Scanned from the collections of The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation www.loc.gov/avconservation Motion Picture and Television Reading Room www.loc.gov/rr/mopic Recorded Sound Reference Center www.loc.gov/rr/record I r MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 1 NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1951 TEN CENTS New Shortages Face Industry, NPA Implies Manpower Saving Seen In Material Restriction Washington, Jan. 1. — The Na- tional Production Authority today went out of its way to explain to the motion picture industry the reason for its order curtailing theatre construction, and at the same time im- plied that the industry might be hurt still more by future material and man- power shortages. A special release, issued to the film press only, gave the background and reasons for the construction limitation order. NPA officials said the release had been prepared to "answer what we feel were unjustified criticisms of the order, pos- sibly based on misunderstand- ing." Many of the points made in, the re- lease will probabiy get a thorough going-over at a meeting called by NPA film chief Nathan D. Golden (Continued on page 4) IATSE Sets 4 Goals to Be Attained in New Year 'U' Changes In Force Major changes in the domestic_ and foreign distribution set-up of Univer- sal Pictures, Inc., which were an- nounced during the past few months, officially take place with the start of business today as Alfred E. Daff takes over as director of world sales, a com- bined post supervising domestic and foreign distribution without precedent in the industry. Daff was recently elected a vice- president of Universal Pictures, the parent company, and also takes over (Continued on p~age 4) 'I A' Board to Meet Feb. 5 in Tucson The IATSE general execu- tive board will hold its regu- lar mid-winter meeting at the Santa Rita Hotel, Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 5, it is an- nounced here, by Richard F. Walsh, "IA" international president. The length of the meeting will be determined by the amount of business submitted for the board's attention, Walsh said. Chicago 'Crisis' Meet Up to Film Leaders: Kirsch By CHARLES L. FRANKE The recent dismissal in Los Angeles of the Conference of Studio Unions' $43,000,000 suit against the IATSE has released the latter union's ener- gies "for great- er emphasis on newer under- takings," Rich- ard F. Walsh "IA" interna- tional president, declared in a statement issued at the weekend. The decision, Walsh said, was a "psycholog- ical boost" for scheduled "IA" drives for : ( 1 ) maintain- ing "our bal- ance" in the "battle with the cost of living," (2) pensions, (3) to help (Continued on page 2) RKO Divorce Final; New Firms Emerge Second Major Company To Comply with Decree A new picture company and a new theatre company emerged yes- terday from the dissolution of the old RKO corporation. Richard Walsh Chicago, Jan. 1. — Jack Kirsch, president of Allied Theatres of Illinois, feels that industry leaders in Holly- wood and New York should take the next step in setting up a meeting to be held here this month to discuss the current box-office crisis in Illinois, particularly in the Chicago area. Kirsch invited industry leaders to Chicago for such a meeting "toward the close of January" in his speech at Allied's twentieth anniversary (Continued on page 2) Starts 5 -Day Test Of Phone vis ion Chicago, Jan. 1. — One new film will be available every day on Zenith Radio's Phonevision test after today's three premiere attractions. The new attraction will be shown at the four P.M. performance each (Continued on page 2) US Admission Taxes Were $330,101,365 in 11 Months 71 Coast Theatres Plan Theatre TV Installation in 1951 of large-screen theatre television in 71 theatres from Yuma, Ariz., to San Francisco "is planned by a large theatre circuit, re- portedly Fox West Coast, it was re- vealed here yesterday in a year-end statement by Frank M. Folsom, presi- dent of Radio Corporation of America. This, plus present installations in theatres in New York, Boston, Wash- ington, Chicago and Los Angeles, may (Continued on page 2) Washington, Jan. 1. — Federal gen- eral admission tax collections in the first 11 months of 1950 — reflecting box-office business from December, 1949, through October, 1950^ — amounted to $330,101,365, three and one-half per cent below the $342,- 254,549 collected in the comparable 1949 period. The Bureau of Internal Revenue said general admission tax collections in November, reflecting October busi- ness, actually were a shade above No- vember, 1949, collections— $34,370', 182 against $34,306,573. 'This was the first time 1950 collections were above 1949 since July. The general admission figures in- clude collections from sports, concerts and other spectator events as well as from motion picture theatres but do not include roof garden and cabaret taxes. Court Grants Loew's Extension to Jan. 31 The New York Federal Statutory court on Friday ap- proved a stipulation signed by the Department of Justice to extend until Jan. 31 the date for Loew's to file its plans for divorcement under the government's anti-trust decree. The original filing date, under Loew's interpre- tation of the court order, had been last Saturday. The extension reportedly was agreed upon to give Loew's and the government a chance to see whether they nr'ght agree on a consent de- cree. Washington, Jan. 1.— The gov- ernment, RKO and Howard Hughes have entered into a stipulation to have the Irving Trust Co. appointed as trustee of Howard Hughes' stock in the new RKO Theatre Company. Under the RKO consent decree, Hughes must dispose of his stock in one or the other of the new companies or put it in a voting trust. Hughes has chosen to re- main with the picture company and has not yet sold his theatre company stock — hence the provi- sion for the appointment of the trustee. The stipulation, it is reported, (Continued on page 4) D. of J. Okays 20th-Fox Bid Washington, Jan. 1.— The gov- ernment has given 20th Century-Fox additional time to carry out the disso- lution of certain joint interests. Justice officials said they had ap- proved a stipulation to give Fox an extra 30 days to dissolve its interest in four jointly-held theatres. They also gave the company until March 15 to carry out certain other obliga- tions in connection with the firm's in- terest in Golden State Theatres, which the company agreed to carry out in (Continued on page 2) 'Miracle9 Goes on Pending Hearing Pending a hearing tomorrow before New York Supreme Court Justice Henry Clay Greenberg, the Italian- made "The Miracle" on Friday was returned to the program of the Paris Theatre here. New York City License Commis- sioner Edward T. McCaffrey on Fri- day informed Assistant Corporation Counsel Saul Moskoff that the License Department was willing to permit the picture's reincorporation in the: trio (Continued on page 2) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 2, 1951 Personal Mention ROY ROWLAND, producer, is slated to leave Hollywood today for New York for a vacation. • Al Mendelson, 20th Century-Fox booker for New Jersey, announces the marriage of his daughter, Helene, to Corporal Alvin Nelson of the U. S. Army. The marriage took place at Temple Beth-El, Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, on Saturday. Lee J. Lock wood, son of Arthur H. Lockwood, former president of the Theatre Owners of America, was the recipient of the Hugh Chamberlain prize at Yale University for 1950 and 1951. • Eric A. Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Association, is back in MPAA's Washington headquarters after a holiday stay on the West Coast. Herald Poll Gets Big UK Press Break London, Jan. 1. — The annual Motion Picture Herald-Fame poll of Britain's leading "Money-Making Stars" of 1950 rated unprecedented national newspaper and radio coverage over the New Year weekend. Most editors, including the London Times', pointed out that the Herald's box office survey revealed five British films among the country's six biggest grossers at a time when pessimists here have been proclaiming British production to be threatened with creeping paralysis. Anna Neagle, who ranked first in the poll here, and Jack Warner, who placed third among Britain's top 10, appeared on a special British Broad- casting Co. program at the peak lis- tening-hour Saturday. The program was built around their rankings in the poll. Spot Color TV Show Set The first spot-news coverage of a major event for color television "will bring all the glittering pageantry" of the annual New Year's Day Tourna- ment of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Cal., in full color, to viewers of CBS' public color demonstrations in New York and Philadelphia starting- tomor- row, CBS stated over the weekend. This was made possible by special arrangement between CBS and Carl W. Dudley, president of Dudley Pic- tures Corp. of Beverly Hills, who will film the event in color and ship the films by air to New York immediately following the pageant. Three-color cameras will be em- ployed in the coverage of the parade from vantage points along the route. "Processing will be effected with the utmost speed to wing the films to New York within a matter of hours after the procession," said CBS. 'IA' Goals (Continued from page 1) Chicago Meet (Continued from page 1) Theatre TV (Continued from page 1) form the pioneering basis for an in- dependent theatre TV network which would supplement regular film fare with special television shows, Folsom said. Folsom, in reporting on the status of television generally, said that with- in two years television set circulation had increased 12 times. He estimated that 10,000,000 homes have sets and that the TV audience is approximately 40,000,000 Americans. celebration about two weeks ago. "The top men in the industry were at the banquet," Kirsch said, "and they heard my speech, which was also well-covered in the trade press." Kirsch admitted, however, that after the meeting none of the industry lead- ers present accepted the "challenge to meet in Chicago." He said that perhaps he had been misunderstood and that if industry leaders did not accept his offer, he might send them written invitations this month. "The meeting," Kirsch said, "should be some kind of an over-all forum to discuss ways to improve business in this area." He said that the meeting would not be for the purpose of low- ering film rentals. "We are not wor- ried about that," he said. "We're will- ing to pay fair film rentals as long- as grosses at the box-office are high enough to meet them. An improve- ment in business will benefit every- one—producer, distributor and ex- hibitor." Phonevision (Continued from page 1) D. of J.-Fox (Continued from page 1) earlier stipulations but which actually are contingent on there being a final decree. Since the company has until March 15 to file its divorcement plan —with the feeling being that a final decree will be agreed to before then —the other deadline was also ex- tended to March 15 day. On the next day this attraction will be on at seven P.M., and on the third day it will be shown at nine. The schedule for the first week of Phonevision is : New Year's Day : "April Showers," four P.M.; "Wel- come Stranger," seven P.M. ; "Home- coming," nine P.M.; Tuesday: "Lost Honeymoon," with Franchot Tone, four P. M. ; "April Showers," seven P.M. ; "Welcome Stranger," nine P.M.. Wednesday : "The Unsuspected," with Joan Caufield, four P.M. ; "Lost Honeymoon," seven P.M. ; "April Showers," nine P.M. Thursday : "Silver River," with Er- rol Flynn, four P.M. ; "The Unsus- pected," seven P.M. ; "Lost Honey- moon," nine P.M. Friday: "Dear Ruth" with William Holden, four P.M.; "Silver River," seven P.M. and "The Unsuspected" at nine P.M give "new life" to the stage and screen, and (4) "just stability" in television. This assertion could be interpreted in part as an expression of determina- tion to win cost-of-living pay in- creases now being sought in negotia- tions on the Coast and to achieve a widened distribution of union-manage- ment pension plans. Additionally, Walsh's statement with respect to at- tainment of a "new life" for the screen is viewed as a reaffirmation of the "IA's" wholehearted support of the Council of Motion Picture Organiza- tions, while his reference to the drive for "just stability" in television ap- pears to indicate an "IA" determina- tion to play a greater role in the labor end of the video industry. Wage Campaign It is expected that before 1951 is very_ old the "IA's" cost-of-living and pension campaigns will manifest themselves to a considerably greater degree than at present. But there appears to be no sense of time run- ning out with respect to the Holly- wood locals' bid for cost-of-living in- creases, for, contrary to general be- lief, many industry labor leaders see no film industry wage freeze in the immediate future. Price and wage freezes, it is pointed out, appear slated for defense industries first; hence, al- though allowance should be made' for day-to-day influences in America's wartime economy, it seems evident to these observers that there will be no sudden industry wage freeze. The last cost-of-living boost for studio workers came in 1947 when an 11.17 per cent hike was granted fol- lowing general pay increases of be- tween 25 and 50 per cent granted under contracts negotiated in 1946. Believed to be the spearhead of a determined effort by the "IA" to secure union-management pension plans for its locals generally was the agreement reached last year by sev- eral circuits in New York City and Projectionists Local No. 306 estab- lishing a new-type pension arrange- ment which now is before the U. S. Internal Revenue Bureau. With the addition of 10 new locals during 1950, the "IA" has brought to 988 the total number of locals it represents in the U. S., Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. Several of the locals built new quarters for them- selves during the year. The union's interest in theatre tele- vision last year was emphasized when, between Sept. 11-15, some 30 mem- bers of projectionists locals all over the country took an intensive course in the subject at the RCA Service Co. plant in Camden, N. J. High among the union's achieve- ments last year was the $4-per-week, across-the-board pay increase won for some 5,000 exchange employees across the country. Signing of the agree- ment is expected to take place very soon. The two-year pact will repre- sent a payroll increase of over $1,000,000 a year for eight distribu- tors and National Screen Service Newsreel Parade fT,HE completion of the UN evacu- ation and the ending of the Holy Year are current neiusreel highlights. Other items include Gen. Walker be- ing honored and sports. Complete contents follow : No. 2— Sports re- MO VIE TONE NEWS, view of 1950. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 2K-UN forces complete evacuation. Gen. Walker honored. Dean Acheson reports. Pope seals Sacred Door as Holy Year ends. Football. PARAMOUNT, No. 38— Ice review. Mid- air refueling. Pope seals door of St. Peter's. Final days of Korea evacuation. TELE NEWS DIGEST, No. 52-B— Korea: March to Hungnam. Gen. Ridgway new Eighth Army head. Pope ends Holy Year. Berlin sends Stalin "greetings." Football. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 417— Korea: evacuation complete. Gen. Walker honored. Holy Year ends. Sports: ice and football. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 40MRe- port from Korea. Gen. Ridgway named Korea Army chief. New aerial gas station. Papal rites mark end of Holy Year. Ha- waiian contest winners in gala visit. Sports. 'Miracle' (Continued from page 1) film, "Ways of Love," until the court ruled tomorrow on distributor Joseph Burstyn's motion for a permanent in- junction to lift the Commissioner's ban. McCaffrey said he took that attitude because he did not want to be "tyrannical." At the time of the motion filing on Friday by Burstyn's counsel, John Farber, Justice Greenberg declared that McCaffrey "had no right to as- sume such wide powers" by banning the picture from showings at the Paris. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ^_ Rockefeller Center ____ RUDYARD "WIUV" KIPLING'S AMIfH Errol FLYNN - Dean STOCK WELL Color by TECHNICOLOR A METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE and THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT CHRISTMAS STAGE SHOW A Pgramount Picture starring UNO NANCY CROSBY • OLSON! CHARLES tUTH COBURN •HUSSEY' GuAit Stan GROUCHO MARI • DOROTHY KIRSTEN PEGGY LEE • THE MERRY MACS 'NFSMON WUIS PR|MA> ond hit OUCH P'«« SHIRLEY VAN f Uro \JAN MURRAY. Midnight Faotvr* Nightly TheMw//a/'A 2o*« <#IVOLI BBOADWAY AT 49ih ST. Syfan^^dayl,^ Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays, New York." Martin hXleV Prl~;^t c f Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address: "Quigpubco, Jamw P. Cunningham n!ws Editor HeVber. v"?' ' Qu]?ley^ Vice-President ; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary Editor. Oiicago Bu«au 71) South Labile £re f if ^dv"tls,,n^ Manager; Gus H. Fausd, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building, William R. Weaver London Bureau 4 i Golden So T nln w Street Urben Farley, Advert.smg Representative FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C Herald; Bett e^Theatrefand^^ FeteT Bur^P' C^e adt£ess' "Qui^co, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture class matter, Sent 23 1938 at the nn»t nffl ^ V v i 3 year as a setct>?n °f Motlon Picture H"ald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- matter, sept. 2S, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. ,/AHS MURDER -NOT LOVE... LURKS IN HER EYES.' ■«"'- JOHNNY WEISSMULLER BRENDA JOHNNY JOYCE SHEFFIELD Produced by SOL LESSER Associote Producer and Director KURT NEUMANN Orginal Story and Screen Ploy by CARROLL YOUNG Bated Upon the Characters Created by EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS with HENRY STEPHENSON • MADAME MARIA OUSPENSKAYA BARTON MacLANE • DON DOUGLAS Produced by SOL LESSER Associate Producer and Director KURT NEUMANN Screen Play by Hans Jacoby and Marjorie L. Pfaelzer Based Upon the Characters Created by EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS (These motion pictures available individually or as a combination) 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 2, 1951 New RKO Firms Emerge {Continued from page 1) Shortages (Continued from page 1) with theatre equipment manufacturers for Jan. 10. At one point the NPA statement explained that it had decided that "hroadly speaking" there were enough theatres and other amusement facili- ties in view of the need for material in defense production. Another point was that critics claimed that many materials used in theatre construction are not critical, whereas actually they are. Still another point was that non- essential production had to be limited to save manpower just as much as to save materials. Strategic Materials "The motion picture industry is making a contribution to the rearma- ment program by not using strategic materials that would go into construc- tion," the NPA statement concluded. Materials used in construction of theatres are not only used to construct other types of buildings but also to manufacture equipment vital to the de- fense effort, it declared. "Too often," it said, "theatre construction or re- modeling is thought to be largely a matter of iron and steel, whereas their use is relatively small. It is frequent- ly forgotten that theatre construction and remodelling use other materials of great importance to the defense ef- fort" : hardware, plumbing, lighting, heating and ventilating, sound and projection equipment all use large amounts of metals such as aluminum and copper, NPA said, and "the con- struction ban will effectively lessen the consumption of such critical mate- rials." declares that the trustee cannot have any interest in the new pic- ture company nor any financial obligation to or from Hughes. One significant provision states that the government intends to file a motion this month to empower the trustee to sell Hughes' stock if he has not done so himself with- in one year. Hughes declares he will oppose this motion. The signing of final papers on Fri- day marked the completion of the divorcement of production and dis- tribution from exhibition by the sec- ond major film company under con- sent decrees ending the government anti-trust suit against them initiated in 1938. A year ago Paramount completed divorcement under a* consent decree and Warner will present its consent decree to the New York Statutory Court on Thursday. Twentieth Cen- tury-Fox has indicated that an _ agree- ment with Justice Department is like- ly to be reached before March 15, the date of its latest extension. Loew's the last of the major produc- tion-distribution-exhibition firms re- Scanlon to RKO Hollywood, Jan. 1. — Ernest L. Scanlon, former vice-president of Van- guard Productions, will join RKO to- morrow as studio manager. The post has been vacant since the resignation six months ago of Leon Goldberg, now vice-president of Universal. quired to separate, also reportedly may seek a consent decree. Under terms of the RKO decree, Howard Hughes, owner of 23 per cent of the stock of the former RKO cor- poration, must trustee his 929,028 shares of stock in the new RKO The- atres Corp. Other stockholders, who will receive shares in both new com- panies, may continue to own and con- trol stock in both. The new production-distribution company, RKO Pictures Corp., is headed by Ned E. Depinet, president; Noah Dietrich, chairman of the board ; J. Miller Walker, vice-president, coun- sel and secretary; William H. Clark, treasurer ; Garrett Van Wagner, comptroller ; Walter C. Derham and Edwin J. Smith, Jr., assistant treas- urers, and Joseph J. Laub, assistant secretary. Officers of the RKO Theatres Corp. are Sol J. Schwartz, president; Wil- liam W. Howard, vice-president; Thomas F. O'Connor, vice-president and treasurer; William F. Whitman, secretary ; Oliver R. McMahon, comp- troller ; Edward W. Avery, Harold E. Newcomb and John E. Redmond, as- sistant treasurers, and Louis Joffe and Milton Maier, assistant secretaries. Hope-Paramount Sign Hollywood, Jan. 1. — Bob Hope has signed a new long term exclusive con- tract with Paramount, which intro- duced him to pictures in 1937. Hope also signed an exclusive long term radio contract with NBC, which in- cludes television appearances. 'IP Changes (Continued from page 1) the post of president of Universal- International Films, the foreign dis- tribution subsidiary of Universal. Officially assuming their new posts under Daff with the new year will be Charles J. Feldman as the newly- appointed domestic sales manager and Americo Aboaf as foreign sales man- ager. Feldman has been elected a vice-president of Universal Film Ex- changes, the operating domestic dis- tribution subsidiary and Aboaf is a vice-president of Universal-Interna- tional Films, the foreign distribution subsidiary. Also with the start of the new year, W. A. Scully assumes the post of do- mestic sales consultant of Universal Pictures, a post he will hold for the next four years while Joseph H. Sei- delman will start a two-year tenure in a consultive capacity on a non- exclusive basis. Also assuming new posts with the start of the new year will be Peter T. Dana as Eastern sales manager, a promotion from district manager to fill the post previously held by Feld- man. Jeff Livingston assumes the new post of Eastern advertising manager with the new year and Henry A. (Hank) Linet, who had been Eastern advertising manager, moves into the newly-created post of sales promotion manager, both under David A. Lipton, newly-elected vice-president in charge of advertising and publicity. Living- ston will continue to handle the pro- motion of J. Arthur Rank productions, a post he held prior to his promotion. PARAMOUNT TRADE SHOWS Jan. 9th to 24th, 1951 GENE TIERNEY • JOHN LUND in THE MATING SEASON" with MIRIAM HOPKINS THELMA RITTER Jan Sterling A MITCHELL LEISEN Production Produced by CHARLES BRACKETT Directed by MITCHELL LEISEN Written for the screen by Charles Brackett, Walter Reisch and Richard Breen CITY PLACE OF SCREENING ALBANY MADISON THEATRE TUES. ATLANTA FOX THEATRE WED. BOSTON METROPOLITAN THEATRE TUES. BUFFALO PARAMOUNT THEATRE TUES. CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 305 S. Church St WED. CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1 306 S. Michigan Ave. . . WED. CINCINNATI CAPITOL THEATRE THUR. CLEVELAND STATE THEATRE TUES. DALLAS MAJESTIC THEATRE WED. DENVER DENHAM THEATRE MON. DES MOINES DES MOINES THEATRE WED. DETROIT PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Ave WED. INDIANAPOLIS CIRCLE THEATRE ■• • - WED. JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA THEATRE WED. KANSAS CITY PARAMOUNT THEATRE TUES. } LOS ANGELES PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Hollywood MON. MEMPHIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 So. 2nd St WED. MILWAUKEE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 No. 8th St WED. MINNEAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1201 Currie Ave WED. NEW HAVEN PARAMOUNT THEATRE MON. NEW ORLEANS SAENGER THEATRE FRI. NEW YORK CITY. . .PARAMOUNT THEATRE MON. OKLAHOMA CITY. .CRITERION THEATRE MON. OMAHA PARAMOUNT. PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St.... WED. PHILADELPHIA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 No. 12th St WED. PITTSBURGH LOEW'S PENN THEATRE WED. PORTLAND ORPHEUM THEATRE MON. ST. LOUIS FOX THEATRE MON. SALT LAKE CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 E. 1st So. St WED. SAN FRANCISCO... PARAMOUNT THEATRE .. • WED. SEATTLE PARAMOUNT THEATRE FRI. WASHINGTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 306 H St.. N.W MON. DATE JAN. 16 8 P.M. JAN. 10 8 P.M. JAN. 9 8 P.M. JAN. 9... 8.-30 P.M. JAN. 10 10 A.M. JAN. 10. . .7:30 P.M. JAN. 1-1 9 P.M. JAN. 23... 8:30 P.M. JAN. 17 6 P.M. JAN. 22... 7:45 P.M. JAN. 24. . .8:30 P.M. JAN. 10... 7.30 P.M. JAN. 17... 8.30 P.M. JAN. 10 8 P.M. JAN. 23 9 P.M. JAN. 22... 8:30 P.M. JAN. 10... 2.30 P.M. JAN. 10 2 P.M. JAN. 10... 7:30 P.M. JAN. 8. ..8:30 P.M. JAN. 19... 8.-30 P.M. JAN. 22... 8.-30 P.M. JAN. 15 8 P.M. JAN. 10 7 P.M. JAN. TO 2 P.M. JAN. 10... 8.-30 P.M. JAN. 22... 8:30 P.M. JAN. 15... 8.-30 P.M. JAN. 10... 7:30 P.M. JAN. 10.. .8:75 P.M. JAN. 12... 8:45 P.M. JAN. 15. . .7.30 P.M. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate (Concise I k VOL. 69. NO. 2 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1951 TEN CENTS MGM, 20th tolPhonevision Test StartslCourt Okays Hear NCA's \Smoothly; Wins Praise Hughes Stock Rental Plan First of Majors to Set Confabs With Group Sales representatives of two major film companies have agreed to meet with North Central Allied's "fair rental" committee, due here Saturday from Minneapolis. M-G-M will meet with the group next Wednesday, with Charles Reagan, Henderson M. Richey and E. M. Saunders representing the company. Wil- liam F. Rodgers, distribution vice-president, is in Florida on vacation. A tentative date for Monday _ or Tuesday has been arranged for a sim- ilar discussion by 20th Century-Fox, it was said yesterday. It is likely that A. W. Smith, Jr., distribution vice-president, will attend. The NCA committee is coming to New York to present a plan con- (Continued on page 7) 3,900,000 Trust Suit New Orleans, Jan. 2. — Mrs. Henry Lazarus. S. and L. Theatres, Inc., Jadel Theatres, Inc., and Henry La- zarus Theatres. Inc., have filed suit in Federal District Court here asking damages totaling $3,900,000 against several motion picture producers and distributors and local theatre opera- tors. Defendants include Paramount, Loew's, Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, Radio-Keith-Orpheum, RKO Radio, (Continued on page 7) Harvey Succeeded By Ben Levin San Francisco, Jan. 2. — Rotus Harvey, not choosing to run again for the presiden- cy of the Independent Thea- tre Owners of Northern California, has been suc- ceeded by Ben Levin. Others elected were Homer I. Tegt- meier, vice-president, and Harry P. Franklin, secretary- treasurer. The new board is composed of Harvey, David Bolton, Lee Dibble, Julian A. Harvey, William Helm, Dave Richards, Edward C. Rowden and Sid Weisbaum. First monthly luncheon- meeting of 1951 will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Variety Club. Mayer Tops Loew's 1950 Salary Listing Louis B. Mayer, Loew's studio vice- president, received in the last fiscal year remuneration totaling $300,000 to lead all other company officers in a salary listing made available here yes- terday. Second highest remuneration was received by Nicholas M. Schenck, company president, whose total was recorded as $224,767. In the case of Mayer, salary, ex- penses, etc. amounted to $156,428, with the additional $143,571 representing a (Continued on page 2) Holiday Take Good At N. Y. Runs; 'Yesterday' High Operators of Broadway's first-runs are adding up the figures of the New Year's weekend and in the main find them eminently satisfactory but not sensational in comparison with past years. New Year's Eve, which found Times Square packed with 850,000 persons — 100,000 more than last year — was universally good for motion picture houses of that area, with most featuring special shows at advanced admissions. Otherwise, the holidays found those theatres with strong product steadily playing to capacity or near-capacity and a few outstanding bills doing outstanding business. (Continued on page 6) By DAN BLUE Chicago, Jan. 2. — Zenith Radio Corporation's Phonevision test got off to a very good start here yesterday. Programs started on time; went off without a hitch, and technically were all that could be expected. Sound and quality of the three initial attractions — "April Showers," "Welcome Stran- ger" and "Homecoming" — were ex- cellent, definitely better than most of the films being shown on TV today. This was due to the fact that only new prints are being used in the test. Audience reaction at a spe- cial showing of Phonevision at the Drake Hotel was very fav- orable. The audience of some 20 persons gave the films their rapt attention and expressed delight with the whole proj- ect. One observer said Phone- vision was like a "junior thea- tre." The Chicago press react- ed very favorably. Phonevision operation is simple. A telephone call and the flicking of a few gadgets turns a jumbled mess on the screen into a clear picture. TV sets without Phonevision attachments show the film in a jumpy, garbled manner, although not so messed_ up that it is completely unintelligible. The sound is understandable on all sets. Prior to each showing of Phonevi- (Contimied on page 7) Government Moving Toward Metals Curb Trusteeship Irving Trust Gets Power To Vote Theatre Issues The three-judge U. S. statutory court here yesterday approved the stipulation entered into by the gov- ernment, RKO and Howard Hughes to have Irving Trust Co. act as trus- tee of Hughes' stock in the new RKO Theatres Co. The order, signed by the court, pointed out that the trustee shall have the power to vote the stock "in the best way it sees fit and in the best inter- ests of the new theatre com- pany." It is further stipulated that the stock shall be issued to and stand in the name of the trustee as such on the books of the new theatre company, but Hughes shall be the equitable owner. Compensation to the trustee is to (Continued on page 7) Washington, Jan. 2. — Complete government control of all metals and other raw materials has moved a step closer as the National Production Au- thority issued an order barring the use of copper in more than 300 "non-essen- tial" goods. The copper order was the first NPA (Continued on page 7) U. S. Urges Theatres To Play Korean Film Twentieth Century-Fox yesterday announced distribution of a 30-minute subject, "Why Korea?", which out- lines in dramatic terms the reasons be- hind our current struggle in the. Far East. Produced at the company's studio under the aegis of production chief Darryl F. Zanuck, the picture is an outgrowth of talks between Zanuck (Continued on page 6) Jackson Park Decree Stays Chicago, Jan. 2. — Federal Judge Michael Igoe today overruled the mo- tion of Balaban and Katz to modify the Jackson Park decree. The ruling came this afternoon after three hours of oral arguments between Tom McConnell, Jackson Park Thea- tre attorney, and Alfred Teton, B&K attorney. B&K had petitioned a period of clearance after Loop runs, the lifting of the two-week run limi- tation on films in B&K Loop theatres (Continued on page 6) Deneau Quits SRO, Will Join Lopert Sid Deneau has resigned as vice- president in charge of sales of the Selznick Releasing Organization to become vice-president of the new Ilya Lopert Film Distributing Co., effective Jan. 15. He will also be in charge of sales in his new post. No successor to Deneau has been named yet by David O. Selznick. Some of the former's duties will be handled (Continued on page 6) $427,108 Drop in Loew's Foreign Net Net income of Loew's consolidated foreign subsdiaries for the last fiscal year totaled $879,163, representing a drop of $427,108 from the $1,306,271 recorded for the prior fiscal year, ac- cording to a year-end report released here yesterday. It was indicated additionally that the capital stock investment of Loew's and Loew's International in 73 wholly- owned subsidiaries, including four for- eign corporations operating under the (Continued on' page 6) 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 3, 1951 Review "The Steel Helmet" (Lippert Productions) Hollywood, Jan. 2 THIS best and timeliest Lippert production to bear that trademark to date takes its audience straight into the heart of the Korean conflict, search- ingly revealing the exact nature of the fighting there in terms of what hap- pens to a mixed company of infantrymen, and closes on the terse terminal notation that "There is no end to this story." Written, produced and directed by Samuel Fuller, the film is as timely as today's front-line dispatches, and is more informative with relation to the things our soldiers are doing and having done to them. Realistic is a better word than grim for the graphically-presented experiences of the men ordered to establish an observation post in the rice fields and defend it until the artillery can be brought up. Writer-producer-director Fuller opens his picture on the figure of a vet- eran sergeant left for dead by Korean Reds who have machine-gunned his company after binding their hands behind them. As he crawls out from a circle of dead comrades, a South Korean boy unties him and follows him into the jungle mists where they eventually meet and join up with an infantry platoon searching for a pagan temple sought for use as an observation post. The sergeant, played with authority by newcomer Gene Evans, is the key figure in dramatic events preceding, during and following the platoon's occu- pation of the temple, but all members of the all-male cast are principals and all give impressive performances, including Robert Hutton, Steve Brodie, James Edwards, Richard Loo, Sid Melton, Richard Monohan, William Chun, Harold Fong, Neyle Morrow and Lynn Stallmaster. Strictly chronological in its development, and with the unexpected-but- logical employed with considerable skill as a dramatic tool, Fuller's story is a splendid piece of craftsmanship. William Berke served as associate pro- ducer. Ernest W. Miller's photography is outstanding. Running time, 84 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, February 2. William R. Weaver Personal Mention ERIC A. JOHNSTON, president of the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America, plans to fly to Uru- guay early this year to attend a film festival there. • A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. and Max Youngstein, vice-president in charge of advertising-publicity, will leave here tomorrow for Los Angeles, to attend a regional book- er-salesman's meeting in that city on Ian. 6-7. • Henderson M. Richey, M-G-M exhibitor relations head, will be in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday to attend a dinner given by Robert Livingston, head of the Nebraska Theatre Own- ers of America unit, in honor of the state's Congressional delegation. • Bernard G. Kranze, ELC's gen- eral sales manager, will leave here this week for visits to ELC ex- changes in Dallas, Oklahoma and Memphis. • Frank Schilken, Jr., was reelect- ed business representative of the Minneapolis operator's Local No. 219. • Judd Bernard of Robert Lippert Productions studio publicity staff, has arrived here from the Coast. • Henry Koster and his family ar- rived here yesterday aboard the 5"vS Queen Mary from Europe. • Foster M. Blake, Western sales manager for Universal Picture, is in Los Angeles from New York. • Gael Sullivan, executive director of the Theatre Owners of America, is spending this week in Washington. • James Stewart arrived here from England yesterday. WB Sets Premiere of 'Operation Pacific' Supporting star Philip Carey will be a guest of honor at the world pre- miere of "Operation Pacific," on Jan. 9, when the Warner film has a special invitational showing . at the New London U. S. Naval Submarine Base. Carey appears with John Wayne and Patricia Neal in the film. Special trains from New York and Boston will take newspaper, magazine, radio and wire service representatives to the Submarine Base to witness demonstrations of modern submarine techniques, with the showing of "Op- eration Pacific" as the day's feature event. Pascal-RKO Sign Hollywood, Jan. 2.— Gabriel Pascal has signed a contract with RKO to produce three pictures here, the first of which will be George Bernard Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion." The serv- ices of Jean Simmons, who is report- edly committed to Pascal for three films, are also included in the deal. Monogram Has 10 Of 29 Completed Hollywood, Jan. 2. — Since announc- ing the company's 1951 schedule three months ago, Monogram has completed 10 of the 29 features promised, ex- clusive of the western series, has 12 in advance preparation stages and sev- en about to be assigned to writers. Of the 10 already completed, three, "A Modern Marriage," "Joe Palooka in the Squared Circle" and "Father's Wild Game," have been released. Others finished and awaiting release are "Cavalry Scout," "Sierra Pass- age," "Lion Hunters," "Bowery Bat- talion," "Rhythm Inn," "Navy Bound" and "According to Mr. Hoyle." Being readied for early 1951 produc- tion are "Flight to Mars," "The Big Top," "Rodeo," "Submarine School," "Elephant Stampede," "Ghost Chas- ers," and "The Ottawa Story." UK Citations to Wilcox, 2 Others London, Jan. 2. — Herbert Wilcox has been made Commander of the Order of the British Empire under the New Year's honors list. Also, Arthur Tarratt, managing director of British Lion Film Corp., has been made an honorary captain of the Royal Navy for his services in supplying films to the fleet. Mary Field, director of the chil- dren's film department of Gaumont- British Instructional, was awarded the Order of the British Empire. Loew's Boston Profit Boston, Jan. 2. — The net profit of Loew's Boston Theatres Co. for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 1950 was listed at $145,783 in a company state- ment. Gross income was $1,551,183, ex- penses, $1,159,652 and taxes, $135,398. 20th Progresses in Conversions of Stock The response of company stockhold- ers to 20th Century-Fox's request made in 1949 to exchange shares of Fox Film Corp. stock for that of 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. has been "most gratifying," Donald A. Hender- son, 20th-Fox secretary, has reported to stockholders. In a statement dated April 1, 1949, the company asked holders of frac- tional shares of Class A common of the old Fox Film, and holders of frac- tional shares of preferred and common of 20th-Fox to eliminate the large number of fractional shares then out- standing. The fractional shares had become "extremely burdensome" to the company and its dividend disbursing agent, and the cost of handling in many cases exceeded the amount of the dividend check itself, the company statement pointed out. Holders were urged to dispose of fractional shares or buy additional fractional shares to bring holdings to full shares. Keegan Quits Post; Seligman Succeeds Cincinnati, Jan. 2. — Jack R. Kee- gan, vice-president and general man- ager of Northio Theatres with head- quarters here, has resigned. He is succeeded by Selig J. Seligman from the home office of United Paramount Theatres. The Northio circuit ex- tends throughout Ohio and nearby territory. Mori Krushen's Daughter Ruth Krushen, daughter of Mori Krushen, director of exploitation for United Artists, died at midnight New Year's Eve, after a lingering illness. She was 17. Newsreel Parade D EPORTS from Korea and a mes- sage from Gen. Eisenhower are current newsreel highlights. Other items are the last films of the late Gen. Walker, and sports. Complete contents follozv: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 1— UN forces leave Hungnam in flames. Last films of General Walker. Pope ends 1950 Holy Year. Evening hat fashions. Sports. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 238— Gen. Eisenhower's New Year's message. New York gets "new look." Report from Korea. Korea's "Little Joe." Sports. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 38— Story of 1950. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 1-A— Korean civilians flee Reds. Gen. Lattre de Tassigny in Indo-C'hina. New crash rescue boat. Am- bassador Gifford in London. Bathing fash- ions. Track. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 418 — Report from Korea. "Harvey" premiere aids Heart Fund. Sports review. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 41— UN builds international force in Korea. Furs for evening, 1951. News from the world of sport. Review of 1950 in ParamountNewsreel A special press screening was held here yesterday by Paramount News of its current newsreel release which features a review of the highlights of 1950. The reel is currently reaching theatres throughout the country. Characterizing 1950 as "Democracy's year of courage," the reel's big story is of course the war in Korea. Most of the eight minutes of running time is taken up by the pictorial reporting of this event. However the reel is not without other absorbing stories, all of which captured the headlines in the year past. The reel is a moving Auld Lang Syne. — M. H. Loew's Salary List (Continued from page 1) bonus and profit-sharing. Schenck's salary and expenses came to $130,357, with the additional $94,410 classified as a bonus and share in profits. J. Robert Rubin and Edgar J. Man- nix, vice-presidents, also received bonuses and profit shares in addition to their respective remunerations of $214,900 and $202,606, as follows: Rubin, $104,285 salary, $110,614 bonus and profit-sharing; Mannix $159,035 salary, $43,571 bonus and profit. Salaries of other officers, who did not receive bonuses or share in profits, were listed as follows : Charles C. Moskowitz, vice-president and treas- urer, $156,428 ; Joseph R. Vogel, vice- president, $156,428 ; Leopold Friedman, vice-president, secretary and counsel, $130,357; William F. Rodgers, vice- president, $114,714. Pursuant to Rodgers' employment contract, the companv deposited in escrow during the last fiscal year $78,000. Under the terms of the contract, payments to Rodgers of $1,738 monthly are being- made out of a fund previously depos- ited in escrow. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye. Consulting 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. Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary: James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke. Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street. Urben Farley, Advertising Representative. FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. O'tten. National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Motto for 1951: LET'S GET OFF OUR FILM CANS AND GO TO WORK! LET'S ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES TO ROLL UP THE GROSSES ! MATCH OUR GREAT PRODUCT WITH YOUR GREAT PEP ! Below are just a few of the Big M-G-M Shows that inspire Showmanship! KING SOLOMON'S MINES (Technicolor) Deborah Kerr, Stewart Granger, Richard Carlson * * * KIM (Technicolor) Errol Flynn, Dean Stockwell, Paul Lukas, Robert Douglas, Thomas Gomez, Cecil Kellaway, Arnold Moss * * * THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE Louis Calhern, Ann Harding * * * GROUNDS FOR MARRIAGE Van Johnson, Kathryn Grayson, Paula Raymond, Barry Sullivan, Lewis Stone, Reginald Owen VENGEANCE VALLEY (Technico/or) Burt Lancaster, Robert Walker, Joanne Dru, Sally Forrest, John Ireland, Ray Collins MR. IMPERIUM (Technicolor) Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Marjorie Main, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedric Hardwicke THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE Cast of Thousands including Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin * * * ROYAL WEDDING (Technicolor) Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peter Lawford, Sarah Churchill, Keenan Wynn, Albert Sharps ACROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI (Technicolor) Clark Gable, Ricardo Montalban, John Hodiak, James Whitmore, Adolphe Men jou, J. Carrol Naish * * * THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, Barry Sullivan SHOW BOAT (Technico/or) Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Joe E. Brown, Marge & Gower Champion, Agnes Moorehead + ★ * FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger, Walter Pidgeon, David Niven, Robert Newton, Cyril Cusack, Greta Gynt, Frank Allenby ★ ★ * THE PAINTED HILLS (Technicolor) Lassie, Paul Kelly, Bruce Cowling, Gary Gray INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian, Arlene Dohl, Barry Sullivan, Mercedes McCambridge, Paula Raymond, Claude Jarman, Jr., Lon Chaney CALLING BULLDOG DRUMMOND Walter Pidgeon, Margaret Leighton, Robert Beatty ★ * * KIND LADY Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, Angela Lansbury, Keenan Wynn * ' * * GO FOR BROKE! Van Johnson and All-Star Cast * ★ ★ THE GREAT CARUSO (Technicolor) Mario Lanza, Ann Blyth, Dorothy Kirsten, Jarmila Novotna, Blanche Thebom, Teresa Cell i, Richard Hageman, Carl Benton Reid ★ ★ ★ RICH, YOUNG AND PRETTY (Tec/inico/or) Jane Powell, Wendell Corey, Danielle Darrieux, Vic Damone, Marcel Dalio, Jean Murat, Fernando Lamas AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (Technico/or) Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary * * * IT'S A BIG COUNTRY All Star Cast * * * TERESA Pier Angeli, John Ericson * * * PEOPLE VS. O'HARA Spencer Tracy * * ★ EXCUSE MY DUST (Technico/orJ Red Skelton, Sally Forrest, Macdonald Carey, William Demarest, Monica Lewis, Raymond Walburn •* * ★ STRICTLY DISHONORABLE Ezio Pinza, Janet Leigh * * ★ SCARAMOUCHE Stewart Granger, Ava Gardner, Ricardo Montalban ★ * * THE STRIP Mickey Rooney, Jimmy Durante ★ ★ ★ LOVE IS BETTER THAN EVER Elizabeth Taylor, Larry Parks * * * THE LAW AND LADY LOVERLY Greer Garson, Michael Wilding, Fernando Lamas, Marjorie Main ★ ★ ★ And Remember! 1951 is the Year of "QUO VADIS" ! M-G-M No. 1 IN 1951 ! Paramount MARTIN AND LEWIS COMEDY SMASJLAT V Paramount presents Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in "AT WAR WITH THE ARMY" with Polly Bergen • Executive Produc Abner J. Greshler • Directed by Hal Walker • Written for the Screen and Produced by Fred F. Finkelhoffe • Based on a Play 1 James B. Allardice • Songs by Mack David and Jerry Livingston >oxoffice News ARRED IN NEW YEAR LR WITH THE ARMY ! Amerfca's funniest team in their newest, most hilarious hit! They'll premiere at specially selected New Year's Eve midnight dates— preceding coast to coast engagements throughout the month of January . . . FROM THE ROAR-FRONT— COME THESE HIGHLIGHTS: rry serves up novelty number, "The Navy its the Gravy Hut the Army Gets the Beans !" id ppers, how the gorgeous dames fall for Sgt. |r;an Martin's special brand of romancing! For the record, it's Dean crooning "You and Your Beautiful Eyes" to lovely Polly Bergen. Jerry Lewis goes AWOL, disguised as a fasci- nating blonde spy with hair on her chest! Going your way! They're making like Bing and Barry with "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral"! At camp show the famous team sings "Tonda Wanda Hoy," the hit you'll hear everywhere. 6 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 3, 1951 National Pre-Selling Wl I AT is described by 20th Cen- tury-Fox as the first "round-the- world fashion tour" will introduce "Bird of Paradise" to audiences in 15 countries by way of a global junket for which plans are now completed. The tour will kick off late next month following the first "Bird of Paradise" fashion show in New York. A group of 20 newspaper, magazine syndicate and allied press representa- tives will be invited to take part in the junket, along with 12 top fashion models. Now nearing completion are plans to travel aboard a private four- cngined Stratocruiser visiting 20 for- eign capitals and key cities in 15 coun- tries. In each city where "Bird of Paradise" fashions are staged, local models will join the American "Para- dise" girls in the showing and display native fashions created for the film. The proceeds of each city's fashion show to be attended by government, industry and society figures, will be donated to local charities. The itinerary will begin in New York and embrace San Francisco, Honolulu, Auckland, N. Z., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Bom- may, Johannesburg, Capetown, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Athens, Rome, Zurich, Paris, Brussels, Stockholm, London, Glasgow, Dublin and then back to New York, arriving in the United States by Easter in time for the world premiere of the picture. A cosmetic tieup between 20th Cen- tury-Fox and the Dorothy Gray Com- pany will result in full-page, two-color ads for "Bird of Paradise," in the April issues of Ladies Home Journal, the New Yorker, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Home Companion, Glamour, Mademoiselle and Harper's Bazaar. The tieup also includes heavy mer- chandising and local newspaper ads by way of department stores in which Debra Paget, who plays the feminine lead, will be featured. Three new manufacturers will create and merchandise "Bird of Paradise" styles for the Easter market. They are : Filcol, which makes evening- dresses ; Clairol, maker of a nationally known hair tint, and Majestic, makers of compacts for women. • The most extensive book program in the history of the Walt Disney stu- dio is nearing completion in behalf of "Alice in Wonderland," to be released next year. With 13 different books and distribution set through 125,000 outlets across the nation, it is esti- mated that more than 13,500,000 copies will be sold. All books ivill be in distribution before the picture is re- leased, some as much as three to five months in advance of playdates. An additional impetus for the heavy promotion campaign being built for the film will be in the form of an ''Alice in Wonderland" nezvspaper comic fea- ture. Beginning in August and con- tinuing for 16 consecutive Sundays, the color comic will appear in key Sunday nezi'spapcrs from Coast-to-Coast in half-page format with a total circula- tion that will run into millions. The strip zvill be syndicated nationally and internationally by King Features Syn- dicate. — Walter Brooks NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) The Victoria reports the best holi- day week in years, with "Born Yester- day" due to take in $55,000 for its sec- ond week. "Harvey" at the Astor also topped last year's holidays with a very good $46,000 in sight. A house record of $19,000 for the Bijou, where "Cyrano de Bergerac" is in the eighth week of its reserved seat, two-a-day policy, is forecast. Ex- tra shows made the high figure pos- sible. Among the larger stage and film houses, Radio City Music Hall main- tained a steady pace throughout the week, with $109,000 reported for the four-day weekend and $170,000 due for the fifth week of "Kim" and the Christmas show. The complete pack- age will hold until Jan. 10. 'Mr. Music' "Mr. Music" at the Paramount has been packing the customers in every night and is building up to a splendid $95,000 for a second week. Louis Prima's band is on stage. The Strand reports a good $40,000 for the weekend of "West Point Story," but the esti- mate of $50,000 for the second week is well below the figure for the similar week in 1949-50. "Pagan Love Song" at the Capitol took in $89,440 for the week beginning Christmas and ending New Year's Eve, excellent business. Admissions for the initial eight days totalled 90,- 802 persons. The picture, aided by a stage show featuring the Ink Spots, is expected to continue at a lively clip. The Roxy took in $71,000 over the holiday weekend with "For Heaven's Sake" and its Christmas show, but the final six-day stanza sees only $80,000 due, a figure that represents good business but not of holiday caliber. The house will close all day Thurs- day for a benefit premiere that evening of "Halls of Montezuma." At the Rivoli, "The Mudlark" main- tained a good pace, giving the box-of- fice an estimated $38,000 for a second week, which is very good business. "The Flying Missile" at Loew's State was frankly disappointing in its holi- day run, with a first week's $20,000 likely to be followed by $15,000 for the second. 'Stars in My Crown' "Stars in My Crown" picked up at the Park Avenue, where $5,500 is due for a second week. At the Sutton, "Trio" continues its strong, long run with $12,500 in sight for a 13th week. "Seven Days to Noon, "the British thriller playing at the Trans Lux 52nd Street, is still doing terrific business with $18,000 due for a third week. "Where Danger Lives" opened well at the Criterion on Saturday and has a healthy $22,000 due for the first week. The Criterion's Christmas show, a special engagement of Dis- ney's "Pinocchio" and "Make Mine Music," has moved over to the Gotham for an indefinite run. The Mayfair opened "The Milk- man" on Saturday and the outlook is about $16,000 for the first week, rather mild for a holiday period. Montez Wins Suit Los Angeles, Jan. 2. — A judgment for $38,000 was today returned in favor of actress Maria Montez in her suit against Seymour Nebenzal, inde- pendent producer, for unpaid salary by the Superior Court here. The suit in- volved "Siren of Atlanta." SWG Questionnaires Would Aid Govt. Hollywood, Jan. 2. — Screen Writers Guild has dispatched to its membership question- naires eliciting data on their educational and experience backgrounds, including for- eign languages, countries, and personal availability for remote assignments. Purpose is to amass data for reference when, as, and if, government agencies re- quest writer services for training films or others re- quired during an emergency. U.S. Urges Theatres (Continued from page 1) and President Truman earlier this summer. "So enthusiastic is official Washing- ton about the film that Presidential Assistant John R. Steelman is per- sonally urging exhibitors by letter to play it as a public service," said the company. Basic purpose of the subject is to inform the American public of the rea- sons for the United Nations' firm stand against aggression throughout the world. Deneau Quits SRO (Continued from page 1) by Leonard Case, assisted by Sam Sig- man, who remain on the SRO staff here. Deneau, who held his present post with SRO for the past several years, entered the industry 24 years ago with the former Fox Film Co. He was suc- cessively film buyer for Fabian Thea- tres and1 general manager of the Schine Circuit. During World War I he was a major on the general staff in Wash- ington. Loew's Foreign Net (Continued from page 1) parent company's banner and 69 do- mestic and foreign corporations within the framework of the international firm, totals $3,136,883. Net income during the last fiscal year for Loew's International's 25 do- mestic corporations was $156,977, while the same company's 20 foreign corpo- rations earned $474,292, a breakdown of the overall total shows. In the prior fiscal year 24 Loew's International domestic corporations had an income of $17,568, whereas the then-owned 20 foreign subsidiaries earned $1,008,- 040. The breakdown shows that the par- ent company's four foreign corpora- tions earned $247,893 during the last year, against $280,662 during the prior fiscal year. Loew's points out in its report that investments in 21 non-consolidated subsidiaries in Continental Europe and the Far East were written off in 1942. Three such subsidiaries were acquired since Aug., 1942, but are not carried at any value in the consolidated finan- cial statements for the last fiscal year. Recoveries of assets and earnings from such countries are indeterminable in terms of U. S. dollars, the company states. It is reported also that many of the non-consolidated subsidiaries have resumed operations under varying restrictions in the respective countries. jvejvs in Brief . . . Pittsburgh, Jan. 2. — Trueman Rembusch, president, and Abram F. Myers, board chairman of Allied States Association, have indicated they will attend the 30th annual convention of Allied of Western Pennsylvania to he held on Jan. 16-17 at the William Penn Hotel here, according to Nor- man Mervis, convention chairman. • The board of the Motion Picture Association of America is scheduled to meet here next Tuesday to con- sider Eagle Lion Classics' appeal of the Production Code Adminis- tration denial of a seal of approval to J. Arthur Rank's "Oliver Twist," and possibly to set a new date for an East-West meeting of company president and studio executives. • Atlanta, Jan. 2. — Clyde Goodson, former branch manager of the Para- mount exchange here and later trans- ferred to the Jacksonville branch, died there on Dec. 28 of a heart attack. Surviving him are the widow, and a son. Services were held in Atlanta. Jackson Park (Continued from page 1) and the right to double feature films in the Loop as it saw fit. Summing up the case, Judge Igoe said, "This case originally had to do with the 'Chicago system of release'. A small independent theatre came into this court and asked relief from a monopoly. That relief was granted. The case was finished. It seems to me that all we've done here is retry the case. "There is nothing wrong about long runs and periods of clearance per sc. . . . But put together and used for the purpose of an unlawful end, they become illegal. "Now I'm asked to make changes. These changes would be in violation of the Bigelow (Jackson Park) decree. Long runs and clearances in this case were basic evils. . . . That fact was de- termined in the original lawsuit. Now I'm asked to change things complete- ly. It makes my position very difficult because in another court in this build- ing before another judge a similar case was filed and a similar finding was made. (Reference was to the Milwaukee Towne case.) I'm asked to change all of those decisions. That doesn't make sense. It's inconsistent. If I grant the requests of the defend- ants, how could anyone have respect for me or for this court? Motion over-ruled." Igoe did suggest that a possible solu- tion to the situation might be an ar- rangement such as that worked out with RKO, whereby the RKO Grand was granted the right of extended runs just as long as the Grand and the RKO Palace released 15 pictures every 13 weeks between them. Earlier in the afternoon Igoe had questioned McConnell about this RKO arrangement. McConnell said he had made a similar offer to B&K, in order a relieve the court of constant litiga- tion, but that B&K turned down the offer. "They wanted more," he said. Teton, B&K's attorney, said to his knowledge no definite offer had ever been made. When Igoe asked McConnell if the offer was still open, McConnell said it was. Wednesday, January 3, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 Phonevision Test (Continued from page 1) Looks As If Sir Alex Means 'No' London, Jan. 2. — The Brit- ish Film Producers Associa- tion proposal that exhibitors adjust admission prices so as to double the levy they now pay into the production pool under the Eady entertain- ment tax plan was character- ized by Sir Alexander King, former president of the Cine- matograph Exhibitors Associ- tion, as "the greatest piece of damned impertinence pro- ducers have ever tried to thrust on the CEA." Hughes (Continued from page 1) be fixed by the court upon the termi- nation of the trust. During the trusteeship, Irving- Trust can have no financial interest in the new picture company or the new theatre company by way of loans, stocks or bonds, or be represented on the boards. It is agreed that if the trustee is empowered to sell the stock it shall not have any representative on the board of the theatre company. It is also agreed that the trustee shall not be connected with Hughes during the trusteeship. Will Ask Stock Sale Between all parties it is understood that the government shall move be- fore the court for an order, returnable during this month, providing that the term of trusteeship shall include pro- vision empowering and requiring the trustee, if Hughes shall not dispose of it, to sell the stock under terms and conditions to be established by the court at any time after one year from the date of entry of any order upon the government's motion. Hughes will contest such motion, it has been indi- cated. The new picture company and the new theatre company, which emerged on Jan. 1 from the dissolution of the old RKO Corporation, yesterday filed with the court stipulations that in con- sequence of their having acquired their respective assets they agree to abide by the consent decree of Nov. 8, 1948. Listed yesterday for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange, RKO Pictures opened at 3^2 and closed at 3%. RKO Theatres opened at 4% and closed at the same price. Curb on Metals (Continued from page 1) ruling on what are "essential" and "non-essential" items in view of the defense mobilization. Similar bans are in the works for aluminum, zinc and other scarce materials. It is expected that by late spring the government will put into effect some sort of "controlled materials plan," pretty well controlling the use of most major materials. Included in the copper ban are a long list of builders' hardware, build- ing materials, furniture and fixtures, household electrical appliances, trans- portation equipment, and miscellaneous items such as juke boxes, reflectors, towel dispensers and toys. Signifi- cantly, however, the order permits the use of copper for so-called "functional" purposes in most of these items and is designed to ban the use only where substitutes can be found or where" the copper is being used for trimmings or other non-functional uses. Tax Bill to Truman Tax developments were also in- cluded in weekend events. The House passed and sent to the White House the excess profits tax bill, including a two-point boost in the corporate sur- tax rate and a 30' per cent extra tax on "excess profits." The President's council of economic advisers urged higher taxes, although no specific program' was outlined. In- dications were that there would be increases all along the line — corpora- tion and individual income taxes, even some new or increased excises. Cur- | rent Administration thinking on the excise question seems to be to use new or higher excises to reduce the demand 1 for items in short supply. sion a short announcement is made specifying FCC rulings that Phonevi- sion operation now is only a test. The announcement further tells the 300 test families of their important role in the test and asks them to fill out in detail the special report post cards sent them weekly along with Phonevision pro- grams. These cards, one to be sent in for each film a family elects to see, ask: How many people saw the movie? At what performance? Had they seen it before in a movie thea- tre? If so, did they like it better on TV than in the theatre ? Was the film worth a dollar? What is your frank opinion of the film and the test in general? Such information will be compiled by Zenith for FCC and probably will not be released until the test is over. Use Trailers Along with the announcement which precedes each film is a short explain- ing the basic operation of Phonevision. Following each film is a trailer adver- tising the next attraction. Trailers are those made originally by film com- panies for theatres. Zenith would not reveal the number of families listening to the three Phonevision performances yesterday at four, seven and nine P.M. They estimated that because of Phonevision's novelty and because it was the first day of the test and also a holiday, that anywhere from 10 to 20 people viewed the films in each of the 300 test homes. However, the number will probably decrease, Zenith officials said, once the novelty wears off and once the 300 families discover the' high refreshment costs of feeding large audiences in their homes. Ted Leitzell, Zenith public relations officer, reiterating that Phonevision is just attest, said various surveys indi- cated people would be willing to pay for current films and outstanding at- tractions in their homes. "Now we're going to find out if they mean what they say," he said. Discussing Phonevision as a box- office medium, Leitzell said, "Accord- ing to latest reports, there are some 9,000,000 TV sets in the country. If every one of these families elected to see just one movie a week using the Phonevision method, it would total $9,000,000. The total box-office take of the three films being shown today was about $12,000,000." Test Costs $600,000 The Phonevision test is costing- Zenith about $600,000; plus the original cost of developing and per- fecting the system. The one dollar being charged for each film will be divided with the film companies which supplied the product getting 50 per cent and the other 50 per cent being divided between the phone company and Zenith. Zenith hopes to recoup the money spent on Phonevision, Leitzell said, through licenses and producing the attachments which must be made for sets if the FCC approves the system. "We're not going into the enter- tainment bus;ness," Leitzell said. The special unit wh'ch fits into the TV set making Phonevis'on possible would probably cost around $10. As for color TV, Leitzell revealed that Zenith has already made tests with transmitting color films via Phonevision and that it has worked I out as well as in black-and-white. Eleven "muss-up" patterns have been designed for Phonevision. The one being used during this test is the simplest devised. Reaction to the jumbled mass which appears on sets not equipped with Phonevision attach- ments varies with the individual, Leit- zell explained. "For example," he said, "Eric Johnston found the simple muss-up system we're using very ef- fective, while producer Clarence Brown thought it was too simple. We hope to find the answer to such prob- lems during the test." Asked if a decoder could be devised which would break Zenith's code, Leitzell said that any code could be broken, but that it would take millions of dollars to break all of Phonevision's possibilities. The 300 test families chosen for Phonevision tryouts were selected by the National Opinion Research Bur- eau of the University of Chicago, with regard to various social and economic factors (salary, occupation, number in the family, etc.) so as to get a cross section of the population. The 300 families are located mainly in a North- ern section of Chicago and are not scattered throughout the city as Zenith would have preferred because the FCC placed a one kilowatt power limitation on the Phonevision station. Later the FCC upped the station's power to five kilowatts. Press Favorable Larry Wolters, Chicago Tribune TV editor wrote : "If the reaction of our viewing circle, numbering 10, was representative, the public will demand the FCC approve Phonevision as a regular service. Our viewing group sat absorbed. For 90 minutes no one left the living room. While pictures on a 16-inch screen are not comparable to theatre-sized pictures, the group was pretty well agreed this is the way to see movies." Janet Kern, TV editor of the Herald-American wrote, "Whatever the development of Phonevision costs it was worth the price to enable us to sit comfortably at home and watch Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald in 'Welcome Stranger'. The high calibre of this film and the high quality of the reception prove beyond doubt that Phonevision will be one of the most successful aspects of TV." Jack Mabley, Daily Nezvs TV edi- tor, wrote : "Phonevision made an im- pressive debut in Chicago Monday. Everything was right about the show- ing. The picture quality was excellent and a welcome contrast to the old flickers that fill commercialTV screens daily." NCA's RentalPlan (Continued from page 1) ceived by Henry Greene, independent exhibitor, to create a basis of rentals "to prevent the closing of theatres" and said to offer relief to both ex- hibitor and distributor in a time of declining box-office grosses. In addition to Greene, who heads the group, NCA will be represented by Stan Kane, NCA executive secre- tary, Ernie Peaslee and Ted Mann, NCA vice-presidents. The unit hopes to discuss the mat- ter with all major companies. Yes- terday A. W. Schwalberg, Paramount distribution chief, said that he would be glad to meet with the NCA group, providing he has returned from the Coast. Brookside Theatre Wins $1,125,000 Kansas City, Jan. 2. — The Brook- side Theatre Corp. of this city has won a $1,125,000 suit against nine film companies. A Federal Court jury here, which began hearing the case on Nov. 13, returned a verdict for $375,000 which automatically was tripled by anti-trust laws to a total of $1,125,000. The plaintiff corporation had sought $900,- 000 actual damages in its original petition, or a total of $2,700,000. Defendants in the case were : 20th Century-Fox, Paramount, Loew's, RKO Radio, Warner Brothers, Col- umbia Pictures, Universal and United Artists. The jury had found that the com- panies had conspired to force the Brookside Theatre, an independent house, out of business by depriving it of suitable feature films. The theatre was sold to Fox-Midwest Theatres, a subsidiary of 20th-Fox. $3,900,000 Suit (Continued from page 1) Warner Brothers, United Artist, Par- amount-Richards Theatres, Columbia Pictures, United Theatres and E. V. Richards. The plaintiffs operate the Cinema, Coliseum Crown and Circle neighbor- hood theatres and the Center down- town theatre. The action charges the defendants with operating- a conspiracy in re- straint of trade and violation of the Clayton and Sherman Acts. Services Today for James Dalton, 38 Philadelphia, Jan. 2. — Funeral services for James A. Dalton, 38, ad- vertising manager for Jay Emanuel Publications, will be held at Oliver Barr here tomorrow, with burial Thursday morning at St. Carthage Church. Dalton died Sunday of a heart con- dition at University Hospital here. Fie was with Emanuel Publications for 14 years and was ill for the past four months. Surviving are his widow, Nan Scully Dalton; a daughter and a sister. S hour as to 'Frisco San Francisco, Jan. 2. — Charles Skouras, president of National Thea- tres, is due to arrive here tomorrow for depositions in the Samuel Goldwyn suit on Thursday and Friday. rCUTlinw w ^ CENTURY-FOX with this 3-Bia-Hits-A-Month line-up! JANUARY THE MUDLARK HALLS OF MONTEZUMA Technicolor THE MAN WHO CHEATED HIMSELF FEBRUARY CALL ME MISTER Technicolor I'D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN Technicolor SWORD OF MONTE CRISTO Super C/neco/or MARCH BIRD OF PARADISE Technicolor THIRTEENTH LETTER LUCKY NICK CAIN VOL. 69. NO. 2 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1951 TEN CENTS MGM, 20th to Hear NCAV Rental Plan First of Majors to Set Confabs With Group Sales representatives of two major film companies have agreed to meet with North Central Allied's "fair rental" committee, due here Saturday from Minneapolis. M-G-M will meet with the group next Wednesday, with Charles Reagan, Henderson M. Richey and E. M. Saunders representing the company. Wil- liam F. Rodgers, distribution vice-president, is in Florida on vacation. A tentative date for Monday or Tuesday has been arranged for a sim- ilar discussion by 20th Century-Fox, it was said yesterday. It is likely that A. W. Smith, Jr., distribution vice-president, will attend. The NCA committee is coming to New York to present a plan con- (Continued on page 7) Phonevision Test Starts Smoothly; Wins Praise Harvey Succeeded By Ben Levin San Francisco, Jan. 2. — Rotus Harvey, not choosing to run again for the presiden- cy of the Independent Thea- tre Owners of Northern California, has been suc- ceeded by Ben Levin. Others elected were Homer I. Tegt- meier, vice-president, and Harry P. Franklin, secretary- treasurer. The new board is composed of Harvey, David Bolton, Lee Dibble, Julian A. Harvey, William Helm, Dave Richards, Edward C. Rowden and Sid Weisbaum. First monthly luncheon- meeting of 1951 will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Variety Club. $3,900,000 Trust Suit New Orleans, Jan. 2.— Mrs. Henry Lazarus. S. and L. Theatres, Inc., Jadel Theatres, Inc., and Henry La- zarus Theatres. Inc., have filed suit in Federal District Court here asking damages totaling $3,900,000 against several motion picture producers and distributors and local theatre opera- tors. Defendants include Paramount, Loew's, Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, Radio-Keith-Orpheum, RKO Radio, (Continued on page 7) Mayer Tops Loew's 1950 Salary Listing Louis B. Mayer, Loew's studio vice- president, received in the last fiscal year remuneration totaling $300,000 to lead all other company officers in a salary listing made available here yes- terday. Second highest remuneration was received by Nicholas M. Schenck, company president, whose total was recorded as $224,767. In the case of Mayer, salary, ex- penses, etc. amounted to $156,428, with the additional $143,571 representing a (Continued on page 2) Holiday Take Good At N. Y. Runs; 'Yesterday' High Operators of Broadway's first-runs are adding up the figures of the New Year's weekend and in the main find them eminently satisfactory but not sensational in comparison with past years. New Year's Eve, which found Times Square packed with 850,000 persons — 100,000 more than last year — was universally good for motion picture houses of that area, with most featuring special shows at advanced admissions. Otherwise, the holidays found those theatres with strong product steadily playing to capacity or near-capacity and a few outstanding bills doing outstanding business. (Continued on page 6) By DAN BLUE Chicago, Jan. 2. — Zenith Radio Corporation's Phonevision test got off to a very good start here yesterday. Programs started on time, went off without a hitch, and technically were all that could be expected. Sound and quality of the three initial attractions — "April Showers," "Welcome Stran- ger" and "Homecoming" — were ex- cellent, definitely better than most of the films being shown on TV today. This was due to the fact that only new prints are being used in the test. Audience reaction at a spe- cial showing of Phonevision at the Drake Hotel was very fav- orable. The audience of some 20 persons gave the films their rapt attention and expressed delight with the whole proj- ect. One observer said Phone- vision was like a "junior thea- tre." The Chicago press react- ed very favorably. Phonevision operation is simple. A telephone call and the flicking of a few gadgets turns a jumbled mess on the screen into a clear picture. TV sets without Phonevision attachments show the film in a jumpy, garbled manner, although not so messed up that it is completely unintelligible. The sound is understandable on all sets. Prior to each showing of Phonevi- (Continued on page 7) Court Okays Hughes Stock Trusteeship Irving Trust Gets Power To Vote Theatre Issues The three-judge U. S. statutory court here yesterday approved the stipulation entered into by the gov- ernment, RKO and Howard Hughes to have Irving Trust Co. act as trus- tee of Hughes' stock in the new RKO Theatres Co. The order, signed by the court, pointed out that the trustee shall have the power to vote the stock "in the best way it sees fit and in the best inter- ests of the new theatre com- pany." It is further stipulated that the stock shall be issued to and stand in the name of the trustee as such on the books of the new theatre company, but Hughes shall be the equitable owner. Compensation to the trustee is to (Continued on page 7) msmms Government Moving Toward Metals Curb U. S. Urges Theatres To Play Korean Film Twentieth Century-Fox yesterday announced distribution of a 30-minute subject, "Why Korea?", which out- lines in dramatic terms the reasons be- hind our current struggle in the Far East. Produced at the company's studio under the aegis of production chief Darryl F. Zanuck, the- picture is an outgrowth of talks between Zanuck (Continued on page 6) Washington, Jan. 2. — Complete government control of all metals and other raw materials has moved a step closer as the National Production Au- thority issued an order barring the use of copper in more than 300 "non-essen- tial" goods. The copper order was the first NPA (Continued on page 7) Deneau Quits SRO, Will Join Lopert Sid Deneau has resigned as vice- president in charge of sales of the Selznick Releasing Organization to become vice-president of the new Ilya Lopert Film Distributing Co., effective Jan. 15. He will also be in charge of sales in his new post. . No successor to Deneau has been named yet by David O. Selznick. Some of the former's duties will be handled (Continued on page 6) Chicago, Jan. 2. — Fed- eral Judge Michael Igoe refused today after hear- ing oral arguments to modify the Jackson Park decree, as petitioned by Balaban & Katz, in order to reestablish clearance after Loop runs, to permit B & K Loop theatres to play films longer than two weeks and to double-fea- ture at Loop theatres. Net income of Loew's consolidated foreign sub- sidiaries for the last fiscal year totaled $879,163, representing a drop of $427,108 from the $1,306,271 recorded for the prior fiscal year, ac- cording to a year-end re- port released here yes- terday. Capital investment in 73 wholly-owned subsidi- aries totaled $3,136,883. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 3, 1951 Personal Mention ERIC A. JOHNSTON, president of the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America, plans to fly to Uru- guay early this year to attend a film festival there. • A. W. SCHWALBERG, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. and Max Youngstein, vice-president in charge of advertising-publicity, will leave here tomorrow for Los Angeles, to attend a regional book- er-salesman's meeting in that city on [an. 6-7. • Henderson M. Richey, M-G-M exhibitor relations head, will be in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday to attend a dinner given by Robert Livingston, head of the Nebraska Theatre Own- ers of America unit, in honor of the state's Congressional delegation. • Bernard G. Kranze, ELC's gen- eral sales manager, will leave here this week for visits to ELC ex- changes in Dallas, Oklahoma and Memphis. • Frank Schilken, Jr., was reelect- ed business representative of the Minneapolis operator's Local No. 219. • Judd Bernard of Robert Lippert Productions studio publicity staff, has arrived here from the Coast. • Henry Koster and his family ar- rived here yesterday aboard the 5\S" Queen Mary from Europe. • Foster M. Blake, Western sales manager for Universal Picture, is in Los Angeles from New York. • Gael Sullivan, .executive director of the Theatre Owners of America, is spending this week in Washington. James Stewart arrived here from England yesterday. WB Sets Premiere of 'Operation Pacific' Supporting star Philip Carey will be a guest of honor at the world pre- miere of "Operation Pacific," on Jan. 9, when the Warner film has a special invitational showing at the New London U. S. Naval Submarine Base. Carey appears with John Wayne and Patricia Neal in the film. Special _ trains from New York and Boston will take newspaper, magazine, radio and wire service representatives to the Submarine Base to witness demonstrations of modern submarine techniques, with the showing of "Op- eration Pacific" as the day's feature event. Pascal-RKO Sign Hollywood, Jan. 2.— Gabriel Pascal has signed a contract with RKO to produce three pictures here, the first of which will be George Bernard Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion." The serv- ices of Jean Simmons, who is report- edly committed to Pascal for three films, are also included in the deal. Review "The Steel Helmet" (Lippert Productions) Hollywood, Jan. 2 THIS best and timeliest Lippert production to bear that trademark to date takes its audience straight into the heart of the Korean conflict, search- ingly revealing the exact nature of the fighting there in terms of what hap- pens to a mixed company of infantrymen, and closes on the terse terminal notation that "There is no end to this story." W ritten, produced and directed by Samuel Fuller, the film is as timely as today's front-line dispatches, and is more informative with relation to the things our soldiers are doing and having done to them. Realistic is a better word than grim for the graphically-presented experiences of the men ordered to establish an observation post in the rice fields and defend it until the artillery can be brought up. Writer-producer-director Fuller opens his picture on the figure of a vet- eran sergeant left for dead by Korean Reds who have machine-gunned his company after binding their hands behind them. As he crawls out from a circle of dead comrades, a South Korean boy unties him and follows him into the jungle mists where they eventually meet and join up with an infantry platoon searching for a pagan temple sought for use as an observation post. The sergeant, played with authority by newcomer Gene Evans, is the key figure in dramatic events preceding, during and following the platoon's occu- pation of the temple, but all members of the all-male cast are principals and all give impressive performances, including Robert Hutton, Steve Brodie, James Edwards, Richard Loo, Sid Melton, Richard Monohan, William Chun, Harold Fong, Neyle Morrow and Lynn Stallmaster. Strictly chronological in its development, and with the unexpected-but- logical employed with considerable skill as a dramatic tool, Fuller's story is a splendid piece of craftsmanship. William Berke served as associate pro- ducer. Ernest W. Miller's photography is outstanding. Running time, 84 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, February 2. William R. Weaver Monogram Has 10 Of 29 Completed Hollywood, Jan. 2. — Since announc- ing the company's 1951 schedule three months ago, Monogram has completed 10 of the 29 features promised, ex- clusive of the western series, has 12 in advance preparation stages and sev- en about to be assigned to writers. Of the 10 already completed, three, "A Modern Marriage," "Joe Palooka in the Squared Circle" and "Father's Wild Game," have been released. Others finished and awaiting release are "Cavalry Scout," "Sierra Pass- age," "Lion Hunters," "Bowery Bat- talion," "Rhythm Inn," "Navy Bound" and "According to Mr. Hoyle." Being readied for early 1951 produc- tion are "Flight to Mars," "The Big Top," "Rodeo," "Submarine School," "Elephant Stampede," "Ghost Chas- ers," and "The Ottawa Story." UK Citations to Wilcox, 2 Others London, Jan. 2. — Herbert Wilcox has been made Commander of the Order of the British Empire under the New Year's honors list. Also, Arthur Tarratt, managing director of British Lion Film Corp., has been made an honorary captain of the Royal Navy for his services in supplying films to the fleet. Mary Field, director of the chil- dren's film department of Gaumont- British Instructional, was awarded the Order of the British Empire. Loew's Boston Profit Boston, Jan. 2. — The net profit of Loew's Boston Theatres Co. for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 1950 was listed at $145,783 in a company state- ment. Gross income was $1,551,183, ex- penses, $1,159,652 and taxes, $135,398. 1, 1949, of frac- 20th Progresses in Conversions of Stock The response of company stockhold- ers to 20th Century-Fox's request made in 1949 to exchange shares of Fox Film Corp. stock for that of 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. has been "most gratifying," Donald A. Hender- son, 20th-Fox secretary, has reported to stockholders. In a statement dated Apri the company asked holders tional shares of Class A common of the old Fox Film, and holders of frac- tional shares of preferred and common of 20th-Fox to eliminate the large number of fractional shares then out- standing. The fractional shares had become "extremely burdensome" to the company and its dividend disbursing agent, and the cost of handling in many cases exceeded the amount of the dividend check itself, the company statement pointed out. Holders were urged to dispose of fractional shares or buy additional fractional shares to bring holdings to full shares. Keegan Quits Post; Seligman Succeeds Cincinnati, Jan. 2. — Jack R. Kee- gan, vice-president and general man- ager of Northio Theatres with head- quarters here, has resigned. He is succeeded by Selig J. Seligman from the home office of United Paramount Theatres. The Northio circuit ex- tends throughout Ohio and nearby territory. Mori Krushen's Daughter Ruth Krushen, daughter of Mori Krushen, director of exploitation for United Artists, died at midnight New Year's Eve, after a lingering illness. She was 17. Newsreel Parade ip EPORTS from Korea and a mes- sage from Gen. Eisenhower are current newsreel highlights. Other items are the last films of the late Gen. Walker, and sports. Complete contents follow: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 1— UN forces leave Hungnam in flames. Last films of General Walker. Pope ends 1950 Holy Year. Kvening hat fashions. Sports. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 236 — Gen. Eisenhower's New Year's message. New York gets "new look." Report from Korea. Korea's "Little Joe." Sports. of PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 38— Story 1950. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 1-A Korean civilians flee Reds. Gen. Lattre de Tassigny in Indo-C'hina. New crash rescue boat. Am- bassador Giffoid in London. Bathing fash- ions. Track. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 418 — Report from Korea. "Harvey" premiere aids Heart Fund. Sports review. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 41— UN builds international force in Korea. Furs for evening, 1951. News from the world of sport. Review of 1950 in Paramount Newsreel A special press screening was held here yesterday by Paramount News of its current newsreel release which features a review of the highlights of 1950. The reel is currently reaching theatres throughout the country. Characterizing 1950 as "Democracy's year of courage," the reel's big story is of course the war in Korea. Most of the eight minutes of running time is taken up by the pictorial reporting of this event. However the reel is not without other absorbing stories, all of which captured the headlines in the year past. The reel is a moving Auld Lang Syne.— M. H. Loew's Salary List (Continued from page 1) bonus and profit-sharing. Schenck's salary and expenses came to $130,357, with the additional $94,410 classified as a bonus and share in profits. J. Robert Rubin and Edgar J. Man- nix, vice-presidents, also received bonuses and profit shares in addition to their respective remunerations of $214,900 and $202,606, as follows: Rubin, $104,285 salary, $110,614 bonus and profit-sharing; Mannix $159,035 salary, $43,571 bonus and profit. Salaries of other officers, who did not receive bonuses or share in profits, were listed as follows : Charles C. Moskowitz, vice-president and treas- urer, $156,428 ; Joseph R. Vogel, vice- president, $156,428 ; Leopold Friedman, vice-president, secretary and counsel, $130,357; William F. Rodgers, vice- president, $114,714. Pursuant to Rodgers' employment contract, the companv deposited in escrow during the last fiscal year $78,000. Under the terms of the contract, payments to Rodgers of $1,738 monthly are being- made out of a fund previously depos- ited in escrow. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye. Consulting 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. JNew Yorl^ Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. T. Sullivan. Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary: James f. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, Fl 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten. National Press Club, Washington, D. C tendon Bureau,4 Golden Sq^, London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald; better theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, bept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Snbscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Motto for 1951: LET'S GET OFF OUR FILM CANS AN D GO TO WORK ! LET'S ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES TO ROLL UP THE GROSSES ! MATCH OUR GREAT PRODUCT WITH YOUR GREAT PEP! Below are just a few of the Big M-G-M Shows that inspire Showmanship! KING SOLOMON'S MINES (Technicolor) Deborah Kerr, Stewart Granger, Richard Carlson ★ ★ * KIM (Technicolor) Errol Flynn, Dean Stockwell, Paul Lukes, Robert Douglas, Thomas Gomez, Cecil Kellaway, Arnold Moss * * * THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE Louis Calhern, Ann Harding GROUNDS FOR MARRIAGE Van Johnson, Kalhryn Grayson, Paula Raymond, Barry Sullivan, Lewis Stone, Reginald Owen VENGEANCE VALLEY (Technicolor) Burt Lancaster, Robert Walker, Joanne Dru, Sally Forrest, John Ireland, Ray Collins MR. IMPERIUM (Technicolor) Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Marjoria Main, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedric Hardwicke SHOW BOAT (Tec/inico/or) | Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Joe E. Brown, Marge & Gower Champion, Agnes Moorehead FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger, Walter Pidgeon, David Niven, Robert Newton, Cyril Cusack, Greta Gynt, Frank Allenby ★ * * THE PAINTED HILLS (Technicolor) Lassie, Paul Kelly, Bruce Cowling, Gary Gray INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian, Arlene Dahl, Barry Sullivan, Mercedes McCambridge, Paula Raymond, Claude Jarman, Jr., Lon Chaney CALLING BULLDOG DRUMMOND Walter Pidgeon, Margaret Leighton, Robert Beatty AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (Techmco/or) Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary * * * IT'S A BIG COUNTRY All Star Cast * * * TERESA Pier Angeli, John Ericson PEOPLE VS. O'HARA Spencer Tracy EXCUSE MY DUST (Techmco/orJ Red Skelton, Sally Forrest, Macdonald Carey, William Demarest, Monica Lewis, Raymond Walburn THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE Cast of Thousands including Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin * * * KIND LADY Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, Angela Lansbury, Keenan Wynn STRICTLY DISHONORABLE Ezio Pinza, Janet Leigh SCARAMOUCHE Stewart Granger, Ava Gardner, Ricardo Montalban THE STRIP Mickey Rooney, Jimmy Durante ROYAL WEDDING (Techmco/or) Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peter Lawford, Sarah Churchill, Keenan Wynn, Albert Sharpe ACROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI (Tec/inico/or) Clark Gable, Ricardo Montalban, John Hodiak, James Whitmore, Adolphe Menjou, J. Carrol Naish THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, Barry Sullivan GO FOR BROKE! Van Johnson and All-Star Cast THE GREAT CARUSO (Techni'co/or) Mario Lanza, Ann Blyth, Dorothy Kirsten, Jarmila Novotna, Blanche Thebom, Teresa Celli, Richard Hageman, Carl Benton Reid RICH, YOUNG AND PRETTY (Tec/inico/or) Jane Powell, Wendell Corey, Danielle Darrieux, Vic Damone, Marcel Dalio, Jean Murat, Fernando Lamas LOVE IS BETTER THAN EVER Elizabeth Taylor, Larry Parks THE LAW AND LADY LOVERLY Greer Garson, Michael Wilding, Fernando Lamas, Marjorie Main ★ * ★ And Remember! 