaired and recon-
structed from the damage of war, the
balance representing new construction.
Despite the brisk reconstruction ac-
tivity, the number of theatres now in
operation in Japan is 300 shy of the
prewar total of 1,900, MPA reports.
On the basis of Japan's 73,000,000
population, there is now only one thea-
tre for every 40,000 people.
Even if 1947 construction keeps pace
with that of the previous year, the ad-
ditional number of houses, it is pointed
out, will only partially alleviate the
acute theatre overcrowding which Jap
municipal authorities concede is a seri-
ous fire hazard and disease spreader.
'New Orleans' Premiere
Mayor D. S. Morrison of New Or-
leans, and the city administration have
indicated that they will give active
support to the staging of an elaborate
world premiere for Jules Levey's
"New Orleans" when it opens in that
city on April 26, United Artists an-
nounces here. Hollywood personalities
and exponents of jazz will attend. The
film is set for the Saenger Theatre.
Film Curbs
( Continued from page 1 )
ing an international information center
in Hollywood to be staffed by experts
whose advice will be available to pro-
ducers so that scripts may be consid-
ered in relation to the effects of the
film on foreign audiences.
This step is in line with MPA's ef-
fort to send abroad only those films
which portray the true American way
of life.
Mayer said universal interest in
American films overseas continues.
"The scarcity of dollar exchange has
become more apparent during the past
year than ever before. Coupled with
this is the desire of many countries
to create or enlarge their own motion
picture industry," Mayer stated.
Describing the type of barriers now
being encountered by the industry,
Mayer cited excessive import duties,
internal tax measures, quota laws, dis-
criminatory theatre taxes, remittance
taxes, government monopolies and
theatre combinations.
Boston Tribunal in
Clearance Award
The Boston tribunal of the indus-
try's arbitration system has reduced
the number of complaints pending to
five with the issuance of an award
cutting the 14-day clearance formerly
held by the Colonial and Olympia
theatres in Portsmouth, N. H., to one
day over the Harbor Theatre in York
Harbor, Me.
Defendants in the complaint, which
was filed by Lloyd H. Bridgham, op-
erator of the Harbor Theatre, were
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount,
RKO Radio, 20th Century-Fox and
Warner Brothers. Allied Theatre Co.,
operator of the Colonial and Olympia,
was the intervenor.
Faced with liquidation after the end
of this month under the Federal anti-
trust decree, unless the U. S. Supreme
Court approves appeals by five dis-
tributor-defendants to save the system,
the motion picture tribunals, 10 of
which are now active, have 23 com-
plaints pending. The Boston tribunal,
with its five cases, has the largest
number. In addition, two appeals are
being processed in Boston and one in
Milwaukee.
'I A' Denies Threat to
Close Eagle-Lion
Charges that the IATSE had
threatened to close the Eagle-Lion
studio in Hollywood unless Bryan
Foy, executive producer, discharged
Oscar Schatte, a supervisor of car-
penters, were denied here at the week-
end, by Richard F. Walsh, "I A" inter-
national president. Schatte recently
testified before the House Labor Com-
mittee in Washington that his life
was endangered by parties to the juris-
dictional dispute at issue in the cur-
rent studio strike, inferring that he
feared harm at the hands of "IA"
members. Schatte's action was taken
to "bolster up the dying morale" of
the striking Conference of Studio
Unions, according to Walsh.
Settlement Plan Offered
Hollywood, March 23. — "Tidings,"
an official Catholic publication, has
printed a five-point formula for set-
tling the studio strike drawn up by
the Reverends John Devlin and
Thomas Coogan at the request of
Archbishop John J. Cantwell.
Herbert Sorrell, Conference of Stu-
dio Unions president, calls the terms
completely acceptable. Producer of-
ficials had no immediate comment.
Variety Convention
Publicists Named
Hollywood, March 23. — Sherrill
Corwin, publicity chairman, has signed
Hollywood Publicity Associates to
work under his direction on the 11th
Annual Variety Clubs' international
convention, to be held at the Ambas-
sador Hotel, here, May 14-17.
James Campbell has been assigned
by James R. Luntzel, HPA co-ordi-
nator, to serve as liaison between
Variety and the HPA. Campbell will
establish offices in the Orpheum Thea-
tre Building and work in co-ordina-
tion with Corwin and his assistants,
Seymour Pciser and Robert Kesner.
Variety Meeting Today
Hollywood. March 23. — Charles P.
Skotiras lias called a meeting of Variety
Club Tent No. 25 for tomorrow to
discuss convention plans.
Charity Group Here
Headed by Raftery
At the request of Bishop Thomas
E. Molloy, head of the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Ed-
ward C. Raftery, president of
United Artists, will serve again as
chairman of the Bishop's Committee
of the Laity for Charity in that bor-
ough. Others on the committee are
Gene Buck, Edward C. Dowden,
James Mulvey and John Murphy.' Un-
der Raftery's chairmanship the amuse-
ment division topped all other groups
in last year's drive.
Goldwyn Champions
Self -Regulation
Hollywood, March 23.— Samuel
Goldwyn spoke for self-regulation by
producers over ABC's national net-
work from here on Saturday on the
initial broadcast of the "Our Town
Speaks" series. Goldwyn said, "I be-
lieve in the good sense and good taste
of the American public. They will' not
support films not in good taste as they
do the ones that are."
Githens Host to Press
"Duties of a Secretary," a three-
reeler produced by National Educa-
tional Films, was screened at the
Monte Carlo restaurant, here, on Fri-
day, in conjunction with a trade press
luncheon. W. French Githens, presi-
dent of National, was host.
Arbitration Stay
( Continued from page 1 )
1940 consent decree, but add
that "the arbitrators in making
their decisions will obviously
follow" the clearance principles
laid down by the New York
court's decree of last Dec. 31.
If granted, the stay will give new
life to the 31 arbitration tribunals and
the AAA appeal board, which the
New York court has ordered liquidat-
ed as of April 1 except for the dispo-
sition of cases filed prior to that time.
While the jurisdiction of the arbi-
trators at present extends beyond
clearance, about .90 per cent of the
cases have centered around that issue.
Under the anti-trust suit decree, the
burden of proof of reasonable clear-
ance is placed on the distributors.
Hearing on the arbitration stay,
along with Columbia's, Universal's
and United Artists' requests for a stay
of competitive bidding and other de-
cree features, will be held in Washing-
ton by Justice Stanley F. Reed next
Friday.
The Department of Justice will op-
pose the arbitration stay, according to
a Washington D. of J. spokesman, who
said the Government is not against a
compulsory arbitration system per sr.
but that the enforcement of the final
court judgment should be left to the
Department.
The Government is understood to
be planning to oppose the bidding
stays also, but there are indications
that the American Theatres Associa-
te in and the Confederacy of Southern
Associations may seek to aid in post-
poning the <>nii'i:il start of tin- eompcti
live system lx'yond July 1. These two
exhibitor groups have appealed from
the New York court's denial of their
petition to intervene in opposition to
bidding. Tlnirman Arnold, of Wash-
ington, ATA counsel, and Robert Bar-
ton of Richmond. CSA counsel, lxitli
will be in New York today for con-
ferences on further steps in behalf of
tlu-ir clients.
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 24, 1947|
44
The Egg and I"
(Continued from page 1)
chosen his calling while caught up in the toils of war, waits until his
wedding night to tell Miss Colbert they are to be caught up in the toils
of a tumble-down farm. It continues to tumble and leak and hit back with
all the contrariness of inanimate objects for months after they arrive. The
little woman struggles to play up to her husband and live up to the challenge
at hand, but she comes to hate the old stoves and the eggs she is obliged
to gather.
\/f ORE serious, she gives way to a senseless obsession that her man will
LVlbe stolen by the wealthy, chic, competent divorcee (Louise Allbritton)
in the flourishing place down the road. Indeed, it looks as if that is going
to happen, just as the wife learns she is on the verge of motherhood. And,
to make matters worse, most of the couple's rural hopes are wiped out by
a forest fire. So the disillusioned farmerette gives up and flees alone to
her parents' city home but finds, to her amazement, that she can no longer
enjoy soft beds or sleep late in the morning and that the world is empty
without the simple guy she loves. Therefore, after the baby is born, she
goes back — to discover that he has managed to buy the big neighboring
farm (which was all he ever wanted of its owner) and is waiting im-
patiently for the happy ending.
Woven into the central story are several delicious others involving the
neighbors. Percy Kilbride, Marjorie Main and their tremendous brood of
children represent farm life at its primitive ebb. Their eldest son, Richard
Long, wants to go to college, and this Miss Colbert arranges — by slipping
one of the woman's quilts into competition at the county fair, where first
prize furnishes the tuition money. Smaller but equally choice plot threads
concern Billy House, a colorful peddler who never gives up making a sale,
and Donald MacBride, a sour-faced egg buyer who thinks and thinks before
making a purchase.
SEVERAL scenes lift the continuous fun well out of the merely workman-
like comedy class. This is especially true of a community dance where
Miss Colbert struggles to trip the heavy fantastic with all the male cari-
catures from miles around, including two stiff-legged Indians.
Near the end is a moving sub-climax — tried, true and always reliable — in
which the neighbors, rounded up by Sheriff Samuel S. Hinds, arrive with
lumber, tractors, stock, foodstuffs and good strong muscles to get the
burned-out chicken farm started again.
The screenplay by producers Erskine and Finklehoffe, while continuously
transparent, is attuned to the material in hand, and Erskine's direction
wisely discards subtlety for pace and sharpness of screen portraiture. Eggs
often are a doubtful risk, in restaurant or henhouse, but Universal has
drawn a good one.
Running time, 108 minutes. General audience classification. April release.
Tom Loy
3 Republic Meetings
(Continued from page 1)
'Time' to Park April 5
Universal-International's "Time Out
of Mind" will open for a pre-release,
reserved-seat, advanced admission
price run at the Park Avenue Thea-
tre, here, on April 5. Two perform-
ances will be given daily and three on
Sundays. The company has not as yet
set a general release date for the
picture.
MPA Dinner May 8
(Continued from page 1)
America. It will be held at the Wal-
dorf-Astoria Hotel, here.
The event is being sponsored by a
committee consisting of Spyros P.
Skouras, 20th Century-Fox president;
Ned E. Depinet, executive vice-presi-
dent of RKO ; Jack Cohn, executive
vice-president of Columbia ; Joseph R.
Vogel, vice-president of Loew's ;
Claude Lee, Paramount public rela-
tions director ; John J. O'Connor, vice-
president of Universal ; Harry Gold-
berg, Warner Theatres director of ad-
vertising-publicity, and Herman Rob-
bins, president of National Screen
Service.
Francis S. Harmon, vice-president
of the MPA, is chairman of an MPA
staff committee on arrangements
which includes Arthur H. DeBra,
Fred W. DuVall, David Palfreyman,
Ted Smith, Glen Allvine, Dorothea J.
Lutjens and Dena Alexander.
MPA president Eric Johnston has
disclosed that he has received an ac-
ceptance from J. Arthur Rank, British j
industry leader, to speak at the dinner, j
'Adventuress' Advanced
"The Adventuress," Eagle-Lion,
which follows "The Thief of Bagdad"
into New York's Victoria Theatre,
will open on Thursday, April 3, in-
stead of the previously announced
April 5.
Ascap Moves
(Continued from page 1)
tres are licensed by Ascap and all
would be affected by the rate change.
The present Ascap fees are 10 cents
per seat annually for theatres of less
than 800 seats; 15 cents for 800- to-
1,500-seat theatres, and 20 cents for
houses over the 1,500-seat size.
Paine contends some smaller houses
make greater profits than some larger
ones. He said that some theatres have
deteriorated since 1933, while others of
like size have prospered. AH, how-
ever, are subject to the same music
tax.
Reports of Ascap's aim to make
adjustments in its theatre license fees
have been circulated for some time,
prompting Leo Wolcott, of Iowa-Ne-
braska Allied, to comment in effect
that such a move would be strongly
opposed by exhibition.
Paine said that Ascap approached
Allied States in 1942 on the question
of _ a revised payment scale which,
Paine added, Ascap felt necessary be-
cause of population shifts around the
country due to the concentration of
war industries in the larger cities. He
recalled that Allied spurned the Ascap
bid.
branch managers. Edward L. Wal-
ton, assistant sales manager and West-
ern division manager ; Walter L.
Titus, Jr., Southern division manager,
and James V. O'Gara, Eastern divi-
sion manager, will be present at all
meetings.
The first conference is set for
Wednesday and Thursday, April 2-3,
at the New York Athletic Club. East-
ern district manager Maxwell
will head a contingent to ir{ h
branch managers William P. Murpny,
Joseph Engel and Jake Flax. New
England district manager Frank Der-
vin will head a group including branch
managers Herbert Schaefer, Arthur
Newman, Leon A. Herman, and
Jerome Lewis. Sam Seplowin, Cen-
tral district manager, will head a
group from that district, including
branch managers Irwin H. Pollard,
Norman Levin, George H. Kirby and
William Feld, Pittsburgh.
The second meeting will be held on
Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8-9,
at the Hotel Blacks tone, Chicago, to
be attended by Southern district man-
ager Merritt Davis and branch man-
agers James Hobbs, J. H. Dillon,
Leo V. Seicshnaydre and Harold
Laird. Norman J. Colquhoun, South-
western district manager, will head a
group of managers from his district,
including Thomas Kirk, Nat Wyse
and David Hunt. Prairie district man-
ager Nat E. Steinberg will head a con-
tingent including managers J. J. Hou-
lihan, Dave Nelson, Robert F. With-
ers and Harry Lefholtz. Representa-
tion from the midwestern district will
be headed by district manager Will
Baker, with managers E. H. Brauer,
Jack Frackman and Joseph Loeffler.
Carl Ponedel, Mexico manager, will
also attend.
Third and final meeting is slated for
the week of April 14 at the Hollywood
studio. Western district manager
Earl R. Collins will head a group of
managers, to include Ralph Carmi-
chael, S. C. Martenstein, .Gene Ger-
base, George Mitchell, Thomas Mc-
Mahon and Paul McElhinney.
Balaban Heads
(Continued from page 1)
Balaban is planning to visit a number
of cities in order to stimulate local
effort.
Last year the national goal was
$100,000,000; $105,000,000 was raised.
The motion picture committees raised
almost $2,000,000 in Hollywood and
New York. This did not include sub-
stantial sums contributed in the field.
This year the UJA is aiming for
$170,000,000, largest quota for any
philanthropy of its kind in the U. S..
COMING FOR RE-RELEASE
JAMES CAGNEY
IN
"BATTLING HOOFER"
formerly
"Something to Sing About"
The new title really describes this
grand and exciting picture which the
public will enjoy watching with re-
newed interest.
Screencraft Pictures, Inc.
34! West 44th Street, Now York City 18
FIRST
IN
FILM
L
J
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
VOL! U NO. 58
NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1947
TEN CENTS
MGM Year's
Schedule Is
Set by Mayer
8 Musicals and 3 Prize
Novels Are Included
A list of 42 features, eight of
them musicals, was announced yes-
terday by the M-G-M home office
on behalf of Louis B. Mayer, vice-
president in charge of production, for
1947-48 from which an undetermined
number' will be selected for release
within the year. This is m addition
to the company's schedule for filming
in England, where "Young Bess and
"The Secret Garden" are expected to
be the first before cameras.
Emphasizing current novels and
literary classics, the company s Holly-
wood program includes 'The Huck-
sters," with Clark Gable and Deborah
Kerr- "East River," Gene Kelly and
June'Allyson; "B. F.'s Daughter,
Katharine Hepburn, and Lass lim-
(Continucd on page 4)
32 Monogram
Films in '48
'Apley,' 'Brunette'
Click; Other N. Y.
First-Runs Spotty
New films, particularly "The Late
George Apley" and "My Favorite
Brunette," were given enthusiastic re-
ceptions at New York first-runs this
week. However, holdover business on
the average runs less impressively.
"Apley" and the Music Hall's
annual Easter stage presentation drew
an excellent $87,000 Thursday
through Sunday, indicating an equally
excellent $141,000 for the first week.
"Brunette" and Jimmy Dorsey's
orchestra at the Paramount proved a
click combination with a first week's
gross of $100,000 apparent. "The
Locket" probably will take a favorable
{Continued on page 7)
Gov. Dewey Signs
Local Tax Bill
Albany, N. YM March 24.—
Gov. Dewey today signed the
bill authorizing cities of 100,-
000 and counties to levy new
taxes, including a five per
cent admisisons tax. The
bill will be effective July 1.
Gov. Dewey emphasized that
the new taxes merely were
permissive, not mandatory. He
added that only a few coun-
ties were expected to levy all
taxes.
Boren Appointed
AMPP Labor Head
Chicago, March 24.— Monogram
will make the same amount of features,
32 for 1947-48 as for 1946-47 and, m
addition will make 16 Westerns, com-
pared to this year's 14, it was an-
nounced here by Steve Broidy, presi-
dent, following a board of directors
meeting held at the Blackstone Hotel.
Broidy also announced that Mono-
gram will release a minimum of six
Allied Artists pictures in 1948 two
more than this year's schedule from
Allied Artists. The four Allied Artists
pictures being released this year are:
"It Happened on Fifth Avenue
"Black Gold," "The Gangster and
(Continued on page 7)
600 at Rally for
Greek War Orphans
The industry's current appeal for
war orphans of Greece, being conduct-
ed nationally in honor of Spyros P.
Skouras, 20th Century-Fox president,
marked the beginning of its third week
yesterday with a luncheon-rally at the
Hotel Astor here. Some 600 from all
branches of the industry were on hand
George P. Skouras, president of
(Continued on page 7)
Technicolor Price
Up 8% as of Jan. 1
Hollywood, March 24.— Technicol-
or has established a price increase,
retroactive to Jan. 1, 1947, to one-half
cent per linear foot on all 35mm. film
delivered at the company's Hollywood
plant (except three-strip and succes-
sive negative exposure), and an iden-
tical increase in the price of negative
developing. Both increases represent
a rise of about eight per cent.
The company said increases are
necessitated by an 11.17 per cent rise
in labor rates recently adopted. Cus-
tomers can cancel Technicolor commit-
ments on 14 days notice if work is not
started.
Hollywood, March 24. — Charles F.
Boren, who for the past seven years
has been in charge of industrial rela-
tions at the Paramount studio here,
has been appointed manager of labor
relations for the Association of Mo-
tion Picture Producers, Eric Johnston
announced yesterday.
Boren will assume the newly-created
post on April 1. He will be in charge
of labor relations and labor policy for
the Producers Association and will
work in conjunction with the major
studios labor committee. It is be-
lieved here, however, that his appoint-
ment will not conflict with duties per-
formed by Pat Casey, producers' labor
representative.
Boren at one time was Paramount
studio manager. He will be suc-
ceeded as industrial relations mana-
ger bv Ted Leonard, who has been
Boren's assistant for several years.
ATA, CSA Will
File Jointly
For Bids Stay
Petition Upper Court
Tomorrow, Says Jackson
American Theatres Association
and the Confederacy of Southern
Associations tomorrow will file
with the U. S. Supreme Court a
joint application for postponement of
operation of the competitive bidding
provision of the New York Federal
Court's decree. The New York court
put the operative date at July 1 ; the
two organizations will ask that this
be stayed until after the upper court
has ruled on appeals of the case.
Basis of the argument to be ad-
vanced by ATA and CSA will be the
damages which they will insist will
be incurred by independent exhibitors
(Continued on page 7)
No 2nd Term
For Gamble
2 More Eye Jacksonville
As New Exchange Area
75 Exhibitors Meet
In Denver Today
Denver, March 24.— Some 75 thea-
tremen, operating more than 100
houses will attend an Allied meeting
tomorrow and Wednesday at the
Brown Palace Hotel here, at which
it is expected a Rocky Mountain area
unit will be organized.
Presenting National Allied s cast-
will be Col. H. A. Cole, Texas Allied
president and regional vice-president
of National Allied; Sidney Samuel-
son, general manager ol Ulied "I
Eastern Pennsylvania, and I rueman
T. Rembusch, president of Indiana
Allied. Tomorrow evening there will
be a get-together at the hotel.
Possibility of the establishment of a
new Southeastern exchange area by
M-G-M and RKO Radio, with Jack-
sonville, Fla., as headquarters, devel-
oped here yesterday following the dis-
closure in Motion PlCTURB Daiuv
on March 13 that Paramount and
Warners have been negotiating for
exchange sites in that city.
An M-G-M spokesman said his
company has been giving considera-
tion t'> Jacksonville because the ship
ping time from there to the surround-
ing territory would he shorter than
from Atlanta, which is now headquar
ters for the entire area.
Although RKO Radio will not set
up an establishment in the Florida
(Continued on page A)
Ted R. Gamble, chairman of the
board of directors of the American
Theatres Association, definitely will
not accept a second term in that of-
fice, he said here yesterday following
his arrival from the Coast for confer-
ences, beginning today, on plans
for the ATA's convention.
The board chairman's intention to
(Continued on page 7)
Seek Mexican Quota;
Reception Mixed
Mexico City, March 24.— While
some sectors of the Mexican industry
have responded favorably to the re-
quest by the National Exhibitors As-
sociation for legislation to require ex-
hibition of domestic product for a
(Continued on page 7)
In This Issue
"Great Expectations" is re-
viewed on page I: "Carnival
in Costa Rica" and "Love and
Learn" on page <>.
Key cit\ grosses are also on
page (!.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, March 25, 1947
Exhibitor Luncheon
For Boasberg Here
More than 500 reservations have
been received for the Charles Boasberg
testimonial luncheon, to be given in
recognition of his promotion to RKO
division manager, by theatre owners
of the New York exchange area at
the Hotel Astor here Thursday.
Invited to the dais were Harry
Brandt, chairman; Ray Moon, chair-
man, distributors committee ; Leon
Rosenblatt, treasurer; Leo Brecher,
Louis Nizer, S. H. Fabian, Max A.
Cohen, Frank Damas, Oscar Doob,
Julius Joelson, Malcolm Kingsberg,
Sol Schwartz, Edward Lachman, Ar-
thur Mayer, Len S. Gruenberg, Sam
Rinzler, Leon J. Bamberger, Phil
Hodes, Sam Rosen, Edward Rugoff.
Joseph Seider, Fred Schwartz, Sol
Strausberg, Robert Weitman and Wil-
liam White.
Personal Mention
Set Hearings on
U.S. Film Section
Washington, March 24.— Rep.
Richard B. Wigglesworth said today
that hearings on continuation of the
motion picture section of the Office
of Government Reports will be con-
ducted early in April. He is chairman
of _ the appropriation sub-committee
which will probe fund requests from
independent offices.
A letter is on file at OGR from the
nine-man Government-industry film
committee which "tells the committee
that the industry wants the liaison of-
fice continued," a spokesman said.
Wigglesworth said no production
funds will be granted, and refused to
predict what action the committee
will take. The film section, without
production money, requires $50,000
for administration expenses.
Establish Trust Law
Unit Within FTC
_ Washington, March 24.— A Divi-
sion of compliance was established to-
day at the Federal Trade Commission.
It will supervise and coordinate all
matters relating to enforcement of or-
ders issued to halt violations of the
Clayton anti-trust act. This section
may be the unit chosen to enforce the
final Supreme Court decree in the
pending film case.
All anti-trust complaints received by
the Government are routed to FTC,
and if action is required the matter is
turned over to the Attorney General.
The division of compliance will be un-
der the general counsel and is headed
by Joseph Wright, ex-FTC lawyer.
Congress Urged to
Aid Cultural Plan
Washington, March 24.— Under-
secretary of State Dean Acheson to-
day urged Senator Vandenberg and
House Speaker Martin to support con-
tinuation of the Inter-American In-
formation Service, which includes ra-
dio' broadcasts, cultural films, and
publications.
He submitted his pleas to the Con-
gressional leaders by letter. For more
than four years the Acheson plan has
been in effect in Latin America, with
thousands viewing special film show-
ings monthly.
SAM KATZ, M-G-M production
executive, will leave the Coast
tomorrow by plane for Chicago.
•
Ed Donahue, Jr., Pathe Newsreel
cameraman, is featured in the forth
coming April issue of Science Illus-
trated in an article on newsreel shoot-
ing.
•
Austin Keough, Paramount gen-
eral counsel, is due here April 3 from
Boca Grande, Fla., where he has been
for several months.
•
Robert Armstrong of the M-G-M
studio publicity department is due to
arrive here today by plane from the
Coast.
•
Edward L. Hyman, vice-president
of Paramount Theatres Service
Corp., will leave here by plane tomor-
row for Boston.
•
Jerry Mason, associate editor of
This Week magazine, is en route to
Hollywood from New York.
•
Mel Morganstern, Loew's home
office booker, returned here yesterday
from a Miami vacation.
•
Alex Manta, partner of the Manta
and Ross Circuit, Chicago, has re-
turned there from the Coast.
•
Selma Tanchain, office manager
of Ansell Theatres here was married
at the weekend to Morris Schwartz.
•
J. J. Donohue, Paramount's Cen-
tral division sales head, has returned
to New York from Dallas.
•
Edgar B. Hatrick will leave the
Coast tomorrow for New York.
ROBERT S. BENJAMIN, presi-
dent of the J. Arthur Rank Or-
ganization here, is due to return to
New York on March 30 from London
and Paris.
o
Austin Keough, Paramount vice-
president and general counsel, is due
back in New York from Florida early
next month.
•
Tom J. Connors, 20th-Fox distribu-
tion chief, is expected to return to
New York from a Florida vacation at
the end of the month.
•
Hugh Owen, Paramount's Eastern
and Southern division sales manager,
has returned to New York from a
Southern tour.
•
Leonard Allen, Paramount's spe-
cial representative in the Atlanta ter-
ritory, became a father recently.
•
William Pine, Paramount pro-
ducer, has arrived here from the
Coast.
•
Arthur C. Bromberg, president of
Monogram Southern Exchanges, has
returned to Atlanta from Chicago.
•
Fred Jacks, Southern district man-
ager for United Artists, is en route
to New Orleans from Atlanta.
•
Doak Roberts, Warner Brothers
district manager, is in Memphis
from Dallas.
•
Rudy Berger, M-G-M Southern
sales manager, returned to New Or-
leans after touring his territory.
•
Clarence Brown is' due here from
the Coast tomorrow.
Siritzkys to Coast
On Production
Leon and Samuel Siritzky of Siritz
ky International, French circuit own
ers and distributors of French product
in the U. S., will visit the Coast next
month to set up a production organ-
ization in cooperation with French
producer Marcel Pagnol and one or
more Hollywood producers.
Meanwhile, they report that their
company has completed plans for en-
tering 16mm. distribution of their
French imports by July 1. "The Well-
digger's Daughter," "The Baker's
Wife," and others of their films are
now being reduced to 16mm.
Balaban's Son to Be
Inducted Into Lodge
Jack Cohn, Si Fabian. Harry
Brandt and Abe Schneider will occu-
py the dais at the Hotel Astor here
tonight when Barney Balaban, presi-
dent of Paramount, inducts his son,
Burt, and a group of new members
into Cinema Lodge of B'nai B'rith.
Jack H. Levin is president of the
lodge.
The induction will be part of the
lodge's salute to the music world in
honoring Gene Buck, former president
of ASCAP, for his Americanism.
First in New Canadian
Rank Circuit Opens
The Odeon Theatre, North Sydney,
Nova Scotia, first of a new Canadian
circuit planned by the J. Arthur Rank
British interests, has opened under a
partnership operation by A. I. Gar-
son and Odeon Theatres of Canada,
the Rank Organization reported here
yesterday.
Among those on hand for the open-
ing were George W. Peters, executive
assistant to the president of Odeon,
and J. I. English, Canadian theatre
designer who will plan the new cir-
cuit buildings.
Balaban Absorbing
Lesser's Roxy Post
A. J. Balaban, executive director of
the Roxy Theatre, 20th Century-Fox
"showcase" here, said yesterday he
and the "rest of the organization" will
absorb the duties of Irving Lesser,
who has resigned as general manager.
He will leave for the Coast today.
F essier,Pagano Leave U-I
Hollywood, March 24.— Michael
Fes sier and Ernest Pagano, Universal-
International writer-producer team,
have left the studio upon what is de-
scribed as an amicable settlement.
10% Admissions Cut
In Effect in France
A French government-decreed 10
per cent reduction in the market price
of all commodities, including theatre
admissions, is receiving the full co-
operation of that nation's industry and
appears to be a step toward prevent-
ing run-away inflation, Jacques Cha-
brieier, Pathe Cinema's American
representative, who recently returned
here from a three-week visit to Paris,
reported yesterday. Theatreml 2-. he
said, are supporting the prograhjiaslly.
Chabrieier's trip entailed discussions
surrounding the Maurice Chevalier
film, "Man About Town," which
RKO Radio and Pathe Cinema made
in France, and which RKO Radio
will release in the U. S.
Devonshire Buys Two
Devonshire Films of Boston has sold
the rights to two of its productions,
"Under the Red Robe" and "Storm
in a Teacup," to Famous Pictures Ex-
change in New York, operated by
Harry Goldstone.
NEW YORK THEATRES
-RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—
Rockefeller Center
RONALD COLMAN in
'THE LATE GEORGE APLEY'I
Introducing PEGGY CUMMINS
A 20th Century- Fox Picture •
THE MUSIC HALL'S
GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW
PALACE
Laraine DAY • Brian AHERNE
Robert MITCHUM Gene RAYMOND
'THE LOCKET' -aar
ON SCREEN
HUMPHREY
BOGART
LIZABETH SCOTT
'DEAD
RECKONING'
IN PERSON
GENE SHELDON
Extra i
'SONGWRITERS
ON PARADE'
Pht OTHERS
J
ssociate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
livan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
, Postal Union Life Bldgr., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Quigpubco, Lona»»/>" Other ' Pulg^r'pVbHcat^^ Londo? Wi H°Pf Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame
tion rates per year,
GREGORY PECK • JOAN BENNETT
i„ Ernest Hemingway's
"THE MACOMBER AFFAIR"
''A
also starring
II II II I HI Mill I I 1 1 hi with Reginald Denny • Jean Gillie
l\ U D L l\ I r l\ LO I U ll Directed by ZOLTAN KORDA
Produced by Benedict Bogeaus and Casey Robinson
Opening in 35 key spots starting April 10!
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, March 25, 1947
Foy Starts Periodic
Survey of Exhibition
Expressing a determination "to do
something" about the rising wave of
criticism of Hollywood product, Bry-
an Foy, vice-president in charge of
production for Eagle-Lion, left here
last night for Detroit, Cleveland and
Chicago to initiate a periodic cross
country survey of advice, criticisms
and suggestions from exhibitors. Fol
lowing the conclusion of sales con
ferences in the East, Foy is headed
for Detroit to attend the premiere
there of "Bedelia."
Foy will stop off. at Chicago before
returning to Hollywood. He will em-
bark on a tour of the Washington
Montana and Oregon areas after
stopover at the studio. Foy added that
he plans to make the tour four times
annually.
Review
M. P. Relief Fund
Aided 7,576 in 1946
Washington, March 24. — The Mo
tion Picture Relief Fund extended aid
in one form or another to 7,576 per-
sons in all branches of the industry
during 1946, the Motion Picture Asso
ciation disclosed today.
Established in 1919, assistance is
rendered by the Relief Fund to per
sons who have spent five or more
years in the film business. Medical pa-
tients assisted last year totaled 5,106
The MPA explained that the fund is
financed by subscribed payroll deduc-
tions of one-half to one per cent. Con
tributions amounted to $642,768 last
year.
C he y f it z Talks on
Employee Relations
Edward T. Cheyfitz, assistant to
Eric Johnston of the Motion Picture
Association, addressed the N. Y. Per-
sonnel Management Association at the
Columbia University Club here last
night on the subject "What an Em-
ployee Wants to Know."
Cheyfitz said employes' principal
concerns are "wages, opportunity and
security." He advocated the extension
of information areas to employes by
management to demonstrate sincerity
and achieve high employee morale.
Joseph Walsh, Former
MPT OA Official, Dies
Hartford, March 24. — Joseph W.
Walsh, former national vice-president
of the Motion Picture Theatre Own-
ers of America, died at Saranac Lake,
N. Y., at 55. During his 30 years in
the industry, Walsh managed theatres
in Rhode Island and Connecticut. His
last industry position was as manager
of the Newington Theatre at Newing-
ton, Conn.
"Great Expectations"
(Cineguild — Universal International)
J F merit alone were to determine the outcome, this well-made and well-acted
British film based on "Great Expectations" would provide its own answer
But there are inevitable doubts.
Whatever of Charles Dickens has been filmed before was given the advan
tage of players widely known in the domestic market. This is far from the
case here. "Great Expectations," obviously had to emerge as a period piece,
and period pieces frequently encounter a highly variable reception. While the
director, David Lean — he directed "Brief Encounter" — and the producer,
Ronald Neame, have succeeded in breathing vitality into the screenplay,
which they also wrote, nevertheless this is Dickens, which will mean the
interest of the rank-and-filers will be circumspect at best. On the other hand,
to rely upon the author's followers suggests anything but the widest possible
audiences although there are schools and study groups, etc.
It is to the credit of the fine craftsmen identified with this production that
they appear to have succeeded in giving pace to a story which in today's eyes
is hackneyed and decidedly Victorian. Through direction which, of course,
controlled the calibre of the principal performances and through expert use of
camera, "Great Expectations" combines much of the feel of today with events
of another day without stamping the overall outcome as incongruous. It must
have taken quite a bit of doing.
Presumably, the adventures of Pip, the country boy who rose to a gentle-
man's estate in London through an unknown benefactor later established to
be a convict he had befriended as a boy, are sufficiently familiar to forego
the details. The tale, and its many offshoots, calls for a large cast. These
players — chiefly Anthony Wager and John Mills, playing Pip as boy and man ;
Jean Simmons and Valerie Hobson, playing Estella as girl and woman;
Francis L. Sullivan, as Jagger the lawyer; Bernard Miles as Joe, the black-
smith; Martita Hunt, as the eccentric Miss Havisham — perform expertly and
constantly reflect an intelligent appreciation of the roles assigned them. The
film, moreover, is rich in the flavor of its times and has been produced with
meticulous attention to detail.
The question mark is whether or not American audiences at large in 1947,
seeking their entertainment in straight pictures houses, will want Dickens.
The impression is they will not. For whatever value it may create, however,
it is worthy of noting "Great Expectations" follows "The Egg and I" at
Radio City Music Hall.
Peter Burnup first reviewed this film from London in the December 23,
1946 edition of Motion Picture Daily in 118 minutes. Down to 115 for
this market, the picture remains overlong. Anthony Havelock-Allan served
as executive producer.
Running time, 115 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. Red Kann
"Secondary Boycott"
Ban Is Proposed
San Francisco, March 24. —
Senator Hatfield of Mercer
County is author of a bill to
fix permanently in the law
the prohibition against the
labor practices known as "hot
cargo" and "secondary boy-
cott". This measure was
enacted in 1941 for duration
of the war emergency onf1 2*
is considered one of the r&\
controversial of those pro-
posed at the current session
of the legislature. The bill
states that ". . . strikes, lock-
outs, boycotts and other forms
of industrial strife, regardless
of where the merits of the
controversy lie, are forces
productive ultimately of eco-
nomic waste. . . ."
MGM Schedule
(Continued jrom page 1)
Sweden Denies Ban
On American Films
Washington, March 24. — Sweden
today denied that it has imposed a
complete embargo upon American
pictures;. The Swedish Board of
Trade notified the State Department
that published reports to that effect
are incorrect."
Both the U. S. Government and the
Motion Picture Association have pro-
tested the suggested embargo. The
State Department believes that Swed-
en will establish stiff quota regulat-
ions upon U. S. films, but it dis-
counts any complete embargo.
Arthur Rankin, 50,
Dies of Hemorrhage
Hollywood, March 24. — Arthur
Rankin, head of the Rankin Agency,
died at his home here Saturday of a
cerebral hemmorhage following a long
illness. The 50-year-old actor-writer
was the son of actor Harry Daven-
port. He is survived by the widow and
two sons.
$24,145 for Red Cross
Loew's Theatres has collected $24,-
145 for the annual American Red
Cross roll call.
Analysts Are Third
Group to Quit CSV
Hollywood, March 24. — Striking
screen story analysts have withdrawn
from the Conference of Studio Unions
and have asked the studios to open
contract negotiations. The analysts are
the third group to break away from
the six-month CSU walkout. Elec-
tricians and janitors have been back
on the job for over a week.
Red Cross Short Is
Near Full Bookings
"Call to Action !," official 1947 Red
Cross short, of which 3,000 prints are
in circulation, is rapidly approaching
the 100 per cent booking level in most
exchanges throughout the country,
says Peter Levathes,- assistant to Tom
Connors, national chairman of the in-
dustry's distributing committee.
Berger Urges Owners
To Rally at Meet
Minneapolis, March 24— Ben Ber-
ger, president of North Central Allied,
has urged all independent exhibitors
in the area to attend the unit's annual
convention here April 21-22. In attack-
ing high film rentals, Berger has
asked all exhibitors to unite in a fight
on prices by attending the conven-
tion, "whether you ever attended an
exhibitor convention before or not."
Jacksonville
(Continued from page 1)
city "for the time being," a spokes-
man for that company indicated that
such a move might develop as prob-
lems of distribution become intensified
under the competitive bidding .system
called for by the New York Federal
District Court's decree in the indus-
try anti-trust suit.
Whether 20th Century-Fox would
follow the other four of the largest
distributors into Jacksonville remained
a matter of conjecture yesterday,
when a member of the company's
home office staff reported that such a
project had not yet been considered.
In addition to Jacksonville, Para-
mount has been thinking of adding
San Antonio to its list of exchange
areas, thus relieving the strain on
the Dallas office. The other four
companies, however, report that San
Antonio has not entered their calcu-
lations. At present there are 31 ex-
change areas.
berlane," Spencer Tracy and Lana
Turner.
Elizabeth Metzger Howard's "Be-
fore the Sun Goes Down," second-year
winner of M-G-M's annual novel con-
test, will be filmed in 1947, as will the
third-year winner, Mary Renault's
Return to Night." The first-year
winner, Elizabeth Goudge's "Green
Dolphin Street," now is being edited.
Other pictures on the production
schedule include : "So Little Time" ;
"Speak to Me of Love," adapted from
"The Nutmeg Tree," with Greer Gar-
son and Walter Pidgeon ; "Three
O'Clock Dinner," Miss Turner ;
"Homecoming of Ulysses," Gable;
"Angel's Flight," Gable; "Red Dan-
ube" ; "Lust for Life," Tracy ; "Robin-
son Crusoe" (in Technicolor) ; "The
Kissing Bandit," Kathryn Grayson
and Frank Sinatra ; "Big Jim," Wal-
lace Beery ; "Daddy Is a Wolf," Wal-
ter Pidgeon, Jane Powell, Lauritz
Melchior and Xavier Cugat; "Broth-
ers of the East Side," Margaret
O'Brien and Van Heflin ; "Killer Mc-
Coy," Mickey Rooney ; "If Winter
Comes"; "Chimes of Bruges," Greer
Garson.
Also, "The Fortunes of Richard
Mahoney," Miss Garson and Gregory
Peck ; "Family for Jock," Claude Jar-
man, Jr.; "Coquette," Lana Turner;
"Move Over, This Is Love," Robert
Taylor; "Three Muketeers, Robert
Walker; "The Life of Monty Strat-
ton, Van Johnson ; "Bedevilled," Tay-
lor; "The House Above the River,"
Miss Hepburn ; "International Venus,"
Esther Williams ; "Brothers Karama-
zov," Tracy, Taylor, Heflin; "Ted
Sloan," Rooney; "On an Island with
You" (in Technicolor), Miss Wil-
liams, Peter Lawford, Cugat ; "Life
of Her Own," William Powell.
The musicals include: "Annie Get
Your Gun," starring Judy Garland;
"Easter Parade," Miss Garland, Sina-
tra, Kelly, Red Skelton ; "The Pirate,"
Miss Garland, Kelly, Walter Slezak ;
"Good News," Miss Allyson, Law-
ford; "The Good Old Summertime,"
Sinatra, Kelly ; "The Story of Rodgers
and Hart" ; "Cabbages and Kings,"
Miss Allyson, Kelly ; "Reunion in Vi-
enna," Miss Grayson.
In addition, there will be 48 short
subjects, including 16 cartoons in col-
or, 10 Pete Smith Specialties, six John
Nesbitt Passing Parades, 12 FitzPat-
rick Traveltalks, and four two-reel
dramas.
*******
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He's the HOME RUN KING of the Industry!
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6
Motion Picture Daily
Tuesday, March 25, 1947
Reviews
"Carnival in Costa Rica"
{20th Century-Fox)
A DELIGHTFUL surprise-package of entertainment is offered by 20th
Century- Fox in its "Carnival in Costa Rica," a romantic musical with
twinkling meanderings that are sure to have a cheerful box-office effect.
An impressive array of troupers head the cast, including Dick Haymes,
Vera-Ellen, Cesar Romero, Celeste Holm and Anne Revere, all giving able
performances under the direction of Gregory Ratoff.
The story is pleasingly simple in structure. It appears that in some circles
in Costa Rica, marital decisions are made for children by their parents.
By the logic of this convention, lovely Vera-Ellen finds herself slated to
marry Cesar Romero, whose amatory interests are in the direction of Celeste
Holm. When Dick Haymes, a business man from the States, enters the
scene, he realizes Vera-Ellen is for him, and says so in song, frequently
and convincingly. Thus the impulses of the children play havoc with the
intentions of the parents, with farcical complications arising out of the
conflict.
Sprinkled throughout are a diverting array of melodious tid-bits, along
with street dances and confetti-raining fiestas, all caught with vivid effect
by the Technicolor cameras. True romance, despite occasional setbacks,
eventually conquers custom in the original screenplay by John Larkin, Sam-
uel Hoffenstein and Elizabeth Reinhardt. Others in the William A. Bacher
production who help make it an enjoyable film are J. Carrol Naish, Pedro
de Cordoba and the Lecuona Cuban Boys.
Running time, 95 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
April. Manny Herbstman
"Love and Learn"
{Warner Brothers)
Hollywood, March 24
THE number of Jack Carson fans in a given community appears to be the
most reliable standard by which to calculate the take expectable from ex-
hibition of this loosely constructed comedy which depends almost exclusively
on his personal talent for entertainment. In it he portrays a song writer, and
also sings, straight, but he has to carry the whole load and, although he carries
it ably enough, the picture achieves only the intermittent sparkle he imparts
to it with an occasional glib line of dialogue. Others in the picture are Robert
Hutton, Martha Vickers, Janis Paige, Otto Kruger, Barbara Brown, Tom
D'Andrea, Florence Bates, Craig Stevens, Angela Greene and Don McGuire.
The screenplay, by Eugene Conrad, Francis Swann and I. A. L. Diamond,
from a story by Harry Sauber, utilizes familiar plot patterns.
Carson and Hutton are a song-writing team trying hard to make Tin Pan
Alley buy their wares. Miss Vickers is a socialite who masquerades as a
dance hall hostess, meets and falls in love with Hutton, continues the mas-
querade to the extent of pretending to live in a cheap apartment on the
proceeds of an imaginary past romance, and so on. The complications are of
the kind this sort of premise usually breeds, and some of them click, others
fizzling for various reasons, chiefly age. William Jacobs produced the picture
and Frederick de Cordova directed it.
Running time, 85 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
not set. William R. Weaver
Key City
Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
CINCINNATI
Grosses generally are well in the
upper brackets, with "The Best Years
of Our Lives" continuing exceptionally
strong in its second week at advanced
scales at the RKO Capitol. The
weather was unusually pleasant at the
weekend. Estimated receipts for the
week ending March 25-28:
THE DEVIL. THUMBS A RIDE (RKO
Radio) — RKO1 A LB EE (3,300) (55c-65c-75c-
85c-95c) 7 days, plus Saturday midnight
show. Stage: Tex Beneke and Glenn Miller's
orchestra, plus acts. Gross: $31,000. (Aver-
age: $30,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)-RKO CAPITOL (2,000) (50c-
55c-6Gc-65c-70c-75c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross:
$25,000. (Average at 50c-5Sc-60c-65c-70c-75c:
$10,000)
OUT CALIFORNIA WAY (Rep.) and
DEATH VALLEY (Screen Guild) — RKO
FAMILY (1,000) (30c-40c-50c) 4 days.
Gross: $1,800. (Average: $1,600)
GINGER (Mono.) and SONG OF THE
SIERRAS (Mono.)— RKO' FAMILY (1.000)
(30c-40c-50c) 3 days. Gross: $1,200. (Aver-
age: $1,100)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M) — RKO
GRAND' (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7
plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $14,-
000 . (Average : $8,000)
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U - I) -
KEITH'S (1,500) (50c-55c-60c-70c) 7 days,
3rd week. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $7,500)
KIT CARSON (PRC reissue) and THE
LAST OF THE MOHICANS (PRC reissue)
—RKO' LYRIC (1,400) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-
75c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average:
$5,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio.)— RKO PAL-
ACE (2,700) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7 days,
plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross:
$12,000. (Average: $15,000)
JOHNNY O'CLOCK (Col.) — RKO SHU
BERT (2,150) (50c-55c-60c-65c-70c-75c) 7
days, 2nd week on moveover from Palace.
Gross: $4,000. (Average: $5,000)
BALTIMORE
Even with fairly substantial attrac-
tions and favorable weather, current
grosses are about average or slightly
better. Estimated receipts for the
week ending March 27 :
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (U-I) — CEN-
TURY (3,000) (29c-37c-46c-54c and 56c week-
ends) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. Average:
$14,000)
SMASH-UP (U-I)— KEITH'S (2,406) (29c-
37c-44c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,-
500. (Average: $12,000)
THE BRASHER DOUBLOON (Ztth-Fox)
— NEW (1,800) (28c-40c-50c-58c) 7 days.
Gross: $12,500. (Average: $12,000)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.) -
STANLEY (3,280) (29c-47c-50c-58c) 7 days, I
2nd week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $16,500)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) — HIPPO-
DROME (2,205) (29c-37c-50c-59'c) 7 days. |
With stage shows. Gross: $17,000. (Aver-
age: $17,500)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— TOWN (1.450) (75c-$1.25) 7
days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $20,000)
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (UA) — MAYFAIR
(1,000) (21c-29c-45c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000.
(Average: $5,500)
IT HAPPENED AT THE INN (M-G-M
reissue)— LITTLE (328) (29c-37c-56c) 7 days.
Gross: $3,000. (Average: $3,000)
ATLANTA
Business is satisfactory but the
weather somewhat cold. Estimated
receipts for week ending March 26:
NORA PRENTISS (WB) — FOX (4,661)
(30c-50c). Gross: $13,500. (Average: $13,000)
NOCTURNE (RKO Radio)— PARAMOUNT
(2,447) (30c-50c) Gross: $8,500. (Average:
$8,200)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.) -
ROXY (2,446) (30c-50c) 2nd week, moveover
from Fox. Gross: $5,900. (Average: $5,600)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — CAPITAL (2,446)
(30c-50c) 3rd week, moveover from Fox and
Roxy. Gross: $5,100. (Average: $5,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY (M-
G-M)— LOEWS GRAND) (2,554) (30c -50c)
Gross $14,000. (Average: $15,000)
SALT LAKE CITY
"Boomerang" is the leading grosser
here, with several holdovers above
average also. The temperature has
been 10 to 15 degrees higher than is
usual for this time of year. Estimated
receipts for the week ending
March 26 :
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.) -
CAPITOL (1,878) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $7,900. (Average: $7,800)
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I)— CEN-
TRE (1,700) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross:
$14,500. (Average: $13,600)
LAST FRONTIER UPRISING (Rep.) and
AFFAIRS OF GERALDINE (Rep.) —
LYRIC (1,500) 7 days. Gross: $3,800
(Average: $3,700)
THE BRASHER DOUBLOON (Z0th-Fox)
and BENEATH CANADIAN SKIES
(Screen Classics)— RIALTO (1,300) (20c-55c-
75c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average:
$5,900)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) - STUDIO
(800) (20c-55c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week.
Gross: $6,000. (Average: $4,800)
BOOMERANG (2\
Universal-International vice-president
John J. O'Connor, who attributed the
(Continued on page 6)
Coleman Transferred
In Divisional Switch
Lester Coleman, assistant to George
A. Smith, Paramount Western sales
manager, will leave New York today
for Los Angeles following his trans-
fer to the division's headquarters in
I. os Angeles. He returned here Sun-
day after a two-month stay on the
Coast for conferences with Smith on
the transfer of the division's activi-
ties from New York to the field.
In This Issue
"Trailing Danger" is re-
\ iew ed on page (i.
Key city grosses are given
on page 8.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 26, 1947
Golden State Will
Build Three More
San Francisco, March 25. — The
construction of three new theatres has
been announced by Golden State Thea-
tres Corp., one each at Lomita Park,
San Bruno and Millbrae.
Excavation has already begun on the
Millbrae site, although the Civilian
Production Administration permit is
still pending. William Coovert, repre-
senting Golden State, says the structure
will have 1,100 seats and will cost
$200,000.
The second property, at Lomita
Park, awaits definite architectural
plans until the size of the surrounding
residential tracts has been more defi-
nitely determined. CPA permit for
this situation is anticipated by Novem-
ber. At San Bruno, Golden State will
augment the El Camino Theatre by
construction of a new house.
ASCAP Annual Meet
HereTomorrow Night
Reports on the past year's activi-
ties of the American Society of Com-
posers, Authors and Publishers will
be made tomorrow night at the or-
ganization's annual membership meet-
ing here. Deems Taylor, president
of ASCAP, will preside at the meet-
ing, which is to be held at the Ritz
Carlton.
Guests invited to attend the get-to-
gether and the banquet which will fol-
low include: David Sarnoff, RCA
president ; Justin Miller, head of the
National Association of Broadcasters ;
Edward Noble, American Broadcast-
ing board chairman ; Edgar Kobak,
Mutual Broadcasting president ; Judge
A. L. Ashby, attorney for National
Broadcasting and Mrs. Guy Gannett,
head of the National Federation of
Music Clubs.
Personal Mention
Coast Strike Report
In Washington Today
California Senators Jack B. Ten-
ne" and Hugh M. Burns, chairman
and ranking member, respectively, of
their state legislature's Joint Fact-
Finding Committee on Un-American
Activities, left New York yesterday
for Washington, where they will tes-
tify before the House Un-American
Activities Committee today on Com-
munism in connection with the current
Hollywood studio strike, Tenney said.
'Duel' Release April 17.
April 17 has been set as the nation-
al release date for "Duel in the Sun,"
Milton Kusell, Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization sales manager, announced
here yesterday. Plans have been con-
cluded for openings in California,
Texas, Florida, and additional South-
eastern and Southwestern states.
'Verdoux' Ad Account Set
Buchanan and Co. has been desig-
nated advertising agency for "Mon-
sieur Verdoux," producer Charles
Chaplin announced here yesterday.
GEORGE F. DEMBOW, Nation
al Screen Service vice-presi
dent in charge of sales, is nursing a
fractured ankle sustained during a re
cent visit at Miami Beach.
•
Alfred N. Sack, head of Sack
Amusement Enterprises, Dallas, is in
Washington this week. He will visit
New York all next week.
•
Steve Broidy, Monogram presi-
dent, and Edward Morey, vice-presi-
dent, have left Chicago for a tour of
Canada.
•
Benjamin Fielding, New York
City License Commissioner, is expect-
ed to return to his desk shortly fol-
lowing a three weeks' absence due to
illness.
•
Arthur Jeffrey', Eagle-Lion ex-
ploitation chief, will leave New York
today for Boston, 'accompanied by
actress June Lockhart.
•
Harry Blake, manager of the Stu-
dio Theatre, Salt Lake City, has re-
turned to his desk after a prolonged
illness.
•
Benn Jacobson, Eagle-Lion studio
representative in New York, arrived
in Hollywood by plane yesterday.
•
L. W. McClintock, Paramount
Memphis branch manager, is in Dal-
las.
•
Carl Miller is a newly-appointed
sales representative for Universal in
Salt Lake City.
Barney Rose, Western district
sales manager for Universal-Interna-
tional, is in Seattle from New York.
•
Robert Rossen, Columbia writer-
director, arrived here from the Coast
vesterday.
HM. BESSEY, vice-president of
• Altec, and P. F. Thomas,
treasurer, have returned to New York
from Atlanta.
•
Max Federhar, owner of the
Cameo and Regent, Akron, and Mrs.
Federhar, are celebrating their 25th
wedding anniversary in Montreal. He
is president of the Akron Theatre
Managers Association.
•
John Petrauskas, Jr., Republic
treasurer, became the father of a baby
girl, born last Monday at Gotham
Hospital, here.
•
Mort Blumenstock, Warner vice-
president in charge of advertising-
publicity, has returned to New York
from the Coast.
•
G. J. Malafronte, Universal-In-
ternational branch operations mana-
ger at the home office, has left At-
lanta for New Orleans.
•
Samuel Cadman of the H. A. Ste-
phens Advertising Agency, is the
father of a baby daughter, born last
week at Brooklyn Hospital.
•
Sam Milburn, West Coast district
manager for PRC and Eagle-Lion, is
in Seattle from Hollywood.
•
Lew Ginsburg of Amalgamated
Theatres, Hartford, is the father of
a new-born baby girl.
•
Buck Stoner, Western district
sales manager for 20th Century-Fox,
has returned to San Francisco from
Seattle.
•
Vic Gauntlet, Hamrich-Evergreen
Theatres advertising manager, has
returned to Seattle from Portland,
Oregon.
•
Jack Hunt, Chicago theatre oper-
ator, is visiting here.