1951 is the Year of "QUO VADIS" M-G-M No. 1 IN 1951 ! Paramount Paramount presents Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in "AT WAR WITH THE ARMY" with Polly Bergen • Executive Produaf Abner J. Greshler • Directed by Hal Walker • Written for the Screen and Produced by Fred F. Finkelhoffe • Based on a Play b| James B. Allardice • Songs by Mack David and Jerry Livingston oxoffice News ||g ARRED IN NEW YEAR IR WITH THE ARMY ! America9 s funniest team in their newest, most hilarious hit! They'll premiere at specially selected New Year's Eve midnight dates— preceding coast to coast engagements throughout the month of January . . . FROM THE ROAR-FRONT- COME THESE HIGHLIGHTS: y serves up novelty number, "The Navy 3 the Gravy But the Army Gets the Beans ! lers, how the gorgeous dames fall for Sgt. Si Martin's special brand of romancing! Jerry Lewis goes AWOL, disguised as a fasci- nating blonde spy with hair on her chest! Going your way! They're making like Bing and Barry with "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral"! At camp show the famous team sings "Tonda Wanda Hoy," the hit you'll hear everywhere. Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 3, 19511 National PreSelling WHAT is described by 20th Cen- tury-Fox as the first "round-the- world fashion tour" will introduce "Bird of Paradise" to audiences in 15 countries by way of a global junket for which plans are now completed. The tour will kick off late next month following the first "Bird of Paradise" fashion show in New York. A group of 20 newspaper, magazine syndicate and allied press representa- tives will be invited to take part in the junket, along with 12 top fashion models. Now nearing completion are plans to travel aboard a private four- engined Stratocruiser visiting 20 for- eign capitals and key cities in IS coun- tries. In each city where "Bird of Paradise" fashions are staged, local models will join the American "Para- dise" girls in the showing and display native fashions created for the film. The proceeds of each city's fashion show to be attended by government, industry and society figures, will be donated to local charities. The itinerary will begin in New York and embrace San Francisco, Honolulu, Auckland, N. Z., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Bom- may, Johannesburg, Capetown, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Athens, Rome, Zurich, Paris, Brussels, Stockholm, London, Glasgow, Dublin and then back to New York, arriving in the United States by Easter in time for the world premiere of the picture. A cosmetic tieup between 20th Cen- tury-Fox and the Dorothy Gray Com- pany will result in full-page, two-color ads for "Bird of Paradise," in the April issues of Ladies Home Journal, the Netv Yorker, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Home Companion, Glamour, Mademoiselle and Harper's Bazaar. The tieup also includes heavy mer- chandising and local newspaper ads by way of department stores in which Debra Paget, who plays the feminine lead, will be featured. Three new manufacturers will create and merchandise "Bird of Paradise" styles for the Easter market. They are: Filcol, which makes evening drfe.^es ; Clairol, maker of a nationally known hair tint, and Majestic, makers of compacts for women. NY Grosses {Continued from page 1) 'e**mff$t extensive book program in the history of the Watt Disney stu- dio is nearing completion in behalf of "Alice in Wonderland," to be released next year. With 13 different books and distribution set through 125,000 outlets across the nation, it is esti- mated that more than 13,500,000 copies ivill be sold. All books zvill be in distribution before the picture is re- leased, some as much as three to five months in advance of playdates. An additional impetus for the heavy promotion campaign being built for the film will be in the form of an- "Alice in Wonderland" neivspaper comic fea^ Hire. Beginning in August and con- tinuing for 16 consecutive Sundays, the color comic zmll appear in key Sunday nett'spapers from Coast-to-Coast in half-page format with a total circula- tion that zvill run into millions. The strip zvill be syndicated nationally and internationally by King Features Syn- dicate. — Walter Brooks The Victoria reports the best holi- day week in years, with "Born Yester- day" due to take in $55,000 for its sec- ond week. "Harvey" at the Astor also topped last year's holidays with a very good $46,000 in sight. A house record of $19,000 for the Bijou, where "Cyrano de Bergerac" is in the eighth week of its reserved seat, two-a-day policy, is forecast. Ex- tra shows made the high figure pos- sible. Among the larger stage and film houses, Radio City Music Hall main- tained a steady pace throughout the week, with $109,000 reported for the four-day weekend and $170,000 due for the fifth week of "Kim" and the Christmas show. The complete pack- age will hold until Jan. 10. 'Mr. Music' "Mr. Music" at the Paramount has been packing the customers in every night and is building up to a splendid $95,000 for a second week. Louis Prima's band is on stage. The Strand reports a good $40,000 for the weekend of "West Point Story," but the esti- mate of $50,000 for the second week is well below the figure for the similar week in 1949-50. "Pagan Love Song" at the Capitoi took in $89,440 for the week beginning Christmas and ending New Year's Eve, excellent business. Admissions for the initial eight days totalled 90,- 802 persons. The picture, aided by a stage show featuring the Ink Spots, is expected to continue at a lively clip. The Roxy took in $71,000 over the holiday weekend with "For Heaven's Sake" and its Christmas show, but the final six-day stanza sees only $80,000 due, a figure that represents good business but not of holiday caliber. The house will close all day Thurs- day for a benefit premiere that evening of "Halls of Montezuma." At the Rivoli, "The Mudlark" main- tained a good pace, giving the box-of- fice an estimated $38,000 for a second week, which is very good business. "The Flying Missile" at Loew's State was frankly disappointing in its holi- day run, with a first week's $20,000 likely to be followed by $15,000 for the second. 'Stars in My Crown' "Stars in My Crown" picked up at the Park Avenue, where $5,500 is due for a second week. At the Sutton, "Trio" continues its strong, long run with $12,500 in sight for a 13th week. "Seven Days to Noon, "the British thriller playing at the Trans Lux 52nd Street, is still doing terrific business with $18,000 due for a third week. "Where Danger Lives" opened well at the Criterion on Saturday and has a healthy $22,000 due for the first week. The Criterion's Christmas show, a special engagement of Dis- ney's "Pinocchio" and "Make Mine Music," has moved over to the Gotham for an indefinite run. The Mayfair opened "The Milk- man" on Saturday and the outlook is about $16,000 for the first week, rather mild for a holiday period. SWG Questionnaires Would Aid Govt. Hollywood, Jan. 2. — Screen Writers Guild has dispatched to its membership question- naires eliciting data on their educational and experience backgrounds, including for- eign languages, countries, and personal availability for remote assignments. Purpose is to amass data for reference when, as, and if, government agencies re- quest writer services for training films or others re- quired during an emergency. U.S. Urges Theatres (Continued from page 1) and President Truman earlier this summer. "So enthusiastic is official Washing- ton about the film that Presidential Assistant John R. Steelman is per- sonally urging exhibitors by letter to play it as a public service," said the company. Basic purpose of the subject is to inform the American public of the rea- sons for the United Nations' firm stand against aggression throughout the world. It uses pictorial examples of the reasons behind World War II and the subsequent developments which led to the present conflict in the Far East. Deneau Quits SRO (Continued from page 1) by Leonard Case, assisted by Sam Sig- man, who remain on the SRO staff here. Deneau, who held his present post with SRO for the past several years, entered the industry 24 years ago with the former Fox Film Co. He was suc- cessively film buyer for Fabian Thea- tres and1 general manager of the Schine Circuit. During World War I he was a major on the general staff in Wash- ington. Coast Sees Corwin's Theatre Television Los Angeles, Jan. 2. — Sherrill Cor- win's initial introduction of big-screen television was held at the Orpheum Theatre yesterday morning, when the Pasadena Tournament of Roses was piped in, with doors open at 8 :30 A.M., and was attended by upwards of 1,000 early risers paying 98 cents each for tickets, which entitled them to re- main through the scheduled program. Corwin will demonstrate the equip- ment for all exhibitors and distributors at an invitational gathering Friday morning. JVEWS in Mir net • . Pittsburgh, Jan. 2. — Truemam'l Rembusch, president, and Abram F. flk Myers, board chairman of Allied'S L States Association, have indicated they' jl will attend the 30th annual convention ilL of Allied of Western Pennsylvania toijL he held on Jan. 16-17 at the WilliamiiL Penn Hotel here, according to Nor- ■:. man Mervis, convention chairman. Annual election of officers will be lL held on the afternoon of Jan. 17, and I, all-day business sessions are scheduledi|j. for both days. Film clinics will be | included in the sessions. • Memphis, Jan. 2. — Malco Theatres ; managers from Arkansas, Tennessee |j and Kentucky, about 50 of them, ' will be in Memphis for a two-day at annual Malco meeting at the Hotel Gayoso on Jan. 24-25. M. A. Light- man, Sr., president of Malco, will conduct the meeting. • Albany, N. Y., Jan. 2. — Warner Brothers has reopened the Utica The- atre, Utica, which has been closedi since last summer. Eugene Daley was appointed manager of the theatre under the supervision of George Laurie, manager of the Avon. The company also reopened the Winter Garden, Jamestown, following- remodeling which cost $125,000. Gus Nestle was appointed manager. • Boston, Jan. 2. — Two Boston news- papers will increase their national rates on motion picture advertising. The Boston Post on Feb. 1 will in- crease the daily rate from 70 cents per line to 75 cents, and the Sunday rate from 65 cents per line to 70 cents per line, and the Boston Daily Globe on March 1 will increase the daily rate from 70 cents per line to 75 cents and the Sunday rate from 80 cents per line to 85 cents. • The board of the Motion Picture Association of America is scheduled to meet here next Tuesday to con- sider Eagle Lion Classics' appeal of the Production Code Adminis- tration denial of a seal of approval to J. Arthur Rank's "Oliver Twist," and possibly to set a new date for an East-West meeting of company president and studio executives. Six more speaking engagements have been set in January for Maurice N. Wolf, assistant to H. M. Richey, M-G-M public relations head. The first took place yesterday at the Rotary Club at Putnam, Conn. ; to day at the Rotary Club, South Bridge, Mass. ; Jan. 9, Advertising- Club, Tren- ton ; Jan. 13, Kiwanis Club, Milbury, Mass. ; Jan. 15, Women's Club, Brock- ton, Mass. ; Jan. 18, Lion's Club, New Bedford, Mass. Thomas Gets Ad Post Hollywood, Jan. 2. — George Thomas, Jr., has been appointed advertising- publicity director of the recently^ formed Ross-Stillman Productions. Thomas has spent the last three years in France handling publicity for inde- pendent producers. U. S. Films Dominate London's West End London, Jan. 2. — Despite cold holi- day week weather mixed with snow and sleet, most West End theatres re- ported capacity business for the whole time. Leading attractions were "King Sol- omon's Mines"^,:at Metro's Empire; "Samson and Delilah" at Para- mount's Plaza and Carlton, and "Cin- derella" at the Prince of Wales. All three pictures had, received lukewarm receptions from the national press critics but the public apparently paid no heed. Scott R. Dunlap's production of "Short Grass" for Allied Artists, star ring Rod Cameron, will have a satu ration booking' of 74 theatres, 72 of which are located in Oklahoma and the remaining two in Texas, according to Maurice R. Goldstein, Allied Art- ists-Monogram general sales manager The bookings start Jan. 14. Atlanta, Jan. 2. — Clyde Goodson. former .branch manager of the Para mount exchange here and later trans ferred to the Jacksonville branch, died there on Dec. 28 of a heart attack- Surviving him are the widow, and a son. Services were held in Atlanta a ■ 6 1 : ■ Wednesday, January 3, 1951 Motion Picture Daily Hughes (Continued from page 1) the fixed by the court upon the termi- nation of the trust. During the trusteeship, Irving (Trust can have no financial interest in the new picture company or the new theatre company by way of loans, (stocks or bonds, or be represented on the boards. It is agreed that if the (trustee is empowered to sell the stock jit shall not have any representative on the board of the theatre company. It •is also agreed that the trustee shall not be connected with Hughes during the trusteeship. Will Ask Stock Sale Between all parties it is understood that the government shall move be- jfore the court for an order, returnable during this month, providing that the term of trusteeship shall include pro- vision empowering and requiring the [trustee, if Hughes shall not dispose of iit, to sell the stock under terms and Conditions to be established by the bourt at any time after one year from the date of entry of any order upon (the government's motion. Hughes will pontest such motion, it has been indi- cated. 'The new picture company and the lew theatre company, which emerged nn Jan. 1 from the dissolution of the )ld RKO Corporation, yesterday filed ,vith the court stipulations that in con- sequence of their having acquired their ■espective assets they agree to abide }y the consent decree of Nov. 8, 1948. Listed yesterday for the first time m the New York Stock Exchange, RKO Pictures opened at 3l/2 and :losed at 3%. RKO Theatres opened it 4*4 and closed at the same price. Curb on Metals (Continued from page 1) •uling on what are "essential" and 'non-essential" items in view of the lefense mobilization. Similar bans are n the works for aluminum, zinc and >ther scarce materials. It is expected that by late spring the government will put into effect some ort of "controlled materials plan," >retty well controlling the use of most najor materials. Included in the copper ban are a ong list of builders' hardware, build- ng materials, furniture and fixtures, lousehold electrical appliances, trans- location equipment, and miscellaneous terns such as juke boxes, reflectors, owel dispensers and toys. Sigriifi- antly, however, the order permits the ise of copper for so-called "functional" mrposes in most of these items and is lesigned to ban the use only where ubstitutes can be found or where the opper is being used for trimmings or ther non-functional uses. Tax Bill to Truman Tax developments were also in- luded in weekend events. The House assed and sent to the White House he excess profits tax bill, including . two-point boost in the corporate sur- ax rate and a 30' per cent extra tax BROADWAY AT 49lh ST. HOWARD HUGHES'praductic, 1/endetta MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 National MiilMMHMiiiiiiMMt Pre-Selling THE January 16 edition of Look runs a double truck on the "Mov- ies' Top 20 Ticket Sellers" with their authority the Motion Picture Herald- Fame poll of independent and circuit theatre owners. Betty Grable is fea- tured in a full-page, full-color picture opposite the listings, although she was No. 4, but it isn't hard to see why she rates the picture. The 20 are shown in thumbnail in their relative stand- ings. The new Look features Jean Simmons on the cover, reviews "Born Yesterday," carries full-page color ads for "Vendetta" and several new M-G-M picture. A continuing campaign to promote worthwhile films among students of the nation is being inaugurated by Scholastic magazine, top publication in the educational field, starting this week with the distribution of a poster on "Cyrano de Bergerac" to all Neiv York and Los Angeles senior and junior high schools. The plan will be followed in all key cities and it is estimated that an audience of 1,000,000 will be reached with each 5,000 posters on display. The poster carries the same heading as Scholastic's motion picture department. • More than 5,000 cards congratu- lating Bing Crosby on his 20th an- niversary as a star were mailed from the lobby of the Paramount Theatre in New York on the open- ing day of "Mr. Music." They were distributed by members of the Bing Crosby Fan Club during a special disc jockey show originating in the lobby and aired over Station WNEW. Crosby fans are urged to send greeting cards to 'The Groan- er" who will pick a winner on his Jan. 31 radio program. The winner gets an all-expense trip for two to Hollywood to meet "Mr. Music." • Women's Wear, daily newspaper of the retail garment trades, carries a 12- page section devoted to the merchan- dise tieups effected for "Bird of Para- dise" by 20th Century-Fox, prior to the opening of the campaign which is to reach a climax with release of the picture at Easter time. A series of ads in Women's Wear over the past eight weeks has built up a list of- 325 stores set to tie-in on the initial film promotion. The pages in the current section tell the merchandising story and reproduce various wholesale and magazine ads which will appear in the immediate future. The entire program, under the direction of Stirling Silli- phant, is expected to top the record obtained with the promotion of "The Black Rose" last Spring. • Women's page editors and fashion writers from a number of key city newspapers attended the gala cocktail party at the Hotel Pierre last evening, introducing 20th Century-Fox's record merchandising promotion for the film. Out-of-town newspapers sent staff writers to see how the merchandising plan was launched in New York and to prepare for a similar result at their local level. Also in attendance at the party and display were personalities of stage and screen, radio and TV people, home office executives and representa- tives of 23 manufacturers and adver- tising agencies participating in the promotion. Truman Lauds Films' Civic Activities Washington, Jan. 8. — Warm praise for the civic and char- itable activities of the motion picture industry was ex- pressed by President Truman to film actor Edward Arnold, the actor reported after a White House visit. Arnold, who went to the President to report on his progress in recruiting indus- try personnel for work on the Treasury's Bond Drive, said Mr. Truman told him that the film industry was outstand- ing in the help it gave the government and private or- ganizations in every worthy cause. Union Says 'No' to Houses' Pay Cut Bid Cleveland, Jan. 8. — The Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors Associa- tion's request for a voluntary 25 per cent cut in pay for members of Local 160, IATSE, has been turned down by the stage hands. The Association em- ploys 26 stage hands. The operators still have the proposal under consid- eration. CM PEA members, all neighborhood theatre owners, are seeking overhead relief to meet a 25 to 40 per cent drop in business. A theatrical souvenir book of "Har- vey" has been prepared by Al Green- stone & Co., which specializes in the production and sale of such books on stage and film attractions playing long- run engagements. The book for "Har- vey" features a cover in which the big rabbit is aptly described through a cut-out. In addition to theatre sales, U-I plans to use the book for promo- tional purposes, playing up the photo layouts and special by-line articles telling of the famous pooka. • "Branded," a new Paramount Tech- nicolor outdoor film scheduled for re- lease next month, reaps a publicity harvest in the current issues of Wom- an's House Companion and McCall's. Mona Freeman is featured in a seven- page fashion layout in the January Companion, while the McCall article carries a series of five photographs of Miss Freeman, with one of them in color. • A series of letters, signed by Mrs Dean Gray Edwards, chairman of the motion picture division of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, is being sent to 14,000,000 members of these affiliated organi- zations throughout the country in praise of 20th Century-Fox's "Of Men and Music." The letters point out that this film will bring to small towns everywhere great music that can otherwise be heard only in large cities. Mrs. Edwards says, "Something truly notable in the progress of motion pictures has been conceived and executed in a manner to bring joy and enchant- ment to all of us." • The opening of 20th Century-Fox's "The Mudlark" in Miami and New York brought a smashing climax to a radio and TV campaign which— has reached a repeat audience of more than 200,000,000 listeners and viewers over home sets, according to the company. — Walter Brooks Babb Sole Owner of Hallmark Production Cleveland, Jan. 8. — Complete own- nership of Hallmark Prod., Inc., its distribution contracts, star contracts, real estate properties, equipment, story properties, copyrights, publishing and recording businesses, its 15 subsidiary corporations and distribution organiza- tion has passed to Kroger Babb, co- founder of the company. Signing of the papers took place here, on Babb's 44th birthday. Babb delivered a check finalizing the transaction to his partner, J. S. ("Jack") Jossey, who held a 50 per- cent interest and now becomes Babb's financial advisor. Jossey is retiring from active business because of failing- health. Babb named Gilbert Wilkin as new comptroller of Hallmark. Charles ("Chuck") Or en was promoted from a unit manager to director of routes in the Wilmington, O., home office. Hank Adams, national sales mana- ger, has resigned to join the Holly- wood Advertising Co. in the same capacity. No successor has been named. CBS Color Showings Begun In Chicago Chicago, Jan. 8. — Demonstrations of CBS's color TV system, already viewed by more than 100,000 New Yorkers, will begin here tomorrow, and will be held daily in the WBBM- CBS main audience studio in the W rigley Building. Programs will be transmitted from New York over the coaxial cable. During the last few weeks numerous dry runs were made with the pictures being piped over the coaxial. Thus, in New York CBS experts could study the pictures after they had made a round trip to Chicago. B & K's State Lake Has Large Turnout for Truman's Talk Chicago, Jan. 8. — "Big screen" tele- vising of President Truman's State- of-the-Union address and the opening- day of "The Flying Missile" and "Counterspv Meets Scotland Yard" gave the State Lake a healthy box- office Monday noon. About 2,000 of the theatre's 2,700 seats were filled, this being considerably above average business for Monday morning. Balaban and Katz officials said it was impossible to tell- whether the films or the telecast accounted for the attendance, but they felt that the im- portance of the telecast was a very definite factor. The audience, predominantly male, listened to the telecast attentively. Sound and quality of the picture were good. Mono, Acquires 2; 'Lover? 'Years' Hollywood, Jan. 8. — "Wind Is My Lover," retitled, "Gypsy Fury," and "Vicious Years," already given limited distribution, have been acquired by Monogram for distribution, Steve Broidy, Monogram president, an- nounced today. Both were originally scheduled for Film Classics' release. Would Unionize TV Men Baltimore, Jan. 8. — The Motion Picture Operators Union here is active in trying to organize into a union the TV film projectionists working in lo- cal television stations, according to Samuel Isaacson, business manager. Will Expand RCA Service Philadelphia, Jan. 8. — Greater demands for the servicing of electronic equipment and theatre sound systems in 1951 will put additional burdens on the sound servicing industry, which is already feeling the pinch of man- power and material shortages, RCA Service Company district managers were told during a four-day meeting held here. The company is already studying streamlined operational methods de- signed to make possible an expansion of service activtiies to meet the antici- pated demand, panel speakers informed the meeting. Demands for servicing will increase in ratio to whatever decrease there may occur in replacement equipment coming off the production lines, it was pointed out. Users of electronic equip- ment and theatre sound systems, if re- quired to keep current equipment in operation longer than planned, will need additional servicing to maintain top operations efficiency. Executives representing the RCA Service at the sessions included E. C. Cahillj president; W. L. Jones, vice- president in charge of technical prod- ucts service ; J. P. Boksenbom, vice- president in charge of consumer products service, and P. P. Reed, vice-president in charge of government service. District managers attending were : J. Mauran, Boston ; H. J. Mayer, New York; M. E. Wheaton, Philadelphia; F. W. Hamre, Pittsburgh ; G. F. San- dore, Atlanta ; H. E. Frisbie, Cleve- land ; F. W. Wentker, Chicago ; E. D. Van Duyne, Kansas City ; W. W. Gilreath, Dallas; S. H. Schultz, San Francisco ; A. E. Jackson, Hollywood. FCC Reports 35 New TV Stations in Year Washington, Jan. 8. — As of June 30, 1950, there were 106 television sta- tions on the air, serving 64 cities and metropolitan areas, the Federal Com- munications Commission has reported. This compares with 71 stations serv- ing 42 cities the year previous. On June 30, 1950, there were 109 stations authorized, compared with 117 the year before, but 47 actually licensed, compared with only 13 on June 30, 1949. Applications were on file June 30 for 351 new television stations. Top Artists Slated For 'Music' Bow Leading figures in the world of mu- sic will be on hand for the premiere of "Men and Music" at the Park Ave- nue Theatre here early in February. In addition, stars appearing in the 20th Century-Fox film are expected to give an impromptu concert. Art- ists in the film are Artur Rubinstein, Jan Peerce, Nadine Connor, Jascha Heifetz, Dimitri Mitropoulos and the Philharmonic Symphony orchestra of New York. R. I. Exhibitors Meet Providence, R. I., Jan. 8. — Gover- nor-elect Dennis J. Roberts of Rhode Island has invited all exhibitors in the state to a luncheon Thursday at the Narragansett Hotel here in an effort to mobilize the industry for the March of Dimes Campaign. NO. 1 BOX-OFFIC BOX-OFFICE STAR MOTION PICTURE HERALD SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW LOOK MAGAZINE NOW IN MLtASt STARS FOR 1950 EM BOTH! WESTERN STAR FOR 8 CONSECUTIVE YEARS • MOTION PICTURE HERALD SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW NOW IN RELEASE in Trucolor 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Review "Operation Pacific" (Warner Brothers) A VIGOROUS, he-man role that fluctuates between violence on the high seas and shore leave romance has been given John Wayne in his first pic- ture for Warner Brothers. Voted the top money-making star of 1950 in the Motion Picture Herald and Panic exhibitor poll, Wayne goes through his characterization as a U. S. submarine commander with accustomed ease. Patricia Neal plays the lead opposite Wayne with others in the cast including Ward Bond and Scott Forbes. Set in 1943, the picture derives its best effect from those scenes in which the submarine is on patrol against Japanese craft in Pacific waters. Director George Waggner's staging of battles has been done with excitement and con- viction. In the picture's romantic aspects, in which Wayne tries to win back his former wife, Miss Neal, it falls into a pattern that's none too original. The picture keeps up its brisk pace from the very beginning in which a group of children and some nuns are rescued by the sub from out of the jungle. There follows mission after mission until the grand climax is reached in which the sub finds itself in the middle of the Imperial fleet. After alerting Pearl Harbor, the sub proceeds to knock out as many of the enemy as its ammunition supply permits, and then limps home triumphantly. Romantically too, things culminate successfully for Wayne, even though there is some com- petition for Miss Neal's hand from Philip Carey, a Navy pilot. Bond portrays the submarine commander whose death leads to Wayne's ascension to com- mand. Louis F. Edelman produced and Waggner also did the screenplay. Running time, 111 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Jan. 27. Mandel Herbstman 29 Governments Sanction International Trade Code Mexico Trust Probe Asked Mexico City, Jan. 8. — A committee of producers and exhibitors, complain- ing of monopoly control of 80 per cent of Mexican theatres, was promised corrective government action by Adol- fo Ruiz Cortines, Secretary of the In- terior. Cortines declared that an in- vestigation is now underway under the order of President Aleman. Should a monopoly be found to exist, it will be broken, according to Cortines. The industry representatives held that unless action is taken by the gov- ernment, some 600 independent pro- ducers will be forced out of the in- dustry. Industry figures who met with Cor- tines included Miguel Contreras Torres, Mauricio de la Serna, Alfon- so Sanchez Tello, Juan Bastillo Oro and Jesus Castillo Lopez. Fewer, Better Films Is Goal in Mexico Mexico City, Jan. 8. — The Mexican industry is displeased with the 1950 production high of 126 pictures be- cause at least 80 of them are much be- low first class. However, it is urged that 1951 production output be limited to 80, and in consequence of this there is optimism that at least 75 will be strong pictures from both the stand- point of box-office and as enhancers of Mexico's film prestige at home and abroad. Decision of the industry's own bank, Banco Nacional Cinematografico, S.A., to finance only producers who are proven capable of making genuinely good pictures, is seen as influencing an 80-picture ceiling for this year. The 1951 output was expected to be 131 ; however, five of last year's pic- tures are not yet completed. This year, several films will be dubbed in English, and this is expected to raise the salability of Mexican films in the U. S. and elsewhere in the English- speaking world. Discrimination by Danes Hit by U. S. Washington, Jan. 8. — The Amer- ican Embassy in Copenhagen is ex- pected to protest a new Danish gov- ernment regulation reducing the ad- mission tax for domestic films 25 per cent below the tax for showings of imported films. The Motion Picture Association of America, it is understood, protested to the U. S. State Department here. The Department investigated the matter, concluded that the Danish regulation violated the Geneva Trade Agreement and ordered the Embassy in Copen- hagen to protest. The Geneva agree- ment provides that internal taxes must be on a non-discriminatory basis. Mary Field Honored London, Jan. 8. — Mary Field, former head of the J. Arthur Rank Children's Film department, dissolved recently for economy reasons, has been elect- ed president of the British Federation of Business and Professional Women. She is the only working woman mem- ber of the British Board of Film Censors, Washington, Jan. 8. — Represen- tatives of the 29 governments par- ticipating in the tariff -cutting session at Torquay, England, have recom- mended adoption of a code to eliminate uncertainties and hardships arising from the operation of the present im- port and export controls in most parts of the world, the Commerce Depart- ment's Office of International Trade announced here. While the code looks auspi- cious on paper, of course there is the question of how well the various countries will follow it in practice. Practically all of the major countries are repre- sented at Torquay. The code follows a proposal of the U. S. delegation. The OIT said the conference rec- ommended that "unless there are clear and over-riding considerations to the contrary," the proposed code should be followed. It pointed out that the trade conferences hope to eliminate restrictions and controls entirely event- ually, and that meanwhile, "it is im- portant to reduce the uncertainties and hardships to merchants resulting from varying and unpredictable operation of such controls." Among the standard practices rec- ommended by the Torquay conference for general adoption are these : 1 — The grant of an import license should imply that the necessary fore- ign exchange will be obtainable if ap- plied for within a reasonable time. When both import licenses and ex- change permits are required, the two should be coordinated. Both should indicate the rate of exchange to be used. 2 — Any new or intensified restric- tions should not apply to goods en route at the time the change was an- nounced. 3 — Action on applications for li- censes or exchange permits should be reasonably quick. Outstanding licenses and permits should be withdrawn only for "exceptional circumstances." 4 — When there are quotas based on past experience, there should be spe- cial provision for some quotas for qualified newcomers. _ 5 — Customs officials should have discretion to grant reasonable relief for variations in the actual shipment from the authorization. 6 — Where the country cannot pro- vide foreign exchange for current im- ports, when the exchange does become available, payment for old imports should have priority over payment for new orders or at least a fair share of the total available exchange. Spain Imports 25% Less U. S. Pictures Washington, Jan. 8. — Sixty-one U. S. films were released in Spain during the first 10 months of 1950, about 25 per cent less than the total number released in the same 1949 period, the U. S. Commerce Depart- ment reports. Film chief Nathan D. Golden said that "despite the reduced number of releases, estimated gross receipts of U. S. pictures continue to hold su- premacy by a wide margin, and total income is not far behind the previous year's figures. It is estimated that U. S. films account for 65 per cent of gross receipts in Madrid and about 60 per cent in Barcelona." The Commerce report estimated there are 3,950 theatres operating in Spain, with a total seating capacity slightly in excess of 2,000,000. It said that Madrid and Barcelona theatres account for more than 50 per cent of the estimated gross income of all Spanish theatres. Five new theatres are now under construction in Bilbao, a local record. Halt Films to Malta London, Jan. 8. — The Kinemato- graph Renters Society has stopped shipments of all films, American and British, to Malta following imposition of a duty of three pence per foot on all imported films. French Quota Views Vary By HENRY KAHN Paris, Jan. 5 (By Airmail). — Several Paris offices of American mo- tion picture distributors are under- stood to be opposed to any changes in the present import quota system and considerable differences exist in their point of view and that of their home offices in New York. It is felt that, should the U. S. send 50 or 100 more films a year to France, they could not be accommodated. One prominent exhibitor here said the French liked their own films and would still go to see them. He added that the public also liked certain American stars and the better type of American product, but there is not enough demand, however, to fit in an additional 100 pictures, the majority of which could not be "class" pictures. Authority in Dewey Measure: Smakwitz Albany, Jan. 8. — The bill intro- duced today to increase Governor Dewey's emergency powers would give the defense council "the greatest au- thority ever vested in a state agency and would be comparable to that ex- ercised in martial laws, except that actions are reviewable in courts," Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner Broth- ers zone manager here, declared. Smakwitz, when asked to comment on Dewey's call for enactment of sweeping state civil defense laws to cope with threatened atomic attacks, said that theatres, like all other busi- nesses, "would naturally close if there were bombings in their particular area,'' but he favored keeping houses in operation at all times "as a morale builder." He said theatres were ideal places to present defense messages and transmit directions. New London Debut Today for 'Pacific' Special trains carrying representa- tives of press and radio will leave New York and Boston this morning for the U. S. Naval Submarine Base at New London, Conn., where the world premiere of Warners' "Opera- tion Pacific" will be held today. The visitors to the base, who will attend the premiere with a group of the Navy's most decorated submarine heroes, will be taken on a tour of the base facilities before the screening. Capt. Charles O. Triebel, U.S.N., commanding officer of the base, will be host to the premiere party. Plan Las Vegas 'Break-in' Theatre Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 8. — A group of key Nevada business men, sparked by Murray Wollman, realtor, and Charles Schnee, M-G-M scenarist, have joined forces to underwrite con- struction of a legitimate theatre on Fremont Street, Las Vegas' main stem. Through Schnee's New York stage connections, the group hopes to break in new plays here and book top Broad- way hits for extended runs. 142 Theatres in P. R. Washington, Jan. 8.- — There were 142 theatres in Puerto Rico in 1948, with receipts of $3,497,800, the Census Bureau reported. 'Ay It Mr 9si SLZ> the be is it To -on •on so or -Aim to ■at mo he n Oil Hi ^aCj at 'tu* so tht n if n on is y yin '8 In aw y, " th th eoi tht si? mo re Po 'till s© Si© se Us tlm *he .ma-il T rent i a dan ©s Us Jtfo 0^2 i>0 ss tint or v?e fes, to °^al it th. te$ £e© se ^aij or S>s tat Us ®s. i23 ti acj 3*1 on th e«in ea 8, 8 as &lok Pztte ltZ*« qui *ljrins *Ut0 No one ^thvte as ma°£t*i££«** or orn ho Pe tht s© l0«*©2„ 8 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Loew's Net (Continued from page 1) to rates recently fixed by the Internal Revenue Bureau. The net for the corresponding pe- riod last year was $1,652,649, including $697,230 profit after taxes realized from the sale of capital assets. The latest annual figure is equiva- lent to $1.53 per share of common, against $1.31 the previous year. The latest 12-week figure is equivalent to 39 cents per share, compared with 32 cents per share last year. Loew's share of net income of partly owned subsidiaries not distributed as dividends to the parent company amounted to $247,118 in 1950 com- pared with $725,581 the previous fiscal year. On Jan. 3, Motion Picture Daily reported that the net income of Loew's consolidated foreign subsidi- aries for the last fiscal year total $879,163, representing a drop of $427,- 108 from the $1,306,271 recorded for the prior fiscal year. The report reveals that current and working assets at Aug. 31, 1950, to- taled $114,161,876 compared with $116,299,820 for the previous fiscal year, while current liabilities totaled $24,967,018 compared with $22,965,982. Cash assets are listed in the annual report at $22,528,036, including $3,425,- 860 cash in foreign countries, of which $2,215,917 has since been re- ceived in the U. S. Provision for federal income taxes covering the last fiscal year amounted to $4,753,557, compared with $4,043,- 605 for the prior year. Reserved for taxes out of revenue for the 12-week period was $786,496, as against $609,- 711 for the corresponding period of the preceding year. Consolidated profit and loss state- ment lists for the last fiscal year the- atre receipts, rentals and sales of films, accessories and M-G-M records in the amount of $167,913,312, as against $170,542,120 for the prior year. Rationing (Continued from page 1) equipment, and the adequacy of pres- ent production facilities and the prob- lems that will come up should expan- sion of these facilities be necessary. Oscar F. Neu, president of the The- atre Equipment Supply Manufacturers Association and one of the industry officials who will attend the meeting, said he thought equipment dealers had just about given up any hope for easing of the government's construc- tion limitation order. Neu said he expected the industry officials Wednesday to stress the tight situation they are facing due to short- ages of steel, copper and other mate- rials and the need for government aid to get some of these for the equip- ment industry. "All our materials are beginning to get critical," Neu said. "There's no telling what will happen if we don't get some help soon." Induct Levy Tomorrow Hartford, Jan. 8. — Herman M. Levy, Theatre Owners of America, general counsel, and executive secre- tary of Motion Picture Theatre Own- ers of Connecticut, will be inducted as the new Chief Barker of Tent 31, Variety Club of Connecticut, at instal- lation ceremonies Wednesday at Race- brook Country Club, Orange, Conn. Truman Speech on Mpls. Theatre TV Minneapolis, Jan. 8. — Presi- dent Truman's "State of the Union" speech launched the- atre television in this city to- day as the Radio City Thea- tre, first house to be equipped with large-screen TV equip- ment, televised the event. Harry B. French, president of Minnesota Amusement, op- erator of the Radio City, in- vited a number of civic offi- cials to attend the showing. Truman Speech (Continued from page 1) he didn't say how large an increase or where the new money would come from. Similarly, he asked for "revi- sion and extension of the authority to stabilize prices and wages," but didn't specify just what revisions would be asked. Film industry admissions and rentals are now exempt from price control, and there is some confusion as to whether film industry wages are or should be similarly exempt. An expected request for "extension and revision of the Selective Service Act" will probably mean further man- power troubles eventually for the film industry. The President said he would go in- to more detail in his economic mes- sage, due later this week ; in the budget message, due next Monday ; and in special messages to be sent to Congress from time to time on the national crisis. In Boston , at Pinanski's Pilgrim theatre, some 1,000 patrons saw the President on the theatre's large-screen television yesterday. Nine other houses in five states carried the talk. Five in New York were Fabian's Fox and Century's Marine in Brooklyn ; Century's Queens, Queens Village ; and the Paramount and RKO Ford- ham in Manhattan. Other houses were Fabian's Palace, Albany ; the Michi- gan, Detroit ; State Lake, Chicago ; and Radio City, Minneapolis. 'Tomahawk' Set for Chicago, 200 Cities Universal - International's "Toma- hawk," in Technicolor, will have its world premiere at the Chicago Thea- tre, Chicago, on Jan. 26th, the com- pany has announced. It will open immediately after in more than 200 situations out of the Boston, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, New Haven, Philadelphia and Wash- ington exchanges, backed by special full-page Sunday newspaper advertis- ing campaigns in the key cities con- cerned, tieing in all dates in the terri- tories. Van Heflin star of the film will participate in the world premiere cam- paign in Chicago and then make per- sonal appearances to help launch the openings in the various territories. Susan Cabot and Alex Nichol, fea- tured in the picture, will tour the sub- key cities. Harry A. Flinn Dead Berea, O., Jan. 8. — Harry A Flinn, co-owner of the Berea Theatre, died in Berea Community Hospital last Wednesday following a long illness. His widow, a son and a daughter sur- vive. Set Tour of Stars For 'Mono. Week' , Monogram is completing plans to send five of its contract star's on fly- ing trips to 52 key cities for personal appearances during national Mono- gram week, Feb. 11-17. Whip Wilson will make 12 appear- ances in the South, Johnny Mack Brown is set for a like number of appearances in the Northeastern states ; Leo Gorcey will make 12 ap- pearances in the Pacific Northwest, and Kirby Grant is scheduled for a dozen appearances in the Midwest and Southwest. Jane Nigh, after making three Pacific Coast city visits, will fly to New York for contacts with ex- hibitors there. Brown, Veteran News Cameraman, Is Dead Washington, Jan. 8. — Funeral services for J. C. Brown, 53, for the past 25 years manager of the Wash- ington bureau of Hearst Metrotone News, will be held here tomorrow at the Dan Dansky Funeral Parlor. Brown, who died Sunday, was known as the dean of newsreel pho- tographers in the national capital. He was a past president of the White House news photographers, a member of the National Press Club and the National Press Photographers Asso- ciation. He is survived by the widow, Belle Penstock Brown. Coast Services Held For Don Hancock, 62 Hollywood, Jan. 8. — Funeral serv- ices were held today in North Holly- wood for Don Hancock, 62, veteran producer-writer-director who died Friday following a heart attack at his home here. London born, Hancock had been identified in New York with The Film Daily editorial staff, with Topics of the Day, the Van Beuren Corp., the Fox Newsreel, and other pioneer short subjects companies, and had been pro- duction manager since 1937 of Castle Films, now a division of Universal. A sister, Mrs. George Talfer of To- ronto survives. Urbach, Trade Paper Representative, Dies Hollywood, Jan. 8. — -Funeral serv- ices will be held tomorrow morning at Willen Mortuary for Larry Ur- bach, 57, who died Sunday at his home here following a heart attack. A veteran trade paper representative, Urbach joined Moving Picture World in New York in 1918, coming West for that paper in 1925 and working subsequently for Motion Picture News, Exhibitors Herald, Daily Vari- ety, Hollywood Reporter, and other periodicals. He was Film Daily repre- sentative here for the past 18 months. A widow, two sons, a brother and two sisters survive. Geo. Degnon Services Funeral services for George Degnon, formerly with RKO as a field exploi- teer, were held yesterday at the Mur- phy Funeral Chapel at Newark, N. J. 'Cyrano* in Memphis Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Ber- gerac" has been booked by United Artists into the Ritz Theatre, Mem- phis, for an early February opening. NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) a more than satisfactory $120,000 com- ing in during a fifth week. The film will hold for a sixth week, with "The Magnificent Yankee" coming in on Jan. 18. The Nativity pageant on stage closes Jan. 14. At the Paramount, "Mr. Music" is concluding an outstanding run with a substantial $53,000 expected for the last lap of a three-week stand, which has Louis Prima's band on stage. "Branded" opens tomorrow. "Lone Song" Healthy "Pagan Love Song" at the Capitol took in $61,981 for its second week, a healthy sum, and will bow out on Thursday in favor of "Grounds for Marriage." "West Point Story" is concluding its run at the Strand with $30,000 due for a third week. "Dal- las" opens on Friday. "Where Danger Lives" is ending a two-week run at the Criterion with $15,000 for the week — a satisfactory figure. "Operation Disaster" opens Saturday. "Vendetta" at the Globe is doing well, with a $16,500 second week being followed by $13,500 in prospect for the third. "The Milkman" at the Mayfair is ending a mild two weeks with $11,000 in sight for the last. "The Sun Sets at Dawn" comes in there on Saturday. "Mudlark" Holds Up "The Mudlark" is holding up well at the Rivoli, where $21,000 is ex- pected for the third week. The two-a- day performances of "Cyrano de Berg- erac" at the Bijou are still drawing strongly, with $13,000 expected for a ninth week. "Trio" at the Sutton is still making money with $10,000 ex- pected for a 14th week. At the Trans Lux 52nd St., "Seven Days to Noon" is expected to draw another $17,000 through the turnstiles. "Stars in My Crown" slipped back to $3,400 in its third and last week at the Park Avenue. "The Blue Lamp" opened there last night with a benefit premiere for the Police Athletic League. $65,000 for Red Skelton At B. & K.'s Chicago Chicago, Jan. 8. — Balaban and Katz' Chicago Theatre will take in about $65,000 during Red Skelton's one-week personal appearance, com- pany officials estimate. The screen star has been playing to packed houses since his opening on Friday, but no house records have been set. Alexandria Theatre Damaged by Storm Alexandria, La., Jan. 8. — The Paramount Theatre here was ordered evacuated at the weekend by Mayor Close when the rear brick wall showed signs of weakness after being lashed by storm winds of 60 miles per hour velocity. The violent storm and rain which struck the city lasted 15 min- utes. Extensive damage was reported to other buildings in the city, which began tallying the cost of repairs. NBC Signs Billy Rose Billy Rose, Broadway showman, has been signed by the National Broad- casting Co. to a two-year contract as consultant to the television network, Joseph H. McConnell, president, an- nounced. FROM THE MOTION PICTURE HERALD JAN. 6, 1951 The Steel Helmet Lippert — The Korean War Lippert Productions and writer-pro- ducer-director Samuel Fuller herewith make a liar out of the trade tradition that great war pictures reach the screen only long after the war is over. This is a great war picture going out to the public while the conflict it deals with still rages. It splendidly conveys to that public the nature of that conflict, in detail and in sum, fully and without frenzy. It is more dynamic than a documentary, more authentic than 99 per cent of the fic- tion films founded on fact, and it is more, rather than less, powerfully ef- fective because its cast contains no overwhelming stars to obstruct or dis- tort the script or tip off its ending. The picture is a cinch to build attend- ance as it plays, and to build very big indeed. Fuller, who learned his fighting lessons the hardest way, set out here to depict the Korean fighting explicitly, authoritatively and without exaggeration in either direction. His informa- tion is official, his research is thorough, and he took his production to Washington for inspec- tion by the War Department, which okayed it with enthusiasm as a veracious representation of its subject. Yet his picture bears no high-flown forewords or footnotes, and makes no bid_ for consideration as other than what it is, a strictly professional production for commercial exhibi- tion. He brings his players on without preten- tious prelude, they establish their identities and characters by deed and word, and as the camera closes on the survivors the legend, "There Is No End to This Story" appears where "The End" appears on other films. (It is in key with this thought, and incidentally a distinct advan- tage with respect to the enduring timeliness of the attraction, that no calendar dates and no specific cities, but only the terms Korea and Manchuria, are stipulated.) The film opens on a closeup of the steel hel- met from which it derives its title. The helmet, with a hole in it, is worn by a sergeant, his hands tied behind him, who has been left for dead by Reds who have machine-gunned him and his company. He is untied by a Korean lad who follows along when the sergeant sets off through the mists in search of his army. A World War II veteran, the sergeant meets first a lone medic and then a platoon floundering in its search for a pagan temple sought for use as an observation post. Outshooting enemy snip- ers, he leads the platoon to the temple and takes it over, setting up radio communication with the main body of troops, but a North Korean major secreted in the temple murders one of his comrades and, when captured, turns out to have signalled the platoon's presence to the enemy, which advances on the position in strength. The sergeant violates military code by shoot- ing down the prisoner of war after a sniper has PRODUCT DIGEST SECTION, JANUARY 6, 1951 slain the Korean boy, and the platoon com- mander tells him he will turn him in for this offense if it takes him 20 years to do so. But the enemy charges the temple and all but four of the company, including the officer, are killed before the artillery comes up and rescues the four. The story ends with the sergeant placing his helmet on the grave of the dead officer, who previously has asked him to exchange headgear as a mark of mutual respect, and trudges off, presumptively to report himself guilty of the illegal killing. It is not a story to be read in synopsis. It is a screen story in the total sense of that term, far richer in performance than it can be in narra- tion. The picture is, in the fullest and best meaning of the phrase, a motion picture. Gene Evans, until now a minor bit player, gives a performance as the sergeant that brings up old memories of the late Louis Wolheim. His sergeant is seasoned, earnest, earthy and prac- tical, but most of all just plain real. Neither the sergeant nor any of the others mouth heroic or vainglorious declarations, and neither do they grouse. They portray fighting men as fighting men are, doing their job as best they can. All rate praise for their handling of their roles. There are no women in the cast. William Berke assisted Fuller as associate producer, and Ernest W. Miller contributed some of the best photography witnessed on the. screen in a long time. Previewed in Encino, Calif., to a trade press group which didn't disturb the projection room quiet by so much as a zvord of comment or the lighting of a cigaret during the screening. Re- viewer's Rating: Excellent. — William R. Weaver. 1951. Running time, 84 General audience classifi- Release date, February I minutes. PCA No. 14901. cation. Sergeant Zach Gene Evans Private Browne Robert Hutton Steve Brodie, James Edwards, Richard Loo, Sid Mel- ton, Richard Monahan, William Chum, Harold Fong, Neyie Morrow, Lynn Stallmaster. THEY'RE CRABBING IT f NEW YORK - LOEW S STATE CHICAGO - B & K's ROOSEVELT SAM FRANCISCO - FWC's FOX TEXAS - INTERSTATE NEW ORLEANS - PARAMOUNT YOUR BOX OFFICE TOPPER FROM LIPPERT 10 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Netter Named Altec General Sales Head L. D. Netter, Jr. has been appointed general sales manager of Altec Serv- ice Corp., H. M. Bessey, executive vice - president announced yes- terday. In addition to his duities with the service com- pany, Netter will be respons- ible for product sales made by the service com- pany as manu- facturer's repre- sentative of Al- tec Lansing Corp. Netter joined Altec in a sales capacity in November, 1947, and has just completed heading the company's national three months' sales drive for Altec's 13th anniversary. Prior to joining Altec, Netter was connected with Eagle-Lion and spent four years in the Navy. L. D. Netter. Jr. NCA 'Rental' (Continued from page 1) ecutive counsel, Ted Mann and Ernie Peaslee. The latter is due here to- morrow from his home at Stillwater, Minn. First of the meetings will be held tomorrw morning with Robert Moch- rie, RKO sales head, and will be fol- lowed by a meeting with Charles J. Feldman, Universal domestic sales manager, in the afternoon. On Thursday, M-G-M will confer with the group. William F. Rodgers, M-G-M sales vice-president, is in Florida and the company will be rep- resented by Henderson M. Richey, Charles Reagan and E. M. Saunders. An earlier date was postponed as Richey is out of town. A. W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox sales vice-president, will meet with the group on Friday morning". A. W. Schwalberg, head of Paramount dis- tribution, is on the Coast, but it is expected that he will return in time to also confer with the group on Fri- day. A date with Columbia was still ten- tative yesterday, as A. Montague, company sales head, was planning to leave town last night or today. He, too, may return in time for a meeting. Ben Kalmenson, Warner distribution chief, is out of town and the NCA group was not certain that a meeting with Warner representatives would be held. Kane has an appointment with Ar- thur Mayer, Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations' executive vice- president, for today. Republic Sales Meet Opens in 'Frisco San Francisco, Jan. 8. — James R. Grainger, Republic distribution vice- president, presided today over the first session of a two-day sales meeting be- ing held here. Branch managers from the follow- ing cities are attending: Jack Dowd, Los Angeles; George Mitchell, San Francisco ; Gene Gerbase, Denver ; Thomas McMahon, Salt Lake City ; Jack C. Partin, Portland, and Paa McElhinney, Seattle. Edward L. Walton, assistant gen- eral sales manager, is present and will also attend a sales meeting in Chicago scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, which the following branch managers will attend : Nat E. Steinberg, St. Louis ; R. F. Withers, Kansas City ; Harry Lefholtz, Omaha ; Paul Webs- ter, Des Moines ; J. E. Loeffler, Min- neapolis ; Jack G. Frackman, Milwau- kee ; A. H. Fischer, Chicago and Bernard Brager, Indianapolis. Republic to Release James Mason Film Republic will release "A Lady Pos- sessed," first of a series to be made by James Mason under the aegis of his own company, Portland Pictures, it is announced here. The picture, based on a novel by Mason's wife, Pamela Kellino, will be filmed at the Republic studio. A portion of the picture, which co- stars Mason, June Havoc and features Miss Kellino, has already been shot in England under the direction of Roy Kellino, who has returned to the U. S. to complete the direction. William Spier will collaborate in the direction. Davis Named MPEA Assistant in Japan Harry Davis, for the past 14 years manager for Republic and then for RKO Radio in countries of Central and South America, has been ap- pointed assistant general manager of the Motion Picture Export Associa- tion's organization in Japan, Irving Maas, MPEA vice-president and gen- eral manager, announced yesterday. Davis will fly from New York to- day for Tokyo where he will report to Charles Mayer, MPEA managing director in that country. Kamber Named ELC New Publicity Head Bernard M. Kamber has been ap- pointed publicity and promotion mana- ger for Eagle Lion Classics, it was announced here yesterday by Howard LeSieur, director of advertising-pub- licity. Stephen Strassberg resigned as publicity manager last weekend. Kamber, who recently resigned as Eastern advertising-publicity represen- tative for Harry M. Popkin Produc- tions, has worked in similar capacity for other independent producers. He was at one time head of the special events department of United Artists and held publicity management posts in connection with government bond drives in the last war. Scroll Presented To B. 0. Champion JOHN WAYNE, voted the top J "Money-Making Star of 1950" by exhibitors in the annual Motion Picture Herald-Fame poll, was pre- sented with the winner's scroll by Louella O. Parsons on her popular ABC network radio program on Sunday night, Jan. 7, in Hollywood. Miracle' (Continued from page 1) RTMA to Meet Here Washington, Jan. 8. — The seventh annual industrial relations conference of the Radio-Television Manufacturers Association will be held Jan. 17-18 at Hotel Statler, New York. The theme of this year's conference will be "In- dustrial Relations Problems in a Mobilizing Economy." would be remiss in his duty if he failed to stop any "attack" on the religious belief of New Yorkers. On Sunday, Francis Cardinal Spell- man called on every Roman Catholic in the U. S. to boycott the picture, which Commissioner McCaffrey a few weeks ago termed "blasphemous." Last weekend New York Supreme Court Justice Aron Steuer granted distributor Joseph Burstyn's request for a temporary injunction to restrain McCaffrey from banning "The Mira- cle" from exhibition at the Paris. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph F. Flan- nelly, administrator of St. Patrick's Cathedral, who read the Cardinal's statement at all masses on Sunday, in- dicated later that the Catholic Welfare Conference of the State would ask the Legislature to strengthen the state's censorship laws. Sunday afternoon members of the Catholic War Veterans and other or- ganizations of Catholic men began picketing the Paris, where the contro- versial film, is part of a program en- titled "Ways of Love." Casmassine, Talbot WinRKOTopPrizes First prize winners in RKO The- atres' "Boost Your Business" contest were Rocque Casmassine of the RKO Regent here and A. H. Talbot, man- ager of the RKO Iowa, Cedar Rap- ids, la., William W. Howard, vice- president of RKO Theatres, announced yesterday. Checks totaling $3,750 are on their way to the winners, he added. Second prize winners for the "best combined ratio of profit-gross-atten- dance of 1950 against the same period of 1949" were awarded to manager John J. Thompson. RKO Franklin, the Bronx, and managers Grant A. Martin and Marshall Addis of the RKO Virginia and Orpheum theatres, Champaign, Va., shared the second prize in the out-of-town group. The other winners are as follows: Greatest number of campaigns: Clayton Pruitt, Coliseum, New York; William Hast- ings, Orpheum, Denver; Best individual showmanship effort: Morris Rochelle, Strand, Far Rockaway, N. Y. ; Lawrence Caplane, Brandeis, Omaha; Greatest number theatre parties: Myron Feltheimer, Orpheum, Brook- lyn, N. Y. ; Florence Kipp, Paramount, Cin- cinnati. Best contribution from an asssistant manager: Albert Murray, Coliseum, New York; Randall W. Mcllvaine, Brandeis, Omaha; Best contribution from a publicity man: Ray Malone, New York home office; Nate Wise, Albee, Cincinnati; Best con- tribution from a service staff as a group: Coliseum, Orpheum, Dubuque; Best con- tribution from home office employes: first prize, Elizabeth Laus, second, Rita Brod- beck, third, Eurega Eloy David; Best pub- lic relations contribution: Harold Daly. Proctor's, Yonkers; Jerry Bloedow, Orphe- um, Des Moines; Best job on vending: Edward Force, Bushwick, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Harry Simons, Grand, Columbia. Best maintained theatre: Irving Gold 86th Street, New York; Max Mink, Palace, Cleveland. Greatest economy of operation- Morris Rochelle. Columbia and Strand, Far Rockaway, N. Y. ; Ansel Winston, Palace, Chicago; Best special kiddie matinee show' Clayton Pruitt, Coliseum, New York; Mil- ton Troehler, Orpheum, Davenport; Best special midnight show: Irving Gold, 86th Street, New York; Jerry Baker, Palace. Rochester; Best merchant tie-up: Katheryn DeMilo, Colonial, New York; and Division manager whose theatres and employes won the greatest number of prizes: Michael Edelstem, New York. Sponsored Television Seen Coming in U. K. London, Jan. 8. — Pronounced though unconformable rumors current here are that the Beveridge Report due to be issued shortly will recom- mend a form of sponsored television in view of the government's manifest in- ability to sustain the vast capital ex- penditures involved in video. Theatre Fronts Blacked Out in UK By Edict as Coal Crisis Worsens London, Jan. 8. — Because of the grave fuel crisis here, the gov- ernment has issued an order forbidding use of electricity for any form of external advertising, which means the theatres' exteriors are to go completely dark, a condition reminiscent of the disas- trous days of the 1947 coal shortage. All theatres are hit by the order, but the American West End showcases are particularly unfortunate in this respect. Recently, M-G-M and RKO spent large sums for the installation of elaborate neon displays at their respective theatres. ELC Denies Sale of 19 Films to WGN-TV Denial that Eagle Lion Classics has sold 19 of its comparatively recent fea- tures and Westerns to television sta- tion WGN-TV, Chicago, as announced by the latter last Thursday, was made here yesterday by William Heineman, ELC vice-president in charge of dis- tribution. Heineman said that a deal for sale of the 19 pictures to two individuals, whom he said he was not at liberty to identify, had been discussed but has not been closed. The deal would com- prise an outright sale of the films and all rights to them, including television. A spokesman for Flamingo Films here yesterday confirmed that the com- pany had contracted with television station WGN-TV, Chicago, for the showing of a group of 19 films for- merly owned by Eagle Lion. He said that Flamingo now owns all rights. Three ELC Branches Shift Clerical Work The accounting and administrative functions performed by the three Eagle Lion Classics branches at Mem- phis, Oklahoma City and Portland are being transferred to adjacent branches as of Jan. 21. William J. Heineman, sales vice-president, emphasized that the key sales forces and the shipping service will continue to function. 0 « 1 "S ° * _ « a '> — « .. >■ Si « c a i ° o « a k o a M- t S C o « 7 1?, ® « > w • 1. Ot « — *J « Ml « ■c e k O Q ■c a. O c ^ £ u .« k £ « a 2* ^ 5 1* u 2 £ £ a "O e « o ■c tr w V) u 0 k w O O O 1 © e — ■5 >. *^ § i o ■o _ S o o — m « s IS • Dec. • ♦ • • UI u. U1Q Q o Q Dec Dec § 1 Jan Jan Jan 00 &« i-s FIRST MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate se .concise ond VOL. 69. NO. 6 NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1951 TEN CENTS Loew's Profit Says Court May Waive For 1950 at \Limitations on Damages 57,854,454 Is $1,109,693 Increase; 1st '51 Quarter Up Also Net income of $7,854,454 was re- ported yesterday by Loew's for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 1950. This represents an increase of $1,- 109,693 over the $6,744,761 net regis- tered for the previous fiscal year. However, the net for the last year in- cludes $808,020 profit after taxes real- ized from the sale of capital assets, while for the preceding year $460,460 is due to reduction of prior years' depreciation on properties to conform to new tax rates. The company reported at the same time a net income of $1,- 994,954 for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, ended last Nov. 23. This includes $779,436 due to reduction of prior years' depreciation on certain properties to conform {Continued on page 8) Lubin Leaves CRI For U. S. Service Dr. Isador Lubin has re- signed as president of Con- fidential Reports, Inc., effec- tive in February, just five years since he assumed the post in 1946. Dr. Lubin came to CRI following a distin- guished career as a govern- ment economist and will re- turn to the U. S. government service in a fulltime capacity. During the recent sessions of the Assembly of the United Nations, Dr. Lubin served as economic advisor to the U. S. delegation and as the U. S. representative on the UN Economic and Social Council, with the rank of U. S. minister. NCA Delegation To Begin Talks North Central Allied's delegation sent here to confer with distribution heads on a projected "fair rental" plan is in New York and will begin a series of meetings tomorrow. The plan, originated by Henry Greene, chairman of the committee, and approved by the NCA member- ship, is said to be designed to help those exhibitors suffering hardship from poor box-office returns. No de- tails are being made public in advance of the talks with company distribution heads. Committee members, in addition to Greene, are Stanley Kane, NCA ex- (Continued on page 10) B 'way's First Runs Strong; $110,000 For 'Montezuma' Truman Talk Short On Film Details Washington, Jan. 8. — President Truman's "State of the Union" mes- sage was long on discussion of foreign policy but short in detailing what spe cific legislative requests the Admin- istration would put before Congress this year. "A major increase in taxes" would be necessary, the President said, but {Continued on page 8) Los Angeles, Jan. 8. — Exhibitors may claim damages going back as far as 1936 in anti-trust suits against dis- tributors regardless of statutory limi- tations in states where action is taken, according to a precedental decision by Federal Judge Willis W. Ritter of Utah in a case brought by James A. Christensen, Arcade Theatre, Salt Lake City, against major distributors, states Fred A. Weller, local attorney, who handled the case for Christensen. Weller quotes the Ritter ruling as follows : "I have concluded that the common sense view is that U. S. versus Para- mount was pending during a hiatus of the period of the consent decree. Opin- ions of the expediting court and the U. S. Supreme Court are explicit that the consent decree was a stop-gap measure to the last three years as a trial project. "Everything was open for consider- ation after that time. This consent de- cree involved no adjudication, no merger, and was not res ad judicata as to any issues raised by the complaint. The statute of limitations protects a plaintiff while his right of action rip- ens and rewards him for withholding his suit at a time when it is a policy of law to free a defendant from its annoyances." Post-holiday business at Broadway's first runs is continuing at a strong pace as the holiday bills begin to make way for new product. One opener, "The Halls of Monte- zuma," promises to exceed the New Year week business at the Roxy, with an excellent $110,000 in prospect. The film's first three days, following show- manly invitational premiere on Thurs- day, brought in $64,000. Al Bernie tops the stage show. "Born Yesterday" is holding to a terrific pace at the Victoria, with $43,- 000 due for a third week. Also doing excellent business is "Harvey" at the Astor, with $30,000 expected for its third week. Radio City Music Hall is still hold- ing on to its Christmas package "Kim" and the Nativity pageant, with (Continued on page 8) Howard Quits SRO; Coast Office Closes Los Angeles, Jan. 8. — John T. Howard, Western division manager of Selznick Releasing Organization, re- signed at the weekend. He was the last SRO field representative. With his resignation, the local of- fice has been closed. Howard, with Paramount for 20 years before joining SRO, is a commander in the Naval Reserve. He has announced no future plans. US Rationing Of Equipment Up for Study NPA, Industry Unit to Weigh Needs Tomorrow Washington, Jan. 8. — The need for and desirability of an order along the lines of the World War II order L-325, allocating projec- tors, arc lamps and other theatre equipment, will be among the prob- lems discussed Wednesday when Na- tional Production Authority officials meet with the 20-man advisory com- mittee for the theatre equipment in- dustry. This will be the first meeting of the committee, and a full agenda has been prepared. Other items up for discus- sion will be the effect on the industry of recent NPA orders cutting back civilian supplies of various metals, plans for conserving critical materials used in manufacturing theatre equip- ment and the use of possible substi- tutes, the requirements of the Defense Department for 35mm. projection {Continued on page 8) Regents Plan Move In 'Miracle' Case The New York State Board of Re- gents was reported yesterday to be considering ways and means of accept- ing an appeal from citizens to revoke the State license which was granted the Italian-made film, "The Miracle the center of heated controversy in recent weeks. Meanwhile, New York City License Commissioner Edward T. McCaffrey announced he will appeal the New York Supreme Court ruling against his ban on showings of the picture at the Paris Theatre here. He said he (Continued on page 10) Mayer Says COMPO Is Misunderstood Competition Stalls Minn. Price Hikes Minneapolis, Jan. 8. — Competition, rather than fear of public reaction, is the chief deterrent to admission price increases in this area, according to exhibitors contemplating increases. Minnesota Amusement, which has been most cautious in approaching the question of higher ticket prices to meet increased costs, is said to now admit that customers are not likely to protest increases. Philadelphia, Jan. 8. — Lack of support for the Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations was due to misun- derstanding of the organization's pur- poses, Arthur L. Mayer,, executive vice-president, told a Variety Club audience here last night. Speaking at a testimonial dinner at the Bellevue- Stratford Hotel for Da- vid Supowitz, the club's retiring chief barker, and Ted Schlanger, newly elected chief barker, Mayer said : "Certainly no man in this industry can be opposed to raising our standard in the public's esteem so that we are no longer classified by our government (Continued on page 3) MP A Board Rules Today on 'Twist' The Motion Picture Association of America board of directors meeting here today is expected to rule on Eagle Lion Classics appeal from the Produc- tion Code Administration's refusal to issue a seal to J. Arthur Rank's "Oli- ver Twist." The East-West executive meeting is also on the agenda. Eric Johnston, MPAA president, will preside. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Personal Mention SPYROS P. SKOURAS, president of 20th Century-Fox, is slated to fly to the Coast tonight from New York and join Al Lichtman, 20th Cen- tury-Fox vice-president, who arrived there from New York over the week- end for studio conferences. • Harold Citron, general manager of North Coast Theatres, is in San Francisco from Los Angeles, where he was joined yesterday by Sherrill C. Corwin, president, for a week long conference with district manager Gra- ham KlSLINGBURY. • Mrs. Dorothy Silverstone, wife of Murray Silverstone, president of 20th Century-Fox International Corp., is due to arrive in Boston tomorrow from here to promote "The Magnetic Tide." Charles E. Kurtzman, Loew's northeastern division manager, has been named general chairman of the Boston Gridiron Club selection comL mittee for the Swede Nelson Award for sportsmanship. • Leon J. Bamberger, RKO Radio sales promotion manager, has accepted an invitation to speak at the annual convention of the Allied Theatre Owners of Texas, to be held at the Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, Jan. 29-30. • Stanley D. Kane, executive coun- sel for North Central Allied, has been renamed city attorney for the village of Golden Valley, a suburb of Min- neapolis. • Pat Somerset, assistant executive secretary of the Screen Actors Guild, has been named by Governor Earl Warren of California a member of the State Advisory Council. • Howard Strickling, M-G-M stu- dio publicity head, is expected to ar- rive here from the Coast tomorrow for a brief stay. • Sam Shain, director of exhibitor- distributor relations for 20th Century- Fox, left yesterday on a business trip to Omaha. • Al Horwits, Universal-Interna- tional studio publicity director, is scheduled to arrive here from the Coast today for a two-week stay. • George J. Schaefer, Stanley Kram- er Productions sales chief, returned to New York yesterday from the Coast. • Louis B. Mayer, M-G-M vice- president in charge of studio activities, is due here from the Coast tomorrow. • Jules Lapidus, Warner Brothers Eastern and Canadian sales manager, has left for Boston from here. • Edward Dryhurst, producer, is scheduled to fly from London to Hollywood tomorrow. Insider's Outlook By RED KANN THIS looks like the week of decision for COMPO. The final answer, whatever it may be, cannot be put off indefinitely, for every new delay continues to gnaw at whatever vitals the Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations may call its own. The situation is far from happy. The original fanfare and en- thusiastic bursts which tore the ozone apart 'way back there in Chicago when it was determined to proceed with one organization representing the whole industry since then have turned into shad- owy echoes of an enthusiastic past. COMPO was fine then — so fine, so much needed and so worthwhile that everyone wanted it. There was a goose that really hung high, but what it has laid so far is hardly a golden egg. For it's different now. Or at any rate, it's different with TOA, that influential exhibitor associa- tion without which COMPO can get along if its limp doesn't get it down. TOA insists COMPO has been out of bounds. For in- stance, that wire to the National Production Authority on new theatres, which COMPO now wishes had never been filed. ■ There is this to be said, never- theless : The dispute facing COMPO is a family squabble. It devel- oped internally and not by exter- nal pressures so that there is neither face nor reputation jeop- ardized insofar as the outside facade is concerned. The internal situation, having to do with regional representa- tion for as many TOA units as may want it and limitation of COMPO activities to public re- lations on a national level, is not an insurmountable one. If TOA has its way, the reluctant-dragon attitude attributed to most of its units in the field might give way to a condition perhaps best de- scribed as a limited enthusiasm. While limited, it would be a gain over the indifference, and even suspicion, which now prevails. Fighting valiantly to keep COMPO a going outfit, Ned E. Depinet is known to lean with partial favor, at least, toward the TOA position. This, in all probability, is predicated on his understanding of the heed which the top kicks in TOA must give to the attitude of their member units, never overlooking the jeal- ousy and the zeal with which the leaders in the field guard their territorial autonomy. { Attributed to Depinet, too, is another im- pression, if not a full "conviction. It is this : That the1 closer the field gets to COMPO and the more familiar it becomes with its objectives and itp workings the greater the opportunity for COMPO to sell itself. ■ The position of TOA's bitter critics needs no detailed explana- tion at so late a date. They talk about bad faith and effort to sabotage a setup into which TOA voluntarily entered with eyes wide open. They ask very pointed questions dealing- with TOA's ability to hold its affil- iates in line. They speculate if the opposition to COMPO voiced by the TOA directors in Hous- ton was not a thinly veiled chal- lenge to the national officers who now understand better the wis- dom in listening more attentively to the rank-and-file — the big fish in the little ponds. ■ All of this backwash possibly may bring air and light into a complex situation. But it solves nothing. Nor will anything be solved unless the men who meet here in New York on Thursday and Friday want it solved. ■ If COMPO cannot be consti- tuted, or re-constituted, on a basis of unavoidable compromise which the realities of circum- stances indicate, the end of this week will mark the end of COMPO. The corpse may re- main suspended in some sort of official limbo, but that will be all. The solution, pat as it may sound and pat as undoubtedly it is, revolves around one dominant theme : How seriously is COMPO wanted and to what limit is the executive board pre- pared to go in order to consoli- date conflicting viewpoints ? ■ Provided the 10 charter groups are genuinely in earnest, the issue can be resolved and it ought to be. Outrage may have to give way to mere anger. De- mand may have to give way to something less. Compromise is common and happens all the time. This looks like a time when it might be best for it to happen again. If by compromise COMPO can come Out of its present mi- asma with its fundamental and original purposes untarnished and a future assured, let com- promise prevail. 6 Finished, 5 Are Started on Coast Hollywood, Jan. 8. — The production tally held its own last week, going down only one point, for a total of 23 pictures in work. Five new pictures were started while six were completed. Started were : "I Was an American Spy," Allied Artists ; "Man for Hire," Lippert ; "The Dakota Kid," Republic ; "Ma and Pa Kettle at the County Fair," Universal-Int'l ; "Tomorrow Is Another Day," Warner Bros. Com- pleted were : "Sirocco," Columbia ; "The Man from Planet X" (Mid-Cen- tury Prod.) ; "A Wonderful Life" (Protestant Film Commission), Inde- pendent; "Francis Goes to the Races," "Cattle Drive," and "Little Egypt," Universal-Int'l. Kohn Heads 'Cyrano' Road Show Unit Howard E. Kohn II has been ap- pointed road show manager of the "Cyrano de Bergerac" unit of Stanley Kramer Productions, working under the general supervision of Myer P. Beck, Eastern publicity and advertis- ing director for Kramer. Kohn joined the Kramer organiza- tion last June as educational director for "Cyrano," at which time he set up the educational campaign now current. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center __ "KIM" RUDYARD KIPLING'S Errol FLYNN - Dean STOCKWELL Color by TECHNICOLOR A METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE and THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT CHRISTMAS STAGE SHOW Pifimounl presents ^ Technicolor I — ALAN LADD '"Person^ and Orcft. Midnight Fcotvr* IVOLI i BHOADWAY AT 49ih ST. HOWARD HUGHES' products 1/endeit" MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq.. Londcn Wl ; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion ' Picture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 National Pre-Selling THE January 16 edition of Look runs a double truck on the "Mov- ies' Top 20 Ticket Sellers" with their authority the Motion Picture Herald- Fame poll of independent and circuit theatre owners. Betty Grable is fea- tured in a full-page, full-color picture opposite the listings, although she was No. 4, but it isn't hard to see why she rates the picture. The 20 are shown in thumbnail in their relative stand- ings. The new Look features Jean Simmons on the cover, reviews "Born Yesterday," carries full-page color ads for "Vendetta" and several new M-G-M pictures. A continuing campaign to promote •worthwhile films among students oj the nation is being inaugurated by Scholastic magazine, top publication in the educational field, starting this zveek with the distribution oj a poster on "Cyrano de Bergerac" to all New York and Los Angeles senior and junior high schools. The plan will be followed in all key cities and it is estimated that an audience of 1,000,000 will be reached with each 5,000 posters on display. The poster carries the same heading as Scholastic's motion picture department. • More than 5,000 cards congratu- lating Bing Crosby on his 20th an- niversary as a star were mailed from the lobby of the Paramount Theatre in New York on the open- ing day of "Mr. Music." They were distributed by members of the Bing Crosby Fan Club during a special disc jockey show originating in the lobby and aired over Station WNEW. Crosby fans are urged to send greeting cards to 'The Groan- er" who will pick a winner on his Jan. 31 radio program. The winner gets an all-expense trip for two to Hollywood to meet "Mr. Music." • Women's Wear, daily newspaper of the retail garment trades, carries a 12- page section devoted to the merchan- dise tieups effected for "Bird of Para- dise" by 20th Century-Fox, prior to the opening of the campaign which is to reach a climax with release of the picture at Easter time. A series of ads in Women's Wear over the "past eight weeks has built up a list of 325 stores set to tie-in on the initial film promotion. The pages in the current section tell the merchandising story and reproduce various wholesale and magazine ads which will appear in the immediate future. The entire program, under the direction of Stirling Silli- phant, is expected to top the record obtained with "The Black Rose." • Women's page editors and fashion writers from a number of key city newspapers attended the gala cocktail party at the Hotel Pierre last evening, introducing 20th Century-Fox's record merchandising promotion for the film. Out-of-town newspapers sent staff writers to see how the merchandising plan was launched in New York and to prepare for a similar result at their local level. Also in attendance at the party and display were personalities of stage and screen, radio and TV people, home office executives and representa- tives of 23 manufacturers and adver- tising agencies participating in the promotion. — Walter Brooks Truman Lauds Films' Civic Activities Washington, Jan. 8. — Warm praise for the civic and char- itable activities of the motion picture industry was ex- pressed by President Truman to film actor Edward Arnold, the actor reported after a White House visit. Arnold, who went to the President to report on his progress in recruiting indus- try personnel for work on the Treasury's Bond Drive, said Mr. Truman told him that the film industry was outstand- ing in the help it gave the government and private or- ganizations in every worthy cause. Report New Bid For 7C UA Control Hollywood, Jan. 8. — Paul V. Mc- Nutt, chairman of United Artists' board of directors, is said to have called a board meeting for Jan. 17 to consider a bid by Arthur Krim, Robert Benjamin and Walter Heller for 60 per cent control, according to uncon- firmed reports here. Under the re- ported deal, Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin would retain 20 per cent each of the stock. The reports stated that the combina- tion would supply operational money and would finance production. Under the reported plan, McNutt would re- main in the UA organization, while Frank L. McNamee, president of UA, and Max Kravetz would leave. Spec- ulation here is that Jacques Grinieff may offer his plan to reorganize UA at the reported Jan. 17 board meeting. Babb Sole Owner of Hallmark Production Cleveland, Jan. 8. — Complete own- nership of Hallmark Prod., Inc., its distribution contracts, star contracts, real estate properties, equipment, story properties, copyrights, publishing and recording businesses, its 15 subsidiary corporations and distribution organiza- tion has passed to Kroger Babb, co- founder of the company. Signing of the papers took place here, on Babb's 44th birthday. Babb delivered a check finalizing the transaction to his partner, J. S. ("Jack") Jossey, who held a 50 per- cent interest and now becomes Babb's financial advisor. Jossey is retiring from active business because of failing health. Babb named Gilbert Wilkin as new comptroller of Hallmark. Charles ("Chuck") Oren was promoted from a unit manager to director of routes in the Wilmington, O., home office. Hank Adams, national sales mana- ger, has resigned to join the. Holly- wood Advertising Co. in the same capacity. No successor has been named. Phonevision Test Is Studied By Para. Paramount Pictures has re- tained A. E. Sindlinger to ob- serve and analyze the audi- ence and public reaction to the Phonevis'on experiment now being conducted in Chi- cago. Sindlinger will correlate the results being obtained in Chi- cago with those of his previ- out experience in theatre op- eration and with the exten- sive information which he has heretofore gathered on the habits and characteristics of radio listening and television viewing audiences, the com- pany said. Colony Files Trust Suit in Utica Utica, N. Y., Jan. 8.— Colony The- atre, Inc., of Schenectady, today filed an anti-trust suit in Federal district court here against Loew's, RKO, Warners, Paramount, 20th Century- Fox, Columbia, Universal, United Artists, Eagle Lion Classics, and Fast Theatres, Inc., a Fabian subsidiary. Film attorney Leonard L. Rosen- thal, of Albany, representing the plain- tiff, said that the Colony seeks to per- manently enjoin what it charges to be an illegal monopoly in Schenectady and to be permitted to play first-run product. CBS Color Showings Begun In Chicago Chicago, Jan. 8. — Demonstrations of CBS's color TV system, already viewed by more than 100,000 New Yorkers, will begin here tomorrow, and will be held daily in the WBBM- CBS main audience studio in the Wrigley Building. Programs will be transmitted from New York over the coaxial cable. During the last few weeks numerous dry runs were made with the pictures being piped over the coaxial. Thus, in New York CBS experts could study the pictures after they had made a round trip to Chicago. RCA Studies Plan To Expand Service Union Says 'No' to Houses' Pay Cut Bid Cleveland, Jan. 8. — The Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors Associa- tion's request for a voluntary 25 per cent cut in pay for members of Local 160, IATSE, has been turned down by the stage hands. The Association em- ploys 26 stage hands. The operators still have the proposal under consid- eration. CM PEA members, all neighborhood theatre owners, are seeking overhead relief to meet a 25 to 40 per cent drop in business. B & K's State Lake Has Large Turnout for Truman's Talk Chicago, Jan. 8. — "Big screen" tele- vising of President Truman's State- of-the-Union address and the opening day of "The Flying Missile" and "Counterspv Meets Scotland Yard" gave the State Lake a healthy box- office Monday noon. About 2,000 of the theatre's 2,700 seats were filled, this being considerably above average business for Monday morning. Balaban and Katz officials said it was impossible to tell whether the films or the telecast accounted for the attendance, but they felt that the im- portance of the telecast was a very definite factor. The audience, predominantly male, listened to the telecast attentively. Sound and quality of the picture were good. Philadelphia, Jan. 8. — Greater demands for the servicing of electronic equipment and theatre sound systems in 1951 will put additional burdens on the sound servicing industry, which s already feeling the pinch of man- power and material shortages, RCA Service Company district managers were told during a four-day meeting held here. The company is already studying streamlined operational methods de- signed to make possible an expansion of service activities to meet the antici- pated demand, panel speakers informed the meeting. Demands for servicing will increase in ratio to whatever decrease there- may occur in replacement equipment coming off the production lines, it was pointed out. Users of electronic equip- ment and theatre sound systems, if re- quired to keep current equipment in operation longer than planned, will need additional servicing to maintain top operations efficiency. Executives representing the RCA Service at the sessions included E. C. Cahill, president; W. L. Jones, vice- president in charge of technical prod- ucts service ; J. P. Boksenbom, vice- president in charge of consumer products service, and P. P. Reed, vice-president in charge of government service. Marc Wolf to Guest Buffalo, Jan. 8. — International chief barker Marc J. Wolf will be the guest of honor at the annual in- stallation of officers and dinner-dance of Tent No. 7, Variety Club of Buf- falo, Sunday evening in the Mary Mono. Acquires 2; 'Lover? 'Years' Hollywood, Jam 8. — "Wind Is My Lover," retitled, "Gypsy Fury," and "Vicious Years," already given limited distribution, have been acquired by Monogram for distribution, Steve Broidy, Monogram president, an- nounced today. Both were originally scheduled for Film Classics' release. Mayer Says (Continued from page 1) Would Unionize TV Men Baltimore, Jan. 8. — The Motion Picture Operators Union here is active in trying to organize into a union the TV film projectionists working in lo- cal television stations, according to Seaton room' of Kleinhans Music Hall. | Samuel Isaacson, business manager. with gambling establishments and poolrooms. No man in this industry can be opposed to uniting all of its various branches in boxoffice drives or in the effort to create new stars. God help us who call ourselves show- men if we are not prepared to make the small organizational sacrifices and financial contributions for industrial unity that are made by every other American business, large or small." Declaring that the hallmark of a real theatre man is "a sublime and invincible optimism," Mayer urged harder work and more resourcefulness in meeting competition. "We must have the vision," he said, "to convert television from an enemy into an ally that will sell our product in the homes of America as it has never been sold before." He ridiculed the claim that televi- sion was free competition, asserting that it cost its set-owners $100 a year. #J REPUBLIC HA BOX-OFFICE STAR MOTION PICTURE HERALD SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW LOOK MAGAZINE STARS FOR 1950 BOTH! WESTERN STAR FOR 8 CONSECUTIVE YEARS MOTION PICTURE HERALD SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW sip 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Review "Operation Pacific" {Warner Brothers) A VIGOROUS, he-man role that fluctuates between violence on the high seas and shore leave romance has been given John Wayne in his first pic- ture for Warner Brothers. Voted the top money-making star of 1950 in the Motion Picture Herald and Fame exhibitor poll, Wayne goes through his characterization as a U. S. submarine commander with accustomed ease. Patricia Neal plays the lead opposite Wayne with others in the cast including Ward Bond and Scott Forbes. Set in 1943, the picture derives its best effect from those scenes in which the submarine is on patrol against Japanese craft in Pacific waters. Director George Waggner's staging of battles has been done with excitement and con- viction. In the picture's romantic aspects, in which Wayne tries to win back his former wife, Miss Neal, it falls into a pattern that's none too original. The picture keeps up its brisk pace from the very beginning in which a group of children and some nuns are rescued by the sub from out of the jungle. There follows mission after mission until the grand climax is reached in which the sub finds itself in the middle of the Imperial fleet. After alerting Pearl Harbor, the sub proceeds to knock out as many of the enemy as its ammunition supply permits, and then limps home triumphantly. Romantically too, things culminate successfully for Wayne, even though there is some com- petition for Miss Neal's hand from Philip Carey, a Navy pilot. Bond portrays the submarine commander whose death leads to Wayne's ascension to com- mand. Louis F. Edelman produced and Waggner also did the screenplay. Running time, 111 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Jan. 27. Mandel Herbstman 29 Governments Sanction International Trade Code Mexico Trust Probe Asked Mexico City, Jan. 8. — A committee of producers and exhibitors, complain- ing of monopoly control of 80 per cent of Mexican theatres, was promised corrective government action by Adol- fo Ruiz Cortines, Secretary of the In- terior. Cortines declared that an in- vestigation is now underway under the order of President Aleman. Should a monopoly be found to exist, it will be broken, according to Cortines. The industry representatives held that unless action is taken by the gov- ernment, some 600 independent pro- ducers will be forced out of the in- dustry. Industry figures who met with Cor- tines included Miguel Contreras Torres, Mauricio de la Serna, Alfon- so Sanchez Tello, Juan Bastillo Oro and Jesus Castillo Lopez. Fewer, Better Films Is Goal in Mexico Mexico City, Jan. 8.— The Mexican industry is displeased with the 1950 production high of 126 pictures be- cause at least 80 of them are much be- low first class. However, it is urged that 1951 production output be limited to 80, and in consequence of this there is optimism that at least 75 will be strong pictures from both the stand- point of box-office and as enhancers of Mexico's film prestige at home and abroad. Decision of the industry's own bank, Banco Nacional Cinematografico, S.A., to finance only producers who are proven capable of making genuinely good pictures, is seen as influencing an 80-picture ceiling for this year. The 1951 output was expected to be 131 ; however, five of last year's pic- tures are not yet completed. This year, several films will be dubbed in English, and this is expected to raise the salability of Mexican films in the U. S. and elsewhere in the English- speaking world. Discrimination by Danes Hit by U. S. Washington, Jan. 8. — The Amer- ican Embassy in Copenhagen is ex- pected to protest a new Danish gov- ernment regulation reducing the ad- mission tax for domestic films 25 per cent below the tax for showings of imported films. The Motion Picture Association of America, it is understood, protested to the U. S. State Department here. The Department investigated the matter, concluded that the Danish regulation violated the Geneva Trade Agreement and ordered the Embassy in Copen- hagen to protest. The Geneva agree- ment provides that internal taxes must be on a non-discriminatory basis. Mary Field Honored London, Jan. 8. — Mary Field, former head of the J. Arthur Rank Children's Film department, dissolved recently for economy reasons, has been elect- ed president of the British Federation of Business and Professional Women. She is the only working woman mem- ber of the British Board of Film Censors, Washington, Jan. 8. — Represen- tatives of the 29 governments par- ticipating in the tariff-cutting session at Torquay, England, have recom- mended adoption of a code to eliminate uncertainties and hardships arising from the operation of the present im- port and export controls in most parts of the world, the Commerce Depart- ment's Office of International Trade announced here. While the code looks auspi- cious on paper, of course there is the question of how well the various countries will follow it in practice. Practically all of the major countries are repre- sented at Torquay. The code follows a proposal of the U. S. delegation. The OIT said the conference rec- ommended that "unless there are clear and over-riding considerations to the contrary," the proposed code should be followed. It pointed out that the trade conferences hope to eliminate restrictions and controls entirely event- ually, and that meanwhile, "it is im- portant to reduce the uncertainties and hardships to merchants resulting from varying and unpredictable operation of such controls." Among the standard practices rec- ommended by the Torquay conference for general adoption are these : 1 — The grant of an import license should imply that the necessary fore- ign exchange will be obtainable if ap- plied for within a reasonable time. When both import licenses and ex- change permits are required, the two should be coordinated. Both should indicate the rate of exchange to be used. 2 — Any new or intensified restric- tions should not apply to goods en route at the time the change was an- nounced. 3 — Action on applications for li- censes or exchange permits should be reasonably quick. Outstanding licenses and permits should be withdrawn only for "exceptional circumstances." A — When there are quotas based on past experience, there should be spe- cial provision for some quotas for qualified newcomers. 5 — Customs officials should have discretion to grant reasonable relief for variations in the actual shipment from the authorization. 6 — Where the country cannot pro- vide foreign exchange for current im- ports, when the exchange does become available, payment for old imports should have priority over payment for new orders or at least a fair share of the total available exchange. Spain Imports 25% Less U. S. Pictures Washington, Jan. 8. — Sixty-one U. S. films were released in Spain during the first 10 months of 1950, about 25 per cent less than the total number released in the same 1949 period, the U. S. Commerce Depart- ment reports. Film chief Nathan D. Golden said that "despite the reduced number of releases, estimated gross receipts of U. S. pictures continue to hold su- premacy by a wide margin, and total income is not far behind the previous year's figures. It is estimated that U. S. films account for 65 per cent of gross receipts in Madrid and about 60 per cent in Barcelona." The Commerce report estimated there are 3,950 theatres operating in Spain, with a total seating capacity slightly in excess of 2,000,000. It said that Madrid and Barcelona theatres account for more than 50 per cent of the estimated gross income of all Spanish theatres. Five new.— theatres are now under construction in Bilbao, a local record. Halt Films to Malta London, Jan. 8.— The Kinemato- graph Renters Society has stopped shipments of all films, American and British, to Malta following imposition of a duty of three pence per foot on all imported films. French Quota Views Vary By HENRY KAHN Paris, Jan. 5 (By Airmail). — Several Paris offices of American mo- tion picture distributors are under- stood to be opposed to any changes in the present import quota system and considerable differences exist in their point of view and that of their home offices in New York. It is felt that, should the U. S. send 50 or 100 more films a year to France, they could not be accommodated. One prominent exhibitor here said the French liked their own films and would still go to see them. He added that the public also liked certain American stars and the better type of American product, but there is not enough demand, however, to fit in an additional 100 pictures, the majority of which could not be "class" pictures. Authority in Dewey Measure: Smakwitz Albany, Jan. 8. — The bill intro- duced today to increase Governor Dewey's emergency powers would give the defense council "the greatest au- thority ever vested in a state agency and would be comparable to that ex- ercised in martial laws, except that actions are reviewable in courts,'"' Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner Broth- ers zone manager here, declared. Smakwitz, when asked to comment on Dewey's call for enactment of sweeping state civil defense laws to cope with threatened atomic attacks, said that theatres, like all other busi- nesses, "would naturally close if there were bombings in their particular area," but he favored keeping houses in operation at all times "as a morale builder." He said theatres were ideal places to present defense messages and transmit directions. New London Debut Today for 'Pacific' Special trains carrying representa- tives of press and radio will leave New York and Boston this morning for the U. S. Naval Submarine Base at New London, Conn., where the world premiere of Warners' "Opera- tion Pacific" will be held today. The visitors to the base, who will attend the premiere with a group of the Navy's most decorated submarine heroes, will be taken on a tour of the base facilities before the screening. Capt. Charles O. Triebel, U.S.N., commanding officer of the base, will be host to the premiere party. Plan Las Vegas 'Break-in9 Theatre Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 8. — A group of key Nevada business men, sparked by Murray Wollman, realtor, and Charles Schnee, M-G-M scenarist, have joined forces to underwrite con- struction of a legitimate theatre on Fremont Street, Las Vegas' main stem. Through Schnee's New York stage connections, the group hopes to break in new plays here and book top Broad- way hits for extended runs. 142 Theatres in P. R. Washington, Jan. 8. — There were 142 theatres in Puerto Rico in 1948, with receipts of $3,497,800, the Census Bureau reported. V A a,. 'Ay Nt Go tile la a. be it tt ep Up -a* 5 *0 Pep^ int Aim *UaC; O.Q til. to 41 to Of g?e Pep> 'in, at 4*0 tie Ot2 ■Pi iio IJ3 so *tth°L*£ J** tht ati vi Oil in tupe if is y *in tii tii ai> tf?0 'Po se but ? 4* si 022 tift ©s Us ti 022 Po ss io or at Up *o ;h*1* ***t ****** 02inl m Of ha aa Us ti ■Pi) •Pi '6S, in 012 til, e^iii ti- as oic it as ^ioki iut0 No °tie e*tp *tii»e in as st *alu «s© Si 8 Motion Picture daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Loew's Net (Continued from page 1) to rates recently fixed by the Internal Revenue Bureau. The net for the corresponding pe- riod last year was $1,652,649, including $697,230 profit after taxes realized from the sale of capital assets. The latest annual figure is equiva- lent to $1.53 per share of common, against $1.31 the previous year. The latest 12-week figure is equivalent to 39 cents per share, compared with 32 cents per share last year. Loew's share of net income of partly owned subsidiaries not distributed as dividends to the parent company amounted to $247,118 in 1950 com- pared with $725,581 the previous fiscal year. On Jan. 3, Motion Picture Daily reported that the net income of Loew's consolidated foreign subsidi- aries for the last fiscal year total $879,163, representing a drop of $427,- 108 from the $1,306,271 recorded for the prior fiscal year. The report reveals that current and working assets at Aug. 31, 1950, to- taled $114,161,876 compared with $116,299,820 for the previous fiscal year, while current liabilities totaled $24,967,018 compared with $22,965,982. Cash assets are listed in the annual report at $22,528,036, including $3,425,- 860 cash in foreign countries, of which $2,215,917 has since been re- ceived in the U. S. Provision for federal income taxes covering the last fiscal year amounted to $4,753,557, compared with $4,043,- 605 for the prior year. Reserved for taxes out of revenue for the 12-week period was $786,496, as against $609,- 711 for the corresponding period of the preceding year. Consolidated profit and loss state- ment lists for the last fiscal year the- atre receipts, rentals and sales of films, accessories and M-G-M records in the amount of $167,913,312, as against $170,542,120 for the prior year. Rationing (Continued from page 1) equipment, and the adequacy of pres- ent production facilities and the prob- lems that will come up should expan- sion of these facilities be necessary. Oscar F. Neu, president of the The- atre Equipment Supply Manufacturers Association and one of the industry officials who will attend the meeting, said _ he thought equipment dealers had just about given up any hope for easing of the government's construc- tion limitation order. Neu said he expected the industry officials Wednesday to stress the tight situation they are facing due to short- ages of steel, copper and other mate- rials and the need for government aid to get some of these for the equip- ment industry. "All our materials are beginning to get critical," Neu said. "There's no telling what will happen if we don't get some help soon." Truman Speech on Mpls. Theatre TV Minneapolis, Jan. 8.— Presi- dent Truman's "State of the Union" speech launched the- atre television in this city to- day as the Radio City Thea- tre, first house to be equipped with large-screen TV equip- ment, televised the event. Harry B. French, president of Minnesota Amusement, op- erator of the Radio City, in- vited a number of civic offi- cials to attend the showing. Set Tour of Stars For 'Mono. Week' Truman Speech (Continued from page 1) Induct Levy Tomorrow Hartford, Jan. 8. — Herman M. Levy, Theatre Owners of America, general counsel, and executive secre- tary of Motion Picture Theatre Own- ers of Connecticut, will be inducted as the new Chief Barker of Tent 31, Variety Club of Connecticut, at instal- lation ceremonies Wednesday at Race- brook Country Club, Orange, Conn. he didn't say how large an increase or where the new money would come from. Similarly, he asked for "revi- sion and extension of the authority to stabilize prices and wages," but didn't specify just what revisions would be asked. Film industry admissions and rentals are now exempt from _ price control, and there is some confusion as to whether film industry wages are or should be similarly exempt. An expected request for "extension and revision of the Selective Service Act" will probably mean further man- power troubles eventually for the film industry. The President said he would go in- to more detail in his economic mes- sage, due later this week ; in the budget message, due next Monday; and in special messages to be sent to Congress from time to time on the national crisis. In Boston , at Pinanski's Pilgrim theatre, some 1,000 patrons saw the President on the theatre's large-screen television yesterday. Nine other houses in five states carried the talk. Five in New York were Fabian's Fox and Century's Marine in Brooklyn ; Century's Queens, Queens Village ; and the Paramount and RKO Ford- ham in Manhattan. Other houses were Fabian's Palace, Albany ; the Michi- gan, Detroit ; State Lake, Chicago ; and Radio City, Minneapolis. 'Tomahawk* Set for Chicago, 200 Cities Universal - International's "Toma- hawk," in Technicolor, will have its world premiere at the Chicago Thea- tre, Chicago, on Jan. 26th, the Com- pany has announced. It will open immediately after in more than 200 situations out of the Boston, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, New Haven, Philadelphia and Wash- ington exchanges, backed by special full-page Sunday newspaper advertis- ing campaigns in the key cities con- cerned, tieing in all dates in the terri- tories. Van Heflin star of the film will participate in the world premiere cam- paign in Chicago and then make per- sonal appearances to help launch the openings in the various territories. Susan Cabot and Alex Nichol, fea- tured in the picture, will tour the sub- key cities. Monogram is completing plans to send five of its contract stars on fly- ing trips to 52 key cities for personal appearances during national Mono- gram week, Feb. 11-17. Whip Wilson will make 12 appear- ances in the South, Johnny Mack Brown is set for a like number of appearances in the Northeastern states ; Leo Gorcey will make 12 ap- pearances in the Pacific Northwest, and Kirby Grant is scheduled for a dozen appearances in the Midwest and Southwest. Jane Nigh, after making three Pacific Coast city visits, will fly to New York for contacts with ex- hibitors there. Harry A. Flinn Dead Berea, O., Jan. 8. — Harry A Flinn, co-owner of the Berea Theatre, died in Berea Community Hospital last Wednesday following a long illness. His widow, a son and a daughter sur- vive. Brown, Veteran News Cameraman, Is Dead Washington, Jan. 8. ■ — Funeral services for J. C. Brown, 53, for the past 25 years manager of the Wash- ington bureau of Hearst Metrotone News, will be held here tomorrow at the Dan Dansky Funeral Parlor. Brown, who died Sunday, was known as the dean of newsreel pho- tographers in the national capital. He was a past president of the White House news photographers, a member of the National Press Club and the National Press Photographers Asso- ciation. He is survived by the widow, Belle Fenstock Brown. NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) Coast Services Held For Don Hancock, 62 Hollywood, Jan. 8. — Funeral serv- ices were held today in North Holly- wood for Don Hancock, 62, veteran producer-writer-director who died Friday following a heart attack at his home here. London born, Hancock had been identified in New York with The Film Daily editorial staff, with Topics of the Day, the Van Beuren Corp., the Fox Newsreel, and other pioneer short subjects companies, and had been pro- duction manager since 1937 of Castle Films, now a division of Universal. A sister, Mrs. George Talfer of To- ronto survives. Urbach, Trade Paper Representative, Dies Hollywood, Jan. 8. — Funeral serv ices will be held tomorrow morning at Willen Mortuary for Larry Ur bach, 57, who died Sunday at his home here following a heart attack. A veteran trade paper representative Urbach joined Moving Picture World in New York in 1918, coming West for that paper in 1925 and working subsequently for Motion Picture News, Exhibitors Herald, Daily Vari- ety, Hollywood Reporter, and other periodicals. He was Film Daily repre sentative here for the past 18 months. A widow, two sons, a brother and two sisters survive. a more than satisfactory $120,000 com- ing in during a fifth week. The film will hold for a sixth week, with "The Magnificent Yankee" coming in on Jan. 18. The Nativity pageant on stage closes Jan. 14. At the Paramount, "Mr. Music" is concluding an outstanding run with a substantial $53,000 expected for the last lap of a three-week stand, which has Louis Prima's band on stage. "Branded" opens tomorrow. "Lone Song" Healthy "Pagan Love Song" at the Capitol took in $61,981 for its second week, a healthy sum, and will bow out on Thursday in favor of "Grounds for Marriage." "West Point Story" is concluding its run at the Strand with $30,000 due for a third week. "Dal- las" opens on Friday. "Where Danger Lives" is ending a two-week run at the Criterion with 1 $15,000 for the week — a satisfactory figure. "Operation Disaster" opens Saturday. "Vendetta" at the Globe is doing well, with a $16,500 second week being followed by $13,500 in prospect for the third. "The Milkman" at the Mayfair is ending a mild two weeks with $11,000 in sight for the last. The Sun Sets at Dawn" comes in there on Saturday. "Mudlark" Holds Up "The Mudlark" is holding up well at the Rivoli, where $21,000 is ex- pected for the third week. The two-a- day performances of "Cyrano de Berg- erac" at the Bijou are still drawing strongly, with $13,000 expected for a ninth week. "Trio" at the Sutton is still making money with $10,000 ex- pected for a 14th week. At the Trans Lux 52nd St., "Seven Days to Noon" is expected to draw another $17,000 through the turnstiles. "Stars in My Crown" slipped back to $3,400 in its third and last week at the Park Avenue. "The Blue Lamp" opened there last night with a benefit premiere for the Police Athletic League. $65,000 for Red Skelton At B. & K.'s Chicago Chicago, Jan. 8. — Balaban and Katz' Chicago Theatre will take in about $65,000 during Red Skelton's one-week personal appearance, com- pany officials estimate. The screen star has been playing to packed houses since his opening on Friday, but no house records have been set. Geo. Degnon Services Funeral services for George Degnon, formerly with RKO as a field exploi- teer, were held yesterday at the Mur- phy Funeral Chapel at Newark, N. J 'Cyrano' in Memphis Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Ber- gerac" has been booked by United Artists into the Ritz Theatre, Mem phis, for an early February opening. Alexandria Theatre Damaged by Storm Alexandria, La., Jan. 8. — The Paramount Theatre here was ordered evacuated at the weekend by Mayor Close when the rear brick wall showed signs of weakness after being lashed by storm winds of 60 miles per hour velocity. The violent storm and rain which struck the city lasted 15 min- utes. Extensive damage was reported to other buildings in the city, which began tallying the cost of repairs. NBC Signs Billy Rose Billy Rose, Broadway showman, has been signed by the National Broad- casting Co. to a two-year contract as consultant to the television network, Joseph H. McConnell, president, an- • nounced. FROM THE MOTION PICTURE HERALD JAN. 6, 1951 The Steel Helmet Lippert — The Korean War Upper* Productions and writer-pro- ducer-director Samuel Fuller herewith make a liar out of the trade tradition that great war pictures reach the screen only long after the war is over. This is a great war picture going out to the public while the conflict it deals with still rages. It splendidly conveys to that public the nature of that conflict, in detail and in sum, fully and without frenzy. It is more dynamic than a documentary, more authentic than 99 per cent of the fic- tion films founded on fact, and it is more, rather than less, powerfully ef- fective because its cast contains no overwhelming stars to obstruct or dis- tort the script or tip off its ending. The picture is a cinch to build attend- ance as it plays, and to build very big indeed. Fuller, who learned his fighting lessons the hardest way, set out here to depict the Korean fighting explicitly, authoritatively and without exaggeration in either direction. His informa- tion is official, his research is thorough, and he took his production to Washington for inspec- tion by the War Department, which okayed it with enthusiasm as a veracious representation of its subject. Yet his picture bears no high-flown forewords or footnotes, and makes _ no bid for consideration as other than what it is, a strictly professional production for commercial exhibi- tion. He brings his players on without preten- tious prelude, they establish their identities and characters by deed and word, and as the camera closes on the survivors the legend, "There Is No End to This Story" appears where "The End" appears on other films. (It is in key with this thought, and incidentally a distinct^ advan- tage with respect to the enduring timeliness of the attraction, that no calendar dates and no specific cities, but only the terms Korea and Manchuria, are stipulated.) The film opens on a closeup of the steel hel- met from which it derives its title. The helmet, with a hole in it, is worn by a sergeant, his hands tied behind him, who has been left for dead by Reds who have machine-gunned him and his company. He. is untied by a Korean lad who follows along when the sergeant sets off through the mists in search of his army. A World War II veteran, the sergeant meets first a lone medic and then a platoon floundering in its search for a pagan temple sought for use as an observation post. Outshooting enemy snip- ers, he leads the platoon to the temple and takes it over, setting up radio communication with the main body of troops, but a North Korean major secreted in the temple murders one of his comrades and, when captured, turns out to have signalled the platoon's presence to the enemy, which advances on the position in strength. The sergeant violates military code by shoot- ing down the prisoner of war after a sniper has PRODUCT DIGEST SECTION, JANUARY 6, 1951 slain the Korean boy, and the platoon com- mander tells him he will turn him in for this offense if it takes him 20 years to do so. But the enemy charges the. temple and all but four of the company, including the officer, are killed before the artillery comes up and rescues the four. The story ends with the sergeant placing his helmet on the grave of the dead officer, who previously has asked him to exchange headgear as a mark of mutual respect, and trudges off, presumptively to report himself guilty of the illegal killing. It is not a story to be read in synopsis. It is a screen story in the total sense of that term, far richer in performance than it can be in narra- tion. The picture is, in the fullest and best meaning of the phrase, a motion picture. Gene Evans, until now a minor bit player, gives a performance as the sergeant that brings up old memories of the late Louis Wolheim. His sergeant is seasoned, earnest, earthy and prac- tical, but most of all just plain real. Neither the sergeant nor any of the others mouth heroic or vainglorious declarations, and neither do they grouse. They portray fighting men as fighting men are, doing their job as best they can. All rate praise for their handling of their roles. There are no women in the cast. William Berke assisted Fuller as associate producer, and Ernest W. Miller contributed some of the best photography witnessed on the screen in a long time. Previewed in Encino, Calif., to a trade press group which didn't disturb the projection room quiet by so much as a word of comment or the lighting of a cigaret during the screening. Re- ceiver's Rating: Excellent. — William R. Weaver. Release date, February 2, 1951. Running time, 84 minutes. PCA No. 14901. General audience classifi- cation. Sergeant Zach Gene Evans Private Browne Robert Hutton Steve Brodie, James Edwards, Richard Loo, Sid Mel- ton, Richard Monahan, William Chum, Harold Fong, Neyle Morrow, Lynn Stallmaster. THEY'RE CRABBING IT ! MEW YORK - LOEW S STATE CHICAGO - B & K's ROOSEVELT SAN FRANCISCO - FWC's FOX TEXAS - INTERSTATE NEW ORLEANS - PARAMOUNT YOUR BOX OFFICE TOPPER FROM LIPPERT 10 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 9, 1951 Netter Named Altec General Sales Head L. D. Netter, Jr. has been appointed general sales manager of Altec Serv- ice Corp., H. M. Bessey, executive vice - president announced yes- terday. In addition to his duities with the service com- pany, Netter will be respons- ible for product sales made by the service com- pany as manu- facturer's repre- sentative of Al- tec Lansing Corp. Netter joined Altec in a sales capacity in November, 1947, and has just completed heading the company's national three months' sales drive for Altec's 13th anniversary. Prior to joining Altec, Netter was connected with Eagle-Lion and spent four years in the Navy. L. D. Netter, Jr. Republic Sales Meet Opens in 'Frisco San Francisco, Jan. 8. — James R. Grainger, Republic distribution vice- president, presided today over the first session of a two-day sales meeting be- ing held here. Branch managers from the follow- ing cities are attending : Jack Dowd, Los Angeles; George Mitchell, San Francisco ; Gene Gerbase, Denver ; Thomas McMahon, Salt Lake City ; Jack C. Partin, Portland, and Paul McElhinney, Seattle. Edward L. Walton, assistant gen- eral sales manager, is present and will also attend a sales meeting in Chicago scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, which the following branch managers will attend : Nat E. Steinberg, St. Louis ; R. F. Withers, Kansas City ; Harry Lefholtz, Omaha ; Paul Webs- ter, Des Moines ; J. E. Loeffier, Min- neapolis ; Jack G. Frackman, Milwau- kee ; A. H. Fischer, Chicago and Bernard Brager, Indianapolis. NCA 'Rental' (Continued from page 1) ecutive counsel, Ted Mann and Ernie Peaslee. The latter is due here to- morrow from his home at Stillwater, Minn. First of the meetings will be held tomorrw morning with Robert Moch- rie, RKO sales head, and will be fol- lowed by a meeting with Charles J. Feldman, Universal domestic sales manager, in the afternoon. On Thursday, M-G-M will confer with the group. William F. Rodgers, M-G-M sales vice-president, is in Florida and the company will be rep- resented by Charles Reagan, E. M. Saunders and Henderson M. Richey. An earlier date was postponed as Richey is out of town. A. W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox sales vice-president, will meet with the group on Friday morning. A. W. Schwalberg, head of Paramount dis- tribution, is on the Coast, but it is expected that he will return in time to also confer with the group on Fri- day. A date with Columbia was still ten- tative yesterday, as A. Montague, company sales head, was planning to leave town last night or today. He, too, may return in time for a meeting. Ben Kalmenson, Warner distribution chief, is out of town and the NCA group was not certain that a meeting with Warner representatives would be held. Kane has an appointment with Ar- thur Mayer, Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations' executive vice- president, for today. Republic to Release James Mason Film Republic will release 'A Lady Pos- sessed," first of a series to be made by James Mason under the aegis of his own company, Portland Pictures, it is announced here. The picture, based on a novel by Mason's wife, Pamela Kellino, will be filmed at the Republic studio. A portion of the picture, which co- stars Mason, June Havoc and features Miss Kellino, has already been shot in England under the direction of Roy Kellino, who has returned to the U. S. to complete the direction. William Spier will collaborate in the direction. Scroll Presented To B. 0. Champion Davis Named MPEA Assistant in Japan Harry Davis, for the past 14 years manager for Republic and then for RKO Radio in countries of Central and South America, has been ap- pointed assistant general manager of the Motion Picture Export Associa- tion's organization in Japan, Irving Maas, MPEA vice-president and gen- eral manager, announced yesterday. Davis will fly from New York to- day for Tokyo where he will report to Charles Mayer, MPEA managing director in that country. Kamber Named ELC New Publicity Head Bernard M. Kamber has been ap- pointed publicity and promotion mana- ger for Eagle Lion Classics, it was announced here yesterday by Howard LeSieur, director of advertising-pub- licity. Stephen Strassberg resigned as publicity manager last weekend. Kamber, who recently resigned as Eastern advertising-publicity represen- tative for Harry M. Popkin Produc- tions, has worked in similar capacity for other independent producers. He was at one time head of the special events department of United Artists and held publicity management posts in connection with government bond drives in the last war. JOHN WAYNE, voted the top J "Money-Making Star of 1950" by exhibitors in the annual Motion Picture Herald-Fame poll, was pre- sented with the winner's scroll by Louella O. Parsons on her popular ABC network radio program on Sunday night, Jan. 7, in Hollywood. Miracle' (Continued from page 1) would be remiss in his duty if he failed to stop any "attack" on the religious belief of New Yorkers. On Sunday, Francis Cardinal Spell- man called on every Roman Catholic in the U. S. to boycott the picture, which Commissioner McCaffrey a few weeks ago termed "blasphemous." Last weekend New York Supreme Court Justice Aron Steuer granted distributor Joseph _ Burstyn's request for a temporary injunction to restrain McCaffrey from banning "The Mira- cle" from exhibition at the Paris. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph F. Flan- nelly, administrator of St. Patrick's Cathedral, who read the Cardinal's statement at all masses on Sunday, in- dicated later that the Catholic Welfare Conference of the State would ask the Legislature to strengthen the state's censorship laws. Sunday afternoon members of the Catholic War Veterans and other or- ganizations of Catholic men began picketing the Paris, where the contro- versial film is part of a program en- titled "Ways of Love." Casmassine, Talbot WinRKOTopPrizes First prize winners in RKO The- . atres' "Boost Your Business" contest were Rocque Casmassine of the RKO Regent here and A. H. Talbot, man- ager of the RKO Iowa, Cedar Rap- ids, la., William W. Howard, vice- president of RKO Theatres, announced yesterday. Checks totaling $3,750 are on their way to the winners, he added. Second prize winners for the "best combined ratio of profit-gross-atten- dance of 1950 against the same period of 1949" were awarded to manager John J. Thompson, RKO Franklin, the Bronx, and managers Grant A. Martin and Marshall Addis of the RKO Virginia and Orpheum theatres, Champaign, Va., shared the second prize in the out-of-town group. The other winners are as follows: Greatest number of campaigns: Clayton Pruitt, Coliseum, New York; William Hast- ings, Orpheum, Denver; Best individual showmanship effort: Morris Rochelle, Strand, Far Rockaway, N. Y. ; Lawrence Caplane, Brandeis, Omaha; Greatest number theatre parties: Myron Feltheimer, Orpheum, Brook- lyn, N. Y. ; Florence Kipp, Paramount, Cin- cinnati. Best contribution from an asssistant manager: Albert Murray, Coliseum, New York; Randall W. Mcllvaine, Brandeis, Omaha; Best contribution from a publicity man: Ray Malone, New York home office; Nate Wise, Albee, Cincinnati; Best con- tribution from a service staff as a group: Coliseum, Orpheum, Dubuque; Best con- tribution from home office employes: first prize, Elizabeth Laus, second, Rita Brod- beck, third, Eurega Eloy David; Best pub- lic relations contribution: Harold Daly, Proctor's, Yonkers; Jerry Bloedow, Orphe- um, Des Moines; Best job on vending: Edward Force, Bushwick, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Harry Simons, Grand, Columbia. Best maintained theatre: Irving Gold. 86th Street, New York; Max Mink, Palace, Cleveland. Greatest economy of operation: Morris Rochelle, Columbia and Strand, Far Rockaway, N. Y. ; Ansel Winston, Palace, Chicago; Best special kiddie matinee show: Clayton Pruitt, Coliseum, New York; Mil- ton Troehler, Orpheum, Davenport; Best special midnight show: Irving Gold, 86th Street, New York; Jerry Baker, Palace, Rochester; Best merchant tie-up: Katheryn DeMilo, Colonial, New York; and Division manager whose theatres and employes won the greatest number of prizes: Michael Edelstein, New York. RTMA to Meet Here Washington, Jan. 8. — The seventh annual industrial relations conference of the Radio-Television Manufacturers Association will be held Jan. 17-18 at Hotel Statler, New York. The theme of this year's conference will be "In- dustrial Relations Problems in a Mobilizing Economy." Sponsored Television Seen Coming in U. K. London, Jan. 8. ■ — Pronounced though unconformable rumors current here are that the Beveridge Report due to be issued shortly will recom- mend a form of sponsored televisional view of the government's manifest in- ability to sustain the vast capital ex- penditures involved in video. Theatre Fronts Blacked Out in UK By Edict as Coal Crisis Worsens London, Jan. 8. — Because of the grave fuel crisis here, the gov- ernment has issued an order forbidding use of electricity for any form of external advertising, which means the theatres' exteriors are to go completely dark, a condition reminiscent of the disas- trous days of the 1947 coal shortage. All theatres are hit by the order, but the American West End showcases are particularly unfortunate in this respect. Recently, M-G-M and RKO spent large sums for the installation of elaborate neon displays at their respective theatres. ELC Denies Sale of 19 Films to WGN-TV Denial that Eagle Lion Classics has sold 19 of its comparatively recent fea- tures and Westerns to television sta- tion WGN-TV, Chicago, as announced by the latter last Thursday, was made here yesterday by William J. Heine- man, ELC vice-president in charge of distribution. Heineman said that a deal for sale of the 19 pictures to two individuals, whom he said he was not at liberty to identify, had been discussed but has not been closed. The deal would com- prise an outright sale of the films and all rights to them, including television. A spokesman for Flamingo Films here yesterday confirmed that the com- pany had contracted with television station WGN-TV, Chicago, for the showing of a group of 19 films for- merly owned by Eagle Lion. He said that Flamingo now owns all rights. Three ELC Branches Shift Clerical Work The accounting and administrative functions performed by the three Eagle Lion Classics branches at Mem- phis, Oklahoma City and Portland are being transferred to adjacent branches as of Jan. 21. William J. Heineman, sales vice-president, emphasized that the key sales forces and the shipping- service will continue to function. 5 S fe s| i ■= § '-, t S -2 ? ~ i; < S * * * .2 fi cc * ui S CO 1 UI i X 35 n « 5 Cq a: UJ Z of < |_|_ to Chh •■CO c » I ■ Ill >- 6- ■ rf «— O o) X < s = 1 >' m i o CO g ® c"io p> O QcN >u--eo^ XS = 1 „• aJiAS Oo = £ — ~ >>z 1-U.J a. <>-■§£ o ->a. C3 Z . a c cl i rr — oh- 5">x ° h- cn > z 3 5J Q HI > uicj a ^1— e~ « E « or 111 >z 'C3 Lil 3" £ Jjol WE" S3 5t c- "I Z o s . - uiO_ ; r ^ 5) c * i_ u^-s:.£ . < « a | . ' n £ I • CC ?= ]>IES fe ^-c-a tj = u. 5»fi«I«So5iii.2?pS ft z * 2 • * 2 o^S > £ -UJ = S - — l-r-'^_ < I- o „ :S<5 O Ci, ~ <«J e .. ^ • p ~ m « 0 5 ui - >- e «= e Still ods.) 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E|l j UJUlfe = C^ ~ Z X oo i— i -z<.2=°pr: UI fefe ~ a o O > II z O 1/1 uir C(X < u < «X Ul = tin. X X uj V — o e - PS S • UJ 4 M E S 3 ■£< t en C3 0. CC c I- £ ,Q 0) a _ x c -o« ;ui < e < ^ * b x •= < CD 2 3 _j o o >- — I *J 00 S> x _ i_i c i £; m "O O — c m 0£ i_ |^I6Sfe|Ific| SjS| ^xs ■ S » a e 5 o _=: 0. q uiuiaco £N C5 = 3* O O I « «J - =! a > a <0 — P5 " h"a = a J CO Q Q M Q M Q ^ CO 'H S 00 til MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 7 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1951 TEN CENTS Change Due in Distribution Of Rank Films Joint Production Deals Would Set New Outlets A complete change in the Ameri- can distribution system for future J. Arthur Rank productions is fore- cast in trade circles here in conse- quence of Rank's increasing reliance on joint production in England with American companies. Under the reciprocal produc- tion deals which Rank is en- deavoring to work out, Ameri- can distribution rights in virtually all instances will go to the American companies which enter into production partnerships with him in En- gland, it is pointed out. The development, as a natural con- sequence of the playing off of Rank's old pictures, made by his own produc- ing companies, and the virtual elimina- tion of further production on his own, will mean that his established distribu- tors here, Universal and Eagle Lion Classics, will handle progressively less (Continued on page 3) Regents Action on 'Miracle' Jan. 18 Albany, Jan. 9. — A discussion of the controversial film, "The Miracle," is expected to be taken up here by the New York State Board of Regents at a meeting Jan. 18-19. The state granted a license to the picture, against which meanwhile the New York City License Department, the National Legion of Decency, the Catholic War Veterans, Assemblyman Samuel Roman, Francis Cardinal Spellman and other individuals and organizations have lined up. Charges leveled against the picture are that it (Continued on page 3) Ted Lazarus Gets Eagle Lion Ad Post The appointment of Ted Lazarus as advertising manager of Eagle Lion Classics, replacing Jonas Arnold, who resigned this week, was announced yesterday by Howard LeSieur, direc- tor of advertising and publicity. Lazarus, who will assume his duties on January 22, is now associated with the Donahue & Coe Advertising Agency as an account executive han- dling motion picture accounts. 20th-Fox Releases 10, Five in Color, For First Quarter Andy W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century- Fox distribution vice-president, dis- closed here yesterday that the com- pany will release 10 new pictures in the first quarter of this year. Five of them will be in color. The announcement is in conformity with a set policy calling for at least three "quality releases" a month, he said. Three of the films were produced by independents for 20th Century-Fox release. Slated to go out to theatres in Jan- uary are : "The Man Who Cheated Himself," "Halls of Montezuma" (Technicolor), and "The Mudlark." February will bring "Call Me Mister" (Technicolor), "I'd Climb the High- est Mountain" (Technicolor), and "Sword of Monte Cristo" (Supercine- color). March releases: "The Thir- teenth Letter," "Lucky Nick Cain," "Bird of Paradise" (Technicolor) and "Of Men and Music." Dembow Sues Reade Over RKO Deal Walter Reade, Sr., Walter Reade, Jr., Gertrude Reade and Long Park, Inc., yesterday were named defend- ants in a $50,000 breach-of-contract action filed in U. S. District Court here by Sam Dembow, Jr. Dembow's complaint charges the defendants failed to pay him for em- ployment services rendered last year in connection with the then projected sale of Trenton-New Brunswick prop- erties to RKO Theatres. Plaintiff states he was employed to negotiate for the sale of 250 Reade- Long Park shares for $1,250,000 to RKO, with Denbow to receive five per cent commission, or $50,000, for negotiation of the sale. Dembow (Continued on page 3) East - West Meeting Planned for Feb. A meeting of East and West Coast industry leaders will be held in mid-February at a Western site to be de- cided upon after canvassing the availability of those sought for the meeting, it was stated following the Mo- tion Picture Association of America board meeting here yesterday. The meeting, originally planned for Phoenix, Ariz., in early December, was post- poned because several com- pany presidents were unable to attend. Equipment Sales To Canada Up Washington, Jan. 9. — A tremen- dous post-war theatre building spree in Canada has helped develop an ex- tremely satisfactory market there for U. S. theatre equipment, the Commerce Department said today. Film chief Nathan D. Golden re- ported that with the ending of the World War II building controls in 1946, Canadian exhibitors began an unprecedented building program, with 471 new theatres opening between the beginning of 1946 and October 1950, another 131 under construction and 126 more in the planning stage. All this has helped the equipment business, with 1950 being a very good year and an equally favorable market forecast for 1951, providing materials remain available. U. S. equipment predominates, but there has been a trend toward more Canadian manufacturing of less spe- cialized machinery and increased com- petition from Great Britain, largely as a result of preferential tariff treatment. The British now have about 15% of the Canadian market for equipment, Golden estimates. Sindlinger Offers Ad Directors Radio, TV Programs to Boost Theatre Business Plans for specialized radio and television programs designed to stimulate the nation's box offices are scheduled to be presented to the Eastern advertising-publicity directors' committee here in the near future by Al Sindlinger, public opinion research executive. An outline of the plans conceived by Sindlinger had been sched- uled for presentation to the committee at a luncheon at the Har- vard Club here yesterday but had to be postponed because Sind- linger is in Chicago making an observation of the Phonevision experiment there for Paramount Pictures and was unable to leave. Indications are the advertising-publicity directors' committee will schedule another meeting later or will ask Sindlinger to sub- mit his plans in writing. MPAA Refers 'Oliver Twist' Back to PCA Ask Reconsideration Of Code Seal Denial ' The board of directors of the Motion Picture Association of America, after hearing Eagle Lion Classics' appeal yesterday from the Production Code Administration rul- ing denying "Oliver Twist" a code seal, recommended that another print of the picture be referred back to Jo- seph I. Breen, code administrator, for reconsideration. William C. MacMillen, ECL president, who argued his com- pany's appeal at the MPAA board meeting here yesterday, said he would have a print shipped to Breen in Hollywood immediately. The board's action in referring the picture back to Breen for reconsidera- tion included the possibility that with deletions it might qualify for a PCA seal. It had been denied a seal be- cause, in the opinion of the code ad- ministrators, it violated the Production Code ruling prohibiting ridicule of (Continued on page 3) Okla. TOA Meet Set for March 18 Oklahoma City, Jan. 9. — The an- nual convention of the Theatre Own- ers of Oklahoma has been tentatively set for March 18 at the Biltmore Ho- tel here, it was announced by Morris Loewenstein, president, following a board of directors meeting today. The board meeting was attended by a number of members in addition to the directors and a discussion of sev- eral statewide problems headed the agenda, according to Loewenstein. A similar meeting is planned for Feb. 5 in this city. FTC Ad Film Order Appealed By Four Washington, Jan. 9. — The four ad- vertising film companies which were ordered by the Federal Trade Com- mission to end all exclusive screening contracts running for more than a year have all appealed to Federal courts against the FTC order. The Commission found that such contracts violated the anti-trust laws, although it said that exclusive screen- ing contracts of less than a year were (Continued on page 3) 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 10, 1951 Personal Mention Wisconsin Allied Meets Today Milwaukee, Jan. 9. — Allied of Wisconsin will hold an old-time showmanship meet- ing tomorrow to formulate plans of re-winning lost audi- ences. Also to be discussed at the meeting at the Schroeder will be general problems con- fronting exhibitors in the city today. Co-chairmen are Jerry Goderskie, Airway The- atre, and Fred Krueger, Og- den Theatre. in Brief . . . ARTHUR H. DeBRA, director of the Motion Picture Association of America's community relations de- partment, has left New York on a three-week tour of cities in the West and South to stimulate interest at the community level in the outstanding films currently coming out of Holly- wood. • Buffalo, Jan. 9. — The Evening News has boosted its advertising rates for amusements from 55 cents to 65 cents a line for local ads and from 60 to 70 cents a line for na- tional placements. • Washington, Jan. 9. — Senate In- terstate Commerce Committee chair- man Johnson (D., Colo.) said he is studying a Pentagon request for au- thority to halt radio and television broadcasting should an enemy attack on this country be imminent. He added that he hasn't yet decided whether to embody the request in a bill for action by his committee. • London, Jan. 9.— Film-editor Mike del Campo flew to New York from here with a print of 20th Century- Fox's "No Highway" to show Darryl F. Zanuck a full-edited and dubbed version with practically all dis- solves inserted, following comple- tion of shooting at Denham the evening of Jan 2. • The world permiere of Warner Bros.' "Operation Pacific" took place yesterday at the U. S. Naval Sub- marine Base in New London, Conn. More than 100 newspaper, magazine, wire service and radio representatives from New York and Boston attended the premiere program. • Richard F. Walsh, IATSE inter- national president, yesterday de- nied a story published elsewhere, attributing to him the remark that projectionists' locals around the country are "for the most part, sat- isfied with their present scales and are not likely to be coming up with new demands." • A "for members only" business meeting has been scheduled by the Associated Motion Picture Advertisers for tomorrow at Trader Tom's Res- taurant here, Harry K. McWilliams, president of AMPA, announced. JAMES R. GRAINGER, Republic executive vice-president in charge of sales and distribution, left San Francisco yesterday for Denver and Chicago. He is slated to return here Monday. • Joseph Walsh, head of branch op- erations for Paramount, is scheduled to return here today from a regional bookers' meeting tour which took him to Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Chicago and Los Angeles. • Irving M. Sochin, sales head of U-I special films division, is slated to leave here today for a tour which will take him to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Cleveland and St. Louis. • Claude Morris, Sol Lesser Produc- tions Eastern publicity representative, left here yesterday by plane for Miami on business. • Maurice N. Wolf, M-G-M field exhibitor relations representative, is due to arrive here today from Boston. Kramer -Katz Col. Talks Continuing Negotiations looking to the closing of a deal for Columbia release of the new Stanley Kramer- Sam Katz pro- ducing company were "continuing" here yesterday. Kramer and Katz have been meet- ing here since Monday with Columbia executives on distribution phases of the proposed alliance. They com- pleted the production negotiations on the Coast last week with Harry Cohn, Columbia president. Kramer will leave for the Coast to- morrow or Friday and Katz and his attorney will remain for the conclu- sion of the talks, expected some time next week. Benjamin Denies UA 'Buy' Report Coast reports that Robert Benjamin and Arthur Krim are participants in a syndicate interested in purchasing a 60 per cent ownership of United Artists were denied by Benjamin yes- terday on his return here from Holly- wood. The reports, which had the UA board meeting on Jan. 17 to consider an offer, were described by Benjamin as "completely unfounded and ri- diculous." Compo Enlists Film Suppliers' Ad Aid Arthur L. Mayer, executive vice- president of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, has sent to nearly 1,000 manufacturers and dis- tributors of products sold to the film industry a letter urging those compa- nies to use their own advertising and stationery to promote attendance at motion picture theatres. Suggested by Sam Rother of the Pacific Automatic Candy Co., the idea was sent to Mayer's office by L. S. Hamm of San Francisco, president of the California Theatres Association, Mayer said. ADOLPH ZUKOR, Paramount Pictures board chairman, and Mrs. Zukor will observe their 54th wed- ding anniversary today. • Hugh Owen, Paramount's Eastern and Southern division manager, is due to leave here today for Jacksonville, Fla., and Atlanta. • Francis Harmon, Motion Picture Association vice-president, will remain in Florida another month or more to recuperate from his recent illness. • Randall M. White, veteran pub- licist, is now with the Neumade Prod- ucts Corp. here on a special assign- ment. • Joseph L. Mankiewicz is sched- uled to arrive here from the Coast tomorrow for a stay of several weeks. • Jack Murphy, manager for Har- old Lloyd, is here from the Coast to set a future film deal for the actor. 'Branded' Benefit For 'Dimes' Tonight Jackson, Tenn., Jan. 9. — Gov. Gor- don Browning of Tennessee will head a delegation of state and civic leaders at tomorrow's March of Dimes' bene- fit showing of Paramount's "Branded" at the new Paramount Theatre here. He will welcome Mona Freeman, who appears in the film and has been tour- ing in its behalf. Heading the industry group tomor- row will be Jack Katz and Alec Thompson of the Tenarken Para- mount Corp. ; L. W. McClintock, Paramount branch manager in Mem- phis, and Robert M. Weitman, vice- president of United Paramount Thea- tres ; Max Fellerman of the UPT ex- ecutive staff, and Jerry Pickman, as- sistant national director of advertising and publicity of Paramount Pictures. Wolfe Will Leave MPRC on Jan. 15 Hollywood, Jan. 9.— Wallace V. Wolfe, president of Motion Picture Research Council since 1946, today an- nounced his resignation, effective Jan. IS. Wolfe, long associated with RCA in a research capacity prior to entering the film industry, declined to reveal future plans immediately. William F. Kelley, assistant to Wolfe, will serve as the Research Council's executive officer, under committee supervision, pending a decision on Wolfe's replace- ment. Services Today for Sam Buchwald, 42 Services will be held this morning at Riverside Memorial Chapel for Sam Buchwald, 42-year-old managing part- ner of Famous Studios, who died sud- denly of a heart attack Monday night. Famous Studios, producer of "Pop- eye" and other animated cartoons for Paramount Pictures, will be closed today as a tribute to the deceased. Newsreel Parade PRESIDENT TRUMAN'S report ■*■ to Congress and the fighting in Korea are highlighted in the current newsreels. Other items include sports, a- remote-control lawn mower and human interest stories. Complete con- tents follow: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 4 — President Truman asks for unity against Russia. UN forces quit Seoul. Gen. Eisenhower flies to Coast and Europe. Only male quads in U. S. join Army. Sports. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 238— Seoul in flames. Gen. Eisenhower sees mission as peace aid. President Truman reports to Congress. Lawns mowed by remote control. Sports. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 41 — News from the sport world. Mechanical lawn mower. President Truman delivers State of the Union message. Last hours in Seoul. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 2-Ar-Korean front. Gen. Eisenhower starts new job. Civil defense. Indo-China: Reds retreat. Austria: President Renner dies. Berlin: fans riot at boxing bout. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 420— President Truman delivers his State of the Union message. Korea: UN forces abandon Seoul. News flashes from the world of sports. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 43— Fall of Seoul. President Truman on the state of the union. Gen. Eisenhower leaves for Europe. Sport flashes. Radio-controlled lawn mower. RKO Theatres Sets Meeting Jan. 15-17 The first meeting of division man- agers since the formation of the new RKO Theatres Corp. has been called for Jan. 15-17 by William W. Howard. Sol A. Schwartz, president, and other home office and department execu- tives will attend the sessions to be held here. Division managers scheduled to attend are Jerome Shinbach, Chicago ; Jay Golden, Los Angeles, San Fran- cisco and Denver ; Joseph Alexander, Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton ; Harry Weiss, Minnesota and Iowa; Benjamin Domingo, New England; Hardie Meakin, Washington, D. C. ; H. Russell Emde, Up-state New York ; Edward Sniderman, Trenton and New Brunswick ; Michael Edelstein, Sigurd Wexo, Charles Oelreich and John C. Hearns, Metropolitan New York. Promote Five in Para. Central Div. The following promotions, effective Jan. 23, have been announced by J. J. Donohue, Paramount's Central divi- sion manager : Jim Flaherty, from salesman in Omaha to salesman in Chicago ; Chuck Felder, from office-booking manager in Des Moines to salesman in Omaha ; John Winn, from booker to office- booking manager in Des Moines ; Chuck Caligiuri, from assistant booker to booker in Des Moines, and Bob Helvig, from assistant shipper to as- sistant booker. Tracy Signs M-G-M Deal Hollywood, Jan. 9. — Spencer Tracy today signed a new long term con- tract with M-G-M. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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: yuigpubco. New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J Brady, becretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Wednesday, January 10, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 MGM Boston Parley Today on 'Yankee' Boston, Jan. 9. — M-G-M home of- fice and field executives will meet here today with Linus Travers, ex- ecutive vice-president, and 30 station managers of the Yankee Network to map plans for joint promotion of "The Magnificent Yankee" in the saturation openings planned for the New England territory next month. John Joseph, M-G-M publicity man- ager ; Elliott Foreman, New York and New Jersey field press represen- tative, and Carl Rigrod of Donohue & Coe Advertising Agency will arrive here this morning to meet with Charles Kurtzman, Loew division manager; Robert Newhook, Boston advertising and publicity representa- tive for Loew theatres, Floyd Fitz- simmons, field press representative for M-G-M in Boston ; Harry Shaw and Lou Brown, Loew division manager and press representative for the New Haven territory ; and Travers and his station executives. Reviews "The Mating Season" Chumley to Para. Jacksonville Post Edward G. Chumley has been named Paramount's Jacksonville branch man- ager, effective immediately, succeed- ing the late Clyde Goodson, it was an- nounced by A. W. Schwalberg. president of Paramount Film Dis- tributing Corp. (Paramount) CHARLES BRACKETT'S first solo production following termination of his association with Billy Wilder is a bright blend of comedy and senti- ment that is reminiscent in spots of that erstwhile team's achievements in the field of screen wit and humor. It appears to be very much the sort of film certain industry spokesmen have had in mind in calling for pictures that will give the people of America a chance to forget occasionally for an hour-plus the anxieties created by the international crisis. There is little in "The Mat- ing Season" that is not aimed at getting smiles, chuckles and laughs, and it is produced with the polish and gloss demanded by pictures that treat of sophis- ticated living and prosperous environments. Directed with unmistakable elan by Mitchell Leisen from a script authored by Brackett. Walter Reisch and Richard Breen, "The Mating Season" pre- sents a top-notch cast headed by Gene Tierney, John Lund, Miriam Hopkins and Thelma Ritter. It is around the last-named, a veteran picture-stealer, that the bulk of the story revolves, and so well does Miss Ritter handle her biggest role to date that it is quite possible she will be seen in starring roles before long. Dry, possessed of an accent you will find in Hoboken or Brooklyn, the mature Miss Ritter plays the hamburger-slinging mother of Lund, whose edu- cation and personality have landed him a lovely wife, Miss Tierney, daughter of a family of diplomats. When Miss Ritter loses her hamburger stand to the bank, she decides to take a cross-country trip to visit her son, only to find on arrival that he's just gotten married to a fancy lady. She forces her loving son to let her pass as a cook and maid in the newlyweds' home, thus becoming an incognito mother in-law. Soon the lady's mother, a snob of the first order played by Miss Hopkins, descends upon the household. Complications, many familiar and some original, arise and the picture takes on the appearance of a feud between the many snobs and regulars who participate in the frequently farcical proceed- ings. The regulars, topped by Miss Ritter, triumph. Others in the cast, which from top to bottom gives a very good account of itself, include Jan Sterling, Larry Keating, James Lorimer, Gladys Hurlbut and Cora Witherspoon. Running time, 101 minutes. General audience classification. Release date March 24. Charles L. Franke A. Levy Heads ELC Pittsburgh Branch Arthur Levy, Cleveland salesman for Eagle Lion Classics, has been pro- moted to branch manager at Pitts- burgh, it is announced by Bernard Kranze, general sales manager. Levy replaces Leo Gottlieb, who resigned. Regents, 'Miracle' (Continued from page 1) is both sacrilegious and blasphemous. The problem faced by the Regents is what they "can and can't do" in the situation, according to Charles A. Brind, Jr., Education Department counsel. The law permits appeals from rulings of the New York censors to be made only by "applicant for license." Brind did not know what Education Department Chancellor John P. Myers and the Regents have in mind atnhis time, but he believed the Regents would consider the question. Cardinal Spellman in New York last Sunday called upon Catholics to boy- cott theatres showing "The Miracle." A charge made this week in New York by Joseph Burstyn, distributor of "The Miracle," that the Legion of Decency is endeavoring to establish it- self as "official censor of the City of New York" has been answered by Rev. Patrick J. Masterson, executive secretary of the Legion, as follows : "We are not censors. We base our judgments on traditional moral stan- dards common to all religions, Cath- olic, Protestant and Jewish." POSITION OPErV for experienced sw itchboard (PBX) operator — receptionist. Typing also desired. Bonded Film Storage, 630 Ninth Avenue, New York, New York. 14th Floor. CI 6-0080. "Operation Disaster" ( Univer sal-International-Rank) PROVIDING a very interesting though saddening examination of activity in an ill-fated British Navy submarine, this J. Arthur Rank presentation stars John Mills and Richard Attenborough, two British actors whose abilities have received a good measure of recognition on these shores. They perform splendidly in "Operation Disaster," as do the several others in the all-British cast. It is a tragic story that is told here. During peacetime maneuvers, a sub marine of the Royal Navy captained by Mills, strikes a mine, a relic of World War II, which had been floating in British coastal waters. Some 60 men are killed instantly as the sub sinks. Only 12, including the captain and a couple of other officers, survive the blast to become prisoners of the deep in a few watertight bulkheads of the craft. Eventually eight are released through the conning tower and gun hatch float to the surface and are rescued by ships which have come to attempt to raise the sub. It would only be by raising the craft to the surface that the other four, Mills, seaman Attenborough, Lieut. Nigel Patrick, and seaman James Hayter, could be saved since the available hatches were usable only once. But bad weather prevents salvage work and the four died of suffocation. The manner of men they were and how each faced death clinging to hope of rescue form the heart of the story. Character shadings are adroitly achieved under the direction of Roy Baker. The screenplay by W. E. C. Fairchild was based on the stage play, "Morning Departure" by Kenneth Woollard. Jay Lewis produced. Running time, 102 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Jan. 13. C. L. F. Dembow-Reade Suit (Continued from page 1) claims he arranged last October for the sale but the Reades refused to sell, and he holds that he is neverthe- less entitled to the commission. Claiming two causes of action, Dem- bow said if the defendants deny that Reade, Sr., had power to employ the plaintiff, then the damages will be sought from Reade, Sr., alone. Omaha Local to Elect Omaha, Jan. 9.— Only two offices are being contested in Omaha Mo- tion Picture Operators, Local 343, election of new leaders today. Except- ing two vice-presidents all other offi- cers headed by president Alvin Kostlan have been re-nominated without op- position. Rank's Films (Continued from page 1) Coast Colleges Ban Football Telecasts Los Angeles, Jan. 9. — After three years of televising its college football games, the Pacific Coast Conference has voted to ban future telecasts of its games. "We are worried over partly filled stadia," Victor O. Schmidt, conference com- missioner, said. He pointed out that while attendance was declining on the Coast, there was no lag at the gate in the Midwest, where the Big 10 conference limited telecasts to theatre television show- ings. Oliver Twist' (Continued from page 1) any religious or racial group. It has been contended that the Charles Dickens' character, Fagin, in the J. Arthur Rank production of "Oliver Twist" constitutes an anti- Semitic depiction. The picture had been scheduled for exhibition by the Interstate Circuit, Texas, last month but was deferred pending the outcome of ELCs appeal from the PCA ruling. Meanwhile, last week the National Board of Review and the New York chapter of the American Council for Judaism adopted resolutions opposing "suppression" of the film. Yesterday's MP A A board meeting had a full attendance. Present were Nicholas M. Schenck, Loew's ; Barney Balaban and Austin Keough, Para- mount; Ned Depinet, RKO Pictures; W. C. Michel, 20th Century-Fox; Jack Cohn, Columbia; Joseph Hazen, Hal Wallis Prod.; John O'Connor, Universal ; Earle Hammons, Theo- dore Black, Republic ; Albert Warner, Warner Bros. ; Norton Ritchey, Mono- gram, and Eric Johnston, Joyce O'Hara, Sidney Schreiber, Kenneth Clark and John McCarthy, MPAA. Foreign department heads of MPAA member companies reported to the board yesterday on new definitions of what constitutes an American picture in qualifying for new Australian dis- tribution remittances. of his product in the months to come, always provided he is successful in closing joint production deals with other American companies. Rank is scheduled to come here next spring and may close deals then for joint production, all of which are ex- pected to grant U. S. distribution rights to the American company in- volved. ELCs deal with Rank will expire at the end of this year but there will be a continuing "drying-up" of prod- uct from Rank for ELC before its ex- piration, and insufficient product from Rank in view for the future to war- rant its renewal. Universal will be in a comparable position with respect to distribution of Rank product. FTC Ad Film (Continued from page 1) legal. The fact that the companies have appealed to the courts means a long, drawn-out fight, postponing for some time a final ruling on the legality of these contracts. Two of the companies filed their ap- peals from the FTC order with the Eighth Circuit Court at St. Louis. They are United Film Service, Inc., of Kansas City, and Reid H. Ray Film Industries, Inc., formerly Ray-Bell, of St. Paul. Alexander Film Co., Inc., has filed its appeal at the Tenth Cir- cuit Court at Denver, and Motion Pic- ture Advertising Service Co., Inc., has taken its case to the Fifth Circuit Court at New Orleans. The FTC may attempt to have all four cases consolidated at one court. Talk by Mrs. Dawson Toronto, Jan. 9.— Marjorie G. Daw- son, national director of the Children's Film Library, was guest speaker at a luncheon here today before representa- tives of the Canadian Distributors Association and the Canadian press. STOP HERE FOR THE BIG M-G-M TRADE SHOWS! JAN. 25th M-G-M Trade Show "CAUSE FOR ALARM !" BIG ROMANTIC DRAMA! This girl is in trouble! If she could only get that letter back! Here's suspense that keeps the audience tense right up to the surprise ending! M-G-M presents LORETTA YOUNG in "CAUSE FOR ALARM.'" • BARRY SULLIVAN • BRUCE COWLING • Margalo Gillmore • Screen Play by Mel Dinelli and Tom Lewis • Story by Larry Marcus • Directed by TAY GARNETT • Produced by TOM LEWIS ALBANY 20th- Fox Screen Room .ATLANTA 20th- Fox Screen Room BOSTON M-G-M Screen Room BUFFALO 20th- Fox Screen Room CHARLOTTE 20th- Fox Screen Room CHICAGO H. C. Igei's Screen Room CINCINNATI RKO Palace Bldg. Sc. Rm. CLEVELAND 20th- Fox Screen Room DALLAS 20th-Fox Screen Room DENVER Paramount Screen Room DES MOINES 20th- Fox Screen Room DETROIT 20th-Fox Screen Room INDIANAPOLIS 20th- Fox Screen Room KANSAS CITY 20th- Fox Screen Room LOS ANGELES United Artists' Screen Rm. MEMPHIS 20th- Fox Screen Room 1052 Broadway 197 Walton St., N. W. 46 Church Street 290 Franklin Street 308 S. Church Street 1301 S. Wabash Ave. 16 East Sixth Street 2219 Payne Ave. 1803 Wood Street 21 00 Stout Street • 1300 High Street 2211 Cass Avenue 326 No. Illinois St. 1720 Wyandotte St. 1851 S. Westmoreland 151 Vance Avenue 1/25 2 P.M. 1/25 2 P.M. 1/25 2 P.M. 1/25 2 P.M. 1/25 1:30 P.M. 1/25 1:30 P.M. 1/25 8 P.M. 1/25 1 P.M. 1/25 2:30 P.M. 1/25 2 P.M. 1/25 1 P.M. 1/25 1:30 P.M. 1/25 1 P.M. 1/25 1 :30 P.M. 1/25 2 P.M. 1/25 2 P.M. MILWAUKEE MINNEAPOLIS NEW HAVEN NEW ORLEANS NEW Y0RX-N.J. OKLAHOMA CITY OMAHA PHILADELPHIA PITTSBURGH PORTLAND ST. LOUIS SALT LAKE CITY SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WASHINGTON Warner Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th -Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room B. F. Shearer Screen Rm. S'Renco Art Theatre 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Jewel Box Preview Thea. RKO Screen Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 1015 Currie Avenue 40 Whiting Street 200 S. Liberty St. 630 Ninth Avenue 10 North Lee Street 1502 Davenport St. 1233 Summer Street 1623 Blvd. of Allies 1947 N. W. Kearney St. 3143 Olive Street 216 E. First St., So. 245 Hyde Street 2318 Second Ave. 932 N. Jersey Ave., N.W. f/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1 :30 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 11 A.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 1 P.M. 2 P.M. FEB. I** (except Denver, Jan. 23rd) M-G-M Trade Show "VENGEANCE VALLEY" TECHNICOLOR ALBANY ATLANTA BOSTON BUFFALO CHARLOTTE CHICAGO CINCINNATI CLEVELAND DALLAS DENVER DES MOINES OETR0IT INDIANAPOLIS KANSAS CITY LOS ANGELES MEMPHIS BIG TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURE! Burt Lancaster's biggest outdoor drama. Filmed in the rugged Rockies. Luke Short's famed Saturday Evening Post story and novel. M-G-M presents BURT LANCASTER in "VENGEANCE VALLEY" Co- , starring ROBERT WALKER • JOANNE DRU • SALLY FORREST with f John Ireland • Ray Collins • Color by TECHNICOLOR • Screen Play by Irving Ravetch • Based on the novel and Saturday Evening Post serial by Luke Short Directed by RICHARD THORPE • Produced by NICHOLAS NAYFACK 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th-.Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room H. C. Igei's Screen Room RKO Palace Bldg. Sc. Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Paramount Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room United Artists' Screen Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 1 052 Broadway 197 Walton St., N. W. 46 Church Street 290 Franklin Street 308 S. Church Street 1301 S. Wabash Ave. 16 East Sixth Street 2219 Payne Ave. 1803 Wood Street 21 00 Stout Street 1300 High Street 2211 Cass Avenue 326 No. Illinois St. 1720 Wyandotte St. 1851 S. Westmoreland 151 Vance Avenue 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 1/23 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 1 -.30 P.M. 8 P.M. 1 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. MILWAUKEE MINNEAPOLIS NEW HAVEN NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK - N.J. OKLAHOMA CITY OMAHA PHILADELPHIA PITTSBURGH PORTLAND ST. LOUIS SALT LAKE CiTY SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WASHINGTON Warner Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room B. F. Shearer Screen Rm. S'Renco Art Theatre 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Jewel Box Preview Thea. RKO Screen Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 2/1 1:30 P.M. 1015 Currie Avenue 2/1 2 P.M. 40 Whiting Street 2/1 2 P.M. 200 S. Liberty St. 2/1 1 :30 P.M. 630 Ninth Avenue 2/1 2:30 P.M. 1 0 North Lee Street 2/1 1 P.M. 1502 Davenport St. 2/1 1 P.M. 1233 Summer Street 2/1 11 A.M. 1623 Blvd. of Allies 2/1 2 P.M. 1947 N. W. Kearney St. 2/1 2 P.M. 3143 Olive Street 2/1 1 P.M. 216 E. First St., So. 2/1 1 P.M. 245 Hyde Street 2/1 1 :30 P.M. 2318 Second Ave. 2/1 1 P.M. 932 N. Jersey Ave., N.W. 2/1 2 P.M. FEB. 5th M-G-M Trade Show "ROYAL WEDDING" TECHNICOLOR ALBANY ATLANTA BOSTON BUFFALO CHARLOTTE CHICAGO CINCINNATI CLEVELAND DALLAS DENVER DES MOINES DETROIT INDIANAPOLIS KANSAS CITY LOS ANGELES MEMPHIS BIG TECHNICOLOR MUSICAL! Not since Fred Astaire electrified the fans in "Easter Parade" such an M-G-Musical. Co-starring Jane Powell in the story of a famed sister-brother singing, dancing team. M-G-M presents FRED ASTAIRE • JANE POWELL in "ROYAL WEDDING" Co-starring PETER LAWFORD • SARAH CHURCHILL • KEEN AN WYNN with Albert Sharpe • Color by TECHNICOLOR • Story and Screen Play by Alan Jay Lerner • Music by Burton Lane • Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner • Directed by STANLEY DONEN • Produced by ARTHUR FREED 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room H. C. Igei's Screen Room RKO Palace Bldg. Sc. Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Paramount Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room MaxBlumenthal's Sc. Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room United Artists' Screen Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 1 052 Broadway 197 Walton St., N. W. 46 Church Street 290 Franklin Street 308 S. Church Street 1301 S. Wabash Ave. 16 East Sixth Street 2219 Payne Ave. 1803 Wood Street 21 00 Stout Street 1300 High Street 2310 Cass Avenue 326 No. Illinois St. 1720 Wyandotte St. 1851 S. Westmoreland 151 Vance Avenue 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. :30 P.M. 1 :30 8 1 2:30 I 2 1 1 :30 1 1:30 I 2 P.M. 2 P.M. MILWAUKEE MINNEAPOLIS NEW HAVEN NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK -N. J. OKLAHOMA CITY OMAHA PHILADELPHIA PITTSBURGH PORTLAND ST. LOUIS SALT LAKE CITY SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WASHINGTON Warner Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room B. F. Shearer Screen Rn S'Renco Art Theatre 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Jewel Box Preview Thea. RKO Screen Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 2/5 1:30 P.M. 1 015 Currie Avenue 2/5 2 P.M. 40 Whiting Street 2/5 2 P.M. 200 S. Liberty St. 2/5 1:30 P.M. 630 Ninth Avenue 2/5 2:30 P.M. 1 0 North Lee Street 2/5 1 P.M. 1502 Davenport St. 2/5 1 P.M. 1233 Summer Street 2/5 11 A.M. 1623 Blvd. of Allies 2/5 2 P.M. 1947 N. W. Kearney St. 2/5 2 P.M. 3143 Olive Street 2/5 1 P.M. 216 E. First St., So. 2/5 1 P.M. 245 Hyde Street 2/5 1:30 P.M. 2318 Second Ave. 2/5 1 P.M. 932 N. Jersey Ave., N.W. 2/5 2 P.M. WM. RANDOLPH HEARST, Jr. Hearst Newspapers THOMAS H. BECK Chairman of the Board Colliers, Woman's Home Companion American ROBERT COUGHLAN Life Magazine ROBERT S. CRANDELL Sunday Editor N.Y. Herald Tribune JOHN S. HARPER Ass't. Managing Editor N.Y. Post DANIEL O'BRIEN Sunday Editor Boston Globe BASIL BREWER Publisher, New Bedford Standard Times CHARLES J. LEWIN Editor, New Bedford Standard Times ROBERT BEITH Managing Editor Portland Press- Herald and Express ERNEST V. HEYN Editor MacFadden Pub. FRED SAMMIS Editorial Director MacFadden Publications FRITZ BAMBERGER Editorial Director Coronet LAWRENCE ELLIOTT Assoc. Editor Coronet NANCY CRAIG A.B.C. Network MARTIN STARR Crosley Broadcasting Corp. BILL SPRAGUE N.B.C. Network MOLLIE SLOTT General Manager Chicago Tribune — N.Y. News Syndicate BOSLEY CROWTHER N.Y. Times KATE CAMERON N.Y. Daily News FRANK FARRELL N.Y. World-Tel. and Sun DOROTHY MASTERS N.Y. Daily News FRANK CONNIFF N.Y. Journal- American PAT CRAWFORD International News Service THOMAS M. PRYOR N.Y. Times HAROLD CAIL Portland Press-Herald KAY SULLIVAN Parade (Sunday Newspapers} JAMES S. BARSTOW, Jr. N.Y. Herald Tribune WANDA HALE N.Y. Daily News PRISCILLA FORTESCUE WEEl Boston OLIVE ENSLER-TINDER WORL Boston SHERM FELLER WCOP Boston CHRISTINE EVANS WHDH Boston RAY GIRARDIN WEEl Boston WILLIAM S. DOWNEY Look Magazine CARL MOORE WEEl Boston BEN ROSENBERG N.Y. Post Yesterday At the II. S. Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn. and Warner Bros! ii OPERATION PACIFIC ; THIS IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CEREMONIES IN THE VAST CONTINUING PROGRAM THAT WILL INTRODUCE WARNER BROS.' HEROIC STORY OF THE FIGHTING MEN OF OUR SUBMARINE SERVICE. * ft Operation pacific also starring PATRICIA NEAL WARD BOND • PHILIP CAREY WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY GEORGE WAGGNER PRODUCED BY LOUIS F. EDELMAN Music by Max Steiner ARCHER WINSTEN N.Y. Post MEL HEIMER King Features Syndicate MARJORY ADAMS Boston Globe MARK SHERWIN N.Y. Post WM. SCHOFIELD Boston Herald HELEN EAGER Boston Traveler PAUL KNEELAND Boston Globe PEGGY DOYLE Boston American • THOMAS WISE Wall Street fournal FLORENCE SOMERS Redbook JESSE ZUNSER Cue Magazine ELINOR HUGHES Boston Herald MARTIN QUIGLEY, Jr. Motion Picture Herald JAMES M. JERAULD Boxoffice MEL KONECOFF The Exhibitor AL PICOULT Harrison's Reports THOMAS A. HORGAN Associated Press WALTER CUNNINGHAM Christian Science Monitor GEORGE L. GEIGER New Bedford Stan. Times WALTER BROOKS Motion Picture Herald CHET FRIEDMAN Boxoffice CARL H. NIELSON New Bedford Stan. Times JOSEPH PRIORE Film Daily WILLIAM D. STEELE New Bedford Stan. Times TOM KENNEDY Showmen's Trade Review SALLIE BELLE COX Woman's Day CARLTON BROWN Argosy RAYMOND COVILL New Bedford Stan. Times ERNEST HOFTYZER New England Hearst Newspapers VOL. 69. NO. 8 NEW YORK, U. S. A., THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 1951 TEN CENTS FCC Told A. T. & T. Cool To Theatre TV Requests NPA May Lift Restrictions On Equipment But Neu Doubtful Of Improved Situation Washington, Jan. 10. — Officials of the National Production Au- thority today held out hope to the- atre equipment manufacturers that the supply situation on some critical materials might be eased in the near future. But Oscar F. Neu, head of Neu- Made Products Inc. and of the Thea- tre Equipment Supply Manufacturers Association, said he doubted if the material supply situation would im- prove, despite the NPA assurances. "I feel it will get steadily worse,' he declared, "and I don't think there's much the government can or will do." The NPA statements came in a meeting between government spokes- men and 18 top equipment firm offi- cials, members of NPA's Theatre Equipment Advisory Committee. This was the first meeting of the advisory group. Nathan D. Golden, NPA film chief, presided. The meeting was at- (Continued on page 6) Reconstitute SPG; End SOPEG Merger Screen Publicists Guild, which ap- proximately six months ago merged with the Screen Office and Profes- sional Employes Guild into the Screen Employes Guild, has been reconsti- tuted into an autonomous body. The decision to separate from Sopeg was made at a membership meeting here Tuesday night. The parent union, District 65 of DPWA, has pledged full support to SPG. As a result Sopeg has been auto- (Continued on page 2) Aim Complaints at RKO Theatre Board Washington, Jan. 10. — The Justice Department has not yet made up its mind as to the validity of complaints it has received alleging a "close associa- tion" between members of the board of directors of the new RKO Theatre Company and Howard Hughes, in vio- lation of the RKO consent decree. A Justice spokesman admitted that such complaints had been received from "third parties" and that the De- (Continued on page 6) 'King of Kings' OK For Memphis Now Memphis, Jan. 10.— Cecil B. DeMille's film of the life of Christ, "The King of Kings," which ran into censorship trouble in Memphis a little more than 20 years ago and was never shown in a Mem- phis theatre, has been booked for an engagement at the Normal here, beginning Feb. 4. Lloyd I. Binford, chairman of the Memphis and Shelby County board of censors, has said it would be all right "to exhibit the film." In 1927 Bin- ford and the censor board previewed it and ordered de- letions. The order was con- tested but rather than cut the film as ordered, it was not exhibited. Para. Plans N.Y. Theatre TV Test Washington, Jan. 10. — Paramount Theatre TV Productions, in a progress report to the Federal Communications Commission on its theatre TV experi- ment, today said that one of its plans for the future is to link many large New York theatres together for a large-screen video test. The company told the FCC it had surveyed the New York theatre situ- ation and had found 100 theatres with seating capacity of more than 2,000, and that 70 per cent of these were in line of sight of transmission. It said it hoped to experiment by installing large screen TV equipment in some (Continued on page 6) Washington, Jan. 10. — The The- atre Owners of America and the National Exhibitors Theatre Televi- sion Committee today told the Fed- eral Communications Commission that theatre television groups were finding- it harder and harder to get inter- city television relay facilities from the American Telephone and Tele- graph Co. The TOA-NETTC statement, filed in connection with the Commission's now-definitely postponed hearings on allocation of intercity television relay facilities, did not ask the Commission to do anything specific about it. It was partly a statement for the record, should the hearings be re-scheduled later ; partly a prod to the FCC to do something about holding the hearings on allocating special frequencies to theatre television ; and partly a prod to A. T. and T. and the Bell System to give theatre television a better (Continued on page 7) Tells of Rural Theatre TV Plans Memphis, Jan. 10. — Plans to bring television to remote rural areas of the United States in a tie-up with theatres were discussed today by Trueman T. Rembusch, president of Allied States, who came to Memphis for an all-day session with Mid-South exhibitors. Allied would bring television to small towns by putting large TV screens in theatres, he said. Programs of national interest would be put on these TV screens in theatres by use of transmitting stations capable of reaching out 175 to 200 miles, Rem- busch said. Private homes in these areas could not receive television pro- grams because a receiving apparatus some 80 or 90 feet high would be re- (Continued on page 6) Compo Board Tackles TOA Issue Today May Compromise on Bid For Votes by Regionals When the board of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations convenes at the Hotel Astor here today in what is regarded as its most crucial meeting, its topmost problem will be Theatre Owners of America's proposal for expansion of the COMPO board to accommodate voting representation of its regional exhibitor organizations. Ted R. Gamble, chairman of a special TOA committee which drafted the proposal, will pre- sent it to the COMPO board. Gamble's presentation is ex- pected to be followed by a sus- tained discussion which may determine the future of COMPO. While many of the board members will arrive at the meeting with pre- conceived attitudes toward the TOA proposal, these members are under- (Continued cm page 7) Oregon, Georgia Get Ticket Tax Bills Washington, Jan. 10. — The state legislatures of Oregon and Georgia are considering tax bills which would hit theatres. A tax-writing committee of the Georgia legislature has recommended a three per cent sales tax, including admissions. Jack Bryson, legislative expert of the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America, said there is already a small admission tax in Georgia and the proposed three per cent tax, which (Continued on page 6) NCA 'Rentals' Unit Sees 3 Sales Chiefs North Central Allied's delegation from Minneapolis conferred with the distribution heads of three companies yesterday but all concerned main- tained silence on details of the so- called "fair rental" plan presented by the visiting exhibitors. Distribution's representatives char- acterized the talks as a general dis- cussion of trade conditions and prob- lems and declined comment on any (Continued on page 6) Pinanski to Add Drive-in to Regular Theatre to Cut Family Trade Costs Boston, Jan. 10. — Addition of a drive-in unit to the American Theatre's conventional Embassy theatre at Waltham is announced by Samuel Pinanski, president of the circuit. Pinanski disclosed that he is considering plans to install similar multiple theatre operations in several key situations. "We're suffering from the incidental costs that go with a night out at the movies for the average young couple," Pinanski said. "I want to eliminate such costs by adding to the conventional house a drive-in unit designed to make movie-going more attrac- tive to the family trade." Both the conventional Embassy and its drive-in annex will show the same bill. Construction will begin in the early spring and the drive-in is expected to be in operation by the early summer. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 11, 1951 Personal Mention PAUL V. McNUT, United Artists board chairman, was in Washing- ton yesterday from New York. • George P. Monaghan, New York's Fire Commissioner, was presented with a gold pass to the Park Avenue Theatre here yesterday by Joe Steiner, managing director of the theatre, in behalf of Walter Reade, Jr. • Harold Wirthwein, Western sales manager for Monogram and Allied Artists, has returned to Hollywood after installing Jack Felix as branch manager of the Portland exchange. • L. J. Kaufman, Warner Theatre executive, left for Albany yesterday from here, returning to New York Monday. • Mel Straus has resigned from Executive Research, Inc., to work in New York and key cities on Lippert's "The Steel Helmet." • Jacques Grinieff, independent dis tributor, is due to return to New York early next week from the Coast. • Armand Deutsch, M-G-M pro ducer, has arrived here from the Coast. Kramer to Coast; Col. Deal Advanced NEWS in Brief . • Stanley Kramer left New York last night for Hollywood with the nego- tiations here for Columbia release of Stanley Kramer Co. product in the final stages preparatory to the signing of a contract. Sam Katz, Kramer's partner in the new producing firm, and Sam Zagon, their counsel, will re- main here until the deal is closed, most likely early next week, according to present indications. George Glass, Kramer-Katz vice-president, will re- turn to the Coast today. Agreement reached thus far gives Kramer and Katz complete control of casts and stories for the pictures which will come under the releasing deal. They will use some Columbia studio technical help. Columbia would receive a 25 per cent distribution fee. Another detail also agreed upon is that the Columbia sales department will have the right to approve future contracts for Kramer pictures. The effect this will have on the status of George J. Schaefer, who has been su- pervisor of sales of Kramer pictures, will not be known until the deal has been finalized, but it is regarded a: certain that Schaefer will continue to supervise playoffs of current films. While in New York this week, Kramer looked over a number of im portant stage plays, and reportedly has several under consideration for film ing. However, he closed no deals in this regard while here. B. & K. Announces Personnel Changes Chicago, Jan. 10. — John Balaban, president of Balaban and Katz, today announced changes in the corporation's lineup as a result of the recent death of vice-president Walter B. Immer- man. Under the new plan, David Waller- stein takes charge of Balaban and Katz's Downstate and Indiana thea- tres with aid from Hugh Margin, formerly of the advertising depart- ment, assuming next in responsibility for the Indiana theatres, and Duncan Kennedy, former district manager of Central State theatres, taking over the top spot in management of Down- state theatres. The new manager of Central State theatres is J. R. McCullough, former B & K theatre manager. Nate Piatt, production manager of Chicago theatres, now is in charge of the management of all the Chicago houses. Harry S. Lustgarten, film buyer, has been made a member of the operating board of B & K. Stresses Co-op Ads at Wisconsin Meet Milwaukee, Jan. 10. — At the meet- ing of Allied of Wisconsin, Ben C. Marcus, president, stressed the impor- tance of cooperative advertising and of watching bookings in order to play films more appealing to the audience. "Today's buyers of pictures are looking for the best for their money. It behooves us to put out better pic- tures on a program," he declared. Also discussed by Marcus were theatre operating costs and administra- tion. He emphasized that film com- panies today must become conscious of box office receipts. When box office receipts were good they shared as partners and they should also share today with receipts lower, he said. MORE than 50 television outlets will be used by Paramount and Benrus Watch in a tie-up program to promote "At War With the Army," it is announced by Max E. Youngstein, Paramount advertising-publicity vice- president. The campaign will open Saturday, imultaneously with the first national play date of the picture, and will be keyed to 600 dates already set. • The immediate release of a new anti-Communist short, "It Can Hap- pen Here," starring Michael Whalen, Lyle Talbot and Gertrude Michael, has been announced by R. M. Savini, president of Astor Picture Corp. Written, produced and directed by Myron C. Fagan, the film depicts the present fight against Communism in Bulgaria. Running time is 30 minutes. • Dr. Charles A. Siepmann, author and director of the film library of New York University, served as moderator last night at the second of a series of three screenings of the works of Robert Flaherty at the Museum of Modern Art here, where the Screen Directors Guild of the East is staging a Flaherty film festival. Gilbert Seldes, author and critic, will serve as moderator tonight when the Guild will present Flaherty with a special award. Chicago, Jan. 10. — The Cerebral Palsy Association of Illinois an- nounced today that it had provided $50,000, at $10,000 a year for five years, to the University of Illinois for a research department for cerebral palsy. According to John Balaban, chairman of the board of the associa- tion, and William R. Hollander, presi- dent of the association, the $50,000 is part of the $150,000 raised last year by the association. Chicago Impressed By CBS Color TV Chicago, Jan. 10. — An invited audi- ence of military men, jurists, busi- nessmen, show people, and press reacted very favorably to Columbia Broadcasting System's color televi- sion demonstration here yesterday at radio station WBBM in the Wrigley Building. After a public preview this evening, four color demonstrations will be given daily for an indefinite period. CBS full-page ads in newspapers and spot announcements on radio have invited all Chicago to view the dem- onstrations. CBS reported today that the demand for the free tickets was "very heavy." Some observers said CBS color is comparable to Technicolor films. Fed- eral Judge Walter La Buy, one of the three judges who heard the re- cent suit Drought by RCA to block CBS color telecasting, said, "The commercial possibilities of color tele- vision are obviously tremendous. The entertainment value is self-evident." Reconstitute SPG (Continued from page 1) matically reconstituted, and SEG dis- solves. SPG spokesman declared that op- erational efficiency of both organiza- tions made it advisable to return to their former status. SPG will hold elections next month and an entirely new officer structure will be set up. There no longer will be any president. The three top officers will be chair- man, vice-chairman and secretary. Sig Maitless, SEG president, will not run. Transfer Goldstein To Univ. Studio Robert Goldstein, for the past four years studio representative for Uni- versal-International in New York, has been transferred to the U-I studio on the Coast in an executive capacity. The transfer will be effective in about 10 days. Mrs. Jessica Landau, who has been Goldstein's assistant here, will take over as U-I studio representative at the home office in his stead. Horner in New Post Peter P. Horner has resigned as general manager of the Hyams-Green Theatre Circuit in New York in order to join Oliver A. Unger of Dis- tinguished Films, Inc., as sales repre- sentative. Washington, Jan. 10. — The Fed- eral Communications Commission to- day gave Skiatron and WOR-TV another 60 days to conduct tests of Skiatron's subscribed-vision system. The new tests will be subject to the same strict conditions as were the earlier experiments, authority for which expired Dec. 22. Plan New Memorial To Carter Barron Washington, Jan. 10. — Washing- ton showmen, not content with the government's action in naming a huge amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park after Carter T. Barron, are about to embark on a campaign to erect some other memorial to the late civic and film leader, who was Loew's repre- sentative here. The Variety Club has named a Carter Barron memorial committee, headed by M-G-M district manager Rudolph Berger, to work on a cam- paign to raise possibly as much as $100,000 to erect a hospital wing, clinic or some other suitable memorial in Barron's name. A big-name show at the Washington National Guard armory, with the cooperation of Holly- wood talent, is among the fund-rais- ing schemes before the committee. Schedule 'Born' for 35 Pre-Releases Columbia's "Born Yesterday," now playing in New York and Los An- geles, goes into wider pre-release en- gagements beginning this week, with 35 openings scheduled thus far through February. It opened yesterday at the State in Albuquerque, and starts today at the Orpheum, San Francisco ; and the Granada, Santa Barbara. Tomorrow it opens at the Majestic, Houston, and the Mayfair, Ventura. Henning's Father Dies San Francisco, Jan. 10. — James Henning, father of J. Earl Henning, Lippert-Mann Theatre executive here, died recently. Map Para. Plans At Coast Meet Los Angeles, Jan. 10. — Producers Nat Holt and William Thomas out- lined future film plans and current re- leases at Paramount's fourth regional booking conference held at the Am- bassador Hotel here. Their reports highlighted the two- day session of Western division per- sonnel. Joseph A. Walsh, head of branch operations, presided. Also pres- ent were : A. W. Schwalberg, presi- dent of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. : Max E. Youngstein, vice- president and company director of na- tional advertising, publicity and ex- ploitation ; George A. Smith, Western division manager, and A. R. Taylor, Los Angeles branch manager. 