Newsreel
Parade
Wood to Press for
Americanism Award
Hollywood, March 25. — Producer-
director Sam Wood says he is going
to press the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences regarding
his suggestion, turned down by the
academy, that an annual award be pre-
sented for the greatest contribution of
the year to the cause of good Ameri-
canism.
Academy spokesmen took the atti-
tude that such an award would be
controversial since there would be
many opinions as to what constitutes
good' Americanism. Wood suggested
it as a way to confer recognition on
any member of the industry who fur-
thered Americanism during the year
preceding the award.
Legion Cites 'Years'
Hollywood, March 25. — Samuel
Goldwyn received a citation for his
Academy Award-winning "The Best
Years of Our Lives," this evening,
from the American Legion, Holly-
wood, Post No. 591.
Building Controls
To Creedon's Unit
Washington, March 25. — Adminis-
tration of the Federal limitation on
commercial construction has been
transferred from the Civilian Produc-
tion Administration to the National
Housing expeditor, Frank Creedon,
who said his office is taking over ex-
actly at the point where the CPA
leaves off.
The housing agency will enforce the
construction limitation order, which
presently restricts non-housing con-
struction.
AMERICAN foreign affairs,
■SI sports, and sundry happenings
abroad are spotlighted in current
newsreels. Personalities include Act-
ing Secretary of State Acheson, Gen.
Eisenhower, Britain's King and
Queen, and a number of American
film stars. Complete contents fo'-^w.
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 6*-Cfe4s-;
committee hears Acting Secretary ofstate
Acheson on new U. S. policy. Gen. Eisen-
however receives British Sword of Honor.
South African tribesmen welcome British
royal family. Easter hat fashions. Rare
quadruplets bom to mama goat. Sports:
ski-jumping, water ballet.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 25— Acheson
testifies on Greek aid. Palestine martial
law lifted. African tribes hail British royal
family. Sword of Honor for Eisenhower.
Aquabelles in sport spotlight. Babies with
deadly "RH" blood offered new hope by
science.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 61— Sports:
ski stars in Olympic try-out. New York
Yankees ready for baseball opener. Film
stars aid cancer fund at showing of "My
Favorite Brunette" in Hollywood. Early
spring thaws hit Netherlands. Martial law
ends in Palestine. Potato surplus: 12,000,-
000 bushels dumped in Maine. Native
tribesmen hail British royal family.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 63— Musso-
lini's girl friend's private life. Greece re-
builds. South African tribesmen hail Brit-
ish royal family. Refugees and prisoners
of war return _ to Vienna and Berlin.
Twenty -three die in Alps plane crash.
Motorcycle skiers in racing thriller.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 24— Act-
ing Secretary of State Acheson sees no war
in Greek aid. Martial law lifted in Pales-
tine. Flood waters sweep British lowlands.
Zulu natives hail British king and queen
in South Africa. Top-ranking skiers vie
for honors. Motorcycle-drawn ski racers.
Estes in News Post
_ Bernard Estes, industry public rela-
tions _ consultant, has been appointed
associate director of Sindicato De
Prensa Latino Americano, by Stanley
Ross, director of North American ac-
tivities. The news syndicate supplies
news to some 750 newspaper, maga-
zine and radio clients through 14
offices in Latin America. The news
service will expand its coverage on
U. S. film news.
Stromberg Here for
UA Product Talks
Producer Hunt Stromberg has ar-
rived here from Hollywood for gen-
eral discussions with United Artists
officials on sales and promotional
plans for his recently completed "Dis-
honored Lady" and "Personal Col-
umn."
Stromberg expects to resume pro-
duction around Aug. 1, although plans
for future films have not yet been
completed. The producer announces,
however, that he will make 'more pic-
tures than heretofore.
Alexander Named
Albany PRC Head
Albany, N. Y., March 25.— Harry
Alexander, former 20th Century-Fox
branch manager here, ' who lately has
been a 20th-Fox salesman in the Syra-
cuse area, will become Producers Re-
leasing Corp. branch manager here,
effective Monday. The post has been
vacant for some time.
O' Sullivan, Naish Win
Hollywood, March 25. — Maureen
O'Sullivan and J. Carrol Naish have
received the Catholic Film and Radio
Review's annual St. Patrick's Day
awards. Vote tabulation from Boston
and Dublin delayed the decision for
a week.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Ouigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco'
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manaser; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor-
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady. 215 Atlantic Bid?.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor-
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture 'Herald ■
International Molhn Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879 Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
TOPPERS IN THE EASTER PARADE!
who tamed SMa!
Screenplay by1
Ben Maddow Directed by
RICHARD WALLACE . M JULES SCHERMER
6
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 26, 1947
Production on
Coast Off 1;
42 Shooting
Hollywood, March 25.— Produc
tion has dropped off slightly, and the
production index now stands at 42,
compared with the previous level of
43. Six new films have reached
camera stages, and work has been re-
sumed on M-G-M's musical, "The
Pirates." Seven films have gone to
cutting rooms, and shooting has been
temporarily suspended on Samuel
Goldwyn's "The Bishop's Wife," due
to a disagreement between the pro-
ducer and director William Seiter.
It appears probable that some other
director will replace him when shoot-
ing starts again.
The production scene follows :
Columbia
Finished: "Keeper of the Bees,"
"Swing the Western Way."
Shooting : "The Man from Colo-
rado," "Her Husband's Affairs,"
"Assigned to Treasury" ( Kennedy -
Buchman) .
. Eagle-Lion
Finished : "The Red Stallion."
Shooting : "Out of the Blue,"
"Love from a Stranger."
M-G-M
Resumed production: "The Pi-
rates."
Shooting : "Good News," "The
Hucksters."
Monogram
Finished: "The Gangster" (Allied
Artists).
Started: "High Tide," with Lee
Tracy, Don Castle, Anabel Shaw,
Regis-Toomey, Francis Ford, Doug-
las Walton ; "Kilroy Was Here," with
Jackie Cooper, Jackie Coogan,
Wanda McKay.
Paramount
Finished: "Road to Rio."
CHICAGO
PITTSBURGH
LOS ANGELES
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friendly way to fly.
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LExington 2-7100
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Review
"Trailing Danger"
(Monogram)
JOHNNY MACK BROWN, again aided by Raymond Hatton, sets for
«J himself the task of driving a stage-coach safely to its terminal. The main
difficulty, however, arises out of the fact that a band of outlaws are deter-
mined to "get" one of the passengers and the result is a Western of customary
proportions.
The Barney Sarecky production has Marshal Reed, as an escaped prisoner,
cast as the "heavy" and he holds up his end with a proper display of skull-
duggery. The usual exchange of gunfire, plus some fisticuffs and galloping
hoofs are included to keep Western fans satisfied. When the smoke of battle
finally clears, the stage has made its run safely, and Reed and the remnants
of his gang are in the hands of justice. Others in the cast, directed by Lam-
bert Hillyer, are Peggy Wynne, Edwin Parker and Steve Darrell.
Running time, 58 minutes. General audience classification. Release date,
March 29. Manny Herbstman
Shooting : "The Big Clock."
RKO Radio
Finished: "If You Knew Susie."
Started: "Fighting Father Dunne,'
with Pat O'Brien, Myrira Dell, Dar
ryl Hickman, Arthur Shields, Una
O'Connor.
Shooting: "Crossfire," "Tycoon,"
"Indian Summer."
Temporarily suspended: "The
Bishop's Wife" (GoldwynL
Republic
Started: "The Outcast," with John
Carroll, Vera Ralston, Broderick
Crawford, Robert Paige, Henry
Travers, Blanche Yurka.
Shooting : "Saddle Pals," "Spring-
time in the Sierras."
Screen Guild
Finished : "The Hat-Box Mystery"
(Screen Art).
Shootin-g : "Western Barn Dance"
(Schwarz); "Killer Dill" (King);
"The Case of the Baby Sitter"
(Screen Art).
Selznick
Shooting : "Portrait of Jennie,"
"The Paradine Case."
20th Century-Fox
Shooting: "Kiss of Death," "Scud-
da Hoo, Scudda Hay," "Captain from
Qistile," "Second Chance" (Wurt-
zel).
United Artists
Shooting: "Atlantis" (Nero);
"Body and Soul" (Enterprise).
Universal-International
Shooting: "Jeopardy," "For the
Love of Mary," "Singapore," "The
Secret Beyond the Door," (Diana);
"Brute Force" (Hellinger) ; "The
Lost Love" (Wanger).
Warners
Started: "The Treasure of the Si-
erra Madre," with Humphrey Bo-
gart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bar-
ton MacLane ; "Whiplash," with
Dane Clark, "Alexis Smith, S. Z.
Sakall.
Shooting : "Voice of the Turtle,"
"Two Guys from Texas," "Wallflow-
er," "The Unsuspected" (Curtiz).
$7,500 Fire Loss
Oklahoma City, March 25. — Dam-
age resulting from fire yesterday at
the Liberty Theatre, downtown War-
ner house, was estimated at $7,500.
Technicolor Supply
(Continued from page 1)
time return to normal print delivery,"
Kalmus declared.
Major stumbling blocks in Techni-
color's schedule stem from the six-
month strike in 1945 and the current
one which began las"t October, each of
which set deliveries three or four
months behind the previous three-
month period consumed from the time
Technicolor received an approved
answer-print," the executive explained.
Consequently, he added, it may take
nine months, and in some instances
even longer, for delivery of completed
prints.
He revealed that while the Techni-
color laboratory is operating at "very
nearly full capacity," about 400 of the
company's workers are new people
who are being trained in their jobs.
In some departments, such as the me-
chanical shop department, virtually all
of the experienced men are still on
strike.
Weitman Elected
(Continued from page 1)
Cancel U-I Films
(Continued from page 1)
action by Warners to a dispute re-
volving around Universale signing of
former Warner writer-director Rob-
ert Buckner.
Buckner's contract with Warners,
O'Connor said, was about to expire
and renewal of it appeared unlikely.
Thereupon, he added, U-I signed
Buckner. Warners then demonstrat-
ed objections to the U-I move by
taking the product cancellation ac-
tion, according to O'Connor.
However, Harry Goldberg, Warner
Theatres advertising-publicity direc-
tor, was unable yesterday to present
W arners' version of the situation while
awaiting details on the move from the
Coast.
tribute to Gene Buck, former presi-
dent of the American Society of Com-
posers, Authors and Publishers. Weit
man succeeds Jack H. Levin, vice-
president and general manager of Con- i
fidential Reports, Inc.
Elected as vice-presidents were Jul-
ius Collins of ASCAP; S. M. Char-
tock, producer ; S. Arthur Glixon, at-
torney ; Bernard Goodman, Warner
Brothers ; Leo Jaffe, Columbia Pic-
tures; Marvin Kirsch, Radio (paC/y;
Martin Levine, Brandt TheatresNB^il-
ton Livingston, Universal ; Nat K.
Loder, Republic ; Louis A. Novins,
Paramount.
Max B. Blackman of Warner
Brothers was elected treasurer; Mal-
vin T. Davidson, attorney, was elected
secretary ; Dr. Morris K. Silberman
was elected sergeant-at-arms, and
Rabbis Ralph Silverstein and Bernard
Birstein were elected chaplains.
Gene Buck was presented the "Cine-
ma Lodge Honor Scroll" for his out-
standing Americanism and his devo-
tion to the best interests of America's
song writers.
Installation of officers elected last
night will be held on April 23rd.
In another feature of the evening,
Barney Balaban, president of Para-
mount, inducted his son, Burt Bala-
ban, and a group of new members into
the Lodge, the membership of which
now totals 1,400 in the allied enter-
tainment industries.
'Henry' Net
(Continued from page 1)
is noteworthy in view of the fact that
it has not been in general release yet,
nor has it played major first run thea-
tres. Bookings have been retricted to
60 special engagements, primarily in
university and college centers, in
houses leased by the distributor in the
U. S. and Canada.
American exhibition policy for the
picture was set and has been directed
by Paul Lazarus, Jr., United Artists
advertising-publicity director, and
Harold Auten of the J. Arthur Rank
Organization here. The two estimate
that "Henry V" can play for several
years on its present policy.
Philadelphia UJA Meeting
Barney Balaban, chairman of the
motion picture division of the United
Jewish Appeal, will attend a drive
organization dinner at the Warwick
Hotel, Philadelphia, tonight, accom-
panied from New York by Lou No-
vins and Sam Shain. Jay Emmanuel
is head of the Philadelphia committee.
RKO 16mm. Films
(Continued from page 1)
installations, many of them mobile
units, are in existence.
The company's 16mm. activities in
England, Wolff said, will be exclu-
sively theatrical, and will be so con-
ducted as to protect 35mm. accounts.
He forecast a huge market in the field
and said the results attained next
summer will serve as a guide to the
extent to which RKO Radio will pur-
sue 16mm. operations in that country
thereafter.
Wolff reported that James Hilton's
"So Well Remembered," first of a
series which RKO Radio will produce
in conjunction with the J. Arthur
Rank interests, has been completed
and will be released shortly. The film,
he said, in all likelihood marks the
termination of individual RKO pro-
duction in England.
I PRESS
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WHITEHALL
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Wednesday, March 26, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
New Allied Unit Is
Indicated at Denver
Denver, March 25. — More than 60
exhibitors from seven Rocky Moun-
tain area states attended the opening
session of the Allied organizational
meeting to hear Sidney Samuelson, A.
H. Cole and Trueman Rembusch pre-
sent the Allied story, which was en-
thusiastically received. Indications
we^3L, )at a unit will be set up as a
resu^of the meeting.
The meeting was in the nature of
an open forum. Speakers ripped into
distributors, claiming that the com-
panies have no national sales policy but
fit policy to what they can get. The
Allied caravan was described, along
with Allied's setup and aims. The
meeting lasted until late afternoon,
with a get-together held in the eve-
ning.
Ten Additional Films
Rated by the Legion
Four of 10 films reviewed have been
placed in Class A-I by the National
Legion of Decency. They are : "Car-
negie Hall," United Artists; "Great
Expectations," Universal-Internation-
al; "The Late George Apley," 20th
Century-Fox; "Six Gun Serenade,"
Monogram.
Placed in Class A-II are : "Framed"
and "The Guilt of Janet Ames," both
Columbia, and "A Yank in Rome"
(Italian), Lux Films. Class B: "Duel
in the Sun," Selznick; "Magnificent
Rogue," Republic, and "Odd Man
Out," Universal-International. The
classification of Superfilm's "French-
made "Carmen" has been changed
from C to B, a change warranted, it
was said, on the basis of revisions
made in the film.
Weill on Broder Job
Sydney B. Weill will prepare press
books and lobby advertising on eight
of the 40 releases recently acquired by
the Broder American Releasing Corp.
from United Artists. Trailers are al-
ready in work on the subjects, two of
which are tentatively scheduled for
June release.
Ga. Bars Sunday Shows
Atlanta, March 25. — The Georgia
House has killed a bill legalizing Sun
day shows, by a vote of 80 to 40. Be-
fore killing the bill, the House had
inserted an amendment which would
have required theatres to donate 35
per cent of their Sunday receipts to
charity.
Calvet Reception Today
Corinne Calvet, French actress, will
be the guest at a reception to be given
by Paramount this afternoon at the
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here. Miss
Calvet has been given a long term
contract by the company.
'Years' to K.C's Tower
Kansas City, March 25. — Fox
Midwest has obtained Samuel Gold-
wyn's "The Best Years of Our Lives"
for the Tower, downtown first-run.
Prices will be $1 for matinees and
$1.50 for evenings.
French Films for E-L
American Eagle-Lion will import a
number of French-made productions
for distribtuion, Sam Seidelman, E-L
foreign sales manager, discloses here.
TEA Wins Fight on
20% Television Tax
The Bureau of Internal Revenue's
abandonment of plans to impose a 20
per cent amusement tax where tele-
vision receivers are in use in cabarets
was the direct result of action taken
by J. R. Poppele, president of the
Television Broadcasters Asociation,
the organization reports here.
Appearing before the Commissioner
of Internal Revenue, Poppele pointed
out that television could hardly be
classified in the same category as
cabaret entertainment.
Television Meeting
Here to Discuss Films
More than 500 radio, television,
film' and advertising executives are ex-
pected to attend a discussion of the
part films will play in television at a
"Television Institute" to be held at
the Hotel Commodore here on April
14-15. The conference will be con-
ducted by The Televiser.
Among topics to be discussed are :
"What Is Film's Role in Television?",
"Putting Showmanship Into Tele-
vision Films," "News, Documentary
and Special-Event Films," "Editing
Film for Video," and "Setting Up a
Film Department."
2 Chicago Drive-ins
To Open Next Month
Chicago, March 25. — Chicago's two
outdoor theatres will both open next
month. The six-year-old Drive-In,
which advertises as "the largest drive-
in theatre in the country," will open
on April 20. It is owned by Nate Bar-
ger and Associates and is managed by
Jack Hunt. The new Outdoor Thea-
tre which opened in the summer of
1946, will open on April 10. It is
owned by Irving Gandall and Frank
Fink. Roy Zarmaine is the manager.
Grading has been completed on a
third 'outdoor theatre here which will
be owned by Phil Smith of Boston.
'Delusion' Tradeshow
M-G-M will tradeshow "Dark De-
lusion" in all company exchanges
April 7 with the exception of Wash-
ington, where it will be screened on
the following day. The picture was
formerly titled "Cynthia's Secret,"
and was originally set for showing on
March 11 but was postponed until a
final title was set.
Special 'Costa' Screening
The three winners of a Costa Rican
beauty contest who arrived here yes-
terday will be guests at a special
screening of 20th Century-Fox' "Car-
nival in Costa Rica" at 20th's home
office here tonight. Costa Rican of-
ficials also are expected to attend.
Set SRO Distribution
Cleveland, March 25. — E. S. John-
son and Louis Gross, who operated
the Central Shipping Terminal, have
concluded arrangements to handle the
physical distribution here of the SRO
product. To date no Cleveland sales
organization has been established.
'Carrolls' Opening Set
World premiere of "The Two Mrs.
Carrolls" has been set by Warners
for the Hollywood Theater, New
York, starting Saturday, April 5,
following the current run of "Nora
Prentiss."
SAG Sees Walsh,
Lindelof Meet Next
Hollywood, March 25. — A meeting
between IATSE president Richard
Walsh and Painters International
president L. P. Lindelof is the next
logical step toward settlement of the
studio strike, the Sc reen Actors'
Guild board of directors declared to-
day in a telegram to the executive
board of Painters' Local No. 1421.
The painters had asked the SAG to
restate its position on the strike. The
SAG telegram revealed that Walsh
has expressed willingness to meet
with Lindelof at the latter's conven-
ience.
Pointing out that the painters and the
carpenters are the only crafts still on
strike, the SAG board indicated that
the former can work out a settlement,
whereas it believed the carpenters can-
not do so unless International presi-
dent William Hutcheson alters his
position on jurisdiction over set erec-
tion work.
Ornato Television Films
Joseph Ornato, stage and film pro-
ducer, has formed Premiere Pic-
tures, here, which will begin imme-
diately the production of a series of
shorts in 35 and 16mm. for teleyision
transmission.
Industry Cancer Drive
Harry Brandt, president of Brandt
Theatres, will be chairman of the en-
tertainment group for the April cam-
paign of the New York Cancer Com-
mittee of the American Cancer Society.
4Big 5' Vs ATA
( Continued from page 1 )
of this nature. They charged further
that the denial of ATA's and CSA's
move to intervene is not appealable in
that the two theatre grouos do not
have an "immediate and legal inter-
est" in the case which they would
lose if intervention is denied.
The five companies go on to state
that ATA and CSA have no interest
in the New York court's judgment cn
bidding in that if a distributor had
elected to sell pictures on a competi-
tive basis before the New York deci-
sion the two organizations would lack
legal right to compel the distributor
to license pictures in any other man-
ner.
The five point to a portion of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
which permits intervention as a mat-
ter of right "when the representation
of the applicants' interests by existing
parties is or may be inadequate and
the applicants are or ma" be bound
by a judgment in the action."
From this they conclude that ATA
and CSA are "not inadequately rep-
resented" within the meaning of the
law and thus are not entitled to inter-
vene as a matter of right.
In their counter brief. ATA and
CSA will re-emphasize their claim
that thev will incur damages unless
protected against bidding and ih.il
they are without representation in the
equity case although it one in which
thev arc vitally interested.
A unique aspect of the situation is
that to some extent Paramount and
20th-Fox are at odds with a part of
themselves, nanielv. theatre partners
and subsidiaries which arc members
of cither ATA, CSA or both.
^4s
Released thru
8
Motion Picture Daily
Wednesday, March 26, 1947 I
Estimates of Key City Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
LOS ANGELES
"My Favorite Brunette" took top
honors at box-offices here this week,
with "Carnival in Costa Rica" and
"It Happened in Brooklyn" dividing
the rest of the business done by new
offerings. Estimated receipts for the
week ended March 26:
BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME (U-I)
and THE DEVIL ON WHEELS (PRC)
HELMONT (1,600; (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7
'lays, 2nd week. Gross: $5,200. (Average:
$7,100)
THE MAGIC BOW (U-I) CAKTUAY
CIRCLE (1,516) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $11,-
500)
CARNIVAL IN COSTA RICA (ZOth-Fox)-
( IIINKSE (2, "100) (50<;-00c-85c-$1.00) 7 .lay..
Gross: $17,500. (Average: $18,200)
IT HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN
(M-G-M) EGYPTIAN (1,000) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average:
$18,100)
BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME (U-I)
and THE DEVIL ON WHEELS (PRC)
EL KEY (861) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days,
2nd week. Gross: $5,800. (Average: $6,800)
DUEL IN THE SUN (SRO) !• A IK FAX
11,504) ($1.20-$1.50-$1.80) 7 day,, 10th week.
Gross: $7,500. (Average: $10,000;
BEDELIA (PRC) FOUR STAR (900)
(50c-60c-85c-$l.(X)) 7 days. Gross: $0,000.
(Average: $9,100)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO-Goldwyn) POX-BEVERLY '1.350)
($1.00$1.25-$1.80). Gross: $13,000. (Aver-
age: $12,000)
IT HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN
(M-G-M) FOX ■ Wl I. SHIRK (2,300) (50c-
60c -85c $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Av-
erage: 813,300)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO-Goldwyn) GUILD (965) ($1.00-$1.25-
$1.80) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,500.
(Average: $5,000) .„,
SINBAD THE SAILOR (RKO) and MIL-
LIE'S DAUGHTER (Col.) HILL-STREET
(2,700) (50c-60cj80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week.
(,,., .: $18,500. (Average: $10,800)
SMASH-UP (U-I) and GENTLEMAN
JOE PALOOKA (Mono.) IK IS (708) (50c-
O0c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$8,800. (Average: $7,200)
CARNIVAL IN COSTA RICA (ZOth-Fox)
UlliW'S STATE (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-
$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $23,500. (Average:
$28,600)
IT HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN
(M-G-M) EOS ANGELES (2,0%) (V« ')<•
X5c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $20,'KX). (Aver-
age: $22,600)
CARNIVAL IN COSTA RICA (ZOth-Fox)
LOYOLA (1,265) (5Oc-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7
days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $11,500)
THE RED HOUSE (UA-Thalia) MUSIC
1 1 A EE (Beverly Hills) (000) C65c-85c-$1.00)
7 days, 4tli week. Gross: $2,500. (Average:
$4,700)
THE RED HOUSE (UA-ThaJia) MUSIC
IIAEE (Downtown) (000) (65c-85c-$l .00) 7
days, 4th week. Gross: $8,000. (Average:
$I4,2• w ithdi aw Erom the
Motion Picture Association's Title
Registration Bureau, complaining that
titles registered by the large com
panics ai e so iiuiuei mis and all iuelu
sive that new titles filed bj indepen-
dents often too closely resemble those
mi hie and conflicts result
Eagle I i"n bow ed OUl of the bin eau
for tbe same reason last week. Al
though an Astor statement reports it
is resigning from the MPA, the com ■
pany had been in no . it I hi wa\ asso
Ciated V\ ith the MPA and the title
service was rendered gratis to it, as
well as to all companies outside the
MPA,
Margaret Young, head ol the bu
reau here, said yestei da\ that sillCC
(Continued on page (0
Although Paramount, .done .1111011",
the five theatre owning defendants
the industry anti trust suit, has told
the LI, S. Supreme Court that tin
New York b'ederal District Court
erred in decreeing competitive biddin
the company has "not yet determined"
whether this assignment will lie Urged
before the high tribunal when the .i|»
pi', ds .ue argued, However, Para
mount holds that it would "seem wise'
to stay the bidding provision hcvoiii
fulj I and wants to he permitted t<
appl\ for such a s|a\ il tbe pendini
applications of Columbia. I'uivcrs.d
and United Vrtists are granted
'I bis position is outlined in a lett
from Paramount 3 counsel to justice
Stanley Reed in Washington, who
will hear arguments on the JtftJ pet)
lions in thai city tomorrow. "Our
clients," (he letter states, "pieseiitb
intend to follow the decree as it li
written, so far as thev can DOSsibl)
( Ciniji'ii tied en fame ">>
Arbitration
Move Perils
Decree: U. S.
/). of J. Sees Bidding as
'Step Toward Relief'
Declaring that the pending mo-
tion before the U. S. Supreme
Court to prevent dissolution of the
industry arbitration system begin-
ning next Tuesday is tantamount to
iskiug for a reversal of the New
York b'ederal District Court's decree
in tbe industry anti-trust suit, and
that competitive bidding should start
on July I as "a preliminary step
toward adequate relief," tbe Depart-
ment of Justice yesterday tiled notice
with the high tribunal that it will op-
pose all stays of the local tribunal's
judgment when Justice Stanley Reed
holds a hearing on tbe petitions in
Washington tomorrow afternoon.
"The arbitration stay sought
by the major defendants is
(Continued on page 7)
ATA, Allies to Ask
Bids Slay Tomorrow
American Theatres Association, the
Confederacy of Southern Associations
ami the Southern California Theatre
Owners Association tomorrow will
jointly apply for postponement of
operation of the bidding provisions of
the New York b'ederal Court's anti-
trust decision, having altered original
plans to file yesterday.
In argument for the stay, which will
(Continued on page -O
Brooklyn Theatre to
Hall its Bidding
Condemning the three way courpeti
live bidding tight under way in the
Court Street situation in Brooklyn as
one which is "rapidly getting out ot
control," Joseph Miiasola, owner ol
the Gloria 'Theatre, last night dis
closed that he will withdraw from
any further bidding lot RKO Kadio
(Continued (>« page 8)
/// This Issue
Key city grosses lire given
OH PBgt
2
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 27, 1947
Personal
Mention
CHARLES P. SKOURAS, presi
dent of National Theatres, has
left the Coast by plane for Chicago
and Milwaukee.
o
Spyros P. Skouras and Murray
Silverstone, presidents of 20th Cen
tury-Fox and 20th-Fox International,
respectively, and their wives, left
Mexico City yesterday for Panama,
on a South American tour. They
will return to New York at the end
of April.
•
Len S. Gruenberg, captain of the
1947 "Ned Depinet Drive," is due in
New York today from the field. He
will make his future headquarters
here as RKO Radio metropolitan dis
trict manager.
•
Harry Warner, president of War-
ner Brothers, is due in New York
soon from the Coast. He may be
joined on the trip East by Jack L
Warner, production vice-president.
•
Adolph Zukor, Paramount board
chairman, and Mrs. Zukor, are due in
New York on Monday from Tucson,
Ariz.
•
Lester Coleman, assistant to Para-
mount Western division sales mana-
ger, left here for Los Angeles yes-
terday.
•
Rudy Berger, M-G-M Southern
sales manager, will leave his New-
Orleans headquarters today for a Mi-
ami vacation.
•
Tom Connors, 20th-Fox distribu-
tion chief, is expected back here on
Monday after vacationing in Florida
•
Ike and Harry Katz, executives
of Kay Film Exchanges, are in New
York from the South.
•
Martin Levine, general manager
of Brandt Theatres, returned here
yesterdav from a Florida vacation.
Upholds Disavowal
Of Minors' Deals
Los Angeles, March 26. —
The right of a player to dis-
avow, on attaining majority,
an employment contract en-
tered into while a minor, has
been affirmed by the Appel-
late Court here in the case
of Joan Leslie vs. Warner
Brothers. The case was origi-
nally decided in Miss Leslie's
favor in Superior Court.
It is understood, however,
that the company will carry
an appeal to the State Su-
preme Court. The Leslie case
is considered fundamentally
important to all studios, be-
cause of the existence of a
large number of similar em-
ployment contracts.
Insider's Outlook
By RED KANN
ADDRESSING 250 execu-
tives of Fox West Coast
Theatres in Los Angeles the
other day, Charlie Skouras fore-
saw the immediate future of ex-
hibition confronted with two
' factors. One was the implemen-
tation of the provisions of the
consent decree ; the other was
what he described as an increas-
ing demonstration by the public
of greater selectivity in their
film entertainment. These con-
ditions, it was his conclusion, in-
dicated the continued, if not a
greater, success in exhibition
would rely ever more on the
most efficient brand of theatre
operation and aggressive show-
manship.
There will be little argument
on both approaches, although it
is not clear why Skouras ac-
cepted the burden for exhibition
without passing to Hollywood
its portion. More particularly
on his second point, however — a
sharper veering of the custom-
ers toward picking the attrac-
tions they intend supporting — he
was giving expression to what
many others have been recogniz-
ing in steppecl-up volume of late.
The drift is not new. It
simply grows more steadily
pronounced. As the war drew
to a close, ardent observers of
the times began to get wise to
the change. Their statistics pro-
vided all the proof then required
to demonstrate theatre managers
no longer were stepping out of
the way as they threw open the
doors if they wanted to survive
the deluge.
■
The deluge had not vanished,
but it was predicated on selec-
tivity. Audiences were begin-
ning to display signs of picking
and choosing the merchandise
they wanted. Some of the blind
allegiance which was developed
through lack of other spending
avenues began to disappear.
Values were being weighed,
which meant any number of
poor-to-average attractions, sky-
rocketed into national grosses
which their merit never, de-
served, began to turn earthward.
Some producers and distribu-
tors who had been riding the
gravy train learned they were
not traveling by perpetual mo-
tion. They didn't like it, there
being no reason why they
should. Nevertheless, it was as
inevitable as death and taxes —
to disinter a very old bromide.
■
The clearest manifestation of
what goes on today, of course,
takes form in the well-known
and oft-reported extended-run
situation. This has to be ap-
proached in averages, not in
terms of the exceptional attrac-
tion which makes as much of a
monkey of the rules as it always
has. It is common knowledge
that length of run is shorter al-
though the money generally
rolling in during the life of the
run causes no pain to either ex-
hibitor or distributor.
Should this continue, first
runs will require more pictures
each year. In turn, this clearly
indicates major studios will have
to increase production to meet
the market. In this event, the
product shortages complained of
by exhibitor organizations, in-
cluding Allied, will evaporate,
and quiet restored on that point.
Forward-looking sales man-
agers are not unprepared for the
day, hoping it may never arrive.
If it ever does, the adjustment
will have to follow. At the mo-
ment, extended runs fit properly
into their somewhat abbreviated
description. Attractions hold-
ing up for three and four weeks
are common occurrences. While
this may increase first-run re-
quirements, the differential is
not pronounced enough thus far
to make it necessary for any ma-
jor studio to consider a whole-
sale rise in production.
But, on the other hand, if run-
should shrink to an average of
two weeks, Hollywood will be
tumbling all over itself in a mad
race to turn out enough mer-
chandise to occupy available
screens.
■ I
Eric Johnston says the country
needs about 5,000 new theatres,
indicating he anticipates quite
an upsurge in portables and
drive-ins. He further says all of
this new construction will bring
about substantially increased at-
tendance over the period of the
ensuing five years.
The mere building of a flock
of new houses carries no guar-
antee audiences will be on hand
to fill them. If Johnston had
spoken about methods of culti-
vating new patrons, he would
have been on happier ground.
We do nothing in this industry
about broadening the market,
hoping that by accident or magic
it will broaden itself.
Hardlv scientific.
Governor, Mayor to
'Orleans' Opening
Gov. James Davis of Louisiana,
Mayor de Lesseps S. Morrison of
New Orleans, and scores of other
state and city officials, as well as a
number of film stars, will be on hand
at New Orleans' 3,600-seat Saenger
Theatre for the world premiere thev
on April 26 of Jules Levey's "MJuMi
Orleans," the producer disclosed &ji«p-
yesterday. The picture, dealing with
the development of American jazz,
particularly with reference to its in-
ception in New Orleans, has been
booked for an indefinite run at the
Saenger and thereafter will be set in
100 situations in the area, Levey re-
ported. United Artists is distributing.
Officialdom's endorsement of the
film, Levey said, is typified in a recent
statement of Mayor Morrison who de-
scribed it as a "true and entertaining
history on the creation of jazz and
the conditions that did exist in our
city at that time." Its stars include
Arturo de Cordova, Irene Rich, and
featured are the Louis Armstrong and
Woody Herman bands. Levey's rep-
resentative here, Charles Jones, has
joined with a battery of UA promo-
tional executives under Paul Lazarus,
Jr., in the formulation of an extensive
pre-selling campaign on the picture.
They also will be on hand for the
• ipening.
Levey will leave here for the Coast
at the weekend to set in motion pro-
duction plans on two more films to
meet his schedule for the year. He
will return in two weeks prior to
leaving for the New Orleans premiere.
Pelton Quits AMPP
Post in Six Months
Hollywood, March 26. — Fred Pel-
ton, for the past eight years. Holly-
wood labor relations executive of the
Association of Motion Picture Pro-
ducers, will leave his post in six
months to engage in a private enter-
prise. Meanwhile, he will instruct
Charles F. Boren, whose appointment
as labor relations manager for the
AMPP was reported yesterday in
Motion Picture Daily, in his new
duties.
Bachman LeavesWB;
May Go to UA Post
Charlotte, March 26. — John A.
Bachman, who resigned recently as
Warners branch manager here after
11 years with the company, will join
United Artists as branch manager in
Atlanta on April 7. Latter post was
left vacant by the resignation of Hen-
ry Krumm, recently appointed South-
ern division manager for Selznick Re-
leasing Organization.
Shubert Trial Ends
Both sides in the three-day trial of
the $500,000 suit brought by Lee and
Jacob Shubert against Columbia for
using the Winter Garden name and
scenes depicting the theatre in "The
Jolson Story" rested their cases yes-
terday before Supreme Court Justice
James M. McNally, here.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwm Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily except Saturdays
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address "Oui-Dubco
New . York." Martm Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J Sullivan Treasurer • T - T " ' " Uui.pubco,
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising 11
». Manager; David Harris. "Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal" "Unlon^Life^Bldg.,^^
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cable address ' Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications : Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion PfcrSre -HerlTd'
;r?riwa';,«P!Cti;!;e Almanac, Fame Entered as second . class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York. N. Y., under the act of March 3 1879 Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. ' oupscrip
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 27, 1947
100 at Testimonial
Dinner for Kolitz
Wash. Theatremen
Plan ASCAP Fight
Seattle, March 26. — Eighteen
Washington theatre owners have ar-
rived here to attend a meeting of in-
dependent exhibitors, called to map
plans to fight efforts by the American
Society of Composers, Authors and
Publishers to collect license fees on
film music. Following a declaratory-
judgment issued by Judge Wright in
the state court in Olympia, last
month, in a proceeding initiated by
ASCAP, the organization has begun
to set up machinery for a check-up of
unlicensed theatres and other amuse-
ment establishments which play music
controlled by ASCAP members.
Possibility of an appeal by the the-
atre operators from the court ruling
has been indicated.
New Ascap Directors
To Be Certified
The following will be certified by
ASCAP's election committee to the
Society's general membership meeting
today as winners of a board of direc-
tors election :
Popular field writers : Stanley
Adams, Otto Harbach, Edgar Leslie
and Oscar Hammerstein II. Standard
writer : Deems Taylor. Popular field
publishers : Irving Caesar, Abe Olman
and Lester Santly. Standard publish-
er: Frank H. Connor.
WB Issues Booklet
For Its Employes
A 32-page brochure entitled "Your
Company and You" has been pre-
pared by Warners' personnel depart-
ment, here, under the direction of
Ralph W. Budd. Designed for the
promotion of harmonious employer-
employee relations, the book, which
will be distributed to all Warner
workers, has a brief history of the
organization and information on work-
ing regulations, advancement oppor-
tunities, labor-management commit-
tees, health and welfare service and
working rules and benefits.
McNamara Due Here
Paul McNamara, advertising-pub-
licity director for David O. Selznick,
is due here from Hollywood by plane
to map promotional plans with Selz-
nick and Neil Agnew, president of
Selznick Releasing Organization, for
"Duel in the Sun," "The Paradine
Case" and "Portrait of Jennie."
Sinatra in "Bells"
Hollywood, March 26. — Frank
Sinatra will portray the part of a
priest in "Miracle of the Bells," Las-
ky-MacEwen production. Sinatra will
not sing in the film, which is one of
three more which the unit is making
for RKO Radio release.
Academy Election
Set for April 15
Hollywood, March 26— The
Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences will hold
its annual board of governors
election on April 15, when
electors also will vote on
three by-law changes adopted
last fall.
Studio Wage Boost
Begins Next Week
Hollywood, March 26. — The major
studios will implement next week the
11.17 per cent wage increase recently
granted approximately 15,000 employes
to meet the cost-of-living increase in
the Los Angeles area as determined by
the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Meanwhile paychecks totaling $2,-
750,000, retroactive to Jan. 1, are be-
ing distributed. The new wage level
will cost the studios $8,250,000 in addi-
tional payments over the old scale be-
tween now and the end of the year.
SOPEG-CPB Opening
Contract Talks Today
Representatives of the Copyright
Protection Bureau and the Screen
Office and Professional Employes
Guild, UOPWA-CIO, will confer on
classifications today, following certi-
fication of the union last week in a
cross-check of union cards.
SOPEG is seeking a 30 per cent
wage increase for the 54 employes in-
volved. Edward A. Sargoy and
Joseph Stein will represent the com-
pany, while Otto Langer will head a
SOPEG negotiating committee con-
sisting of six employes.
New RCA Television
Console Is on Way
The Radio Corporation of America
will shortly introduce its first post-war
console television set. Many extensive
production changes designed to in-
crease output of all types of television
receivers have been completed.
An RCA official says that the re-
cent decision of the Federal Communi-
cations Commission denying Columbia
Broadcasting issuance of commercial
standards for color television is the
"go ahead" signal for black and white
producers.
Silver stein Is Named
Pictorial Ad Head
Adolph Silverstein, formerly with
20th Century-Fox, Paramount and
United Artists, has been appointed ad-
vertising-publicity director of Pictorial
Films, 16mm. film producing and dis-
tributing subsidiary of Pathe Indus-
tries, it was announced yesterday by
Lloyd Lind, vice-president of Pro-
ducers Releasing Corp. Pictorial has
the 16mm. rights to all PRC features.
Screenings Resumed
Philadelphia, March 26. — War-
ners' and Philadelphia's film critics
have reconciled since Warners decided
to resume screenings. Two months ago,
the circuit decided that critics could
not judge films fairly in a "cold"
screening room and therefore sus-
pended such showings.
'Lives' Louisville Date
Louisville, March 26.— "The Best
Years of Our Lives" will have its
Louisville premiere on Thursday,
April 3, at the Strand. The showing
will be on continuous performances
daily at increased prices; but with no
seats reserved.
Barron Rites Today
Atlanta, March 26. — Funeral ser-
vices for David Barron, 83, father of
Carter Barron, head of Loew's in
Washington, will be held at Clarks-
ville, Ga., tomorrow. Barron died at
his Clarksville home yesterday.
Gold Heads Jersey
Anti-Tax Combine
Trenton, March 26. — George Gold
of Newark has been elected director-
chairman of the Federation of New
Jersey Theatres, newly-created organ-
ization of theatre associations, circuits,
and all groups of exhibitors, set up
to combat sales tax legislation. Al-
ready singled out for a full-scale as-
sault is Assembly sales tax bill No.
27, which would authorize municipali-
ties to levy admission taxes.
Allied of New Jersey spearheaded
formation of the Federation, which is
backed by Atlantic Theatres, Fabian,
Loew's, Hunt Theatres, the ITOA,
Paramount, RKO, Reade Theatres,
Warners, and others, all having com-
bined to fight admission taxes in a
common cause.
Plans have been formulated for a
campaign to acquaint theatre patrons
and the general public with the need
for combatting sales tax legislation.
The screens of some 400 New Jersey
theatres, serving 4,000,000 persons,
will be one of the mediums used to
point up the campaign.
Cancer Show Marks
'Frisco Realignment
San Francisco, March 26. — The
local Paramount Theatre's transfer
from the management of Fox West
Coast to Paramount will be marked
tomorrow by a reserved-seat open-
ing of "My Favorite Brunette," with
all proceeds going to the "Damon
Runyon Cancer Fund." Veronica
Lake, Eddie Bracken, Olga San Juan,
William Demarest and Johnny Mer-
cer will attend.
The house is being taken over by
Paramount as part of the dissolution
of its pooling agreement with Fox
West Coast. The St. Francis, to be
taken over Sunday, will be modern-
ized and converted to a first-run the-
atre. The State, going under Para-
mount management at the same time,
will become a second-run house. All
three are under Jerry Zigmond, new-
ly-appointed Paramount manager here.
Bill Seeks Parity
For Women's Wages
Sacramento, March 26. — A bill
which would require employers in Cal-
ifornia to pay the same scale of wages
to women as to men, has been intro-
duced _ by Assemblymen Augustus
Hawkins and Glen Anderson, both of
Los Angeles. The bill stipulates
women shall receive equal pay with
men doing "the same or equal work
and having the same or equal qualifi-
cations."
Services Today for
Abel Vigor d, 49
Funeral services for Abel A. Vigard,
49, vice-president of Warner Thea-
tres, who died Tuesday at Adelphi
Hospital, Brooklyn, will be held here
this morning at Riverside Memorial
Chapel. Interment will be at Mount-
repose Cemetery, Kingston, N. Y.
Vigard,_ a brother-in-law of Joseph
Hazen, independent producer, had
been in Warner's legal department for
the past 18 years. He was a charter
member of Cinema Lodge, B'nai
B'rith. Surviving are his widow, Shir-
ley, and two brothers, Harry and
Joseph.
Cleveland, March 26. — Over 100
industry representatives in this area
were present at a testimonial dinner j
for Al Kolitz, local RKO manager
who has been promoted to Rocky
Mountain district manager, held here
this week at the Statler Hotel.
Among those present were : Sid
Kramer, RKO Radio assistant gen-
eral short subjects sales manager.: j
Len Gruenberg, district manaf-''01
whom Kolitz succeeds; Milton CoIft^'P"
district manager, and Bernard Kranze,
Judge Arthur Day, Martin G. Smith,
president of the Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio; Jim Beidler, Jack
Lykes, James Dempsey, Bert Schoon-
maker, all of Toledo ; and theatremen
Ray Wallace, Leo Jones, Chris Velas,
Leon Velas, Pete Ruffo, Paul Ellis
and Warren and Urban Anderson.
Seek Exemption for
Professional Women
Sacramento, March 26. ■ — A bill
exempting "executive, administrative
and professional" women from the
eight-hour limitation of the state labor
code, has been introduced by Assem-
blymen Harry Johnson of Porterville,
Ray Blosser, San Francisco, and J. G.
Crichton of Fresno. Another provision
is included in Assembly bill No. 964,
which exempts women engaged in
work which is predominantly intellec-
tual, managerial, or creative, and for
which the remuneration is not less
than $250 per month.
Seek Elimination
Of Liquor Scenes
Des Moines, March 26. — In a
campaign to eliminate drinking scenes
from films shown in Iowa, Rep. C. S.
Van Eaton has prepared a joint reso-
lution which he will offer to the
Iowa House Liquor Control Commit-
tee, of which he is a member. The
resolution asks for the deletion of
drinking scenes from current films.
Trailer Bill to Senate
Columbus, O., March 26. — A bill
to exempt screen trailers from state
censorship was passed 104 to three by
the House of Representatives of the
Ohio legislature and sent to the Sen-
ate. The bill provides that "coming
attractions" films must come from a
censored picture but exempts the trail-
ers from censorship fees. The bill
was sponsored by Rep. William E.
Fleckner, Oak Harbor.
Dinner For Rank
British producer J. Arthur Rank,
will be honored for his work with re-
ligious films at a luncheon on May 9 at
the Hotel Commodore, tendered by the '
World's Sunday School Association.
ATA, Allies on Bids
{Continued from page 1)
be heard on the same day by U. S.
Supreme Court Justice Stanley Reed,
the groups will charge, among other
things, that the New York court actu-
ally has given jurisdictional sanction
to a system of distributor selling
which otherwise would have been il-
legal. They will charge that if the
film companies agreed among them-
selves to sell on a competitive basis
the exhibitors would have had remedy
in law.
qA fine boxoffice motion picture
has been booked
into the Radio City Music Hall
o fitter recommenaatto
could be given to this
motion picture
J. ARTHUR RANK presents
MILLS and VALERIE HOBSON
9IT/OM
by Charles Dickens
with Bernard Mills • Francis L. Sullivan
and introducing
Anthony Wager . Jean Simmons
by DAVID LEAN • Produced by RONALD NEAME
we-Producer ANTHONY HAVELOCK- ALLAN
A CINEGUILD PRODUCTION
A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL RELEASE
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
Thursday, March 27, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
7
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood, March 26
"T IGHTS OUT," Baynard Ken-
1—* drick's novel, the central char-
acter of which is a blind war veteran,
will be Robert Montgomery's first pic-
fsxe. for Universal-International under
j new contract with that studio. He
,3 to star in the picture as well as di-
rect. . . . Bebe Daniels has joined
Eagle-Lion as a producer. . . . Albert
Dekker has been engaged for a stellar
role in "Complex," which , W. Lee
Wilder will produce and direct for
Republic.
•
To mark the 30th anniversary of
the screen debut of Edgar Rice Bur-
roughs' character, "Tarzan," Sol
Lesser will produce "Tarzan and the
Mermaids" to be the most lavish pro-
duction in this series to date. Cham-
pion swimmers will be imported from
all over the world to play the mer-
maids, and Johnny Weissmuller will
appear once more as "Tarzan," with
Brenda Joyce and Johnny Sheffield in
other key roles. The picture will be
released through RKO Radio next
year.
•
James Mason will be starred in
"The Life of King David," to be
produced by Alexander Korda. The
screenplay will be based in part on
Biblical material and in part on a
story owned by Korda. . . . "Loom
of Justice," novel by Ernst Lothar,
has been purchased by Universal-
International as a starring vehicle
for Edward G. Robinson. . . . Jack
Wrather, currently producing "High
Tide" for Monogram release, has
engaged Lee Tracy for a prominent
part in the picture.
•
"Devil Ship" will be the title of the
first of six pictures which Martin
Mooney is scheduled to produce for
Columbia. . . . Katharine Hepburn has
been assigned to the title role in
M-G-M's version of the J. P. Mar-
quand novel, "B. F.'s Daughter." . .
Republic plans a new series of West
erns starring Allan Lane, to replace
the "Red Ryder" group. The first
of these will be called "The Wild
Frontier."
•
Martha Stewart has been assigned
the lead opposite Dan Dailey in "Off
to Buffalo," which Lloyd Bacon will
direct and Walter Morosco will pro-
duce in Technicolor for 20th Cen-
tury-Fox. . . . Talbot Jennings has
been signed to a writer contract at
M-G-M, and is currently preparing the
screenplay for "The History of Rome
Hanks," in collaboration with Clem
ents Ripley. Sam Marx will pro
duce.
•
Alexis Smith has been chosen for
the lead opposite Dane Clark in
"Whiplash," prizefight film now
shooting at Warners. . . . "Three
Blondes and a Redhead" is the title
of the fourth musical to be pro
duced by Sam Katzman for Colum-
bia release during 1946-47. . . . Bet-
ty Compson, remembered from the
silent days, has been engaged by
Sol Wurtzel for a top role in "Sec
ond Chance" his current produc-
tion for 20th Century-Fox.
•
Lew Landers will direct "Son of
Rusty," next in Columbia's series of
"Rusty" pictures about a boy and his
Dieber, 5 Others Win
Century Gross Drive
Jack Dieber, manager of the Ma-
rine Theatre, Brooklyn, and William
Appelgate, Century Theatres' Queens
district manager, yesterday emerged
as three-time and two-time winners,
respectively, in the circuit's annual
winter drive for increased grosses, it
was announced here by general theatre
manager J. R. Springer.
First-time winners this year are :
Robert Albino, manager of the
Nostrand, Brooklyn; Melvin Aron-
son, Bellerose, Long Island ; Aron-
son's assistant, Jerome Thyberg; Mc-
Kendrick Williams, Baldwin, Long
Island, and John Jackson, Jr., Fantasy
Theatre assistant manager. The win-
ners will leave May 21 for a four-day
vacation at Timberdoodle Lodge, Lake
Placid. Dieber will be presented with
a gold watch at an April 3 luncheon.
Arbitration
(Continued from page 1)
Le Sieur, Winikus
Promoted at UA
really not a stay at all but a
prayer for affirmative relief on
their behalf," the government
says in its document, copies of
which were made available to
the defendants here.
"The court below," it adds, "had no
jurisdictional basis for the adoption
of the arbitration system other than
the consent of the parties. A stay of
this provision liquidating the consent
decree of 1940 is thus utterly incon-
sistent with enforcement of the court's
judgment of Dec. 31, 1946. Although
the major defendants describe the pur-
pose of this stay as merely to permit
continued arbitration of clearance dis-
putes, the stay could not be so limited
without rewriting the judgment."
Holding that the new clearance pro-
visions are in conflict with those of
the consent decree, in that they en-
vision "a completely fluid system of
distribution in which clearances may
vary with each feature licensed," the
Department states that "the sugges-
tion that the arbitrators would 'ob-
viously follow the principles laid down
by the opinion' (of 1946) might be
true if they were given that power"
but that they would have authority
to arbitrate such disputes only in ac-
cordance with the consent decree.
As for Columbia's, Universal's and
United Artists' applications for stays
of competitive bidding pending Su-
preme Court action on their appeals,
the government says : "There is no
doubt that compliance means a sub-
stantial economic burden. However,
the cost of introducing competitive
methods of distribution into an in-
dustry characterized by the_ long-es-
tablished monopolistic practice found
in this case would necessarily be high
under any procedure decreed." Point-
ing out that the New York court
already has allowed a three-month
stay, the Department adds : "This
(Supreme) court would be warranted
in further staying the effective date
only upon a prima facie showing that
the defendants are likely to succeed
dog. Wallace MacDonald will pro-
duce. . . . Myrna Dell has been selected
for the lead in "Fighting Father
Dunne," RKO Radio fillm in which
Pat O'Brien is starred. . . . Mexican
director Roberto Gavaldon has been
signed by Eagle-Lion to direct the
English-language color film, "Captain
Casanova," which Leonard Picker
will produce in Mexico City.
Howard LeSieur Francis Winikus
(Continued from page 1)
ducers into the United Artists fold, it
was explained. Both appointments are
effective immediately.
LeSieur is a veteran of the motion
picture business and has been pro-
moted successively to higher posts in
United Artists since joining the com-
pany as production manager in 1933.
He became sales promotion manager
several years later and was appointed
advertising manager in 1944.
Winikus joined United Artists in
Dec, 1945, after serving three years
with the Navy as commander of a
sub-chaser in the South Pacific. Be-
fore entering service, Winikus was a
member of Warner Brothers' advertis-
ing department.
in overthrowing the findings of the
trial court."
Admitting that the government has
attacked the present bidding provi-
sions as "impossible of effective en-
forcement," the U. S. document
argues, however, that "the establish-
ment of the competitive criteria out-
lined (by the New York court) as
the proper basis for the selection of
exhibition outlets appears to be an es-
sential step in any correction of the il-
legal practices in which the defendants
were found to be engaged." Declaring
that enforcement will be possible if
theatre divorcement and flat-rental
bids are granted eventually by the high
tribunal, the brief contends that these
alleged shortcomings of the present
system "hurt the government rather
than the defendants."
With regard to the applicants' plea
that they are at a competitive disad-
vantages because non-defendant dis-
tributors are free from the bidding
restriction, the Department says : "Im-
plicit in any Sherman Act conviction
is the imposition on the convicted de-
fendants of decretal restrictions which
do not apply to others." And with
regard to the plea that theatre own-
ership places Paramount, Loew's,
RKO, 20th Century-Fox and War-
ner's at an advantage, the brief states
that the correction of this "lies proper-
ly in an early determination" of the
divorcement issue "rather than in ex-
cusing the minor defendants from the
consequences of their misconduct."
The non-theatre-owning defendants'
requests for stays of numerous other
portions of the decree are opposed by
the government on the grounds that
these provisions are of the same gen-
eral character as injunctions contained
in the Schine and Crescent judgments,
from which no stays were sought or
obtained, except as to the divestiture
provisions.
Delinquency Under
NAB Radio Attack
Washington, March 26. — Justin
Miller, president of the National As-
sociation of Broadcasters, has dis-
closed intentions to help combat juve-
nile delinquency through NAB's 1,000
member radio stations and networks.
The association's new program depart-
ment will send scripts and program
material to stations which in turn will
bring the crusade to a community
level.
Reopen MGM House
M-G-M's Forum Theatre has been
reopened in Liege, Belgium, it was
announced here yesterday.
Jackson to PCA
(Continued from page 1)
the MPA said, is part of a plan to in-
crease and strengthen operations of
the PCA, as discussed by Breen and
Eric Johnston, president of the MPA,
in Hollywood a week ago. The new
PCA post is one of two to be created,
the second appointment to be an-
nounced shortly.