'Cyrano* at Selwyn Chicago, Jan. 10. — United Artists' "Cyrano de Bergerac" has been booked into the Selwyn Theatre, legi- timate stage house, beginning Jan. 18 on a roadshow basis. The film will play indefinitely. It will be shown daily at 2:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M. on weeksdays. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J Brady, becretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building William K. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington D C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. fr ces rrom ..to meet this Industry's need! YtiA^^ V * " distinguished equine thespian winning plaudits in his title role wL0 we give you V0W ..surely slated for stardom! They adopted a baby chimp and tried to raise him just like junior! BEDTIME forBONZO RONALD REAGAN • DIANA LYNN 'itft WALTER SLEZAK • JESSE WHITE and Introducing BONZQ Screenplay by VAL BURTON and LOU BRESLOW • Directed by FREDERICK de CORDOVA • Produced by MICHEL KRAIKE The FROM THE B HIT NO. 1 %y frosty Country's leading grosser from coast to coast, reports Variety, as Bing's 20th Anniversary backs it with smash national promotion . . . Bing Crosby • Nancy Olson • Charles Coburn • Ruth Hussey in "MR. MUSIC" with Robert Stack • Tom Ewell • Charles Kemper and Marge and Gower Champion Guest Stars: Groucho Marx • Dorothy Kirsten • Peggy Lee • The Merry Macs Produced by Robert L.. Welch • Directed by Richard Haydn • Suggested by a Play by Samson Raphaelson • Written for the Screen by Arthur Sheekman • Lyrics by Johnny Burke • Music by Ja mes Van Heusen HIT NO. 2 Absolute sensation at 200 New Year's Eve dates — prior to regular engagements during January. No comedy hit like it in years . . . if AT WAR WITH THE ARMY BIG TV/RADIO TIE-UP. ,. Martin & Lewis in 13/2 minute films and transcriptions selling pic- ture and Benrus Watches. All timed to first runs ! 1 Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in "AT WAR WITH THE ARMY" with Polly Bergen Executive Producer— Abner J. Greshler Directed by Hal Walker • Written for the Screen and Produced by Fred F. Finklehoffe • Based on a Play by James B. Allardice • Songs by Mack David and Jerry Livingston All These In Just The First Month of Youi) Has Begun GUN IN '51 ! ! HIT NO. 3 ALAN LADD First 25 dates place it among biggest Ladds of all time — and matches pace of Paramount's biggest outdoor films in color by Technicolor... Color by echnicolor 0 Alan Ladd • Mona Freeman • Charles Bickford in "BRANDED" with Robert Keith Joseph Calleia • Peter Hanson • Selena Royle • Tom Tully • Color by Technicolor Produced by Mel Epstein • Directed by Rudolph Mate • Screenplay by Sydney Boehm and Cyril Hume • Based on a novel by Evan Evans HIT NO. 4 THE GREAT MISSOURI RAID Color by Technicolor Five-City World Premiere with star-spangled showmanship starts in St. Louis, January 16 — kicking off 350 area-saturation bookings . . . Wendell Corey • Macdonald Carey Ward Bond in "THE GREAT MISSOURI RAID" • Co-starring Ellen Drew • Bruce Bennett • Bill Williams • Anne Revere with Edgar Buchanan • Color by Techni- color • Directed by Gordon Douglas Story and Screenplay by Frank Gruber Produced by Nat Holt Year from Paramount! 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 11, 1951 RKO Board {Continued from page 1) $17,000,000 Ticket Tax from Canadians N. Y. Minimum Wage Hearing Jan. 19 NPA Order to Aid Safety Stock Seen Washington, Jan. 10. — A National Production Authority order reserving refined methylene chloride for use in making safety stock is "imminent," it was learned. The order may be issued tomorrow or Friday. Film companies recently told NPA that use of the refined solvent for paint removing and other uses was threatening their output of safety films, and the projected NPA order bans the use of the refined grade for these non-essential purposes, it was explained. tended by officials of the National Security Resources Board, the Signal Corps, Navy and other government agencies, as well as by other members of NPA's film and metal branches. Two industry "task forces" were ap- pionted — one to study means of con- serving and substituting for short ma- terials ; the other to prepare industry's views on the best possible type of limi- tation order should the government have to revive something along the lines of World War IPs L-325 order, which limited production of theatre equipment and requires government permission on each sale of theatre equipment. Both task groups are to report back within 30 days. Construction Order Practically no mention was made of NPA's construction limitation order, it was reported. Industry and government officials now feel there is little hope for any easing of this order, and that the most that can be hoped for is that there will be no further tightening and that NPA will continue to follow a liberal policy of "hardship" appeals. The NPA officials were warned that deliveries on copper are greatly de- layed. They replied that a recent NPA order banning the use of copper in over 300 non-essential items would go into effect March 1, and that the industry could expect some relief after that date. The industry spokesmen said a similar bad situation was being ex- perienced on aluminum. The NPA chiefs replied that the government will shortly issue an aluminum order simi- lar to the copper order, and that this, plus increased aluminum production, will help the equipment makers get more aluminum. Vital Material Study A six-member task group was named to study ways of conserving vital materials, using substitutes, sim- plifying and standardizing equipment to save vital materials, and increased salvage of critical metals. Rutledge B. Tompkins, of the International Projector Corp., was named chairman of this group. Members included O. B. Rendahl, National Carbon Division, Union Carbide and Carbon Corp. ; Fred C. Matthews, Motiograph, Inc. ; E. J. Vallen, Vallen, Inc. ; Leonard Satz, Ray tone Screen Corp.; and J. K. Elderkin, Forest Manufacturing Co. Another task group, to recommend the best possible type of limitation order along the lines of L-325, is headed by Henry M. Fisher, DeVry Corp. NPA officials emphasized that they are not on the point of issuing such an order, but that such an order is probably inevitable sooner or later. All 12 officials appointed to the task groups were at the meeting. The six other industry officials present today were : Jake Mitchell, Lavezzi Machine Works; Oscar F. Neu, Neu-Made Products, Inc.; Robert O. Walker, Walker American Corp. ; Fred J. Wenzel, Wenzel Projector Co. ; J. Robert Hoff, Ballantyne Co. ; and Sam Sedran, Goldberg Brothers. Other members of this group are P. F. Thomas, Altec-Lansing Corp. ; C. S. Ashcraft, C. S. Ashcraft Manufactur- ing Co. ; W. D. Hausler, Century Projector Corp.; H. B. Engel, GoldE Manufacturing Co., and R. H. Hea- cock, RCA Victor Division, Radio Corp. of America. partment is investigating the matter. But, he declared, the investigation is still under way and there is no deci- sion yet as to whether there is such an association. Under the consent decree, the new theatre company is to be operated completely independently from the new picture company, with which Hughes has chosen to remain. The Justice offi- cial said that should the Department decide the complaints were valid and that the present set-up of the board of the new theatre company violated the decree, it might go to court to force a change or might try and solve the problem out of court by working with Hughes and the RKO Theatre com- pany. NCA 'Rentals' Unit (Continued from page 1) specific recommendations that may have come up. The NCA group met, in separate meetings, with Robert Mochrie, RKO Pictures distribution chief, A. Mon- tague, Columbia distribution vice- president, and Charles J. Feldman, Universal-International domestic sales manager. Tomorrow the group will meet with M-G-M, and on Friday with 20th Century-Fox. Meetings with Para- mount and Warner are still tentative. The NCA committee is composed of Henry Greene, chairman, Stanley Kane, executive counsel, Ernie Peaslee and Ted Mann. Ottawa, Jan. 10— In a pre- liminary report on provincial revenues from taxes on ad- missions, the Canadian gov- ernment discloses receipts for the fiscal year reached a total of $17,191,000 as follows: Ontario, $9,723,000; Quebec, $2,667,000; British Columbia, $2,200,000; Manitoba, $970,000; Alberta, $773,000; Nova Sco- tia, $435,000; New Brunswick, $280,000 ; Prince Edward Island, $99,000; Saskatchewan, $44,000. State Tax Bills (Continued from page 1) would replace the present admission tax, represents "a small increase." He indicated that the industry would not fight the tax but rather consider it had gotten off lightly in view of the state's revenue needs. In Oregon, initial bills dropped in the legislative hopper would slap a 10 per cent tax on gross receipts of theatres. Free tickets or those issued at reduced prices would be taxed an additional five cents each. Industry leaders in the state have pledged to fight the measure. Karloff to Narrate Boris Karloff has been signed to narrate "The Emperor's Nightingale," feature puppet film in color, it was announced by William L. Snyder, of Rembrandt Films. DALLAS IS NOW IN TULSA 9vi COOPER ( Third and final public hearing to be held by New York State Industrial Commissioner Edward Corsi prior to his promulgation of a minimum wage order for the amusement and recrea- tion industry has been set for Jan. 19 in the Chamber of Commerce Build- ing, Rochester. Hearings were held last fall in Al- bany and New York City. The Com- missioner heard protests then by spokesmen for exhibition against the 50-75-cent State minimum wage pro- posed by the Amusement and Recrea- tion Minimum Wage Board which was convened by Commissioner Corsi last April 18. Rembusch (Continued from page 1) quired and the theatres would have them. Allied would sell their services to theatres, he said. He predicted TV would be moved from a very high frequency band to ultra high fre- quency to prevent interference. When Federal Communications Commission discusses these changes, Allied has applied to be admitted to the hearings, he said. Rembusch, Bill Carroll, di- rector of Caravan, and Abe Berenson, Allied national director, flew to Mem- phis for today's all-day Allied film clinic which was attended by about 40 exhibitors from the Memphis ter- ritory. Film rentals, contracts, avail- ability, and taxation on theatres were discussed. Allied Mid-South will hold a board of directors meeting tomorrow. Rem- busch will not be able to attend to- morrow's session. Theatre television, particularly in relation to the smaller independent circuits, was the subject of a confer- ence last week in Indianapolis be tween Trueman Rembusch, president of Allied States, and representatives of National Theatre Supply, the latter revealed here yesterday. Para. TV Test (Continued from page 1) color byTECHNICOLOR- SMASH BY Warner Bros. of these theatres and by gathering information on the technical problems involved in sending programs to many theatres in one line of sight. The re port also indicated that a ten mega cycle band is needed for transmitting a satisfactory theatre TV picture. Many other theatre TV groups have been talking about a six megacycle band. Paramount is also making good progress in work with high definition color photography and transmission the report said. NPA Meet (Continued from page 1) ursday, January 11, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 Wins SEVENTEEN's January Picture-of-the- Month award. Jose Ferrer's magnificent portrayal of Rostand's picaresque and poetic lover, Cyrano de Bergerac, of the big nose and bigger heart is Tops in romance Tops in action Tops in appeal A thrilling adventure for 7,500,000 teen-age girls. seventeen \ THE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE * FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS ^ TOA Issue Before Compo (Continued from page 1) stood to be open to suasion. It is be- lieved that an inclination to compro- mise is more or less universal among the members. However, the exact positions which the individual member organizations will take on the pro- posal remains to be seen. That a solution to the issue will be striven for, in terms of either concessions or compromise, seems certain. TOA is still a dc facto member of COMPO since its one-year member- ship in the all-industry organization has not been renewed. It could not be determined yesterday whether TOA's board representative, Samuel Pinanski, will enter the meeting intent on voting, notwithstanding the de facto member- ship. At the previous board meeting in November, however, Pinanski did not vote on .any question in view of the uneasiness created by TOA's bid for an expanded board and the fact that the exhibitor organization had not re- newed its membership in COMPO. Because a critical aura has attached itself to the board meeting, which will resume tomorrow, Ned E. Depinet, president of COMPO, has extended to distribution presidents who have been closely watching developments an invitation to attend the proceedings. A COMPO spokesman reminded yes- terday that the invitation was "just casual — nothing formal," and there- fore it was not possible to indicate with certainty who among the presi- dents would be on hand. It has been policy for the COMPO board to open its meetings to industry executives who, while not board members, desired to "sit in." Full attendance, either by "first- string" board members or their al- ternates, or both, was indicated for the meetings on both days. In addition to Pinanski and Gamble, TOA will be represented by Gael Sullivan who was elected an alternate. Depinet will pre- side and vote for the Motion Picture Association of America. Though it has been indicated that some constituent members of COMPO concede that TOA has a strong argu- ment in seeking representation for regional units on the board, there has been a general feeling of apprehension that were such an arrangement per- mitted a numerically unwieldly board could result. Not only would TOA and Allied States Associations re- gional units be entitled to individual representation, but so would the in- dividual organizations making up the Motion Picture Industry Council and segments of other COMPO members that could be deemed "autonomous." TOA has 28 units and Allied has 22. The possibilities beyond these two point to a COMPO board of 100 or more voting members, including al- ternates, any one of which would be able to veto a proposal up for vote. Were TOA's proposal greeted with flat refusal by the other charter mem- bers, and if TOA then severed all con- nection with COMPO, the Council, were it to continue, would hardly be an all-industry organization and its public relations efforts and activities in behalf of the remobilization emer- gency might be seriously jeopardized. It would certainly have to be replaced by another. A number of other proposals, which are in line with COMPO's normal operations, also are on the agenda. These include reports by committees and steps to be taken in connection with the national emergency. Theatre TV (Continued from page 1) break when future bids are made. The FCC hearings were postponed when A. T. and T. and the networks got together and worked out an agree- ment among themselves on use of the intercity relay facilities. The statement, filed by Marcus Cohn for TOA and NETTC, said that "Theatre television has developed to about the same point where television broadcasting was three or four years ago." TOA and NETTC admitted that theatre TV cannot yet use inter- city transmission facilities on a regu- lar or national basis, but said that it is still "essential that due consideration be given to its needs if a fair test of its potentialities is to be made." Theatre TV requires a considerable investment, the Commission was told, and "many exhibitors are hesitant to commit themselves to the cost in- volved before they have some assur- ances that programs are available and that the means for the transmission of programs will be available at a reason- able cost." The statement said that TOA and NETTC believe that the ultimate solution is separate frequen- cies for theatre TV, but that in the meantime, until those frequencies are set aside, theatre TV is completely dependent upon A. T. and T. facilities. The statement said that the experi- ence of United Paramount Theatres indicated that use of A. T. and— T.'s intercity video transmission facilities for theatre television is entirely de- pendent on what the networks are willing to leave over. It related how United Paramount tried to relay Uni- versity of Michigan games from De- troit to Chicago on Nov. 4 and 11, applying for relay facilities as early as August. "These plans were stymied," TOA and NETTC stated, "simply because all three links from Detroit to To- ledo were contracted for by the net- works. As a result, the regularity of programming which was a vital part of the United Paramount 'Big 10' theatre TV experiment was inter- rupted." "The prospects of any of the net- works relinquishing time to theatre television is even dimmer now than before, in view of the increased amount of network programming, especially in daytime hours. As a result, the amount of time left for theatre television ex- perimentation during periods which are practical in terms of theatre op- erations is rapidly diminishing" the statement said. Washington, Jan. 10. — The Fed- eral Communications Commission to- day indefinitely postponed the hearings on intercity television relay facilities in order to observe the way the agree- ment between A. T. and T. and the networks works out. Para.'s Branch Winners Paramount's New Haven, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seat- tle branches, in that order, were an- nounced here as unofficial winners in the company's Pine-Thomas booking contest. Official designation of the winning branches will take place when all results are audited. Is a proud winner of SEVENTEEN's Picture-of- the-Month award. We know what your "say-so" means to millions of teen-age girls. Thank you for directing them so graciously to Cyrano de Bergerac starring Jose Ferrer. Directed by Michael Gordon. A* STANLEY \ KRAMER PRODUCTION Released thru UNITED ARTISTS 84 ROARING DAY* DATE OPENINGS set for MOTION PICTURE \ft*i If VOL. 69. NO. 9 NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 1951 TEN CENTS 14,000,000 Suit Claims Are Wiped Out Four Anti-Trust Actions Settled; 1 Verdict Hit Distributor and exhibitor defend- ants have cleared anti-trust suit actions seeking an aggregate of $14,000,000 in treble damages from court calendars in recent weeks, it was learned yesterday. Out-of-court settlements for a small fraction of the damages sought elimi- nated three separate trust actions, while a fourth was settled by dis- tributors through equalizing a local clearance and availability problem. On a fifth front, distributors moved to have a $1,125,000 verdict awarded a plaintiff in Kansas City set aside. The $11,250,000 treble-damage anti- trust action which Jack Y. Berman filed on the Coast in 1946 against 14 distributors and circuits has been set- tled out of court for approximately $150,000, it was learned here. The settlement was made some months 'ago, approximately half of it having been borne by 20th Century- Fox and its subsidiaries, National Theatres and Fox West Coast Thea- (Continued on page 4) NCA Group to See M-G-M, 20th Today The meeting of North Central Al- lied's committee on rentals with M-G-M, scheduled for yesterday^ was postponed until today. The Minne sota group, headed by Henry Greene, will also meet with 20th Century-Fox distribution representatives today. The NCA group, which also in eludes Stanley Kane, executive coun (Continued on page 4) Tenn. Bills Would Discipline Drive-ins Nashville, Jan. 11. — Two measures to regulate drive-in theatres in Ten- nesee for allegedly showing "sexy" films banned in city theatres have been introduced in the state legislature. The Knox County delegation, in which Knoxville is located, is propos- ing "a county board of censorship to pass on movies offered at outdoor drive-ins." The board would consist of five members who would serve without pay. Anderson County dele- gates, in which Oak Ridge is located, ask a complete ban on Sunday drive-in operation. Popkin Okays UA Release The announcement by United Art- ists yesterday that Harry M. Pop- kin's "The Second Woman" has been set for release on Feb. 9 may mark the end of UA's dearth of product. Popkin is one of a number of inde- pendent producers normally releasing through UA who have been withhold- ing completed product pending clarifi- cation of the company's plans and prospects, both in distribution and in the financing of future independent ventures. With Popkin evidently willing to go along with UA, the prospect is brighter for his fellow independent producers to follow suit, trade ob- servers believe. A shortage of top quality features for release has been one of UA's major problems and the Paul V. Mc- (Continued on page 4) Phonevision Fare For Next Week Set Chicago, Jan. 11. — Phonevision test film fare for the next week will include two M-G-M films, one from Eagle-Lion Classics, three from War- ners, one from Paramount, and two from RKO. Film, product, and year produced are as follows : "Song of the Thin Man," M-G-M, 1947; "That Hagen Girl," Warners, 1947; "Bride Goes Wild," M-G-M, 1948; "Man From Texas," Eagle-Lion Classics, 1948 ; "Winter Meeting," Warners, 1948 ; "Where's There's Life," Paramount, 1947; "Hunchback of Notre Dame," RKO ; "Romance on the High Seas," Warners, 1948 ; and "I Remember Mama," RKO, 1948. COMPO ACCEPTS TOAS PROPOSAL Safety Film Making Aided By NPA Order Washington, Jan. 11. — The National Production Author- ity today issued an order de- signed to assure supplies of refined methylene chloride for the manufacture of mo- tion picture safety film and other photographic and X-ray film. Film companies recently told the agency that short- ages of the refined grade of the solvent were threatening their output of safety film. Today's NPA order, desig- nated as M-21, requires writ- ten certification from anyone buying the refined grade for the manufacture of photogra- phic film or medical or indus- try X-Ray film, stat'ng that the material will be used ex- clusively for such purposes. Fewer NPA Appeals On Construction Washington, Jan. 11. — The num- ber of "hardship" appeals from the National Production Authority's con- struction limitation order has fallen off sharply in the last week or 10 days, NPA officials said. They added they expect the number of appeals to continue to fall until a rock bottom "minimum" is hit. They (Continued on page 2) Midwest Highway Billboard Campaign Mapped for Drive-Ins Next Summer Kansas City, Jan. 11. — A coordinated campaign by drive-in oper- ators of the Midwest to stir interest when the 1951 season opens, is being developed under the sponsorship of Jack D. Braunagle, manager of drive-in operations of Commonwealth Theatres, here. Braunagle is arranging for the production of one-sheet, three- sheet and 24-sheet posters to be made available to participants as the backbone of the campaign. Numerous boards have already been contracted for display of the larger posters. The copy on the posters, as now planned, will be a picture of a motor car carrying a family (and dog), with the text "The Whole Family Will Enjoy a Drive-in Movie Tonight!" It is estimated there will be 50,090,000 automobiles on American roads next summer. The proposed plain for the Kansas-Missouri and other Midwest areas, called for posting of the advertising on May 15, carrying through to July 1 and to produce simultaneous appearance on all highways of the several states. Allied Opposes Plan to Enlarge Board But Withholds Vote, Veto By a vote of six to nothing, with three abstentions, the executive board of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations yesterday recommended that the COMPO by- aws be amended to admit every local and national exhibitor organization to COMPO and they be given the same voting rights and privileges as each present charter member of the all-in- dustry organization, as proposed by Theatre Owners of America. The recommendation is subject to ratifica- tion by COMPO's constituent mem- bers' own boards. This action, taken on the first day of a scheduled two-day COMPO board meeting at the Hotel Astor here, represented a clear-cut victory for TOA. Barring unforeseen develop- ments, the way has been opened for individual voting represen- tation on the board for each of TOA's 28 regional units, a con- dition for which TOA made a( determined drive that threat- (Continued on page 4) New Franchise Co. Acquires 51 Films Hollywood, Jan. 11. — Harry Thomas, president of Essex Films, has contracted for the purchase of 51 feature negatives from Pathe Indus- tries preparatory to launching a new national producing-releasing organi- zation. Thomas recently completed a tour during which he conferred with sev- (Continued on page 4) Kansas City MP A Reelects Rhoden Kansas City, Jan. 11. — Elmer Rhoden, head of Fox Midwest, was re-elected president of the Motion Pic- ture Association of Greater Kansas City at a board meeting here yester- day. Other officers elected were Ar- thur H. Cole and Stanley H. Dur- wood, vice-presidents ; Senn Lawler, secretary, and Sam Abend, treasurer. The latter two were re-elected. The association announced that it has presented a 16mm. projector to the local American Cancer Society chapter and that its members will participate in. the infantile paralysis drive and in civil defense activities. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 12, 1951 Personal Mention MAX E. YOUNGSTEIN, Para- mount advertising and publicity vice-president, has returned here from the Coast. • Chester Bahn, editor of Film Daily, recovering from an appendec- tomy at South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, L. I., is expected to return to his home this weekend. • John Jenkins of Jenkins and Bourgeois Astor Pictures Co. of Dal- las, has arrived in New York for product talks with R. M. Savini, president of Astor Pictures Corp. • James Cunningham, news editor of Motion Picture Daily, is in Westchester Square Hospital, the Bronx, for a checkup. • Bernard Kranze, ELC general sales manager, has returned to New York from Dallas, Oklahoma City and Memphis. • Dan S. Terrell, M-G-M exploita- tion department head, leaves here by plane tomorrow for the Coast. • ■Charles Schnee has acquired the screen rights to the late Sherwood Anderson's "Seeds." • Arthur Freed, M-G-M producer, will arrive here from the Coast next week for a brief stay. N. Y. Critics' Awards Set for Music Hall The New York Film Critics Awards for 1950 will be presented publicly from Radio City Music Hall's stage Sunday evening, Jan. 28, it was jointly announced by the critics and G. S. Eyssell, president of the Music Hall. Bette Davis, judged best actress; Gregory Peck, best actor ; and Darryl F. Zanuck and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, respectively producer and director of "All About Eve," voted top picture, will' appear on stage to receive the awards. M-G-M Promotes Two In Foreign Posts I. Cohen, manager of M-G-M in the Philippines, has resigned for rea- sons of health effective April 7. He will be replaced by Alvin Cassell, promoted from manager in the West Indies. George Chasanas, manager of M-G-M in Egypt, also has resigned and will be succeeded by Robert Schmitt, manager at Puerto Rico. Schmitt will be replaced by Joseph Blair, now an assistant in the M-G-M office in Spain, Review Vd Climb the Highest Mountain (20//; Century-Fox) FHli apparently limitless number of exhibitors who report their audiences are insisting upon more family-type attractions get an answer in "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain." The response in those situations where this demand exists should reflect itself accordingly. This is about a Methodist minister, a circuit rider, in a small community in the hill country of North Georgia in 1910. William Lundigan is the preacher and Susan Hayward, his bride from the big city. The story, covering ■a span of three years, is a series of episodes depicting the adjustments which Miss Hayward must make in 'Surroundings foreign to her and how she makes the final "grade in situations and conditions unmatched in her experience. These experiences, of course, tie to the lives and ways of the homespun hill people who make up Lundigan's congregation. As their minister, he is by their side in happy times and on call when tragedy, in the form of an epidemic, strikes their ranks. Through good and bad days, Lundigan gets to know his people better. In turn, they learn to respect him and appreciate his wife. Miss Hayward develops a full comprehension of her husband's obligations and duties and an abiding affection and appreciation of his flock. The mood throughout is unhurried. There is a bucolic flavor about this film which is faithful to the kind of story being told. There are no outstand- ing or overwhelming climaxes, the closest being the one in which Miss Hayward loses her child in a premature birth. "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain" is very much in the nature of a pastoral. For those who want such a film, this will be very serviceable. The greatest strength to be developed by this attraction will be found outside the major cities. , _ Production in Technicolor appears faithful to the period embraced. Per- formances- are standard by a cast which also includes Rory Calhoun, Barbara Bates, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart ; Alexander Knox, who deserved more to do'; Lynn Bari and Ruth Donnelly. Henry King directed from a script by Lamar Trotti, who also produced, from a novel bv Corra Harris. " Running time, 88 minutes. General audience classification. For February release. Red Kann Coast House Replies To Price Protests Hollywood, Jan. 11.— The Baldwin Theatre, Fanchon and Marco 1,800- seater which last Saturday inaugurated a new price policy with adults ad- mitted at all hours for a flat half- dollar and accompanying children free, has been subject to protests to man- agement by other exhibitors and cir- cuits, according to Marco Wolff, Fanchon and Marco vice-president, who has issued a statement in reply. The statement read in part, "Our decision was based entirely upon the theory that . . . something must be done to change the current situation if theatre business is to continue pros- perously. This is entirely an experi- ment aimed at counteracting the away- from-theatre trend. If it proves wrong we will return to our original scale, but I don't think we're wrong. If present business is the criterion, we may be right." NPA Appeals {Continued from page 1) now are getting at most about 25 to 30 appeals a week from all types of entertainment enterprises, including theatres, compared to over double that amount a while back. They explained that a big batch of appeals came in soon after the order jwent into effect from theatre com- panies and other entertainment firms hdio were well along in their plans and had made considerable preparation or commitments, even though they didn't meet the NPA technical defini- tion of already having "commenced construction." This type of "hardship" accounts for practically all the appeals received by NPA so far. Scanlon on AMPP Board Hollywood, Jan. 11. — Ernest L. Scanlon has succeeded Gordon Young- man as RKO representative on the Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers board of directors. naive* joarr. Plus A I Stage Show!, Goddard Services Portland, Me., Jan. 11. — Funeral services for Charles W. Goddard, 71, author of "The Perils of Pauline" and other serials of the silent screen, will be held here Saturday. Goddard died of pneumonia in Miami yesterday. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley Sundays and New York James P. C Editor. Ch London Bureau, Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Enten class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; singl 178 Showings for 'Mountain' Are Set The 37 exchange areas of 20th Cen- tury-Fox will play host to thousands of exhibitors, newspaper representa- tives, radio commentators, heads of women's clubs and clergymen, via a series of "Exhibitor Family" showings of the Technicolor film "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain," Andy W. Smith, Jr., vice-president and general sales manager, announces. The company has selected 178 cities in which it will schedule its theatre showings. These will be in addition to the regular trade showings in each of the company's 37 exchange centers, it was announced. Katz, Glass to Coast -Sam Katz, partner in the Stanley Kramer Co., and George Glass, vice- president, left here yesterday for the Coast after participating in negotia- tions for Columbia's release of Kramer product. Sam Zagon, Kramer Co. at- torney, will remain in New York for the closing of the deal. Katz and Glass will stop over in Chicago. Kramer left for the Coast Wednesdav. Jacon Returning Here San Francisco, Jan. 11. — Bernard Jacon, head of Lux Films, will leave here tomorrow for New^ York after conferences on the distribution in this area of the Italian film, "Bitter Rice," with Herbert Rosener. NEWS in Brief Albany, Jan. 11. — The Colonial, which has been operating chiefly on a foreign film policy, with vaudeville one day weekly, has been closed by Harry Eisenstein. • Albany, Jan. 11. — Harry Alexan- der, former Eagle Lion Classics' representative here, will join the local Universal branch as salesman on Monday, succeeding Robert Fer- ber, who is now Universal's man- ager in Trinidad. • San Francisco, Jan. 11. — Leo: Reese, owner of the Orpheum Thea- tre, Lakeport, Cal., died at his home there recently. • Brig. Gen. (retired) Edward Lyman Munson, formerly director of NBC's film division and for several years a 20th Century-Fox executive, has been appointed director of television opera- tions for the network. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL __ Rockefeller Center "KIM" RUDYARD KIPLING'S Errol FLYNN - Dean STOCK WELL Color by TECHNICOLOR A M ETRO-GOLD WYN-M AYER PICTURE and THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT CHRISTMAS STAGE SHOW Technicolor , ALAN LADD jnti Orcft. Midnight Ftotvr* ^ NifhtW 'PlVOLI ^ hibitors, newspaper writers, radio com- ^ mentators, heads of women's and civic clubs and clergymen, via a series of "Exhibitor Family" showings. In ad- * J.. dition • tojregular. trade shows, special screenings will be held in theatres in 178 cities as part of the plan to iden- tify the film as a family picture. As part of a full-scale campaign by the Christian Herald, the magazine will send 8-page brochures on the film to 100,000 Protestant ministers throughout the1 country. The issue contains a personal message from Dr. Daniel A. Poling, editor, urging min- isters to see the film at advance show- ings and bring it to the attention of their congregations. • A special United States Marine exhibit of the Corp's latest fighting weapons on display in the lobby of the Roxy on Broadway, through the run of "Halls of Montezuma" will be sent to other key situations where the 20th Century-Fox film is playing. Decision to schedule the exhibit in other cities resulted from interest shown in Korean bat- tle flags and modern equipment now featured in the display. • This Week, Sunday magazine sec- tion in the New York Herald- Tribune and 27 other key city news- papers, has given its front cover and a double-page inside, in full color, to "Alice in Wonderland," now in pro- duction at the Walt Disney studios. Louis Berg, movie editor for the Sun- day rotogravure supplement, ivrites entertainingly of the added "voices," and, of course, Disney's draivings serve as illustrations. Folks will like Richard Haydn as the voice of "Mr. Caterpillar" — he even sounds fussy! Jerry Colonna speaks for "The March Hare" and Ed Wynn provides a con- vincing voice for "The Mad Hatter." Reprints of a full color page in Life for Jan. 22 are being mailed out ,. by that publication, to call attention ::'iif> ■t-he^p.enikg ,of 'a big campaign on 'fixe' pT&ffCre ' which will'ndt'be released until Fall. The big, bright page which will launch the campaign is appearing well in advance of release as a pre- lude to an intensive publicity and ad- vertising drive. • M-G-M home. .;office and', field ;jrien met in Bostori'^with'! Linus '- Tracers.-;, executive ViVe%r.e-sideht of the Yankee l^f^Y^k.'aiid" 30 station managers, to niafy plans for the joint promotion of "The Magnificent Yankee" in satura- tion openings scheduled for the New England territory next month. The meeting was preceded by a screening of the picture, which is of prime in- terest to Down East folks. — Walter Brooks What the Critics Say "I find the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily very effective in keeping me posted on industry news. Naturally, the publication with the fresher news gets the closer attention. The Air Mail Edition does this. The time saved often means the difference between a reading of the paper and a quick glance." — John Rosenfield, Amusements Editor, Dallas, (Tex.) Morn- ing News. N.Y. Mayors Ask for Ticket Tax Power Albany, Jan. 15. — All cities in New York State would .be authorized to tax amusement admissions under legisla- tion proposed by the State Confer- ence of Mayors in a report submitted to Gov. Dewey and the Legislature. The proposal was one of four de- signed to further broaden the taxing powers of local governments within the state. Augusta, Ga., Jan. 15.— A proposal to eliminate theatre license charges and replace them with a two per cent tax on theatre admissions has been filed with the City Council here. The city has been attempting to collect both license fees and an admission tax. August Amusement Co. refused to remit the admission levy, pointing to a Brunswick, Ga., court decision holding that the two levies could not be made against the same theatres. Augusta, Me., Jan. 15. — Pending in the Maine Legislature is a bill which would require two licensed operators in projection booths, or a "blackout" during a change-over if only one operator is present. The measure was introduced by Rep. Albert C. Berry, South Portland Republican, who said some operators now work 13 hours without relief. Says 'Miracle9 Case Reflects on Censors Albany, Jan. 15. — New York Su- preme Court Justice Aron Steuer's injunction restraining Licence Com- missioner McCaffrey from banning "The Miracle" has caused The Evangelist, local diocesen weekly to renew its demand for a housecleaning in the motion picture division of the State Education Department. The Ezwigelist declared "Justice Steuer's ruling makes the state censors absolute arbiters of morality and renders local civic authorities, who may have an intelligent appreciation of what con- stitutes obscenity, immorality and blasphemy, helpless to prevent their communities from being exposed to motion picture corruption." Depinet Drive Meet In^Neiv York Today A 'Ned Depinet Drive meeting will be held this morning at RKO Radio's New York exchange. The drive covers a 27-week period from Dec. 22 to June 28. The sessions this morning will be conducted by Charles Boas- berg, North-South division sales man- ager and drive captain, and Len Gruenberg, metropolitan district man- ager. TOA Plans Exhibit; TESMA Doubtful The Theatre Owners of America still plans an exhibit in connection with its 1951 convention whether or not the Theatre Equipment and Sup- ply Manufacturers Association goes along on a projected joint convention, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive direc- tor, said here yesterday. Sullivan admitted that such an ex- hibit might be limited in scope be- cause of government restrictions on the use of materials but said that a number of concerns are already com- mitted to presenting exhibits. TESMA's board of directors met here last week to take stock of the situation confronting their members, many of whom will be forced to- con- centrate on government contracts in order to get materials restricted by the National Production Authority. A canvass of its membership was un- dertaken to see how many could par- ticipate in the annual trade show. Yesterday TOA had not received the TESMA findings, but expects to have them on hand in time for a con- vention committee meeting tentatively set for Thursday. JVEWS I in Brief . . . N. «/. Allied Meets to Hit Unwanted Bills Trenton, Jan. 15. — Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey held a general membership meeting at the Stacy- Trent Hotel here today, with most discussion centering around legislation inimical to theatres which is expected at the current session of the New Jersey Legislature. . Wilbur Snaper, New Jersey Allied president, presided at the meeting and reported on the organizational action taken at last week's meeting of the board of the Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations. Skiatron (Continued from page 1) tion pictures, Skiatron and WOR-TV will ask the Commission for the same test privileges for its system in New York that Phonevision is now con- ducting in Chicago. The test here would involve the in- stallation of decoding attachments in the homes of TV set owners here. Skiatron reports that several film dis- tributors have indicated their willing- ness to supply product for the test. Skiatron and WOR-TV are at pres- ent conducting tests of the system un- der a permit granted by the FCC. The original permit, for 30 days, has been extended another 30 days and permits the use of motion pictures in the tests. London, Jan. 15. — The name of Eagle Lion Distributors, Ltd., has been changed to J. Arthur Rank Over- ' seas Film Distributors, Ltd. The company is Britain's largest overseas film sales organization, comprising 18 branches, eight exclusive agents and agreements with independent distrib- utors in 12 other territories. • Three new road show dates for Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Ber- gerac," have been set by George J. Schaefer, general sales manager for the Kramer organization. Openings are slated for the Tudor, New Or- leans; Ritz, Memphis and Cinema, Detroit, between Wednesday and Feb. 1. • Washington, Jan. 15. — The Fed- eral Trade Commission has dropped its complaint charging United Artists with misrepresentation in advertising the British film, "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp." • Pacemaker Pictures, Inc., newly organized by Max A. Goldberg, William Goldberg and Erwin A. Lesser, has acquired the American distribution rights to "The Hap- piest Days of Your Life." • As a means of publicizing Brother- hood Week, all Paramount corre- spondence throughout the country will carry the slogan, "Brotherhood Week- For Peace and Freedom." Special stamps bearing this imprint have been mailed to all branches for use from now till the close of Brotherhood Week on Feb. 25. • Dr. P. C. Goldmark, vice-president of Columbia Broadcasting System and inventor of the CBS color television system, will give a demonstration of the system before the Atlantic Coast section of the Society of Motion Pic- ture and Television Engineers to- morrow. E. M. Stifle, Atlantic Coast section chairman, will preside. • Hollywood, Jan. 15. — Producer Victor Saville has invited Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh to co-star in "Order of Release," with Olivier functioning also as director or producer, late this year or early 1952. • Universal-International has signed Don McGuire, writer and former Chi- cage newspaperman, to a long-term writer-producer contract and has as- signed him to the post of production aide to Leonard Goldstein. Withdraw Old 'Alice' To Await New One All prints of Paramount's 1933 ver- sion of "Alice in Wonderland" allo- cated to the Children's Film Library will be withdrawn from circulation pending completion of the general re- lease of Walt Disney's new feature of the same name. This was disclosed yesterday by Marjorie G- Dawson, director of the National Children's Film Library, who pointed out that the action was volun- tarily taken by the CFL committee, with Paramount's approval, to fore- stall possible confusion. Tuesday, January 16, 1951 Motion Picture daily 5 NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) from an initial week's take $110,000 to an estimated $65,500 in the second week at the Roxy. Al Bernie tops the stage bill. "Kim" is concluding a successful six-week run at the Music Hall with $92,000 expected for the final stanza. "The Magnificent Yan- kee" and a new stage show will open on Thursday. Among other newcomers, "The Blue Lamp" at the Park Avenue took in $11,300 for a first week, the best figure in quite a while at the ofif-Broadway showcase. At the Criterion, "Opera- tion Disaster" got off to a slow start but good reviews came to its aid and the house expects a good $16,000 first week. "Sun Sets at Dawn" "The Sun Sets at Dawn" is ex- pected to draw a modest $14,000 for its first week at the Mayfair. At the Globe, "Vendetta" is holding up well with $12,000 in sight for a fourth week. Also doing satisfactory busi- ness is "The Mudlark," which is ex- pected to bring $18,000 to the Rivoli for its fourth week. "Seven Days to Noon" is still do- ing exceptional business at the Trans Lux 52nd St., where $14,000 was reg- istered for a fourth week of what is expected to be a long run. "Trio" at the Sutton has dipped to four figures, $9,300, for its 15th week, but the gross is still fine. "David Copperfield," a reissue, is in its first week at Loew's State, with $17,000 expected for the week; not an Review Blue Blood" (Monogram) • Hollywood, Jan. 15 IT IS a cinch that the substantial section of the public that is partial to to horses and horse-racing will react favorably to this treatment in Cinecolor of W. Scott Darling's knowing script suggested by a Peter B. Kyne story, "Dog Meat." Staying well within the bounds of reason, the story portrays the world of the turf and tugs gently at the heart strings instead of trying to snap them. It closes on a thrilling horse race, naturally, but doesn't tip the outcome, and it holds to a minimum the villainy necessary to plot purposes. It may turn out to be the most successful of the several race-horse pictures this company has released in recent years. Although Bill Williams, Jane Nigh and Audrey Long handle the romantic side of the story, altogether satisfactorily, it is Arthur Shields, as the horse trainer down on his luck at the picture's opening, who carries brilliantly the burden of interest. He is hitch-hiking his way from a Los Angeles race track to Caliente when he comes upon Taglefoot, a five-year-old horse with whose record he is familiar, being driven to the slaughter house to be con- verted into dog food. With Miss Nigh, daughter of a wealthy sportsman, adding a necessary $5 to his all, he buys the horse for $25 and determines to restore it to racing condition. A synopsis is no medium for relating the incidents which ensue, for they are the kind to be seen, not just read about, but it may be recorded as information of exhibitor usefulness that the film ends happily. . Ben Schwalb produced and Lew Landers directed, both admirably. Running time, 72 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not set. Phonevision exceptional figure, but better than some new product has been doing at the same stand. "Bom Yesterday" is continuing at a lively clip at the Victoria, with $38,- 000 expected for a fourth week. Next door at the Astor, "Harvey" is also doing well, with $24,000 due for its fourth week. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is still drawing well on its two-a-day policy at the Bijou, with $13,000 ex- pected for a 10th week. Admit Soldiers Free Atlanta, Jan. 15. — Some Atlanta theatres have applied no-admission policies to armed forces inductees who have completed their processing but have not yet obtained their orders. Wilby-Kincey's Paramount-Fox and Roxy theatres here have given per- mission for the future soldiers to at- tend at no cost since the induction center has no facilities or funds for entertainment or recreation. (Continued from page 1) lies report they had not previously seen the films viewed on Phonevision. Thus, say Zenith officials, Phone- vision can tap a vast new audience if it receives approval from the FCC. Several persons indicated they had not gone to a motion picture theatre in several years. That Phonevision is an ideal way to see films many of the postcard re- ports say because there is no problem of getting into a theatre, parking, standing in line, finding a seat, and getting up several times to let other people in and out. There have been relatively few complaints about the smallness of TV pictures compared to those of theatre screens, although some people say the films lose some of their impact be- cause of the limited size and suggest a need for larger TV screens. Reception by Age Group There are some indications that par- ents and younger children are the most enthusiastic about Phonevision. Young people, probably more gregari- ous and "social conscious," go to the- atres for reasons other than the pic- ture— to be seen, to hold hands, to see a stage show, or to be with the crowd. Zenith has been especially interested in the fact that many families indi- cate they don't mind paying for a pic- ture they have seen before. Because of this attitude, Zenith has arranged to show a few of the great picture classics not available to commercial TV. The first one, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," will be on this week. TIMELY... as today's headlines! ROBERT L. LIPPERTW presents U ^ vr ^ STARRING Robert HUTTON- Steve BRODIE James EDWARDS • Richard LOO with Sid Melton • Richard Monahan William Chun and introducing a dynamic screen personality Gene EVANS Written, Produced and Directed by Samuel FULLER m m BOOK IT NOW! Motion picture daily Tuesday, January 16, 1951 COMPO {Continued from page 1) the draft of the by-laws amendment, which will make the corporate struc- ture alteration possible, is received at TOA headquarters here. The draft is due to be completed by industry attor- neys on or about Jan. 24, which would give the lawyers the 10 days they in- dicated they would require to put the proposed amendment in proper form. It would appear that TOA's ap- proval, practically a foregone conclu- sion, will come considerably before that of Allied States Association, whose board is scheduled to vote on the plan at its meeting in Washington Feb. 15-16, and whose individual units will vote on it thereafter. The proposal for the organizational change, under- stood to have been the handiwork of Abram Myers, Allied general counsel and board chairman, and presented on Friday at the COMPO board meeting here by Nathan Yamins of Allied, ob- viously stands a much better chance of national Allied approval than did the TOA-sponsored proposal for a comparable change which was ap- proved by the COMPO board last Thursday and abrogated Friday. At-large Membership Uncertainty continues to prevail with respect to the composition of the at-large membership of the executive committee. That committee will con- sist of the voting membership of the existing executive board plus a maxi- mum of seven representatives from Allied, seven from TOA and seven to be elected at large by the new board. As presented at the board meeting- last Friday, the new plan does not ex- clude Allied and TOA from member- ship in the at-large group, and it is viewed as likely that one or the other, or both, will attempt to make inroads into the group. A provision preventing Allied and TOA from gaining such additional representation on the execu- tive committee could be incorporated in the amendment which is being drafted, however. Whether inclusion of such a provision would be viewed unfavorably by Allied and TOA would remain to be seen. As it is, each of those organizations are assured of eight representatives on the executive committee, which will be the key cor- porate unit in that unanimous vote will be required to approve any proposal. There are eight other COMPO mem- bers, and more are indicated, all of which might earnestly seek representa- tion on the at-large group. Quick Approvals Quick approval of the new COMPO organizational setup is expected of the Society of Independent Motion Pic- ture Producers, the Metropolitan Mo- tion Picture Theatres Association, New York Independent Theatre Own- ers Association, the Variety Clubs, the trade press committee, the Motion Picture Association of America, Pa- cific Coast Conference of Independent Theatre Owners and the Motion Pic- ture Industry Council. But these, like TOA and Allied, must await the draft of the amendment. 'Mr. Universe' Opens Columbus, O., Jan. 15.— WorM pre- miere of Eagle Lion Classics' "Mr. Universe" is scheduled for Wednesday at the RKO Grand here. Vincent Ed- wards, Ohio State University swimmei who has the title role, is to appear in person at the premiere. DAUflSISNOW IN ROCHESTER f GARY COOPtt *23 ^(steve Report New Combine Planned for Mpls. Minneapolis, Jan. 15. — Formation of a new buying combine for all independent theatres in the Minneapolis areas is reported to be under consideration here. Under the plan existing buying groups would join up with the new set up, it is said. Reported to be prime mov- ers in the new plan are Tom Burke, a former member of Theatre Associates, and Ted Mann, present head of the Independent Theatres Asso- ciation. The latter was in New York last week confer- ring with distribution execu- tives. COLOR BY Technicolor* smash by Warner Bros. Services Thursday For Allen Sparrow Funeral services for Allen Sparrow, 52, Loew's Theatres Southern division manager who died of a heart attack Sunday night while visiting Loew's Palace at Memphis, will be held Thursday in Washington at the Wil- liam Lee and Sons Funeral Home, Loew's reported here. Sparrow was manager of the Strand at Washington from 1919 to 1927 and subsequently managed Loew's theatres in several cities until he became divisional man- ager in 1942, with headquarters at Atlanta. The widow, a daughter, two sisters and four brothers, one of whom is Boyd Sparrow, manager of Loew's Warfield, San Francisco, survive. Disney (Continued from page 1) to the Disney-Coca Cola Christmas Day telecast and said, "We reached an estimated 20,000,000 viewers with a show that not only highlighted a preview of our next all-cartoon fea- ture, 'Alice in Wonderland,' but also called to the attention of this vast audience that they could see the pic- ture in their favorite theatres this year." Disney said that video is reaching its level as entertainment, but that "we firmly believe that motion pic- tures are still your best entertainment. As a promotion medium however, television has attained maturity." Marcus Notes Dead Washington, Jan. 15. — Funeral services will be held tomorrow for Marcus Notes, Washington real estate man who once owned five theatres on Ninth Street and at the time of his death still owned the Strand and Roosevelt. Notes, who was 86, died yesterday in Baltimore. He had been in failing health for a year. His son, Isaac Notes, now manages the two theatres. /. Walter Brown, 60 London, Jan. 15. — J.Walter Brown, formerly sales manager for Warners here, died suddenly at the age of 60. Brown had spent 24 years in the in dustry on the sales side, joining War- ners in 1933 as assistant general man- ager. He resigned in 1948 owing to ill-health. Disney Gross of $7,293,849 Highest in Company's History Hollywood, Jan. 15. — The gross in- come for Walt Disney Productions for the fiscal vear ending Sept. 30, 1950, reached a total of $7,293,849, 28 per cent above the $5,685,055 re- ported for 1949, and an all-time high for the company, president Roy O. Disney reported today in a letter to stockholders. Consolidated net profit for the 1950 fiscal year was $717,542 which was equal, after providing for dividends on die preferred stock, to $1.06 a share on the 652,840 common shares out- standing. In 1949 there was a loss of $93,899. Disney stated that the principal sources of feature picture revenue in 1950 were "Ichabod and Mr. Toad," first released in October, 1949, and "Cinderella," which began its release in February, 1950. First cash from Treasure Island was not received until after the close of the fiscal year. Net working capital increased from $4,617,543 at Oct. 1, 1949, to $5,247,751 at Sept. 30, 1950, and current bank loans were reduced $2,011,285 during the fiscal year. These improvements in the company's financial condition are due chiefly to the results _ from "Cinderella," which is the highest grossing Disney feature since "Snow White," Disney said. Despite restrictions in many coun- tries, foreign distribution of Disney product is proceeding well, the report said, and good success has been achieved in converting foreign curren- cies to dollars. Disney blocked funds at Sept. 30, 1950, totaled $480,000 as compared with $450,000 a year ago. Feature product releases in the next two years will include "Alice in Won- derland," in the fall of 1951, to be followed in 1952 by "Robin Hood," an all live action feature to be pro- duced in England. Stars at WB Premiere Miami, Jan. 15. — Ginger Rogers, Ronald Reagan and Steve Cochran have arrived in Miami Beach to make personal appearances at Wednesday night's world premiere of Warners "Storm Warning," at the Beach The- atre. The premiere is being held for the benefit of the Variety Children's Hospital of Greater Miami. Says TV Sets Taxable Boston, Jan. 15. — Massachusetts' Tax Commissioner Henry F. Long has ruled that television sets can be taxed. He explained that the tele- vision set is a household furnishing and therefore it comes under the per- sonal property tax, but the television antenna is part of the house and thus it comes under the real estate tax. Para. Stock Buying (Continued from page 1) earlier date that the company may acquire the 500,000 shares. During the period Dec. 22-31, the company purchased for retirement 67.970 shares and contracted to pur- chase an additional 92,349, the differ- ence between the total of those two figures and the 251,000 shares pur- chased to date having been bought in the interim. Paramount Pictures had 2,497,665 shares outstanding as of last Dec. 31. Town Theatreless Hamilton, O., Jan. 15.— The Ma- jestic, the only house in nearby Cam- den, O., operated by Mrs. Louise Siebert, has closed indefinitely. r mom There's always a bus bustle and highway hustle when the latest Companion -approved movie comes to town. Smiling movie-goers arrive from far and near— and that's why the movie-makers have invested more money in the Companion during the past five years than in any other monthly magazine*. *Except of course the fan magazines! ., THE CROWELL-COLLIER PUBLISHING COMPANY, 640 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 19, N.Y. Mr. Showman I MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 11 NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1951 TEN CENTS Phonevision's Ter Person' Average 16^ Replies Say 6.2 Persons See Film for Dollar By DAN BLUE Chicago, Jan. 15— The average Phonevision "viewing circle" is composed of 6.2 persons, of which 2.8 persons are guests, Zenith Radio reported today. The largest viewing party was reported to be 16 persons. With Zenith charging one dollar per showing, the aver- age "collection" per viewer is about 16 cents. Analysis of the reports submitted by the 300 families involved in the Phone- vision test, Zenith says, shows a "highly favorable" reaction. More than 50 per cent say the features films are worth more than one dollar and only one per cent say they're worth less. About 75 per cent of the test fami- (Continutd on page 5) Grosses Mild At NY Runs An all-day rain on Sunday slowed traffic at New York first run box- offices and 'new product at many houses failed to make the turnstiles click at the pace set during the last few weeks. Openings at three of Broadway's major film-stage show houses were only moderately good. At the Para- mount, "Branded," with Kay Star heading the stage show, will do an estimated $60,000 for the first week, while at the Strand, "Dallas" took in $25,000 for the weekend and looks for $50,000 for the initial week. Slightly better is the $51,000 expected at the Capitol in the first week of "Grounds for Marriage," with Phil Silvers on stage. "Halls of Montezuma" tumbled (Continued on page 5) Latvrie Tells U. K, Union He Will Cut Workers If He Can By PETER BURNUP London, Jan. 15. — James H. Lawrie, head of the government's Na- tional Film Finance Corporation, bluntly told the National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employes that it is his business to see how few people it is possible to employ on economically made films, not how many. Addressing a NATKE membership rally held over the weekend, Lawrie said he hoped "very soon" to announce how he proposes to administer the NFFC in the future, but emphasized (Continued on page 2) Skiatron Will Invite FCC to Film Tests Skiatron will invite the Federal Communications Commission to wit ness a demonstration of its "Sub scriber- Vision" television receiving eqiupment early in February, the com- pany reports here. Following the demonstration which will include mo- ( Continued on page 4) Walton Quits Sales Post with Republic The resignation of Edward L. Wal- ton, Republic vice-president and as- sistant general sales manager, was an- nounced here yesterday by James R. Grainger, sales and distribution execu- tive vice-president. Walton will leave on March 1 after eight years in the Republic post, and will return to Seattle, where he re- cently moved his family. Walton's successor will be selected from within the ranks of the Republic organization, Grainger said. 5 Theatres Resume Full Week Policy Cleveland, Jan. 15. — Thea- tres that went to weekend operation during November and December are beginning to resume full time operation. This weekend the Commo- dore, Euclid, Imperial, Wind- ameer and Plaza went back to seven days. Para. Passes Half Way Mark in New Stock Buying Plan With its bid to purchase 500,000 shares of its own common stock on the open market scheduled to be with- drawn Friday, Paramount Pictures disclosed yesterday that so far it had bought 251,000 shares under the pur- chase policy which became operative last Dec. 22. The stock is being- bought at $21.50 per share. Paramount for some time has been following the policy of acquiring shares of its outstanding stock for re- tirement. It was pursuant to this policy that the bid for 500,000 shares was placed on the New York Stock Exchange last month. Prior to the placing of this bid, Paramount since last June 28 had pur- chased for retirement 30,974 shares. The current bid was subject to with- drawal at any time but will, in any event, be withdrawn at the close of business next Friday, or on such (Continued on page 6) . See Okay for COMPO Setup By Mid-March Board Appointments Will Come Later, It Is Held It was indeterminable yesterday as to exactly when the proposed new corporate structure of the Council of Motion Picture Organi- zations will be achieved but the con- sensus in New York was that mid- March would find the plan for a vastly enlarged board and a 31 -member ex- ecutive committee approved by the memberships of COMPO's 10 charter member organizations. Whether each member organ- ization will have appointed in- dividuals to serve as board and executive committee represen- tatives by mid-March was doubted, although some ob- servers held that full appoint- ments by then are "possible." Theatre Owners of America is pre- pared to poll its directors as soon as (Continued on page 6) TV a Channel to New Film Audiences, Disney Says Film Council to Meet With Walsh Hollywood, Jan. 15— Holly- wood AFL Film Council dele- gates and executive board members of all constitutent unions and guilds will meet with IATSE president Rich- ard F. Walsh on Feb. 12 at the Roosevelt Hotel here in what is described as among "the most important meet- ings in the history of the Council." The announcement of the forthcoming meeting came after today's weekly Council session, at which the above action was determined. Hollywood, Jan. 15. — "Television is one of our most important channels for the development of a new motion picture audience," Walt Disney writes in the company's annual report re- leased today. A net profit of $717,542 for the fiscal year of 1950 is reported by Walt Disnev Productions. In 1949 there was a loss of $93,899. "Millions of televiewers never go to a picture theatre, and countless others go infrequently," Disney said. "This is proved by the fact that out of a population of more than 150,- 000,000 in the U. S., our biggest film attractions never draw more than 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 ticket buyers." Disney urged the use of the tele- vision screen, along with every other promotional medium, to increase the potential theatre audience. He pointed (Continued on page 6) No NPA Limit for Present on Studio Building Activity Washington, Jan. 15. — National Production Authority officials have decided against any construction limit at present on studio sets or other stu- dio construction. Such building was government-con- trolled during World War II as part of the over-all controls on commercial and industrial construction. But when today's order banning commercial con- struction was issued and NPA officials were questioned as to whether studio construction was included, reporters were told that a ban on such construc- tion had been considered and had been (Continued on page 4) US Would Force Hughes' RKO Sale Washington, Jan. 15. — A Justice Department motion designed to force Howard Hughes to sell his RKO Theatres stock by the end of the year will be argued in New York on Feb. 15, it was learned today. Argument will probably be before (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 16, 1951 Personal Mention LOUIS B. MAYER, M-G-M vice- president in charge of studio ac- tivities, and Howard Strickling, studio publicity head, will leave Chi- cago today for the Coast after visit- ing New York, Detroit and Washing- ton. Andrew J. Grainger, of the James- town Amusement Co., nephew of Ed- mund C. Grainger, president of Shea Theatres, and J. R. Grainger, vice- president of Republic Pictures, was married to Kathryn Bellet, of Youngstown, O., on Saturday at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Youngstown, O. • Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of United Paramount Theatres, Inc., will leave here today for Detroit, where he will confer' with Earl J. Hudson, president of United Detroit Theatres Corp. Jerome M. Evans, Universal Pic- tures home office exploitation repre- sentative, is . due to leave here today for the Sioux Indian Reservation at Pine Ridge, S. D., to recruit a group of Siouxs on behalf of "Tomahawk." • Frank Phelps, head of Warner Theatres labor relations, is slated to go to Philadelphia and Harrisburg from here today and will return at the end of the week. • David Diamond, producer of Al- lied Artists' "I Was an American Spy," has left Hollywood for Wash- ington to confer with government offi- cials. • Joseph L. Mankiewicz has re- turned to Hollywood after receiving a scroll here from his 1928 classmates at a Columbia University Club dinner. • Joseph Bernhard has returned to his home from Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center here, where he has been confined for some time. • James R. Grainger, vice-president in charge of Republic distribution, is back in New York from a cross-coun try trip. • E. J. Davis, Walt Disney's London managing director, is en route to New York from London for consultations on the British set-up of 'Alice in Wonderland." • Hal B. Wallis is due in New York today from Hollywood for Para- mount home office conferences. Arthur Freed, M-G-M producer, has arrived here from the Coast ac- companied by his wife. • Mark Kelly, 20th Century-Fox publicist, has left here for Chicago en route to the Coast. Charles Chaplin is in New York from the Coast for a United Artists stockholders' meeting tomorrow. Insider's Outlook By RED KANN "C OMPO RIDES AGAIN," Oscar Doob doodled in bold black letters as the execu- tive board of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations closed out another hectic two- day session last Friday after- noon. Trade paper reporters — those blase fellows who had been covering COMPO's roller coaster career of the last 18 months — remarked they had heard that one before. But this time there is a dif- ference big enough to make all the difference. For, unless un- expected and unforeseen cir- cumstances shape up, COMPO really will ride and perhaps even gallop toward the objectives for which it was organized. ■ The solution, subject to ratifi- cation by charter members, had to be born out of compromise; there was no other way if there was to be a COMPO. "it wasn't at all easy and it almost didn't come off. As late as Friday noon, a betting man could have gotten heavy odds on a complete debacle. TOA was proving ob- stinate, maintaining almost until the compromise itself was finally worked out that its Houston resolution fixed boundaries and fenced in the area of negotia- tion : Territorial representation for constituent association mem- bers with full voting rights and all the privileges of the original charter members and limitation of COMPO's activities to pub- lic relations on the national level. Thursday night, it looked as if TOA had won, hands down, when a recommendation propos- ing a change in the by-laws to accommodate such territorial representation carried. Allied, unwilling to become the whip- ping boy — a dubious status here- tofore enjoyed exclusively by TOA — decided to forego its right of veto, abstained and ob- jected. ■ Thursday's move was unwork- able on its face. If adopted, TOA and its 28 units would throw COMPO entirely off bal- ance and destroy the equilibrium contemplated in confining repre- sentation of each of the 10 char- ter member groups to one dele- gate and one alternate having one vote between them. Whereupon Abram F. Myers, who has been conspicuously in and on the record, first, for COMPO and, secondly, for COMPO as originally consti- tuted, embarked on a salvaging expedition and brought it off. The ill-conceived Thursday ac- tion was rescinded and replaced by a plan adopted to the general satisfaction of all hands. ■ No one has calculated how large a board COMPO will have under the compromise formula, but it can take on convention- like proportions what with a maximum of 28 directors repre- senting TOA and 22 for Allied. Essentially, however, TOA gets what it hammered for. Unwieldy as the board may be — and, no doubt, will be — power of action will pass up the line to a newly-created executive board limited to 31. The original 10 continue, plus seven apiece from TOA and Allied and seven at large, the latter to be named by the executive board. Rotus Harvey, for PCCITO, will get one and, perhaps, two. Allied thought three to five additional representatives on the executive board were sufficient. TOA argued for seven, asserting this would permit a more rep- resentative geographic spread from which to make its appoint- ments. In the interest of har- mony, Myers finally agreed to seven and the matter was sealed. The new components of COMPO make an interesting picture. Theatremen, generally, will want to know exhibition will hold numerical superiority on both the board of directors and the executive board. If TOA and Allied go the limit, they will bulk 50 on the directo- rate. ITOA and MMPTA of New York and PCCITO make it 53. The proposed 31 -man execu- tive board will embrace those on the present board. Thus, TOA and Allied, at eight each, will have 16. ITOA and MMPTA of New York, contin- uing with one each, send the total to 18. PCCITO's current member, to be bolstered by one more at least, makes it 20. Ex- hibitor Robert J. O'Donnell, representing Variety Clubs In- ternational, will be the 21st. Thus, exhibition will outdistance production and distribution, combined, two-to-one. Now that the storm appears to have passed, qualified observers are high in their optimism. They believe the false starts are ended and that COMPO actually and factually is off the ground. It appears that this is so. Finally. Lawrie Tells (Continued from page 1) that the British industry's most im- portant need is a steady flow of good quality pictures economically pro- duced. The aim of his policy will be toward such a steady stream rather than sporadic booms, he said. Lawrie warned that unnecessarily excessive payrolls produced inflation and prevented producers from making a profit. Such a policy also attracted hordes of people who brought no credit to the industry and who ought to disappear as soon as possible, Law- rie said. Lawrie said his government cor- poration had imposed economies on producers which in turn had made for high quality pictures. The corporation has already aided 90 productions in various ways, Lawrie said. Tom O'Brien, M. P. and general secretary of NATKE, in a speech at the rally demanded that the govern- ment give the NFFC a credit of £20,000,000 to advance production. He also asked an extension of the Eady entertainment tax plan. Paper Raises Ad Rates Cleveland, Jan. IS. — The Press, afternoon daily, has advised exhibitors and distributors that advertising rates will go up eight and one-half per cent. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ^_ Rockefeller Center "KIM" RUDYARD KIPLING'S Errol FLYNN - Dean STOCK WELL Color by TECHNICOLOR A M ETRO-GOLD WYN-M AYER PICTURE AND SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION Paramount presents ^ — — ^ DiW^ / plus DICKBROJW and 0fCn • GJorbjr | Technicolor I .ALAN I ADD Midnight Faolur* Nightly The Mud/ark ««tu»r>ox LOSANGELES THE MERCURY-DC-6 SKYSLEEPER SERVICE Lv. Midnight— Ar. 8:30 a.m. MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 14 NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 1951 TEN CENTS NPA Implies Further Cuts In Equipment No Cutbacks at Present; Review Due March 1 Washington, Jan. 18. — Further material shortages in production of theatre equipment were hinted at today by Nathan D. Golden, direc- tor of the film division of the National Production Authority. In a recording set for the National Aud'o-Visual Associa- tion meeting in Biloxi, Golden emphasized that "as of this moment, no regulations have been issued affecting material cut-backs of production" of pro- jectors and other equipment. Of course, he continued, "after March 1, we may find that restrictions in civilian use of aluminum and steel will have some effect upon our produc- ers. Whether an increase in production and productivity in the fields of aluminum, steel and the like will ulti- mately compensate for the initial im- pact remains to be seen." Golden said he did not yet know whether there would be a priority sys- (Continued on page 3) Renegotiate '306 '-Circuits Pension Plan to Cut Delay U.S. Protests to Moscow Officially On 'Smith9 Issue A committee of New York projec- tionists and representatives of the major circuits here have resumed ne- gotiations on the union-management pension and welfare program which was agreed upon last fall and which since that time has been before the U. S. Internal Revenue Bureau for approval. The projectionists local, No. 306 of IATSE, has been anxious to set the plan in motion, but because there has been no precedent to guide the Bureau in deciding whether the plan measures up to tax exemption specifi- cations a long delay in receipt of word from Washington threatened. The lo- cal decided therefore to meet again with the circuits' representatives in an effort to work out a plan which would not require government approval. The basic provisions of the original plan are expected to remain intact. These include one calling for payment by the circuits into a welfare fund of five per cent of the basic wage scale for each projectionist at the rate of 54 weeks annually, which includes the two weeks' vacation relief man. Richard F. Walsh, IATSE presi- dent, has hailed the plan as a fore- runner of a general pension movement throughout the industry in the U. S. The "306" plan will supplant the wel- fare program which the local has had for many years. A spokesman for the local said yes- terday that the current negotiations are expected to produce by next week the modifications which will make possible immediate activation of the plan. Brotherhood 'Kits' ailed to 20,000 The U. S. Embassy in Moscow has delivered an offiicial protest to the So- viet government against unauthorized showings in the Soviet Union of the American film, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," it was reliably learned today. The protest asks that all prints of the film be returned to the embassy for transmission to the producers in the U. S. This action came as a follow-up to the Motion Picture Association's pro- test to the State Department. Govern- ment officials are known to feel there {Continued on page 3) Distribution to exhibitors, radio stations and newspapers of 20,000 spe- cially prepared kits containing ma- terial for the observance of Brother- hood Week, Feb. 18-25, got underway yesterday. Every exhibitor in the country will be asked to participate in the drive, according to Max E. Youngstein, chairman of advertising publicity of (Continued on page 2) 'Storm* Has Gala Opening in Miami Miami Beach, Jan. 18. — Some 8,000 people turned out for the gala world premiere at the Beach Theatre here jlast night for Warner Bros.' "Storm Warning," starring Ginger Rogers and Ronald Reagan. A three-block Jong crowd came to witness the per- sonal appearances of Miss Rogers, Reagan and Steve Cochran, who par- ticipated in the gala event. Prince and Neilson Switch RKO Posts Don Prince has been appointed Eastern publicity director of RKO Pictures, succeeding Rutgers Neilspn, who will take over the post of foreign publicity director, which has been held by Prince for the past four years, it was announced yesterday by Ned E. Depinet, company president. Both have been with RKO for many years. Prince came to this country (Continued on page 3) May Announce Johnston'sNew US Post Today Wilson Confirms Offer; Acceptance Almost Sure Charles E. Wilson, Director of Defense Mobilization, confirmed re- ports yesterday in Washington that he has offered Eric A. Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America, a top mobilization post. Confirmation of the reports had been delayed pending de- termination of Johnston's availability for the new post. It has further been learned that Johnston's conditions which he put forward to Wil- son before committing him- self have been met, in the main, virtually making his ac- ceptance certain. As reported yesterday, the MPAA board at its meeting here on Wednes- day agreed to grant Johnston a leave of absence for nine months if he ac- cepts the proffered government post. Johnston had two long conferences with Wilson yesterday on the other (Continued on page 3) Tells MPIC U. S. To Need More Aid Hollywood, Jan. 18. — The govern- ment will be seeking the motion pic- ture industry's co-operation in a steadily increasing degree as the mo- bilization program progresses, execu- tive secretary Art Arthur told the Motion Picture Industry Council meeting last night in reporting on his trip last week to Washington and (Continued on page 3) Hamaker in New Evergreen Post Seattle, Jan. 18. — Jack Hamaker, manager of Evergreen's Paramount Theatre, has been appointed city man- ager for the circuit, it is announced by William Thedford, Evergreen vice- president. Delmo Larison will take over Hamaker's former post. UNANIMOUS VOTE REQUIRED IN BOTH NEW COMPO GROUPS Arthur L. Mayer, executive vice- president of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, issued a state- ment yesterday declaring that an er- ror had been made in a previous an- nouncement that the proposed change in COMPO by-laws called for a ma- jority vote in the new board of di- rectors that is to be formed. "A unanimous vote will be neces- sary in both the board of directors and the expanded executive committee," Mayer said. "I am making this an- nouncement to clear up a misunder- standing caused by previous state- ments that were not in accord with the record." 6 Loew's Officers Voted Options on 250,000 Shares Stock options to six key Loew's executives were voted at the board of directors meeting held here on Wednesday, it was announced yester- day by Nicholas M. Schenck, board chairman. The action will come be- fore the March stockholders' meeting for approval. Dore Senary, M-G-M production vice-president, was voted an option of 100,000 shares of common stock and Arthur M. Loew, head of foreign dis- tribution, was voted an option on 40,000 shares. The other four executives, all vice- (Continued on page 3) Lamb Joins Realart In Seattle, Portland Lloyd V. Lamb, active in the indus- try since 1922 and most recently an exhibitor, has joined Realart as the manager of the Seattle and Portland offices of Realart franchise holder N. P. Jacobs, it was announced here yes- terday. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 19, 1951 Stillman Says He's Happy with UA Deal Hollywood, Jan. 18. — Robert Stillman has approved United Artists contracts covering five February openings of his film, "The Sound of Fury," he announced here. Stillman's attitude is that he will con- tinue to accept what he con- siders good contracts with UA regardless of the policy followed by other indepen- d e n t producers releasing through UA. 'Born' Ad Campaign Features Trailers Columbia's "Born Yesterday" is be- ing backed by a strong ad campaign which is concentrating on trailers. In addition to the regular National Screen trailer, three trailers are avail- able for theatre use and a total of 11 for television. Four of the TV trailers were used on one Kate Smith program for the New York showing and the trailers are currently being placed on other New York network shows. Final Para. Bookers Meet in New York The fifth and final regional meeting of Paramount bookers will be held at the Warwick Hotel in New York this weekend, with Joseph Walsh, head of branch operations, presiding. Booking- personnel of the New York, Boston, New Haven, Albany and Buffalo branches will be present, as will East- ern and Southern division manager Hugh Owen. Lippert Buys Two Midwest Exchanges Hollywood, Jan. 18. — Robert L. Lippert has acquired the Chicago and Indianapolis Screen Guild Productions exchanges from John J. Jones, Harry Lorch and Jack Kirsch for a con- sideration exceeding $25,000, it is an- nounced here. They will be operated henceforward as Lippert Pictures branches. W. B. Executives West Ben Kalmenson, Warner distribu- tion vice-president, and Mort Blu- menstock, advertising-publicity vice- president, will leave here today for the Coast to view product ready for spring and early summer release, it was announced. Brotherhood 'Kits' (Continued from page 1) the amusement division, and each is being given enough time to get the program activated in his community. The kits contain a 40 x 60 lobby poster in color, a window card, a press book detailing exploitation and pub- licity ideas and a number of enroll- ment-membership cards. Also enclosed is a letter from Charles M. Reagan, national chairman, amusement divi- sion, urging cooperation. Personal Mention ALFRED E. DAFF, Universal di- rector of world sales, C. J. Feld- man, domestic sales manager, F. J. A. McCarthy, Southern and Canadian sales manager, and Maurice A. Berg- man, home office executive, left New York yesterday for Atlanta and Char- lotte. They will return on Monday. • John P. Byrne, M-G-M's Eastern sales manager, and Paul J. Rich- rath, his home office assistant, are due to return here from Albany at the weekend. • Philip Laufer, Universal Pictures' special field exploitation representa- tive, is due to leave here Sunday for Chicago. • Joseph Lerner, producer-director of "Mr. Universe," is slated to leave here today for Buffalo. • Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of United Paramount Theatres, Inc., has returned here from Detroit. TED LAZARUS, who has resigned from Donahue & Coe, will begin his duties at Eagle Lion Classics on Monday as advertising manager. • Dore Schary, M-G-M vice-presi- dent in charge of production, has been named recipient of the 1950 Humani- tarian Service Medal Award by the Jewish Consumptives Relief Society. • Rose Eidelsberg, of Paramount's talent department, will leave the firm at the end of the month to be married in the spring. • Lynn Farnol, public relations counsellor, has left here for Detroit and Chicago, returning Tuesday. • Arthur Freed, M-G-M producer, will return to the Coast over the weekend. • Dan S. Terrell, head of M-G-M's exploitation department, will return here on Monday from the Coast. Calls 'Dimes' Drive (Most Potent' P. R. Atlanta, Jan. 18. — -Theatre partici- pation in the annual "March of Dimes" is the industry's "most potent public relations," William K. Jen- kins, president of Georgia Theatre Co., said in announcing the support of his circuit to the forthcoming drive. "There has been much discussion as to the advisability from a good busi- ness standpoint, of theatre collections in lobbies," he said. "But we of the Georgia Theatre Co. feel the 'March of Dimes' is indelibly identified with the theatre industry. Therefore, we feel a moral responsibility to do all we can to help meet this year's na- tion goal of $50,000,000." Shea Circuit Lists Managerial Shifts Jack Baumgardt, Shea circuit man- ager at Westfield, Mass., has been ap- pointed city manager at Lancaster, Pa., replacing Fred Lahrmer, re- signed, it is announced here by E. C. Grainger, circuit president. Armand Pepin, city manager at Conneaut, O., will replace Baumgardt at Westfield. Other managerial changes announced are : Robert Limbaugh, manager of Shea's, Gen- eva, O., to city manager at Conneaut, O.; Ray MacNealy, manager of Shea's Or- pheum, McKees Rocks, Pa., to manager of Shea's, Geneva, O. ; William Kibridge, as- sistant manager at New Philadelphia, O., to manager of Shea's Orpheum, McKees Rocks, Pa. ; Tom Durkin, assistant manager, Ashta- bula, O., to city manager, Dover, O.; and Tom Turley, assistant manager, Dover, O., to assistant manager, Ashtabula, O. Writer Wins $5,184 In Suit Against ELC A judgment of $5,184 was levied against Eagle Lion Classics yester- day in New York Supreme Court fol- lowing a three-day hearing before Judge Benedict Dineen on charges by Henry Denker, writer, that his novel, "I'll Be Right Home, Ma" was in- fringed upon in making the E-L pic- ture, "In This Corner." NY Home Office Unit Reelects Brindley Ed Brindley has been re-elected president of IATSE Motion Picture Home Office Employes Local No. H-63. He was unopposed. Other officers elected for the com- ing year are : Harold Chadwick, vice- president ; Harry Baum, treasurer ; Marilyn Alpern, secretary ; Herbert Weisner, sergeant-at-arms. New trustees are : John Sinisi, Donald A. Sardinas and Nat Kris. The new board of directors includes : Gloria Burger, Daisy Buckley, Rudolph Gehm, David Cassidy, Agnes McLaughlin, Marguerite Pollard, Ed- mund Riso, George O'Keefe, Herman Lemmler, Lawrence Cooke and Don- ald Sardinas. Confers at RKO Para, on Phonevision Ted Leitzell, public relations di- rector of Zenith Radio, conferred in New York yesterday with RKO and Paramount officials, but declined to comment on the results of the talks other than to say that Zenith will con- tinue its policy of announcing the titles of films which will be shown on Phonevision during an individual week a few days prior to the start of the program. Leitzell will remain in New York until Tuesday when he will return to his headquarters in Chicago. Seek TV Authority In Massachusetts Boston, Jan. 18. — Legislation was introduced before the Committee of State Administration today for the creation of a Television Education Authority. The proposed authority would study means of establishing an educational television station in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sup- porting the bill was the Massachu- setts Education Association. The cost was estimated at $250,000. Weinberg Finishes Titles for 6 Films Herman G. Weinberg has com- pleted the English titles for seven new foreign films for release this winter, four French, one Mexican and three Italian. They include : "Women With- out Names," starring Simone Simon, Francoise Rosey and Valentina Cor- tesa, directed by Geza Radvanyi, a Lopert Films release ; two Souvaine Selective Films releases, "Lovers of Verona," starring Anouk and Serge Reggiani, directed by Andre Cayette, and "The Little Giants," a remake of "La Maternelle," starring Blanchette Brunoy and Pierre Larquey, directed by Henri Diamant-Berger ; "God Needs Men," an AFE release, a Paul Graetz production, starring Pierre Fresnay ; "Rancho Grande," starring Jorge Negrete, the first Mexican musical in color, released by Azteca Films ; Vittorio de Sica and Anna Magnani in a comedy, "Doctor, Be- ware !", directed by de Sica and re- leased here by Academy Film Co. ; and "Angelo," formerly known as "The Mulatto," directed by Fran- cesco de Robertis, distributed by Sca- lera Films Inc. Hellman Buys Drive-in Albany, Jan. 18. — Neil Hellman, of Hellman theatres, has purchased from David Willig the Auto-Vision, opened in 1940. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center "The MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" starring Louis CALHERN - Ann HARDING A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION Paramount presents _ — afar far Technicolor -ALAN LADD FREEMAN BtCKFQRD 0'CK BROWN Orct Midnight NifhtW The Mudlark £\_Jtt ClHTUHY-tOX a« M.o »! s> se^w bus^ess r*0**' expressiy for * s^ject C" ** additi '°n6dence Ud Jest qU °SSes A*A f 3? "Thai's good Horse Sense from publisher Ben Shlyen." - — GOOD CHEER ON THE SCREEN ! TURN HERE! BE HAPPY! GO LE Now Playing February M-G-M Presents 'PAGAN LOVE SONG'' STARRING ESTHER HOWARD WILLIAMS KEEL COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Robert Nathan and Jerry Uavis Based on the Book "Tahiti Landfall" by William S. Stone Musk by HARRY WARREN Lyrics by ARTHUR FREED Directed by ROBERT ALTON Produced by ARTHUR FREED Now Playing M-G-M Presents VAN KATHRYN JOHNSON ' GRAYSON IN GROUNDS FOR MARRIAGE" PAULA BARRY RAYMOND ' SULLIVAN Lewis STONE • Reginald OWEN A ROBERT Z. LEONARD Production Screen Play by Allen Rivkin and Laura Kerr Story by Samuel Marx Directed by ROBERT Z. LEONARD Produced by SAMUEL MARX M-G-M Presents "THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" STARRING LOUIS CALHERN ANN HARDING Written by Emmet Lavery Based on his Play produced by Arthur Hopkins Directed by JOHN STURGES Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH M-G-M Presents RED SKELTON ARLENE ANN DAHL * MILLER IN "WATCH THE BIRDIE" LEON AMES • PAM BRITTON RICHARD ROBER Screen Play by Ivan Tors, Devery Freeman and Harry Ruskin Based on a Story by Marshall Neilan, Jr. Directed by JACK DONOHUE Produced by HARRY RUSKIN M-G-M Presents RUDYARD KIPLING'S "KIM" STARRING ERROL FLYNN DEAN STOCKWELL PAUL ROBERT LUKAS * DOUGLAS THOMAS GOMEZ . CECIL KELLAWAY ARNOLD MOSS . LAURETTE LUEZ COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Leon Gordon, Helen Deutsch and Richard Schoyer Directed by VICTOR SAVILLE Produced by LEON GORDON M-G-M Presents BURT LANCASTER IN "VENGEANCE VALLEY" CO-STARRING ROBERT WALKER JOANNE DRU SALLY FORREST with JOHN IRELAND RAY COLLINS color by TECHNICOLOR Screen Ploy by Irving Ravetch Based on the Novel and Saturday Evening Post serial by Luke Short Directed by RICHARD THORPE Produced by NICHOLAS NAYFACK February M-G-M Presents LORETTA YOUNG IN "CAUSE FOR ALARM!'' BARRY . BRUCE SULLIVAN COWLING MARGALO GILLMORE Screen Ploy by Mel Dinelli and Tom Lewis Story by Lorry Marcus Directed by TAY GARNETT Produced by TOM LEWIS March M-G-M Presents JANE VAN WYMAN ' JOHNSON HOWARD BARRY KEEL * SULLIVAN IN THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE'' Screen Play by Sidney Sheldon Story by Ruth Brooks Flippen From Suggestions Made by Ethel "Pug" Wells Directed by CHARLES WALTERS Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH March M-G-M Presents STEPHEN CRANE'S GREAT AMERICAN STORY OF THE CIVIL WAR THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE" STARRING AUDIE MURPHY BILL MAULDIN A JOHN HUSTON PRODUCTION Screen Play by John Huslon Adaptation by Albert Band Directed by JOHN HUSTON Produced by GOTTFRIED REINHARDT March M-G-M Presents FRED JANE ASTAIRE POWELL IN ' ROYAL WEDDING" CO-STARRING PETER LAWFORD SARAH KEENAN CHURCHILL * WYNN with ALBERT SHARPE COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR Story and Screen Play by Alan Jay Lerner Music by BURTON LANE • Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER Directed by STANLEY DONEN Produced by ARTHUR FREED M-G-M Presents CLARK GABLE, "ACROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI'' RICARDOMONTALBAN JOHN HODIAK JAMES WHITMORE. Adolphe J. Carrol Jack MENJOU ' NAISH ' HOLT inducing MARIA ELENA MARQUES color by TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Talbot Jennings Story by Talbot Jennings and Frank Cavett Directed by WILLIAM A. WELLMAN Produced by ROBERT SISK April M-G-M Presents SPENCER TRACY JOAN BENNETT ELIZABETH TAYLOR IN FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND" DON TAYLOR • BILLIE BURKE Screen Play by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich Based on Characters Created by Edward Streeter Directed by VINCENTE MINNELLI Produced by PANDRO S. BERMAN May M-G-M Presents "INSIDE STRAIGHT S3 STARRING DAVID ARLENE BRIAN " DAHL BARRY MERCEDES SULLIVAN ' McCAMBRIDGE PAULA RAYMOND CLAUDE JARMAN^ Jr. • LON CHANEY Written by Guy Trosper Directed by GERALD MAYER Produced by RICHARD GOLDSTONE M-G-M Prese.-.ts LASSIE IN THE PAINTED HILLS' :»» < COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR PAUL KELLY • BRUCE COWLING GARY GRAY Screen Play by True Boardmon Based on the Novel "Shep of the Painted Hills" by Alexander Hull Directed by HAROLD F. KRESS Produced by CHESTER M. FRANKLIN on next page READY SOON! The Talk of the Industry! C AVC ItAIIV ASK YOUR M-G-M BRANCH! M-G-M will shortly deliver to theatres with- out charge its celebrated film "THE M-G-M STORY." It has been hailed by the entire trade press as the most constructive step of the year in stimulating public interest. M-G-M makes this large investment (not matched by any other company) as concrete evidence of The Friendly Company's de- termination to back its great product with hard-hitting showmanship. VARIETY: 66 There's heartening stimula- tion and impact to the entire industry in M-G-M's trailer of its forthcoming product - 'THE M-G-M STORY'. Shown at TOA Convention in Houston it changed men who had been most pessi- mistic into bouncing opti- mists by the end of the 60 minute film. It sells very strongly the message that the picture industry with product has the means to successfully hold its own in any market. 99 To quote Daily Variety: PESSIMISTS BECAME OPTIMISTS! WHEN THEY SAW "THE M-G-M STORY In this 60 minute subject, your patrons will see the marvelous sequel to last year's famed "Some of the Best." They will see the M-G-M Studios and Stars in action with footage from 24 coming pictures, 12 of them in Technicolor. Here are the pictures: ACROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI [Technicolor) Clark Gable, Ricardo Montalban, John Hodiak, James Whitmore, Adolphe Menjou, J. Carrol Naish ★ ★ ★ ROYAL WEDDING [Technicolor) Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peler Lawford, Sarah Churchill, Keenan Wynn, Albert Sharpe ★ -k ★ IT'S A BIG COUNTRY A!l-Star Cast ★ * ★ MR. IMPERIUM [Technicolor) Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Marjorie Main, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedrie Hardwicke ★ ★ ★ THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE Louis Calhern, Ann Harding ★ ★ * PEOPLE IN LOVE Ray Milland, Nancy Davis, John Hodiak, Jean Hagen, Lewis Stone ★ ★ ★ KIND LADY Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, Angela Lansbury, Keenan Wynn ★ * * CALLING BULLDOG DRUMMOND Walter Pidgeon, Margaret Leighton, Robert Beatty INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian, Arlene Dahl, Barry Sullivan, Mercedes McCambridge, Paula Raymond, Claude Jorman, Jr., Lon Chaney FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor ★ ★ ★ GO FOR BROKE! Van Johnson and All-Star Cast ★ ★ * SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger, Walter Pidgeon, David Niven, Robert Newton, Cyril Cusack, Greta Gynt, Frank Allenby ★ ★ * THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE Cast of Thousands including Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin THE PAINTED HILLS (Technicolor) Lassie, Paul Kelly, Bruce Cowling, Gary Gray VENGEANCE VALLEY [Technicolor) Burt Lancaster, Robert Walker, Joanne Dru, Sally Forrest, John Ireland, Ray Collins THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, Barry Sullivan ★ ★ ★ PANDORA AND THE FLYING DUTCHMAN (Technicolor) James Mason, Ava Gardner, Nigel Patrick, Sheila Sim, Harold Warrender, Mario Cabre : f" EXCUSE MY DUST (Technicolor) Red Skelton, Sally Forrest, Macdonald Carey, William Demarest, Monica Lewis, Raymond Walburn ★ ★ ★ TERESA Pier Angeli, John Ericson AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (Technicolor) Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary ★ ★ ★ RICH, YOUNG AND PRETTY (Technicolor) Jane Powell, Danielle Darrieux, Wendell Corey, Fernando Lamas, Marcel Dalio, Jean Mural, and introducing Vic Damone SHOW BOAT (Technicolor) Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Joe E. Brown, Marge & Gower Champion, Agnes Moorehead THE GREAT CARUSO (Technicolor) Mario Lanza, Ann Blyth, Dorothy Kirsten, Jarmila Novotna, Blanche Thebom, Teresa Celli, Richard Hageman, Carl Benton Reid (Because "KING SOLOMON'S MINES" is so suc- cessful and although it's currently in release we couldn't resist showing scenes from it again in "The M-G-M Story.") SURPRISE! PLUS AN First Scenes in Technicolor of "QUO VADIS' [Your public wants you, on the next THE FOLKS ARE SAYING BE HAPPY! GO LEO!" LISTEN! the stars, the glamor, the fun, the spectacle of the big motion picture theatre screen 1 We've seen the swell coming M-(rAA shows V m THE M-G-M STORY and well watch for them. As usual we're all saying VBE HAPPY! GO LEO!'" Tuesday, January 23, 1951 Motion Picture daily li in Brief . . . Admission Hike in Midwest Theatres Madison, Wis., Jan. 22 — First run theatres have hiked their prices for adults four cents for matinees to 60 cents and five cents evenings to 76 cents. Meanwhile in Kansas City, Fox Midwest's Fairway, Tower and Uptown have raised admissions from 45 cents matinees and 65 cents for holiday matinees to 50 cents and 75 cents. The cir- cuit also has raised admis- sions of many out-of-town houses, usually by five cents. WB Divorce (Continued from page 1) holders yesterday. A ruling from the the Treasury Department states that stock exchange will result in no tax- able gain or deductible loss, Warner said. Stock in both companies may be held by anyone who is not a direc- tor, officer, agent or employee of either of the new companies. The proxy statement lists the cap- ital stock and surplus pro forma of the new theatre company as of Aug. 31, 1950, as $80,423,375 and of the new picture company as $49,730,285. Proforma consolidated earnings state- ments for both companies for the past 10 years are also listed. In the year ending Aug. 31, 1950, the net profit after taxes of the new theatre com- pany is listed as $6,143,341 and of the new picture company as $4,128,316. The net profit credited the new picture company in the pro forma statement compares with a net profit of $138,595 for 1949 and a loss of $246,569 in 1948. The pro forma state- ment for the new theatre company shows a 1949 net profit of $10,327,939 for 1949 and $12,083,822 for 1948, as compared with the $6,143,341 for 1950. Has 436 Theatres The new theatre company and its wholy-owned subsidiaries has 436 the- atres, consisting of 236 theatres owned in fee, 191 lease theatres and nine the- atres partly owned and partly leased. Of these, 20 are closed, seven are leased or sublet to a 50 per cent owned subsidiary and three are leased or sublet to others. Under the consent decree, Warner or the new theatre company must di- vest itself of 54 theatres, half within one year and all within two years. Divestiture of 27 more theatres may be required, depending upon certain contingencies embodied in the decree. The new picture company will con- tinue production and its subsidiaries will continue distribution through its domestic and foreign exchanges. In addition to the production, distribu- tion and processing facilities which will be retained by the new picture company, it will own a 37 ^ per cent interest in Associated British Pic- ture Corp., a 400-theatre circuit in the British Isles ; a theatre in London and three theatres in Latin America ; and will own the Music Publisher Holding Corp., which owns M. Wit- mark & Sons, Harms, Inc., and Re- mick Music Corp., all music publish- ers, and Edward A. Stege Co., en- gaged in printing music. To Elect Directors In addition to voting on the reor- ganization plan, the Warner stock- holders will elect five directors for two-year terms. Nominated by the di- rectors for re-election are Samuel Carlisle, controller and assistant treas- urer, Stanleigh P. Friedman, vice- president, Charles S. Guggenheimer, member of the law firm of Guggen- heimer and Untermyer, Samuel Schneider, vice-president, and Mor- ris Wolf, member of the law firm, of Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen. The proxy statement said that no selection of officers and directors of the two new companies has yet been made. Under terms of the decree the new boards and officers must be com- pletely separate. Warner, under the reorganization, will determine the initial boards and; managements. Warner to Cancel Treasury Shares Warner will cancel 523,000 treasury-held shares of stock under its reorganization plan, leaving 6,772,000 shares out- standing. No fractional shares will be given to stockholders un- der the exchange plan of one- half share in each new com- pany in return for each share of outstanding Warner stock. Instead a cash payment equal to the market value on the day preceding reorgani- zation will be made. W.B. Plugs Rare Capitol Booking With the opening on Thursday of Warners' "The Enforcer" at the Capi- tol here to mark the first time in many years that a Warner picture will have played the Loew's flagship house, Mort Blumenstock's WB advertising- exploitation department has set up an extensive city-wide campaign to herald the world premiere. Highlighting the campaign is a "Big Blue Eyes" contest which will be given radio and television coverage. Radio programs and TV shows set to spur the contest include, Martha Deane, WOR; Herb Sheldon, WJZ ; Ted Steele Show, WPIX ; Steve Allen pro- gram, CBS-TV; Jack Lacey, WINS; Bobby Sherwood Show, CBS-TV; Date In Manhattan, WBNT-TV, and Luncheon At Sardi's, WOR and WOR-TV. Extensive advertising in the New York dailies also will pro- mote the film. Dawson Again Head Of Magazine Unit Hal Dawson of Dell Publishing Co. has been elected president of the As- sociation of Screen Magazine Publish- ers for the fourth time. Gifford Plume of Fawcett Publications was elected vice-president and Sid Kalish of Hill- man Periodicals, Inc., secretary-treas- urer. New directors are Harold Clark, advertising director of Dell, J. Fred Henry, head of J. Fred Henry Publi- cations.; and Gifford Plume. TV 'Effective' for Selling Para. Films Albany, Jan. 22. — Paramount is using television to exploit its pic- tures, because the medium is effective, Edward J. Wall, director of advertis- ing-publicity in the Albany and Buf- falo districts, stated in an interview today over WRGB, Schenectady. Wall said Barney Balaban, Para- mount president, recently declared television is not the reason for the decline in film grosses, Canadian grosses, without television, being off just as much as in the United States. 20th-Fox Sets 'Lucky' "Lucky Nick Cain," with George Raft and Coleen Gray, will be re- leased by 20th-Century-Fpx, it was announced by the company. The pic- ture was formerly titled "I'll Get You For This," and was filmed overseas by Kaydor Productions. Hollywood, Jan. 22. — P'at de Cicco, ■vice-president of United Artists The- atres of California is on an indefinite leave of absence to devote himself to his recently organized Bonbon Corp., supplying chocolate-covered ice cream for theatre sales. Arnold Cbildhouse will take over de Cicco's circuit duties. • Samuel Goldwyn has signed George Balanchine, head of the New York City Ballet, to conceive and direct the ballet sequences for the forthcoming- Technicolor film based on the life of Hans Christian Andersen, starring Danny Kaye and Moira Shearer, it was announced here. • Manfred George, film editor of the German language newspaper Aufbau has been reelected president of the Foreign Langauge Press Film Critics' Circle. Louis Schaeffer, film editor of the Jewish Daily Forzvard was elected vice-president, and Sigmund Gottlober, director of the American Foreign Language Press, was reelected execu- tive secretary. Milwaukee, Jan. 22. — In conjunc- tion with the "Hall of Montezuma" opening at the Fox- Wisconsin here yesterday, Fox-Wisconsin Amuse- ment invited 26 wounded marines recently returned from Korea to a luncheon in their honor. • Novelist and playwright Irwin Shaw has been signed by Samuel Goldwyn to do the screen dramatiza- tion of "I Want You," a film story based on how America's mobilization affects the country's youth and their families. • Paramount's "Trio" scored a $3,585 gross in its first two days at the 850- seat Avenue Theatre in Montreal, the home office reported. It reported also that the 365-seat Vogue in San Fran- cisco grossed $4,225 for five days, and termed both gross figures new records. • The advertising campaign for 20th Century-Fox's "Of Men and Music" will feature specially created ads by commercial artist Erik Nitsche, whose work in the "No Way Out" cam- paign won wide recognition. • Cleveland, Jan. 22. — Cleveland M. P. Exhibitors Association will elect officers at its annual meeting here Jan. 30. Ernest Schwartz has been CMPEA president for the past 17 years. Preceding the business meeting will be a luncheon with Mayor Thomas A. Burke, and city officials as guests of honor. • Baltimore, Jan. 22. — Installation of new officers of the Baltimore Variety Club, Tent No. 19, will be held to- morrow in the Variety club rooms here. William G. Myers is the new chief barker, succeeding Rodney Col- lier who has been named International Canvasman. • Cincinnati, Jan. 22. — The Cincin- nati Variety Club will hold an in- stallation dinner-dance at the Nether- land Plaza Hotel here Feb. 10. Vance Schwartz, circuit operator, will serve, a second term as chief barker. Pa. Censors Urge Control Over TV Washington, Jan. 22. — Pennsyl- vania's film censors told the Supreme Court today that it hardly makes sense to allow state censorship boards to censor films in theatres and yet pro- hibit them from censoring films shown by television in the home. The Pennsylvania censorship board took this stand in a second brief filed in the High Court in support of its appeal from a Third Circuit Court decision that state censors cannot con- trol films on TV because the Federal government had preempted regulation in this field. The High Court is ex- pected to say whether or not it will hear the appeal on Feb. 26. The brief emphasized that Pennsly- vania is not attempting to prohibit television broadcasters from operating stations but only to make sure that immoral and obscene films are not shown on those stations. Cinecolor Report (Continued from page 1) for Supercinecolor and Cinecolor has exceeded plant capacity and $200,000 will be spent during 1951 for further conversion and additional three-color facilities. Executive vice-president Karl Herzog, in the report, stated that "Development of Supercinecolor has improved and revitalized our en- tire operation. It has given us the means to compete in processing color films for the industry as well as un- predictable possibilities in the field of color television and commercial film requirements." ' George H. Spires, Sr. George H. Spires, Sr., father of George H. Spires, Jr., of the editorial staff of the Motion Picture Herald now on military leave in the Army, died at his home in Atlantic High- lands, N. J. on Saturday. A Requiem Mass was held yesterday morning at St. Agnes Church and burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Redbank, N. J. Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Nell Spires, and three sons, James, now in Japan; Major George H. Spires. Jr., now at Camp Pickett, Va. and Frank, also two sisters, Mrs. James Jaffey and Mrs. Frank Kelly. Paul Leroux, 48 Ottawa, Jan. 22. — Paul Leroux, 48, manager of the Pix Theatre in Ayl- mer, Quebec, died suddenly at his home here. His widow and daughter survive. 12 Motion Picture daily Tuesday, January 23, 1951 What the Critics Say "Let me add my congratulations on the splendid Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily. "Like all who work on deadlines and scrape for news, to us time is of greatest essence. Being close to 1,000 miles from the entertainment capital of the world is a handicap. But your 'winged' edition, as someone has already called it, keeps us abreast of the news almost as it happens. "You, definitely are meeting a deadline as far as we and thousands of showmen in this area are con- cerned."—Paul Jones, Film, Radio, TV Critic, Atlanta (Ga.) Journal and Atlanta Constitution. "Since the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily first began arriving at my desk, I've been reaching for it even before my own personal fan mail. Its newsy shorts are just what I need to salt my pages with hot- off -the-grid die Hollywood and Broadway items. "I'm a pushover for airmail anyway, but the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily I love because it keeps me so well-informed about my business and my editors are impressed by my job-hepness (or does my brag- gadocio show?)— Peggy Doyle, Drama Editor, Boston, (Mass.) American. National Pre-Selling A TRIPLE exploitation barrage util- izing endorsements by three members of the cast of 20th Century- Fox's "I'll Climb the Highest Moun- tain" is bringing the film to the favor- able attention of millions of house- wives. Seven million mailing pieces featuring an endorsement by Susan Hayward are being sent out by Lever Bros, in a Lux Soap tieup. A picture and short biography of William Lun- digan are being carried on 20,000,000 Royal Dessert packages and in a tieup with Estate Stove Co., Barbara Bates • is being featured in full-page ads in Farm Journal, Household magazine and in Sunday newspaper supplements in 70 cities. Paramount's "September Affair," zvhich will be the next attraction in the Radio City Music Hall, is Look Magazine's "Movie of the Week" in the Jan. 30 issue. Look hails the picture with a three-page spread including a laudatory review zvhich points up the love story. Included in the layout is a story on French actress, Francoise Rosay, who co-stars with Joan Fon- taine and Joseph Cotten. Total read- ership is claimed at 19,000,000. o "Born Yesterday" starring Judy Holliday, has been chosen by Flor- ence Somers, Redbook feature edi- tor, as "Picture of the Month" in the February issue. Miss Somers describes it as "one of the raciest comedies to come out of Hollywood and it's good fun." Four other films are named, "Cyrano de Bergerac," "The Magnificent Yankee," "Storm Warning" and "September Affair." • Although she declined to do so for many years, Mary Coyle Chase, author of the Broadway stage success "Har- vey," has finally written the story of how she came to write the play about the imaginary pooka. "My Life With Harvey" will appear in McCall's for February on the newsstands this week, with several pages of pictures and text for the promotion of the film. McCall's also will contain two beauty articles arranged by the Hol- lywood editorial office, which opened last summer. The articles reflect a broader coverage of motion pictures for the magazine's 4,000,000 readers. The Jane Greer story, by Dolly Reed, beauty editor, is a two-page spread in which the RKO player explains Hol- lywood make-up tricks. The Nancy Davis article shows the gentlest ways of taking off every smitch of make-up. "The Private Life of a 14- Year-Old Girl" also in the February McCall's, contains the results of a poll taken of 454 'teen-age students at Sidney Lan- ier Junior High School in Houston. Things of interest to the film industry are types of films preferred and favor- ite male and female stars. • Parade, the Sunday picture maga- zine that appears in 33 metropolitan newspapers with a total readership of more than 13,000,000, carried a Louis Calhern story in its Jan. 14 issue and a Peggy Dowd feature on Jan. 21. A story of Lana Turner types will appear in the issue of Feb. 4. • Charlton Heston, a Hal Wallace discovery, is profiled in Seventeen's February issue. Written by the Ed- Lesser Charters New Set Effects Company Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Vistascope Corporation of America, organized to manufacture, license and service _ a new device adaptable to motion pic- ture or television production, was in- corporated at Sacramento at the weekend by Sol Lesser and Asso- ciates. Lesser is board chairman; Julian Lesser, president ; and Barney Briskin, vice-president. Invented by Achille Pierre Dufour, Paris, the device is represented as enabling producers to substitute pho- tographed interiors and exteriors for sets and locations at substantial sav- ings. A press demonstration has been set for 'Thursday here. win Miller, the piece is entitled "The Name Is New." Heston, star of "Dark City" will next be seen in "The Greatest Show On Earth." • Three new national tie-tups have been added to the mounting exploita- tion campaign for 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise." Arthur Murray and his dance studios will introduce a special Paradise ballroom dance, which will be supported with full-scale local publicity campaigns backed by theatres playing the film. Two travel tie-ups have been set with the President Steamship Line and the British Overseas Airways Corp. The companies, which service the South Pacific, will feature _ large Easter window displays on "Bird of Paradise" in their offices in New York and throughout the country. • Posters reaching more than 2,000,000 daily throughout the U. S., plus ex- tensive advertising linage in major city newspapers, will result from, a three-way tieup between Burlington American Trailways, Mutual Broad- casting and Robert Stillman's new film, "Queen for a Day." The deal calls for posting in 2,550 bus stations and ticket offices and more than 5,000 displays ballyhooing the air program and the picture, with coincidental plac- ing of newspaper advertising for the opening of the film in local theatres. — Walter Brooks. Skourases Named to Greek Church Body Hollywood, Jan. 22. — The Most Reverend Athenagoras, presiding Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church for 11 Western states, has named Charles and Spyros Skouras to a combined council of the Greek Orthodox Diocese, it was announced here today. The council consists of clergy and laymen selected to assist the Most Reverend Archbishop Michael, head of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America, in the administra- tion of temporal affairs. VFW to Cite Yates On Coast Saturday Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Military, state and officials will witness the awarding of a gold citizenship medal and certificate of medit by the Vete- rans of Foreign Wars to Herbert J. Yates, Republican president. Saturday at luncheon ceremonies at the Bilt- more Hotel here. "This award is the highest honor the 1,200,000 fighting men in VFW can bestow," said VFW Department Commander Donald L. Warner. 20th-Fox Lays Off 12 for Economy Five publicists and seven secre- taries and office workers employed in the 20th Century-Fox home office ad- vertising-publicity department were let out by the company yesterday in an economy move. Of the five who were Screen Publicists Guild mem- bers, three were artists and two were magazine contacts. They will receive double severance pay. A protest against the lay-offs was discussed at an SPG meeting last night, following SPG efforts to have the employes reinstated. At last night's meeting, the membership in the 20th Century-Fox unit of SPG au- thorized a strike, the resolution re- ceiving the "overwhelming" endorse- ment of the unit, according to a "union spokesman. France-Reich Deal Reported Washington, Jan. 22. — The State Department has asked its Frankfurt staff to investigate an alleged secret Franco-German film agreement under which the French were reported to have agreed to accept a quota on the number of films they can send to Ger- many each year. The Department acted on a protest of the Motion Picture Association, it was learned. According to a reliable source, MPAA found out about the secret French agreement and protested on the ground that the French, by agreeing to take a quota, were under- mining U. S. efforts to prevent any German film import quotas and had broken a Franco-British-American agreement to present a common front to the West German government on the quota question. Department offi- cials, it was reported, agreed that if such an agreement existed it was a breach of the tripartite agreement and a serious blow to U. S. efforts to get unrestricted film imports into Ger- many, and accordingly have asked the German staff in Germany to investi- gate and report. See Final 'Miracle* Action After Feb. 15 Despite the hearing set here on "The Miracle" Jan. 30, definite action on revoking the license could not take place until the next regular meeting of the Board of Regents Feb. 15-16, unless a special meeting is called in the meantime. Meanwhile, Jacob L. Holtzmann, member of the three-man subcom- mittee that will hear arguments on Jan. 30 on grounds for revoking the film's license, denied that "The Miracle" had been called "sacri- legious" by the regents. He said the regents have not made "a determina- tion that the board has the power to rescind the action of the Motion Pic- ture Division in issuing a license" to the film. These matters will be con- sidered and determined only after the Regents have had an opportunity to consider fully all affidavits and briefs which may be submitted" at the Jan. 30 hearing. The Paris Theatre here Friday night, where the controversial film is playing, was emptied by the police in a hurry following a false bomb scare. NPA Tightens Up Metals Supplies Washington, Jan. 22. — Still fur- ther tightening in available supplies of key metals was in store for civilian users as a result of orders and predic- tions of the National Production Au- thority. NPA officials told a meeting of offi- cials from firms making air condition- ing apparatus that the copper supply situation will continue tight and that aluminum shortages will not ease for some time until additional facilities now under construction are completed during the next 18 months. NPA orders today increased the amount of steel that firms must set aside for defense orders and allocated all forms of tungstens to essential production. NPA orders restricting use of nickel and zinc to essential pro- duction are due shortly. If you go for the 14 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 23, 1951 Review "The Enforcer" (United States Pictures-— Warner Brothers) HUMPHREY Bogart again fortunately is cast in one of those snarling, sin- ewy roles that allows his best talents full expression. The story is about a gang of outlaws who deal in murder and sell their services to anyone who pays the price. The narrative has been extremely well-forged and it is endowed with an engrossing quality all the way. There are some magnetic performances in the lesser roles that add memorable touches, all of which is a compliment to Bretaigne Windust's smooth-working direction. The film is strong, meaty entertainment and it should go over well commercially. Bogart plays the assistant district attorney who is bent on uprooting the entire gang of murder peddlers. When at last he has the head of the gang behind bars with an open and shut case against him, a crucial witness is killed in a panicky leap through a window. Thus the case again seemingly has col- lapsed. In a last desperate effort to find some clue to work with, Bogart starts reviewing the long record of the case, and thus in flashback there comes the whole sordid story of the gang. Bogart picks up a fragment of vital informa- tion, pursues it relentlessly, with the gory trail leading to the uncovering of a wholesale number of murders. In time Bogart is able to track down and bring to court the one witness that paves the way for the underworld mastermind's conviction. Zero Mostel admirably portrays his bit as the nervous, vain, small-time hooligan who finally cracks. In the role of the gang head, Everett Sloane, is, as usual, convincing and dynamic. Others who provide wonderful support are Ted De Corsia, as a hoodlum, and Roy Roberts, as a police captain. Although there are woman in the cast of this United States Pictures produc- tion, none plays an orthodox romantic role. Milton Sperling produced from the screenplay by Martin Rackin. A special prologue has been attached to the film in which a brief message on crime is given by Senator Estes Kefauver, chairman of the U. S. Commission to Investigate Organized Crime. Running time, 87 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Feb. 24. Mandel Herbstman UK Film Employes Council (Continued from page 1) Arbitration (Continued from page 1) the subject of arbitration was not even mentioned. Since then, spearheaded by Theatre Owners of America and with consid- erable distributor support, efforts have been made to consolidate industry sen- timent in support of establishment of a new system of arbitration or concili- ation. One meeting was held here sev- eral months ago to explore early pos- sibilities, following which William F. Rodgers, distribution vice-president of Loew's, was requested to sound out Allied officials on the proposals, since little further could be done without Allied's participation. It has been un- officially reported that Rodgers met with no encouragement from any Al- lied source on the latter organiza- tion's participation. Some Allied officials take the posi- tion that anyone who wishes to do so can have an industry dispute sub- mitted to arbitration now and that without a greater demand for a perma- nent, formal system of industry-wide arbitration on the part of its member- ship, it is content with things as they are. It is surmised in some industry quarters that even should Allied agree to participate in such a system it would insist upon conditions and pro- visions which probably would be diffi- cult of adoption or would hold its par- ticipation to a minimum. Allied's Plan (Continued from page 1) letters were also transmitted to the Department of Justice at Washington. Allied's position is that bidding be- tween independents and non-affiliated circuits for product is not necessary under any of the industry court de- crees and that distributors sometimes use it as a device to hike rentals. Allied is endeavoring to get defendant companies in the Paramount case to agree to and request the Federal sta- tutory court here for a change in the phraseology of the decree covering competitive bidding which would re- lieve independent theatres of bidding against each other for product. Allied is not a party to the suit and hence cannot bring the proposal before the court itself. Sales Heads Look To Kirsch on Meet No steps have been taken toward calling an industry conference in Chi- cago to discuss the state of business in that area, as suggested by Jack Kirsch at the 20th anniversary ban- quet of Illinois Allied last month, nor are any likely to be taken unless Kirsch or other Chicago exhibitors present a more specific plan. This was the attitude of distribu- tion executives yesterday, several of whom were present at the dinner where Kirsch originally made the proposal. In general, the home office officials expressed a willingness to participate in, but not initiate, a "forum" which would deal with the major problems facing Chicago area exhibitors. Kirsch followed up his invitation given at the dinner with a statement several days later that he felt it was up to the distributors to act next. British pictures are more profitable than American. He claimed also that the present structure of marketing in England was developed almost en- tirely for the service of American product. Subsequent debate revealed varying degrees of anti- American and anti-J. Arthur Rank bias. The electricians union contended that the British film industry is the first victim of Marshall Plan aid. Attempts by America to interfere in the internal affairs of this country already are so common- place that we no longer are shocked by them," a spokesman for that union said. This allegation provoked indignant protests, particularly from actors, but nevertheless the anti-American theme continued throughout with several delegates demanding that American- made quota pictures have British producers, directors and stars. File Ticket Tax Bill On Tenn. Drive-ins Nashville, Jan. 22. — A bill, sup- ported by the Tennessee Municipal League, calling for a four-cent tax on each admission to drive-ins has been introduced in the Tennessee State Legislature. The proponents explained that the projected drive-in tax would match local taxes already being paid by theatres here within city limits. Wisconsin Allied to Meet at Madison Milwaukee, Jan. 22. — Allied Inde- pendent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin will hold a regional meeting on Feb. 6 at the Hotel Lorraine at Madison. A film clinic will be held for the discus- sion of buying and booking problems. George Elvin, FIEC general secre- tary, alleged that British exhibitors are confederates of Hollywood by buying American pictures cheaper than British in order to kill the latter. Elvin called for state distribution with fixed maximum distribution charges for all pictures, including American, and also a steepened quota with if necessary, imprisonment of de- faulters. He charged that the plan for improvement announced by James H. Lawrie, head of the British gov- ernments' National Film Finance Corp., was merely a subterfuge to sub- sidize not independents but film trusts, "like Rank." Informed opinion holds that the situation represented by the meeting's expressions increasingly demands a more aggressive propaganda approach not merely by the Exhibitors' Asso- ciation here but particularly by American interests. NPA Names Golden Film Unit Director Washington, Jan. 22. — The Na- tional Production Authority has an- nounced the appointment of Nathan D. Golden as director of NPA's Motion Picture and Photographic Products division. Golden has been acting director. Name Three to Cal. Drive Posts San Francisco, Jan. 22. — Ben Levin, of General Theatrical, has been named exhibitor chairman here for the March of Dimes, now under way. Joseph Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld The- atres, is Northern California exhibitor chairman for Brotherhood Week. Neal East, Paramount exchange man- ager, is distributor chairman. NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) stantial $125,000 for its first seven days. On the stage, Leonidoff in- terprets Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Two other stage-film houses are changing bills after two-week stands. At the Paramount, "At War with the Army" comes in tomorrow following the second and final week of "Brand- ed," which is expected to total $53,000. At the Capitol, "Grounds for Mar- riage," with a fair $43,000 for its sec- ond week, will be replaced on Thurs- day with "The Enforcer," first War- ner picture to play the Loew's house in years. "Dallas" holds at the Strand, with a moderate $34,000 due for its second week. "Halls of Montezuma" again failed to live up to a smash opening week of $110,000, with only $62,000 ex- pected for a third week at the Roxy. "Born Yesterday" continues to lead the parade among the straight film policy houses, with the Victoria ex- pecting to take in a fine $36,000 for a fifth week with the film. Also doing good business are "The Mudlark" at the Rivoli, with $17,000 in sight for a fifth week, and "Harvey" at the Astor, where $20,000 is expected for a fifth week. "Vendetta" will close today at the Globe after a nice run of a little more than four weeks, with $12,500 regis- tered for the final stanza. "Mad Wed- nesday" opens there tomorrow. "The Sun Sets at Dawn" is concluding its second and final week at the May- fair with a mild $10,000; a pair of M-G-M reissues, "The Big Store" and "The Last Gangster," will take over on Saturday. "Operation Disaster" is doing satisfactory business at the Cri- terion, with $10,000 due for a second week. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is still doing- good business at the Bijou on a two- day, reserved seat policy, with about $11,000 expected for an 11th week. Off the main stem, Trans Lux 52nd St., is happy with $13,000 coming in for the sixth week of "Seven Days to Noon" and "Trio" is settling into a profitable rut at the Sutton with $8,500 estimated for a 16th week. "The Blue Lamp" at the Park Avenue has chalked up an excellent $8,000 for its second week. Midwest Cities (Continued from page lj pictures vying for top honors in bring- ing rejuvenation to the district there are : "Kim," Lyric ; "Halls of Monte- zuma," Gopher; "Born Yesterday," RKO Orpheum ; "The Next Voice You Hear," World. Harry B. French, Sr., president of Minnesota Amusement, noted "a very definite upsurge in business at theatres since Christmas, particularly in the cities, but outstate as well." He said he had "every reason to believe" the four big openings in one week in Min- neapolis "will result in a healthy out- come." Business at the Milwaukee box- offices has been "very good" the past two weeks. One branch manager there ventured that grosses during the past week are the same as last year's. 'The Man' Opens Feb. 8 "The Man Who Cheated Himself," 20th Century-Fox release of a Jack M. Warner production, will have its first New York showing at the Palace Theatre here Feb. 8. — * B 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 a 1 1 1 1 1 8 M i S 1 1 1 « 1 i 1 1 B 1 1 1 1 1 B 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 g 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B I i I B 1 1 8 i 1 1 i B I B 0 B 1 1 B a S H e 1 1 B 1 1 1 S 1 1 1 1 B 3 1 B E E I S 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 a 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B I a I i I a I B I fl 1 1 1 B B 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 fl I »- fame and fortune . . 1 In each field there is one product that is recognized as the most distinguished in its sphere — the accepted peer among all others of its kind. The single word that expresses the utmost in fine jewelry is TIFFANY. In automobiles it is CADILLAC . Among publications for industry and I business it is FORTUNE. | | And among annual trade publications for the fields of motion pictures, | radio and television it is FAME. There is an indefinable, but nevertheless = definite, extra measure of benefit — a greater prestige value derived by the many who make appropriate use of the pages of FAME. It represents a rewarding opportunity — an investment that pays 1 well and soundly! = [A short time now remains for advertisers to secure space in the forthcoming issue). =?IIEaflaiBlBlBaBBailiaiiaBflIBBBBIBIflBlflflBBBBBBIBIflBB[aiaiBaBliaBaflBBIflBBflafliaiBBIfllBlfliaBaBIBiaBaBaBIBIIIBBIflBflaBIBl-liaBflBBBaBIfllflBBflIflBfllBIBflflBflBBflflBlflIfllflBBBIBBflIBIBIB l7? tu3Ploy*. F«5*V AND SATURDAY ArTEN0ANc I*0** ALL RECORDS AT Bttifwi.^ sot BROKEN, THAT ///// 2£M CENTURY-FOX F !RST FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 16 NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1951 TEN CENTS Little Chance Seen of Allied In Arbitration No Move Made to Place It on Board's Agenda There is little or no evidence of any disposition among Allied States leaders as the time draws near for the organization's annual board of directors' meeting to en- deavor to swing Allied behind current industry moves for establishment of a new industry arbitration system. With the annual board meet- ing, Feb. 15-16, in Washington only three weeks away, no move has been made yet to place the subject of arbitration on the meeting's agenda, it is learned. Even should this happen in the en- suing weeks, any director attending the meeting could move to have the matter tabled. That is what happened a year ago at Allied's board meeting, while at the more recent fall meeting {Continued on page 14) Allied's Bid Plan To Company Heads Allied's proposals on competitive bidding have been received by presi- dents of the major distributing com- panies here and are being studied in relation to the various government de- crees involving trade practices. The letters, sent out by Abram F. Myers, Allied general counsel, are the work of an Allied special committee on bidding, set up at the organiza- tion's last convention to combat bid- ding practices believed by Allied to ' be harmful to independent exhibitors. It is understood that copies of the (Continued on page 14) 18 in 6 Months for Para. Production Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Paramount will put 18 films into production dur- ing the next six months, -according to Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president in charge of studio operations. Five will be in Technicolor. Freeman pointed out the production schedule is geared to the recently announced policy of in- creasing output by 50 per cent. The picture will be made in the fol- {Continued on page 2) UK Film Employes Council Demands Increased Quota Must Show Books in Anti-Trust Action Salt Lake City, Jan. 22.— Judge Willis W. Ritter has granted in Federal Court here the motion of J. A. Christensen to examine dis- tributor records back to 1937 in connection with the anti- trust action which Christen- sen has filed against distribu- tors and circuits. Addition- ally, Judge Ritter will allow distributors and circuits to examine defendants' records back to the same year. The case is scheduled to go to trial here in April. Steady Pace At NY Runs Business at Broadway first runs is maintaining a steady but unspectacu- lar pace, with public high school stu- dents expected to swell matinee attend- ance because of the current regents' examinations. The week's only opener, "The Mag- nificent Yankee" at Radio City Music Hall, is expected to bring in a sub- (Continued on page 14) By PETER BURNUP London, Jan. 22 — At a meeting here yesterday, the Film Industry Em- ployees Council approved a 10-point program including governmental, re- quisitioning of idle studios, extension of the National Film Finance Corp. to enable independents to maintain continuity of production, an increased quota with restoration of the renters' quota, legislatively ordained bigger box-office returns for producers, breakup of circuit domination and re- duction of the entertainment tax. The council represents directors, stars, extras, musicians, electricians and technicians. A deputation shortly will call on Harold Wilson, president of the British Board of Trade, to dis- cuss the program. In an address opening the con- ference, Sir Laurence Olivier accused exhibitors of getting an unfair share of box-office receipts and warned them that "other irons are approach- ing the fire," for example, television and Phonevision. "Let the exhibitors deal justly with us while we're still friends," Sir Laurence declared. Citing the Motion Picture Her- ald's recent box-office survey and poll, the actor-producer declared that ( Continued on page 14) WB Divorce Plan Goes to Stockholders Approval Will Be Sought At Feb. 20 Meeting Business Booms In Big Midwest Cities Two big Midwestern cities, Minne- apolis and Milwaukee, have marked a sudden upswing in business at down- town theatres. "It looks like old times in the Min- neapolis loop this week," is the report received from that city. Theatres and (Continued on page 14) Cinecolor Shows Net Loss of $604,642 Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Cinecolor, in its sixth annual report to stockholders, today disclosed a net loss of $604,642 for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1950, with approximately half of the net loss figure attributed to what was described as successful experimenta- tion in Supercinecolor process now in use. The report stated that the demand (Continued on page 11) CAPITAL MEET TODAY WILL SET MP A MANAGEMENT PLAN A plan of reorganization, to be effective on or before April 4, 1953, which will split the present War- ner company into a new theatre company and" a new production-dis- tribution company in compliance with its consent decree, has been submitted to Warner stockholders. The proposals will be acted upon at the annual stockhold- ers' meeting on Feb. 20 at Wilmington, Del. Approval is required by holders of two- thirds of the stock. Stock in the two new companies will be issued to the present stock- holders at the rate of one-half share in each company for each share of the present company, H. M. Warner, president, said in a letter accompany- ing the proxy statement sent to stock- (Continued on page 11) Interstate Might Buy Up UPT Stake Dallas, Jan. 22. — The deal under discussion for more than a year by which the United Paramount The- atres' and Karl Hoblitzelle and asso- ciates' 50-50 interests in Interstate Circuit of Texas would be broken up has not been finally determined yet and "might go either way," Robert J. O'Donnell of Interstate said to- day on his return here from an East- ern trip. Unfounded reports published earlier had UPT buying up the Hoblitzelle- O'Donnell interest and remaining as (Continued on page 11) - Washington, Jan. 22/ — Procedures for running Motion Picture Associa- tion affairs during the absence of its president, Eric A. Johnston, will be discussed here tomorrow at a staff meeting of top officials of the New York and Washington offices of MPAA. John McCarthy, Sidney Schreiber, and Fred Duvall are among the offi- cials expected from New York to meet with Joyce O'Hara and other Wash- ington staffers. It was indicated earlier that O'Hara will run the association in Johnston's absence, with frequent staff meetings and perhaps more frequent board meet- ings. For the time being, at least, no change is planned in his designation as assistant to Johnston. Full Senate confirmation of John- ston as ES A director is seen assured. Senate Unit Speeds Johnston Approval Washington, Jan. 22. — Acting with unusual speed, the Senate Banking- Committee this afternoon unanimously reported the nomination of Eric A. Johnston, Motion Picture Association of America president, to be director of the Economic Stabilization Agency. The action came just about four hours after President Truman sent the nomination to the Senate for ap- (Continued on page 11) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 23, 1951 Personal Mention EMANUEL SILVERSTONE, of 20th Century-Fox International Corp., is slated to sail today for Europe from here aboard the ■S.-S'. America. Kathleen Bourne, M-G-M story head in England, Fred Young and Cyril Cambridge, head of the camera and electrical departments at M-G-M's British studios, respectively, have com- pleted their visit to the Coast studio and are due to return to London from here. Miss Bourne will leave here at the end of the week while Young and Cambridge will leave tomorrow. • Henderson M. Richey, sales pro- motion manager of M-G-M, has been elected a member of the board of di- rectors of the Huguenot Trust Com- pany, New Rochelle, N. Y. • Dan S. Terrell, head of M-G-M's exploitation department, has delayed his return here from the Coast until tomorrow. F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal-In- ternational Southern and Canadian sales manager, is due to leave here to- day for Toronto. Herb Joseph has been appointed radio time buyer and national news- paper space buyer for Charles Schlaifer & Co. Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independent Motion Pic- ture Producers, has returned to New York from Atlanta. • J. Frank Durkee, head of Durkee Enterprises in Maryland, has left Baltimore to spend the balance of the winter in Florida. • John P. Byrne, M-G-M Eastern sales manager, is spending the week in Boston. • Rudy Berger, M-G-M's Southern sales manager, is slated to arrive here Thursday from Washington. • Phil Gerard, Universal Pictures Eastern publicity manager, was in Washington from here yesterday. • Hugh Owen, Paramount Eastern and Southern division manager, is in Charlotte today from New York. • William Van Dusen, aviation publicist, has been appointed vice- president of Eastern Air Lines, Inc. • Pat Patterson, National Screen Service booker at Atlanta, is back at her desk after an illness. • Leon Bach, executive of Rome Theatres, Baltimore, has returned there from Hollywood. C. (Pop) Gehlson, Burke, S. D., exhibitor, underwent a leg amputation and is now resting at his home. Ask Soviet Return Of 'Smith,' 'Deeds' Washington, Jan. 22. — The State Department announced today that its Embassy in Moscow had asked the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs to halt all unauthorized showings in Russia of "Mr. Smith Goes to Wash- ington" and "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and to return all prints of the two films to the Embassy for trans- mission to Columbia Pictures, the rightful owner. Officials said they have not yet had any reply nor any word from the Em- bassy as to whether the unauthorized showing's have been stopped. Accord- ing to the Department, the films are being shown as trophies of war cap- tured by Russian soldiers in Germany in 1945. Officials said some distortions were noted but that it could not be determined whether these were dis- tortions made by the Germans or by the Russians. The Department's note pointed out that both films were distributed before the war in all European countries ex- cept Germany and the Soviet Union, and that the distribution contracts specified that any distribution rights were confined to the particular coun- try where the film was being dis- tributed and that all basic ownership rights and title were retained by Columbia. Department officials have previously indicated they would be greatly sur- prised if they get any result from the protest and request. 3 of TOA's 28 Units Okay COMPO Plan The first three of Theatre Owners of America's 28 regional units to ap- prove the new organizational setup for the Council of Motion Picture Organi- zations are Theatre Owners of Okla- homa, New Jersey Theatre Owners of America and Eastern Tennessee Motion Picture Theatre Owners, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, re- ported here yesterday. Sullivan said proposals of the ar- rangement are expected shortly from other TOA units. There have been no rejections. He will explain the arrangement and urge approval at the meeting in Memphis next Monday- Wednesday of the Tri- States Theatre Owners Association, he added. Levy to Devote More Time to TOA Herman M. Levy, Theatre Owners of America general counsel, will spend more time at TOA headquarters here, and will absorb some of the duties of Stanley Prenosil who has resigned as assistant executive director of the as- sociation, it was indicated yesterday. Levy resides in New Haven, Conn. It is expected that one or more tele- vision engineering specialists soon will be added to the TOA headquarters staff. New Role for Ferrer Hollywood, Jan. 22 — Jose Ferrer has been signed by producers William Perlberg and George Seaton for "Anything Can Happen." Para. Bought Up 311,816 Shares Paramount Pictures pur- chased for retirement 311,816 shares of its own common stock during the period Dec. 22 to Jan. 19, the company reported yesterday. On Dec. 22 it filed on the New York Stock Exchange a bid for 500,000 shares, in- dicating at the time that the offer would be withdrawn Jan. 19 regardless of the number purchased by then. The stock was bought at $21.50 per share. It advanced almost two points during the buying period. Para. Sets 18 (Continued from page 1) lowing order: a Bob Hope-Hedy La- marr comedy, slated to begin Jan. 29'; Cecil B. DeMille's "The Greatest Show on Earth," in Technicolor with Betty Hutton and James Stewart's "Detective Story," starring Kirk Douglas ; a Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis comedy, "The Stooge," which Hal Wallis will produce; "Rhubarb," the first production for Paramount by William Perlberg and George Seaton, with Ray Milland; another Hal Wal- lis production, with Corinne Calvet ; and "The Rage of the Vulture." Also : "Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick," a Perlberg-Seaton musical with Alan Young and Dinah Shore ; "My Son John," a Leo McCarey pro- duction starring Helen Hayes ; "Shane," a Technicolor film produced by George Stevens ; "Anything Can Happen," starring Jose Ferrer and Nancy Olson, with William Perlberg producing; "Pardners," starring Bing Crosby and William (Hopalong Cas- sidy) Boyd, with McCarey producing and directing; and another (untitled) comedy Western, starring Bob Hope and Roy Rogers. _ Also, "Somebody Loves Me," star- ring Betty Hutton, produced in Tech- nicolor by Perlberg and Seaton ; "Casey Jones," a Technicolor musical ; "This Is Dynamite" ; "Road to Holly- wood," starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, with Harry Tugend producing, and "Pride of the Fleet," an Irving Asher production. A bandon Minneapolis Buying Proposal Minneapolis, Jan. 22. — Because a majority of 28-day and 35-day runs here made certain demands which later runs considered incompatible, the plan for an all-city film buying combine, previously reported, has been aban- doned. A distributor spokesman had pre- dicted the 28-day and 35-day runs would prove a stumbling block to the plan "because they can't kick pictures around and switch dates" as is cus- tomary with later runs. Resumes Stage Shows Boston, Jan. 22. — After a lapse of 17 months the RKO Boston Theatre will resume stage shows Jan. 31. State Wage Order Due In 30 Days New York State Industrial Com- missioner Edward Corsi's third and final public hearing on a minimum wage for the amusement industry hav- ing been concluded, the Commissioner now has 30 days in which to promul- gate an order based on the State Min- imum Wage Board's recommendations. The law stipulates that the order is to go into effect after promulgation. Corsi's final hearing, at which exhi- bition management and labor represen- tatives voiced their opinions of the 75- cents-per-hour minimum proposed by the board last year, was held last Fri- day in Rochester. The attitudes expressed in Rochester by management and labor corresponded to those expressed at similar hearings which were held last fall in Albany and New York City. Circuit repre- sentatives argued that the recom- mended minimum was too high in light of the cost of theatre operations, and labor representatives supported the Board's proposals as fair, adding that if anything they should be higher. It was explained by Corsi's office here yesterday that the Commissioner has the power to send back to the Board any part of its recommendations he might deem deserving of reconsid- eration. Were Corsi to do so, enact- ment of a State Minimum Wage for the amusement and entertainment in- dustries would be postponed consid- erably beyond April, by which time its enactment would take place otherwise. Circuits represented at the Roches- ter hearing included RKO, Shea Cir- cuit, Buffalo Paramount Corp., Basil Theatres and others. The Motion Pic- ture Theatre Owners of Western New York also was represented. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center "The MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" starring Louis CALHERN - Ann HARDING A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION J6RW AT MMft WITH THE ARMY" Midnight F»Qtvr* Nightly Ik^hidlark IVOLI t IIOADWAT AT 49th ST. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street. Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c IT TAKES 46 MUSCLES TO FROWN ! IT TAKES ONLY 22 MUSCLES and M-G-M Pictures TO SMILE! HOW TO HAVE FUN IN FIFTY- ONE! Turn the page! THE SMILING LION COULD REST ON HIS LAURELS BUT THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE! ( with a smile!) GOOD CHEER ON THE SCREEN ! TURN HERE! S BETTER TVW^_^_^ BE HAPPY! GO LEO! . • V Now Playing M-G-M Presents PAGAN LOVE February SONG" STARRING ESTHER HOWARD WILLIAMS KEEL COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Robert Nathan and Jerry uavis Based on the Book "Tahiti Landfall" by William S. Stone Music by HARRY WARREN Lyrics by ARTHUR FREED Directed by ROBERT ALTON Produced by ARTHUR FREED Now Playing M-G-M Presents VAN KATHRYN JOHNSON ' GRAYSON IN GROUNDS FOR MARRIAGE" PAULA BARRY RAYMOND * SULLIVAN Lewis STONE • Reginald OWEN A ROBERT Z. LEONARD Production Screen Play by Allen Rivkin ond Laura Kerr Story by Samuel Marx Directed by ROBERT Z. LEONARD Produced by SAMUEL MARX M-G-M Presents "THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" STARRING LOUIS CALHERN ANN HARDING Written by Emmet Lavery Based on his Play produced by Arthur Hopkins Directed by JOHN STURGES Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH M-G-M Presents RED SKELTON ARLENE ANN DAHL " MILLER IN "WATCH THE BIRDIE" LEON AMES • PAM BRITTON RICHARD ROBER Screen Play by Ivan Tors, Devery Freeman and Harry Ruskin Based on a Story by Marshall Neilan, Jr. Directed by JACK DONOHUE Produced by HARRY RUSKIN M-G-M Presents RUDYARD KIPLING'S "KIM" STARRING ERROL FLYNN DEAN STOCK WELL PAUL ROBERT LUKAS * DOUGLAS THOMAS GOMEZ . CECIL KELL AWAY ARNOLD MOSS . LAURETTE LUEZ COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Leon Gordon, Helen Deutsch and Richard Schayer Directed by VICTOR SAVIILE Produced by LEON GORDON M-G-M Presents BURT LANCASTER IN "VENGEANCE VALLEY" CO-STARRING ROBERT WALKER JOANNE DRU SALLY FORREST „ JOHN IRELAND RAY COLLINS color by TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Irving Ravetch Based on the Novel and Saturday Evening Post serial by Luke Short Directed by RICHARD THORPE Produced by NICHOLAS NAYFACK February M-G-M Presents LORETTA YOUNG IN "CAUSE FOR ALARM!" BARRY . BRUCE SULLIVAN COWLING MARGALO GILLMORE Screen Play by Mel Din e 1 1 i and Tom Lewis Story by Larry Marcus Directed by TAY GARNETT Produced by TOM LEWIS March M-G-M Presents JANE VAN WYMAN ' JOHNSON HOWARD BARRY KEEL ' SULLIVAN IN "THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Screen Play by Sidney Sheldon Story by Ruth Brooks Flippen From Suggestions Made by Ethel "Pug" Wells Directed by CHARLES WALTERS Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH March M-G-M Presents STEPHEN CRANE'S GREAT AMERICAN STORY OF THE CIVIL WAR THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE" STARRING AUDIE MURPHY BILL MAULDIN A JOHN HUSTON PRODUCTION Screen Play by John Huston Adaptation by Albert Band Directed by JOHN HUSTON Produced by GOTTFRIED REINHARDT March 0* — Til* ■ M-G-M Presents FRED JANE ASTAi RE POWELL IN "ROYAL WEDDING" CO-STARRING PETER LAWFORD SARAH KEENAN CHURCHILL * WYNN ~i.h ALBERT SHARPE COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR Story and Screen Play by Alan Joy Lerner Music by BURTON LANE • Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER Directed by STANLEY DONEN Produced by ARTHUR FREED M-G-M Presents CLARK GABLE, "ACROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI'' RICARDO MONTALB AN JOHN HODIAK JAMES WHITMOREwth Adolphe J. Carrol Jack MENJOU NAISH HOLT And introducing MARIA ELENA MARQUES color by TECHNICOLOR Screen Play by Talbot Jennings Story by Talbot Jennings and Frank Cavett Directed by WILLIAM A. WELLMAN Produced by ROBERT SISK M-G-M Presents SPENCER TRACY JOAN BENNETT ELIZABETH TAYLOR IN FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND" DON TAYLOR • BILLIE BURKE creen Ploy by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich Based on Characters Created by Edward Streeter Directed by VINCENTE MINNELLI Produced by PANDRO S. BERMAN M-G-M Presents "INSIDE STRAIGHT STARRING S3 DAVID ARLENE BRIAN* DAHL BARRY MERCEDES SULLIVAN ' McCAMBRIDGE PAULA RAYMOND CLAUDE JARMANJr. • LON CHANEY Written by Guy Trosper Directed by GERALD MAYER Produced by RICHARD GOLDSTONE M-G-M Presents LASSIE IN "THE PAINTED HILLS" color by TECHNICOLOR PAUL KELLY • BRUCE COWLING GARY GRAY Screen Play by True Boardman ased on the Novel "Shep of the Painted Hills" by Alexander Hull Directed by HAROLD F. KRESS Produced by CHESTER M. FRANKLIN READY SOON! The Talk of the Industry! □Ml a l/MILI VARIETY: 66 There's heartening stimula- tion and impact to the entire industry in M-G-M's trailer of its forthcoming product THE M-G-M STORY'. Shown at TOA Convention in Houston it changed men who had been most pessi- mistic into bouncing opti- mists by the end of the 60 minute film. It sells very strongly the message that the picture industry with product has the means to successfully hold its own in any market. 59 M-G-M will shortly deliver to theatres with- out charge its celebrated film "THE M-G-M STORY." It has been hailed by the entire trade press as the most constructive step of the year in stimulating public interest. M-G-M makes this large investment {not matched by any other company) as concrete evidence of The Friendly Company's de- termination to back its great product with hard-hitting showmanship. To quote Daily Variety: PESSIMISTS BECAME OPTIMISTS! WHEN THEY SAW "THE M-G-M STORY 93 In this 60 minute subject, your patrons will see the marvelous sequel to last year's famed "Some of the Best." They will see the M-G-M Studios and Stars in action with footage from 24 coming pictures, 12 of them in Technicolor. Here are the pictures: ACROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI (Technicolor) Clark Gable, Ricardo Montalban, John Hodiak, James Whitmore, Adolphe Menjou, J. Carrol Naisti ROYAL WEDDING (Technicolor) Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peter Lawford, Sarah Churchill, Keenan Wynn, Albert Sharpe IT'S A BIG COUNTRY All-Star Cast ★ ★ ★ MR. IMPERIUM (Technicolor) Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Marjorie Main, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedric Hardwicke •A- it * THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE Louis Calhern, Ann Harding ★ ★ ★ PEOPLE IN LOVE Ray Milland, Nancy Davis, John Hodiak, Jean Hagen, Lewis Stone ★ ★ ★ KIND LADY Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, Angela Lansbury, Keenan Wynn ★ * * CALLING BULLDOG DRUMMOND Walter Pidgeon, Margaret Leighton, Robert Beatty INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian, Arlene Dahl, Barry Sullivan, Mercedes McCambridge, Paula Raymond, Claude Jarman, Jr., Lon Chaney FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor ★ * ★ GO FOR BROKEI Van Johnson and All-Star Cast ★ ★ * SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger, Walter Pidgeon, David Niven, Robert Newton, Cyril Cusack, Greta Gynt, Frank Allenby ★ * * THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE Caff of Thousands including Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin THE PAINTED HILLS (Technicolor) Lassie, Paul Kelly, Bruce Cowling, Gary Gray VENGEANCE VALLEY (Technicolor) Burt Lancaster, Robert Walker, Joanne Dru, Sally Forrest, John Ireland, Ray Collins THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, Barry Sullivan ★ ★ * PANDORA AND THE FLYING DUTCHMAN (Technicolor) James Mason, Ava Gardner, Nigel Patrick, Sheila Sim, Harold Warrender, Mario Cabre PLUS AN EXCUSE MY DUST (Technicolor) Red Skelton, Sally Forrest, Macdonald Carey, William Demarest, Monica Lewis, Raymond Walburn ★ ★ ★ TERESA Pier Angeli, John Ericson AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (Technicofor) Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary ★ ★ ★ RICH, YOUNG AND PRETTY (Technicolor) Jane Powell, Danielle Darrieux, Wendell Corey, Fernando Lamas, Marcel Dalio, Jean Murat, and introducing Vic Damone SHOW BOAT (Tecnnico/or) Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Joe E. Brown, Marge & Gower Champion, Agnes Moorehead THE GREAT CARUSO (Tecfimcofor) Mario Lanza, Ann Blyth, Dorothy Kirsten, Jarmila Novotna, Blanche Thebom, Teresa Celti, Richard Hageman, Carl Benton Reid (Because "KING SOLOMON'S MINES" is so suc- cessful and although it's currently in release we couldn't resist showing scenes from it agoin in "The M-G-M Story.") ■ SURPRISE! First Scenes in Technicolor of "QUO VAD1S" [Your public wants you, on the next pa£ THE FOLKS ARE SAYING BE HAPPY! GO LEO!" LISTEN! "Hello Leo, don't let anybody kid you that there's any form of entertainment to eoual the stars, the glamor, the fun, the spectacle of the big motion picture theatre screen ! We've seen the swell coming AA-0-AA shows v in THE M-G-M STORY and well watch for them. As usual we're all saying - VBE HAPPY! GO LEO !'" print/I IN f-SA Tuesday, January 23, 1951 Motion Picture Daily Admission Hike in Midwest Theatres Madison, Wis., Jan. 22.— First run theatres have hiked their prices for adults four cents for matinees to 60 cents and five cents evenings to 76 cents. Meanwhile in Kansas City, Fox Midwest's Fairway, Tower and Uptown have raised admissions from 45 cents matinees and 65 cents for holiday matinees to 50 cents and 75 cents. The cir- cuit also has raised admis- sions of many out-of-town houses, usually by five cents. WB Divorce (Continued from page 1) holders yesterday. A ruling from the the Treasury Department states that stock exchange will result in no tax- able gain or deductible loss, Warner said. Stock in both companies may be held by anyone who is not a direc- tor, officer, agent or employee of either of the new companies. The proxy statement lists the cap- ital stock and surplus pro forma of the new theatre company as of Aug. 31, 1950, as $80,423,375 and of the new picture company as $49,730,285. Proforma consolidated earnings state- ments for both companies for the past 10 years are also listed. In the year ending Aug. 31, 1950, the net profit after taxes of the new theatre com- pany is listed as $6,143,341 and of the new picture company as $4,128,316. The net profit credited the new picture company in the pro forma statement compares with a net profit of $138,595 for 1949 and a loss of $246,569 in 1948. The pro forma state- ment for the new theatre company shows a 1949 net profit of $10,327,939 for 1949 and $12,083,822 for 1948, as compared with the $6,143,341 for 1950. Has 436 Theatres The new theatre company and its wholy-owned subsidiaries has 436 the- atres, consisting of 236 theatres owned in fee, 191 lease theatres and nine the- atres partly owned and partly leased. Of these, 20 are closed, seven are leased or sublet to a 50 per cent owned subsidiary and three are leased or sublet to others. Under the consent decree, Warner or the new theatre company must di- vest itself of 54 theatres, half within one year and all within two years. Divestiture of 27 more theatres may be required, depending upon certain contingencies embodied in the decree. The new picture company will con- tinue production and its subsidiaries will continue distribution through its domestic and foreign exchanges. In addition to the production, distribu- tion and processing facilities which will be retained by the new picture company, it will own a ZlVi per cent interest in Associated British Pic- ture Corp., a 400-theatre circuit in the British Isles ; a theatre in London and three theatres in Latin America ; and will own the Music Publisher Holding Corp., which owns M. Wit- mark & Sons, Harms, Inc., and Re- mick Music Corp., all music publish- ers, and Edward A. Stege Co., en- gaged in printing music. To Elect Directors In addition to voting on the reor- ganization plan, the Warner stock- holders will elect five directors for two-year terms. Nominated by the di- rectors for re-election are Samuel Carlisle, controller and assistant treas- urer, Stanleigh P. Friedman, vice- president, Charles S. Guggenheimer, member of the law firm of Guggen- heimer and Untermyer, Samuel Schneider, vice-president, and Mor- ris Wolf, member of the law firm of Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen. The proxy statement said that no selection of officers and directors of the two new companies has yet been made. Under terms of the decree the new boards and officers must be com- pletely separate. Warner, under the reorganization, will determine the initial boards and managements. Warner to Cancel Treasury Shares Warner will cancel 523,000 treasury-held shares of stock under its reorganization plan, leaving 6,772,000 shares out- standing. No fractional shares will be given to stockholders un- der the exchange plan of one- half share in each new com- pany in return for each share of outstanding Warner stock. Instead a cash payment equal to the market value on the day preceding reorgani- zation will be made. W.B. Plugs Rare Capitol Booking With the opening on Thursday of Warners' "The Enforcer" at the Capi- tol here to mark the first time in many years that a Warner picture will have played the Loew's flagship house, Mort Blumenstock's WB advertising- exploitation department has set up an extensive city-wide campaign to herald the world premiere. Highlighting the campaign is a "Big Blue Eyes" contest which will be given radio and television coverage. Radio programs and TV shows set to spur the contest include, Martha Deane, WOR; Herb Sheldon, WJZ ; Ted Steele Show, WPIX ; Steve Allen pro- gram, CBS-TV; Jack Lacey, WINS; Bobby Sherwood Show, CBS-TV; Date In Manhattan, WBNT-TV, and Luncheon At Sardi's, WOR and WOR-TV. Extensive advertising in the New York dailies also will pro- mote the film. Dawson Again Head Of Magazine Unit Hal Dawson of Dell Publishing Co. has been elected president of the As- sociation of Screen Magazine Publish- ers for the fourth time. Gifford Plume of Fawcett Publications was elected vice-president and Sid Kalish of Hill- man Periodicals, Inc., secretary-treas- urer. New directors are Harold Clark, advertising director of Dell, J. Fred Henry, head of J. Fred Henry Publi- cations ; and Gifford Plume. TV 'Effective' for Selling Para. Films Albany, Jan. 22. — Paramount is using television to exploit its pic- tures, because the medium is effective, Edward J. Wall, director of advertis- ing-publicity in the Albany and Buf- falo districts, stated in an interview today over WRGB, Schenectady. Wall said Barney Balaban, Para- mount president, recently declared television is not the reason for the decline in film grosses, Canadian grosses, without television, being off just as much as in the United States. 20th-Fox Sets 'Lucky' "Lucky Nick Cain," with George Raft and Coleen Gray, will be re- leased by 20th-Century-Fox, it was announced by the company. The pic- ture was formerly titled "I'll GeFYou For This," and was filmed overseas by Kaydor Productions. NEWS in Brief . . . Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Pat de Cicco, vice-president of United Artists The- atres of California is on an indefinite leave of absence to devote himself to his recently organized Bonbon Corp., supplying chocolate-covered ice cream for theatre sales. Arnold Childhouse will take over de Cicco's circuit duties, e Samuel Goldwyn has signed George Balanchine, head of the New York City Ballet, to conceive and direct the ballet sequences for the forthcoming Technicolor film based on the life of Hans Christian Andersen, starring Danny Kaye and Moira Shearer, it was announced here. • Manfred George, film editor of the German language newspaper Aufbau has been reelected president of the Foreign Langauge Press Film Critics' Circle. Louis Schaeffer, film editor of the Jewish Daily Forward was elected vice-president, and Sigmund Gottlober, director of the American Foreign Language Press, was reelected execu- tive secretary. Milwaukee, Jan. 22. — In conjunc- tion with the "Halls of Montezuma" opening at the Fox- Wisconsin here yesterday, Fox-Wisconsin Amuse- ment invited 26 wounded marines recently returned from Korea to a luncheon in their honor. • Novelist and playwright Irwin Shaw has been signed by Samuel Goldwyn to do the screen dramatiza- tion of "I Want You," a film story based on how America's mobilization affects the country's youth and their families. • Paramount's "Trio" scored a $3,585 gross in its first two days at the 850- seat Avenue Theatre in Montreal, the home office reported. It reported also that the 365-seat Vogue in San Fran- cisco grossed $4,225 for five days, and termed both gross figures new records. Interstate-UPT (Continued from page 1) operators of Interstate under long- *term employment contracts with UPT. O'Donnell's statement today opens up the possibility that the deal could go the other way, with Ho- blitzelle and himself buying up the UPT half interest in the circuit. Approve Johnston (Continued from page 1) proval. There was an outside chance that Sen. Fulbright, acting committee chairman, might ask for unanimous consent to call the nomination up for confirmation on the Senate floor late tonight. Roy Brewer Approves Choice of Johnston Hollywood, Jan. 22. — The appoint- ment of Eric Johnston to take charge of U. S. price-wage controls was called a "wise choice" by Roy M. Brewer, chairman of the AFL Film Council and international representa- tive of IATSE in Hollywood. "I am confident Johnston will deal fairly and ably with the many difficut problems that will be heaped upon his shoul- ders," he said. Pa. Censors Urge Control Over TV Washington, Jan. 22. — Pennsyl- vania's film censors told the Supreme Court today that it hardly makes sense to allow state censorship boards to censor films in theatres and yet pro- hibit them from censoring films shown by television in the home. The Pennsylvania censorship board took this stand in a second brief filed in the High Court in support of its appeal from a Third Circuit Court decision that state censors cannot con- trol films on TV because the Federal government had preempted regulation in this field. The High Court is ex- pected to say whether or not it will hear the appeal on Feb. 26. The brief emphasized that Pennsly- vania is not attempting to prohibit television broadcasters from operating- stations but only to make sure that immoral and obscene films are not shown on those stations. Cinecolor Report (Continued from page 1) for Supercinecolor and Cinecolor has exceeded plant capacity and $200,000 will be spent during 1951 for further conversion and additional three-color facilities. Executive vice-president Karl Herzog, in the report, stated that "Development of Supercinecolor has improved and revitalized our en- tire operation. It has given us the means to compete in processing color films for the industry as well as un- predictable possibilities in the field of color television and commercial film requirements." George H. Spires, Sr. George H. Spires, Sr., father of George H. Spires, Jr., of the editorial staff of the Motion Picture Herald now on military leave in the Army, died at his home in Atlantic High- lands, N. J. on Saturday. A Requiem Mass was held yesterday morning at St. Agnes Church and burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Redbank, N. J. Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Nell Spires, and three sons, James, now in Japan; Major George H. Spires, Jr., now at Camp Pickett, Va. and Frank, also two sisters, Mrs. James Jaffey and Mrs. Frank Kelly. Paul Leroux, 48 Ottawa, Jan. 22. — Paul Leroux, 48, manager of the Pix Theatre in Ayl- mer, Quebec, died suddenly at his home here. His widow and daughter survive. 12 Motion Picture daily Tuesday, January 23, 1951 National PreSelling A TRIPLE exploitation barrage util- izing endorsements by three members of the cast of 20th Century- Fox's "I'll Climb the Highest Moun- tain" is bringing the film to the favor- able attention of millions of house- wives. Seven million mailing pieces featuring an endorsement by Susan Hayward are being sent out by Lever Bros, in a Lux Soap tieup. A picture and short biography of William Lun- digan are being carried on 20,000,000 Royal Dessert packages and in a tieup with Estate Stove Co., Barbara Bates is being featured in full-page ads in Farm Journal, Household magazine and in Sunday newspaper supplements in 70 cities. Paramount 's "September Affair,'' which will be the next attraction in the Radio City Music Hall, is Look Magazine's "Movie of the Week" in the Jan. 30 issue. Look hails the picture with a three-page spread including a laudatory review which points up the love story. Included in the layout is a story on French actress, Franc oise Rosay, who co-stars with Joan Fon- taine and Joseph Cotten. Total read- ership is claimed at 19,000,000. • "Born Yesterday" starring Judy Holliday, has been chosen by Flor- ence Somers, Redbook feature edi- tor, as "Picture of the Month" in the February issue. Miss Somers describes it as "one of the raciest comedies to come out of Hollywood and it's good fun." Four other films are named, "Cyrano de Bergerac," "The Magnificent Yankee," "Storm Warning" and "September Affair." • Although she declined to do so for many years, Mary Coyle Chase, author of the Broadway stage success "Har- vey," has finally written the story of how she came to write the play about the imaginary pooka. "My Life With Harvey" will appear in McC all's for February on the newsstands this week, with several pages of pictures and text for the promotion of the film. McC all's also will contain two beauty articles arranged by the Hoi lywood editorial office, which opened last summer. The articles reflect a broader coverage of motion pictures for the magazine's 4,000,000 readers The Jane Greer story, by Dolly Reed, beauty editor, is a two-page spread in which the RKO player explains Hol- lywood make-up tricks. The Nancy Davis article shows the gentlest ways of taking off every smitch of make-up "The Private Life of a 14- Year-Old Girl" also in the February McCaU's contains the results of a poll taken of 454 'teen-age students at Sidney Lan- ier Junior High School in Houston Things of interest to the film industry are types of films preferred and favor- ite male and female stars. • Parade, the Sunday picture niaga sine that appears in 33 metropolitan newspapers with a total readership of more than 13,000,000, carried a Louis Calhern story in its Jan. 14 issue and a Peggy Dowd feature on Jan. 21. A story of Lana Turner types will appear in the issue of Feb. 4. • Charlton Heston, a Hal Wallace discovery, is profiled in Seventeen's February issue. Written by the Ed What the Critics Say "Let me add my congratulations on the splendid Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily. "Like all who work on deadlines and scrape for news, to us time is of greatest essence. Being close to 1,000 miles from the entertainment capital of the world is a handicap. But your 'winged' edition, as someone has already called it, keeps us abreast of the news almost as it happens. "You, definitely are meeting a deadline as far as we and thousands of showmen in this area are con- cerned."—Paul Jones, Film, Radio, TV Critic, Atlanta (Ga.) Journal and Atlanta Constitution. "Since the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily first began arriving at my desk, I've been reaching for it even before my own personal fan mail. Its newsy shorts are just what I need to salt my pages with hot- off-the-griddle Hollywood and Broadway items. "I'm a pushover for airmail anyway, but the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily I love because it keeps me so well-informed about my business and my editors are impressed by my job-hepness (or does my brag- gadocio show?)— Peggy Doyle, Drama Editor, Boston, (Mass.) American. Lesser Charters New Set Effects Company Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Vistascope Corporation of America, organized to manufacture, license and service _ a new device adaptable to motion pic- ture or television production, was in- corporated at Sacramento at the weekend by Sol Lesser and Asso- ciates. Lesser is board chairman; Julian Lesser, president; and Barney Briskin, vice-president. Invented by Achille Pierre Dufour, Paris, the device is represented as enabling producers to substitute pho- tographed interiors and exteriors for sets and locations at substantial sav- ings. A press demonstration has been set for Thursday here. win Miller, the piece is entitled "The Name Is New." Heston, star of "Dark City" will next be seen in "The Greatest Show On Earth." • Three new national tie-ups have been added to the mounting exploita- tion campaign for 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise." Arthur Murray and his dance studios will introduce a special Paradise ballroom dance, which will be supported with full-scale local publicity campaigns backed by theatres playing the film, Two travel tie-up's have been set with the President Steamship Line and the British Overseas Airways Corp. The companies, which service the South Pacific, will feature Jarge Easter window displays on "Bird of Paradise" in their offices in New York and throughout the country. • Posters reaching more than 2,000,000 daily throughout the U. S.,_plus ex- tensive advertising linage in major city newspapers, will result from a three-way tieup between Burlington American Trailways, Mutual Broad- casting and Robert Stillman's new film, "Queen for a Day." The deal calls for posting in 2,550 bus stations and ticket offices and more than 5,000 displays ballyhooing the air program and the picture, with coincidental plac- ing of newspaper advertising for the opening of the film in local theatres. —Walter Brooks. Skourases Named to Greek Church Body Hollywood, Jan. 22. : — The Most Reverend Athenagoras, presiding Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church for 11 Western states, has named Charles and Spyros Skouras to a combined council of the Greek Orthodox Diocese, it was announced here today. The council consists of clergy and laymen selected to assist the Most Reverend Archbishop Michael, head of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America, in the administra- tion of temporal affairs. France-Reich Deal Reported Washington, Jan. 22. — The State Department has asked its Frankfurt staff to investigate an alleged secret Franco-German film agreement under which the French were reported to have agreed to accept a quota on the number of films they can send to Ger- many each year. The Department acted on a protest of the Motion Picture Association, it was learned. According to a reliable source, MPAA found out about the secret French agreement and protested on the ground that the French, by agreeing to take a quota, were under- mining U. S. efforts to prevent any German film import quotas and had broken a Franco-British-American agreement to present a common front to the West German government on the quota question. Department offi- cials, it was reported, agreed that if such an agreement existed it was a breach of the tripartite agreement and a serious blow to U. S. efforts to get unrestricted film imports into Ger- many, and accordingly have asked the German staff in Germany to investi- gate and report. VFW to Cite Yates On Coast Saturday Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Military, state and officials will witness the awarding of a gold citizenship medal and certificate of medit by the Vete- rans of Foreign Wars to Herbert J. Yates, Republican president. Saturday at luncheon ceremonies at the Bilt- more Hotel here. "This award is the highest honor the 1,200,000 fighting men in VFW can bestow," said VFW Department Commander Donald L. Warner. See Final 'Miracle' Action After Feb. 15 Despite the hearing set here on "The Miracle" Jan. 30; definite action on revoking the license could not take place until the next regular meeting of the Board of Regents Feb. 15-16, unless a special meeting is called in the meantime. Meanwhile, Jacob L. Holtzmann, member of the three-man subcom- mittee that will hear arguments on Jan. 30 on grounds for revoking the film's license, denied that "The Miracle" had been called "sacri- legious" by the regents. He said the regents have not made "a determina- tion that the board has the power to rescind the action of the Motion Pic- ture Division in issuing a license" to the film. These matters will be con- sidered and determined only after the Regents have had an. opportunity to consider fully all affidavits and briefs which may be submitted" at the Jan. 30 hearing. The Paris Theatre here Friday- night, where the controversial film is playing, was emptied by the police in a hurry following a false bomb scare. 