The addition of new personnel to
the PCA is necessitated, the MPA
said, because of increased pressure on
its facilities not only because of the
increased number of domestic and for-
eign productions which must be ex-
amined but also by the recent organ-
ization of the International Informa-
tion Center. Functioning under the
PCA, this unit will advise producers
on the acceptability of pictures or se-
quences for the foreign market, in an
entirely advisory capacity.
Addison Durland, Latin American
adviser with the Code Administration
since 1941, will be a member of the
new board, as will Harold L. Smith,
until recently MPA representative in
Europe.
Judge Jackson is a graduate of Holy
Cross and Harvard Law School and
served on the New York Domestic
Relations Court. He is an expert in
the study of juvenile delinquency.
Partnership
(Continued from page 1)
per cent interest, with the re-
maining 86 per cent split
equally between Paramount and
Loew's.
Under terms of the final decree in
the industry New York anti-trust
suit, co-defendants may not hold any
theatre interests jointly and their
joint holding with an independent in
any theatre cither must exceed 95 per
cent or not exceed five per cent. The
court has granted the companies until
Jan. 1, 1949 to comply with the di-
vestiture order, but reports on their
progress in that direction are due not
later than July 1 of this year, and in
acquiring new interests through dis-
solving partnerships, the companies
must show to the satisfaction of the
Federal Court that such acquisitions
will not unduly restrain competition.
In tackling the Buffalo situation.
Paramount and Loew attorneys are
understood to have been undecided at
first whether it should be regarded as
a partnership or a pool but to have
agreed later that it is a partnership.
Proper interpretation of this point is
seen as vital right now inasmuch as
the New York court decree calls for
the dissolution of pools with inde-
pendents by July 1 and of those be-
tween defendants by next Tuesday.
8
Motion Picture Daily
Thursday, March 27, 1947
'"s'tars who know
(ENTERTAIN MEN* BEST SAY:
|T HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE ,
,s THE PICTURE TO SEEJ^
I gay*
2f all time." '
DON
ANN
HARDING
RUGGLES
DeF°%0Rr'- STORM
V1CT°R ^T>et^
ON
CANARD BROPHV
GRANT WlTCHta-^^otuRUTH
KS?S ^0,vrbv HERBERT aWE R
Music and LV"«
Brooklyn Theatre
(Continued from page 1)
and 20th Century-Fox product. He
added that he has informed the re-
spective exchanges of his decision
which was made after what he termed
"unrealistic bidding" by the competi-
tive Lido and Paras Court theatres.
At one time an exhibitor of first
runs on Court Street for 20th-Fox,
RKO, Paramount and Republic prod-
uct, the Gloria has lost out to Paras
Court on RKO's "Sinbad the Sailor"
and to the Lido on 20th-Fox's "13
Rue Madeleine." Although he succeed-
ed in regaining first run on 20th-Fox's
"Margie," Mirasola said he lost mon-
ey on the run because of his bid for
a guarantee against percentage. Paras
Court books through the Island Thea-
tre Circuit.
Averring that his theatre will out-
gross his competitors on any picture,
Mirasola said that he was contemplat-
ing turning his house over to re-issues
or, possibly, three features, at least
until "a semblance of sanity" is re-
stored in the situation.
Columbia product is also being auc-
tioned in the Brooklyn situation which
is the first reported bidding situation
in the New York City area. Bidding
for 20th-Fox product began last De-
cember, upon the initiative of the
company, even before the decree was
handed down by the New York Fed-
eral Court on Dec. 31.
Astor Quits
(Continued from page 1)
Astor subscribed to the title service
in August, 1946, it had registered only
nine titles and only one was protested,
this "The Road to Hollywood," rights
to which are held by Paramount. She
said the bureau has 45,000 titles on
file but made it clear priorities on
these expire in 12 months. A pro-
ducer on the "reserve list" for any
title would get right to that title if
actual production is not begun by the
company holding the title six months
after expiration.
She said that both Eagle-Lion and
Astor could have availed themselves
of arbitration of any dispute. Robert
Savini, president of Astor, charged
yesterday that Paramount has what
he terms a "Road-block," that is, first
right to "The Road to" type of title.
He said that when his "Road to
Hollywood" title was objected to he
registered "The Road to Paramount"
for, in effect, purposes of his own
amusement. This was met with a
storm of protests, he said.
Asks 4Free Press'
(Continued from page 1)
Balaban
(Continued from page 1)
very survival," Balaban said. "The
Jewish people of America and their
Christian friends must carry the awful
responsibility of determining the fate
of more than a million."
The Philadelphia UJA campaign
was organized at tonight's meeting, at
which Jay Emanuel presided. Ted
Schlanger was named co-chairman for
Warner Brothers Theatres; A. M.
Ellis was named co-chairman for In-
dependent ; and Sam Gross, 20th Cen-
tury-Fox branch manager, was named
co-chairman for distribution.
Also present were: William Gold-
man, Ben Fertel, Lou Novins, Sam
Shain. Lewen Pizor, Morris Wax,
Leo Pozzel, Lou and Abe Fablosky,
Melvin Fox, Lester Krieger, Sam
Daroff, Fred Mann and Kurt Peiser.
Other members of the commission
are : Zechariah Chafee, Jr., Harvard
University; John M. Clark, Colum-
bia University; John Dickinson, Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania ; William E.
Hocking, Harvard ; Harold D. Lass-
well, Yale University ; Archibald
MacLeish ; Charles E. Merriam, Uni-
versity of Chicago ; Reinhold Nie^
buhr, Union Theological Seminar'
Robert Redfield, University of Cfr
cago; Beardsley Ruml, Federal Re-
serve Bank of New York ; and Arthur
M. Schlesinger, Harvard.
No representatives of motion pic-
tures, the press or radio are listed.
Films a Minor Phase
The motion picture comprises a
minor phase of the report and reflects
the findings of Ruth Inglis, a mem-
ber of the commission staff, whose re-
port "Freedom of the Movies" was
published recently.
The report makes passing refer-
ences to "monopoly" and "concentra-
tion" in the motion picture industry
and, under the heading "The Pressure
of the Audience," it asserts that "pres-
sure groups, because they have or are
thought to have influence on attend-
ance, have shaped the motion picture
to their desires. Hollywood's efforts
to develop the documentary film may
be thwarted by its habit of yielding
to this kind of intimidation."
Self-regulation in motion pictures
receives more attention in the report
than any other single industry sub-
ject. Referring to the Production
Code the report says : "This self-reg-
ulating agency has limited purposes.
It calculates the minimal prohibitions
necessary to permit films to circulate
without censorship and without boy-
cott. The results indicate that the
calculation is fairly exact." And : "It
put a stop to the salacious and crudely
sensational pictures which had been
the target of consumers' boycotts and
gave the industry for the first time
some public standing.''
State Boards Would Stay
Of its recommendation that free
press guarantees be extended to films,
the report says : "This would not abol-
ish state boards of review ; it would
require them to operate within the
First Amendment as interpreted by
the Supreme Court."
Its second recommendation is that
the "government facilitate new ven-
tures in the communications industry,
that it foster the introduction of new
techniques, that it maintain competi-
tion among large units through the
anti-trust laws, but that those laws be
sparingly used to break up such units,
and that, where concentration is nec-
essary in communications, the govern-
ment endeavor to see to it that the
public gets the benefit of such con-
centration."
Goodenough to Kay
Memphis, March 26. — John D.
Goodenough has been named branch
manager of Kay Film Exchange here.
^ REEVES
SOUND STUDIOS, INC.
1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686
Complete Film and
Disc Recording Facilities
Thursday, March 27,- 1947
Motion Picture Daily
9
The
leading
B~-" :v M -r " i"'.' ■ ■V-"'.*
theatres
in the
leading
• . •
cities
are
going
to
Estimates of Key City Grosses
FOLLOWING are estimated pic-
ture grosses, exclusive of Federal
tax, for current engagements in key
cities as reported by Motion Picture
Daily correspondents.
CHICAGO
• ^^pring rains and blizzards, combined
with an unpublicized "flu" epidemic,
sent some grosses below recent_ levels.
However, good business was in evi-
dence generally. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 26-27 :
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.) — APOLLO
(1,200) (95c) 13th week. Gross: $17,000.
(Average: $12,000)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)-
CHICAGO (3,900) (95c) 2nd week of film,
1st week of new stage show. On stage:
King Cole Trio. Gross: $58,000. (Average:
$62,000)
13 RUE MADELEINE (20th- Fox) — GAR-
RICK (1,000) (95c). Gross: $18,000. (Aver-
age: $13,000)
SMASH-UP (UI)— GRAND (1,150) (95c).
Gross: $27,000. (Average: $18,000)
THE RED HOUSE (UA)— ORIENTAL
(3,200) (95c). On stage: Jan August and
Jerry Lester. Adults only. Gross: $60,000.
(Average: $48,000)
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS OF BEL AMI
(UA) and BEAT THE BAND (RKO Ra-
dio)— PALACE (2,500) (65c-95c). Gross:
$20,000. (Average: $24,000)
DANIEL BOONE (RKO Radio reissue)
and WINDJAMMER (RKO' Radio reissue)
— RIALTO (1,687) (65c-95c). Gross: $10,000.
(Average: $11,000)
PURSUED (WB) — ROOSEVELT (1,000)
(95c) 2nd week. Gross-: $20,000. (Average:
$20,000)
THE YEARLING (M-G-M)— STATE-
LAKE (2,700) (95c) 5th week. Gross: $30,-
000. (Average: $30,000)
THE SECRET HEART (M-G-M)-UNIT-
ED ARTISTS (1,700) (95c). Gross: $30,000.
(Average: $27,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — WOODS (1,200) (Advanced
prices: 95c-$1.20-$1.40-$1.80) 14th week.
Gross: $37,000. (Average, at 95c: $20,000)
SAN FRANCISCO
A spell of fine weather, combined
with a lengthy list of holdovers, has
kept grosses low. Estimated receipts
for the week ending March 26-28 :
SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE (U-I) and
SUSIE STEPS OUT (UA)— ORPHEUM
(2,440) (55c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$13,500. (Average: $14,000)
BOOMERANG (2ttth-Fox) and ALIAS
MR. TWILIGHT (Col.)— FOX (4,651) (60c-
85c). Gross: $24,000. (Average: $32,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) — GOLDEN
GATE (2,825) (65c-$1.0O). With vaude-
ville. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $32,000)
SMASH-UP (U-I) and ACCOMPLPICE
(PRC)-ESQUIRE (1,008) (55c-85c) 4th
week. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $6,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio)— UNITED* NATIO'NS (1.129)
(Advanced prices: $1.25-$1.50) 2nd week.
Gross: $25,000. (Average: at 60c-85c:
$6,000)
SMASH-UP (U-I) and ACCOMPLICE
(PRC)— TIVOLI (1,008) (55c-85c) 4th week.
Gross: $4,000. (Average: $10,000)
THE FABULOUS DORSEYS (UA) and
THE PHANTOM THIEF (Col.)— UNITED
ARTISTS (1,465) (85c). Gross: $11,500.
(Average: $14,000)
LADY IN THE LAKE (M-G-M) and
MYSTERIOUS MR. VALENTINE (Rep.)
— WARFIELD (2,672) (60c-85c) 2nd week.
Gross: $23,000. (Average: $27,000)
DENVER
"The Best Years of Our Lives" ran
strong in its second week at the Alad-
din and is staying. "The Jolson
Story" gave the Rialto a record week
and stays. Estimated receipts for the
week ending March 26-27 :
BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (RKO
Radio) — ALADDIN (1,400) (Advanced
prices: 90c-$1.80) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$15,000. (Average, at 35c-74c: $4,000)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M) and CARAVAN TRAIL (PRC)
—BROADWAY (1,500) (35c-74c) 4 days,
4th week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $7,500)
CALIFORNIA (Para.)— DEN HAM (1,750)
(3Sc-70c) 7 days, 4tn week. Gross: $8,000.
(Average: $11,000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and SUSIE
STEPS OUT (UA)— DENVER (2,525) (35c-
74c) 7 days-, day and date with Esquire,
Webber. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $15,-
000)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and SUSIE
STEPS OUT (UA) — ESQUIRE (742) (35c-
74c) 7 days, day and date with Denver,
Webber. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) and BEAT
THE BAND (RKO Radio)— ORPHEUM
(2,600) (35c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000.
(Average: $15,500)
THE RETURN OF MONTE CRISTO
(Col.) and BLONDIE'S BIG MOMENT
(Col.)— PARAMOUNT (2,200) (3Sc-74c) 7
days. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $8,000)
THE JOLSON STORY (Col.)— RIALTO
(878) (35c-74c) 7 days, after two weeks each
at Denver, Esquire, Webber. Gross: $7,-
500. (Average: $3,000)
DEAD RECONING (Col.) and SUSIE
STEPS OUT (UA) — WEBBER (750) (35c-
74c) 7 days, day and date with Denver,
Esquire. Gross: $3,000. (Average: $2,030)
OMAHA
Warmest weather of the year
reached here, but grosses were lower
than usual. Estimated receipts for
the week ending March 26-27 :
NORA PRENTISS (WB) and THE TRAP
(Mono.)— OMAHA (2,000) (50c-65c) 7 days,
2nd week, for "Nora Prentiss," on move-
over from Paramount. Gross: $8,500. (Av-
erage: $8,500)
THE BACHELOR'S DAUGHTERS (UA)
—ORPHEUM (3,000) (55c-80c) 7 days. Al-
lan Jones and Carlos Molina on stage.
Gross: $16,100. (Average: $19,700)
THE DARK MIRROR (U-I)— PARA-
MOUNT (2,900) (50c-65c) 7 days. Gross:
$10,100. (Average: $10,600)
DEAD RECKONING (Col.) and BLON-
DIE'S BIG MOMENT (Col.) — RKO
BRANDEIS (1,200) (50c-65c) 7 days, 2nd
week. Gross: $6,600. (Average: $6,600)
MINNEAPOLIS
"The Razor's Edge," "The Best
Years of Our Lives" and "Beat the
Band" are doing outstanding business.
Weather has been balmy. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March 27 :
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See Filmack's New PREVUE TRAILERS before signing your
next Prevue contract. Write, wire or call us for FREE SAMPLE
PREVUES of our New Service. FILMACK —1321 S. Wabash
Avenue, Chicago 5 Illinois.
SUDDENLY IT'S SPRING (Para.)— CEN-
TURY (1,500) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week,
on moveover from Radio City. Gross:
$5,800. (Average: $7,300)
TO1 EACH HIS OWN (Para.) — GOPHER
(1,000) (44c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $3,800.
(Average: $3,400)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — LYRIC (1,100)
(50c-70c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $4,700.
(Average: $5,600)
BEAT THE BAND (RKO Radio)— RKO
ORPHEUM (2,800) (50c-85c) 7 days. On
stage: Vaughn Monroe and orchestra.
Gross: $31,000. (Average: $14,500)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE (2Uth-Fox)— RADIO
CITY (4,000) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $26,-
500. (Average: $18,000)
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
(RKO Radio) — RKO PAN (1,500) (Ad-
vanced prices: 90c-$1.5O) 7 days, 2nd week.
Gross: $26,000. (Average, at 50c-70c: $8,-
500)
LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY
(M-G-M)— STATE (2,300) (50c-70c) 7 days.
Gross: $11,000. (Average: $13,000)
KANSAS CITY
A snowstorm part of the week and
the spring-like days that followed it
were both harmful to attendance.
Estimated receipts for the week end-
ing March 25-27 :
SWELL GUY (U-I)-ESQUIRE (800)
(45c-65c). Gross: $3,600. (Average: $8,000)
SWELL GUY (U-I)— FAIRWAY (700)
(45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $900. (Average:
$1,750)
THE RED HOUSE (UA) and THE
TrilRTEENTH HOUR (Col.)— MIDLAND
(3,500) (45c-65c). Gross: $16,000. (Average:
$15X00)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)-
NEWMAN (1,900) (45c-65c) 2nd week.
Gross: $12,000. (Average: $11,000)
THE LOCKET (RKO Radio) and BEAT
THE BAND (RKO' Radio)— ORPHEUM
(1,900) (45c-65c). Gross: $10,000. (Aver-
age: $10,000)
APACriE ROSE (Rep.) and OVER THE
SANTA FE TRAIL (Col.)— TOWER (2,-
100) (4Sc-6Sc). Stage show. Gross: $9,000.
(Average: $9,000)
SWELL GUY (U-I)— UPTOWN (2,000)
(45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $3,000. (Average:
$6,000)
CLEVELAND
Westerns took first place here, with
"California" and "Kit Carson" both
exceeding house averages. Estimated
receipts for the week ending March
26-27 :
KIT CARSON (PRC reissue)— LOEWS
OHIO (1,268) (5Sc-70c) 7 days. Gross: $8,-
C00. (Average: $7,000)
CALIFORNIA (Para.) — LOEWS STATE
(3,300) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $25,000.
(Average: $23,800)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (Para.)-
LOEW'S STILLMAN (1,900) (50c-70c) 7
days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average:
$11,000)
BOOMERANG (Z0th-Fox)— RKO ALLEN
(3,C0J) (5Sc-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross:
$9,500. (Average: $12,000)
WAKE UP AND DREAM (20th-Fox)-
RKO PALACE (3,300) (60c-85c-95c). Stage:
Lionel Hampton Band. Gross: $30,000.
(Average: $30,000)
Bidding" Appeal
(Continued from page 1)
do so pending the determination of
the various appeals. They anticipate
difficulties, however, and feel thai
during the initial stages they should
not be subject to contempt proceed-
ings. In any event, they feel that if
the stays are granted to the presenl
applicants, who are strong and ah
gressive competitors in the distribu-
tion field, the stay should not operate
as to the applicants alone."
Loew's, RKO, 20th Century-Fox
and Warners are not in a position to
seek or obtain bidding stays, inasmuch
as thev did not assign that portion of
the decree as an error, legal observers
here point out.
Released thru
FILMACK gives QUICKEST SERVICE on SPECIAL TRAILERS
The power and the glory of
iway's greatest man-and-woman story!
Benedict Bogeaus
presents
GREGORY PECK-JOAN BENNETT
^ Ernest Hemingway's
"THE MACOMESER AFFAIR" *
also starring
ROBERT PRESTON
with Reginald Denny • Jean Gillie • Directed by ZOLTAN KORDA
Produced by Benedict Bogeaus and Casey Robinson
Screenplay by Casey Robinson and Seymour Bennett
Adaptation by Seymour Bennett and Frank Arnold
Released thru UA
L
FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
PICTURE
J
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
61. NO. 61
NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1947
TEN CENTS
Names . . .
in Today's iVeirs
Robert S. Golden
ROBERT S. GOLDEN, son of E'd-
ward A. Golden, has formed
Golden Productions. The younger
Golden is executive producer and
president. Other
officers are :
Larry Witten,
vice-pres-
ident ; S. H.
Lewis, treasur-
er ; Ann Hark-
aby, secretary.
Edward Golden
is chairman of
the board and
also will be in
charge of sales,
with offices in
Hollywood and
New York.
The company
will produce
one picture a year for United Artists
release, with work on the first of three
scheduled, "Texas, Heaven and Brook-
lyn," to commence in July at General
Service Studio on the Coast. All pic-
tures will be budgeted at more than
$1,000,000 each. The initial produc-
tion, the Golden office reported here
yesterday, will have four stars, one
of whom will be Beatrice Lillie. The
screenplay has been written by Lewis
Meltzer, from Barry Benefield's book,
"Eddie and the Archangel Mike."
Norman Manning to Assist
Skouras on Variety Meet
Los Angeles, March 27— Norman
Manning has been engaged by Variety
Clubs, International, as assistant to
executive chairman Charles P. Skour-
as in planning and supervising over-
all activities connected with the 11th
annual convention of Variety Clubs,
to be held here May 14-17.
Further plans were outlined at a
meeting of the convention executive
committee, presided over by Skouras.
The transportation committee, headed
by W. H. Lollier, plans to transport
delegates from key cities by special
trains. George Bowser, chairman of
the "Humanitarian Award" commit-
tee, announced that newspaper edi-
tors are now being polled to determine
the person who contributed the most
to humanity during 1946. The winner
will be announced by May 1.
Dean Hyskell has been named edi-
tor of the Convention Journal.
Spotlight on
Suit Shifts
To Washington
Spotlight on the industry anti-
trust suit, after nine years of liti-
gation in the New York Federal
District Court, will turn to Wash-
ington this afternoon, when U. S. Su-
preme Court Justice Stanley Reed will
listen to arguments on five petitions
to postpone competitive bidding, pre-
serve the arbitration system and pre-
vent various injunctions from going
into effect next Tuesday.
Attorneys for the theatre-owning
defendants will press for a stay of
that portion of the New York Federal
Court's decree which would dissolve
21 of the 31 arbitration tribunals next
week — and the others as soon as their
pending cases are liquidated.
The proposal to keep the boards in
existence, ruling on clearance disputes
only, prior to the outcome of appeals
in the case, will be argued by Whitney
North Seymour for Paramount; John
(Continued on page 6)
Arbitration Ruling
May Set Precedent
The American Arbitration
Association is awaiting a
precendenta] ruling from Su-
preme Court Justice Stanley
Reed, who will hear argu-
ments in Washington today
on pleas for continuance of
the industry tribunals. The
Department of Justice op-
poses the plan on the grounds
that the arbitrators would
have to base their future de-
cisions on the 1940 consent
decree, which has been super-
seded by "conflicting" injunc-
tions in the New York Fed-
eral District Court's decree
of last Dec. 31.
The AAA system set up for
the film industry is the only
one it has had as the out-
growth of a consent decree, a
spokesman for the associa-
tion said here yesterday.
Theatres Urge
Producers Pay
Ascap: Paine
Society's Gross Up to
$9 Million, Says Taylor
Maas to Berlin for
AMG Film Talks
Nizer Heads VIA Sneakers'
Bureau for 1947 Drive
Louis Nizer, industry attorney.^ has
been named chairman of the national
speakers' bureau of the United Jewish
Appeal 1947 campaign for $170,000,-
(Continued on page 6)
Irving Maas, Motion Picture Ex-
port Association vice-president and
general manager, will fly to Berlin
on Sunday to confer with American
Military Government officials on new
developments regarding the release
(Continued on page 7)
U-I and GFD
In First Meet
London, March 27— First territori-
al sales conference to be held by Gen-
eral Film Distributors and Universal-
International Pictures since the
merger of the Eagle-Lion group with
GFD, was held here this week at the
Dorchester Hotel, with E. T. Carr,
co-managing director of GFD, pre-
siding.
Keynoter of the meeting was Joseph
(Continued on page 6)
EK Cites Advances In
Color, Video Processing
Rochester, N. Y.. March 27.—
Eastman Kodak Co., terming progress
in color the top photographic develop-
ment of the past year, reports that the
output of most of the firm's products
hit new peacetime peaks in 1946 and
would continue to rise during 1947.
In addition to major projects in
color, industrial photography, and the
graphic arts, the company added, its
research program embraces methods
of extremely rapid film processing,
which "are being studied in relation
to commercial needs, especially those
arising in the television field."
Explaining that its postwar recon-
version was virtually completed in
1946, the company called attention to
unprecedented production levels for a
non-war year in sensitized goods,
photographic equipment, and optical
products.
In a summary of company activities
outside the United States, the report
said that plants at Harrow, England:
Toronto, Canada, and Vincennes,
France, "operated at high levels." The
plant in Stuttgart, Germany, "con-
tinued it-, operations, begun in 1945,
under jurisdiction of the American
Military Government." "Prewar opcr
ations of the company in Manila,
Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore
have been resumed," the report con-
tinued, "and plans have been made for
the reopening of the establishment in
Batavia, Java, during 1947 "
That the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers
should draw its motion picture-
music performing rights revenue
from the film producers and not ex-
hibitors, has been put to Ascap in
"suggestion" form by some theatre-
men, John G. Paine, general manager,
told the organization's annual meeting
at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel here yes-
terday.
He said that action on this
as well as the contemplated
complete revision of film indus-
try tax rates is now under
study. As previously reported,
the performing right society
will consult theatre representa-
tives in an effort to draw up an
equitable formula for new
rates.
Lester Santley, chairman of the
executive committee, also touched on
(Continued on page 6)
Reds Defeated on
Coast: Johnston
Washington, March 27. — Commun-
ists' attempts to capture Hollywood
have ended in overwhelming defeat,
Eric Johnston, Motion Picture Asso-
ciation president, told the House Com-
mittee on Un-American Activities
here today in answer to comments
made before the group yesterday by
(Continued on page 6)
Stars Are Mobbed at
'Other Love' Debul
London, March 27. — A milling
crowd of 10,000 about the Empire
Theatre here, at the premiere of En
terprise's "The Other Love" tonight,
presented a scene that rivalled that at
the command performance of "Stair-
(Continucd on pane 7)
In This Issue
"The Other Love" ie
viewed on page 7.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 28, 1947
Asides and
Interludes
By JAMES CUNNINGHAM
THE screen joins with radio in
delivering to the listening public
the zaniest of the zany freaks of the
air, all in behalf of Universal's "Egg
and I."
For four weeks running, Columbia
Broadcasting's "County Fair" airshow
has been featuring a pitching stunt,
with contestants from the audience
dressed in full baseball catcher's re-
galia. Instead of a catcher's mitt,
however, they are given a frying pan,
and, poised on the stage of the CBS
Playhouse in New York they are sup
posed to catch an egg in the pan, as
thrown from a pitcher in the balcony.
Not an egg has been caught so far.
That's a yolk, son !
V
Belatedly, Eastman Kodak now
discloses the wartime development
of a camera the size of a matchbox,
which hid in the palm of one's hand,
for use behind the lines by Allied
OSS and underground agents. It
took pictures half an inch square,
which were enlarged later many
times their original size. A "vest-
pocket darkroom" went with the
midget camera, containing chemicals
in pill form, with a jigger-glass for
mixing (the chemicals).
V
Percy Furber's Trans Lux Thea-
tres, USA, will on Thursday, next
open a new Trans Luxer in Mexico
City, where, besides the greatest prom
ised theatre luxury in Mexico, the
management will give, free, to patrons,
liberal portions of soft drinks, coffee,
tea. chocolate, ice cream, cake and
pastry.
V
George Bernard Shaw, in London,
is open to all offers from motion
picture producers, either Hollywood
or British, for the screen rights to
his newest play. He calls it
"Piffle."
Piffle.
V
Walter Damrosch, 85, is portrayed
in U. A.'s "Carnegie Hall" by radio
and stage actor Harald Dyrenfurth, 30.
V
Dr. Cledo Brunetti, an electrical
engineer at the National Bureau of
Standards in Washington, has de-
veloped what is described as the
world's smallest broadcasting sta-
tion, complete with a tube and cir-
cuit, which will fit into an empty
lipstick container.
A complete radio receiver on a
plastic card the size of a calling
card will make its debut next month
to complete the vest-pocket trans-
mitting and receiving unit.
Mexico City's radio station XEFO
proudly displays itself as "The Voice
of the Party of Revolutionary Insti-
tutions." Taking the management at
its word, the staff recently walked off
the job, stayed out 10 days, demanded,
a 60 per cent wage increase — and re-
cevied it!
Personal Mention
HERBERT J. YATES, Republic
president, will leave Hollywood
for New York this weekend.
•
John Kohler, formerly assistant
manager of Reade' s Majestic, Perth
Amboy, N. J., has been promoted to
manager of the Paramount, Plainfield,
N. J., from which manager Sabie
Contie will move to the Oxford,
there, as manager. Frank Gieger.
former Oxford manager, has resigned
that post.
•
Jack P. Harris, head of Reade
Theatres booking department, and
Mrs. Harris, will leave New York
for a Miami vacation today. Walter
Reade, Jr., and Mrs. Reade, will re-
turn here Tuesday from a vacation on
the Coast.
•
Charles Reed Jones, who is han-
dling special exploitation for "New
Orleans" on behalf of producer Jules
Levey, will leave here tomorrow for
New Orleans in connection with the
film's opening there April 26.
•
Beatrice Regina Springer, daugh-
ter of Joseph R. Springer, general
theatre manager of Century Circuit,
will be married on Sunday to Ber-
nard J. Cohen, at the Belmont Plaza
Hotel, here.
•
Joe Mack, production head of Film-
ack Trailer Co., Chicago, became
a father this week, making sales man-
ager Irving Mack a grandaddy for
the second time within a few weeks.
•
Norman Ayers, Southern division
sales manager for Warners, is due
here today from Philadelphia and
Washington.
•
J. Maxwell Joice, Paramount's
special representative in Cleveland
has returned there from New York.
•
Hal Wallis will leave Hollywood
over the weekend for New York and
will sail for England on April 9
•
Mary Pickford,.w1io was expected
here this week, now is scheduled to
arrive from the Coast on April 7.
•
Arnold Grant. United Artists
board member, will leave here today
for a short Bermuda vacation.
•
Harold Rodner, executive of War-
ner Brothers Service Corp., has left
New York for the Coast.
•
Samuel Hacker, head of Film Au-
dit Service, is en route to the Coast
from New York.
Sidney Buchman, Columbia pro-
ducer, will leave New York for Ha-
vana today.
•
Bernard Giannini of the Bank of
America is in New York from Los
Angeles.
•
Dick Powell is in New York from
the Coast.
Gregory Ratoff is due to arrive
here today by plane from the Coast.
D EN KALMENSON, Warner
■L* Brothers vice-president and gen-
eral sales manager, left here by plane
last night for the Coast. Roy Haines,
Western division sales manager, is en
route to Denver from New York.
•
Joel Bezahler, home office assist-
ant to M-G-M Mid-Western sales
manager John E. Flynn, and Irv-
ing Helfont, home office assistant to
West Coast district sales head George
A. Hickey, will resume field trips on
Monday.
•
E. O. Wilschke, Altec operations
supervisor, is confined to his home
here with injuries sustained recently
in an automobile accident in Philadel-
phia.
•
Joe Ingber, head booker and mana-
ger of Brandt Theatres, is expected
to return to his desk on Monday fol-
lowing an attack of the grippe.
•
Steve Broidy, president of Mono
gram and Allied Artists, and Edward
Morey, vice-president, are due here
today from Toronto.
•
Jason S. Joy, 20th Century-Fox
studio personnel director, is in Wash-
ington from the Coast en route to
New York.
•
Richard F. Walsh, IATSE inter-
national president, is due in New
York after a visit to Mexico City on
Monday.
•
C. S. Lundy, new Altec Detroit
district inspector, has established
headquarters in Lansing, Mich.
•
Fay Bainter and her husband,
Comdr. Reginald Venable, are in
New York from the Coast.
•
William C. Gehring, 20th-Fox
Central sales manager, is due here
from Florida on Monday.
•
Rube Jackter, Columbia assistant
general sales manager, left here yes-
terday for Florida on business.
•
William B. Jaffe, film attorney,
has returned to New York from Mon-
treal and Schenectady.
•
G. W. (Bill) Horan, Boston
branch manager for Warners, is in
New York.
•
Barbara Stanwyck is due here
from London on April 3.
•
Clarence Brown will leave here
for the Coast today.
Luncheon for Loy
Motion Picture Daily editorial
colleagues of Tom Loy will be his
hosts at luncheon this afternoon prior
to his leaving the publication to
assume public relations duties with the
IATSE at its headquarters, here, on
Monday. Loy will also assist in the
editing of the "LA's" publication, The
IATSE General Bulletin.
Tomorrow is Loy's birthday. •
MGM Film to Festival
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is entering
an English print of "The Yearling" in
the World Film Festival to be held
this year at Brussels from June 1 to
June 30. Entry of American films in
the festival has the endorsement of
the Motion Picture Association.
NEW YORK THEATRI
—RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL"
Rockefeller Center
RONALD COLMAN in
I'THE LATE GEORGE APLEY'l
Introducing PEGGY CUMMINS
A 20th Century- Fox Picture
THE MUSIC HALL'S
GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW
PALACE
Laraine DAY • Brian AHERNE
Robert MITCHUMGene RAYMOND
'THE LOCKET' A ^ur°
ON SCREEN
Hedy LAMARR
George SANDERS
Louis HAYWARD
'The STRANGE
WOMAN'
IN PERSON
The Famous BARON
MUNCHAUSEN
Jack_PEARL
GLIFF HALL
LOR ETTA YOUNG
JOSEPH COTTEN - ETHEL BARRYMORE
"THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER"
An RKO Radio Picture
A DORE SCHARY
Production
Doors Open 9:30 A.M.
B'way at 49th St.
RIV0LI
The Academy Award Picture!
Winner of Nine Academy Awards!
i THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
was?
BOB HOPE
WVISJORVJW
pete.io««s ^ TTVE.
DICK HAYMES
VERA ELLEN
CESAR ROMERO - CELESTE HOLM
CARNIVAL in COSTA RICA
A 20th Century-Fox Picture in Technicolor
— PLUS ON STAGE —
CONNEE BOSWELL - BUSTER SHAVER
PETERS SISTERS - Extra! JACKIE MILES
ROXY
7th Ave. &
50th St.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris. Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Motrin Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 28, 1947
S
Coming
Events
March 31 — Annual meeting of the
Motion Picture Association, New
York.
March 31 — Fox Midwest conven-
jon, Kansas City.
ZCpril 1 — Republic annual directors
meeting.
April 2-3 — Republic regional sales
meeting, New York Athletic
Club, New York.
April 8-9 — Republic regional sales
meeting, Hotel Blackstone, Chi-
cago.
j April 14-18 — Republic regional sales
meeting, Hollywood.
April 14-15 — Television executives
meeting, the Hotel Commodore,
New York.
April 20 — Theatre Equipment and
Supply Dealers meeting, Hotel
Drake, Chicago.
April 21-22— North Central Allied
convention, Minneapolis.
j April 21-25 — 61st semi-annual con-
vention of the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, Hotel Drake,
Chicago.
April 23 — Associated Motion Pic-
ture Advertisers luncheon-meet-
ing, Hotel Astor, New York.
Rank to Toronto
On Contract Suit
Toronto. March 27. — British indus-
try leader J. Arthur Rank is due here
in mid-May to enter discussions re-
volving around breach of contract
charges filed against him and his inter-
ests by Empire-Universal Films, Ltd.,
and United World Pictures of Can-
ada. The two companies have pro-
tested Rank's transfer of distribution
rights to Eagle-Lion Films of Canada,
Ltd.
Rank is expected to confer with
Paul L. Nathanson, former president
of Odeon Theatres in partnership with
Rank, who now heads the plaintiff
companies. Last year it was reported
that Rank bought out Nathanson's in-
terest in Odeon for $2,000,000.
Muni in Refugee Short
Paul Muni is featured as narrator
in "The Will to Live," new documen-
tary depicting the story of the recon-
struction of Europe's 1,500,000 Jewish
survivors through rehabilitation and
resettlement. The film was produced
by RKO-Pathe for the $170,000,000
campaign of the United Jewish Ap-
peal, headed by Henry Morgenthau,
Jr., as general chairman.
Hollywood, March 27.— "The Bow-
ery Boys in London" will be filmed in
London, Jan Grippo, producer of the
Monogram series, announces here. Leo
Gorcey, Huntz Hall and the other
Bowery Boys will be taken to Eng-
land for the shooting, tentatively set
for midsummer.
Boasberg Cited at
Exhibitor Luncheon
Theatre owners of the New York
area yesterday gave a testimonial
luncheon to Charles Boasberg at the
Hotel Astor here in recognition of
his promotion to RKO division man-
ager. Boasberg was presented with a
silver tray. Some 750 attended.
Harry Brandt was chairman, with
other speakers including Leon Bam-
berger, Ray Moon, Fred Schwartz,
Sam Rinzler, S. H. Fabian and Len
Gruenberg. Others on the dais were
Leo Brecher, Joseph Seider, Robert
Weitman, Leon Rosenblatt, Edward
Rugoff, Arthur Mayer, Leonard Gold-
enson, Malcolm Kingsberg, Robert
Wolff, Robert Boasberg, Sam Rosen,
Sol Schwartz, Oscar Doob, William
White, Phil Hodes, Frank Damas,
Edward Lachman and Julius Joelson.
New Marshall Grant
Company Sets Two
John Garfield will star in the screen
version of "Moonrise," novel by Theo-
dore Strauss, former New York news-
paperman, it was announced here yes-
terday by William D. Saltiel, chair-
man of the board of Marshall Grant
Pictures. This first production of the
recently-formed company will start on
May 15 with Charles F. Haas in
charge of production and William A.
Wellman directing.
Grant has a second picture in prepa-
ration, titled "The Loop."
Capital Variety Club
Will Honor Wheeler
Washington, March 27. — The
Washington Variety Club will sponsor
a testimonial dinner for Samuel N.
Wheeler, Film Classics' sales manager,
at the Mayflower Hotel here on Mon-
day evening. New York industry mem-
bers will fly here in a chartered plane
that afternoon. Among Film Classics'
home-office executives attending will
be: Jules Chapman, Eugene Arnstein,
Al Zimbalist, George Waldman, Syd-
ney Weiner and Thomas McCue.
Monogram Sets Italy
Tie-Up for 10 Films
Rome, March 21 (By Airmail). —
Although Republic and Producers Re-
leasing have not as yet established
representation in Italy, Monogram
currently has 10 features in release
here through G.D.B., a company which
owns dubbing studios and which for-
merly distributed Russian films.
G.D.B. also has five features for re-
lease here through another, unnamed,
company, and plans to release 15 to 20
additional features here this year.
Paramount Adds 3
To '46-'47 Lineup
Three additions to Paramount's
1946-1947 schedule were announced
here yesterday by Charles M. Reagan,
vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion.
The trio comprises "Blaze of Noon,"
released May 2 ; "Calcutta," May 30,
and "Welcome Stranger," June 13.
Feldman To Do 'Macbeth'
Hollywood, March 27. — Orson
Welles will be starred in "Macbeth,"
the second film to be made by Charles
K. Feldman Group Productions under
its deal with Republic. Welles will
also produce and direct the film.
AMPA Anniversary
Committees Named
The Associated Motion Picture Ad-
vertisers' committees for their 30th
anniversary celebration are now func-
tioning. The event takes place at the
Hotel Astor on April 23, and will hon-
or presidents of industry companies.
Rutgers Neilson is AMPA president.
Arrangements are in the hands of
a general committee of which Phil
Williams is chairman. Co-ordinators
are: David Bader, Blanche Living-
ston, Arnold Stoltz and Claude Lee.
Also on the committee are : William
Ferguson, David Weshner, Gordon
White, Si Seadler, Jack Kopstein,
Lynn Farnol, Jock Lawrence and
Neilson.
Other committees follow : Arrange-
ments : Charles Alicoate, chairman ;
Harry Mc Williams, Beatrice Ross;
souvenir journal: Herman Schleier,
chairman; David Bader, editor; and
Milton Silver, Vivian Moses, George
Frazer, Lharles Zenker, Jack Fuld,
Irving Shiffrin, George Gomperts,
Phil Wilcox, Hap Hadley, Stanley
Sherwin ; tickets : McWilliams, acting
chairman in absence of Chester Fried-
man, on the sick list ; George Harvey,
Abe Dash, Stoltz.
Also, publicity : Harry Blair, chair-
man; Sid Gross, Jerry Dale, John R.
Shays, Jr., George Held; radio: Will
Yolen, chairman; Marvin Kirsch;
advertising: Emerson Foote, chair-
man ; Glen Allvine ; reception : J ack
Goldstein, chairman; Evelyn Kole-
man, Hortense Schorr, Marguerite
Wayburn; photography: M. Leftoff.
Decorations are in charge of Hadley,
working with the art directors of each
company.
Release War Films
To Public Gratis
Army documentary films of World
War 11 are being made available to
the public in 16mm. and 35mm., Gen.
Courtney H. Hodges of the First
Army Area, announces here. In-
cluded among them are: "Prelude to
War," "The Battle of Britain," "War
Comes to America," "Seeds of Des-
tiny," "The Negro Soldier in World
War II," "Cotton at War" and
"Black Bullets."
The films may be obtained without
cost from the First Army Film
Library in New York.
CPA Halts Building
Of Ohio Drive-in
Mansfield, O., March 27. — The
Civilian Production Administration
has halted work on Harold Nuss-
baum's drive-in theatre, eight miles
from here, charging that it was begun
last Nov. 15 without authority. Con-
struction will not be allowed to con-
tinue until specific authorization is
granted.
Seeing-Eye Bill Vetoed
Albany, N. Y., March 27. — Gov.
Dewey has vetoed the Fino Bill which
would have made it a misdemeanor
for a theatre, hotel or restaurant to
discriminate against people accom-
panied by seeing-cye dogs. Dewey
lauded the measure's purpose, but said
that "unfortunately all problems that
would arise are not adequately cov-
ered."
Painters Say 'No'
To Walsh Meeting
Hollywood, March 27. — Progress
toward settlement of the studio strike
appeared further impeded today fol-
lowing a telegraphed reply sent by the
Studio Painters Local No. 1421 to a
wire from the Screen Actors Guild
stating the latter's position with re-
gard to the strike. SAG had proposed
a meeting between IATSE interna-
tional president Richard Walsh and
the Painters' international president
L. P. Lindelof, but the local's wire
said the SAG statement is "filled with
confusion, half truths and outright
lies," adding: "We again state that
local settlement is possible regardless
of opinions or ambitions of any inter-
national union presidents."
Philadelphia UJA
Division Is Set
Philadelphia, March 27. — A Mo-
tion Picture Division of the United
Jewish Appeal in Philadelphia, under
the leadership of Ted Schlanger, A.
M. Ellis and Sam Gross, today set
its local quota for the 1947 campaign
at $200,000. This represents an in-
crease of more than 100 per cent over
the amount raised last year. The local
campaign got under way at the Hotel
Warwick here last night at an organ-
izational meeting addressed by Barney
Balaban, national chairman of the
film division of the UJA.
At that meeting initial gifts were
announced totaling $49,000. Those
contributing this amount last year
gave $19,000.
Siritzkys Buy Boston
House, Their Fourth
Siritzky International, in line with
its plans to acquire a nationwide cir-
cuit, has purchased the 850-seat Old
South House in Boston, which will be
opened on April 5 as The Rex, Sam
Siritzky, vice-president, reported here
yesterday. The company owns three
other houses, the New York Ambassa-
dor, the Majestic, Brooklyn, and the
Guild, here. The Guild, on West 44th
St., is expected to open in a month.
Amusement Project
Site Is Changed
Chicago, March 27. — Elmer Bala-
ban, president of Harry and Elmer
Balaban Theatres, discloses here that
the site of the projected multi-million-
dollar "Amusement City" embracing
a complete shopping and amusement
center and to be known as "Drive-in
City" has been changed from North
Avenue and 25th Street in suburban
Melrose Park to Mannheim Road and
North Avenue on Chicago's outskirts.
To Replace Patterson
Washington, March 27. — Richard
C. Patterson will not return to Yugo-
slavia as American Ambassador, Pres-
ident Truman has disclosed at a news
conference here. A successor to Pat-
terson, one-time chairman of the RKO
board, will be appointed as soon as
possible, the President said.
Sperling Signs Nugent
Hollywood, March 27. — Elliott Nu-
gent has been signed by Milton Sper-
ling, head of United States Pictures,
to direct "Ever the Beginning." He
will report at the studio here on
April 20.
Monogram Unit to London
band to **
UN'S
mm
tun- mm
jUp'lm hsholt
°"cer Harry j0e Brovvn
—
Radio's Greatest Programs are on the Bandwagon for nlUX RADIO THEATRE • BOB HOI
rj theatres
;n the lanft-
JHEATRE
Roxy
Cfonese, Loyola, State
* Uptown
^ver fsq„(>e « ^
Fox ond Sfofe
Mif/er
Mf. Boxer
Fox
a"i Avenue
West Coos/
New York
l°s Ange/es, Col.
Fox
^o/iYorn/o
Fox
Wesf Coosf
Fox
%fcowk
Denver, Co/o.
Son Diego, Co/.
Wfo, Kan.
Be/Mom, lVosfc.
Spoxone, Vlfas/i.
Kansas City, Ad0.
Seofffe, IVosfc.
Lo«9 Beath, Co/.
Pnoen/x, Ariz.
Bofcersfie/d, Co/.
Wverside, Co/.
s°i>to 4no, Co/.
A&erdeen, IVosfc.
r"«on, Ariz.
fyefco, Kan.
.DAT*
Apri/ 16
April 4
Apri/ 15
Apr/7 8
April 17
April 16
April IS
April 17
April 9
April 4
April 13
April 9
April 6
April 13
April 1 1
April 13
April 18
FFY'S TAVERN • BING CROSBY • EDDIE CANTOR • VICTOR BORGE • BENNY
Motion Picture Daily
Friday, March 28, 1947
Yugoslav Monopoly
Slates Six for '47
By JOSEPH B. KANTUREK
Prague, March 21 (By Airmail). —
Six features and a number of shorts,
documentaries and newsreels will be
produced by the Yugoslav monopoly
during 1947. Plans also call for the
construction of studios near Belgrade
during the nation's "five-year plan."
Meanwhile, three producing and dis-
tributing companies have been formed
and are now operating, Triglav, in
Lublana, for Slovenia; Jadran, in
Zagreb, for Croatia, and Zvezda, in
Belgrade, for Serbia. The respective
Ministries of Education are in charge
of all motion picture affairs in these
regions.
MGM House in Chile
The President of Chile and' other
government officials have been invited
to attend the gala opening of M-G-M's
new Metro Theatre in Valparaiso,
this evening, it was announced here
by Morton A. Spring, first vice-presi-
dent of Loew's International Corp.
Ascap
(Continued from page 1)
the subject,reiterating Paine's previous-
ly published remarks that the present
rate structure was inaugurated in
the midst of the depression era, 1933,
and has yet to be altered. He said
that negotiations with theatres will be-
gin "at the proper time," but did not
elaborate on this further.
Ascap's gross income for the past
year came to $9,000,000, constituting
an increase of about $600,000 over the
previous year, Deems Taylor, presi-
dent, reported. Although this was
not discussed, administrative costs are
known to run about 20 per cent of the
gross. The non-profit organization
now has a membership of 2,151 writ-
ers and publishers, Taylor said.
A number of radio industry execu-
tives were guests at Ascap's annual
banquet, which was held last night
following the business meeting.
Flying is the way
to travel to —
CHICAGO
PITTSBURGH
LOS ANGELES
— and TWA is the
friendly way to fly.
See your travel agent or phone
LExington 2-7100
Save time with TWA AIRFREIGHT
H. Schenck in New Post
Albany, N. Y., March 27.— Tri-
State Automatic Candy Co. has named
Hubert Schenck Albany district man-
ager, to take the place of Joseph
Grand, who is severing his connection
with the company to devote his entire
time to the conduct of the Eagle, sub-
sequent-run house in this city. He
owns it. Schenck worked for Warners
Theatres in Utica, Syracuse and
Elmira.
Spotlight on Suit
(Continued from page 1)
W. Davis, Loew's ; Ralstone R. Irvine,
RKO ; John Caskey, 20th Century-
Fox, and Joseph Proskauer, Warner.
The scheduled start of competitive
bidding on July 1 will be opposed by
Louis Frohlich, for Columbia; Ed-
ward C. Raftery, United Artists, and
Thomas Turner Cooke, Universal,
with Paramount also on record as
seeking a stay of this provision if it is
granted to the three non-theatre-own-
ing defendants. Likewise present to
urge postponement of bidding will be
Thurman Arnold for the American
Theatres Association, and Robert
Barton for the Confederacy of South-
ern Associations, both exhibitor
groups having appealed from the New
York court's denial of their petition to
intervene in the case.
Most comprehensive of the applica-
tions is United Artists', which includes
a plea for stay of the bans against
price-fixing, clearances other than
those which are "reasonable", formula
deals, master agreements and the
"arbitrary refusal" to license a feature
on a run selected by an exhibitor. All
these are scheduled to go into effect
Tuesday.
Columbia asks a stay of single sales,
which, along with bidding, are slated
for July 1. That company also wants
the "arbitrary refusal" injunction
postponed.
Universal augments its request for a
bidding stay by asking postponement
of the enforcement of all injunctions
which would invalidate existing con-
tracts, notably franchises and the sale
of a year's product in advance.
Robert L. Wright, special assistant
to the U. S. Attorney General, will
be present to oppose all of the appli-
cations.
Company attorneys attending the
hearing, in addition to the various
spokesmen, will include : S. Hazard
Gillespie, Loew's ; Louis Phillips,
Paramount ; Robert W. Perkins,
Warner, and George Raftery, UA.
Justice Reed is expected to discuss
the applications with the other mem-
bers of the high tribunal tomorrow
and may hand down a ruling on Mon-
day.
Names in the News
(Continued from page I)
000 for the relief, rehabilitation and
resettlement of European Jewish sur-
vivors.
McCullough to Represent
Industry at Truman Meet
Washington, March 27. — John B.
McCullough, acting director of MPA's
Conservation Department, will repre-
sent the film industry at President
Truman's Conference on Fire Preven-
tion, which opens in Washington on
Tuesday. The appointment was made
in reply to an invitation from Major
General Philip B. Fleming, general
chairman of the conference.
PCC Withdraws RC,
Paralysis Offers
Hollywood, March 27.— The
Hollywood Permanent Chari-
ties Committee has aban-
doned its efforts to get the
American Red Cross and the
National Foundation for In-
fantile Paralysis to accept its
donations of $245,783 and $30,-
000 respectively. The PCC
will seek authorization from
its constituent guilds and
unions to allocate these funds
to other charities.
Robison Gets Post
Hollywood, March 27. — Dave
Robison, formerly assistant story edi-
tor at RKO-Radio, has been appointed
to the same post at United States
Pictures' production organization at
the Warner Studio. Robison succeeds
Michael Uris, who resigned.
Daylight Saving Fails
Minneapolis, March 27. — The
Senate general legislative committee
has rejected a proposal allowing cities
and villages to adopt daylight saving
time when they so desire.
U-I and GFD Meet
(Continued from page 1)
H. Seidelman, president of U-I. Also
present at the conference were GFD's
co-managing director, John Woolf,
U-I'_s vice-president Al Daff, the ex-
ecutives and managers of GFD
branches from all over the United
Kingdom, Harold Sugarman and For-
tunat Baronat, foreign manager of the
16mm. division and director of pub-
licity of U-I, respectively.
In a speech lasting two and a half
hours, Seidelman reviewed the
changes made in 1946 in the Univer-
sal organization and outlined for the
GFD men 25 pictures which they will
be selling this season, as follows :
"The Dark Mirror," "Temptation,"
"Magnificent Doll," "Smash-Up,"
"I'll Be Yours," "For the Love of
Mary," "Slave Girl," "Pirates of
Monterey," "Buck Privates Come
Home," "The Wistful Widow of
Wagon Gap," "Swell Guy," "Song of
Scheherazade," "The Egg and I,"
"The Exile," "Ivy," "Time Out of
Mind," "Secret Behind the Door,"
"The Michigan Kid," "The Vigilantes
Return," "Great -Son," "Jeopardy,"
"Singapore," "Brute Force," "Delu-
sion," and "The Lost Love."
Seidelman emphasized the need for
the GFD salesmen to go all-out and
sell the new U-I product on better
terms, just as U-I is doing with Rank
pictures in the United States and
Latin America. He also stated that it
is common knowledge that soaring
production costs in Hollywood require
every ounce of selling effort to re-
cover those costs.
In reply speeches, GFD co-manag-
ing directors Carr and Woolf assured
the U-I executive that they would get
behind the new product.
Daff led off one session by saying
that Britain contributes a large per-
centage of the world gross of a pic-
ture. Other speakers were Ben Hen-
ry, U-I's home office representative in
London; Sydney Jackson, assistant to
GFD's co-managing directors, and
John Jacobs, GFD's general sales
manager.
Variety Hospital Drive
Omaha, March 27— This city's
Variety Club intends to top its 1944
building fund contribution of $14,000
to the Children's Memorial Hospital
with a larger sum for equipment in
1947. The plan used successfully be-
fore, 25-cent matinees, will be tried
again. The films, mostly Westerns,
will be shown on Tuesday afternoon,
either April 22 or 29. M. S. Stern,
Variety Club treasurer, heads the
drive.
Reds Defeated
(Continued from page 1)
Preparing for Re-Release!
JAMES CAGNEY
in the
"BATTLING HOOFER"
formerly
(Something to Sing About)
SPECIAL NOTICE:
This exciting Cagney Special
with its new title, most suitable
to this thrilling story, will now
be seen and enjoyed by millions
who have missed its earlier release
as well as by those who will want
to see this grand film all over
again. It's a Typical Cagney
Treat.
From
SCREENCRAFT PICTURES. Inc.
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Fed-
eral Bureau of Investigation. Hoover
had declared that "Communist activity
in Hollywood is effective and is fur-
thered by sympathizers using the pres-
tige of prominent persons to serve the
Communist cause."
Countering Hoover's testimony that
"Communists try to insert lines or
sequences favorable to their doctrines
into motion pictures and to keep anti-
Communist lessons out of films,"
Johnston said the evidence of their
failure is that American pictures are
the target for bitter organized attacks
by Communists all over the world.
About a year ago, Johnston pointed
out, the U. S. government made a
reasonable film accord with Japan.
As a result, French Communists made
a bitter attack against the accord and
have waged a constant campaign of
vituperation against American pictures
ever since, he added.
In countries behind the "Iron Cur-
tain," according to Johnston, Com-
munists resist the showing of Ameri-
can films and use free tickets and free
transportation to lure the people to
houses showing Soviet films.
He praised the part American news-
reels are playing in presenting factual
international programs to other na-
tions.
Johnston told the committee that
Communists, where their actions war-
rant, should be dealt with as criminal
or treasonable; that they should not
be allowed to hold office in a corpora-
tion^ cooperative or union where they
are in a position to pursue their dis-
ruptive tactics, and that they should
be isolated by publicity. He endorsed
the recommendation of William
Green, AFL president, that manage-
ment and labor should work together
to expose and eliminate Communists
in industry and unions.
Friday, March 28, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Clearance Case to
New York Tribunal
Bringing to four the number of
cases pending before the New York
tribunal, the Melbe Theatre Co., which
operates the Strand Theatre, New-
ark, has filed an arbitration suit nam-
ing 20th Century-Fox, Paramount, M-
G-M, RKO Radio and Warner Broth-
as defendants in a clearance case
1 yh involves the Savoy and Con-
gress theatres, also of Newark._
The complaint, which maintains
that clearance held by the Congress
and Savoy is unreasonable and should
be abolished, points out that the dis-
tributing companies grant 14 days'
clearance to the Savoy over the
Strand. In addition, it adds, Para-
mount gives priority and seven days'
clearance to the Congress and M-
G-M imposes a one-day clearance on
the Strand, in favor of the Congress.
Gilbert Gets Four
For Foreign Films
Los Angeles, March 27. — Marc
Gilbert's exchange here has acquired
the booking franchise for four first-
run theatres in Los Angeles and San
Francisco to play foreign product.
They include, in downtown Los
Angeles, the Mayan, and in Holly-
wood, the Las Palmas. The latter will
open with foreign product in April.
Both are owned by Sidney Pink.
In San Francisco, Gilbert has
acquired a similar franchise at the
Portola, a theatre of the Blumenfeld
Circuit, and the El Presidio Theatre,
owned by Nathan and Barron.
Review
Maas to Berlin
(Continued from page 1)
and distribution of U. S. films in
Germany.
Foremost on the agenda will be for-
mulation of plans in anticipation of
early transfer to MPEA of film dis-
tribution controls which have been in
the hands of the Military Government
since the start of occupation. Pro-
visions of the transfer are expected
to follow the pattern set in Austria
early this year with MPEA taking
over all phases of operation, AMG
retaining only the right to exercise
censorship of subjects released.
Another matter to be taken up stems
from the recent Anglo-American eco-
nomic merger in Germany and the ne-
cessity for working out plans for inter-
zonal film distribution.
Representing MPEA and the Amer-
ican film industry at the conferences,
in addition to Maas, will be Joseph H.
Seidelman, president of Universal In-
ternational; Wladimir Lissim, RKO
European general manager ; Fay W.
Allport, MPA European manager, and
Robert E. Vining, MPEA representa-
tive in Germany.
It is likely that other international
executives of MPEA member com-
panies also will participate. On the
other side of the round table will be
AMG officials headed by Brig. Gen.
Robert A. McClure, director of infor-
mation control, who will be joined by
British army heads during the inter-
zonal phase of the discussions.
Enroute to Germany, Maas will stop
off in Amsterdam to visit MPEA's
office there, and following his Berlin
mission, will resume his inspection
tour of MPEA offices with visits to
Vienna, Prague and possibly to capi-
tals in the Balkans.
"The Other Love"
(Enterprise-United Artists)
WITH Barbara Stanwyck breezing off with the acting honors from David
Niven and Richard Conte, "The Other Love," Enterprise's second pic-
ture, will probably show its strength among female patrons. Pervaded by a
somber, almost despairing, quality, the picture, which is based on a short
story by Erich Maria Remarque, has material and camera emphasis which
combine to Miss Stanwyck's advantage : it pitches her into the turbulent seas
of emotion — from buoyant, sublime happiness to the slow cadences of death
— but it stays on the dry side of tragedy.
Despite its measured pace, a pace compelled by the structure of the story,
the picture displays the skilled contributions of David Lewis as producer and
Andre de Toth as director. In addition, it offers above-par scripting by Harry
Brown and Ladislas Fodor.
As a renowned pianist who enters a tuberculosis sanitarium in Switzerland
for convalescence, Miss Stanwyck turns in a superlative performance. Learn-
ing soon enough from the doctor, portrayed by Niven, that her cure will take
time, Miss Stanwyck wavers between the uncertainty of sacrificing her career
and the demands made by the sanitarium. She feels the compression of space
and time, she experiences the tyrannical regimen of rest and inactivity. But
the attentions of Niven and her progress convince her. A chance meeting
with Conte, and his attentions, however, make her abandon the cure,
and she accepts his invitation to travel with him to Monte Carlo and to
Europe. As a consequence her health begins to deteriorate : she develops a
violent cough, the pills she took with her from the sanitarium give out. Then
Niven appears. She refuses to return with him, preferring freedom to the
restoration of her health. Niven confronts Conte with the nature of her
illness, urges him to take her to Egypt if not to the sanitarium. On the eve
of the trip to Egypt, Miss Stanwyck, ill and feverish, staggers back to the
sanitarium. But it is too late. In the early stages of her marriage to Niven,
which follows her return to his world, she succumbs to her illness.
Running time, 96 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, not set.
Irving Kaplan
M-G-M Gives $5,000
To London Flood Aid
London, March 27. — More
than $5,000, representing re-
ceipts from the opening per-
formance here of "The Other
Love," has been donated by
M-G-M, which is distributing
the Enterprise product
abroad, to the Lord Mayor's
fund for the relief of flood
victims.
The Motion Picture Asso-
ciation yesterday gave $20,000
to the distress fund, on be-
half of member companies.
'Other Love'
(Continued from page 1)
way to Heaven" several months ago.
The automobile bearing Barbara
Stanwyck and Robert Taylor was
mobbed on its arrival. It was neces-
sary for policemen to carry Taylor
into the theatre, and although Miss
Stanwyck, the film's star, had been
escorted by a bodyguard of 10 officers,
she was on the verge of fainting and
required the attention of physicians
before participating in an international
broadcast.
The police, despite a considerable
mounted force, were completely over-
run by the mob.
Cabinet ministers, members of Par-
liament, peers, ambassadors, diplomats,
and British and American stage and
screen celebrities, including Noel
Coward, Constance Collier, John
Mills,' Burgess Meredith, Paulettc
Goddard and Margaret Lockwood, at-
tended the opening. Miss Goddard's
entrance into the theatre, whose front
doors were smashed during the gen-
eral excitement, required the as-
sistance of 30 policemen. The film
was loudly applauded by the audience.
"The Other Love" is reviewed on
this page.
Cinecolor Promises
No Price Rise Now
Hollywood, March 27.— Cinecolor
Corp., in a letter signed by treasurer
Karl Herzog, has informed its custom-
ers that its prices will not be in-
creased at this time. However, the
letter concluded with a warning that
"Should further increases in labor
and other costs take place, or our
increased production fail to be main-
tained, we would have to reconsider
the situation."
_ The Cinecolor statement follows ac-
tion taken last week by Technicolor.
Inc., increasing the price of film and
developing one-half cent per linear
foot.
SOPEG Elected at CRI
The Screen Office and Professional
Employes Guild, UOPWA-CIO, was
certified yesterday as collective bar-
gaining agent for "white collar"
workers at Confidential Reports, Inc.,
following an election conducted by the
National Labor Relations Board. Of
69 employes eligible to participate, 48
voted in favor of the union, 15
against. Six workers were absent.
M.P. Associates to Meet
Selection of the winner of the "Bea-
con Award," conferred annually for
"meritorious and patriotic service,"
will be made Monday at a luncheon-
meeting of Motion Picture Associates
at the Hotel Piccadilly here.
Theatre Owner Robbed
Denver. March 27. — More than
$30,000 was stolen from Mrs. Allie N.
Jay, owner of the Arvada Theatre in
Arvada, when a safe was taken from
her home in Littleton.
Italian Film Here
"Two Anonymous Letters," pro
duced by Lux Films in Italy, will b(
released here by Film Rights Inter-
national, Ltd.
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13TH HOUR
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D — 65 mins.
THE LONE
HAND TEXAN
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(Marcli Release)
JOHNNY
O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
D — 85 mins.
(Rev. 1/2/47)
MILLIE'S
DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
D — 70 mins.
(Rev. 2/11/47)
WEST OF
DODGE CITY
(Rev. 3/14/47)
KING OF THE
WILD HORSES
(Rev. 3/14/47)
BLONDIE'S
HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
C — 67 mins.
(Rev. 2/27/47)
(April Releases)
GUILT OF
JANET AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
D — 81 mins.
(Rev. 3/5/47)
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis • Carter
Barry Sullivan
D — 82 mins.
(Rev. 3/5/47)
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April
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April
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1 -
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FIRST
IN
FILM
NEWS
MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Accurate
Concise
and
Impartial
! _
1 61. NO. 62
NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1947
TEN CENTS
SUPREME COURT GRANTS
STAY OF N. Y. DECREE
MGM Meets on
New Selling
Plan April 28
Rodgers Reports Bidding
Revenue 'About Same'
The specific future sales policy of
M-G-M under Federal Court decree
provisions will be set by the com-
pany at a meeting of division, dis-
trict and branch
managers and
bookers at the
Hotel A s t o r
here, starting
April 28, Wil-
liam F. Rodg-
ers, vice-presi-
dent and gen-
eral sales man-
ager, announced
on Friday at a
luncheon
attended by
company execu-
tives and trade
press represen-
tatives.
Rodgers said that whatever policy
emerges from the session, which will
(Continued on page 6)
Federal Tax
7©/>s 1946
Washington, March 30. — Federal
admission tax revenue for March,
representing February collections at
theatres, amounted to $34,243,592,
compared with $31,466,372 during the
same month last year, according to the
Internal Revenue Bureau here.
The collections represent a normal
seasonal drop from Jan., 1947, when
the receipts were $37,054,760, com-
pared with $33,741,349 in Jan., 1946.
Between 80 and 90 per cent of these
figures represent taxes on motion pic-
ture admissions.
William F. Rodgers
Nine Promotions in
M-G-M Selling Force
The appointment of Samuel J.
Gardner as assistant West Coast sales
manager for M-G-M, appointments of
seven branch managers and an addi-
tion to the company's exhibitor rela-
tions department were announced by
William F. Rodgers, Loew's vice-
president in charge of sales, on Fri-
^The Los Angeles, Seattle, Wash-
ington, Albany, Boston, Charlotte and
O' lahoma Citv M-G-M branches are
involved in the managerial appoint-
ments, which are effective April 21,
exc-pt at Washington, where the ap-
pointment is in effect now.
Gardner, who will assist George A.
(Continued on pagr S)
U-I Paris Meetings
Will Start Today
Universal-International's first Euro-
pean Continental sales convention
since the war started, and the first to
be conducted since the merger of Uni-
versal and International, will get un-
derway in Paris today. Joseph H.
Seidelman, U-I president, and Al
Daff , vice-president, left London at
the weekend for the Paris convention
which will last 10 days- and will be
attended by foreign representatives
who have headquarters at various
points in Europe, the Near East,
North Africa and the United King-
dom.
Seidelman and Daff, who left here
about a month ago for England, last
week participated in the first territori
al sales conference to be held by Gen
eral Film Distributors and Universal
International since the merger of the
British Eagle-Lion group with GFD
and "U" and "I." They are due to
return here at the end of April.
Balaban to Coast for
UJA Drive Talks
Hollywood, March 30.— Launching
of a West Coast drive to raise part of
$170,000,000 for the United Jewish
Appeal this year will take place on
the arrival here of Barney Balaban,
national industry chairman fur the
drive, who left New York on Friday.
Balaban will discuss plans fur the
drive with industry leaders here.
Competitive Bidding Off, Arbitration to
Continue Until Supreme Court Decides All
Appeals; May Take Another Full Year
Loew's Buys
Out Partner
Washington, March 30. — The competitive bidding system de-
creed by the New York Federal District Court will be stayed for
all eight defendants in the industry anti-trust suit pending a final
disposition of appeals, as will virtually every injunction against the
distributors, and the industry arbitration system will be preserved to
handle clearance complaints during
the interim, U. S. Supreme Court
Justice Stanley Reed announced
Friday following a hearing on ap-
plication for stays.
With the high tribunal not expected
to be able to rule on appeals before
next winter and possibly for another
year or more, all major provisions of
the New York Court's decree will re-
main in abeyance for at least that
length of time.
Competitive bidding was scheduled
to start July 1, while other distributor
injunctions, including dissolution of
the arbitration system, were to have
become effective this Tuesday.
Only two of the New York
court's rulings affecting dis-
tribution will become binding
this week, according to the de-
cision arrived at by Justice
Reed. They are the clauses
(Continued on page 7)
Loew's has purchased the one-third
interest of E. V. Richards, head of
Paramount-Richards Theatres, in the
State Theatre, New Orleans first run,
giving the company 100 per cent own-
ership of the house.
The deal was concluded some time
ago and was confirmed by Charles C.
Moskowitz, Loew's vice-president and
treasurer, on Friday.
This is believed to be the first in-
stance of a major company acquiring
a partner's interest in a jointly-owned
theatre in conformity with provisions
of the New York Federal Court de-
cree. The deal, made last December,
actually antedates the decree, which
was not handed down by the court
(Continued on page 7)
WB, Loew's Pool in
Pittsburgh Ended
The four-theatre Warner-Loew
pool in Pittsburgh, which has been op-
erating for a number of years, ha?
been terminated in conformance with
the provisions of the Federal Court
decree in the industry anti-trusl suit
it was disclosed here at the weekend
by J. R. Vogel, Loew vice-presidenl
upon his return from Pittsburgh. Ter
mination of the pool is effective toaV
Tn discontinuing the pool, he sain
Loew's will operate the Pen and Ril '
theatres, and Warners will have the
Stanley and Warner.
Stay Permits Road
Shows to Continue
The Supreme Court's staj
of the price-fixing ban de-
creed by the New York Fed-
eral District Court will per-
mit the roadshowing of costly
features without resort to
renting theatres for the pur-
pose, a practice already Ivgun
by Samuel Goldwyn for "The
Best Years of Our Lives" and
contemplated by several other
independent producers. Road-
shows, however, may of
course, be impossible after
next winter if (he price-fixing
ban is upheld when the high
tribunal reaches a decision on
the pending appeals.
2
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 31, 1947
Personal
Mention
ARTHUR KRIM, Eagle - Lion
president, Jock Lawrence, U. S.
Rank Organization representative,
and Robert Benjamin, president of
the Rank Organization here, have ar-
rived in New York by plane from
London.
•
Dave Gilpin, Thomas Ledger,
Clifford J. Cox, Ashley C. Bate,
Alice Holt and Nellie Nisbet of
Paramount's British sales organiza-
tion, returned here from the Coast at
the weekend.
•
Max Cohen, New York circuit
owner, has returned here from Holly-
wood where he surveyed conditions
for the Independent Theatre Owners
Association of New York.
•
Francis A. Bateman, Screen Guild
Productions general sales manager,
has left Hollywood on a tour of key
cities which will end here.
•
Haskell Masters, Warners' Ca-
nadian district manager, returned to
Toronto over the weekend from New
York.
•
Howard Levinson and Stuart
H. Aarons of Warners' home office
legal staff, will return here from Buf-
falo on Wednesday.
•
Joe Hornstein, New York theatre
equipment dealer, has returned here
from Florida.
Jerry Wald will leave Hollywood
by plane for New York on Wednes-
day.
•
William LeBaron has written a
play which he will co-produce with
Boris Morros here in the fall.
•
Lloyd L. Lind, vice-president of
Pictorial Films, will return here from
Chicago today.
•
Michael Curtiz left the Coast by
train on Saturday for New York.
•
Gary Cooper is in New York from
the Coast.
Tradewise
By SHERWIN KANE
'Costa' Girls on Tour
The three Costa Rican beauty con-
test winners who have been here in
conjunction with 20th Century-Fox's
"Carnival in Costa Rica," will leave
tonight on a tour of key cities. Ac-
companied by Earl Wingart of
Charles Schlaifer's home office pub-
licity staff, they will visit Cleveland,
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia this
week. After Easter they will tour the
Midwest and the South as the film-
opens in those regions.
Stage Shows Dropped
Cincinnati, March 30.— The 3,300-
seat RKO Albee Theatre here has re-
verted to an all-film policy after re-
cently resuming a stage show and pic-
ture policy. The new all-film policy,
it is indicated, may be temporary.
TVyTEW JERSEY theatre op-
^ erators and exhibitor or-
ganizations are showing the
way to the rest of the nation's
exhibitors in forming a united
front to oppose legislation pro-
viding for new taxation in that
state.
All elements of Jersey exhibi-
tion combined last week in the
Federation of New Jersey Thea-
tres for that purpose. Members
of the Federation include Allied
Theatre Owners of New Jersey,
Independent Theatre Owners of
New York (which includes Jer-
sey membership), Loew's, Para-
mount, RKO and Warner thea-
tres, the Walter Reade and
Fabian circuits, the Atlantic and
Hunt theatres, and numerous
smaller independents.
In addition to forming a com-
mon front in a common cause the
New Jersey theatre operators
will use their most potent
w eapon, their screens, in waging
the fight against new taxation.
This joint campaign of New
Jersey exhibition is sound and
should prove to be decidedly ef-
fective in accomplishing its
aims. If by any chance it should
fail to do so, it will not be be-
cause the most effective weapons
were left unused or because the
most potent strategy — unity —
was ignored.
The Jersey confederation is
proof that divergent theatre in-
terests and organizations can
unite on a matter of import to
all.
Its methods should be ob-
served closely by all exhibitors.
It is an undertaking that is
vitally needed in many another
state if arbitrary and discrimina-
tory legislation is to be discred-
ited and defeated, and if theatres
are not to be further weighted
with burdensome taxation.
Certainly it is a model for ac-
tion in New York State where
legislation enabling numerous
cities and counties to enact five
per cent admission taxes was
passed during the recent legisla-
tive session. That means a
statewide campaign, fought on
numerous local fronts, to prevent
new county and municipal thea-
tre taxes.
The fight will require alert-
ness, determination and careful
planning, everything that is de-
pendent "upon a united exhibitor
front within a strong confedera-
tion.
• •
Inventories of virtually all
major companies are reported to
be at an all-time peak. A wide-
ly accepted estimate is that in
most instances today's inven-
tories are approximately 40 per
cent higher than they were last
year.
Some financial executives be-
lieve that inventories will climb
even more due to continued high
production costs and the ap-
proach of the competitive bid-
ding sales method which is ex-
pected to require many compa-
nies to proceed slowly with the
release of new pictures while
familiarizing themselves with the
new sales method.
Not that anyone is expecting a
recession, but the situation could
prove serious for some compa-
nies should attendance decline
appreciably and thereafter con-
tinue at a low mark for any
length of time.
• •
Chatter Department: Have
you heard about the theatre big-
gies and that major company
financial man who were sound-
ed out on their views of assum-
ing the United Artists presiden-
cy ? Then it may interest you to
know that nothing will material-
ize and the hunt goes on, on a
brand new track.
•
Universal - International ex-
pects "The Egg and I" to be its
top grosser of this relatively
new year, some executive pre-
dictions going as high as $10,-
000,000. The advertising ap-
propriation for the picture is
very close to $1,000,000, based
on 10 per cent of the prospective
gross.
Compare that with U-I's best
grosser of last year, "Canyon
Passage." Not entirely played
off yet, its gross recently passed
the $3,000,000 mark, which puts
it about $1,000,000 ahead of the
runners-up.
•
President Truman and Gov-
ernor Thomas E. Dewey will
be invited to attend or send
messages to the 25th anniversary
dinner of the Motion Picture As-
sociation in New York, May 8.
Current plans are to make the
affair a gala one, with plenty of
"names" for the distingushed
guest list and the best fare the
Waldorf-Astoria boasts. The
invited list, which may total
about 1,000, is expected to fill
the Grand Ballroom. Limited
ticket allotments will go to each
member company — limited de-
spite the fact that the expenses
will be apportioned among the
companies.
Newsreel
Parade
THE mine disaster, the House in-
vestigation of Communistic aethi-
ties, and the Big Four at a reception
in Moscow arc spotlighted in current
ncicsrccls. Among other items are the
search for missing Langley Collyer,
the premiere of "The Egg and I,"
and sports and miscellaneous ez'^y
Complete contents fotloiv: fjio>
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 61-One hun-
dred doomed in coal mine disaster. J. Ed-
prar Hoover denounces Reds. The Collyer
mystery. Reception in Moscow. Greek
parade in New York. Man of War. hero
of American turf, now 30 years old.
NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 259 — FBI
chief Hoover exposes Communists. Soviet's
party for Big Four. Floods rage in Britain.
Scores trapped in mine disaster. Mystery
of missing hermit. Carnival time on the
Continent. Holy Cross wins basketball
title.
PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 62— Cinder-
ella story of Corinne Calvet — from Paris to
Hollywood. A startling report on un-Amer-
ican activities. Manhattan's weird man-
hunt.
RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 64-One hun-
dred and fifteen dead and missing in mine
disaster. Congress probes Reds. Basket-
ball: Holy Cross vs. Oklahoma. Utah vs.
Kentucky.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 2S — J.
Edgar Hoover and former Ambassador
William Bullitt warn nation of Com-
munism. Mine explosion takes 111 lives.
Robert Hutchins tells nation it must safe-
guard freedom of press. Molotov party for
Big Four ministers. Police comb mystery
mansion in search of missing Langley Coll-
yer. Premiere of "The Egg and I" at Los
Angeles.
Stanton Griffis to Be
U. S. Envoy to Poland
Washington, March 30. — Presi-
dent Truman plans to nominate Stan-
ton Griffis as Ambassador to Poland,
replacing Arthur Bliss Lane, whose
resignation is effective tomorrow.
Griffis- is chairman of Paramount's
executive committee. He was active in
Red Cross work during the war and
accomplished a successful wartime
government assignment in Sweden.
PCCITO Invites Top
Executives to Meet
Hollywood, March 30. — Invi-
tations to the national con-
vention of the Pacific Coast
Conference of Independent
Theatre Owners, May 6-8, at
the Ambassador Hotel, here,
have been extended to Eric
Johnston, president of the
Motion Picture Association;
Donald Nelson, president of
the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers;
Jack Kirsch, president of Al-
lied States; Abram F. Myers,
general counsel of Allied;
Fred Wehrenberg, president
of the Motion Picture The-
atre Owners of America, and
Herman Levy, MPTOA gen-
eral counsel.
Sales heads of all distribut-
ing companies have also been
invited.
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Martin Quigley, Jr., Associate Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P.
Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; David Harris, Circulation Director; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue; Washington, Jim H. Brady, 215 Atlantic Bldg.; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;
cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, published every fourth week as a section of Motion Picture Herald;
International Mothn Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip-
tion rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c.
Monday, March 31, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
3
Metropolitan Stock
Suit Dismissed
Suit by Metropolitan Playhouses
against the Hanover Bank and Trust
Co. for an accounting of funds it
alleges are in the hands of the defen-
dants was dismissed on Friday by New
York Supreme Court Justice Lloyd
Church, who ruled that the complaint,
a>"lrawn, challenges the validity of
i \ conferred upon the bank by a
iWd Federal District Court decree re
organizing Fox Metropolitan Play-
houses under the U. S. Bankruptcy
Act. The judge, however, granted the
defendant leave to file an amended
complaint within 20 days.
Under the 1935 decree, stockholders
were given the right to exchange each
$1,000 worth of old stock for $550
worth of new Class B stock and $200
in cash. The plaintiff seeks to enjoin
the bank from further requisitioning
the Class B stock of Metropolitan,
claiming a 10-year deadline on such
transactions.
Justice Church ruled that the state
court lacks the authority to revise or
alter the terms of a bankruptcy de-
cree of the U. S. tribunal, which, he
said, has complete power to protect
decisions rendered by it. He left the
way open, however, for a claim which
might avoid attacking the validity of
the decree.
Wyler Film for AAF
Released to Public
Washington, March 30. — "Thun-
derbolt," a 45-minute film made by the
Army Air Forces in the Meditterane-
an Theater during the war, under the
direction of former Lt. Col. William
Wyler, Hollywood director, has been
approved for release to the public.
Carl Krueger, independent producer,
will release the picture through the
facilities of Monogram Pictures. A
percentage of the net profits will be
paid to the U. S. Treasury and the
Army Air Forces Aid Society. Public
premiere of the film will be held at
the Four-Star Theatre in Hollywood
in May.
Radio Group Begins
FM Output Survey
The Radio Manufacturers Associa-
tion is querying members for infor-
mation on actual and planned produc-
tion for 1947 of FM and AM radio
receivers and transmitters. The sur-
vey is being made to secure definite
information in the face of conflicting
predictions and estimates of FM pro-
duction. Estimates have varied from
2,000,000 to 5,000,000 sets.
Davie Heads RKO
Vancouver Office
James F. Davie has been appointed
RKO Radio branch manager in Van-
couver, Robert Mochrie, vice-presi-
dent and general sales manager, dis-
closed here at the weekend. William
S. Jones, former branch manager, will
supervise the Vancouver exchange.
College Award to ABC
American Broadcasting is the win-
ner of the City College of New York
radio network award for 1946. Jack
Banner and Edward Greif, publicists,
were cited for the "most effective pro-
motion of a sponsored regional pro-
gram, 'Professor Quiz'."
N. Y. Capitol Deal
For 'Duel' in Work
The Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization here and the New
York Loew-Capitol theatre
management are discussing a
deal to place the local run of
David O. Selznick's "Duel in
the Sun" in the Capitol. Now
being determined for possible
consummation of a deal, be-
sides terms, are an opening
date, length of run, price
scales and number of daily
showings.
'Odd Man Out' Will
Open Here Shortly
"Odd Man Out," a Two Cities
British film starring James Mason,
will have its American premiere at
Loew's Criterion, New York, between
April 23 and May 7, William J.
Heineman, general sales manager of
the J. Arthur Rank division of Uni-
versal announces. A Universal-Inter-
national release, the film was produced
and directed by Carol Reed. An ini-
tial budget of $300,000 is being used
by U-I to help launch the film, set
for May release. The campaign will
start April 12.
Appoint Sally Perle
To Broder Publicity
Sally Perle has been appointed di-
rector of advertising-publicity for
Broder Releasing Corp., by Paul
Broder, president. At one time an as-
sistant to Homer Harman at the
Roxy Theatre, here, and later associ-
ated with PRC's advertising-publicity
department, Miss Perle has operated
her own agency during the past year.
It will continue under her new as-
signment.
Mexican Theatreman
Plans Video Circuit
Mexico City, March 30. — Ermlio
Azcarraga, who has considerable in-
terests in motion picture theatres and
radio, is planning the establishment of
a circuit of television stations here
and in the provinces. Asserting that
the lack of reeciving sets is the only
item holding up video developments in
Mexico, Azcarraga expects that this
situation will be eased by the time his
circuit begins operating.
R. W. Hubbell Forms
Television Company
Cincinnati, March 30. — Richard
W. Hubbell has resigned from the
executive staff of Crosley Broadcast-
ing to operate his own independent
firm, Richard W. Hubbell and Asso-
ciates, television, radio and film con-
sultants. One-time director for the
March of Time, Hubbell also has been
associated with Columbia Broadcast-
ing, WOR, WQXR and the N. W.
Aver agency.
FCC Approves Station
Washington, March 30. — The
Newark (N. J.) Broadcasting Corp.
has been authorized by the Federal
Communications Commission to oper-
ate a new radio station in that city.
Application of Donald Flamm and the
Metropolitan Broadcasting Service for
a new New York station was denied.
Bergman Calls U-I
Ad Men to NY Meet
Campaigns for forthcoming Univer-
sal-International releases will be the
subject of talks to be held here next
week between field advertising-pub-
licity representatives and Maurice A.
Bergman, Eastern advertising-pub-
licity chief for U-I. Home office dis-
tribution and advertising and publicity
executives will also participate in the
discussions, which are to begin April
10 and continue for three days.
U-I product as well as J. Arthur
Rank productions being released by
the company, including "The Egg and
I," "Time Out of Mind," "Buck Pri-
vates Come Home," "Ivy," "Odd Man
Out," "Stairway to Heaven" and
"Great Expectations," will be dis-
cussed.
All field exploitation representa-
tives with headquarters East of the
Rockies are expected to attend. In-
cluded among the conferring field ex-
ecutives will be William Schulman,
Boston ; Ed Rosenbaum, Philadel-
phia; Harry Keller, Cincinnati; Ben
Katz and Harold Butchin, Chicago ;
Perry Spencer, Atlanta; Ralph Ober,
Dallas.
Monogram Appoints
Brazil Branch Head
Appointment of Joao Carralcasaz to
head the San Paulo, Brazil, office of
Monogram Pictures, recently estab-
lished along with other branches in
that country, under H. Alfredo Stein-
berg in Rio de Janeiro, has been an-
nounced here by Norton V. Ritchey,
president of Monogram International.
Carralcasaz was formerly with Para-
mount.
Industry 'Aliens' in
Mexico Face Ouster
Mexico City, March 30. — The Min-
istry of the Interior here, which has
jurisdiction over the amusement in-
dustry, has launched an investigation
of all "foreigners" employed in the in-
dustry, following complaints by native
unions that many who entered Mexico
as tourists have taken jobs illegally,
thereby displacing Mexicans.
Fines and deportations face violators
of the law, the Ministry has warned.
1948 Campaign To Be
Televised: Trammell
Atlanta, March 30. — National
Broadcasting president Niles Tram-
mell says that much of the 1948 Presi-
dential campaign will be televised, in-
dicating that successful candidates of
the future will have to be good
"actors" as well as good speakers.
Trammell was here for a two-day re-
gional meeting of the network.
Says Gov't Films Needed
Seattle, March 30. — ■ Discounting
any propagandistic purpose for Brit-
ish government films, Thomas Baird,
director of the British Information
Service film division, who has arrived
here from New York to survey local
distribution of his government's prod-
uct through the consulate office, has
expressed the belief that government
films arc essential. Few of the films
deal with politics or current events,
Baird pointed out. Most are technical
and deal with every day life in England.
Johnston's Annual
MP A Report Today
The election of officers and
directors of the Motion Pic-
ture Association and the an-
nual report by Eric A. John-
ston, president, are on the
agenda for the MPA meeting
to begin here at 11 A.M. to-
day. Kenneth Clark, director
of public relations, and Joyce
O'Hara, assistant to Johnston,
will accompany the latter to
New York from Washington.
Warner Field Men
To Meet Thursday
Jules Lapidus, Eastern and Canadian
division sales manager for Warner
Brothers, will hold a meeting of
branch managers and other Central
district sales executives on Thursday
at the Pittsburgh exchange.
Among those attending will be Cen-
tral district manager Charles Rich ;
branch managers F. D. Moore, Pitts-
burgh; J. M. Wechsler, Cleveland;
J. S. Abrose, Cincinnati ; C. W. Mc-
Kean, Indianapolis, and W. W. Brum-
berg, manager of the field exploitation
staff. Before the Pittsburgh session,
Lapidus will visit the Cincinnati
branch, arriving there tomorrow.
Warner Studio Crew
In Boston for Filming
Boston, March 30. — A production
group from the Warner studio, includ-
ing Jerry Wald, producer ; Delmer
Daves, director ; David Goodis, writ-
er, and Al Alleborn, unit manager,
arrived here over the weekend from
the Coast to survey possibilities of
filming "Up Until Now" in and around
this city. Invitation to make a picture
here was extended by Mayor James
J. Curley to Jack L. Warner, execu-
tive producer of the Wrarner studio.
The studio delegation will spend
about two weeks here. Wald then
plans to visit New York before return-
ing to the Coast.
WB Branch Head in
Charlotte Feted
Charlotte, March 30. — Employes
of Warner Brothers branch here hon-
ored John A. Bachman, manager, with
a farewell party Friday evening in
connection with his resignation after
nine years' service to become United
Artists branch manager in Atlanta.
New WB Phila.Exchange
The new exchange being constructed
by Warner Brothers in Philadelphia i-
nearing completion and occupancy is
expected to take place within the next
month, the home office reports. Her-
man Goldberg, purchasing agent and
supervisor of maintenance for Warner
exchanges, will spend the next two
weeks in Philadelphia to get the now
quarters ready.
Building Standards Set
Tulare, Cal., March 30. — The
Tulare Planning Commission has set
up standards for rural building as a
result of the Tulare Theatre Co.'s
announcement that it will build a
drive-in theatre. The commission em-
phasizes that it does not intend to
prevent the theatre's const ruction, but
that it wants to establish certain public
safety standards.
KING OF THE COWBOYS
THE SMARTEST HORSE IN Tl
ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE
Jif
IHOVIfS
i
EfHOLE FAMILY
6
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 31, 1947
if the PICTURE TO SEE,
SAY H0UYW00D S TOP STARS!
CARV
Enjoyed it immensely.
The picture is beautitulty
mounted, well cost
and the direction is ot
highest calibre.'
ALLIED ARTISTS PRODUCTIONS, INC., presents
ANN
HARDING
MOORE
GALE
CHARLIE
RUGGLES
STORM
*<*f Veil Rwrfib
T HAPPENED
ON 5th
AVENUE"
with
GRANT MITCHELL - EDWARD BROPHY
EDWARD RYAN, Jr. SEM ROY DEL RUTH
JOE KAUFMAN ■ Screenplay by
EVERETT FREEMAN • Story by HERBERT CLYDE LEWIS &
FREDERICK STEPHANI • Musical Score by EDWARD WARD
Music and Lyrics by HARRY REVEL and PAUL WEBSTER
Rodgers Lauds Trade
Press Decree Work
The industry press was
commended on Friday by Wil-
liam F. Rodgers, Loew's vice-
president and sales manager,
for its "thorough, informative
and constructive" reporting
of the many facets of the
Federal Court decree, appeals
therefrom, interpretations and
reported opinions of the pro-
visions and their effects.
"The industry has been well
informed and well served, and
with an absence of hysteria,"
Rodgers said.
Ohio Tax Repeal Is
Seen Discretionary
Columbus, O., March 30. — Despite
warnings of Ohio theatre men that
proposed repeal of the state's three
per cent admission tax would benefit
only large cities, State Tax Commis-
sioner Emory Glander has advocated
repeal of the tax before the House
Taxation Committee here. Cities not
requiring additional revenue do not
have to pass an admission tax, Glan-
der said. "This is a proposal for
cities in need and not exclusively for
the larger cities," he declared.
Theater men have stated that repeal
would allow unlimited local admission
taxes, some as high as 10 per cent, and
that it would cause discrimination be-
tween city theatres and those in ad-
joining suburbs having different tax
levies. Glander thought such fears
unfounded.
Columbus May Boost
Levy on Admissions
Columbus, O., March 30. — City
Hall sources expect the administration
to propose a local admission tax of
from seven to 10 per cent if the State's
three per cent tax is repealed.
The local tax would raise $500,000
a year, as compared to the $155,000
which the city now receives as its
share of the state tax. This and other
tax increases would allow the city to
maintain present services and still
permit pay increases, it was said.
Report Vandalism Rise
Cleveland, March 30. Theatre
vandalism, subsided during the past
six months, has broken out anew.
Ernest Schwartz, president of the
Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors
Association, states that seat slashing is
the most prevailing form of destruc-
tion.
New Oklahoma House
Oklahoma City, March 30. — L. C.
Griffith Co. opened its ninth house
here Friday night with a gala event
at the new 1,000-seat Agnew. A stage
show featured CBS' "Oklahoma
Roundup." Wesley White, formerly
assistant at Bartlesville, has been
transferred here as Agnew manager.
Emerson Production Up
Emerson Radio and Phonograph
Corp. currently is turning out radio
receiving sets at the rate of 2,000,000
per year, Benjamin Abrams, president,
states. In October, when the com-
pany's fiscal year ended, production
was at the rate of 1,600,000 sets a
year.
MGM Meets
(Continued from page 1)
last at least a week, will be in strict
compliance with the letter and the
spirit of the court decree.
"Under no circumstances will
we tolerate the turning of the
decree to self - advantage,"
Rodgers said.
He added that letters have bee(,7?£1it
to all of the company's donkkic
branches laying down the law on that
subject.
To date, he said, M-G-M has sold
by competitive bidding in about 50
competitive situations in all parts of
the country on an experimental basis.
M-G-M will sell on that basis every-
where that exhibitors request it now.
Rodgers reported that the experi-
mental bidding experience of the com-
pany to date has been "satisfactory."
In actual dollars and cents, he said,
results have been "about the same" as
formerly, but he added that he is un-
able to predict what the results will
be when licensing by competitive bid-
ding is extended to all competitive sit-
uations by the company.
In the_ letter to M-G-M branches,
bidding is described as the primary
problem which the sales organization
will face in the new order, and that
clearance problems involved in the
bidding method will require careful
study.
In the latter connection,
Rodgers expressed the hope
that industry arbitration could
be continued in some form to
avoid endless trips to court
over clearance disputes which
he appeared to regard as un-
avoidable.
Rodgers disclosed that M-G-M
branch managers and other execu-
tives in the field have been made re-
sponsible for proper terms and other
vital administration of competitive
bidding.
"Our men have been instructed that
when a pictures does not measure up
to our original appraisal, they are re-
sponsible for reclassifying it," Rodgers
said. "In such instances, the mini-
mum bid acceptable must be lowered
immediately and the prospective bid-
ders notified."
Rodgers named 10 new features
which he said M-G-M will release
between now and September at the
rate of two a month. Release of
"The Yearling" in one of the five
months will boost the total to 11 for
the period and will make a third
offering in the month of its release-.
Rodgers said he does not share the
belief in some quarters that a reces-
sion is in prospect, but does believe
that too much talk about one may
lead to an artificial recession.
He declared that more work with-
in the industry, particularly in the
fields of exhibitor and ' public rela-
tions, is needed to maintain good bus-
iness levels. He prescribed better
theatre merchandising, better theatre
housekeeping, a constructive critical
approach and an intelligent effort to
attract and hold new customers as
health insurance for the new business
era.
Rodgers said that the policies de-
termined upon at the New York meet-
ing will be reported to and discussed
with office managers of the company's
branches at a subsequent meeting and
said that regional meetings for M-
G-M salesmen may be held thereafter.
Monday, March 31, 1947
Motion Picture Daily
Highest Court
Stays Decree
(Continued from page 1)
which prohibit the distributors
from "further performing any
existing franchise deals and
making any franchises in the
ire" and from "agreeing
,n each other or with any ex-
hibitors or distributors to
maintain a system of clear-
ances."
The distributor injunctions to be
stayed by the Supreme Court, along
with the competitive bidding, are
those which would have prohibited
the companies from :
Granting any licenses in which mini-
mum admission prices to a theatre are
fixed by the parties :
Granting any clearance between the-
atres not in substantial competition ;
Granting or enforcing any clearance
against theatres in substantial compe-
tition with the theatre receiving the
license for exhibition in excess of what
is reasonably necessary to protect the
licensee in the run granted ;
Making or further performing any
formula deal or master agreement ;
Exhibiting Conditions
Performing or entering into any li-
cense in which the right to exhibit one
feature is conditioned upon the licen-
see's taking one or more other fea-
tures ; and,
Arbitrarily refusing the demand of
an exhibitor to license a feature to
him for exhibition on a run selected
by the exhibitor instead of licensing
it to another exhibitor for exhibition
in his competing theatre on such run.
The arbitrations system, which was
scheduled for liquidation on Tuesday,
except for old cases pending in 11
of the 31 tribunals, will be kept in
existence through a stay of the New-
York court's ruling that :
"The provisions of the existing con-
sent decree (of 1940) are hereby de-
clared to be of no further force or
effect, except insofar as may be nec-
essary to conclude arbitration pro-
ceedings now pending and to liquidate
•in an orderly manner the financial
obligation of the defendants and the
American Arbitration Association, in-
curred in the establishment of the con-
sent decree arbitration system."
Objection Believed Met
Although Robert L. Wright, special
assistant to the attorney general, who
opposed all stays, argued that the ar-
bitrators could have no authority ex-
cept under the consent decree, which
he claimed was inconsistent with the
New York decree, Justice Reed is be-
lieved by legal observers to have met
this objection by the broad character
of his stay decision, which will have
the effect of keeping the 1940 regula-
tions in effect until the appeals are
decided.
The defendants, who claimed that
placing in effect now decree provisions
which might be upset by the high trib-
unal would be both costly and cum-
bersome, were represented at th"
hearing by : Whitney North Seymour
for Paramount; John W. Davis
Loew's : Ralstone R. Irvine. RKO ■
John Caskey, 20th Centurv-Fox : Jo-
seph Pro^kauer, Warner; Louis Froh-
lich. Columbia ; Edward C. Raftery,
United Artists, and Thomas Turner
Cooke, Universal.
C. Skouras Drops
Offer in St. Louis
St. Louis, March 30. — The per-
sonal offer of Charles Skouras of last
October to purchase $4,900,000 in out-
standing bonds and voting stock in
the Ambassador Building Corp. and
the Missouri Theatre Building Corp.
at 101 ikj of par is being withdrawn,
effective tomorrow, it was stated
here.
When he made the offer Skouras
and Clarence M. Turley held a con-
ract to buy 35 per cent of the bonds,
during the winter Skouras is report-
ed to have secured a controlling
share of the Missouri bonds and vot-
ing stock and to have approached that
position with the Ambassador.
Fox Midwest Meeting
On Showmanship
Kansas City, March 30. — A con-
vention of the Fox Midwest division
of National Theatres will be held
here tomorrow, preliminary to the
company's fifth annual showmanship
campaign. Charles Skouras, National
Theatres president, will speak. Others
present from Los Angeles headquar-
ters will be Tom Page, John Bertero
and Ed Cabel. Elmer C. Rhoden,
president of Fox Midwest, will con-
duct the sessions.
Open Office Here
For Foreign Films
Trans-International Films of Los
Angeles, headed by Sidney J. Pink,
has set up a New York office under
iVJarc Gilbert, for distribution and ex-
hibition of foreign films.
In Pink's territory, West of Chi-
cago, the organization has 11 houses
already converted for exclusive dis-
tribution of foreign product. Gilbert's
plans call for the acquisition of East-
ern houses and for a circuit of East-
ern distribution outlets which even-
tually will link with Trans-Interna-
tional's Western circuit.
Dozier Plans Two Films
Hollywood. March 30. — William
Dozier, president of Rampart Produc-
tions, announces the first of two pro-
ductions to be filmed by Rampart,
both of which will star his wife, Joan
Fontaine, and both of which will be
made at Universal-International for
U-I release. One will be Sheridan
Gibney's original, "Possession," the
second will be a dramatization of
Stefan Zweig's noted dramatic love
story, "Letter from an Unknown
Woman."
Favor Sunday Films
Bennington, Vt., March 30 — By a
vote of 1,482 to 83, residents here
have agreed to permit Sunday motion
pictures, subject to state laws prohibit-
ing such showings prior to six P.M.
Pass Sales Tax Bill
Baltimore, March 30. — The Mary-
land State Legislature has passed a
two per cent sales tax bill. The meas-
ure eliminates a proposed bill that
would have imposed a five-cent tax on
admissions.
Chase to WCOP, Boston
Boston, March 3D — Jack Chase,
news editor at WN'AX before (lie war,
has joined station WCOP lien- as
night and Sunday news editor.
3 More Arbitration
Cases in Boston
In a new flurry of arbitration activ-
ity on the eve of what was expected
to be the date for the demise of the
motion picture arbitration system, un-
til the postponement was granted on
Friday, three new complaints were
filed with the Boston tribunal. All
three ask elimination of clearance and
involve all five participating film com-
panies.
Additionally, in an award by the
Boston arbitrator, the Gull Theatre,
Winthrop, Me., complainant, which
had been subjected to a 30-dav clear-
ance in favor of the Colonial and Cap-
itol Theatres at Augusta, has had that
clearance reduced to 14 days. This is
to be applicable only to pictures plaved
by the Augusta theatres within. 35
days of availability; the Gull may
play other product immediately after
35 days from availability to the Au-
gusta theatres without further regard
to clearance.
The three new cases brings to six
the number on file in Boston, in addi-
tion to two pending appeals of awards.
Charles S. Wilcox, operator of the
Orleans, Orleans, Mass., asks day-
and-date runs with the Center and
Hyannis theatres, in Hyannis, instead
of the one-day clearance in their favor.
Narragansett Pier Amusements
seeks simultaneous runs with Provi-
dence first runs for its Community,
Wakefield, R. I., instead of subse-
quent-run. The Key Theatre, Mere-
dith, N. H., operated by Joseph G.
Kennedy, asks elimination of clearance
now in favor of the Colonial and Gar-
dens, Laconia, N. H.
Latin A merican 16mm
Activities Progress
Operations in 16mm. films in Latin
America are developing, with the first
year of business showing a definite
preference on the part of 16mm.
patrons for Spanish synchronized
hlms, Seymour Mayer, 16mm. sales
chief for Loew's International Corp.,
reports here following his recent re-
turn from a two-month's tour of
M-G-M offices in South Ameria.
Preference for synchronized films
Mayer said, is noted particularly in
South American "back-woods" areas
where titles are not acceptable and
there is unfamiliarity with the Eng-
lish language.
Loew's Buys
(Continued from page 1)
until Dec. 31, 1946. However, the
decree provisions covering partial
ownership 0f theatres implemented
identical provisions contained in the
Federal Court opinion handed down
last June.
Those provisions specify that a de-
fendant in a theatre partnership mu t
own less than a five per cent or more
than a 95 per cent interest. Loew'
owning 66 2/3 per cent of the State
acquired Richards' 33 1/3 per cent in
terest.
Richards is a partner of Para-
mount's in approximately 50 theatres
most of which are held mi a 50-50 ba-
sis, which will have to be revised u<
conform with the decree prior m Dec.
31, 1948, if the decree i- sustained
on appeal bj the Supreme Conn.
41
Released thru
8
Motion Picture Daily
Monday, March 31, 1947
Nine Promoted by M-G-M
Samuel J. Gardner Thos. A. Aspell, Jr. Sam Davis
Jacques C. Re Ville Charles D. Lyne
(Continued from page 1)
Theatre Owners Corp.
Booking 46 Houses
Cincinnati. March 30.— With the
addition of three theatres, Theatre
Owners Corp., a buying-booking or-
ganization set up several months ago
to act for independents in this terri-
tory, now has 46 theatres on its list
according to Irving Sochin, general
manager.
The additions are the Plaza, local
neighborhood theatre ; the Auto Inn.
a drive-in in suburban Walnut Hills
and the Dixie Gardens, a drive-in at
nearby Covington, Ky.
Lowell House Sold
Lowell, Mass., March 30. — Tonr
Vetrie, owner of the Crown Theatre,
here, has sold the house to John
Anthony, who operates the Modern
Theatre, Manchester, N. H.
Hollywood
By THALIA BELL
Hollywood , March 30
DESPITE the current slump in
production activity, important
story properties are still eagerly
sought after by the studios, as a glance
at some recent purchases proves. John
Steinbeck's newest novel, "The Way-
ward Bus," has been bought by Lib-
erty Films. .- . . Eagle-Lion has pur-
chased "Missouri Legend," described
as an American folk comedy. Joseph
Fields and Jerome Chodorov are adapt-
ing it to the screen, and it will be pro-
duced by the former as head of Joseph
Fields Productions.
•
Screen rights to Dostoievsky's "The
Brothers Karamazov," have been ac-
quired by M-G-M. Julius and Philip
Epstein are writing the sciccnplay,
and Robert Sisk ivill produce. Robert
Taylor and Van Hefliii are set for
two of the title roles. . . . Warners
recently bought "Rainbozv Mountain,"
original by Stephen Longstrcct, who
will also develop the screenplay for
filming as a musical. . . . "The Set-
Up," a narrative poem in blank verse
by Joseph Moncure March, will be
brought to the screen by RKO Radio.
•
Enterprise has purchased an un-
published comedy by H. Allen
Smith, titled "Better Than Never,"
which will be used as a starring
vehicle for Hazel Brooks. Wolf-
gang Reinhardt has been assigned
to produce. . . . And "Robin Hood
of Texas," original by John K. But-
ler and Earl Snell, will serve as
Gene Autry's next starring vehicle
at Republic. . . . Two recent Warner
purchases are "That Hagen Girl,"
a novel by Edith Roberts, and
"Strange Desire," original by Curt
Siodmak. Both have been placed on
Alex Gottlieb's production slate.
•
Paramount has completed plans for
production of a picture about West
Point, entitled "The Long Grey Line."
Robert Fellows has been assigned to
produce. He will have the cooperation
of Major General Maxwell Taylor,
superintendent of the Military Acad-
emy, and of the War Department. . . .
Elliott Nugent has been engaged to
direct "Ever the Beginning," to be
produced by United States Pictures
for Warner release. Lilli Palmer is
get for the stellar role.
Hickey, West Coast division manager,
formerly was Los Angeles branch
manager. He has been with the com-
pany since 1931 and will make his
new headquarters in San Francisco.
Thomas A. Aspell, Jr., succeeds
Gardner as Los Angeles branch man-
ager. Aspell, who ' has been with the
company since 1929, was branch man-
ager at Seattle. He will be succeeded
in that post by Sam Davis, who had
been special reprints and importations
representative for the company on the
West Coast. Davis joined the com-
pany in 1929.
Jerome Adams was appointed
branch manager at Washington, suc-
ceeding John S. Allen, who was made
a district manager some time ago.
Adams has been assistant branch man-
ager at San Francisco. He joined the
company in 1934 and at one time was
a booker in the Washington office,
which he now heads.
Jack Goldberg becomes branch man-
ager at Albany, succeeding Herman
Ripps, who was made a district man-
ager recently. Goldberg has been sales
manager at Washington. He joined
the company in 1928.
Benn H. Rosenwald, branch mali-
nger at Charlotte for the past eight
■^ears, goes to Boston as manager, fill-
ing a vacancy there. Rosenwald joined
M-G-M in 1929 as a salesman and
has worked at several of the com-
pany's exchanges.
Jacques C. ReVille, Oklahoma City
branch manager, replaces Rosenwald
at Charlotte. In turn, Charles D. Lyne,
a salesman at Dallas since 1927, has
been promoted to succeed ReVille as
manager at Oklahoma City.
At the home office, M. L. Simons,
editor of the sales department house
organ, The Distributor , was named
assistant to H. M. Richey, head of
the company's sales promotion and ex-
hibitor and public relations depart-
ment. With the company for 20 years,
Simons will continue his editorial
work in addition to the new assign-
ment.
In announcing the appointments,
Rodgers said that in the coming new
sales and business period he believes
the exhibitor and public relations de-
partment will be of vastly increased
importance.
Referring to a number of changes
which have been made in the sales
staff in the field recently, Rodgers ex-
plained that the company was over-
staffed during the war due to the in-
experience of available personnel at
that time and that with the return of
former employes from service, it be-
came necessarv to both reduce the
staff numerically and to make trans-
fers of some personnel
Cleveland Variety In
Carter Hotel There
Cleveland, March 30. — Variety
Club has leased space in the Carter
Hotel and will be ready for business
Tuesday. First project of the club,
under Harry Schreiber as chief barker
will be a midnight pre-release and
stage show to be held at the RKO
Palace Theatre on April 25. Oscar
Kantor, Warner city salesman, is
chairman of the committee on arrange-
ments. All proceeds go to chari*^
DeVry Names Sheldon
Chicago, March 30. — The DeVry
Corp. theatre projection equipment
manufacturer, has appointed the Shel-
don Theatre Supply Co. of Dayton, as
factory distributors for its line in
Ohio. Sheldon is a new organization,
headed by Stewart Sheldon, formerly
in charge of DeVry theatre equip-
ment sales for Dayton Films, Inc.
Kerman Gets Rights
Moe Kerman, Favorite Films Corp.
president, has acquired reissue rights
to "Gav Desperado" and "One Rainy
Afternoon" from the Pickford-Lasky
Corp. Favorite has also secured reissue
rights to Dennis Morgan in "Sea
Bandits" and "Revolt of the Zombies."
Kerman recently returned from a four-
week Coast trip.
Hossfeld Heads Club
Denver, March 30. — M. Hossfeld,
film buyer for Fox Intermountain Thea-
tres, is now the president of the Rocky
Mountain Screen Club, succeeding
Tom Bailey. Other new officers are :
Joe Dekker and Robert Hill, vice-
oresidents ; Joe Ashby, treasurer ;
William Agren, secretary.
Managers Shift in N.C.
Charlotte, March 3 0. — Charles
Thomas, manager of the Temple in
Gastonia, for the Wilby-Kincey cir-
cuit, is expected here to assume man-
agement of the State Theatre. He suc-
ceeds Dick Horton who is being
transferred to Durham as manager of
the Rialto.
$35,000 to Variety Club
San Francisco, March 30. — Indi-
vidual donations toward a new local
Variety Club now total over $35,000,
according to James O'Neal, chairman
of the collecting committee. The club
is expected to open sometime this
summer.
'Baker's Wife' Re-issued
Marcel Pagnol's French-language
picture, "The Baker's Wife", recently
acquired for reissue in the U. S., by
Siritzky International Pictures, will
be re-released on a percentage basis
only in first-run foreign-film and "art"
houses.
Louis Kuttnauer, 49
Chicago, March 30. — Louis Kutt-
nauer, Southern Illinois salesman for
United Artists, who died in Vandalia
on Friday, was buried here tod^v.
Kuttnauer, 49, was previously with
Republic and Paramount in St. Louis
and with RKO in Des Moines.
Melnick in Cleveland
Cleveland, March 30 — S^ul Mel-
nick has arrived here to take charge
of the simultaneous openings of Sam-
uel Goldwyn's "The Best Years of
Our Lives" on April 4 at the Lower
Mall and University theatres.
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