20th-Fox Lays Off 12 for Economy Five publicists and seven secre- taries and office workers employed in the 20th Century-Fox home office ad- vertising-publicity department were let out by the company yesterday in an economy move. Of the five who were Screen Publicists Guild mem- bers, three were artists and two were magazine contacts. They will receive double severance pay. A protest against the lay-offs was discussed at an SPG meeting last night, following SPG efforts to have the employes reinstated. At last night's meeting, the membership in the 20th Century-Fox unit of SPG au- thorized a strike, the resolution re- ceiving the "overwhelming" endorse- ment of the unit, according to a union spokesman. NPA Tightens Up Metals Supplies Washington, Jan. 22. — Still fur- ther tightening in available supplies of key metals was in store for civilian users as a result of orders and predic- tions of the National Production Au- thority. NPA officials told a meeting of offi- cials from firms making air condition- ing apparatus that the copper supply situation will continue tight and that aluminum shortages will not ease for some time until additional facilities now under construction are completed during- the next 18 months. NPA orders today increased the amount of steel that firms must set aside for defense orders and allocated all forms of tungstens to essential production. NPA orders restricting use of nickel and zinc to essential pro- duction are due shortly. If you go for the 14 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 23, 1951 Arbitration (Continued from page 1) the subject of arbitration was not even mentioned. Since then, spearheaded by Theatre Owners of America and with consid- erable distributor support, efforts have been made to consolidate industry sen- timent in support of establishment _ of a new system of arbitration or concili- ation. One meeting was held here sev- eral months ago to explore early pos- sibilities, following which William F. Rodgers, distribution vice-president of Loew's, was requested to sound out Allied officials on the proposals, since little further could be done without Allied's participation. It has been un- officially reported that Rodgers met with no encouragement from any Al- lied source on the latter organiza- tion's participation. Some Allied officials take the posi- tion that anyone who wishes to do so can have an industry dispute sub- mitted to arbitration now and that without a greater demand for a perma- nent, formal system of industry-wide arbitration on the part of its member- ship, it is content with things as they are. It is surmised in some industry quarters that even should Allied agree to participate in such a system it would insist upon conditions and pro- visions which probably would be diffi- cult of adoption or would hold its par- ticipation to a minimum. Review The Enforcer yy Allied's Plan (Continued from page 1) letters were also transmitted to the Department of Justice at Washington. Allied's position is that bidding be- tween independents and non-affiliated circuits for product is not necessary under any of the industry court de crees and that distributors sometimes use it as a device to hike rentals Allied is endeavoring to get defendant companies in the Paramount case to agree to and request the Federal sta tutory court here for a change in the phraseology of the decree covering competitive bidding which would re lieve independent theatres of bidding against each other for product. Allied is not a party to the suit and hence cannot bring the proposal before the court itself. Sales Heads Look To Kirsch on Meet (United States Pictures — Warner Brothers) Humphrey Bogart again fortunately is cast in one of those snarling, sin- ewy roles that allows his best talents full expression. The story is about a gang of outlaws who deal in murder and sell their services to anyone who pays the price. The narrative has been extremely well-forged and it is endowed with an engrossing quality all the way. There are some magnetic performances in the lesser roles that add memorable touches, all of which is a compliment to Bretaigne Windust's smooth-working direction. The film is strong, meaty entertainment and it should go over well commercially. Bogart plays the assistant district attorney who is bent on uprooting the entire gang of murder peddlers. When at last he has the head of the gang behind bars with an open and shut case against him, a crucial witness is killed in a panicky leap through a window. Thus the case again seemingly has col- lapsed. In a last desperate effort to find some clue to work with, Bogart starts reviewing the long record of the case, and thus in flashback there comes the whole sordid story of the gang. Bogart picks up a fragment of vital informa- tion, pursues it relentlessly, with the gory trail leading to the uncovering of a wholesale number of murders. In time Bogart is able to track down and bring to court the one witness that paves the way for the underworld mastermind's conviction. Zero Mostel admirably portrays his bit as the nervous, vain, small-time hooligan who finally cracks. In the role of the gang head, Everett Sloane, is, as usual, convincing and dynamic. Others who provide wonderful support are Ted De Corsia, as a hoodlum, and Roy Roberts, as a police captain. Although there are woman in the cast of this United States Pictures produc- tion, none plays an orthodox romantic role. Milton Sperling produced from the screenplay by Martin Rackin. A special prologue has been attached to the film in which a brief message on crime is given by Senator Estes Kefauver, chairman of the U. S. Commission to Investigate Organized Crime. Running time, 87 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Feb. 24. Mandel Herbstman NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) No steps have been taken toward calling an industry conference in Chi cago to discuss the state of business in that area, as suggested by Jack Kirsch at the 20th anniversary ban- quet of Illinois Allied last month, nor are any likely to be taken unless Kirsch or other Chicago exhibitors present a more specific plan. This was the attitude of distribu- tion executives yesterday, several of whom were present at the dinner where Kirsch originally made the proposal. In general, the home office officials expressed a willingness to participate in, but not initiate, a "forum" which would deal with the major problems facing Chicago area exhibitors. Kirsch followed up his invitation given at the dinner with a statement several days later that he felt it was up to the distributors to act next. UK Film Employes Council (Continued from page 1) British pictures are more profitable than American. He claimed also that the present structure of marketing in England was developed almost en- tirely for the service of American product. Subsequent debate revealed varying degrees of anti- American and anti-J. Arthur Rank bias. The electricians union contended that the British film industry is the first victim of Marshall Plan aid. Attempts by America to interfere in the internal affairs of this country already are so common- place that we no longer are shocked by them," a spokesman for that union said. This allegation provoked indignant protests, particularly from actors, but nevertheless the anti-American theme continued throughout with several delegates demanding that American- made quota pictures have British producers, directors and stars. George Elvin, FIEC general secre- tary, alleged that British exhibitors are confederates of Hollywood by buying American pictures cheaper than British in order to kill the latter. Elvin called for state distribution with fixed maximum distribution charges for all pictures, including American, and also a steepened quota with if necessary, imprisonment of de- faulters. He charged that the plan for improvement announced by James H. Lawrie, head of the British gov- ernments' National Film Finance Corp., was merely a subterfuge to sub- sidize not independents but film trusts, "like Rank." Informed opinion holds that the situation represented by the meeting's expressions increasingly demands a more aggressive propaganda approach not merely by the Exhibitors' Asso- ciation here but particularly by American interests. stantial $125,000 for its first seven days. On the stage, Leonidoff in- terprets Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Two other stage-film houses are changing bills after two-week stands. At the Paramount, "At War with the Army" comes in tomorrow following the second and final week of "Brand- ed," which is expected to total $53,000. At the Capitol, "Grounds for Mar- riage," with a fair $43,000 for its sec- ond week, will be replaced on Thurs- day with "The Enforcer," first War- ner picture to play the Loew's house in years. "Dallas" holds at the Strand, with a moderate $34,000 due for its second week. "Halls of Montezuma" again failed to live up to a smash opening week of $110,000, with only $62,000 ex- pected for a third week at the Roxy. "Born Yesterday" continues to lead the parade among the straight film policy houses, with the Victoria ex- pecting to take in a fine $36,000 for a fifth week with the film. Also doing good business are "The Mudlark" at the Rivoli, with $17,000 in sight for a fifth week, and "Harvey" at the Astor, where $20,000 is expected for a fifth week. "Vendetta" will close today at the Globe after a nice run of a little more than four weeks, with $12,500 regis- tered for the final stanza. "Mad Wed- nesday" opens there tomorrow. "The Sun Sets at Dawn" is concluding its second and final week at the May- fair with a mild $10,000 ; a pair of M-G-M reissues, "The Big Store" and "The Last Gangster," will take over on Saturday. "Operation Disaster" is doing satisfactory business at the Cri- terion, with $10,000 due for a second week. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is still doing good business at the Bijou on a two- day, reserved seat policy, with about $11,000 expected for an 11th week. Off the main stem, Trans Lux 52nd St., is happy with $13,000 coming in for the sixth week of "Seven Days to Noon" and "Trio" is settling into a profitable rut at the Sutton with $8,500 estimated for a 16th week. "The Blue Lamp" at the Park Avenue has chalked up an excellent $8,000 for its second week. File Ticket Tax Bill On Tenn. Drive-ins Nashville, Jan. 22. — A bill, sup- ported by the Tennessee Municipal League, calling for a four-cent tax on each admission to drive-ins has been introduced in the Tennessee State Legislature. The proponents explained that the projected drive-in tax would match local taxes already being paid by theatres here within city limits. to Wisconsin Allied Meet at Madison Milwaukee, Jan. 22. — Allied Inde- pendent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin will hold a regional meeting on Feb. 6 at the Hotel Lorraine at Madison. A film clinic will be held for the discus- sion of buying and booking problems. NPA Names Golden Film Unit Director Washington, Jan. 22. — The Na- tional Production Authority has an- nounced the appointment of Nathan D. Golden as director of NPA's Motion Picture and Photographic Products division. Golden has been acting director. Name Three to Cal. Drive Posts San Francisco, Jan. 22. — Ben Levin, of General Theatrical, has been named exhibitor chairman here for the March of Dimes, now under way. Joseph Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld The- atres, is Northern California exhibitor chairman for Brotherhood Week. Neal East, Paramount exchange man- ager, is distributor chairman. Midwest Cities (Continued from page 1) pictures vying for top honors in bring- ing rejuvenation to the district there are : "Kim," Lyric ; "Halls of Monte- zuma," Gopher ; "Born Yesterday," RKO Orpheum ; "The Next Voice You Hear," World. Harry B. French, Sr., president of Minnesota Amusement, noted "a very definite upsurge in business at theatres since Christmas, particularly in the cities, but outstate as well." He said he had "every reason to believe" the four big openings in one week in Min- neapolis "will result in a healthy out- come." Business at the Milwaukee box- offices has been "very good" the past two weeks. One branch manager there ventured that grosses during the past week are the same as last year's. 'The Man' Opens Feb. 8 "The Man Who Cheated Himself," 20th Century-Fox release of a Jack M. Warner production, will have its first New York showing at the Palace Theatre here Feb. 8. ^iiiiiiiiiiimimiiiiiimiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii in immiiiiiiimiiiiiimiiiiiiiiii£ | fame and | | fortune ... I I In each field there is one product that is recognized as the most distinguished in its sphere — the accepted peer among all others of its kind. The single word that expresses the utmost in fine jewelry is TIFFANY . In automobiles it is CADILLAC . Among publications for industry and | business it is FORTUNE. | | And among annual trade publications for the fields of motion pictures, I radio and television it is FAME. There is an indefinable, but nevertheless definite, extra measure of benefit — a greater prestige value derived by the many who make appropriate use of the pages of FAME. It represents a rewarding opportunity — an investment that pays well and soundly! = {A short time now remains for advertisers = to secure space in the forthcoming issue). Fa i iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiBiiii iTi mm m >JTT£NOANCE BROKE ALL RCCOROS F'«T CANadiaki AT f |fff irrupt ALK^NNf 5.01 BROKEN, THAT ISMfi f it CENTURY. FOX VOL. 69. NO. 17 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1951 TEN CENTS Jack Benny Tops Radio Poll Again Leads Field in Fifteenth Annual Critics' Voting Jack Benny was voted radio's Champion of Champions, top honor in Motion Picture Daily's 15th annual radio poll for Fame, by American news- paper and mag- azine radio critics and col- umnists partici- pating in the 1950 balloting. It was the third consecu- tive year that Benny has topped the poll. In addition, he was voted ra- dio's Best Co- median of 1950, which also made the third con- secutive year he has captured that title in the poll. Other top favorites were the hardy perennial, Bing Crosby, who captured two first places, Best Master of Cere- monies and Best Popular Male Vocal- ist, was second in the Film Personality Most Effective in Radio classification, and third in the Champion of Cham- pions ratings, and Groucho Marx with his You Bet Your Life show. The lat- ter was voted two firsts, Best Quiz Show and Best Audience Participation Program, was second in the Cham- pion of Champions and Best Comedian divisions, and finished third in the Best Master of Ceremonies voting. NBC Show Clicks NBC's 90-minute Sunday evening program, The Big Show, which pre- miered in the late fall, made itself a quick favorite with the critics, finish- ing tied for third in the Champion of Champions division. In addition, its {Continued on page 6) Jack Benny Complete Radio Poll Results on Page 7 Complete results of the radio editors and columnists voting in Motion Picture Daily's 15th annual Radio Poll for Fame are published on Page 7 of this issue. Additional photographs of first place winners appear on Page 6. U. S. Newsreels Give Korea Wide Coverage, MP A Reports Senate Ok's Johnston As ESA Director Washington, Jan. 23. — The United States Senate today approved President Truman's appointment of Eric Johnston as director of the Economic Stabilization Agency. The ap- pointment will become official tomorrow when Johnston will be sworn-in by Chief Justice Vinson. 20th-Fox in Deal For Artists Series Twentieth Century-Fox and Art Film Productions have signed a world distribution arrangement covering- films about the world's foremost paint- ers which the latter company will pro- duce, it was announced here yesterday by Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox World-Wide. The deal is in line with a recently inaugurated 20th-Fox policy of bring- ing to the screen cultural and artistic films about top artists in the field of music and on religious themes. Art Film Productions will send a production unit early in the spring to Europe to photograph scenes in the locales where various top painters worked. Dr. Alfred M. Frankfurter, editor of Art New and president of (Continued on page 10) American newsreels devoted 311 se- quences to the Korean war from the start of the Red invasion last June to the end of the year, an analysis of some 520 newsreel issues studied by the Motion Picture Association of America research department discloses. This total far surpasses the 12- month coverage given by the news- reels to any other country with the exception of the U. S. Second to Korea as a topical source was Great Britain, with 287 sequences ; France, 213 ; Canada, 159, with Germany, Japan and Italy trailing closely in that order. Indicative of the growing impact of international events on the lives of Americans is the fact that 49 per cent of the newsreel topics presented on U. S. screens in 1950 related to vari- ous phases of the foreign scene. This represents a six per cent gain, or an an increase of 166 clips in this cate- gory over 1949 totals. Domestically, newsreel film was ex- (Continued on page 10) Ad -Film Companies Ask for Relief Washington, Jan. 23. — The adver tising film companies ordered by the Federal Trade Commission to end all exclusive ad-film screening contracts with exhibitors running for a year or more have asked the Commission to modify its order to permit them to (Continued on page 10) Editors Remind Radio It Has Plenty of Listeners Radio appears to be overlooking the fact that there are still a lot of radio listeners around — maybe four times as many as are looking at television, the ever-faithful, die-hard radio edi- tors and columnists who participated in Motion Picture Daily's 15th an- nual radio poll for Fame, complain in footnotes to their ballots for the 1950 poll. Their appended comments retain many of their ancient criticisms and previously voiced praise of radio as it is and has been, but the editors and columnists are almost uniformly agreed that radio has a future — a bright one, even — if it will only rouse itself and lay claim to it. Many of them point to the undis- putable fact that the nation's approxi- mately 9,000,000 television sets are making a much louder noise today than the nation's approximately 35,- 000,000 radio sets. But that ain't as it should be, the editors say. Television, they point out, has nothing of its own yet. It is still bor- rowing from radio, the stage, vaude- ville, motion pictures, the concert hall, the ball park, the boxing ring and the wrestling arena. It has contributed nothing of its own, while taking from all the other older entertainment forms. Against such a copy-cat competitor, the critics point out, there is much that radio could be doing to assure it of not only holding its own place but of making it a stronger one than ever. But radio appears to be content to let matters take their own course, to await the inevitable, to disdain even the prolonged breathing spell being (Continued on page 6) To Allot TOA COMPO Seats By Regions Would Group 28 Units Into Seven Sections The seven seats which will be open to the Theatre Owners of Am- erica on the 31 -member executive committee which will be the key corporate unit of the Council of Mo- tion Picture Organizations very likely will be allocated on a sectional basis, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive direc- tor, has indicated. Under a sectional arrange- ment, he said, one seat would go to TOA units as a group in the Midwest, one to units in the East, one to units in the Southwest, etc. TOA has 28 in- dividual units, and therefore there would be an average of one COMPO executive commit- tee seat for four regional or- ganizations. Allied States Association has 22 in- dividual units, and it is possible that its seven seats on the committee will be distributed under a similar plan. Sullivan said he believed there would be nothing in the amendment (Continued on page 10) ELC Studies Cuts Asked for 'Twist' Eagle Lion Classics home office ex- ecutives yesterday looked at cuts which Joseph I. Breen, Production Code administrator, has suggested be made in "Oliver Twist" in order that it might qualify for a code seal. After the screening here a company official said the suggested deletions did not appear to be too damaging. He added, however, that ELC officials have not been advised whether the cuts already suggested by Breen are all (Continued on page 10) 'Mudlark' to Loop's New 'Art' Theatre Chicago, Jan. 23. — Initiat- ing a policy of booking "The Mudlark" into some art houses for its initial show- ing, 20th Century-Fox has announced the film would have its first Chicago show- ing at the Loop's new art house, the Ziegfeld, Feb. 22. 2 MOTION .PICTURE DAILY Wednesday, January 24, 1951 B&K Theatre Shows CBS Color System Chicago, Jan. 23. — Balaban and Katz has installed a 12- inch industrial color televi- sion receiver in the Chicago Theatre and is taking part in the CBS color demonstra- t i o n s currently underway here. B. & K. began the showings Saturday and will continue them until tomorrow, when color demonstrations will end here. The demonstrations have been drawing small audiences thus far at the theatre but B. & K. considers this "a ven- ture of goodwill toward the television industry and a public service." Appoint Three to 'Time' TV Staff The appointment of Richard Krolik, formerly assistant to Horace Schwer- in, president of Schwerin Research ; Lillian Rixey, of the Time and Life staffs, and Jane Bartels, formerly of the Life picture bureau, to the new March of Time television department was announced here yesterday by Richard de Rochemont, March of Time producer, and Arthur B. Tour- tellot, March of Time's director of television. Krolik has been appointed project supervisor, under Tourtellot, for "March of Time Through the Years," a weekly series of half-hour films which combine March of Time issues with panel discussions by visiting- guest authorities. The new TV series will start on Feb. 15 over ABC. Set Phonevision Fare For Next Week Chicago, Jan. 23. — New Phonevi- sion test fare for the next week in- cludes one film from M-G-M, one from Paramount, two from Warner, and three from RKO. Films, producers, and the year pro- duced follow : "B. F.'s Daughter," M-G-M, 1948; "Variety Girl," Para- mount, 1947 ; "The Big Punch," War- ner, 1948; "Escape Me Never," War- ner, 1947 ; "Tall in the Saddle," RKO, 1944; "Sinbad the Sailor," RKO, 1947 ; and "Song of the South," RKO, 1946. To Film Air Raid Shorts for N. Y. Dynamic Films, New York pro- ducers of TV films and public rela- tions motion pictures, is working with the New York City Office of Civil Defense and will make five one-minute films dramatizing "what to do" before and during an air raid. Open Drive for Toys Boston, Jan. 23. — A drive to collect toys for the children of Western Eur- ope has been started here by the Lt. Vernon A. Macaulay Post of the American Legion, the Boston film in- dustry Legion post. Personal JULES LAPIDUS, Warner's East- ern and Canadian division sales manager, and Mike Dolid, left here for Pittsburgh yesterday. • Maurice Silyerstein, regional di- rector of Latin America for Loew's International Corp., has left here on a trip to M-G-M's offices and theatres in Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. • Claude C. Mundo, member of the Theatre Owners of America board of directors, is hospitalized in Little Rock, Ark., following a recent heart attack. • Charles Einfeld, advertising-pub- licity vice-president of 20th Century- Fox, is confined to his home with the flu. Budd Rogers, Realart vice-presi- dent in charge of sales, is en route to Hollywood from here to confer with Jack Broder, Realart president. • Fred Schanberger, Jr., public re- lations chief for Keith's Theatre, Bal- timore, is a patient at Bon Secours Hospital there. Robert M. Lury, president of Select International Films, also in charge of ELC distribution in Japan, has ar- rived here from Tokyo. • Al Broder of Realart, has returned here from Detroit and Cleveland. Columbia Has Six For February Headed by "Born Yesterday," six features have been readied for Febru- ary release by Columbia. Following pre-release runs in New York and Los Angeles, "Born Yester- day," will move into national release next month. Others include : "The Harlem Globetrotters," featuring the basketball team of the same name ; "Operation X," starring Edward G. Robinson, Peggy Cummins and Rich- ard Greene ; "Counterspy Meets Scot- land Yard," the story of how Scotland Yard and American secret agents crack a spy ring engaged in stealing information from a guided-missile pro- duction center ; "Revenue Agent," and "Ridin' the Outlaw Trail," a Western starring Charles Starrett and Smiley Burnette. Levy Registers with Conn. Legislature Hartford, Jan. 23 — Herman M. Levy, Theatre Owners of America general counsel and executive secre- tary for the MPTO of Connecticut, has registered with the state legisla- ture as the legislative representative of: the latter group and also of the Connecticut Association of Public Accountants. Under Connecticut law, persons intending to support or op- pose legislation must register with the Secretary of State's office. Mention MAX THORPE, Columbia's man- aging director in Britain, and Lacy Kastner, European supervisor for the company, are due here from London on Monday by plane for home office conferences. • Leonard B. Freund, now division manager and manager with Century Theatres for 25 years, resigned this week to accept an executive position with Monty Mac Levy, former film executive, now director of the Mac Levy Slenderizing Salons and Dance Studios. • Aileen Brenon, former publicist for David O. Selznick and Para- mount here, has joined Helen Mor- gan, who recently completed a special assignment with Columbia Pictures, in a new public relations concern. Anita Colby is consultant to the new firm. • Bill Schulman, Realart advertis- ing-publicity executive, has returned here from Rochester and Syracuse. • Sir Alexander Korda is ill in Lon- don with glandular fever. • Louis Snader, television film pro- ducer, is in New York from the Coast. • James Schlatter is the new man- ager of the Town Theatre, Omaha. • Charles D. Prutzman has re- turned to New York from the Coast. Coast Production Up Three, to 34 Hollywood, Jan. 23. — The produc- tion tally has increased three points to a total of 34 pictures in work. Nine new productions were started, while six were completed. Started were : "The Secret," Co- lumbia; "The Bradley Mason Story," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ; "Ghost Chas- ers," Monogram ; "Crosswinds," Para- mount; "On the Loose" (Filmakers), and "Rustlers' Range," RKO Pictures ; "Golden Goose" (Thor Production), and "Meet Me After the Show," 20th Century-Fox; "The Real McCoy," Universal-International. Completed were : "Cyclone Fury" and "Sunny Side of the Street," Co- lumbia ; "Danger Zone," Lippert ; "No Questions Asked," Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer; "That's My Boy" (Hal Wal- ks Production), Paramount; "Fight- ing U. S. Coast Guard," Republic production. Starr to 'M.C WB Bow Martin Starr, Broadway and Holly- wood correspondent for station WINS, will be master-of-ceremonies for the world premiere tomorrow night at the Capitol Theatre here of Warner's "The Enforcer," starring Humphrey Bogart. A portion of the ceremonies will be rebroadcast over Martin Starr's own program, "Movie Starr Dust," on Friday evening, it was announced. Newsreel Parade "DEPORT from Korea, President Truman's speech, and Eric Johns- ton's appointment to the Economic Stabilization Agency are current newsreel highlights. Other items in- clude the film industry Communion Breakfast here and sports. Complete contents follow: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 8 — UN forces hold line in Korea. Gen. Eisenhower in Europe. Eric Johnston heads war economy agency. Greek Cross ceremony. U. S>. steps up jet-power production. First film Com- munion Breakfast here. Sports. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 242-Truman gives views on dictators. Korea sidelights. Speed up jet-fighter production. Liner S.S. Independence debut. Gen. Eisenhower in London. Communion Breakfast for film in- dustry members here. Sports. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 45 — Sea beauty in debut. News in aviation: B-36s, F-94 jets. People you're reading about: Gen. Collins, Gen. Vandenberg, Eric John- ston, Gen. Eisenhower. News from the sports world. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 4-A— (Tele- news exclusive) Paris : report on slavery in Russia. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 424— Korea re- port. President Truman attacks Stalin. B-36 bombers' flight. New contracts boost F-94 jet interceptor production. News from the world of sports. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 47— Gen Eisenhower in Europe. Korea report. Presi- dent Truman's talk. Mine owners sign pact with John L. Lewis. Hail superliner .S'.-S'. Independence. Eric Johnston named head of U. S. economy board. Sports. Saville Sets Three for Independent Filming London, Jan. 23. — Victor Saville has set plans for the early launching of independent production. His first three scheduled are : "I'm Going to Maxime's," "The Director," and "Order of Release." The producer-director has signed Dolores Maccarter, French - English player on BBC television, for three years with annual options. She will continue her TV work until Saville is ready with the ingenue starring role in "I'm Going to Maxime's," to be filmed in Paris. Burkett Plans Three 'Chart Films Abroad Boston, Jan. 23. — Producer James S. Burkett today announced that he will make three Charlie Chan pictures in London this summer, starring Ro- land Winters, Mantan Moreland and Keye Luke, to be released through Eagle Lion Classics. Burkett, who is associated with Jack Schwarz Productions, is here from New York and Hollywood in conjunc- tion with the Boston premiere of his latest film "Korea Patrol," which will open March 1 at the RKO Boston Theatre. Censor Approves 'Sound' Memphis censor Lloyd Binford has approved without any cuts Robert Stillman's United Artists' film, "The Sound of Fury," a story with an anti- lynching theme. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, Fl 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c Wednesday, January 24, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 16 Speaking Dates Set for MGM's Wolf With his final January speaking en- gagement scheduled for today before the Kiwanis Club at Holyoke, Mass Maurice N. Wolf, assistant to H. M. Richey at M-G-M, has lined up 16 additional dates where he will, speak on behalf of the industry during Feb- ruary and March. Six engagements lined up for next month, will be in Florida, the first slated for Feb. 6 at the Lion's Club, Tampa, followed by a talk before the same organization on Feb. 9 at St. Petersburg. On Feb. 13, he is slated to appear before the Kiwanis at Bra- denton, and three days later before the same organization at Sarasota. On Feb. 21, he is scheduled for the Rotary Club at Clearwater, and the following day at the Lion's Club, Lakeland. For March there are 10 dates, also all in Florida, starting with the Lion's Club at Miami, on March 1, followed by the Kiwanis, Ft. Lauderdale, March 6; Lion's, West Palm Beach, March 9; Kiwanis, Orlando, March 12; Kiwanis, Sanford, March 14; Lion's, Daytona, March 20; Rotary, Deland, same date; Lion's, Jackson- ville, March 28; Kiwanis, Palatka, March 29, and the same day, same city, at the Lion's. Stanley W. Hatch Of Warner Brothers Stanley W. Hatch, Head of Warner Brothers' home office contract depart- ment, died at his Bronxville home Monday from a heart attack. Hatch, survived by the widow, Frieda, and two sisters living in Bellefontame Ohio was in the film business for 30 years. He started with First National in 1920, later joining Grand National. In 1938 he went to Warner. Services and interment will be at Bellefontaine. Review Call Me Mister (20th Century-Fox) BETTY GRABLE's adherents will be pleased and entertained by the latest in her lengthening series of Technicolor musicals. This time, her studio has forsaken originals and remakes and has turned to a Broadway hit revue for its foundation. It is "Call Me Mister" which the film resembles in outline and not much else. A story line has been added. Serviceable, too. The locale is away from routine. Japan, after the surrender in '45, is where the goings-on transpire. Many of the "GI's" are being shipped home; wherefore, the "Call Me Mister" title. But others remain as part of the Army of Occupation and in need of entertainment. Enter Miss Grable and her side-kick, Benay Venuta,,. whose job it is to scour the ranks of enlisted men and enroll talent for camp-made musicals. Although separated from him, Betty continues to remain in love with Dan Dailey, irresponsible soldier but 'never harum-scarum enough to disremember the Grable charms. Thus, the romantic tilt, for what it is worth dramatically, and the emotional ups- and-downs before they get together after 95 minutes of running time. Dale Robertson stacks up as a romantic menace, in a nice way, but he never gets far because Betty won't let him. Danny Thomas, the comic, is the Pfc as- signed to the laugh content. ./,'•„ . , The camp musical idea provides opportunity, logically enough, for song- and-dance numbers, climaxed bv the premiere of the show itself. In turn, this provides Miss Grable, solo and in combination with Dailey, an opportu- nity to perform which she does with her usual aplomb. Thomas has two routines The first, among the pots and pans of the mess kitchen, is quite amusing. The other, a monologue on the night of the show, is decidedly secondary. . • . ' . , "Call Me Mister" maintains a nice pace and an easy flow for approximately its first half. About midway or thereafter, the gait slows down, the film inclines to sag and never manages to return to its original stance. However, it is light enough, romantic and amusing enough to assure wide satisfaction amon"' the devotees of the musical film. Production-wise, the attraction is superior Three of Harold J. Rome's songs from the original stage revue are incorporated. Mack Gordon and Sammy Fain are authors of three others, and Frances Ash of another. Jerry Seelen and Earl K. Brent wrote "Lament to the Pots and Pans," the best of Thomas' two numbers. Albert E Lewin and Burt Styler were responsible for the screenplay, Lloyd Bacon for commercially-sound direction and Busby Berkeley for the dances. Fred Kohlmar produced. r r, Runnino- time 95 minutes. General audience classification, tor Jbebruary , „00 & Red Kann release. Abraham Gore, 67, Pioneer Exhibitor Los Angeles, Jan. 23. — Funeral services will be held here tomorrow at noon at the Home of Peace Chapel for Abraham L. Gore, 67, pioneer ex- hibitor and co-founder of the circuit which became part of Fox West Coast Theatres, who died at his home here yesterday after a long illness. The widow, a son, a daughter, a sister and three brothers survive. Services Today for W. G. Boling, 47 Charlotte, Jan. 23. — Funeral services for W. G. Boling, 47, mana- ger of National Theatre Supply's branch here, who died early this morn ing, will be held tomorrow. He had been ill for a long time at a local hospital. Interment will be in Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery. Legion Reviews 12; One in Class "C" Twelve mote features have been re- viewed by the National Legion^ of Decency, which put two in Class "B" and one in Class "C." Those in Class, "B" are "The Flesh Is Weak, (Italian), Distinguished Flms Inc., and "Force of Destiny," (Italian), Screen Arts Sales Co. Placed in Class "C" was "The Blue Angel," (German- reissue), Erich Pommer Productions. "Counterspy Meets Scotland Yard, Columbia, was put in Class "A," sec- tion I. Those in Class "A," section II, include "Steel Helmet" and "Three Desperate Men," both Lippert pro- ductions; "Buried Alive," (Italian), Casolare Distributing Co.; "The Groom Wore Spurs," Universal-Inter- national ; "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain," 20th Century-Fox; "The Redhead and the Cowboy," Para- mount; "Short Grass," Allied Artists, and "Tainted," Distinguished Films, Inc. RKO's Friedlander Dies in Chile Enrique Friedlander, 44, manager of the RKO office in Chile, died over the weekend of a cerebral hemorrhage, ac- cording to word received here by Phil Reisman, RKO vice-president in charge of oreign distribution. Friedlander, a native of Argentina, entered the film business at the age of 20. 'Sicilian' Rights to Alex Gottlieb Hollywood, Jan. 23.— Alex Gottlieb has acquired rights to John Kafka's novel, "Sicilian Street" and plans it for independent production. He is seeking Cornel Wilde and Linda Darnell for the top starring roles. Kafka is now writing the screenplay. Theatre Quiz Prize Is Holiday Cruise Boston, Jan. 23. — Holiday cruises to Bermuda or the West Indies are the prizes offered by the Community Playhouse, Wellesley, Mass., in a box office promotion in the form of a film quiz. Contestants are required to an swer eight out of 10 questions cor- rectly ,with one question presented each week, and to write a letter in order to win one of the two prizes. Cooperating with the theatre in the contest is the Wellesley Travel Serv- ice. Chicago Newspaper Runs B. O. Slogans Chicago, Jan. 23.— The Chi- cago Herald - American, is printing a new series of slo- gans on its amusement pages encouraging Chicagoans to go to the films. The newspa- per has been running "Movies Are Better Than Ever" blurbs throughout the amuse- ment page. This was suc- ceeded this week by four new slogans: "Leave your worries at home. Go to a movie;" "To make life bright, go to a mo- vie tonight;" "For a refresh- ing delight, see a movie to- night; and "A movie a week for a family treat." William Carroll, Herald- American amusement adver- tising editor, said eventually, the paper hopes to change the slogans every week. N.Y. Bookers Install Margolis and Mayer The New York Film Bookers Club has installed the following officers for 1951: President, Harry Margolis, M-G-M, president ; Fred Mayer, Universal, first vice-president; Ben Drexler, Brandt Theatres, second vice-president ; re- cording secretary, Kitty Flynn, Para- mount ; financial secretary, Sharley Sussman, Rudoff and Becker ; treas- urer, Myran Starr, Eagle Lion Clas- sics. The installation took place at the Variety Club's New York headquar- ters at the Hotel Astor, at ceremonies which were "M.C.'d" by Bernie Brooks of Fabian Theatres. 'Treasure Island', 'Beaver' Win Awards Two RKO Radio releases from the Walt Disney Studio have been chosen as the best motion pictures of 1950 in two categories by the Special Awards Committee of the previewing group of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. "Treasure Island" received first place in the "Children's Classic" group. "Beaver Valley" was picked as best in the "Special Animal Life" classification. Princess Opens March 1 Nashville, Jan. 23. — Crescent Amusement's Princess Theatre will open here March 1, R. E. Baulch, president and'"' Kertnit Stengel, execu- tive vice-president, have announced. First Supercinecolor Film Due in March Twentieth Century - Fox's "The Sword of Monte Cristo" will be the first film produced in the new three- process Supercinecolor, the company stated here yesterday. Produced by Edward L. Alperson, ■the film, which star-s-jGeqrge Mont- gomery and Paula Cof day, will be re- leased in March. Five Loew Managers Shifted in N. Y. Eugene Picker, in charge of Loew's New York theatre operations, has made the following managerial changes : Mrs. Bessie Dove, formerly man- ager of Loew's 42nd St., now Closed, becomes manager of Loew's Woodside, replacing Martin Gallagher, Jr. who moves to the Plaza. Lawrence Stark of the Plaza, was transferred to the Victory, succeeding Daniel Jacobson, who moves to the Spooner. Ben New- man of the Spooner, goes to the Canal, succeeding Louis Kramer, who will manage the Palace, Brooklyn, replac- ing Arthur Dattel, who is no longer in Loew's employ. UA's Rubine to 'Frisco Hollywood, Jan. 23. — With the United Artists Theatre in San Fran- cisco set for the Feb. 8 first general release showing of Robert Stillman's "The Sound of Fury," Irving Rubine, vice-president of the Stillman organi- zation, has planed to San Francisco from here for conferences with Graham Kislingbury, district mana- ger for North Coast Theatres. Golden Jubilee Dinner Hartford, Jan. 23. — Local 84, IATSE, of Hartford will hold its 50th anniversary dinner at Hotel Bond here May 9, with some 400 persons, including "IA" president Richard F. Walsh, in attendance. Charles Obert is president and Rube Lewis, business agent. I a tidal We ! LIZABETH SCOTT JANE GREER • DENNIS O'KEEFE Produced by JOHN HOUSEMAN Directed by JOHN CROMWELL Story and Screenplay by KETTI FRINGS R K O RADIO PICTURES V NATIONALLY ADVERTISED with full page ads to the multi- million readers of the four big weeklies... LIFE, LOOK, SATURDAY EVENING POST and COLLIER'S. 5 6 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 24, 1951 Radio Poll (Continued from page 1) Radio Champions for 1950 mistress of ceremonies, Tallulah Bankhead, captured third place in the Best Comedienne division. Jack Webb of NBC's Dragnet was voted Most Promising Star of Tomorrow by a big margin. NBC completed a clean sweep of the new talent category by placing Willard Waterman of the Gildersleeve program and Mindy Carson, young vocalist, in second and third place, re- spectively. Miss Carson also wlas voted third in the Best Popu- lar Female Vocalist class, giv- ing such solidly established stars as Dinah Shore and Jo Stafford an interesting contest. In addition to Webb's victory in the new talent category, Dragnet was voted Best Mystery Show on the air by the critics. Gordon MacRae, who was voted Most Promising Star by the critics in the 1949 poll, moved up last year to challenge Crosby for first place in the Best Popular Male Vocalist di- vision, where MacRae finished a close second, well ahead of Perry Como in third place. Colman Tops Crosby Ronald Colman forged ahead of Crosby in the voting for Film Per- sonality Most Effective in Radio, Crosby taking second and Robert Young" third. Bob Hope, a top cate- gory winner in many an earlier poll, managed only a third place in the Best Comedian division in the 1950 balloting, overshadowed by both Ben- ny and Marx. " Eve Arden repeated in the Best Comedienne class, closely followed by Lucille Ball and Tallulah Bankhead. In the Best Comedy Team division, Fibber McGee & Molly retained their strangle hold on first place, which has been theirs in a majority of the polls of recent years. Arthur Godfrey apparently is right where he was a year ago in critical favor. His show was again voted Best Daytime Program and he once more took second place in the Best Master of Ceremonies class. Ezio Pinza Wins The voting critics gave Ezio Pinza first place in the Best Classical Male Vocalists division, and Jussi Bjoer- ling second. James Melton, last year's winner, dropped to third. Dorothy Kirsten was a repeater in the Best Classical Female Vocalist balloting, with Marian Anderson second and Bidu Sayao and Rise Stevens tied for third. Don Wilson again was voted Best Studio Announcer; Ed- ward R. Murrow finished first once more as Best News Com- mentator or Analyst, and Bill Stern added another year as Best Sportscaster. However, Ralph Flanagan's orchestra wrested the title of Best Dance Band from the always popular Guy Lombardo, who finished a close second. Vaughn Monroe was third. Theatre Guild on the Air was the critics' choice over Lux Radio Thea- tre by a narrow margin. A year earlier, the positions of the two were reversed. The NBC Symphony Orchestra was an easy winner again last year in the Kins Crosby Jack Webb Ronald Colman Dinah Shore Ezio Pinza Fibber McGee & Molly Don Wilson Arthur Godfrey Ralph Flanagan Dorothy Kirsten Bill Stern symphonic division. The Telephone Hour repeated in the Best Musical Show voting, followed by The Rail- road Hour and Voice of Firestone. America's Town Meeting again was voted the Best Educational Program and was acclaimed by the critics also as the Best Public Service Program. The Eleanor Roosevelt Program, started in the fall, had considerable backing, gaining a third place in the Best Daytime Program division. As has been the case throughout the 15-year history of the radio poll, the radio editors and columnists evidenced in their 1950 balloting a wholesome disregard of so-called popular pro- grams and their Nielsen ratings. Ob- viously, what Neilsen and others say the public prefers, has little to do with what the critics and editors, individ- ually and collectively, prefer for them- selves. This has always been noted especially in such classifications as quiz, mystery (crime), audience par- ticipation shows, classical music and newscasters. Radio Editors (Continued from page 1) given it by a rival medium which it- self prefers aping others to striking out on its own. So say radio's friendly critics. "Radio cannot hold its listeners by giving up. . . ." "Quit stewing about TV and do something dynamic. . .." "There are still lots of radio listeners. . . ." "There is a place for both radio and television — radio needs to learn that. . . ." "Radio is laying down on the job." So run the comments. What to do about it? "New and better radio ideas on the sane side. . . .' "Stop pitting the best shows against each other. Listeners can't hear them all simultaneously. Radio is the loser. . . ." "Radio should spend less for names and more for writers with new ideas and imagination, and for good, new talent. . . ." "More good music — fewer crime and mystery tales. . . ." "More realistic (like United Nations broadcasts), more adult (like 'Magnificent Montague'), more pol- ished documentaries (like NBC's 'Fishermen's Folk Songs') pro- grams. . . ." Networks Praised Many of the critics commended NBC and CBS for better educational programs ; ABC for operatic broad- casts, MBS for some documentaries. Many condemned a plethora of "un- funny comedians," invasive studio au- diences and, inevitably, commercials. But the striking thing about most comments was that they seemed to have been made more in sorrow than in anger, sorrow over seeing an old friend take a licking without really trying to fight back. Not, at least, with all he's got. Wednesday, January 24, 1951 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Complete Results of 1950 Fame Radio Poll CBS, Young & Rubicam Press Services Voted Best in Fifteenth Annual Poll Radio editors and columnists participating in Motion Picture Daily's 15th annual poll for Fame voted the Columbia Broadcast- ting System's publicity service the best of the network press services in 1950. George Crandall heads the CBS publicity depart- ment. The voting editors and columnists tabbed Young & Rubi- cam's press department for the Best Individual Publicity Service in 1950. Harry Rauch is director of radio and television pub- licity and promotion for Y & R. It was the second con- secutive year the balloters had picked CBS's press service as the best of the networks, which is some- what unusual in the his- tory of the polls since vot- ing in this category is tra- ditionally close with the lead ordinarily changing from one year to the next. As usual, the 1950 vote again was extremely close with only a few votes separating first and second place. NBC was second and ABC third in the voting. The voting also was close, as usual, in the Best Individual Pub- licity Service category, in which the previous year's winner, J. Walter Thompson, finished second and BBD & O third. George Crandall Harry Rauch THE complete list of first, second and third place winners of Motion Picture Daily's 1 5th annual radio poll for Fame, as voted by radio editors and columnists of American newspapers and magazines, are presented here- with. Sponsors, agencies, net- works and broadcast time (E. S. T.) are given for first place winners, networks only for others. CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 1. Jack Benny Show (American To- bacco Co. — Batten, Barton, Durs- tine & Osborn — CBS, Sundays, 7:00-7:30 P.M.) 2. You Bet Your Life (NBC). 3. Bing Crosby (CBS) and The Big Show (NBC) (tied). MOST PROMISING STAR OF TOMORROW 1. Jack Webb ( Dragnet— Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. — Cunningham & Walsh— NBC, Thursdays, 9 :00- 9:30 P.M.) 2. Willard Waterman (NBC). 3. Mindy Carson (NBC). BEST COMEDIAN 1. Jack Benny (American Tobacco Co.— Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn — CBS, Sundays, 7:00- 7:30 PM.) 2. Groucho Marx (NBC). 3. Bob Hope (NBC). BEST COMEDIENNE 1. Eve Arden (Our Miss Brooks— Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Co. — Ted Bates & Co.— CBS, Sundays, 6:30- 7:00 P.M.) 2. Lucille Ball (CBS) 3. Tallulah Bankhead (NBC). BEST COMEDY TEAM 1. Fibber McGee & Molly (Pet Milk Sales Corp. — Gardner Advertising Co.— NBC, Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 P.M.) 2. Amos 'n Andy (CBS). 3. Martin & Lewis (NBC— discon- tinued). BEST MASTER OF CEREMONIES 1. Bing Crosby (The Bing Crosby Show— Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. — Cunningham & Walsh — CBS, Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 P.M.) 2. Arthur Godfrey (CBS). 3. Groucho Marx (NBC). FILM PERSONALITY MOST EFFECTIVE ON RADIO 1. Ronald Colman (Halls of Ivy- Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co.— Young & Rubicam— NBC, Wednes- days, 8:00-8:30 P.M.) 2. Bing Crosby (CBS). 3. Robert Young (NBC). BEST POPULAR MALE VOCALIST 1. Bing Crosby (The Bing Crosby Show— Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co.— Cunningham & Walsh — CBS, Wednesday, 9:30-10:00 P.M.) 2. Gordon Mac Rae (NBC). 3. Perry Como (NBC — discontinued ; currently guest spots). BEST POPULAR FEMALE VOCALIST 1. Dinah Shore (The Oxydol Show — Procter & Gamble Co. — Dancer- Fitzgerald-Sample — CBS, Mon- days—Fridays, 7:15-7:30 P.M. 2. Jo Stafford (CBS). 3. Mindy Carson (NBC). BEST CLASSICAL MALE VOCALIST 1. Ezio Pinza (Guest Spots). 2. Jussi Bjoerling (NBC). 3. James Melton (Discontinued). BEST CLASSICAL FEMALE VOCALIST 1. Dorothy Kirsten (Guest Spots). 2. Marian Anderson (NBC). 3. Bidu Sayao (NBC) and Rise Stevens (Guest Spots), tied. BEST STUDIO ANNOUNCER 1. Don Wilson (The Jack Benny Show — American Tobacco Co. — Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn —CBS, Sundays, 7:00-7:30 P.M.) 2. Ken Carpenter (CBS). 3. Tony Marvin (CBS). BEST NEWS COMMENTATOR OR ANALYST 1. Edward R. Murrow (American Oil Co. — Joseph Katz Co., Theo. Hamm Brewing Co. — Campbell- Mithun, Inc., Pan-AM Southern Corp. — Fitzgerald Advertising- Agency, Procter & Gamble Co. — Benton & Bowles; CBS, Mondays through Fridays, 7:45-8:00 P.M.) also, "Hear It Now," sustaining, CBS, Fridays, 9 :00-10 :00 P.M. 2. Lowell Thomas (CBS). 3. Walter Winchell (ABC). BEST SPORTSCASTER 1. Bill Stern (Sports Newsreel of the Air — Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Co. — Sherman & Marquette — NBC, Fridays, 10:30-10:45 P.M.) and Special Sports Events. — 2. Mel Allen (Special Sports Events) 3. Red Barber (CBS). BEST SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 1. NBC Symphony (Ford Motors and RCA Victor, J. Walter Thompson ; Whitehall Pharmacal Co., John F. Murray Adv. Agency —NBC, Mondays, 10:00-11:00 P.M.) 2. N. Y. Philharmonic (CBS). 3. Boston Symphony (NBC). BEST DANCE BAND 1. Ralph Flanagan (ABC's of Music — Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. — Cunningham & Walsh — CBS — dis- continued) . 2. Guy Lombardo (CBS). 3. Vaughn Monroe (CBS). BEST DAYTIME PROGRAM 1. Arthur Godfrey Show (Lever Brothers Co. — Ruthrauff & Ryan ; Pillsbury Mills — Leo Burnett Co. ; Wildroot Co. — Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn ; Gold Seal Co. — Campbell-Mithun, Inc. ; National Biscuit Co. — McCann-Erickson ; Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co.— Cunningham & Walsh ; CBS, Mon- days through Fridays, 10:00-11:30 A.M.)* 2. Welcome Travelers (NBC). 3. The Eleanor Roosevelt Program (NBC). (*Also, The Godfrey Digest — Reddi- Wip Inc. — Ruthrauff & Ryan — CBS, Sundays, 4:30-5:00 P.M.) BEST DRAMATIC PROGRAM 1. Theatre Guild on the Air (United States Steel Corp. — Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn — NBC, Sun- days, 8:30-9:30 P.M.) 2. Lux Radio Theatre (CBS). 3. NBC Theatre (NBC). BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM 1. America's Town Meeting (Sus- taining, ABC, Tuesdays, 9:00-9:30 P.M.) 2. Invitation to Learning (CBS). 3. Voices and Events (CBS). CBS, NBC Tie with 10 'Firsts' Apiece CBS and NBC programs and per- formers shared top honors in Motion Picture Daily's 15th annual radio poll for Fame, each network captur- ing 10 first places. In 1949, following the extended "raids" of the preceding 12 months, CBS captured 14 firsts to NBC's nine. ABC captured two firsts in the 1950 poll. CBS programs and performers took 11 second places to NBC's 10. MBS had one second place. Third place honors were divided as follows : NBC, 18 and one tie; CBS, five and one tie; ABC, one. CBS made a clean sweep of the Best Dance Band and Best Studio Announcer classifications, capturing the first, second and third places in both categories, while NBC dupli- cated that performance with clean sweeps of the Most Promising Star of Tomorrow and Best Musical Show divisions. BEST MYSTERY SHOW 1. Dragnet (Liggett & Myers To- bacco Co. — Cunningham & Walsh —NBC, Thursdays, 9:00-9:30 P.M.) 2. Suspense (CBS). 3. The Adventures of Sam Spade (NBC). BEST MUSICAL SHOW 1. The Telephone Hour (The Bell Telephone System — N. W. Ayer & Son— NBC, Mondays, 9:00-9:30 P.M.) 2. Railroad Hour (NBC). 3. Voice of Firestone (NBC). BEST QUIZ SHOW 1. You Bet Your Life (De Soto- Plymouth Dealers — Batten, Bar- ton, Durstine & Osborn— NBC, Wednesdays, 9:00-9:30 P.M.) 2. 20 Questions (MBS). 3. Bob Hawk Show (CBS). BEST AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 1. You Bet Your Life (De Soto- Plymouth Dealers — Batten, Bar- ton, Durstine & Osborn — NBC, Wednesdays, 9:00-9:30 P.M.) 2. People Are Funny (NBC). 3. Truth or Consequences (CBS). N >!Tf BEST PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM 1. America's Town Meeting of the Air (Sustaining, ABC, Tuesdays, 9:00-9:30 P.M.) 2. The Quick and the Dead (NBC- discontinued). 3. American Forum (NBC). BEST NETWORK PUBLICITY SERVICE 1. Columbia Broadcasting System. 2. National Broadcasting Company. 3. American Broadcasting Company. BEST INDIVIDUAL PUBLICITY SERVICE 1. Young & Rubicam (Harry Rauch, director). 2. J. Walter Thompson. 3. Batten, Barton, Durstine & Os- born. 8 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 24, 1951 SIMPP Meet Waits UA Clarification Ellis G. Arnall, president of the So- ciety of Independent Motion Picture Producers, has decided to delay the date when he will visit Hollywood to meet with the Society's board for a vote on the new organizational setup for the benefit of the Council of Mo- tion Picture Organizations, he said here yesterday. A SIMPP board meeting was tenta- tively scheduled for early next month and Arnall was to have left here for the Coast next week. However, he explained, he has decided to wait for a clarification of the United Artists situation so that SIMPP can make its own plans in light of such clarification. A large number of SIMPP members have released through UA. Arnall said he could not indicate at this time the sentiment among SIMPP board members with respect to the plan to revise COMPO's organiza- tional structure, since he has not polled the board. He replied in the affirma- tive, however, when asked if he would have voted in favor of the plan had he attended the COMPO board meet- ing at which the plan was approved. Although he attended the first day's meeting of the two-day COMPO board session in New York recently, Arnall was unable to be on hand for the second day's conference at which the plan was adopted. Television Heading for Trouble With Sporting Events in Indiana Indianapolis, Jan. 23. — There will be no telecast of the 1951 Indianapolis 500-mile automobile speedway race on May 30, Wilbur Shaw, president of the Indianapolis Speedway, announces. Complete coverage of the race was given in the past two years by station WFBM-TV. Survey indicated that it kept thousands of people rooted to their television receivers in homes and clubs, it was said. Since attendance at the race is a closely guarded secret— news- papers' estimate usually run in the neighborhood of 150,000— Shaw would not say to what extent it was believed affected by television. But he did state his belief that WFBM-TV could not meet the anticipated financial loss. "Television misses the point in selling the 500-mile race," Shaw said. "It does not portray that feeling of a big Hoosier picnic." It still is undecided, he said, whether the television ban would apply to the time-trials preceding the race. The usual broadcast of the start and finish of the race by Mutual also is still hanging fire. Television here also seems to be having difficulty lining up other sporting events. Indications are that the Indianapolis baseball club will go for no more than one or two game telecasts a week next season. Last year most home games were televised. Kiwanis Broadcasts Chicago, Jan. 23. — Completion of the first in a series of 14 transcribed radio programs was announced by Kiwanis International. 7,896 Theatres Now Operate in Italy Washington, Jan. 23. — As of Jan. 31, 1950, there were 7,896 theatres in operation in Italy, the U. S. Com- merce Department reports, quoting an Italian government survey. Of these, however, only 1,965 are commercial theatres presenting regu- lar daily film programs. They ac- count for 90.5 per cent of total gross box-office receipts. An additional 1,000 to 1,500 theatres — over and above the 7,896 total — operate as open-air thea- tres only during the summer, the Com- merce Department said. 1* 1k THE PALACE ROCHESTER IS OPERATING AT CAPACITY with Warner Bros. Operation Iuific Coming Events Canadians to See New Kinescope Film Ottawa, Jan. 23. — Canadians will form the first public audiences for a new type of film, the "Kinescope," which the National Film Board will begin distributing in February to some 3,500 communities. The first subject is titled "The Road to World Peace." Made by focusing a film camera on the viewing screen of a television set, kinescopes can be quickly and cheaply produced, it is said. They could bring" television programs to rural audiences in Canada years before full television reaches them. Views Diverge on Mexican Industry Mexico City, Jan. 23. — Following an interview with President Miguel Aleman, Jorge Negrete, president of the National Actors Union, declared that he told the chief executive that the Mexican film industry was consoli- dated industrially and that it has "come of age." However Gen. Abelardo L. Rodri- gues, head of the Mexican Motion Picture Association, declared in an interview that the industry is dis- organized and exhibition is hampered by a trust he did not name. Jan. 24— Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. Jan. 24-25 — Malco Theatres annual managers meeting, Hotel Gayoso, Memphis. Jan. 25 — NCCJ Amusements Divi- sion annual dinner, Hotel Wal- dorf-Astoria, New York. Jan. 29-30 — Allied Theatre Owners of Texas convention, Dallas. Jan. 29-31— Theatre Owners of Arkansas, Mississippi and Ten- nesse annual convention, Hotel Gayoso, Memphis. Jan. 30 — Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors Association annual meeting and election of officers, Cleveland. Feb. 5 — IATSE general executive board mid-winter meeting, Santa Rita Hotel, Tucson. Feb. 5 — Theatre Owners of Okla- homa monthly board of directors meeting, Oklahoma City. Feb. 6 — Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin regional meeting, Hotel Lorraine, Madison. Feb. 14 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. Feb. 14 — Allied States Association Caravan Committee meeting, Stat- ler Hotel, Washington. Feb. 15-16 — Allied States Associa- tion board of directors annual mid-winter meeting, Statler Ho- tel, Washington. Feb. 18-25 — Brotherhood Week. Feb. 28 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. Richard in Uruguay Film Festival Role Joaquin Rickard, Motion Picture Association of America manager in Latin America, has been named chair- man of a committee that will supervise arrangements for the participation of American film companies in the Uru- guayan Film Festival. Rickard will serve also as liaison between member companies of the Association and officials of the Uru- guayan government under whose spon- sorship the Festival will be held in Punta del Este, Feb. 15 to March 5. GermanBoardViews 299; 96 from U.S. Switch Release Dates The release dates of "The 13th Let- ter" and "Sword of Monte Cristo" have been interchanged, it was an- nounced by Andy W. Smith, Jr., sales vice-president of 20th Century-Fox. Originally scheduled for March re- lease, "The 13th Letter" is now set for February, while "Sword of Monte Cristo" is set for March, instead of February. Washington, Jan. 23. — U. S. films accounted for 96 of the 299 features presented to the German Self-Censor- ship Board for review during the period July 11 to Nov. 24, the U. S. Commerce Department reports. Another 70 were new German pro- ductions, 50 were pre- 1945 German features, 18 were British, 18 were Austrian, 16, Italian, 15, French, three, Swedish, two, Argentine, two, Soviet, and one each from Czechoslovakia, Finland and Hungary. Six features were rejected during the period, including three U. S. films, two old German films and one Italian feature. N.Y. Critics Awards At Rainbow Room The New York film critics will pre- sent their annual awards in the Rain- bow Room of the RCA Building here on Sunday night, instead of on the stage of Radio City Music Hall, as originally scheduled. In making the change the film, critics said they wished to relieve Music Hall officials of the possibility of Catholic ill-will resulting from presentation of their award to "The Ways of Love," a film trilogy which includes "The Miracle," a Roberto Rossellini production which Cardinal Spellman has termed "sacri- legious." "Ways of Love" received the critics' award as the "best foreign picture of 1950." Your BOXOFFICE as good as your SHOWMANSHIP! mmm.,fytee# service >y V_y P/uzf buby of me mdustry ▼ w 10 Motion Picture daily Wednesday, January 24, 1951 Hits Part-time Run As 'Bad' Business Cleveland, Jan. 23.— A part- time operating theatre policy was characterized as "psy- chologically bad not only for the houses concerned but also for the entire industry," by Bert Lefkowich, of the Com- munity Circuit here, which experimented with the part- time policy in several neigh- borhood houses recently. The policy discourages film thinking on the part of the public, and tends to drive patrons into new, full-time neighborhood theatres, Lef- kowich stated. "We did not resume full-time policies in four of our theatres — Ambas- sador, Euclid, Imperial and Windameer — because busi- ness is picking up but be- cause, in our opinion it is a constructive business atti- tude," he said. Review ELC Studies {Continued from page 1) that will be asked or whether sug- gestions for additional deletions may still be forthcoming. The company had appealed to the Motion Picture Association of Amer- ica's board from PCA's denial of a code seal for the J. Arthur Rank pic- ture which ELC is distributing here. The board referred the matter back to Breen for reconsideration, includ- ing the possibility of making deletions which would eliminate objectionable aspects of the Fagin character, which had been criticized as anti-Semitic. The Production Code prohibits the ridicule of any religious or racial group in films bearing its seal. "Chance of a Lifetime" { Pilgrim-Ballantine Pictures) THE DEFT characterization that distinguishes fine British films is gen- erously present in "Chance of A Lifetime," an importation which views an affectionate study of a novel socialist experiment in a small industrial town. The picture is a charming blend of humor, whimsy and economics. Its freshness of theme and smoothness of presentation should make it quite popular among discriminating patrons with the subject matter provoking- avid discussion, all of which, under proper merchandising, can result in box- office currency. Something of a record in multiple activity is achieved by talented Bernard Miles. Not only does he play one of the leads, but he also produced, directed and collaborated on the original screenplay with Walter Greenwood. The story relates the difficulties and conflicts between management and labor in a factory in austerity-ridden, post-war England. Finally, after con- tinued bickerings and incident, Basil Radford, head of the plant, blurts out to the workers the wish that some of them had his job to know what hard work really was. Taking this remark as a challenge, the workers elect two of their members to assume management. At first everything rolls along enthusiastically. Then mistakes gradually come home to roost and many of the workers again become disgruntled with the management. After some dramatic developments become precarious, Radford comes forward to rescue the situation with his seasoned experience. As the film ends, the workers still hold the reigns to the plant, with Radford again in the driver's seat as an advisor. Some excellent vignettes are contributed by Nial Mac- Ginnis, as a chronic grouser and Miles and Julien Mitchell, as the two workers who assume the managership. Produced by Pilgrim Pictures, Ltd., this Harold Auten presentation is being released here through Ballantine Pictures. Running time, 90 minutes. General audience classification. For February release. Mandel Herbstman Set British Film Bow "The Inheritance", British import starring Jean Simmons, is scheduled to open in New York on Feb. 10 at the Symphony Theatre. I TWA TWA— TWAl -TWA proudly presents Says U. S. Silent on French Proposals By HENRY KAHN Paris, Jan. 23.— Andre Guillant, Secretary of State for Industry and Commerce, whose department is re- sponsible for French film policy, re- ports that his department has not re- ceived any official American sugges- tions for the forthcoming U. S.-French talks. He said that whatever import con- cessions may be made to the Ameri- cans in the future, the French would ask for U. S. concessions in return. He expressed the hope that French product would get a better break on American screens than it has hereto- fore. French Aid Program Regarding the French aid program for the industry, the Secretary thought its weaknesses were compen- sated for by its success. He indicated that he was aware of the fact that the aid program was coming to an end in 1953 and observed that if it were to be continued such action could only be temporary. 1 TV/A's newest, fastest, most luxurious transatlantic flights NON-STOP TO LONDON and PARIS For information, call your local TWA office or your travel agent. UK Grosses Decline In Seasonal Cycle Washington, Jan. 23. — Gross box- office receipts in the United Kingdom followed a seasonal pattern and de- cline during the second quarter of 1950, the U. S. Commerce Department reported today. Quoting statistics published in the Board of 'Trade Journal, Commerce film chief Nathan D. Golden said that receipts of British theatres during the second quarter of 1950 amounted to £25,305,000, compared with £28,040,- 000 in the first quarter of 1950. Total admissions dropped from 371,063,000 to 341,582,000. The figures come from returns from 4,580 theatres, 99.5 per cent of those known to be operating during the period in exhibition of standard 35mm. films. ^ The Board of Trade pointed out. Golden said, that a similar decline from the first to second quarters oc- curred in each of the previous three years. 20th-Fox-Artists {Continued from page 1) the Art Foundation, will supervise the productions, all of which will be made in color. Paintings will be photo graphed from originals. Boris Vermont will produce, Mart lyn Silverstone, also of Art News, will serve as associate producer, Mil- dred Barish Bermont will write stor- ies and scripts, and John Oser will direct. In making his announcement, Skouras contended that today the pub- lic here and abroad has demonstrated a strong interest in films that are developing new patterns of expression in dealing with top musicians, concert artists, religious subjects and paintings and painters. Coyne to Tell Compo Story to Tri^States Robert W. Coyne, special counsel for the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, will tell the COMPO story to the annual convention of the Tri - States Motion Picture Theatre Owners in Memphis, which opens Monday. The organization, a Theatre Owners of America affiliate headed by Max Connett, includes in its membership exhibitors of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. It has been among the TOA affiliates which were cool to COMPO prior to the recent organiza- tional changes which provided for re- gional exhibitor representation on the COMPO board and new executive committee. Coyne will go to Washington today for Treasury Department meetings on government savings bonds and other matters. He was a special consultant to the Treasury in the last war on savings bond drives. To Allot TOA {Continued from page 1) Newsreels on Korea {Continued from page 1) now being drafted to effect the change in COMPO's corporate structure which would prevent COMPO mem- ber organizations from appointing or electing executive committee represen- tatives for short or long terms. It is possible, he added, that TOA appointments to the executive com- mittee will be for six months. How- ever, he reminded, this point and others relating to TOA's COMPO status will have to be decided by the TOA board when it meets in Wash- ington in April. It is understood, however, that TOA will poll its di- rectors for a vote on acceptance of the new COMPO plan as soon as the draft of the amendment is received. Ad-Film Companies {Continued from page 1) posed on just about every newsworthy facet of American life and activity. Fashion news reecived less emphasis last year, with a total of 57 se- quences, against 71 in 1949. Religious topics showed an increase, jumping from 12 in 1949 to 34 in 1950. In the field of sports, football, as in previous years, eclipsed baseball coverage by more than two to one. Behind them, aquatic events, winter sports, boxing and wrestling, and horse-racing shared about equally. During the 12-month period, the newsreels devoted an unprecedented number of sequences — 118 in all — to the support of humanitarian, welfare and _ charitable causes. In addition, special trailers were made and released for the Red Cross, the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, U. S. Savings Bonds cam- paigns and United Nations Day. keep in effect any existing contracts. Principally involved are Alexander Films, Jam-Handy and Motion Pic- ture Service. The FTC order said the ad-film companies could not make any new exclusive contracts running a year or more nor could they keep in effect any existing contracts running more than a year from the effective date of the order. The companies have appealed to different circuit courts against the entire FTC order, but in the meantime they have also filed with the Commis- sion this motion for a modification of the order so as to make valid all exist- ing contracts, no matter how long they have to run. They have asked for oral argument on the motion. Meanwhile, it appeared that the whole matter might be academic since the effective date of the FTC order is being stayed pending a court ruling on the appeals. FTC officials said they did not expect to make any attempt to consolidate the appeals, even though they are pending in three different circuit courts. Among other national and civic pro- jects aided by the newsreels were the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brotherhood Week and the March of Dimes. The newsreel analysis is part of a continuing study made under the di- rection of MPAA's newsreel commit- tee of which Edmund Reek, vice-presi- dent and producer of 20th-Fox Movie- tone News, is chairman. 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UlX-go • £ z=5c r* CC £ w CO x .9 = o Z o t occ ! sS~s — = a^ H -O w Si o. « *»i=-xl?ic-«!s >--.rtc^j0Ckc:.S <9© j'°CO c 10 Q_l k— I z c gx< 5 K=t>C0 >C 5= ^ g 00 00 « 1 4 ^_ til i-O VT) (2^ We're using big red type for news that's big... and red hot! DEAN MARTIN "AT WAR WITH ARMY- PARAMOUNT'S BIGGEST GROSSER IN THE LAST 5 YEARS!! 4* 0* P With one excep- tion, of course: the biggest of them all — and of all time — SAMSON AND DELILAH AT WAR WITH THE ARMY with POLLY BERGEN Executive Producer— Abner J. Greshler • Directed by Hal Walker • Written for the Screen and Produced by Fred F. Finklehoffe • Songs by Mack David and Jerry Livingston Biggest that Paramount has had since 1946 including "The Paleface"! Check Milwaukee, Buffalo, New Orleans, Providence, Hartford, New Haven, Portland, Richmond! In fact, any engage- ment anywhere! You'll be amazed! MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 18 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1951 TEN CENTS Show of Shows Cops 6 Firsts In Video Poll Individual Honors to Caesar, Imogene Coca N B C - T V ' s "Your Show of Shows" was voted the Best Net- work Television Program of 1950 by American newspaper and maga- zine television editors and col- umnists in Mo- jflttpte^ tion Picture JP^^^m Daily's second mm annual televi- ^ ,™ si on poll for F a m e. Max Liebman is pro- el u c e r of the show. In addition, Sid Caesar, star of the program, was voted Best Television Per- former of 1950 and Best Com- edian; his co-star, Imogene Coca, was voted Best Comedienne and Most Promising Female Television Star, and Your Show of Shows also was designated Best Variety Program. NBC-TV Stars Win The six first places captured by the NBC-TV program and its stars over- shadowed the four "firsts" which went to Milton Berle and his Texaco Star Theatre in the 1949 poll. The fickle critics failed to vote Berle or his pro- gram a single first for 1950. Texaco Star Theatre finished second to Syl- vester Pat Weaver's Colgate Com- edy Hour in the Best Comedy Show division, was third in the Best Va- riety Program class and Berle was tied with Jimmy Durante for third in the voting for Best Comedian. Jerry Lewis of the team of Martin & Lewis was voted television's Most (Continued on page 5) DiSALLE OPPOSES FILM WAGE CONTROL; JOHNSTON SWORN IN Cinema Prod, and Robert Sherwood Group Close Deal Abandoning for the time being its arrangements to produce a three-di- mensional polaroid process picture, Cinema Productions, Inc., organiza- tion of prominent U. S. exhibitors, has entered a deal with the Council of the Living Theatre under which CPI will produce this year a feature made in accordance with standard technics. The cooperative effort, de- scribed as being in line with CPI's dedication to the creation of "new things" for the indus- try, will result in a $1,000,000 (Continued on page 7) Max Liebman NCCJ Dinner at Waldorf Tonight Over 800 persons from the entertain- ment industry will be on hand tonight at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel here for the dinner of the amusements division of the National Conference of Chris- tians and Jews. The dinner will launch this year's observance of "Brotherhood Week," Feb. 18-25. Charles M. Reagan, national chair- man of the division, has announced that principal speakers at the dinner ■(Continued on page 6) Washington, Jan. 24. — Price con- troller Michael DiSalle today gave it as his "unofficial opinion" that wages should not be controlled in the film industry and other industries whose prices are exempt from govern- ment controls. The final decision, of course, will not be made by DiSalle but rather by Wage Stabilizer Cyrus Ching and his nine-man Wage Stabilization Board. DiSalle made his remark as there was increasing talk of a general price freeze within the next 48 hours, to be followed shortly by a general wage freeze. Most Administration officials feel that film industry wages are le- gally subject to control but might better be exempted as a matter of policy. It is possible that the general wage freeze would cover all wages, includ- (Cpntinued on page 6) 77 Firms Will Boost Films In Their Ads Raw Stock Survey Up at Meet Today Nathan D. Golden, director of the motion picture-photographic products division of NPA, will meet here to- morrow with Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America and Society of In- dependent M. P. Producers' represen- tatives to canvass the raw stock supply situation. The meeting, described as a pre- liminary to ultimate decisions on pos- sible raw stock allocations, is designed to provide industry members and the (Continued on page 6) COMPO Wins Support Of Industry's Suppliers In consequence of an appeal is- sued recently by the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, 77 companies doing business with the industry have agreed to boost mo- tion pictures in their advertising. Among the 77 are the William Wrig- ley, Jr., Chewing Gum Co., Bausch and Lomb, Nehi Corp., Planters Pea- nut Co., Walter Baker Chocolate and Cocoa Co., and the scores of firms represented in the Popcorn Processors Association. Arthur L. Mayer, COMPO executive vice-president, said here yesterday in summarizing the results of the appeal, that five of the cooperating firms will use television shows and two will use radio programs to boost motion pictures. Other cooperating companies will use virtually all kinds of advertising (Continued on page 7) Complete TV Poll Results on P. 5 Complete results of the voting by television editors and columnists of American newspapers and magazines on television's best performers and programs of 1950 for the Motion Picture DMLY-Fame annual poll appear on Page 5 of this issue. Pictures of winners are on Page 4. Infant TV Is in a 'Rut Already, Editors Aver Television may not be out of its swaddling clothes yet but it is in a rut already, the television editors and col- umnists of American newspapers and magazines who participated in the Motion Picture Daily second annual television poll for Fame are convinced. In the aggregate, their spontaneous comments concerning the state of tele- vision, appended to the ballots for the 1950 poll, find far more about tele- vision to criticise than to praise. The critics' most frequently expressed com- plaint, however, is that television is almost completely ignoring its golden opportunity to make a new "art form" of itself and, instead, is contenting it- self with mere carbon copies of all the other art and entertainment forms. "Television producers," say many of the critics, "must understand that it is a new medium, not just illustrated radio or boxed talking pictures." "Adding pictures to a radio show," others put it, "doesn't make it good television." Still others suggest a test : "Can you turn off the picture and still enjoy the television program ?" If you can, they conclude, then you have radio-with pictures, not television, for TV's essen tial visual constituent is lacking. Another complaint in the same vein runs thusly : "Television is transmit' ting too much that is available else- where— in vaudeville, variety, radio (Continued on page 4) Heller Deal for UA Control Under Study by Owners Hollywood, Jan. 24. — The deal for the Arthur Krim-Robert Benjamin- Walter Heller syndicate to take over control of United Artists appeared to be nearing a successful conclusion today as attorneys representing the syndicate, UA, Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin went into session to reduce the proposition to contract form. A counsel representing one party said the paper work would consume (Continued mi page 7) Half of RKO's Old Stock Exchanged More than 2,000,000 shares of old RKO common stock have been exchanged by hold- ers for securities of the new RKO Pictures and RKO The- atres companies, according to an initial report made this week. Additional exchanges have been made since the re- port was compiled. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 25, 1951 Breen Clips 730 Feet From 'Twisf Some 730 feet was clipped from J. Arthur Rank's "Oliver Twist" by Joseph I. Breen, Production Code Administra- tor, in the print returned to New York for examination by top executives of Eagle Lion Classics, which contracted to distribute the picture in the U. S. Breen made the cuts following return of the pic- ture, which he had refused a PCA seal, by the Motion Pic- ture Association of America board for his reconsideration. The picture's original run- ning time was 115 minutes. Breen's cuts were of close- ups and profiles of the pic- ture's Fagin character, which has been labeled anti-Semitic by some observers. The char- acter still is very much in the picture, however, it was said. Personal Mention 20th to View Swiss Theatre TV Again Interest displayed by 20th Century- Fox in a new Swiss theatre television system appears to have reached a new stage as a trio of 20th-Fox legal, tech nical and management executives is converging on Zurich to have another perhaps decisive look at the equipment William C. Michel, 20th-Fox execu- tive vice-president, and Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, left here last weekend for Switzerland and were followed on Tuesday by Earl I. Spon- able, technical director. Spyros P. Skouras, president, is expected to join them at Zurich some time next week. The expedition follows a trip to Switzerland made last month by Skouras and Sponable to view the equipment, which is said, by a unique process permitting the use of carbon arcs, to provide much greater light and consequently a greater projection "throw." 20th-Fox Silent Any plans which 20th-Fox may- have for the new system are not being divulged by the company but develop- ments are being watched with keen in- terest by exhibitors in the U. S. who have been planning theatre TV instal- lations. Until now RCA and Para- mount systems have accounted for the majority of theatre TV installations in the U. S. Whether the Swiss system has been perfected enough to assure early ac- tual theatre installations is not known here at present. Theatre television technical men who have seen an ear- lier model have expressed doubt that all the "bugs" have been cleared up. >OL A. SCHWARTZ, president of! • RKO Theatres, is due to leave here tomorrow for the Coast, with stopovers scheduled for Chicago and San Francisco. He expects to be away for 10 days. • Marvin Schenck, M-G-M vice- president and studio executive, is scheduled to arrive here from the Coast on Feb. 12, accompanied by his wife. • James R. Grainger, Republic ex- ecutive vice-president in charge of sales and distribution, left here last night for Toronto on business. • William Zimmerman, RKO Pic- tures attorney, has returned here from the Coast. Armand Deutsci-i, M-G-M pro- ducer, now in Boston, will leave there on Sunday by plane for the Coast. • Si Lipson is in Los Angeles from New York for Realart meetings with Jack Broder and Budd Rogers. • Rube Jackter, Columbia assistant general sales manager, is in Philadel- phia from New York. • Ben Schwalb, Monogram produc- er, has returned to the Coast from New York. N. Peter Rathvon, independent film financier, is due here from the Coast Monday. Bill Thomas, Paramount produc- er, has arrived here from the Coast. • Dr. Allen B. DuMont will cele- brate his 50th birthday on Monday. Jules Levey is scheduled to return here tomorrow from Europe. M ORT BLUMENSTOCK and Ben Kalmenson, Warner Brothers advertising-publicity director, and distribution vice-president, respec- tively, are due back here from the Coast next week. Charles Schwartz of the industry law firm of Schwartz & Frohlich has returned to New York after several weeks on the Coast during which he wound up affairs for the late Al Jol- son's estate. • Charles Simmonelli, in charge of exploitation for Universal, and Ax Horwits, studio publicity director, left here last night for Chicago. Horwits will return to the Coast from there. • George Weltner, head of Para- mount's foreign department, is due back here from South America today. He will leave again soon on a trip to South Africa and Australia. • Si Seadler, M-G-M director of ad- vertising, has one of his cartoons run- ing in the current issue of Saturday Reviews of Literature. • Phil Gerard, Universal Eastern publicity manager, returned to New York yesterday from Washington and Baltimore. • Robert L. Lippert is here from Los Angles in connection with the New York opening of his "Steel Helmet" yesterday. • Alfred Crown, world-wide sales manager for Goldwyn productions, is scheduled to return here today from Europe. • L. J. Kaufman of Warner Broth- ers theatre department is in New Haven and will return to New York at the end of the week. ' Army' Hits $14,000 At N.Y. Para. Bow "At War With the Army," Martin and Lewis film now at the New York Paramount Theatre, opened to the biggest non-holiday business in the last five years, including "Paleface," "Mr. Music," "A Foreign Affair" and "Welcome Stranger," it was an- nounced yesterday by Robert M. Weit- man, vice-president of United Para- mount Theatres. He estimated the opening gross at $14,000. An estimated 17,000 persons at- tended opening day performances of the comedy attraction, which is said to be doing record business all over the country. Only two shows at the New York Paramount in the last five years beat "At War With the Army" business, it was said. They were "Samson and Delilah," which played during Christ- mas Week in 1949, and the personal appearance of Bob Hope last spring, both of which played at advanced prices. Paramount has ordered an addi- tional 50 prints of "At War With the Army" in order to meet exhibitor demand, it was announced here yester- day by A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. 9 WB Theatres for Sale in Two States Hartford, Jan. 24. — Warner's con- sent decree has put on the real estate market seven Warner theatres in Con- necticut and two in Massachusetts, a spokesman for Warner in New Haven said. The corporation must dispose of Connecticut theatres in Torrington, Danbury, Ansonia, Bristol, New Brit- ain, Manchester and Willimantic. In Massachusetts, theatres in Lawrence and Clinton are for sale. Charles Skouras Here Charles Skouras, president of Na- tional Theatres, will leave here for the Coast today after conferences at the 20th Century-Fox home office and with Department of Justice representa- tives on theatre divestiture phases of the impending 20th-Fox consent de- cree, fie had several conferences in Washington while in the East. M-G-M Coast Talks Map 6-Month Plans Long-range exploitation plans for M-G-M product to be released in the next six months were the subject of studio conferences held during the past 10 days, Dan Terrell, director of exploitation, said here yesterday fol- lowing his return from the Coast. Terrell immediately called in his home office aides to map specific steps to be taken in line with his talks with Howard Strickling, studio publicity director. Zanuck, Mankiewicz To N. Y. for Awards Darryl F. Zanuck, Joseph L. Man kiewicz, Bette Davis and Gregory Peck all will be on hand at Sunday's New York Film Critics Circle awards party to accept citations in the 20th Century-Fox sweep of the laurels. Zanuck, Peck and Mankiewicz will arrive at La Guardia Field Sunday morning from Hollywood. Miss Davis is already in the East. N.Y. Exhibitor Plans In Discussion Stage Plans for a business promotion drive by New York Metropolitan area ex- hibitors are still in the discussion stage and no special action has yet been taken. The five-man committee set up by the area's leading exhibitors met again this week at the Loew's Circuit home office here. In attendance were Fred J. Schwartz, Max A. Cohen, Edward Rugoff, Joseph Vogel and Oscar Doob. Si H. Fabian, also a member of the committee, was unable to at tend because of illness. Drive Heralds WB's 'Enforcer* Bow Today A special promotion campaign di- rected by Mort Blumenstock, vice- president in charge of Warner Broth- ers advertising and publicity, heralds today's bow here at the Capital of "The Enforcer," starring Humphrey Bogart, United States Pictures Pro- duction which WB is distributing. As part of the premiere activities, Martin Starr, WINS radio commenta- tor, will "M. C." the lobby broadcast. Morrow Starts New Firm Marjorie Morrow, former Eastern talent head of Warner Brothers, and for the past several years casting di- rector for Columbia Broadcasting, has opened her own offices in the Para- mount Building here to act as casting- consultant for films, television, radio and theatre, starting out with a casting contract for the Somerset Maugham show on CBS-TV. Rules N.Y. State Can Censor Theatre TV Albany, Jan. 24.— Attorney- General Nathaniel L. Gold- stein ruled today that New York State has the right to license and censor television programs presented com- mercially at amusement places, including theatres, just as it does motion pic- tures. Goldstein's ruling was given to the State Education Department to clarify the de- partment's position with re- spect to the growing number of theatres now projecting TV shows. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J Brady, becretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building William K. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, Fl 6-3074. Washington. J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c This is the story of the double -fisted D.A. the under- world labeled The Enforcer... a man who matched bullet for bullet with the nation's most barbaric band of "killers -for- hire"! This is the screen's first story of the dynasty of death merchants that sold murder for a price... and the law's countrywide killer- hunt that finally destroyed their evil empire! WARNER BROS. HUM PH Rl BOG DIRECTED BY riTH ZERO MOSTEL • TED de CORSIA • ROY ROBERTS • EVERETT SLOANE PRODUCED BY BRETAIGNE WINDUST Written by Martin Rackin MILTON SPERLING UNITED STATES PICTURES PROD DISTRIBUTED BY WARNER BROS. 4 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Thursday, January 25, 1951 TV Editors (Continued from fAige 1) and films. Television is not its own medium. It is ignoring the vast crea- tive possibilities, which are its right, making for a depressing outlook for the future of the medium. Only Dave Garroway, Kukla, Fran & Ollie and one or two other programs are at- tempting anything new for TV itself." And others say : "TV is in a rut al- ready. It should be 'live' as films are not, and visual as radio is not. But it is staying in their grooves; not ex- ploring its own." There also is a mounting cry for "new faces" in television, and fewer of the old familiars from stage, radio, films and vaudeville. Has Radio's Faults Many of the editors' criticisms par- allel their ancient complaints about radio, which apparently is only natural since they find today's television pretty much a carbon copy of radio "with pictures added." There are too many commercials, too many "corny" ones, far below even the standards of the en- tertainment (sic) offered on TV. There is too much applause and other annoying manifestations from studio audiences. There are too many com- edy-variety programs, most of them are mediocre and the_ variety programs lack variety, the critics say. Another complaint carried over from the radio scene by the critics is the practice of rival networks in pitting sev- eral good shows against each other at the same hours — "Both audiences and television are the losers" whenever that happens, the critics observe. More public service programs _ and closer TV alliances with educational institutions are in the forefront of the critics' suggestions to networks for meeting their responsibilities to the public and progressing toward new goals for the medium. They asked for more musicals, more classical music and better comedy programs. No Cries for Color There is no insistent clamor among the editors for color. They express the opinion that color television might well be forgotten until such time as the black-and-white image has been im- proved upon and the medium made of real service in its present form. Little on television today calls for color, many of them opine, and until its cam- eras are at home out in the great ex- teriors of nature, where they seldom venture now, color is a mere fillip which has no power to raise the stand- ards of mediocre programming. The editors made no requests for motion pictures on tele- vision, either for-free or on a pay-as-you-see basis. Appar- ently their views on the subject were covered completely while they deplored the way in which they find television borrowing from the other entertainment media instead of blazing its own trail, as they believe it shou'd be doing. Many of them remarked that more channels are needed, that many good shows are not being seen in the sticks. On the technical side, the editors feel that there still is much room for improvement in TV lighting and sound reproduction and in camera work. ("Garroway at Large" has the clever- est camera and technical work of any show on TV at present, said one.) TV Champions for 1950 Sid Caesar Imogene Coca Jerry Lewis Fred Waring Groucho Marx Martha Rountree Producer, Meet the Press J. C. Swayze Ransom Sherman Howard Barlow Bert Parks Bud Collyer Dennis James Burr Tillstrom Producer, Kukla, Fran & Ollie Worthington Miner Producer, Studio One S. Pat Weaver Producer, Colgate Comedy Hour Cameramen on TV should be taught to work from the viewpoint of the home receiver, and TV performers need to be taught to play to the cam- era, not the studio audience, others admonish. Types of programs which the critics think are most needed on television, in addition to the public service and educational programs mentioned pre- viously, include good drama, fantasy, opera, ballet, musical comedy, docu- mentaries (especially daytime), spot coverage of . events offering visual action, regular coverage of United Nations sessions, more children's pro- grams, panel discussions with recog- nized authorities and "serious" music. The demand among critics for classical music on television was indicated in the lightness of their voting in that category of the 1950' poll. Fewer total votes were cast than in any other cate- gory, presumably because many of the critics thought current offerings in that category were inadequate. Per- haps in desperation, enough of them NBC-TV Captures 16 of 21 'Firsts' NBC-TV programs and performers completely dominated the second an- nual television poll conducted by Motion Picture Daily for Fame. The American newspaper and mag- azine television editors and columnists who participated in the poll awarded 16 first places out of a total of 21 to NBC-TV. The remaining firsts were distributed as follows: CBS-TV, turned to Fred Waring to give his orchestra a third place in the classical division, which was a recourse they never were forced to in the 15 years of the Motion Picture Daily -Fame radio poll. One scoffer said the type of pro- gram most needed on TV is "any good one." three; ABC-TV, one, and DuMont, one. Second place awards were appor- tioned as follows : CBS-TV, 11 ; NBC- TV, seven; ABC-TV, one, and WPIX, one. Third place : NBC-TV, 13; CBS-TV, six; ABC-TV, one; DuMont, two. Five ties figured in the third place balloting. NBC-TV's dominance of the first places was aided materially by the strong showing of Max Liebman-pro- duced Your Show of Shows and its stars, Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca. The program and its stars together captured a total of six first places in the 1950 balloting. NBC-TV also swept the first three places in the voting for Best Comedy Show of 1950. It was the only cate- gory in the poll to be captured by a single network. In the Best Comedian division NBC- TV placed three performers by virtue of a third place tie. Second place went to Alan Young of CBS-TV. Thursday, January 25, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 Complete Results of 1950 Fame Video Poll COMPLETE results of the voting by American news- paper and magazine television editors and columnists in Motion Picture Daily's second annual television poll for Fame are given herewith. Sponsors, agencies, networks and telecast time (E.S.T.) are given for first place winners, network only for others. BEST NETWORK PROGRAM 1. Your Show of Shows (Benrus Watch Company — J. D. Tarcher Company ; Crosley Div. Avco Mfg. Corp. — Benton & Bowles; Minne- sota Mining & Manufacturing Co. Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn ; The S.O.S. Company— McCann- Erickson; Snow Crop Marketers — Maxon, Inc. ; NBC-TV, Saturdays, 9:00-10.30 P.M.) 2. Studio One (CBS-TV). 3. Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis (NBC- TV). BEST TELEVISION PERFORMER 1. Sid Caesar (Your Show of Shows Benrus Watch Company, J. D. Tarcher Company ; Crosley Div. Avco Mfg. Corp., Benton & Bowles ; Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co., Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn; The S.O.S. Company, Mc- Cann-Erickson ; Snow Crop Mar- keters, Maxon, Inc.— NBC-TV, Saturdays, 9 :00-10 :30 P.M.) 2. Jimmy Durante (NBC-TV). 3. Arthur Godfrey (CBS-TV). MOST PROMISING MALE STAR 1. Jerry Lewis (The Comedy Hour — Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Co. — Ted Bates & Sherman & Marquette — NBC-TV, every 4th Sunday, 8:00- 9:00 P.M., currently on leave of absence) . 2. Jerry Lester (NBC-TV). 3. Jan Murray (CBS-TV — discontin- ued; now only on CBS). MOST PROMISING FEMALE STAR 1. Imogene Coca (Your Show of Shows — Benrus Watch Company, J. D. Tarcher Company; Crosley Div. Avco Mfg. Corp., Benton & Bowles ; Minnesota Mining & Man- ufacturing Co., Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn; The S.O.S. Company, McCann-Erickson ; Snow Crop Marketers, Maxon, Inc. — NBC-TV, Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 P.M.). 2. Faye Emerson (CBS-TV). 3. Dagmar (NBC-TV). BEST DRAMATIC PROGRAM 1. Studio One ( Westinghouse Electric Corp. — McCann-Erickson ■ — CBS- TV, Mondays, 10:00-11:00 P.M.). 2. Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (ABC- TV). 3. Robert Montgomery Presents (NBC-TV). BEST COMEDY SHOW 1. Colgate Comedy Hour (Colgate- Palmolive - Peet Co. — NBC - TV, Sundays, 8:00-9:00 P.M.). 2. Texaco Star Theatre (NBC-TV). 3. Jimmy Durante Show (NBC-TV). Television Editors Find 15 Local TV Programs Worthy of Special Mention Newspaper and magazine television editors and columnists participating in the Motion Picture Daily-Fame second annual tele- vision poll had kind words — and some votes — for a total of 15 local television programs. The Dell Courtney Show on KPIX, San Francisco, won consider- able critical acclaim, as did Two for the Show, WOC-TV, Daven- port, la. WSYR-TV's Charade Parade in Syracuse received some pats on the back, as did "Around the House," WNBK, Cleveland, and Beat the Press, Indianapolis. Several local programs were popular with the critics on the West Coast in 1950. Hollywood, for example, likes the Alan Young Show, while Pasadena likes KTLA's Ina Ray Hutton All-Girl Revue. New Yorkers' favorable mentions went to WPIX's Voice of People, to Broadway Open House, Robert Q. Lewis, Children Should Be Heard and The Stork Club. The Columbus, O., voters commended Meetin' Time with Sally Flowers, but a captious critic in Cincinnati opined that the best local program to be seen in that municipality is a test pattern. In the Pacific Northwest the Seattle voters said Clipper Capers, with Bardahn and Boreson, is about the best local program avail- able. Pat 'n Johnny on WXYZ-TV also figured in the critics' men- tions. 1950 TV Poll BEST COMEDIAN 1. Sid Caesar (Your Show of Shows —Benrus Watch Company, J. D. Tarcher Company; Crosley Div. Avco Mfg. Corp., Benton & Bowles ; Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co., Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn ; The S.O.S. Company, Mc- Cann-Erickson ; Snow Crop Mar- keters, Maxon, Inc. — NBC-TV, Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 P.M.). 2. Alan Young (CBS-TV). 3. Jimmy Durante (NBC-TV) and Milton Berle (NBC-TV) tied. BEST COMEDIENNE 1. Imogene Coca (Your Show of Shows— Benrus Watch Company, J. D. Tarcher Company; Crosley Div. Avco Mfg. Corp., Benton & Bowles ; Minnesota Mining & Man- ufacturing Co., Batten, Barton, Dur- stine & Osborn; The S.O.S. Com- pany, McCann-Erickson ; Snow Crop Marketers, Maxon, Inc. — NBC-TV, Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 P.M.) 2. Gracie Allen (CBS-TV). 3. Frances Langford (DuMont) BEST VARIETY PROGRAM 1. Your Show of Shows (Benrus Watch Company— J. D. Tarcher Company; Crosley Div. Avco Mfg. Corp.^-Benton & Bowles ; Minne- sota Mining & Manufacturing Co.— Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn ; The S.O.S. Company — McCann- Erickson ; Snow Crop Marketers — Maxon, Inc.; NBC-TV, Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 P.M.). 2. Toast of the Town (CBS-TV). 3. Texaco Star Theatre (NBC-TV). BEST CLASSICAL MUSICAL SHOW 1. Voice of Firestone (Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. — Sweeney & James Co.— NBC-TV, Mondays, 8 :30-9 :00 P.M.). 2. Operatic Telecasts (CBS-TV). 3. Fred Waring (CBS-TV). BEST POPULAR MUSICAL SHOW 1. Fred Waring Show (General Elec- tric Co. — Young & Rubicam — CBS- TV, Sundays, 9:00-10:00 P.M.). 2. Perry Como Show (CBS-TV). 3. 'Cavalcade of Bands (WABD) and the Wayne King Program (NBC- TV) tied. BEST EDUCATIONAL OR PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM 1. Meet the Press (Revere Copper & Brass, Inc. — St. Georges & Keyes, Inc. — NBC-TV, Sundays, 4:00- 4:30 P.M.) 2. United Nations Sessions (CBS- TV). 3. American Forum of the Air (NBC- TV). BEST QUIZ SHOW 1. You Bet Your Life (De Soto Div. of the Chrysler Corp. — Batten, Bar- ton, Durstine & Osborn— NBC-TV, Thursdays, 8:00-8:30 P.M.) 2. Who Said That? (NBC-TV). 3. Stop the Music (ABC-TV). BEST CHILDREN'S PROGRAM 1. Kukla, Fran & Ollie (Ford Motor Division — J. Walter Thompson Radio Corp. of America — J. Walter Thompson, and Sealtest, Inc. — N. W. Ayer & Son; NBC-TV, Mon- day through Friday, 7 :00-7 :30 P.M.). 2. Howdy Doody (NBC-TV) 3. Hopalong Cassidy (NBC-TV) and Mr. I-Magination (CBS-TV) tied. BEST MASTER OF CEREMONIES 1. Bert Parks (The Bert Parks Show — General Foods Corp. — Young & Rubicam — NBC-TV, Wednesdays and Fridays, 3 :30-4 :00 P.M. ; Break the Bank — Bristol-Myers Co. — Doherty, Clifford & Shenfield— NBC-TV, Wednesdays, 10 :00 1030 P. M. ; Stop the Music— Ad miral Corporation, Kudner Agency, ABC-TV, Thursdays, 8:00-8:30 P.M. — P. Lorillard Co., Lennen & Mitchell, ABC-TV, Thursdays, 8:30-9:00). 2. Dave Garroway (NBC-TV). 3. Ed Sullivan (CBS-TV) BEST ANNOUNCER 1. Bud Collyer (Break the Bank— Bristol-Myers Co. — Doherty, Clif- ford & Shenfield — N B C - T V , Wednesdays, 10:00-10:30 P.M.) 2. Bill Goodwin (CBS-TV). 3. Tony Marvin (CBS-TV) BEST NEWS COMMENTATOR 1. John Cameron Swayze (Camel News Caravan — R. J. Reynolds To- bacco Co. — William Esty Co. — NBC-TV, Mondays through Fri- days, 7:45-8:00 P.M.) {Continued from page 1) Promising Male Star of 1950. Studio One repeated its achievement of the previous year, the Worthington Miner production again being voted Best Dra- matic Program on TV. Musical hon- ors went to Voice of Firestone, for which Howard Barlow is conductor, in the classical division, and to the Fred Waring Show in the popular classification. Groucho Marx's "You Bet Your Life" won out over Who Said That? as Best Quiz Show. The latter pro- gram was first the previous year. Burr Tillstrom's Kukla, Fran & Ollie re- peated in the Best Children's Program division in a close race with Howdy Doody, which finished third in that category in the 1949 poll. Meet the Press Wins Martha Rountree's Meet the Press was voted the Best Educational or Public Service Program of 1950. TV's Best News Commentator, in the opinion of the editors, is NBC-TV's John Cameron Swayze. The Best Sportscaster of 1950' was DuMont's Dennis James. Bert Parks was voted the Best Master of Ceremonies, and Bud Collyer the Best Announcer. Daytime Program honors went to Ransom Sherman of NBC-TV. Sus- pense was voted the Best Mystery Show. Lucky Strike's commercials were voted the best on TV in 1950. As was characteristic of the 15-year- old Motion Picture D-MLY-Fame ra- dio poll, the editor-critics in most in- stances differ widely in their choice of programs with the public's favorites; that is to say with the public's fav- orites as rated by Hooper. Experience has shown, however, that the critics frequently forsake a popular program well before its Hooper rating drops and pick others long before the ratings discover them. 2. Douglas Edwards (CBS-TV)'. 3. Ted Collins (NBC-TV) BEST SPORTSCASTER 1. Dennis James (Wrestling with Den- nis James — Bond Clothing Stores — Grey Advertising — DuMont, Mon- days, 9:00-11:00 P.M.; Boxing- spot announcements — DuMont, Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 P.M.) 2. Jimmy Powers (WPIX). 3. Bill Stern (NBC-TV) BEST DAYTIME PROGRAM 1. Ransom Sherman (Sustaining — NBC-TV, Mondays through Fri- days, 3:00-3:30 P.M.). 2. Garry Moore Show (CBS-TV) 3. Kate Smith Show (NBC-TV). BEST MYSTERY SHOW 1. Suspense (Electric Auto-Lite Co. — Cecil & Presbrey — CBS-TV, Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 P.M.). 2. Lights Out (NBC-TV). 3. Martin Kane — Private Eye (NBC- TV). BEST COMMERCIAL PRESENTATION 1. Lucky Strike on This Is Show Business (American Tobacco Com- pany — Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn— CBS-TV, Sundays, 7.30- 8:00 P.M.) 2. Old Gold on Dennis James Program (DuMont). 3. Ford Motors on Kay Kyser Show (NBC-TV) 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 25, 1951 T Name McDonnell to MPAA Post in D.C. Washington, Jan. 24.— Col. Rich- ard T. McDonnell, a former aide to Gen. Omar Bradley, has been named general manager of the Washington office of the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America. McDonnell will take charge of per- sonnel and of the running of the MPAA's Washington building, and eventually will take over running of its Academia Theatre. These duties are now assigned to Edward T. Chey- fitz, special assistant to MPAA presi- dent Eric Johnston. McDonnell's taking over of these duties will leave Cheyfitz free to con- centrate on television, liaison with top government officials, labor relations and other matters, it was said. Sidney Schreiber, MPAA general counsel, and Fred W. DuVall, treas- urer, returned to New York yesterday from conferences in Washington witn Eric Johnston relative to details of the Association's management which will be observed during Johnston's ab- sence from the MPAA in connection with his duties as Economic Stabiliza- tion director. John G. McCarthy, MPAA foreign division chief, re- mained in the Capital for further talks with Johnson yesterday, and was due to return to New York today. Film Wage Control (Continued from page 1) ing the film industry, and that the question of exempting film industry wages could then be reconsidered at some later date. The set-up in the control schedule followed the swearing-in this morning of Motion Picture Association of America president Eric A. Johnston as administrator of the Economic Sta bilization Agency. After being sworn in by Chief Justice Vinson, Johnston made a brief appearance before news- reel cameras, pleading for public sup- port in the control effort. Proposes TV Sportcasts Be Made Available to Public and Theatres Chicago, Jan. 24. — A bill was filed in the Illinois House of Repre- sentatives at Springfield today which would bar any state tax-sup- ported school from selling TV rights for sporting events to theatres for showing while the games are in progress unless there are no restrictions on public telecasts of such events. The measure, introduced by Rep. Richard Stengel (D. Rock Island), is aimed at putting more sporting events on public tele- vision. University of Illinois football games were televised last season exclusively to Balaban and Katz's State Lake and Tivoli theatres here, which charged advanced admissions for the attrac- tions. No public television was permitted while the games were being played. NPA Order Assures Films of Solvent 20th-Fox Top Sales Heads to Meet Here Kreh, Swan, Winners In F. and M. Drive Tenn. Bill Would Levy Drive-in Tax Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 24.— Impo- sition of a tax on cars entering drive- in theatres is proposed in a bill intro- duced in the Tennessee legislature by the Knox County delegation. The levy would be five cents on cars with one passenger, 10 cents on cars with more than one. Division sales managers of 20th Century-Fox will hold a two-day meet- ing at the home office on Monday and Tuesday, to discuss sales policies and the line-up of key product for the coming year, it was announced here yesterday by Andy W. Smith, Jr., vice-president and general sales man- ager. They will also hear about advertis- ing plans for the pictures scheduled to be released during the next few months. Attending the meeting, which will be presided over by Smith, will be company president Spyros P. Skouras, vice-presidents Al Lichtman and Charles Einfeld, plus division heads Herman Wobber, West; Harry Bal- lance, South; Arthur Silverstone, Canada ; Martin Moskowitz, Empire State ; E. X. Callahan, New England ; Ray Moon, Central ; Edwin W. Aaron, Midwest. In addition, Bryan D. Stoner and Paul Wilson, assistant division sales managers of the West and South, respectively, will be pres- ent. Home office executives at the con- ferences will be W. C. Gehring, assist- ant general sales manager ; Peter G. Levathes, short subjects sales mana- ger ; Clarence Hill, supervisor of exchanges ; Frank Carroll, assistant to Smith ; Jack Bloom, circuit con tact ; Lem Jones, executive assistant to Smith ; Morris Caplan, statistician ; Harry Mersay, in charge of prints, and Roger Ferri, editor of Dynamo distribution house publication. From the advertising and publicity department will be Rodney Bush, ex- ploitation manager ; Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., advertising manager, and Stirling Silliphant, promotion manager. Olympia, Wash., Jan. 24. — Bills have been introduced in the Washing- ton state legislature to limit admission taxes imposed by cities, towns and counties to not more than one cent on 20 cents or fraction thereof. Listed as Senate Bills No. 52 and 53, the measures were Senator Ganders'. Would Make NY $1 Top Albany, Jan. 24. — Senator Mac- Neil Mitchell, New York, introduced a bill today increasing the maximum premium for theatre and other admis- sion tickets from 75 cents to $1. MacNamara to 'Famous' President Charles K. Feldman of Famous Artists Corp. today announced the appointment of Paul MacNamara, former vice-president in the Selznick organization, as executive vice-presi- dent. Top Video Award To Groucho Marx Hollywood, Jan. 24. — Groucho Marx is the top television personality of 1950, in the view of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences which handed out statuettes at a banquet last night. Best TV actress and actor awards went to Gertrude Berg (Molly Goldberg) and Alan Young. Runners-up were : Best actor, Charles Ruggles ; best actress, Imogene Coca outstanding personality, Sid Caesar Other winners included : Variety show — Alan Young Show ; runner-up, Show of Shows. Dramatic show — Pulitzer Prize Playhouse ; runner-up, Studio One. Games and audience participation — Ralph Edwards' Truth or Conse quences ; runner-up, Mike Stokey' Pantomine Quiz. Children's show — Time for Beany ; runner-up, the Lone Ranger. St. Louis, Jan. 24.— Kenny Kreh, of the Pageant Theatre, St. Louis, and Harry Swan, of the Washington The- atre, Granite City, 111., placed first and second, respectively, in the 13-week Emphasis on Showmanship" cam- paign conducted by Fanchon and Marco-St. Louis Amusement Co. They were tops in the classification of best grosses. Prizes in the drive, which conclud- ed last Dec. 26, in greater St. Louis were awarded this week by Edward Arthur. The campaign was con- ducted in two segments, with a total of $2,150 in cash prizes. For the best increase in grosses over the same period last year, a total of $1,250, was offered, with a first prize of $500 and a second of $300. For the best show- manship campaign on any one pro- gram, a total of $650, with a first prize of $250 and a second of $150. Other Winners Besides Kreh and Swan, the respec- tive winners in the best gross category were : Hugo Doepke, Lafayette Theatre, Austin Knubley. Richmond Theatre, Hollis Schier- meier, Capitol Theatre, William Abeln. G.ravois Theatre, Harold Running-, Hi Pointe Theatre. The respective winners in the showman- ship campaign were: Marvin Stiver, Vic- tory Theatre, James Tappella, Maplewood Theatre, Roy Muehlemann, Ambassador Theatre, Howard Albertson, Union Theatre, Joseph Keating, Lindell Theatre, Lou Coyle, Granada Theatre. Showmanship campaigns were sub- mitted on three programs. A special award for the best overall campaign on three programs was made to Dion Peluso, manager of the Fox Theatre. Al Poos, district manager of the Northside Theatres, was awarded a prize of $250 for his district takin honors in the best gross contest among the districts. Washington, Jan. 24. — -The Na- tional Production Authority's recent order reserving refined methylene chloride for the film industry has taken care of the industry's needs, according to NPA film chief Nathan D. Golden. Golden disclosed that reports from film companies say that the order ar- rived just in time, but has now done the job 100 per cent and there is no major difficulty any longer in obtain- ing this key solvent. Other chemicals, however, are proving troublesome, Golden said, but none are as important as methylene chloride. NPA today issued two orders of interest to the film industry. One order was aimed at spreading more evenly among chemical firms priority orders for ethyl cellulose, another chemical used to make film. It pro- vides that producers of this chemical will not be required to devote more than 40 per cent of any month's pro- duction to filling priority orders. ' Another order reserved the use of nickel for military and essential ci- vilian use by planning consumption for a long list of non-essential prod- ucts. Raw Stock Meet (Continued from page 1) NPA official an opportunity to ex- change views on raw stock require- ments and probable future availabili- ties. Golden has not yet obtained estimates from the military of their raw stock requirements for the emer- gency period, and until he has them the NPA will be unable to make any decisive arrangements. Several preliminary conferences on raw stock needs and probable supplies already have taken place and film companies have been asked to prepare reports of their consumption of raw stock over recent periods and forward them to Sidney Schreiber, MPAA counsel here. Many of the companies' reports have not yet been completed. Presents New Malco Profit-Sharing Plan Memphis, Jan. 24. — More than 50 managers of Malco Theatres, Inc., representing theatres in four states, met in Memphis today and heard the general management present a "part- nership" plan. An incentive plan by which mana- gers of theatres operated by the Malco chain can share in the profits of the concern was presented by M. A. Lightman, Sr., president. Advertising, publicity and exploitation ideas were all emphasized as a means of "getting back into show business," on a basis of each manager becoming a "partner in the concern," through the profit sharing plan. A dinner and dance was held for the managers and their wives tonight at Hotel Gayoso. To Honor Monogram President Broidy Hollywood, Jan. 24. — Steve Broidy, Monogram president, will be Los An- geles' Mayor. Fletcher Brown's guest in his executive chambers tomorrow to receive the mayor's congratulations on Monogram's 20 years of success- ful operation. The ceremony is preliminary to "Monogram Week," to be observed nationally Feb. 11-17, marking the company's twentieth anniversary. To Set 'Women' Bow I. C. Lopert, president of Lopert Distributing Corp. ; Sydney Deneau, vice-president and general sales man- ager, and Leon Brandt, director of advertising publicity, will leave here tomorrow for Washington to set plans for the world premiere of "Women Without Names," a Lopert release, at the Playhouse Theatre in the Capital. NCCJ Dinner (Continued from page 1) will be Paul Reynaud, former premier of France, Rise Stevens, Metropolitan Opera star, and Eric Johnston. Every exhibitor in the country will be asked to participate in the drive, 1 it was announced. Thursday, January 25, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 Boost Films {Continued from page 1) Cinema Productions Deal {Continued from page 1) media, from national magazines to trailer trucks, Mayer explained. He said nearly all will carry slogans on their stationery urging attendance at theatres. Thirteen companies declined to co- operate, according to Mayer, nearly all of them on the ground that their service to other industries prevented them from singling out the motion picture business for special help. Mayer said 110 companies replied to 800 letters issued. Mayer's Statement "I believe this is the first time," Mayer said, "that companies serving this industry have united in an adver- tising campaign in our behalf. I have no idea of the number of people this free institutional advertising will reach, but obviously it will be large. I am sure that all branches of our business will be deeply appreciative of the help the industry will receive from these suppliers." One sign company, Swanson-Nunn Signs, Inc., of Evansville, Ind., wrote COMPO that a legend in behalf of motion pictures would be incorporated in a sign on the front of the company's business building. Included among the cooperating' companies are also the following': Maharam Fabric Corp., New York; Fall City Theatre Equip- ment Co., Louisville; Lovett and Co., Clarksburgh, W. Va. ; Automatic Devices Co., Allentown, Pa.; Thomas L. Leedom Co., Bristol, Fa.; Alexander Theatre Supply, Pittsburgh; J. F. D-usman Co., Baltimore; Streuber & La Chicott, Inc., New York; National Theatre Screen Refinishing Co. ; Ballantyne Co., Omaha; Ampro Corp., Chicago; Blevins Popcorn Co.; Eastern New Mexico Theatre Supply; Westrex Corp.; Continental Electric Co., Geneva, 111.; Ab- bott Theatre Equipment Co., Chicago. Also, Motiograph Co., Chicago; Universal Sound Movie Co., Shelborne, Ind.; Irwin Seating Co.; Mason, Au and Magenheimer Confectionery Manufacturing Co., Mineola, L. I.; Crane Co., Chicago; Mission Dry Corp.; Heyer-Shultz, Inc., of New Jersey; Dominion Sound Equipment, Ltd.. Mon- treal; Perskins Electric Co., Ltd., Mon- treal; Alton Manufacturing Co., Dallas; Western Theatre Supply, Omaha; Weaver Manufacturing Co., Los Angeles; Elmer H. Brient and Sons, Inc., Washington; Gen- eral Theatre Supply, Ltd., Montreal; Paci- fic Concessions Service Co., Los Angeles. Also, National Theatre Supply. Dallas; National Super Service Co., Toledo; Leath- ercote Co., Omaha; Equipo Sales, San An- tonio; International Seat Corp., Union City, Ind. ; Dunbar and Co., Chicago; Western Service and Supply, Denver; Goldberg Brothers, Denver; Theodore B. Robertson Products, Inc., Chicago; Universal Corp., Dallas; Multiple Products, Dallas; Auto- Vend, Inc., Dallas; National Simplex Bloodworth, Inc., New York; Arizona Film Supply, Tucson. Other Firms Also, Clint Phare Products Co., Euclid, O. ; RCA Service Corp., Camden; T. E. McAuley Mfg. Co., Chicago; Quaker City Chocolate and Confectionery Co., Philadel- phia; Alexander Theatre Supply, Pitts- burgh; Aubrey-Moore and Wallace, Inc.. Chicago; American Seating Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.; B. F. Shearer Co., Los Angeles; Western Theatre Equipment Co., j San Francisco; Poblocki and Sons, Milwau- kee; Projection Optics. Inc., Rochester; D. L. Clark Co., Pittsburgh; Fred W. Amend Co., Chicago; Southwestern Theatre Equip- ment Co., Houston; Walter H. Johnson Candy Co., Chicago; Walker-American Corp., St. Louis; Vincent N. Tate Co Wilkes Barre, Pa.; Dr. Pepper Co., Dallas' A. L. Eskin, 54 Funeral services were held in Bos- ton late last week for A. L. Eskin, 54 years old, and an industry veteran, it was learned here yesterday. Eskin had been a film salesman for some 30 years, with M-G-M, 20th Century-Fox and Paramount, and in recent years he had been producing home-town reels in tieups with theatres. budget picture which will be produced entirely in New York this summer from a story now being written by Robert E. Sherwood. Lester Cowan, CPI production chief, will be the producer. Sherwood is national chairman of the Council, which was formed last November to "bring more people to the theatre and more theatre to the people." Earnings from the film, for which a distributor is expected to be set shortly, "will be used as a founda- tion fund for financial aid to various branches of the theatre," it was stated. Si H. Fabian, CPI board member, explained the deal and its purposes as follows : "Our motion picture group, formed for the purpose of mak- ing possible new projects such as this one, is proud to join forces with the legitimate theatre, through the Coun- cil. To us, the 'living theatre' is not only the stage but the motion picture theatre, as well. We will embark on other projects, not all, however, nec- essarily being production of films." Announcement of the deal was made at the office here of Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president of Century Circuit. Present during the announce- ment to the press, in addition to Schwartz, were : Samuel Rosen, vice- president of Fabian Theatres ; Cowan ; William Cronin, of Comerford Thea- tres ; Gerald Goode, executive director of the Council ; Jock Lawrence, CPI acting secretary. The picture, tentatively titled Para. Extends Sales Drive Letters Paramount has extended its pro- gram of sending a sales letter to ex- hibitors on each feature picture re- leased, to include short subjects as well. First short to be handled in this fashion, according to Oscar Morgan, general sales manager of short sub- jects and Paramount News, is the Paramount pacemaker, "Country Cop." Barney Balaban Sells 40,000 Para. Shares During Paramount Pictures' recent bid on the New York Stock Exchange for the purchase of 500,000 of its own common shares for the purpose of re- tirement, Barney Balaban, Paramount president, sold his 40,000 shares. Sale price, as stipulated in the bid, was $21.50. While the bid was open the company purchased a total of 311,816 shares. Balaban sold his shares on Dec. 27. Early last year, however, he was granted options on 40,000 shares which have yet to be exercised. Heller UA Deal {Continued from page 1) at least two days, but the deal could be finalized by the weekend if no unforeseen hitches develop. Chaplin, to whom the proposition was presented last week in New York, is reported to have given it tentative approval after returning to the Coast. Pickford is said to have favored it from the beginning. "Main Srteet to Broadway" will be the story of a girl who comes to New York to enter a stage career. Then stars from the legitimate theatre will be invited by the Council to ap- pear in the film as "them- selves," as will writers, direc- tors, producers and musical fig- ures from the theatre, Cowan said. Sherwood said in a statement which was distributed that the arrangement will "aid in fostering new talent and bringing more living theatre to more communities throughout the country." He said the Council was concerned about the sharp reduction in the num- ber of plays now "on the road," and he observed that the nation, "theatri- cally speaking, is on a starvation diet." Negotiations for the deal were con- ducted on behalf of the Council by Sherwood, Katharine Cornell, Herman Shumlin, Arthur Schwartz and Goode. The film group was represented by its president, M. A. Lightman of Memphis ; its chairman, Sam Pinan- ski, Theatre Owners of America president, and F. J. Schwartz and Fabian. Other members of CPI include Frank J. Walker, Robert Dowling, George Skouras, Sam Rinzler, Kermit Stengel, and Harold Stoneman. Pinanski has for long advocated a "wedding" of the legitimate stage and motion pictures. It is planned to re- lease the film next November during National Theatre Week, which the Council will sponsor. Business Better In Oregon Area Portland, Ore., Jan. 24. — Major circuits operating in Portland and the Oregon area report business in downtown locations is holding up to normal compared to the same period in the previous year. Southern Oregon houses report that business shows an increase of 10 per cent over the previous period. This increase is caused by heavier populations, good re- turns from lumber and agri- cultural products, unemploy- ment being lower than in the previous year, as well as more extensive showmanship on product. Business on U pswing, Burkett Tells Buyers Boston, Jan. 24. — Business in the- atres is on the upswing, James S. Burkett, independent producer releas- ing through Eagle Lion Classics, told New England film buyers and bookers at a luncheon here today. "In the Los Angeles area theatre business was off between 35 and 40 per cent eight months ago," Burkett said, "but now it is recovering." "Business in theatres located in the heavy defense-work areas in the Mid- west is good and a swing through many sections of the country shows that business is getting better." Burkett urged his listeners to stop talking about bad business. ANSWER TO YOUR p*, TECHNICAL PROBLEMS.. The Altec Service Man The Altec Service Man and the organization behind him 161 Sixth Avenue, New York 13, N. Y. PROTECTING THE THEATRE - FIRST PLACE IN ENTERTAINMENT TO THE RADIO EDITORS OF THE U. S. AND CANADA: My deepest appreciation and sincerest thanks for selecting me for the 3rd consecutive year as CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS and FAVORITE COMEDIAN Sincerely, JACK BENNY VOL. 69. NO. 19 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1951 TEN CENTS Near 90% for Arbitration in Exhibitor Poll Herald Survey Reveals Clearance Top Problem Almost 90 per cent of exhibitors polled in a Motion Picture Herald survey are in favor of arbitration as a means of settling differences that arise in the buying and selling of films. The Herald, in its issue out today, will disclose that it ap- proached circuit and independ- ent operators and exhibitor or- ganization leaders with four questions : Whether they are for or against arbitration; what types of industry problems — clear- ance, run, bids or others — they believed could be settled by arbitration; whether they would prefer the arbitrator(s) to be {Continued on page 4) RKO in 13-Week TV Package Deal RKO Theatres and radio-TV sta- tions WNBC and WNBT have com- pleted negotiations for a 13-week tele- vision-and-radio package deal to start on Monday, it was announced here yesterday by Harry Mandel, director of advertising-publicity for RKO Theatres, and Ted Cott, general man- (Continued on page 4) Georgia Would Tax All Features $500 Atlanta, Jan. 25. — Two Georgia House members are readying legislation to place a $500 tax on each feature film shown in the state, with the revenue going to chari- table institutions. Rep. Charles Burgamy, of Sumter County, is co-sponsor. Burgamy explained the fee would cover a particular film for a year with no limit on the number of copies that could be made. The Sumter legislator added that the State Revenue Commissioner would be the judge as to what constitutes a feature film. Exhibitor Nominees As Arbitrators The following industry per- sonalities, listed in alphabeti- cal order, were suggested in the Herald poll of exhibitors on arbitration as possible ar- bitrators : Robert Coyne, George Dembow, Jay Emanuel, S. H. Fabian, Earl Hudson, Eric Johnston, Red Kann, Arthur L. Mayer, Thomas McConnell, Sam Pinanski, Trueman T. Rembusch, William F. Rod- gers, George Schaefer, Spyros P. Skouras, Wilbur Snaper, Robert B. Wilby, Nat Wil- liams and Mitchell Wolfson. Wolf Finds Broad Business Upturn Los Angeles, Jan. 25. — Theatre at- tendance, which has been on an up- swing since early in December, is still increasing in numerous sections of the country, Marc J. Wolf, Variety Clubs International chief barker, said here today. Wolf is here for conferences with Charles Skouras, assistant chief barker, and to attend a dinner honor- ing Dave Bershon of the local Variety tent on Monday. He has visited Vari- ety tents in numerous other sections of the country during his current tour and, after leaving here Tuesday, will stop off at Houston and Dallas en route to his home in Indianapolis. He said the industry's public rela- tions are in good hands so long as Variety Club members continue to dis- play the same eagerness to participate in local activities that he noted on his tour, citing Tent No. 39, Nevada, and Los Angeles Tent No. 25 as examples. BRITISH GOV'T IN FILM PRODUCTION Industry Care Will Prevent Raws lock Cuts, Golden Says At a meeting here yesterday of in- dustry executives, Nathan D. Golden, director of the Motion Picture-Pho- tographic Products division of the Na- tional Production Authority, said in- dustry conservation in film usages to meet a tightening film supply situation would, at present, preclude the need for government allocations of raw- stock. "I feel confident," Golden said, "that the problems now existing may be resolved with- out any undue hardship on the {Continued on page 4) 'Cyrano' Holdovers Cited by Schaefer Holding over for a total of 37 weeks in its first nine engagements, Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Bergerac," has opened its initial showings to the "strongest business of any road-show engagement in the last five years," according to George J. Schaefer, presi- dent and general sales manager of Stanley Kramer Distributing Corp., who cites a $50,000 advance sale in New York alone. He reported cor- respondingly heavy advances in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadel- phia, New Orleans, Miami Beach, San (Continued on page 4) Bigotry Hit by Johnston At 'Brotherhood' Dinner 20th Names Dickstein N. Y. Branch Head Abe Dickstein has been appointed New York branch manager of 20th Century-Fox. The post had been va- cated by Sam Diamond, who was pro- moted to Philadelphia branch man- ager. Andy W. Smith, Jr., 20th's dis- tribution vice-president, said Dickstein will assume his new duties on Feb. 5. Dickstein, who will serve under Martin Moskowitz, Fmp'ire State divi- sion manager, has been Metropolitan branch manager here for United" Ar- tists. He has been in the industry for 17 years. "Bigotry is expensive foolishness any way you look at it," Eric John- ston, general chairman of "Brother- hood Week," Feb. 18-25, declared here last night in a message addressed to those attending a dinner sponsored by the amusements division of the Na- tional Conference of Christians and Jews, held at the Waldorf Astoria. Paul Reynaud, former French Pre- mier, was guest of honor. More than 1,000 persons from the entertainment industry attended. Johnston's speech was read by Basil Rathbone. Other speakers included J. Robert Rubin, Loew's, Inc. vice-presi- (Continued on page 4) To Finance, Supervise 3 Panels of Producers Under Year's Contract By PETER BURNUP London, Jan. 25. — The govern- ment Film Financing Corporation's plan for bringing a large segment of British film production into its orbit, as reported in Motion Picture Daily on Dec. 13, was officially dis- closed here today by James H. Law- rie, managing director of the corpo- ration. Lawrie announced at a press conference that three panels of producers will be set up with financial backing amounting to an estimated £700,000 ($1,960,- 000) to make an undetermined number of pictures, but likely to aggregate at least 12. In ad- dition to the government's par- ticipation in their financing, (Continued on page 4) Gallup and Schuyler In New Delft Posts Marquette, Mich., Jan. 25. — On Feb. 1, a re-shuffling of the executive setup of Delft Theatres will become effective, with H. S. (Doc) Gallup, present president, becoming chairman of the board of directors and treasurer, and J. B. Schuyler assuming the presi- dency and also continuing as the cir- (Continued on page 4) Colosseum Signals For Negotiations The Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America whose contracts with dis- tributors will expire on April 15, has notified the companies of its desire to open negotia- tions at this time for new contracts. Present pacts re- quire 60 days notice of such desire prior to expiration date, David Beznor, attorney for the salesmen's union, has reminded the distributors. Companies involved are: Universal, Columbia, Para- mount, 20th Century-Fox, Monogram, Warner, RKO, Eagle Lion Classics and Re- public. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 26, 1951 Personal Mention EDWARD L. HYMAN, vice-presi- dent of United Paramount The- atres accompanied by Simon B. Sie- gel, comptroller, have returned here from a visit to Springfield, Mass., where they met with Samuel Gold- stein, president of Western Massa- chusetts Theatres. • Leon J. Bamberger, RKO sales promotion manager, is due to leave here over the weekend for Dallas to address the Allied Independent The- atre Owners of Texas convention there next week. • Alfred E. Daff, Universal world- wide sales director, and Maurice Bergman, home office executive, left here last night for Kansas City and St. Louis. They will return on Mon- day. ^ Betty Kronfeld of United Artists' foreign department, will be married here on Sunday to Leonard Katz of the New York Post. • Sam Zimbalist, producer, this week observes his 25th anniversary with M-G-M. • Harry Buckley, accompanied by Mrs. Buckley, have returned here from the Coast. Review "Cause for Alarm" (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) Hollywood, Jan. 25 DIFFERENCES of opinion about this little number can be as numerous as the customers, for it's an odd and awkwardly shaped package. Strictly a gimmick story, in point of fact a radio script expanded for picture purposes the picture does in 74 minutes the same kind of job which "Suspense" and similar programs knocked off in 30. Yet it has Loretta Young, who gives one of her top performances, with nobody nameful but Barry Sullivan along- side, and he as a short-lived heavy. Miss Young does a great job in a picture half' her size, but the story, that ends on the gimmick as a radio program does merely builds her admirers up to a letdown which is hard to reconcile with' the use of her talent. Barring the lightning striking, as it struck the intrinsically similar "Sorry, Wrong Number," the picture appears to have slight box-office prospects. . . The radio pattern is followed quite closely, the story depicting one turbu- lent day in the life of a faithful wife whose heart-stricken husband believes she and their doctor, an old friend of theirs, are trying to kill him off by overdoses of heart stimulant, so they can have each other. To frustrate their fancied designs he writes a letter to the district attorney, struggles from his sick bed to watch from a window as she hands it to the postman, and then tells her what he has done, breaks out a pistol and announces he is going to kill her under circumstances which, with the letter, will establish self-defense as his motive But he dies before he can shoot her, and she sets out m pursuit of the postman to regain possession of the letter before reporting her husband's death. This sets off a series of suspense-building incidents which culminate in the postman's unexpected return of the letter due to insufficient postage and the story flops in a small heap on the screen unrelieved by even the expected sign-off stating a local station's call letters. Others in the cast are Bruce Cowling, Margalo Gillmore, Bradley Mora, Irvin°- Bacon Georgia Backus, Don Haggerty, Art Baker and Richard An- derson • but it is all Miss Young's show. Tom Lewis, whose background is radio produced, from a script by himself and Mel Dinelh, taken from a radio' story by Larry Marcus. Tay Garnett directed. _ ttnnnine time 74 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, not Kunmiig , William R. Weaver set. Polangin Leaving Buchanan on Coast Hollywood, Jan. 25. — Frederick N. Polangin disclosed here today that he has resigned as vice - president in charge of the Hollywood-Los Angeles branch of Buchanan and Co., adver- tising agency, which handles many motion picture accounts both here and in the East. Polangin, who is well known in mo- tion picture advertising circles on both Coasts, said he will announce his fu- ture plans shortly. $12,000 Opening Day For WB's 'Enforcer' United States Pictures' "The En- forcer," starring Humphrey Bogart, which Warner is distributing, is under- stood to have opened to a $12,000 day's gross at its world premiere yes- terday at the New York Capitol Theatre. NEWYORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center Negotiations In UA Deal Still Continue Hollywood, Jan. 25.— It is reliably understood here that William J. Heine- man will head up the management of United Artists if negotiations for ac- quisition of control of UA by the Krim-Benjamin-Heller syndicate are successfully concluded. Heineman is Eagle Lion Classics' vice-president in charge of distribution. Attorneys for all parties today con- tinue their meetings here on terms to be included in a contract, with indica- tions that the conferences will continue over the weekend. Vanguard Motion Is Denied in UA Action New York Supreme Court Justice Carroll G. Walter yesterday denied Vanguard Pictures' motion for a $77,- 209 summary judgment against United Artists in connection with the former's breach of contract suit filed last Au- gust. The action will now go to trial. The plaintiff alleges the amount is due under a contract for re-issuance of "Since You Went Away," "Rebecca," "Spellbound" and "I'll Be Seeing You." Won't Ask Theatre Ad Executives Join TY Control Now NY Exhibitor Talks Albany, Jan. 25.— No legislation to implement the ruling yesterday by State Attorney-General Nathaniel L. Goldstein that the Department of Education can be empowered to regulate television programs shown in theatres will be proposed to the current session of the legislature, Charles A. Brind, Jr., department counsel, said here today. The Education Department and the Board of Regents will study the ruling, which held that "no constitutional bar- rier" exists to the licensing of TV shows intended for commercial presen- tation. The final day for the intro- duction of bills for this session is Feb. 20 and Brind explained that the inter- vening time is insufficient for prepara- tion of a bill, if one is deemed neces- sary. The next Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for the latter part of February. The MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" starring Louis CALHERN - Ann HARDING A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION Senate Unit Okays New Griffis Post Washington, Jan. 25. — The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved President Truman's nomina- tion of Stanton Griffis, head of Para- mount's executive committee, as U. S. ambassador to Spain Distribution advertising - publicity executives met here yesterday with the committee set up by Metropolitan New York area exhibitors to map a cooper ative business-building drive and "lis tened sympathetically" as the exhibi tors presented their plans. The meet- ings was held at the office of Howard Dietz, M-G-M advertising-publicity vice-president. Oscar Doob, one of the circuit par ticipants, said that the talks were still in the exploratory stage. He and other members of the exhibitor com- mittee declined to discuss any specific steps proposed or discussed. Other members of the exhibitor committee present were Fred J Schwartz, Joseph Vogel, Edward Ru- goff and Max A. Cohen. is record week! A Columbia Pitlute VEAN JERRY in person THE ARMY Paramount Picture f STONE Midnight F«otur« Nightly Color TV Appeal To Supreme Court U. S. District Court in Chicago signed an order yesterday allowing the Radio Corp. of America and others to appeal the color television case to the U. S. Supreme Court. The order was signed in resnonse to a petition filed earlier yesterday request- ing leave to appeal. Joined with RCA in the petition were National Broadcasting, RCA Victor, and seven interveners, it was announced Press Preview for Lesser's Vistascope Hollywood, Jan. 25. — Sol Lesser's newly-formed Vistascope Corp. of America today demonstrated the French device to technicians and the press, using a test reel produced by inventor Achille Pierre Dufour to show the results obtainable, and later inviting the guests to inspect the in- vention itself. The yhidlark 'PlVOLI JL HOAOWAY Al »T. Hall Books Skirball Film RKO's "Payment on Demand," star- ring Bette Davis and produced by Jack Skirball, will follow "September Affair" at New York's Radio City Music Hall. tfZg j& " DISTRIBUTED BY , * 0* RKO RADIO PICTURES GLOBE1 46th ST. amoassaaor 10 opa.ni. aiu^u.^^. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. 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Subscription rates per year. $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c Y c 5 T E R DAYiw* msA aiwwd m com ; CAME UP AT THE CAPITOL,N.Y AND PROUDLY REGISTERED A SMASHING NEW SUCCESS FROM WARNER BROS. HUMPHREY IT! oca rt the Enforcer DIRECTED BY PRODUCED BY DISTRIBUTED BY 1*w™:Sl*&15&z BRETAIGNE WIN DUST -MILTON SPERLING-UNITED STATES PICTURESprod.WARNER BP' Written by Mirtin Rickin 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 26, 1951 Poll (Continued from page 1) drawn from the industry, out- side the industry, or made up of a board of three, including a distributor, an exhibitor and an outsider; and if they pre- ferred the exclusive or partial use of industry arbitrators, what persons could they sug- gest as most competent to fill these posts. More circuit operators than inde- pendents showed themselves to be in favor of arbitration but the difference was of no special significance with 86.7 per cent of the independents and 91.2 per cent of the circuits making up the combined average of 89.1 per cent supporting out-of-court settlements. "Independents voted the clearance problem to be uppermost in the minds of 76.6 per cent of them ; runs were next with 66.6 per cent ; bidding rated as the third most important problem with 43.3 per cent; and "other" is- sues constitutes 23.3 per cent of in- dependent exhibitor headaches," ac- cording to the Herald's findings. British Gov't Production (Continued from page 1) Rawstock, Golden (Continued from page 1 ) industry." Toward that end, Golden said he would set up in his division a section devoted primarily to conservation, standardization and simplifica- tion procedures. "The industry itself can contribute greatly to the avoidance of any criti- cal situation in film supplies by exer- cising the utmost care in film usage and handling," he told the meeting. The activity of the section Golden plans would apply to film usage by governmental agencies as well as that involved in the civilian economy. Gol- den told the group, which met with him at the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America office here. Golden referred to an announcement earlier this week by DuPont notifying its customers that it was curtailing- orders by 25 per cent. DuPont took the action, it was explained, as a re- sult of commitments to produce an in- creased supply of X-ray film. Hit hardest by this cutback would be the newsreels and small labora- tories. Those Present Present at the meeting, which was held under the chairmanship of Paul Raibourn, vice-president of Para- mount, were: Ellis G. Arnall, presi- dent of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers; William Brennan, Columbia; W. D. Kelly, Loew's ; Bernard Goodman, Frank Cahill and Joseph Spray, Warner Brothers ; Alan Friedman, DeLuxe Laboratories ; Harry Mersay, 20th Fox; Emment Cashman and E. J Smith, RKO ; Tom Murray, Univer sal ; William Brenner, National Screen; Carroll Puciato, Realart Norton V. Ritchey and Edward Morey, Monogram ; Nick Tronolone, Pathe Laboratories ; Frank LeGrand, Paramount Laboratories ; Robert Hil- ton, United Atrists ; Theodore Black Republic ; Norman Oakley and J. H Kurtz, DuPont; William German, Brulatour, and Arthur L. Mayer, ex- ecutive vice-president of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. On hand from the MP A A were Fred W. DuVall, Sidney Schreiber and Jack McCullough. there will be an undefined amount of "supervision" over the productions by NFFC. One production panel will consist of 10 producers nominated by J. Ar- thur Rank which will operate at Pinewood studio ; another will con- sist of up to six producers nominated by Associated British Pictures Corp. operating at Elstree studio, and a third will include an as yet undeter- mined number of novice producers which will work at the single-staged Southall studio, hitherto used by docu- mentary producers under John Grier- son. The producers nominated to the. panels have each been given one year contracts, subject to termination there- after by either side on three months notice. " Salaries will average £5,000 yearly. Rank and ABPC will undertake_ to give all approved projects distribution guarantees up to 70 per cent of esti- mated budgets. The remaining 30 per cent will be provided by NFFC in cash, with completion guarantee ar- ranged jointly by the distributor and NFFC. Lawrie revealed that he will also, in conjunction with distributors, negotiate bank discounting of the dis- tribution guarantees. Individual producers are to receive 25 per cent of the first £50,000 profit of a picture; 10 per cent of the second £50,000, and five per cent thereafter. Lawrie evaded replying to a question of who meets any losses which might be incurred. He said that NFFC and the dis- tributor will jointly control ex- penditures at all stages of pro- duction, in addition to approval of scripts and budgets. It was clear, however, that in the ulti- mate resort such control would be exercised by Lawrie. It was disclosed that at the end of 1950, NFFC loans amounted to £5,- 380,000, on which £385,000 has been repaid. An additional £200,000 is ex- pected to be repaid within the next six months. NFFC's present capital is around £1,200,000, of which Law- rie estimates £700,000 will go to the three new production groups and the remaining £500,000 to other projects which may develop in line with the original financing purposes of NFFC. The official handout stated "these amounts could see us through an im- portant experiment of ordered finance and supervision," but under question- ing Lawrie admitted that the capital might possibly be exhausted in six months. He added that in such an eventuality the government would have the responsibility of deciding whether to ask Parliament to vote additional public money. Lawrie estimated that the Rank group of producers will make six pic- tures this year under the scheme, with an additional but uncertain number of pictures to come from the ABPC group. He emphasized that both Rank and ABPC will make other pictures with their own and other resources in the course of the year. The output of the third producers panel also is momentarily uncertain, nor was it dis- closed whether its pictures will be sec- ond or first features. Lawrie declined to say whether that group would be regarded as self-supporting or just production trainees. Miami Parade Set For 4Gun' Premiere Miami, Jan. 25. — Thousands of va- cationists are expected to line this city's Flagler Street tomorrow morn- ing to witness a parade that will cli- max Universal-International's world premiere campaign for "Under the Gun." The film will open tomorrow at the Carib, Miami Beach, and the Miracle, Coral Gables. Johnston Hits (Continued from page 1) The press handout stated that the project is not a revolu- tionary one but rather, a logi- cal development of the previous efforts to sustain Britain's de- clining production industry. It claimed to be aimed at simpli- fication of the production proc- ess, thereby removing "anxiety and distraction" from the pro- ducer, making for efficiency and economy and more artistic free- dom. The operation also was described as an "important ex- periment in ordered finance and supervision." Lawrie emphasized repeatedly that the scheme does not bar responsible independent producers from coming to him with worthwhile projects for NFFC help. While the legal formalities involved in the scheme are still incomplete, it was regarded as significant that Law- rie said the first film to be made un- der the new project will be Paul Soskin's "I Spy Strangers," which is already shooting. Sir Michael Balcon is technical ad- viser for the entire project, as well as chairman of the producer panel nomi- nated by Rank. However, Balcon will continue his own considerable produc- tion activity at Ealing studio as an independent producer. Also, announce- ment was made that John Christopher Smuts, attorney and former military governor of Trieste, has been made assistant to Lawrie and secretary to the NFFC board. dent, and Rise Stevens, Metropolitan Opera singer. Louis Nizer, industry attorney, presided at the dinner which launched the industry's 1951 "Brother- hood" campaign. Striking out at intolerance, Johnston declared that, "show business under- stands the high cost of bigotry, and the people in show business will be the first to understand when I say that our very survival today depends on cutting down the high cost of big- otry." Citing the industry as a worthy example, he asserted that it "has never held a man's nativity against him; or the color of his skin ; or the way he knots his tie— or the religious faith he follows. Skill and talent are what counts." He continued that "show business has held out equal opportunity and practiced social justice among all men. . . ." The industry learned long- ago "that it couldn't afford to do other- wise," he declared. Reynaud, who arrived in the U. S. on Wednesday, spoke on the present "state of mind of the free nations of Western Europe." He is here for a special five-week mission for the NCCJ which will take him to 20 cities. Others invited to the dais last night were : Barney Balaban, Spyros Skouras, Ned Depinet, Nicholas M. Schenck, Nate Blumberg, Harry M. Warner, Harry Cohn, Herbert J. Yates, Gradwell L. Sears, Sterling Brown, of the NCCJ, Si Fabian, Ber- nard Goodman, Will Hays, Robert Mochrie, Francois Puax, French Con- .ul General, Martin Quigley, Jr., Ed- mund Reek, Charles Reagan, Hender- son Ritchy, Sam Rinzler, Herman Robbins, Sam Rosen, J. Robert Rubin, James Sauter, A. W. Schwalberg, Max E. Youngstein, Sol Schwartz, George Skouras, Jerry Pickman, Rob- ert Merrill and James Jerauld. Gallup, Schuyler (Continued from page 1 ) cuit's general manager. Schuyler has been general manager for seven years, while Gallup has been at the helm of the circuit for some 37 years. On the same date, L. J. Jacobs of Escanaba will retire as manager of the Delft and Michigan theatres in that city, but will continue as corpo- rate secretary. Kenneth Vohs, pres- ently assistant to Jacobs, will take over the management of the two Escanaba houses. 'Cyrano' Holdovers (Continued from page 1) Francisco and Washington. In New York, the film goes into its 11th week; in Los Angeles, into its 10th ; and Miami Beach, its 7th. Memphis and Detroit will open within two weeks. "We are booking the picture into many other sections of the country on a two-a-day reserved seat basis, with 20 to 25 more openings planned for the next six weeks," stated Schaefer. Circus P. A. to Para. Frank Braden, circus press agent, has been appointed by Max E. Young- stein, Paramount advertising-publicity vice-president, to the post of special publicity representative for "The Greatest Show on Earth." RKO Package Deal (Continued from page 1 ) ager of WNBC and WNBT. "This marks the first time a major theater circuit in the New York metropolitan area has entered into such a contract, and, it is expected Young Presents NCCJ Award To University of Miami Miami, Jan. 25. — Robert R. Young, on behalf of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, today present- ed a citation to the University of Miami in recognition of its School of Human Relations. Introduced by Dr. Everett Clinchy, president of the NCCJ, Young made the presentation to George C. Estill, vice-chairman of the board of trustees of the University. to set a precedent for the theatre and motion picture industry," RKO The- atres stated. Through the combined mediums of TV and radio, RKO Theatres plan to, advertise and publicize their feature attractions and also their "Let's Go Out to the Movies" campaign. The contract contains options permitting RKO to continue the arrangement be- yond the initial 13 weeks. FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY .1* i VOL. 69. NO. 20 NEW YORK, U. S. A., MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1951 TEN CENTS Six Industry Units Study Conservation Yates Receives VFW Medal For His 'Americanism' NPA Names Four More Advisory 'Task Forces' Washington, Jan. 28. — The ap- pointment of four more task forces from the film industry to study con- servation measures and make sug- gestions for limitation-allocation or- ders was announced here today by Nathan D. Golden, director of the National Production Authority's film branch. At a recent meeting here, two such task groups were set up from the 35mm. motion pic- ture equipment industry. Their reports are due by Feb. 9. Two of the four groups announced by Golden today come from the silver sensitized goods (film) industry and die other two from the photographic apparatus and equipment industry, dealing largely in photographic sup- plies. All four must report within 30 days. The appointment of the new task groups came as U. S. defense officials continued to warn of tightening ma- terial supplies. Golden said that one task group (Continued on page 4) 20th Sales Meet Today The two-day home office meeting of 20th Century-Fox division sales managers will start here this morning with Andy W. Smith, distribution vice-president, presiding. Attending will be company president Spyros P. Skouras and vice-presidents Al Lichtman and Charles Einfeld, who will participate in the discussions on forthcoming product and sales plans. Division managers will present ter- (Continued on page 4) Los Angeles, Jan. 28. — The Vet- erans of Foreign Wars bestowed "its highest honor," a gold citizenship medal, on Herbert J. Yates, presi- dent of Repub- lic Pictures, at a luncheon at the Hotel Bilt- more here yes- terday. The award was voted to Yates by the 1,- 200,000 mem- bers of the VFW for his "outstanding contribution to American- ism" and was presented to him by VFW Com- Yates is the H. J. Yates mander-in-Chief Ralls 10th person to be so honored in the history of the national veterans organi- zation. In attendance at the luncheon were scores of industry leaders, high rank- ing officers of the Armed Forces in addition to state officials and civic leaders both from Los Angeles and elsewhere. Accepting the VFW medal Yates said, "This is a glorious honor, made so because of the intent which moti- vated it, Americanism.' In this world of greed and aggression we should first seek peaceful ways of settling our problems with those nations that sincerely want peace. But if the price of peace means sacrifice of our God- given rights, then fight we must, as united Americans, until we crush those who would destroy our American way of life. Americans will never fail to fight to protect these sacred heritages." Tri-States TOA in Convention Today Memphis, Jan. 28 — Tri-States The- atre Owners, a TOA affiliate, will open its annual three-day convention at the Hotel Gayoso here tomorrow to dis- cuss COMPO, unfair competition from outside interests, loopholes in Federal amusement taxes, television, and the many other problems facing the industry. Gael Sullivan, executive director of the TOA; R. J. O'Donnell, Dallas, and Marc Wolf, president of Variety International, of Indianapolis, are ex- pected to be among the key speakers ; {Continued on page 2) Allied of Texas Opens Annual Meet Dallas, Jan. 28. — "Every exhibitor in the State of Texas" has been in- vited by Allied of Texas to attend that organization's annual convention, to be held at the Adolphus Hotel here tomorrow and Tuesday. Among top speakers expected are Arthur Mayer of COMPO, from New York, and R. J. O'Donnell of Dallas. Sam Shain, exhibitor relations direc- tor of 20th Century-Fox, New York, will also address the convention. Delegates have been promised a full report and explanation of "the (Continued on page 2) Briskin Release from Para. Weighed Here Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- dent, and Y. Frank Freeman, vice- president and studio head, were con- sidering the request of Sam Briskin for a release from his contract as aide to Freeman at the company's Holly- wood studio, in meetings held here over the weekend. Freeman arrived (Continued on page 4) Tri-States Delegates Will Get 'Star PooF Proposal Delegates to the Tri-States Theatre Owners Association convention in Memphis, to be held today through Wednesday, will be sounded out on the possibilities of a proposal that a "star pool" be set up in Hollywood for the purpose of supplying small- town theatres with a steady stream of actors and actresses for brief per- sonal appearances in conjunction with film programs. Conceived by Edward Lach- man, former president of Allied of New Jersey, it will be pre- sented by him informally to the delegates at the convention of the Theatre Owners of Amer- ica affiliate, Lachman disclosed here on Friday. He will attend the meetings not as an Allied member, but as president of Carbons, Inc., of Boonton, N. J. The "star pool" plan calls for a large reserve of screen performers each of whom would, from time to time, make appearances for 15 or 20 minutes on the stages of small-town theatres in several localities during the course of a single evening. The plan sets forth also that each such the atre could bring to its stage a differ ent Hollywood personality practically every week. Lachman said there is no doubt about the validity of the suggestion, (Continued on page 4) OCD Policy On Theatres To Be Liberal No Present Plans Now To Close Theatres Washington, Jan. 28. — Barring definite word of an imminent attack on a particular town or area, the government has no present plans for asking a theatre to close down or for asking people to cease congregat- ing in public places. That can be authoritatively stated after conversations with top Admin- istration officials. It was learned that the Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations had protested to the White House over recent reports that gave rise to a wide-spread fear, and many questions in the industry that such a shut-down might be im- minent. In response to this protest and at White House re- quest, the Office of Civilian De- fense is presently preparing a statement of official policy for the theatre industry, with OCD officials hoping to have it ready by mid-week. It is believed that this statement will (Continued on page 4) Film Wages Seen Hit Washington, Jan. 28.— While film admissions and rentals are exempt from the price control law and so are not affected by the government's price freeze, film industry wages and sal- aries have been frozen at Jan. 25 levels as a result of the wage freeze order issued late Friday. At least this is the concensus_ of opinion among government officials handling wage controls. None will (Continued on page 2) Name Whitman RKO Theatres Counsel William F. Whitman has been named general counsel of RKO Theatres, it was announced here at the weekend by Sol. A. Schwartz, president of the theatre corporation. Whitman has been a member of the RKO theatre legal staff for some 20 years. He is presently secretary of RKO Theatres Corp. 2 Motion Picture daily Monday, January 29, 1951 Personal Mention SAMUEL GOLDWYN, James A. Mulvey and Harry Archinall, of Samuel Goldwyn Productions, left here at the weekend for the Coast. • Herman M. Levy, general counsel of Theatre Owners of America, will speak at the Lions Club luncheon to be held at the Casey Hotel, Scranton, tomorrow. • Irving Wormser, Columbia circuit sales executive, will leave here today for the South and Southwest, to visit company exchanges. • Arnold M. Grant, industry at- torney, has been elected national presi- dent of the Syracuse University's Law College Alumni Association. • Hugh Owen, Paramount's Eastern and Southern division manager, has arrived in Atlanta from New York. • William, F. Broidy, Monogram producer, has returned to Hollywood after three weeks in New York. • E. Z. Walters, comptroller of Al- tec Service Corp., is in New York from the Coast. Abe Schneider of Columbia Pic- tures is vacationing at Boca Ration, Fla. Johnston Sponsors Preview of 'Affair' Washington, Jan. 28. — Eric John- ston will be host tomorrow evening to government, military and naval offi- cials at a dinner and private screening of Hal Wallis' "September Affair" at the Academia Theatre here. Guest of honor will be the Italian Ambassador, Alberto Tarchiani, ac- companied by Mrs. Tarchiani. The picture, being released by Para- mount, stars Joan Fontaine and Jo- seph Cotten, who will fly from Holly- wood to attend the affair. The event is to be a tribute to the Italian government for its support of American film-makers who have pro- duced pictures in Italy. NEWS in Brief . . Newsreel Parade Ticket Tax Income Dips, U.S. Reports Brandt in Top Post For JDA Campaign Harry Brandt, head of Brandt The- atres and president of the Independent Theatre Owners Association, New York, will serve as chairman of the Joint Defense Appeal campaign cabi- net— the overall planning group for the JDA drive in the Metropolitan New York area. The Joint Defense Appeal is the fund-raising branch of the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defa- mation League of B'nai B'rith. The national goal of the campaign is $6,000,000, with half of that sum to be raised in this city. In accepting the post Brandt said: "The programs of the AJC and ADL, developed down the years to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of preju- dice and discrimination, are of para- mount importance to all men concerned with the future of democracy." Washington, Jan. 28. — General ad- mission tax collections during 1950 — reflecting box-office business from Dec, 1949, through Nov., 1950, amounted to $356,723,866, a drop of just over five per cent from 1949 total collections of $375,768,499, according to an unofficial tally of figures re- leased here by the U. S. Bureau of Internal Revenue today. The 1950 collection total was slightly less than nine per cent below the 1947 total of $389,867,479, the highest total for any year since the Bureau has made available separate figures on general admissions. The December collection figure, re- flecting box-office business in Novem- ber, totaled only $26,622,501, sharply below the Dec, 1949 figure of $33,- 513,950 and the second lowest total of any month in 1950. Only in February were collections lower. In 1949, De- cember was the sixth best month and in the three preceding years December was the top month for the year. Theatre owner groups have Ion argued that business is actually worse than the admission tax figures show. They point out that these figures do not take into account rising costs, the increasing number of theatres, and the fact that a pick-up in other enter- tainments, such as sports, might hide for an even greater drop in film-view inar. Scroll to U. S. Steel The sponsor and producer of the Theatre Guild-on-the-Air program, chosen by newspaper radio critics and editors in the Motion Picture Daily- Fame 15th annual radio poll, were presented with the winner's scroll by Martin Quigley, Jr., last evening. Ir- ving S. Olds, chairman of the board of U. S. Steel, sponsor of the show, accepted the scroll on behalf of the company and the producers. The pre- sentation was made during the time generally reserved for the commercials. Tri-States TOA {Continued from page 1) New products and services to be offered to exhibitors in 1951 will be_ the keynote of the first of a series of district sales meetings of the National Theatre Supply representatives to be held at the Hotel Hollenden, Cleve- land, on Feb. 8-9. • The New York Film Critics here last night awarded its citations for 1950's motion picture "Bests," at the Rainbow Room in Radio City. The awards, which this year were completely swept by 20th Century- Fox as far as American production was concerned, were presented by Critics' chairman Howard Barnes of the New York Herald Tribune at a reception given by the critics for the winners and members of the press. • Margaret J. Clancy, who for the last 18 years had been executive secretary to Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, was stricken with a heart attack at her desk at the home office on Friday and died on the same day at Poly- clinic Hospital here. • Cleveland, Jan. 28. — The annual meeting of the Cleveland Motion Pic ture Exhibitors Association to elect officers and a board of directors, sched uled to be held here on Tuesday, has been postponed to Thursday. • Chicago, Jan. 28. — Despite a morn- ing snowstorm, Universal-Interna- tional's Technicolor "Tomahawk," had an excellent world premiere Friday at the Chicago Theatre, hitting close to the $10,000 mark. The only better opening at the theatre was "Louisa" last August. • Memphis, Jan. 28. — All employes of Malco Theatres, Inc., who have been with the chain as long as two years as of Jan. 1, will share in the new profit-sharing incentive plan an- nounced at the Malco managers meet- ing here. • David A. Lipton, Universal Pic- tures vice-president in charge of advertising and publicity, left New York over the weekend for Califor- nia following two weeks of confer- ences with home office executives to set advertising and promotion campaigns. J2EPORTS from Korea and Eric Johnston in his new government post are current newsreel highlights. Other items include sports and fash- ions. Complete contents follow: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 9— Reports from Korea. Gem smuggler nabbed. Over- land canal in Mexico. Carnival time in Italy. Beauty contest. News from the sports world: International ski meet. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 24J— Diamond smuggler nabbed. UN forces advance in Korea. Eric Johnston sworn in as Eco- nomic Stabilization chief. Women to an- swer defense call. Skiing. PARAMOUNT NEWS., No. 46— Tragedy in the Alps. Gen. Clark gives military report. Hat parade. Nation gets plan for wage-price curbs. Women return to de- fense jobs. Pre-Lenten carnivals. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 4-B— Top military leaders at Korean front. Gen. Eisenhower on tour. 'B36V in England. Indo- China report. Ski thrills. Horse racing. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 48— Korea report. Landslide levels Swedish villages. U. S. eyes new British jet. Eric Johnston sworn in as Economic Stabiliza- tion Administrator. Women back on de- fense jobs. 'Best-tressed' girl. Sports. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 425— Korea re- port: Lull marks fighting. Diamond smug- gler nabbed by U. S. India's Minister Nehru in Paris. Women back in defense jobs. Carnival time in Italy. Sports. Allied of Texas (Continued from page 1) also, Ray G. Colvin of St. Louis, and Sam Shain, exhibitor relations direc- tor of 20th Century-Fox. Tomorrow's activities will include registration, visits to equipment and other theatre booths in the conven- tion hall at the Gayoso, and a screen- ing of "Bedtime for Bonzo." Business session's will be held Tues- day and Wednesday with speeches from national leaders and open forums for exhibitors in-between. Election of officers and resolutions are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Delegates and their wives will at- tend the Skating Vanities at Ellis Auditorium Tuesday night. A ban- quet will be held Wednesday. Mexico City. Jan. 28. — Leopoldo Ortega Casas, president, and all other officers of the National Exhibitors Association of Mexico, were reelected for 1951 at the annual three-day con vention of the NEA, held here, and attended by representatives of 1,800 theatres in this country. • Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 28. — Jerry Pick man, executive assistant to Max Youngstein, Paramount advertising- publicity vice-president, arrived here today from New York to join the Cecil B. DeMille "Greatest Show on Earth" company, which arrived from Hollywood earlier for preparatory work on the picture at Ringling Bros winter headquarters here. COMPO idea and its value to every exhibitor in the individual operation of his theatre," according to a Texas Allied organization bulletin, which predicted that, "this convention key- note will be a box-office boost." The bulletin stated further that, "We expect to hold a Film Clinic to bring the idea of the Allied Caravan to all of you and to try and demon- strate its value if rightly used. These are days when film companies are pressing for the last dollar from the exhibitor's box-office. Up to a certain point we cannot criticize them for this, but in our belief it has gone be- yond that point in many cases." Wage Freeze (Continued from page 1) say so flatly, but this is their best opinion for the present. One official said that further study might bring a contrary interpretation, but he doubted it. The confusion on industry wages stems from the fact that the Defense Production Act specifically exempts film industry prices, but says nothing about exempting wages. Some offi- cials, including Price Stabilizer Di Salle, feel that the spirit of the law requires exempting both prices and wages in such industries. Both the wage freeze order made no exception and officials said they believed that under the letter of the law, film in- dustry wages must be considered frozen. Under the order, wages above the Jan. 25 levels can be paid only under the approval of the Wage Stabiliza- 1 tion Board. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J Brady, becretary; Tames P Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, Fl 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c, f HEY HAVEJVT TIME TO GET MARRIED/, . . keyre Too Bus/ Raising * * They tried to prove they could raise a Baby Chimp just like Junior — but they made him the Juvenile Delinquent of the Year! RONALD REAGAN DIANA LYNN with WALTER SLEZAK - IESSE WHITE Uksu, , Screenplay by VAL BURTON and LOU BRESLOW • Directed by FREDERICK de CORDOVA • Produced by MICHEL KRAIKE A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE 4 Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 29, 1951 RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. TRADE SHOWINGS of OLYMPIC PRODUCTIONS, INC. Presentation of CRY ALBANY FoxScr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 7:30 P.M. 1052 Broadway ATLANTA RKOSer. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :30 P.M. 195 Luckie St., N.W. BOSTON RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 10 :30 A.M. 122-28 Arlington St. BUFFALO Mo. Pie. Oper. Ser. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:30 P.M. 498 Pearl St. CHARLOTTE Fox Ser. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :00 P.M. 308 S. Chureh St. CHICAGO RKOSer. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :00 P.M. 1300 S. Wabash Ave. CINCINNATI RKOSer. Rm. Tues. 1/30 8:15 P.M. 12 E. 6th St. CLEVELAND Fox Ser. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:30 P.M. 2219 Payne Ave. DALLAS Para. Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :30 P.M. 412 South Harwood St. DENVER Para. Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 2100 Stout St. DES MOINES FoxScr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 1:00 P.M. 1300 High St. DETROIT Blumenthal's Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:30 P.M. 2310 Cass Ave. INDIANAPOLIS Universal Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 1 :00 P.M. 517 N. Illinois St. KANSAS CITY Para. Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 10 :30 A.M. 1800 Wyandotte St. LOS ANGELES RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 1980 S. Vermont Ave. MEMPHIS FoxScr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 151 Vance Ave. MILWAUKEE Warner Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. MINNEAPOLIS Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 1015 Currie Ave. NEW HAVEN Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 40 Whiting St. NEW ORLEANS FoxScr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :30 P.M. 200 S. Liberty St. NEW YORK RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 11 :30 A.M. 1270 Sixth Ave. Preview Rm. B— 7th Fl. OKLAHOMA Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 10 :30 A.M. 10 North Lee St. OMAHA Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 1:00 P.M. 1502 Davenport St. PHILADELPHIA RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :30 P.M. 250 N. 13th St. PITTSBURGH RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 1:30 P.M. 1809-13 Blvd. of Allies PORTLAND Star Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 925 N.W. 19th Ave. ST. LOUIS RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 11 :30 A.M. 3143 Olive St. SALT LAKE CITY Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 3:00 P.M. 216 E. 1st St. South SAN FRANCISCO RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2 :00 P.M. 251 Hyde St. SEATTLE Jewel Box Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 2:00 P.M. 2318 2nd Ave. SIOUX FALLS Hollvwood Thea. Tues. 1/30 10:00 A.M. 212 N. Philips Ave. WASHINGTON Film Center Scr. Rm. Tues. 1/30 10:30 A.M. 932 New Jersey Ave. INDUSTR Y GROUPS IN THE FIELD SET BROTHERHOOD9 PLANS Motion picture industry field groups promoting "Brotherhood Week," Feb. 18-25, as sponsored by the National Council of Christians and Jews, are concluding their programs for area participation in the promotion of racial and religious tolerance, which is the basic spirit of the annual "Brother- hood" campaign. In Philadelphia, a mass meeting will be held today at Warner Brother's Aldine Theatre. At a recent meet in RKO's screening room and attend- ed by all branch managers of Phila- delphia exchanges, area chairman Norman Silverman, Republic branch manager, appointed Charles Zagrans of RKO and William Mansell of Warner to assist in arranging the program for the mass meeting. Pub- licity chairman Everett Callow of Warner set the wheels in motion with the printing of 100 22x28 two-color window cards announcing the meeting and the fact that all exchanges will be closed from 11 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. today so that all exchange employes and exhibitors could attend the meet- ing. To help spread the idea of "Brother- hood Week" to exhibitors in the New York-New Jersey area, a special meet- ing for personnel of New York ex- changes has been called for this morn- ing at the Biltmore Theatre. Ben Abner is district chairman. Louis Nizer is expected to be a guest speaker. All local branch managers will attend the meeting. Spyros Skouras, Jr., is exhibitor chairman, while Harry Mandel is publicity chairman for the area. In Cleveland, Irwin Pollard, local industry "Brotherhood" chairman, an- nounced a general meeting of all ex- change employes and salesmen, and top exhibitors in the territory, to be held today, in WHK's new radio station. Martin G. Smith, Toledo, and Nes Auth, Akron, are exhibitor co-chairmen. All circuits and independent theatres will have their district managers and managers at the meeting, as well as OCD Policy (Continued from page 1) all office help. A special notice has been mailed to all Philadelphia Va- riety Club members asking them to attend. Branch managers have pledged the support of their publicity men who will personally contact newspaper, ra- dio and television leaders in the ex- change area. In Los Angeles, Dr. William Young, regional director of the National Con- ference of Christians and Jews, will address a mass meeting of Film Row employes there today on plans for "Brotherhood Week." Buffalo's pre-drive participation will be spearheaded at a mass meeting- called for this morning at the local Variety Club by Dave Miller, Uni- versal-International branch manager and "Brotherhood" distributor chair- man, and James H. Eshelman, local exhibitor chairman. Scheduled to attend the Buffalo meeting are all employes of Buffalo distribution companies and local thea- tres. Exchanges will be closed from 11 A.M. to one P.M. so that all workers can attend the meeting. Rep- resentatives from each religious faith will speak. Peter R. DeFazzio, War- ner exchange head, is co-distributor chairman. In Boston, 300 employes of local film exchanges will gather at the Hotel Bradford this morning to hear plans for the industry's participation there in "Brotherhood Week." Chairman of the meeting will be Hatton F. Taylor, Boston branch manager for RKO Pictures, who heads the New England film distribution committee for "Brotherhood." John C. Dowd, regional chairman for "Brother- hood Week," will be the principal speaker. The Northern Ohio territory has been divided into four groups, cap- tained by Justin Spiegle, Eagle Lion Classics ; Sam Lichter, 20th-Fox ; J. J. Bruckner, Columbia, and Bill Twigg, Warner. Each captain has eight sales- men working to contact every exhib- itor in the territory. All branches will be closed part-day. stress the positive role that the indus- try and exhibitors can play in the civil defense effort — theatres as supply storehouses, first-aid stations and sim- ilar uses, and above all the importance of the industry as a medium for in- forming the public on civil defense programs. It is also expected that this statement will either flatly say or strongly imply that theatre owners have no cause for alarm that the gov- ernment is about to put them out of business. Government officials put it this way : It is true that many the- atres are very poor from a bomb- proof shelter point of view, but so is the average office building. if the government has positive in- telligence that attack is imminent in a particular area, it may ask people not to gather in public places. In the absence of such definite informa- tion, these officials continue, you just can't ask people not to congregate for an indefinite emergency period of days, weeks, months or years. Finally, they say, many theatres are extremely strongly constructed. Study Conservation (Continued from page 1) 20th Sales Meet (Continued from page 1) ritorial plans for the 1951 line-up, while advertising and publicity plans will be outlined by Einfeld with de- partment heads Rodney Bush, exploita- tion manager ; Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., advertising manager ; Stirling Silli- phant, promotion manager, and David Golding, publicity manager discussing specific campaigns. Division managers are : Herman Wobber, West; Harry Ballance, South; Arthur Silverstone, Canada; Martin Moskowitz, Empire State ; E. X. Callahan, New England; Ray Moon, Central ; Edwin W. Aaron, Midwest. Also present will be assist- ant division sales managers Bryan D. Stoner and Paul Wilson of the West and South, respectively. Numerous other home office executives will join in the discussions. George Miner, 63 Omaha, Jan. 28. — George Miner, pioneer Wisconsin circuit operator, died at his home at Rice Lake, Wise, last Wednesday at the age of 63, ac- cording to word received here at the weekend. Star-Pool Proposal (Continued from page 1) which, he said, has come from theatre and circuit executives including Rob- ert M. Weitman of United Paramount Theatres, who conclude that one sure way to circumvent television competi- tion and reinvigorate theatre business is by having stars make frequent per- sonal appearances. Reminded that many stars have in- dicated reluctance to make personal appearance tours, Lachman replied that every star's contract should re- quire that the performer be made available three months of each year for visits to small-town theatres. Briskin (Continued from page 1) from the Coast by plane on Saturday for home office conferences, which will cover realignment of his studio execu- tive staff in the event Briskin's re- quested release is granted. Reached in Hollywood, Briskin said he has no wish to leave Paramount altogether, but hopes to be assigned to less pressing responsibilities than he has been carrying. from each industry branch is to make recommendations to NPA on plans and programs which the industry could put into effect to conserve, sim- plify, standardize, substitute and sal- vage scarce materials used by its companies. The conservation task group from the photographic apparatus in- dustry will consist of E. S. Lindfors, Bell and Howell, chairman ; Dudley Scholten, Argus Cameras ; H. A. Schumacher, Graflex ; S. J. Zagel, Compco Corp. ; H. L. Olesen, Weston Electrical Instrument Corp., and Hy Schwartz, Kalart Co. The conservation group from the silver sensitized goods industry con- sists of Harold Harsh, Ansco, chair- man ; C. H. Jordan, Kilborn Corp., and E. M. Melton of Bell and Howell. The other task groups are to make suggestions for limitation orders simi- lar to World War II, orders for use if and when such an order becomes necessary. The photographic apparatus group on this subject will be headed by E. A. Springer, Wollensak Optical Co.; members are: N. B. Green, Eastman Kodak; Albert Druck- er, Burke and James; Oscar Fisher, O'scar Fisher Co. ; L. W. Munchmeyer, Ansco, and Fred Simmon, Simmon Bros. The silver sensitized goods group on limi- tation will be J. C. Wilson, Haloid Co., chairman; A. H. Robinson, Kodak; J. M. Clark, E. I. duPont de Nemours, and L. P. Ratti, Anken Chemical and Film Corp. The equipment manufacturers' task forces set up at a meeting here on Jan. 11 are to deal with conservation methods and sug- gestions for a limitation order, in case it is necessary. The first is headed by Rutledge B. Tompkins, International Projector, with the following members: O. B. Rendahl, Na- tional Carbon; Fred C. Matthews, Motio- graph; E. J. Vallen, Vallen, Inc.; Leonard Satz, Raytone Screen Corp., and J. K. El- derkin, Forest Manufacturing Co. The group working on a limitation order is composed of the following: Henry M. Fisher, DeVry Corp., chairman; P. F. Thomas, Altec-Lansing; C. S. Ashcraft, Ashcraft Manufacturing Co.; W. D. Haus- ler, Century Projector Corp. ; H. B. Engel, GoldE Manufacturing Co., and R. H. Hea- cock, RCA Victor. 3 M-G-M Stars to Boston Boston, Jan. 28. — Three M-G-M stars are slated to arrive in Boston tomorrow for the New England premi- ere of the "Magnificent Yankee," to be held at Loew's State Theatre Tues- day evening. They are Arlene Dahl, James Whittimore and Phillis Kirk. VOL. 69. NO. 21 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1951 TEN CENTS Univ. Reports 1950 Net of $1,355,886 Compares with Loss of $1,125,851 in 1949 Universal Pictures yesterday re- ported a net profit of $1,355,886 for the fiscal year ended last Oct. 28. The result compares with a loss of $1,125,851 for the preceding fiscal year. The company's annual report to stockholders showed income from operations of $55,591,085 for the 1950 fiscal year, com- pared with income of $56,738,- 335 in the preceding year. Cur- rent and working assets aggre- gated $35,264,344, and current liabilities amounted to $7,880,- 332, leaving net working capital of $27,384,012 or a ratio of four-and-one-half to one. The report showed inventories, pro- duction advances to outside producers, (Continued on page 2) Vote on Blumberg Pact March 14 Universal stockholders will be asked to approve the new five-year employ- ment contract with provision for an additional five years of consultative services for Nate J. Blumberg, com- pany president, at their annual meet- ing, to be held on March 14 in Wilmington, Del. The meeting will elect 13 direc- tors, all present directors being up for reelection with the exception of Franklin Nevius, who resigned on Jan. 18. The other directors are : Robert Benjamin, Blumberg, Preston Davie, John G. _ Eidell, Albert A. Garth- waite, William German, Leon Gold- (Continued on page 2) New Tax Threatens Georgia Theatres Washington, Jan. 29. — The Lower House of the Georgia legislature has approved a bill calling for a three per cent sales tax, including theatre ad- missions, according to Jack Bryson, legislative representative of the Mo- tion Picture Association of America. The measure is now before the State Senate and is given an excellent chance of passage, it was said. Bry- (Continued on page 2) Fox, Atlanta, Makes TV Fans Envious Atlanta, Jan. 29.— The Fox Theatre here has been mak- ing regular use of its "Mag- nascreen" for a period of years, as occasion warrants, but recently it added as a "gag" when the big screen was opened to its full 1,600 square feet of picture this question at the bottom of the screen: "Can your television set do this?" Teen-agers Invade B'way; Grosses Up; $110,000 at Para. High school students free from classes last week because of Regents' examinations gave Times Square a taste of youthful spirits and theatre daytime grosses were reminiscent of wartime and the days of industrial swing shifts. Teen-age tastes turned to- ward film houses with stage shows, giving the Paramount, with "At War with the Army," (Continued on page 6) City Investing Will Bid for First- Runs An aggressive bidding policy for first-run product will be followed when City Entertainment Corp.'s new Syracuse Louse, the Astor, opens on Feb. 22, it was said here yesterday by Maurice Maurer, vice-president of the City Investing Corp. subsidiary. Maurer revealed that City Invest- ing Corp., headed by Robert W. Dowling, Jr., is in the market for first- run houses in all key cities and prop- erties at present leased by the firm will be taken over as the leases run out. This method of expansion will re- place the extensive building program contemplated by Dowling but neces- sarily put in abeyance because of de- (Continued on page 6) Credit Curbs May Hit Film Building Washington, Jan. 29. — Federal Re- serve Board officials here said theatres will be included if they decide to issue a regulation curbing credit for com- mercial construction, but that the im- pact would be small in view of~ the already-tight restrictions imposed by (Continued on page 2) Jap Quota of 150 American Pictures Seen Immediately upon signing of the American-Japanese peace treaty the Japanese government will declare a 150-picture-a-year quota on Holly- wood product, it was predicted here yesterday by Robert M. Lury, veteran representative of U. S. film interests in Japan who now operates his own franchise organization in that country. Lury's prediction is viewed as the first indication of the extent to which Japan would apply a quota on American films. He reminded that John Foster Dulles, representing the U. S., has been in Japan with a view to setting the stage for peace negotiations and pre- dicted further that a treaty would be signed between the two countries in about a year. On the basis of the number of U. S. pictures expected to be released in Japan during 1951, a quota of the size Lury foresees would represent a 120- picture cut. He said Motion Picture Export Association companies would (Continued on page 6) Another Extension Expected for Loew's Another extension for Loew's to file its plans for divorcement and divesti- ture is expected to be granted in view of the Department of Justice's previ- ous announcement that the company has indicated its willingness to seek a consent decree. Originally, Loew's was to have filed its plan by Dec. 30, 1950, but an ex- tension until tomorrow was granted. On Jan. 4, when the Warner decree was entered, Justice attorney Philip Marcus told the N. Y. Statutory Court that Loew's would begin nego- tiations with Justice for a consent de- cree. Loew's officers have made no such public acknowledgement and were unavailable for comment on the pos- sible development. Assume Wages Are Frozen, Gov't Advises Queries on Industry Deluge Wage Board Washington, Jan. 29. — An- swers to half-a-dozen questions on the wage status of film industry workers may be forthcoming from the Wage Stabilization Board in the next few days. Meanwhile, government price- wage officials had one word of advice to the film industry and all other industries: Until you hear to the contrary assume that wages and salaries in your industry are frozen at January 25 levels. Board officials, deluged with queries, said they are working to answer "fringe" questions just as fast as they can. There are many questions before them affecting the future of the film industry. (Continued on page 3) OCD May Issue Theatre Plan Today Washington, Jan. 29. — The Office of Civilian Defense hopes to issue to- morrow its statement outlining its policies toward the nation's theatres. The statement, which is being pre- pared largely at the request of the Council of Motion Picture Organiza- (Continued on page 6) WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. —In what is regarded as a test case, Hollywood writer Lester Cole took to the U. S. Supreme Court today his fight to enj oin Loew ' s from suspending his con- tract because of refusal to answer questions of the House Un-American Activ- ities Committee during that group's Hollywood hearings in 1947. • A. Fuller Sams, Jr., of Statesville, N. C. , was elected president of the North and South Carolina Theatre Owners yesterday at a meeting of the board of directors held yester- day in Charlotte, it was reported here by the The- atre Owners of America. He succeeds H. D. Hearn who resigned. J. B. Harvey, of Clover, S. C. , was elected region- al vice-president of TOA. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 30, 1951 Personal Mention 'IT Profit Up (Continued from page 1) GEORGE D. BURROWS, execu- tive vice-president and treasurer of Monogram and Allied Artists has returned to Hollywood from New York. • Hai Wallis, producer, has been awarded the Citation of Merit of the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association, for "promoting friendly relations between the United States and foreign countries through the production of outstanding pictures abroad." • P. W. Mahon, partner of Famous Players Canadian Corp. in the Strand and Orpheum theatres at Prince Al- bert, Sask., was in Toronto recently for conferences at the circuit's head- quarters. Foster M. Blake, Universal Pic- tures Western sales manager, has re- turned to New York following a tour of Western exchanges. o Alan F. Cummings, in charge of M-G-M exchange operations, and his assistant Harold Postman, are due to return here today from Cincinnati. • Matty Polon, in charge of film buying and booking for RKO's out-of- town theatres, left here last night for Chicago, Kansas City and Omaha. • Ted Irwin, manager for Common- wealth Theatres at Harington, Kan., has been elected president of the Har- ington Chamber of Commerce, o Jerry Fairbanks has flown from Hollywood to Chicago and Dayton, O., for conferences with Eastern net- work and agency video executives. • Pietro Bullio, president of Scalera Film Distributing Corp., is slated to return here from Italy on the S\.S\ Liberie on Friday. Martin G. Smith, president of In- dependent Theatre Owners of Ohio, and Mrs. Smith are vacationing in Florida. • Robert Howard has been named assistant manager of the Warner Art Theatre at Springfield, Mass. • Irving Rubine, vice-president of Robert Stillman Productions, is in New York from the Coast. etc aggregating $26,839,773 last year, compared with $24,782,891 for the preceding year. In his report to stockholders, Nate J. Blumberg, Universal president, re- veals that the company's bank in- debtedness was reduced by $2,446,000 last year ; that the company purchased $1,035,000 principal amount of its debentures and 2,500 shares of its pre- ferred stock at an average cost of $59.61 per share during the year. The latter are being held for sinking fund purposes. Blumberg also refers to the com- pany's new bank credit agreement, reported earlier, which runs to June 1, 1954, providing a maximum of $7,- 900,000, of which there is a revolving- portion secured by the pledge of some of the company's pictures. The new credit agreement replaces an earlier one which would have expired on May 1, 1952. Indebtedness under the new agreement at the end of the fiscal year amounted to $5,054,000, compared with $7,500,000 in the previous year. Blumberg' s report reveals that there is a balance of $1,074,259 from ex- cess profits tax refunds granted the company earlier, which is being car- ried as a contingency reserve pending- completion of audits for the 1944-45 tax years. He reports that the Universal studio has set up a special unit to study prob- lems involved in production of films for television which, Blumberg says, the company believes may become "a major source of revenue." His stock- holders' letter also expresses the view that government defense spending "ought to be of benefit to the motion picture industry." The company's domestic distribu- tion revenue last year was down to $36,815,050, from $37,365,304 in the previous year, and its foreign revenue was down to $18,776,035 from $19,- 373,031. Domestic selling and branch expenses were fairly constant at $10,- 042,426 last year, compared with $10,- 373,477 in the preceding year. General and administrative expenses rose from $2,199,626 in 1949 to $2,457,632 last year. Credit Curbs (Continued from page 1) berg, R. W. Lea, J. J. O'Connor, J. Arthur Rank, Budd Rogers, Daniel. M. Sheaffer and G. I. Woodham- Smith. Eidell was elected a director last year in a surprise move by cumulating approximately 63,000 votes which be controlled either personally or by proxy, although he was not a de- clared candidate in advance. The company's proxy statement re- veals that directors and officers as a group received fees and salaries last year aggregating $609,995, of which $78,000 was paid to Blumberg; $63,- 115 to J. Cheever Cowdin, who re- signed as chairnian of the board on Jan. 3, 1950, for severance pay, com- pensation for continuing in a con- sultative capacity and for remunera- tion up to the time of his resignation. William A. Scully, who resigned last Dec. 6 and is now on a four-year consultative basis, received $65,000 ; O'Connor,' vice-president, $44,200 ; Benjamin, $34,800, including $33,550 paid for legal services to Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin and Krim, of which he is a partner, and to Goldberg, vice- president and treasurer, $32,250. Blumberg's contract, reported ear- lier, calls for $1,500 weekly for five years, plus expenses, and $1,000 per week for five years thereafter in a consultative and non-exclusive capac- ity, rn the event of his death, the latter payment is to be made to his heirs, partly in consideration of past, voluntary reductions of his salary. Failure of the stockholders to ap- prove the proposed employment con- tract will make it necessary for the board to negotiate a new employment agreement with Blumberg as company president, the proxy statement asserts. $38,000 3-Day Take For 'Tomahawk' Chicago, Jan. 29. — Universal-Inter- national's "Tomahawk," in Techni- color, which had it world premiere at the Chicago Theatre here on Friday, is claimed to have rolled up a record gross of $38,000 over the weekend, despite snowstorms. The opening was backed by an in- tensive promotional campaign and is serving to kick-off a series of bows. Sam Briskin Still In Post, Para. Says No decision on the request of Sam Briskin to be released as an executive assistant to Y. Frank Freeman, Para- mount studio vice - president, was reached at the Paramount home office yesterday. A company spokesman em- phasized that Briskin is still under contract to Paramount and that he has not quit his job. Freeman is here from the Coast for conferences with Barney Balaban, pres- ident. NLRB Fails to Curb AFM on House Bands Washington, Jan. 29. — In a two to one decision, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that the Taft-Hartley Law ban on "feather- bedding" does not prohibit the Amer- ican Federation of Musicians from seeking actual work for a local or- chestra any time a motion picture the- atre plans to use a "name band" — even though the theatre does not want the local musicians. NEW YORK THEATRES New Taxes Threaten (Continued from page 1) son said it represents a slight increase in film industry taxes, since there is now a tax that amounts to a two per cent admission tax on all tickets cost- ing over 50 cents. Bryson also reported that a two per cent sales tax has been proposed in New Hampshire and that a bill in North Dakota would authorize cities and villages to levy taxes and collect license fees from "theatres and other amusement enterprises. the National Production Authority on construction materials. The curbs might, however^ affect new film exchanges or office buildings, in addition to some of the theatre building now allowed. The Board is considering issuing an order requiring any firm doing any commercial construction, whether new or remodeling, to put up a very large percentage of the cost itself, and cut- ting back the amount of borrowing that can be done to finance such con- struction. To Confer on TV Washington, Jan. 29.— A public conference on "The Problems of Tele- vision" was announced by the Federal Communications Commission today. The exact date of the conference and the agenda will be announced later: RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center 'The MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" starring Louis CALHERN - Ann HARDING A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION pew Atlas 2nd Largest Disney Stockholder Atlas Corp. is now the second larg- est stockholder in Walt Disney Pro- ductions, next to Walt and Roy Disney, it is pointed out by Floyd B. Odium, Atlas president, in the company's an- nual report. The Disney holdings amount to 93,050 shares of common, valued on Dec. 30, 1950 at $767,662, and series "A" bonds totaling $308,- 500. Other motion picture industry secu- rities listed in the Atlas portfolio are : 25,000 shares of Paramount Pictures stock, valued at $540,625 ; 25,000 share of United Paramount Theatres, val- ued at $462,500, and 750 shares of $5 preferred and 150 shares of common in the Motion Picture Capital Corp., val- ued at a total of $125,000. Martin Ws AT MM WITH LIZABETH SCOTT JANE GREER DENNIS O'KEEFE %*The Company She Keeps" • CRITERION Broadway at 45th Street Including Tax, to One P. M. 3"C EXC. Saturday, Sunday. Holidays MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsave, Consulting Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays, Sundays' and-hoiidays, bTQuigley ^Publishing' Company, Inc., li« "Sixth Av^ue Rockefeller Renter New York ^^i^.^^i New York. ■ Martin Quigley, I^Ulfrt^eSe^Ad^fe^^^' t'^ A^^^ S^ Bureau, Hc^-Vme Building. William R. Weaver, James P Cunningham, New*- Editor; Herbert V ^eck^ Advertising Man a < u ;; FI 6_jj,74. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington D. C. London Bureau, foSS^ Sq. " London^ Wl! Ho^'b™, Mana^'erf Peter W Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of. March 3 ;able address, "Quigpubco, London." Uther Uuigley Fuohcations : motion r-icture Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- "1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Tuesday. January 30, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 National Pre-Selling M-G-M will launch its New En- gland saturation campaign for "The Magnificent Yankee" in Boston today with a preview-premiere at Loew's State and Orpheum. All im- portant situations in the territory will' be embraced in the intensified promo- tion. Many advance screenings have been held for prominent citizens, edu- cators, legislators and persons identi- fied with social, cultural and civic activities. The tieup with the Yan- kee Network through the first 30 days of the campaign is expected to reach 2,548,000 families in the area. A special packet has been distributed to 100 newspapers and all schools will receive copies of an audio-visual study guide prepared for school teachers and classroom use. The company has had the full cooperation of the Bar Asso- ciation and the faculties of Harvard and Brandeis universities. Arlene Dahl, James Whitmore and Phyllis Kirk will represent the studio, replac- ing cast members who could not be spared for personal appearances during the New England premiere. • The musical theme of Para- mount's nationwide exploitation campaign for "September Affair" will be the Walter Huston record- ing of "September Song." More than 500 special platters, with labels giving picture credits, have been sent to disc jockeys. Included with the recording is a fact-sheet dealing with the history of the song as background music for the pic- ture. Decca is re-releasing the re- cording with extensive promotional fanfare, smoothing the way for ex- hibitor tieups. • Friends, the periodical distributed by General Motors to every Chevrolet owner! in the country, has a double- page story on "Cyrano de Bergerac" in its February issue. The slick-paper magazine contains very little of an ad- vertising nature and much that is of top-bracket magazine quality. The current lay-out is mostly pictures and features on "the incomparable Jose Ferrer." • Result of a Starch Survey within the advertising trade on the read- ership of ads appearing in This Week magazine, nationally circu- lated Sunday newspaper supple- ment, shows that the "No Way Out" campaign was the most widely read of any appearing in that pub- lication last year. The campaign was also selected by N. W. Ayer and Son as the only motion picture advertising to be chosen in its "Fifty Best Advertisements of the Year" and subsequently was hon- ored by other ad clinics and univer- sity groups. • An unprecedented demand for the special free radio transcriptions for "Halls of Montezuma" is swamping the 20th Century-Fox home office with 389 exhibitor requests received in the past week. The free offer, brought to the attention to exhibitors in the pressbook, has created an unusual re- sponse. The transcription features the famous "Marine Hymn" as back- ground music and includes station- break, 30-second and 60-second spots — Walter Brooks What the Critics Say Here is what Arnold Marks, drama editor of the Portland (Ore.) Oregon-Journal has to say about the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily: "I don't think I could get such piping-hot Hollywood and Broadway news as rapidly even if Motion Picture Daily was to be published in downtown Portland. "Congratulations on your efforts to serve the theatre industry." 'Cheaper by Dozen' Wins F. & M. Award Kansas City Houses Hike Admissions Film Wages (Continued from page 1) St. Louis, Jan. 29. — Twentieth Cen- tury-Fox's "Cheaper by the Dozen" was voted the "Box-Office Winner of 1950" in the Fanchon & Marco-St. Louis Amusement Co. poll of the 34 theatre managers of that Midwestern circuit, Harry C. Arthur, Jr., presi- dent of F. & M. has announced. It was the circuit's first annual poll. The winner was proclaimed top- grossing picture by a wide majority, it was said, while Paramount's "Fancy Pants" and Universal's "Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town" tied for second and third place, and RKO-Disney's "Cinderella" and Republic's "Sands of Iwo Jima" scored in fourth and fifth places, respectively. Polling sixth to tenth, respectively, were : RKO-Goldwyn's "My Foolish Heart," Universal's "Francis," War- ner's "Colt .45," 20th-Fox's "The Broken Arrow," and 20th-Fox's "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." Reserves Decision On 'Miracle' Move Albany, Jan. 29. — State Supreme Court Justice Roscoe V. Elsworth this afternoon reserved decision until to- morrow noon on application by Jo- seph Burstyn Inc., for a declaratory judgment and injunction restraining the Board of Regents from taking ac- tion against "The Miracle." The three-man sub-committee of the Board of Regents is scheduled to hold a hearing tomorrow afternoon in New York City on the controversial film. The sub-committee submitted a pre- liminary finding, after viewing "The Miracle" that it is "sacrilegious." Thereupon the Board of Regents by unanimous action ordered the licensee of "The Miracle" and "Ways of Love'' to show cause why licenses should not be cancelled and rescinded. Burstyn seeks to restrain the com- mittee from holding a hearing tomor- row in court. Attorney Samuel E. Aronowitz of Albany, and attorney Ephraim S. London of New York, contended the Regents had no power in the matter : that the Education Law permits an appeal from a decision by the State Education Department's Mo- tion Picture Division — which licensed "The Miracle" and "Ways of Love" — only by the applicant for a seal. Meet Again on 'Alice' The third of a series, of promotional meetings for Walt Disney's "Alice in Wonderland," was held here yesterday by Disney and RKO Radio executives. William B. Levy, Disney's world-wide sales manager, presided. Kansas City, Jan. 29. — The RKO Missouri has advanced admissions of 45 to 65 cents, to 50-75 cents. The three day-and-date Fox Midwest first- runs, the Fairway, Tower and Up- town, advanced to the higher figure a week previously. The Orpheum has had a 50-75-cent schedule since Fox Midwest took it over. The Dickinson Circuit has raised admission prices in a score of locations by five and ten cents mostly. Topeka first-runs are now 60 to 75 cents. Practically all admissions have been increased there in the past sev- eral months. The Durwood Circuit has advanced prices of "A" houses to 65 cents, and of others to 50 cents. Many independents have also ad- vanced prices in this territory. Four Upstate N. Y. Theatres Hike Admission Prices Albany, N. Y., Jan. 29. — Four first- run theatres, Warner's Strand and Fabian's Palace, Albany, and Warner's Troy and Fabian's Praetor's at Troy, have increased prices five cents on weekday nights, and six cents on Sat- urday evening and all day Sunday. The new scale, which includes tax, makes the charge 70 cents on week nights and 80 cents on Saturday Eve- ning and Sunday. Omaha Area First-Runs All Increase Prices Omaha, Jan. 29. — All first-runs in this area are now operating with in- creased admission scales. The three Tri-States houses, the Omaha, Orpheum and Paramount, and RKO's Brandeis, have raised their tops to 70 cents, from 65. Previously, R. D. Goldberg's State jumped to 75 cents. RKO's Kohn to Head Sales in Chile Ludovici Kohn has been promoted to sales manager of RKO's offices in Chile, Phil Reisman, RKO Pictures' vice-president in charge of foreign dis- tribution, announced here yesterday. Kohn succeeds Enrique Friedlander, who recently passed away. The new Chilean manager has been with RKO since 1939. He was head booker in Buenos Aires, and later be- came sales manager in charge of Ar- gentinian branches. A short while ago he was transferred to Mexico to head sales in that country. What is the status of workers in industries whose prices are exempt from price control — film admissions and rentals are free from the price freeze, so the question is whether wages should be too. Should there be a special exemption for workers in small companies — per- haps those with eight or ten workers or less? What is the status of actors, direc- tors, writers and other "talent" ? Should they be exempted as profes- sionals or perhaps as independent con- tractors ? What treatment should be given to wage increases given since January 1950? How should options contracts be handled, where the contract usually provides for a wage increase if the option is exercised ? The first question is, of course, the most important. In World War II, film industry prices were free from control but wages were frozen. The argument then and now is that if film industry wages are free from control, industry employers can hire workers away from more important, wage-con- trolled jobs. H-63 to Johnston: Pay Freeze Unfair IATSE Motion Picture Home Of- fice Employes Local No. H-63 of New York yesterday filed with Eric John- ston, Economic Stabilization Agency director, and Cyrus Ching, Wage Stabilization director, a "vigorous pro- test" against the "inclusion of wages of white-collar employes" of the film industry under the wage freeze. The protest was embodied in tele- grams to Washington citing "news- paper reports of a wage-price freeze (which) indicate that admission prices of theatres and film rentals of produc- tion companies are exempt from pro- vision of the present price freeze." Signed by Russell M. Moss, execu- tive vice-president of Local No. H-63, the telegrams stated, "We believe that, in exempting prices and rentals of film in the moving picture industry; Con- gress intended also to exempt em- ployees in that industry from any wage freeze ; otherwise a patent in- equity will result." Rulings that in- clude a wage freeze for film white collar workers "are absolutely unfair," he wrote. Stockholders to Meet Annual meeting of Loew's, Inc. stockholders has been set for March 15. Shea Managers to Convention Today Cleveland, Jan. 29. — Shea Circuit home office execu- tives, headed by E. C. Grain- ger, president and general manager, have arrived here to open the annual Shea man- agers' convention tomorrow afternoon in the Carter Hotel. Home office executives ac- companying Grainger from New York included: T. E. Shea, George Goett, ML A. Shea, Jr., W. E. Barry, G. J. Shea, R. E. Smith, C. J. Law- ler, A. J. Grainger and W. B. Shea. 11 •5 a f1^ 2 [OA Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; New York." Mattin Quigley, President; Red Kann y^l^^'^^^^'^'^J^^^^on Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building. William R. Weaver, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V Fecke Aavertis ng Manager, J Uus ±1. J^^™ff£?$74 Wash ngton, J. A. Otten National Press Club, Washington, D. C. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South La Sale Street , Urben Fad£, Adve t »"! JJ«»^ address, -Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications; Motion Picture London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq^ London Wl ; Hope Burnup Mana er r eter «"™up > Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- da^m^^ 3 ^ Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Tuesday, January 30, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 What the Critics Say Here is what Arnold Marks, drama editor of the Portland (Ore.) Oregon-Journal has to say about the Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily: "I don't think I could get such piping-hot Hollywood and Broadway news as rapidly even if Motion Picture Daily was to be published in downtown Portland. "Congratulations on your efforts to serve the theatre industry." National Pre-Selling M-G-M will launch its New En- gland saturation campaign for "The Magnificent Yankee" in Boston today with a preview-premiere at Loew's State and Orpheum. All im- portant situations in the territory will be embraced in the intensified promo- tion. Many advance screenings have been held for prominent citizens, edu- cators, legislators and persons identi- fied with social, cultural and civic- activities. The tieup with the Yan- kee Network through the first 30 days of the campaign is expected to reach 2,548,000 families in the area. A special packet has been distributed to 100 newspapers and all schools will receive copies of an audio-visual study guide prepared for school teachers and classroom use. The company has had the full cooperation of the Bar Asso- ciation and the faculties of Harvard and Brandeis universities. Arlene Dahl, James Whitmore and Phyllis Kirk will represent the studio, replac- ing cast members who could not be spared for personal appearances during the New England premiere. • The musical theme of Para- mount's nationwide exploitation campaign for "September Affair" will be the Walter Huston record- ing of "September Song." More than 500 special platters, with labels giving picture credits, have been sent to disc jockeys. Included with the recording is a fact-sheet dealing with the history of the song as background music for the pic- ture. Decca is re-releasing the re- cording with extensive promotional fanfare, smoothing the way for ex- hibitor tieups. • Friends, the periodical distributed by General Motors to every Chevrolet ozvner in the country, has a double- page story on "Cyrano de Bergerac" in its February issue. The slick-paper magazine contains very little of an ad- vertising nature and much that is of top-bracket magazine quality. The current lay-out is mostly pictures and features on "the incomparable Jose Ferrer." • Result of a Starch Survey within the advertising trade on the read- ership of ads appearing in This Week magazine, nationally circu- lated Sunday newspaper supple- ment, shows that the "No Way Out" campaign was the most widely read of any appearing in that pub- lication last year. The campaign was also selected by N. W. Ayer and Son as the only motion picture advertising to be chosen in its "Fifty Best Advertisements of the Year" and subsequently was hon- ored by other ad clinics and univer- sity groups. • An unprecedented demand for the special free radio transcriptions for "Halls of Montezuma" is swamping the 20th Century-Fox home office with 389 exhibitor requests received in the past week. The free offer, brought to the attention to exhibitors in the pressbook, has created an unusual re- sponse. The transcription features the famous "Marine Hymn" as back- ground music and includes station- break, 30-second and 60-second spots. — Walter Brooks 'Cheaper by Dozen' Wins F. & M. Award St. Louis, Jan. 29. — Twentieth Cen- tury-Fox's "Cheaper by the Dozen" was voted the "Box-Office Winner of 1950" in the Fanchon & Marco-St. Louis Amusement Co. poll of the 34 theatre managers of that Midwestern circuit, Harry C. Arthur, Jr., presi- dent of F. & M. has announced. It was the circuit's first annual poll. Sentence Three In TV Rackets Case Los Angeles, Jan. 29. — Sentences ranging from a $1,000 fine to 18 months in prison, down to a straight three-year imprisonment, suspended during probation, were handed down today by Federal Judge Carter to A. J. Collinson, John Dennison and Edmund G. Tierney. They were con- victed of operating television talent rackets, following a campaign con- ducted recently by the Screen Actors Guild. Reserves Decision On 'Miracle' Move Albany, Jan. 29. — State Supreme Court Justice Roscoe V. Elsworth this afternoon reserved decision until to- morrow noon on application by Jo- seph Burstyn Inc., for a declaratory judgment and injunction restraining the Board of Regents from taking ac- tion against "The Miracle." The three-man sub-committee of the Board of Regents is scheduled to hold a hearing tomorrow afternoon in New York City on the controversial film. The sub-committee submitted a pre- liminary finding, after viewing "The Miracle" that it is "sacrilegious." Thereupon the Board of Regents by unanimous action ordered the licensee of "The Miracle" and "Ways of Love" to show cause why licenses should not be cancelled and rescinded. Burstyn seeks to restrain the com- mittee from holding a hearing tomor- row in court. Attorney Samuel E. Aronowitz of Albany, and attorney Ephraim S. London of New York, contended the Regents had no power in the matter : that the Education Law permits an appeal from a decision by the State Education Department's Mo- tion Picture Division — which licensed "The Miracle" and "Ways of Love" — only by the applicant for a seal. UA Talks Continue Hollywood, Jan. 29. — Attorneys representing United Artists, Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin and the Krim-Benjamin-Heller syndicater con- tinued work here today on reducing proposals to contract terms. Kansas City Houses Hike Admissions Kansas City, Jan. 29. — The RKO Missouri has advanced admissions of 45 to 65 cents, to 50-75 cents. The three day-and-date Fox Midwest first- runs, the Fairway, Tower and Up- town, advanced to the higher figure a week previously. The Orpheum has had a 50-75-cent schedule since Fox Midwest took it over. The Dickinson Circuit has raised admission prices in a score of locations by five and ten cents mostly. Topeka first-runs are now 60 to 75 cents. Practically all admissions have been increased there in the past sev- eral months. The Durwood Circuit has advanced prices of "A" houses to 65 cents, and of others to 50 cents. Many independents have also ad- vanced prices in this territory. Cole Sues Loew's (Continued from page 1) wich sustained Cole's suit, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals over- ruled Yankwich and found that Cole was not entitled to have judgment. In his appeal to the high court against the Circuit Court ruling. Cole argued that the Court of Appeals was wrong in holding that his failure to answer the Committee's questions as to Communist Party and Screen W rit- ers' Guild membership constituted grounds for suspending him under the contract clause that he had failed to conduct himself "with due regard to public conventions and morals." Sams Elected (Continued from page 1) elected regional vice-president of the TOA. The N. C.-S. C. unit board set Nov. 18-20 as the dates of the annual convention. RKO's Kohn to Head Sales in Chile Ludovici Kohn has been promoted to sales manager of RKO's offices in Chile, Phil Reisman, RKO Pictures' vice-president in charge of foreign dis- tribution, announced here yesterday. Kohn succeeds Enrique Friedlander, who recently passed away. Award to Bershon Los Angeles, Jan. 29. — Dave Ber- shon, pioneer independent theatre owner, tonight was presented with the "Great Heart Award" by Variety Club No. 25 at a banquet here at the Ambassador Hotel attended by 600 members and their wives. Marc J. Wolf, International Chief Barker, pre- sided. Film Wages (Continued from page 1) What is the status of workers in industries whose prices are exempt from price control — film admissions and rentals are free from the price freeze, so the question is whether wages should be too. Should there be a special exemption for workers in small companies — per- haps those with eight or ten workers or less ? What is the status of actors, direc- tors, writers and other "talent" ? Should they be exempted as profes- sionals or perhaps as independent con- tractors ? What treatment should be given to wage increases given since January 1950? How should options contracts be handled, where the contract usually provides for a wage increase if the option is exercised? The first question is, of course, the most important. In World War II, film industry prices were free from control but wages were frozen. The argument then and now is that if film industry wages are free from control, industry employers can hire workers away from more important, wage-con- trolled jobs. H-63 to Johnston: Pay Freeze Unfa r IATSE Motion Picture Home Of- fice Employes Local No. H-63 of New York yesterday filed with Eric John- ston, Economic - Stabilization Agency director, and Cyrus Ching, Wage Stabilization director, a "vigorous pro- test" against the "inclusion of wages of white-collar employes" of the film industry under the wage freeze. The protest was embodied in tele- grams to Washington citing "news- paper reports of a wage-price freeze (which) indicate that admission prices of theatres and film rentals of produc- tion companies are exempt from pro- vision of the present price freeze." Brewer Looks for Hike To Meet Cost of Living Hollywood, Jan. 29. — An expres- sion of confidence that a wage formula will be worked out to "at least" pro- vide for cost-of-living increases for film workers came today from Roy Brewer, AFL Film Council chairman, who responded to a query on the ef- fects of the government's recent wage freeze order. Meanwhile, he said, ne- gotiations for group insurance and pension agreements have been halted temporarily pending developments. Shea Managers to Convention Today Cleveland, Jan. 29. — Shea Circuit home office execu- tives, headed by E. C. Grain- ger, president and general manager, have arrived here to open the annual Shea man- agers' convention tomorrow afternoon in the Carter Hotel. Home office executives ac- companying Grainger from New York included: T. E. Shea, George Goett, ML A. Shea, Jr., W. E. Barry, G. J. Shea, R. E. Smith, C. J. Law- ler, A. J. Grainger and W. B. Shea. AW* \ ;3 1 UMr^iU^ ^ tu^to W ^ OA >ver again, — i Unsolicited letters like these — received by Edward Small, producer of "VALENTINO", after West Coast previews — should give you an idea of how women — from bobbysoxers up— will go for "VALENTINO". Premiere engagemen February 15th under the loving guidance of (d nfs begin Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 30, 1951 N.Y. Grosses Reviews (Continued from page 1) its best non-holiday first-week gross since "Blue Skies"— a hefty $110,000. Ella Fitzgerald tops the stage bill. Another excellent first-week gross, of $75,000 is estimated for "The En- forcer" at the Capitol, where Lionel Hampton's band is on stage. At the Music Hall, returns for "The Mag- nificent Yankee" are moderate, with $71,500 reported for the weekend and $108,000 expected for a second and final week. -"September Affair" bows in on Thursday. The Strand, with "Dallas" failed to keep up with the pace of rival film- stage houses, with a so-so $28,000 due for a third and final week. "Operation Pacific" will open there on Friday. "Halls of Montezuma" is also tapering off at the end of a run just short of four weeks ; in the final five-day gross is expected to total $35,000. "Call Me Mister" and Danny Kaye in person will start tomorrow. "The "Steel Helmet" is bringing Loew's State a fine $34,000 for its first week; the war drama has had box-office lines during day-time but business at night is reported to drop somewhat. "Mad Wednesday" is satis- factory at the Globe in a first week that will see a $12,500 gross. The Cri- terion is doing fairly well with "The Company She Keeps," with a $17,000 gross due. "Operation Disaster" picked up in its final week there taking in $13,000 instead of the previously esti- mated $10,000. "Born Yesterday" Strong "Born Yesterday" is still doing ex- ceptional business at the Victoria, with $38,000 expected for a sixth week. "The Mudlark" will take in an estimated $15,000 for a sixth and final week at the Rivoli ; "The Second Woman" opens there on Thursday. At the Astor, "Harvey" will do a substantial $17,500 in its sixth week. "Cyrano de Bergerac," playing two- a-day at the Bijou, is expected to bring in a good $11,800 gross in its 12th week, while "Trio" at the Sutton is steady with $8,600 due in its 17th week. "The Blue Lamp" is still doing excellent business at the Park Avenue, where its third week brought in $6,500. "Seven Days to Noon" just completed a seventh week at the Trans Lux 52nd St. Theatre with a gross of $10,200. The Mayfair is having a good first week with two re-issues, "The Big Store" and "The Last Gangster" $20,000 is the estimated gross. Paramount's 'At War' Hits $60,000 Gross Chicago, Jan. 29. — Paramount's "At War with the Army," which opened here at the Oriental Theatre on Thursday, is heading for a $60,000 gross for the first week. The theatre has been averaging about $45,000 on its opening weeks. "Sugarfoot" (Warner Brothers) IN THIS handsome Technicolor production, rich desert scenery, lavish settings and colorful costuming are used by producer Saul Elkms to add more widespread appeal to a film that is basically a typical Western. Simi- larly, director Edwin L. Marin has slowed the film's pace sufficiently to let the camera glimpse facets of frontier life often overlooked in the genre, and to attempt to build suspense by approaching the inevitable shooting and fight- ing in a leisurely manner. Not that this important ingredient is neglected; Randolph Scott and Raymond Massey clash with gun and fist, Indians are on the warpath and the U. S. cavalry is on hand for chase scenes. In mer- chandising this picture exhibitors should aim primarily at action-minded audiences. . . Scott and Massey are already enemies when they arrive by wagon-train at Prescott Ariz Scott's courtly manners and rather naive honesty earn him the name "Sugarfoot" and the friendship of the town's leading citizens, prin- cipally Robert Warwick, proprietor of the dance-hall, and S. Z. Sakall, a Spanish-speaking merchant. They also earn him the scorn of Adele Jergens, singer at the dance-hall and a fellow-boarder at forthright Hope Landin s eattno- place Scott allies himself with Sakall in a trading venture which brings him into conflict with Hugh Sanders, an unscrupulous Yankee trader. Sanders Massey and Gene Evans link forces in villainy and Scott, aided by Hank Worden, often pursues but never completely vanquishes the trio until the final scene. ^ rr ,, , , Russell Hughes adapted the Clarence Budmgton Kelland story for the screen Scott, a typical Kelland hero, is depicted at first as a fellow out of bis depth in the rough and ready West. Sakall and Crane do justice to fat roles • Arthur Hunnicut and Miss Landin provide pleasant humor. Massey is properly dour and glowering as the villain and Miss Jergens, wondrously blonde in Technicolor, displays a fiery spirit. She sings a song written by Ray Heindorf and Sammy Cahn. ... „ , , , Running- time 80 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, March 10 Vaughan O Brien Jap Quota (Continued from page 1) "Target Unknown" ( Universal-International ) KEEPING pace with the renewal of interest in war films, Universal-Inter- national offers the customers one dealing with intelligence operations during the last war. Made within a standard framework, the picture shapes up as reliable screen fare. The cast is a competent one, headed by Mark Stevens as a U S. Air Force captain ; Alex Nicol, as a sergeant, and Robert Douglas a sharp-witted Nazi intelligence officer. The distaff side_ is repre- sented passingly but well, especially by Suzanne Dalbert, an attractive French underground worker. A convincing demonstration of how harmless irrelevant remarks can be pieced together by the enemy into vital information is given in the picture. Soon after the story gets underway, an American crew is forced down m Ger- many Here under ceaseless interrogation and subterfuge Douglas slyly gathers the information to be turned against the Americans in an important mission. Actually the screenplay, by Harold Medford, is divided into two parts, the first dealing with the efforts of the Nazis to wring information from then- American captives and the second, with the escape of the Americans and their attempt to bring back to headquarters news of an impending IN azi attack. Quite properly, Stevens in the finale is able to say successfully Mission Accomplished." _ . , , , The picture has a solitary song, "Danse Avec Moi, sung in a cafe by Malu Gattica, a collaborationist. Aubrey Schenck produced and George Sherman di rec ted Runnino- time 90 minutes. General audience classification. For February , s ' Mandel Herbstman release. release in Japan this year about 200 films, with independents adding 70 to that figure. The reason for a quota would be to help reduce the Japanese debt to the U. S., according to Lury. Lury, interviewed at Eagle Lion Classics yesterday as the guest of Sam L. Seidelman, ELC foreign de- partment head, pointed out that under the Japanese quota that prevailed during 1939-1941 U. S. distributors were allowed 25 to 30 releases a year. However, he further pointed out, some 230 American pictures were admitted yearly under a quota which was in force prior to 1938. Lury reminded that 1939-1941 were "difficult" years in Japanese-American relations. Lury is president of Select Interna- tional Films Co. of Japan, which re- leases ELC product. Japanese-born and American - educated, Lury cur- rently is visiting New York with a view to closing franchise deals with other U. S. distributors. Prior to World War II, he was managing di- rector for Universal Pictures in Japan and had been in charge of that com- pany's operations in Southeast Asia. Lury contributed these additional in- sights into film operations in Japan : Of the 2,700 theatres operating in that country, some 1,000 are given over to the playing of Japanese-made pictures exclusively. Jap producers are geared to turn out approximately 300 pictures this year, but a large number of these will be "quickies." During 1951 there will be released in Japan some 20 British pictures, 30 French and a limited number of Rus- sian. Two or three Italian pictures have been released so far this year, and German distributors now are ne- gotiating for release of their product in that country. American pictures are very popular with Japanese film- goers, but Japanese-made films do the best business, he said. Of late, Lury said, the Japanese have been "shopping" increasingly in seeking out American film showings. They are becoming more discriminat- ing in selecting U. S. pictures to at- tend, he added. Lury has a five-year contract with ELC, and during 1950 released in Japan 12 of that company's produc- tions. OCD Plan ( Continued from page 1 ) tions, is expected to deny any plan or intention on the part of OCD of ask- ing the public to remain away from theatres and other places of public congregation. It is believed that the OCD state- ment, instead, will stress the positive contributions that theatres and the motion picture industry at large can make to the government's civilian de- fense program. Allied Unit Tries To Organize Okla. Oklahoma City, Jan. 29.— Allied Theatre Owners of Texas, with head- quarters in Dallas is endeavoring to form an Allied unit in this state where National Allied never has been repre- sented.. The Allied organizing efforts drew an "open letter" from Morris Loewen- stein, president of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, a Theatre Owners of America affiliate. Addressed to H. A. Cole, president of Allied of Texas, the letter took exception to numerous al- legations said to have been made by Cole in a letter to Oklahoma exhib- itors concerning the T. O. of Okla- homa. Loewenstein's letter states, how- ever, that the latter organization would have no particular objection to a rival organization in the state if it were to dedicate itself to the solution of ex- hibitor problems "without over-empha- sis on court actions." City Investing (Continued from page 1) Say O'Donnell Leads In '306' Counsel Bid Industry labor spokesmen here com- mented yesterday that rivalry is keen among several attorneys in the race for general counsel of IATSE's New York Projectionists Local No. 306. The "inside track," however, is said to be held by John O' Donnell, veteran labor lawyer. Harry Sacher, a defense attorney in the trial here last year of the country's top Communists, was ousted as "306" general counsel on Jan. 3 following a long tenure. Deane Elected Head Of Paramount Club Albert Deane has been elected presi- dent of the home office Paramount Pictures Club. Other officers elected are : Fred Goldberg, vice-president ; Martin Rosenfeld, treasurer, and Irene F. Scott, secretary. fense restrictions, Maurer said. The Syracuse Astor was formerly the Em- pire and was remodeled and refur- bished for the new policy. In addition, the circuit of "art" theatres operated by Ilya Lopert and backed financially by City Invest- ing is seeking to expand its scope, either by purchase, lease, or through working arrangements with present theatre owners. The new Lopert house in Chicago's Loop, the Ziegfeld, cur- rently acquired first-run rights to 20th Century-Fox's "The Mudlark." Both City Entertainment and Lopert houses can be expected to get first chance at British product from Sir Alexander Korda's studios through the distributing alliance set up last month between British and American inter- ests, it was said. Lopert heads the new distribution outlet, with Dowling and Korda representatives dominating the board. "Odette" is the first British picture to be released by Lopert and will be followed by "Tales of Hoffman." SUDDENLY I'M A HAPPY GUY Yes, suddenly— out of nowhere— I'm happy. Business has been bad and all the talk was even worse. I heard tele- vision until it was coming out of my ears. If it wasn't television, it was installment buying, budgeting, bad pictures and grouchy audiences. Now... imagine now... the theatre is full, a picture which I had con- tracted for three weeks, now looks as if it will run for five. I had almost forgotten that a picture could run five weeks. Audiences come out smiling ... they're happy too. I grin back... they thank me... they actually thank me for booking the picture. I know that gloom sometimes gets so thick you can't cut it with a knife. Now I know what to cut it with. You cut it with a little dilly called BORN YESTERDAY. That's all, brother. Just BORN YESTERDAY. Town Theatre Baltimore, Maryland (This page is paid for by /. M. Rappaport in appreciation to Columbia Pictures.) And add these fanner Year Hits! THE MUDLARK Irene Dunne BIRD OF PARADISE TECHNICOLOR Louis Jourdan, Debra Paget Jeff Chandler I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE Susan Hayward, Dan Dailey, George Sanders FOLLOW THE SUN Glenn Ford, Anne Baxter HALF ANGEL TECHNICOLOR Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten RAWHIDE Tyrone Power Susan Hayward ON THE RIVIERA TECHNICOLOR Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney, Corinne Calvet lliiiiiiiii ^20th CENTURY- FOX won 1950's production honors hands down— and the distribution branch performed a magnificent job in exploiting the great product it had to sell. The program was versatile and wonderful.There were times during the past year when exhibitors felt that 20th Century-Fox, almost single-handed, was sustaining the industry* The new season is off to a blazing start with the top. war film of the past decade, "HALLS OF MONTEZUMA". On the agenda to follow are such worthy subjects as "CALL ME MISTER" (Betty Grable-Dan Dailey), from the smash Broad- way musical; "THE THIRTEENTH LETTER" (Linda Darnell-Charles Boy er), "I'D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN" (Susan Hay ward- William Lundigan), "THE FROG MEN" (Richard Widmark-Dana Andrews), "NO HIGHWAY" (James Stewart- Marlene Dietrich), "WILL YOU LOVE ME IN DECEMBER"(Monty Woolley).The list also includes what promises to be one of the screen's greatest spectacles, "DAVID AND BATHSHEBA" (Gregory Peck-Susan Hayward). The above is enough to suggest that 1 95 1 will be another banner year for 20th Century-Fox.^ CENTURY-FOX I MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 22 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1951 TEN CENTS Warn Theatres' I A '-Circuit PHONEVISION TEST Of Higher US Admission Tax Pension Plan Now In Force ALLAYING FEARS Sullivan to Call for New COMPO Tax Battle Memphis, Jan. 30. — Delegates at the annual convention of the Theatre Owners of Arkansas, Mis- sissippi and Tennessee in the Gayoso Hotel here today were warned of the possibility of a 10 per cent in- crease in the Federal admission tax by Robert W. Coyne, special counsel of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. A similar warning will be is- sued to the convention tomor- row by Gael Sullivan, executive director of Theatre Owners of America, who also will call for the immediate reactivation of COMPO's tax committee to combat a tax increase, made likely by the government's need for additional billions of dol- lars of revenue to help finance the defense program. "I am fearful the industry will be faced with a 30 per cent Federal ad- mission tax," Coyne told the conven- (Continued on page 4) The union-management pension and welfare program for projection- ists of the larger New York City circuits, regarded in film labor cir- cles as the forerunner of a general pension plan movement throughout the industry, has received final approval from all principals and is now in op- eration, it was reported here by IATSE Projectionists Local No. 306. The disclosure of finalization followed two weeks of renego- tiation which was called for to obviate a long delay in actua- tion of the program. The delay threatened when it was learned that the U. S. Internal Revenue Bureau could find no precedent to assist it in determining (Continued on page 4) Set Dates on 9 from 20th Announcement of the release of nine top pictures for the second quar- ter of 1951 was made here yesterday by sales vice-president Andy W. Smith, Jr., at the final session of the two-day 20th Century-Fox division managers meeting held at the home office. Concluding conferences were de- (Continued on page 4) 'Freeze' Shows Films' Special Role: Myers Washington, Jan. 30. — Ex- emption of the film industry from the price freeze, along with newspapers, magazines, books, radio and other media point up the industry's status as a communications indus- try, according to a statement by Abram F. Myers, general counsel of Allied States Asso- ciation. Krim to Coast As Deal for U. A. Nears Final Stage With the drawing up of papers for the. acquisition of operating control of United Artists by Robert Benjamin and Arthur Krim continuing in Holly- wood without a hitch thus far, Krim left here for the Coast last night on what may be the closing phase of the deal. Neither Krim nor Benjamin would predict yesterday that the negotiations would be successfully consummated, indicating that several basic considera- tions which still have to be confronted or taken in account make optimism (Continued on page 4) First Month's Results Reveal Little Cause For Exhibitor Worries Burstyn Co. Avoids 'Miracle' Hearing The three-member sub-committee of the New York State Board of Re- gents ruled here yesterday, following what was intended to be a show cause hearing for the benefit mainly of Jo- seph Burstyn, Inc., licensee of "Ways of Love," that the firm "did not ap- pear" at the sub-committee hearing. Also cited as absent was Lopert Films, Inc., licensee of "The Miracle," a component subject of the former film. The hearing was called to give both (Continued on page 4) ELC and Cusick In Three -Picture Deal Eagle Lion Classics has concluded negotiations with Cusick International Films for the distribution of "The Long Dark Hall," a Nunnally John- son story starring Lilli Palmer and Rex Harrison, and two other pro- ductions, it was announced here yes- terday by William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president. The other two Cusick productions are: "Pardon My French," co-starring Merle Oberon and Paul Henreid, now (Continued on page 4) Industry apprehension over Pho- nevision as a lethal competitor of the established theatre has virtually disappeared as the first month of the three months' test of the pay-as- you-see television system in Chicago draws to its close. Qualified industry opinion holds that the d:sadvantages of the system already marked are likely to become more pro- nounced, rather than less, dur- ing the remaining 60 days of the experimental period, as the novelty of Phonevlsion con- tinues to wear off. Industry observers point to the fact that during the initial month of the test, which began on Jan. 1, the period of its maximum novelty appeal, and bolstered by favorable publicity which is now on the wane, there were times when more than 25 per cent of the 300 test families did not order a film for the established fee of $1. This, in spite of the fact that the (Continued on page 4) Myers Blasts Film Critics, Says They're 'Too Highbrow' Washington, Jan. 30. — Abram F. Myers, general counsel of Allied States Association, today let loose with a blast at "most" film critics as having gone too "high-brow." In a bulletin entitled "If it isn't highbrow, it's no good," Myers said that most critics have been "steadily edging up- stage and now have gone so far they have lost contact w'th the great majority of movie-goers." Myers declared that, "if a picture doesn't meet their exacting standards — and few do — they kick it all over the lot and are unwilling to concede that it might have some entertainment (Continued on page 4) MPA Advisory Unit To Aid the British Grant Loew's 60-Day Stay Washington, Jan. 30. — The Jus- tice Department has agreed to give Loew's another 60-day extension of the deadline for submitting a divorce- ment plan to the New York Statutory Court. That would push the date back from Jan. 31 to March 31. The extra time (Continued on page 4) The services of the Motion Picture Association of America's Advisory Unit for Foreign Films have been placed at the disposal of British film producers, it was announced here yes- terday by John G. McCarthy, MPAA vice-president in charge of interna- tional affairs. This additional step in the develop- ment of a closer working relationship between the American and British film industries followed discussions be- (Continued on page 4) Another Delay on OCD Policy Report Washington, Jan. 30.— Civil- ian Defense officials said here today that a statement on the role of the motion picture in- dustry in the national de- fense program is being de- layed for top-level clearance and probably will not be released until late tomorrow or Thursday. It was origi- nally promised for today. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 31, 1951 House Group Okays Reciprocal Pact Washington, Jan. 30. — The House Ways and Means Com- mittee has approved a bill that would extend the Re- ciprocal Trade Agreements Act until June 12, 1954. It is set to expire on June 12, 1951. The measure is slated for House approval later this week, but there will be a fight in the Senate to restrict the program. Secretary of State Acheson has testified that after the Torquay Tariff- Cutting Conference is over, there will be no major tariff- cutting talks for the next three years. NEWS in Brief - - - A CONCENTRATED promotional effort in behalf of Harry M. Popkin's "The Second Woman," has been launched by United Artists' ad- vertising-publicity department. The film will have its premiere here to- morrow at the Rivoli theatre. • The Disabled American Veterans organizations has officially cited A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., for the part Paramount has played in "the promotion and distribution of the Disabled American Veterans' film short, 'On Stage Everybody,'" Paramount reported yesterday. • Columbia Pictures has acquired distribution rights to Arch Oboler's production, "Five," produced and di- rected by Oboler from his' own origi- nal story. The picture will receive special handling in its release, Colum- bia said. • Charles Boren, Y. Frank Freeman, B. B. Kahane and Fred S. Meyer, representing the Association of Motion Picture Producers, are here from Hollywood to inquire into the effects of the recent Federal wage freeze order on studio employment contracts and other wage agreements. • Ferdinand Pecora, former New York State Supreme Court Justice and Democratic candidate for Mayor of New York in last fall's elections, is scheduled to join the industry law firm of Schwartz & Frolich around March 1, it is learned, o Cleveland, Jan. 30. — Actor Hugh Marlow today accepted the Cleveland Critics Circle's award trophy for 20th Century-Fox's "All About Eve," voted as the best picture of the year. • Portland, Ore., Jan. 30. — Harry H. Moyer, 60, pioneer exhibitor of Port- land, died after a long illness. He started his theatre career in Michigan, entering Portland in 1919. He owned the Sellwood and Gresham theatres here. Personal HARRY M. POPKIN, independ- ent producer, is due in New York next week from the Coast. • Harold Field, president of Pioneer Theatres which operates in 10 Iowa cities, is in New York to observe his 25th wedding anniversary. He and Mrs. Field will be guests at a Sun- day reception at which Leonard Field, vice-president of Pioneer, and his wife, Ruth, will be hosts. • George F. Dembow, vice-president in charge of sales of National Screen Service, and Mrs. Dembow announce the marriage of their daughter, Faith, to Richard M. Sussman, of Yonkers. • Van Heflin, accompanied by Philip Gerard, Universal's Eastern publicity manager, left here yesterday for Philadelphia and Boston. • Chester Bahn, Film Daily editor, is scheduled to return to his office Monday after recuperating from an appendectomy. • Card Walker, Walt Disney adver- tising manager, has returned to the West Coast from here. • Dan S. Terrell, M-G-M exploita- tion manager, is in Boston from New York. • Joseph Luchachevttch, produc- er, has returned to New York from Paris. Claim New Screen Cuts Distortion A curved screen described as hav- ing been designed to eliminate distor- tion in pictures viewed from the ex- treme side seats and to provide a more optically-perfect reflecting surface was shown to the press yesterday at the Paris Theatre here by Transcolor Screen Co., the maker, and Norpat Sales, the distributor. TV Nets to Get AFM Contract Bid Today James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, is scheduled to meet at his office here today with representatives of all tele- vision networks to present the AFM's proposals for new national contracts, a spokesman for the union revealed last night. Disney-RKO Meet On 'Alice' Drive Sales and publicity executives of Walt Disney Productions and RKO Pictures met here again yesterday at the Hotel Warwick in a series of meetings on promotional plans for Dis- ney's "Alice in Wonderland," sched- uled for fall release. William B. Levy, Disney worldwide sales manager, pre- sided. Mention JOHN DAVIS, managing director of the J. Arthur Rank Organiza- tion, is expected to visit the U. S. from London next month. • Earl J. Hudson, president of United Detroit Theatres, has been named national director of the 1951 fund raising campaign of the United Cerebral Palsy Association. • Oliver A. Unger., special represen- tative of Distinguished Pictures, is visiting New Orleans from New York for conferences with Milton Dureau of Masterpiece Pictures. • Alexander Evelove, Warner Coast studio publicity director, and Mrs. Evelove announce the birth of a daughter at Los Angeles' Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. • William C. MacMillen, Jr., Eagle Lion Classics president, has scheduled a trip to Hollywood from New York in about two weeks. • William Flete, pioneer exhibitor of New Orleans, was honor guest at a luncheon there yesterday given by friends to celebrate his 80th birthday. • L. J. Kaufman, Warner Theatres executive, has left here for Milwau- kee where he will remain until early next week. • Al Burks, Eagle Lion Classics ex- ploited", is in Cleveland from New York. Sell Tickets, Not Candy: Grainger Cleveland, Jan. 30. — Too many theatres are operated from the stand- point of concession stands, rather than the box-office, E. C. Grainger, presi- dent of the Shea circuit, told circuit managers meeting here today for the company's annual two-day conference. Grainger admitted that income from concessions is important in a theatre's operation, but he emphasized the box- office. He reported that no general admission price hike policy is antici- pated and that "business shows a slight steady improvement." Prizes amounting to $1,250 were awarded to the four Shea managers judged by executives in the New York offices to have done the best showmanship and the operation of concessions was not considered in the judging. Jack Hynes, manager of the Paramount, Youngstown, O., was awarded $650 for first prize and three other managers tied, each receiving a check for $200. Greenblatt Is Named A 'V.P: of Lippert Arthur Greenblatt, general sales manager of domestic distribution for Lippert Pictures, Inc., has been named a vice - president of the company. Greenblatt joined Screen Guild — Lip- pert distribution predecessor — as East- ern sales manager in 1947. Newsreel Parade GEN. EISENHOWER'S return home and the fighting in Korea arc the highlights in current ncivs- reels. Other items include the "Brotherhood" rally, Premier Pleven's visit here, and sporting events. Com- plete contents follozv : MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 10 Gen. Eisenhower ends foreign tour. Gen. Mac- Arthur marks 71st birthday. Avalanches kill hundreds in Alps. A- Bomb carrier makes last trip. Army tests submarine "truck." Plea for "Brotherhood." Sports. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 243-Gen. Eisenhower returns. Truman welcomes Premier P'leven. UN forces fight on in Korea. Gen. MacArthur's birthday. Negli- gee fashions. Tragedy in the Alps. Former Premier Raynaud at "Brotherhood" rally. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 47 — "Ike" home from mission abroad. Washington welcomes Premier Pleven. John Foster D'ulles in Japan. Gen. MacArthur's birth- day. Services for Gen. Walker. Underwater truck in successful test. Sports. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 5-A — UN advance in Korea. Japan's new police force. Gen Eisenhower returns. Washington ama- teur show. Carnival season underway in Germany. Bob-sledding in Bavarian Alps. Basketball. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 426 — Indo- Chir.a: Red-held hostages returned to France. News in brief: "Brotherhood Week," G'en. Eisenhower returns, Premier Pleven here. Blood donors. Trucks and tires pass rigid test. Sports news. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 49- "G.I.'s" push North. Gen. MacArthur's birthday. Gen. Eisenhower comes home. Premier Pleven visits U. S. Wage-price chiefs act on "freeze." "Brotherhood" din- ner hears Paul Reynaud. Eager-beaver en- lists. Sports. Cold Puts the Bite On Chicago Grosses Chicago, Jan. 30. — Below - zero temperatures here yesterday and today cut deeply into Loop and neighborhood theatre business. The cold wave is expected to last at least two more days. Loop houses, most of them with big attractions, all of which did very well over the weekend, are especially feeling the pinch. Tri-States Follows Higher Scale Trend Des Moines, Jan. 30. — Night ad- mission prices at four Tri-States thea- tres in this city have been advanced six cents. Prices at the Des Moines. Roosevelt, Paramount and Ingersoll have been raised from 65 cents to 71 cents. The same increase also has been put into effect at the RKO Orpheum. Minnesota Owners Weigh Price Hike Minneapolis, Jan. 30. — Some 20 independent exhibitors, meeting at Little Falls, Minn., started consideration of a proposal to line up all theatres in North Central Minnesota for an increase in admission prices to meet a uniform scale. Lowell Smoots, Little Falls exhibitor, spon- sored the meeting. .MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, Fl 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. THE MOST PRAISED PICTURE OF THE YEAR! "Best drama of the month. A rare and satisfying treat."— LOUELLA PARSONS "Louis Calhern's performance ranks among screen's greatest." — HEDDA HOPPER • "Fine film version of the play." — WOMAN'S HOME COM- PANION • "Outstanding film. Great charm and humor." — REDBOOK "Louis Calhern . . . leading Academy Award contender.' —LOUIS SOBOL {Syndicated Columnist) • "Louis Calhern repeats his fine stage performance." —GOOD HOUSEKEEPING • " The Magnificent Yankee' is just that — mag- nificent."—SHEIL AH GRAHAM {Syn- dicated Columnist) • "Everyone's mag- nificent in 'The Magnificent Yankee'." — ERSKINE JOHNSON {Syndicated Col- umnist) • "Contemplating Academy Award voting, 1950 brought forth only good pictures, and no giants. Now that is changed... I hope 'The Magnificent Yankee' wins."— EILEEN CREELMAN, N. Y. World-Tele, and Sun • '"The Mag- nificent Yankee' superbly played by Louis Calhern."— WALTER WINCHELL "An extraordinary film . . . Women will love it." — LEE MORTIMER, N. Y. Mirror • "Louis Calhern is little short of magnificent." — KATE CAMERON, N. Y. Daily News • "Louis Calhern gets my vote for Academy Award." — BILL LEONARD, C.B.S. • "Mr. Calhern en- dows drama with humor, inspiration and heart. ' — BOSLEY CROWTHER "Finest biographical film I have ever seen."— H.V. KALTENBORN* 'Entranc- ingly produced and acted. "—HERBERT BAYARD SWOPE • "Magnificent per- formances by Louis Calhern and Ann Harding. "—HELEN HAYES. "A picture every American should see." — FANNIE HURST. WINNER OF PARENTS' MAGAZINE MEDAL • "A truly great picture."— BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE "Vital, powerful, brilliant, warm, human." — FILM DAILY • "Credit to the industry and screen."— THE EXHIBITOR "Prestige for the industry and payoff at the box-office."— VARIETY ★ M-G-M presents "THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE" starring LOUIS CALHERN ANN HARDING - Written by Emmet Lavery ♦ Based on his play produced by Arthur Hopkins • Directed by JOHN STURGES Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH • A METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE "Thank you Mr. Jones for myself and my family for 'The Magnificent Yankee'." EXHIBITORS WILL HEAR THIS ALL OVER AMERICA! BROTHERHOOD WEEK FEB 18-25 To Promote Brotherhood All Year! 4 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 31, 1951 Screen Telecasts of Pigskin Games To Get Another Kicking -Around Springfield, 111., Jan. 30. — Senator Miller today introduced a bill in the State Senate designed to force the University of Illinois to televise football games and other athletic contests. The bill requires yearly bids for the awarding of TV contracts to bring the school the most profit and at the same time enable the public to see as many such events as possible. Last fall, Balaban and Katz had exclusive rights to all University of Illinois home-played football games. A bill to prohibit the University from obtaining revenue from simultaneous telecasting of games on Chicago theatre screens when the games are not telecast to home receivers was introduced last week in the Illinois House. A bill was introduced last week in Minnesota demanding such action, and other states reportedly are considering similar legislation. However, the National Col- legiate Athletic Association recently voted a one-year moratorium on "live" television of football to allow it to study attendance and other factors. Phonevision (Continued from page 1) survey at a peak period showed that an average of 6.2 persons were view- ing the Phonevision offerings at a cost of approximately only 16 cents per person. Reports of the test also tend to show that film distributors lose exhibition control of their pictures when they are shown on Phonevision. Audiences of ur> to 16 persons were voluntarily reported by some of the test families, all seeing the picture at the flat rate of $1 per showing, regardless of the number of viewers. Trade observers point out there is nothing to prevent three or four times that number seeing a Phonevision film showing for the $1 charge. Zenith Radio, owner of Phonevision, reported that 50 per cent of the test families expressed the view that the showings were worth more than $1, but trade observers, having in mind the 25 per cent that ordered no film shown at the nominal charge during a period of maximum Phone- vision novelty, are dubious about how many would pay more than that after the novelty has been dissipated. Zenith also has reported that a large number of the test families said they had not previously seen the pictures ordered, indicating that Phonevision might tap an appreciable additional audience for films two or more years old. However, industry observers feel that this indicated market ultimately will not compare favorably with the reissue market for any good picture. They suspect, too, that the reissue values of the pictures shown and to be shown in the Phonevision experiment will be depreciated in the Chicago market because of the reportedly large numbers of people other than the 300 test families and their guests who tuned in the films and listened to un- garbled sound tracks or used various devices to obtain picture reception. Distributors are not charging Phonevision for the films supplied for the test but, under Zenith's plan, if Phonevision were on a commercial ba- sis the distributors would receive SO per cent of the $1 billings. Industry observers, particularly the- atre operators, believe now the test is proving very worthwhile. Thus far, it has added to their knowledge and subtracted from their worries. Phonevision Gets 7, Four from M-G-M Chicago-, Jan. 30. — New Phonevision film-fare for next week includes four M-G-M features, one from Warner, one from RKO Radio, and one from Paramount. Films, producers, and the year pro- duced follow : "Lady in the Lake," "Desire Me," "The Arnelo Affair," and "Killer McCoy," all M-G-M, 1947; "Always Together," Warner, 1948; "Tycoon," RKO, 1947; "Jungle Flight," Paramount, 1947. ELC-Cusick Deal (Continued from page 1) in final editing stages, and a Harry Kurnitz film adaptation of Somerset Maugham's "His Excellency," sched- uled for shooting in July. Cusick is presently negotiating with Hedy La- marr and Rex Harrison to play the leads in this production, which will be made in London. 'IA' Pension Plan (Continued from page 1) whether the "306" plan meas- ured up to tax exemption specifications. The government wage freeze order will not affect the "306"-management program because agreement on the program was reached months ago, it was reported by a spokesman for the local. As set forth in consequence of the renegotiation, the program does not require approval of the Bureau, it was explained. As constructed originally, however, the program would have had to be approved by the Bureau. The program calls for payment by Loew's, RKO and other large New York circuits, of five per cent of the basic wage scale for each projection- ist, at the rate of 54 weeks annually, which includes the two weeks' vaca- tion relief man. These payments will go into a fund to which the local's members will contribute $3.25 quar- terly fin addition to regular union dues). The new program supplants one which Local 306 has had for many years under the administration of Her- man Gelber, the local's president. The program provides death pay- ments of $4,000 from the fund, and in- cludes health, hospitalization and sick benefits. There are provisions for dis- ability retirements. Weekly payment during retirement because of age will be $30. 9 from 20th (Continued from page 1) voted to sales plans for all of the films, as well as a discussion of ad- vertising and exploitation ideas cur- rently in work for the second quarter line-up. Pictures to be released in April are : "U. S. S. Teakettle," starring Gary Cooper and produced by Fred Kohl- mar, with Henry Hathaway directing. "I Can Get it For You Wholesale," starring Susan Hayward, Dan Dailey and George Sanders. Produced by Sol C. Siegel, directed by Michael Gordon, and "Follow the Sun," star- ring Glenn Ford and Anne Baxter. Produced by Samuel G. Engel and directed by Sidney Lanfield. Pictures for May include: "Fourteen Hours," starring Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Geddes and Debra Paget. Produced by Siegel and directed by Hathaway. "Rawhide," starring Tyrone Power and Susan Hayward. Produced by Engel and directed by Hathaway. "On the Riviera," in Technicolor, starring Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney and Corinne Calvet. Produced by Siegel and directed by Walter Lang. 'Miracle' Hearing (Continued from page 1) firms an opportunity to show why each permit "should not be rescinded and cancelled, on the ground that said pictures are and each of them is sacri- legious." Some 65 persons crowded the hear- ing room at the Bar Association Building here, including Ephraim S. London, attorney for Joseph Burstyn as an individual and sole stockholder in the firm bearing his name. London asked to speak for Burstyn in the in- terests of defending the latter's repu- tation in light of the controversy over "The Miracle." Denying London the privilege on the ground that the hear- ing was called specifically and solely to hear the licensees, Chancellor Emeritus William A. Wallin, who pre- sided, said the hearing was not in- tended to provide a "forum." Blasts Critics (Continued from page 1) value for movie-goers — those quaint people who support our industry, and, incidentally, make the reviewers' job possible." In this respect, the Myers' bulletin said, the critics are falling down on the job, "misleading their readers and hurting the film business. It is time they started telling their readers whether the pictures reviewed, despite their ivory-tower point of view, will give the audience a good time." As an example, Myers cited Time magazine's review of "At War with the Army," which he said no one could read and still want to see the film, and then a trade press report citing the mobs at the N. Y. Paramount Theatre to see the film. MPA Advisory Unit (Continued from page 1) tween McCarthy and Rupert Somer- vell, Under-Secretary to the British Board of Trade, during the latter's visit to New York for the signing of the current Anglo-American film agreement. "A British Board of Trade spokes- man welcomed the extension of these facilities to British producers as a helpful and cooperative move on the part of the Motion Picture Associa- tion, indicating the happier relations that now exist between the two in- dustries," according to an MP A A statement. The Advisory Unit, set up early in 1950 under the executive guidance of B. Bernard Kreisler, is a consultative unit established within the MPAA. Tax Warning (Continued from page 1) tion, adding that he didn't "think the industry could bear it." Sullivan will tell a convention de- cimated in ranks by one of the worst blizzards to hit this area in many years that need to reactivate the com- mittee is essential in order to resist threatened and currently unforesee- able excise taxes and the moves of state and municipal governments along such lines. "We must mobilize on all industry fronts with authentic and au- thoritative statistics and be the best informed industry spokesmen," he will say. It is likely Tri-States will en- dorse Sullivan's suggestion in a reso- lution directed to national TOA which, in turn, will refer it to COMPO. Coyne also outlined COMPO's pur- poses and pressed the need for the in- dustry to organize through COMPO as the nation has on the national front. His address was well received and the likelihood is strong that Tri-States will ratify participation in COMPO before the convention closes with a dinner at the Hotel Gayoso tomorrow evening when new officers will be in- stalled. K. K. ("Deacon") King ol Searcy, Ark., is the new president. Leon Roundtree, Holly Springs, Miss., is .the new vice-president; M. A. Lightman, Jr., secretary-treasurer and Max A. Connet, Newton, Miss., new chairman of the board. He formerly was president. Coyne said about $600,000,000 went into television sets last year and that actually theatres were getting only about 40 per cent of the amusement dollar. Sullivan tomorrow will urge exhibi- tors to place immediate orders for theatre television equipment before de fense requirements cut back manufac- ture. He is of the opinion this will take place in six months at the out- side. U. A. Deal (Continued from page 1) unwarranted and predictions meaning- less. It was stated, however, that the negotiations look "pretty good" now and, barring unforeseen developments, could be concluded one way or an- other within the next week. If the negotiations are concluded successfully, Walter Heller & Co., Chicago factors, would advance financ- ing for current UA requirements and for new production to be released tli rough the company. Heller is not involved in the negotiations for con- trol of UA nor would he become one of the company's owners in the event the deal is successfully concluded with Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin. Loew's Gets Stay (Continued from page 1) is to give the film company opportu- nity to work out a consent decree with the government. The stipulation was to have been filed late today or tomorrow, and re- quires approval of the New York Court. This was expected immedi- ately. Justice spokesmen said that while formal conversations with Loew's of- ficials have not yet started, the com- pany lawyers are working hard to prepare various information that will be needed for those talks, and that negotiations will probably start soom 'If FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate ii Concise mpartial VOL. 69. NO. 23 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1951 TEN CENTS U. S. Official Says Film Wages Frozen No Talk Yet of Thaw; Policy Statement Due Washington, Jan. 31. — A top Wage Stabilization Board official said that wages and salaries in the film industry and other industries whose prices are free from control are "definitely under" the wage con- trol freeze. Moreover, this official said, "we have not yet discussed eliminating them." Other Wage Board spokesmen said that de- spite this last statement there might be a Board policy an- nounced on the matter within the next few days. The Board started issuing interpre- tations of the wage freeze order to- day. One such order declared that any wage boost agreed to before Jan. (Continued on page 4) TV Pay 20% Above Radio Is AFM Bid James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, opened negotiations for new contracts with the national television networks at a meeting in his office here yester- day. Principal proposal delivered by the union was that the basic minimum scale for network single and weekly engagement telecasts shall be 20 per cent over the applicable network radio scale of the musicians' local in whose jurisdiction the telecast takes place. The proposals call also for prohibi- tion of film auditions "of any nature," (Continued on page 4) 'Heart' Award On TV for 1st Time Variety Clubs Interna- tional's annual "Heart" award will be televised this year, for the first time. The pres- entation will be made by Marc Wolf, international chief barker, on May 12 at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia on the "Ken Murray Show," over CBS- TV. It will highlight Va- riety's annual convention, May 9-12. ADMINISTRA TION REQUEST FOR HIGHER TICKET TAX DOUBTED Film Relay Plan Is Embargo Insurance If film shipments should be threat- ened by the Defense Transportation Administration's order of yesterday for railroads to embargo all freight that cannot be cleared through yards tied up by the widespread switchmen's strike, the special film carriers' relay plan formulated two years ago by dis- tributors would be put in operation at once, it was expected last night. The plan, set up when a railroad strike halted the flow of prints be- tween exchanges, embodies the relay- ing of prints among carriers whose territorial borders touch. In opera- tion, it represents a possible nation- wide network of relay activity. The Northeast section grouped in the embargo order includes : Connecti- (Continued on page 2) Washington, Jan. 31. — President Truman told the House Ways and Means Committee today he would ask Congress to raise from $1,500,000,000 to $2,000,000,000 more a year from ex- cise taxes, but he did not say which levies he would ask Congress to in- crease. However, one Committee member with excellent Treas- ury Department contacts said he seriously doubted the Ad- ministration would ask for a boost in the admission tax at this time. Details of the President's tax re- quests will be submitted to Congress on Friday. Also out the window, apparently, at least insofar as the Administration is concerned, is any sales tax. This may find favor, however, in the Senate. The President told the Committee that he will ask for an immediate tax (Continued on page 4) MPAA Finds New Source of Revenue For Foreign Films in Colleges That the nation's colleges constitute a great new source of revenue for foreign films is indicated by the high rate of response to questionnaires recently sent to 563 colleges by the Motion Picture Association of America's Advisory unit for Foreign Films. The questionnaires, seeking advice on the commercial potentiali- ties of foreign films in colleges, went out less than two weeks ago, and already over 40 per cent of the institutions have replied. While MPAA officials have not yet analyzed the replies, they feel that this is an unusually large percentage for any questionnaire, and that this fact can only indicate enthusiasm for more foreign films. * ROSEN URGES TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH TO AID INDUSTRY A major need in the motion picture industry in these times is a permanent "institute" for the pursuit and coordi- nation of technological research, it is maintained by Samuel Rosen, vice- president and treasurer of Fabian Theatres. Rosen expressed this view following the recent announcement in New York of Cinema Productions' plans for co- operating with legitimate theatre inter- ests in the production of a feature here. Although the picture will be made in accordance with standard techniques, Cinema, an organization of prominent U. S. exhibitors, is said to (Continued on page 4) Tri-States TOA in Favor of COMPO Memphis, Jan. 31. — A resolution ratifying participation in the Council of Motion Pictures Organizations for another year was passed today at the closing annual convention session of the Theatre Owners of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, meeting here at the Gayoso Hotel. A second resolution called for a petition to be sent to the national (Continued on page 4) Wallis Weighs Para. Studio Post Offer Would Function Under Prod. 'V.P: Freeman Hal B. Wallis, now in New York, is considering a proposal ad- vanced to him by Barney Balaban, Paramount president, and Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president in charge of production, to take over duties held until now by Samuel J. Briskin, who as executive assistant to Freeman is de facto head of production. Briskin whose health is declining has asked to be relieved of his duties, or most of them, but not of his asso- ciation with the company with which he is under contract. Wallis, who could not be reached for comment last night, is understood to be interested provided it is possible to work out an arrangement acceptable to him in view of his present fi- (Continued on page 4) Sets 50% Production Boost for Para. With 14 features ready for release, nine completed or nearing completion, three presently shooting, 26 scheduled for production, Paramount is in its best product position in the company's history, Barney Balaban, president, said here yesterday. "Our announced objective of a 50 per cent increase in prod- uct output will be met," Bala- ban said, following four days of East-West executive meetings here. (Continued on page 4) Skouras Leads Group To D. of J. Confab Washington, Jan. 31.— 20th Century-Fox president Spyros P. Skouras headed a group of company officials and attor- neys in further consent de- cree negotiations with the Justice Department here to- day. A Department spokesman refused to say whether Skouras' presence indicated the beginning of the end of the decree negotiations. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 1, 1951 Personal Mention Krim, Grinieff On Coast on UA Deals ARTHUR DEBRA, director of the community relations division of the Motion Picture Association of America, has returned here from a tour of Southwestern and Eastern cities on promotional plans tor new product. Philip J. O'Brien, Jr., associate at- torney of the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America's legal department, was married here yesterday to Mu- riel M Ward of the MPAAs na- tional child film library and preview committee. • Mrs Alice Thompson, publisher and editor-in-chief of Seventeen maga- zine and Mrss Frances Hodges, di- rector of merchandising services, are slated to leave here for the Coast to- morrow to study film fashions. • Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independent Motion Pic- ture Producers, was prevented yes- terday by storm from leaving here by plane for Washington and Atlanta. He is scheduled to leave today instead. • Paul Pease, treasurer of Walt Dis- ney Productions, and Roy Keller, Disney Studio executive, have re- turned to the Coast following meet- ings here. Arthur Freed, M-G-M producer, will leave New York today for Hot Springs and New Orleans, en route to the Coast. Mike Hoffay, foreign publicity manager of Eagle Lion Classics, is recovering at his home from a broken ankle. Arm and Deutsch, M-G-M produc- er, has returned to Hollywood from New York and Boston. Jerry Fairbanks, producer, has re- turned to Hollywood from Chicago and Dayton, O. Herb Silverberg, attorney for Harry M. Popkin, is due to arrive here, today from the Coast. • Don Prince, RKO Pictures East- ern publicity director, is slated to leave here for the Coast tomorrow by plane. To Tour for 'Mike' M-G-M is sending Pug Wells, American Airlines stewardess, who in- spired the company's new film, "Three Guys Named Mike," and who appears in the film, on a tour of 16 cities, accompanied by Dan S. Terrell, M- G-M exploitation director. Hollywood, Jan. 31.— United Artists' principals Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin will be in a position to choose between offers by the Krim-Benjamin- Heller syndicate and Jacques Grinieff, foreign film distributor, to take over the company management, when attor- neys who have been working on the proposed Krim-Benjamin-Heller con- tract for more than a week complete drawing up terms, it was indicated today. Arthur Krim arrived here today, prepared to enter negotiations with the owners personally when the pro- jected contract is finalized. Grinieff, who also arrived today, has said he will not compete against the syndicate, but is standing by to renew his origi- nal offer, made prior to the Krim- Benjamin-Heller syndicate proposal. Name Lightman for Theatre Fund Board The Council of the Living Theatre's new Foundation Fund has nominated M A Lightman, Memphis exhibitor and former head of the Motion Pic- ture Theatre Owners of America, as a member of its board of directors. Lightman will represent, as presi- dent of Cinema Productions, Inc., a group of 10 motion picture theatre owners which will produce a film en- titled "Main Street to Broadway,' in collaboration with the Council. Rob- ert E. Sherwood is writing the film story and Lester Cowan will produce. Lightman has called a meeting of the Cinema Productions board here on Monday for discussion of distribu- tion and other matters concerned with the film. Court Okays 60-Day Loew's Extension The New York Statutory Court yesterday granted Loew's another 60 days, until March 31, to file its plans for divorcement and divestiture under the government anti- trust decree. The delay, agreed to by the Department of Justice, will enable the company to make further progress in seeking a consent decree with the government. AMPA Tribute to McWilliams on Feb. 8 The Associated Motion Picture Ad- vertisers will hold its first closed lunch- eon-meeting of 1951 at Trader Tom's Restaurant here on Feb. 8. Plans are underway to pay tribute to Harry K. McWilliams, AMPA president, on that occasion for his ef- forts during the past year in behalf of the organization. Halt Montana Strike Salt Lake City, Jan. 31. — The strike of projectionists of Western Montana theatres of the Fox-Inter- mountain circuit is temporarily ended pending arbitration. David Kaufman, 51 Cleveland, Jan. 31. — David Kauf- man, 51, Warner salesman, was killed in a car accident near Salem, O., Tuesday night. Survivors are the widow, and three children. Funeral services will be held at Far Rockaway, N. Y. Brandt Leases Embassy The Embassy Theatre, at 42nd Street and Park Ave. here, has been leased by Brandt Theatres. Field Groups Plan 'Brotherhood Week' Plans for the observance of "Brotherhood Week," Feb. 18 -A sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, are going forward in the field. In New Orleans, support was pledged to the drive at a meeting at- tended by some 500 industry represen- tatives. A meeting in Albany was attended by 400 with enthusiastic sup- port indicated. In Atlanta, some 1,000 attended a "Brotherhood" meeting to which the public as well as the indus- try was invited. All branches of the industry were represented in Detroit at a "Brotherhood" meeting held there. MPAA Talks Cover Blocked Jap Funds Washington, Jan. 31. — The blocked balances of motion picture companies in Japan figured promi- nently in discussions held here today between Motion Picture Association of America officials and Governor Ichimada of the Bank of Japan. Governor Ichimada, a member of a Japanese delegation touring the U. S., met with Joyce O'Hara and John Mc- Carthy of the MPAA. Later' he vis- ited Treasury Department and other top government officials. Charles Skouras Also To View Swiss TV Hollywood, Jan. 31. — Charles P. Skouras, president of National Thea- tres, will leave here by plane tomor- row for New York, en route to Europe. He and Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, will leave New York at the weekend for Zurich, Switzerland, where other 20th _ Cen- tury-Fox executives are already inves- tigating a new Swiss theatre television system. Adler to Handle 'Seven Days9 Ads Ben Adler, veteran art director and advertising consultant, has been as- signed to prepare national and trade ads and a press book for "Seven Days to Noon," the British import being distributed in the U. S. by Distin- guished Films. Adler recently moved his headquar- ters from Newark to the Paramount Building here. 21 to Help Schwartz Help the Scouts Sol. A. Schwartz, president of RKO Theatres, and amusement division chairman of the 1951 Fund of the Boy Scouts of America's Greater New York Councils, in calling upon mem- bers of the industry to be "good scouts" and contribute to the Scouts' current $2,000,000 drive, has named the following 21 as chairmen in charge of collections at their respective com- panies. Robert Mochrie, RKO Radio; A. W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox ; Abe Schneider, Columbia ; Stewart Mc- Donald, Warner ; William Heineman, Eagle Lion Classics; R. J. Weitman, United Paramount Theatres; Arthur Israel, Paramount Pictures; Herman Robbins, National Screen Service; Michael Edelstein, RKO Theatres ; Mary Tuttle, RKO Service Corp. ; Oscar Doob, Loew's ; Charles Feld- man, Universal ; William White, Skouras Theatres ; Manny Frisch, Randforce; Gradwell Sears, United Artists; James R. Grainger, Republic Pictures ; J. P. Friedhoff, Monogram ; Ben Sherman, ABC Vending; Joe Hornstein, theatre supplies; Sam Goodman, Century Circuit ; Mrs. Edith Marshall, ITOA. Eisenhower's Report Set for 5 NY Houses Fabian's Fox in Brooklyn and Pal- ace in Albany; Century's Marine in Brooklyn and Queens on Long Is- land, and RKO's New York Fordham, will be among the theatres which will carry large-screen television presenta- tions of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's report to the nation tomorrow evening by Nathan Halpern, Fabian television consultant. $18,000 for Kaye, 'Mister' at Roxy Despite heavy snow, the Roxy open- ing here yesterday of 20th-Fox's "Call Me Mister" with Danny Kaye on stage drew an estimated $18,000, the house's best opening-day figure since Feb., 1949, when "Yellow Sky," also with Kaye in person, was on the bill, according to A. J. Balaban, executive director of the Roxy. Mrs. Truman Heads Benefit for Palsy Mrs. Harry S. Truman will be hon- orary chairman of a committee arrang- ing for the Washington premiere on Feb. 19 of "September Affair," Para- mount-Hal Wallis feature which will be shown in key cities for the benefit of United Cerebral Palsy Associations. The film will have its first Capital showing at the Warner-Uptown, it was announced. Film Relay Plan (Continued from page 1) cut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Mary land, Massachusetts, Michigan, New- Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. Century to Fein The advertising account of Century Projector Corp., N. Y., manufacturers of projectors and equipment, has been turned over to the Nathan Fein agency here. Ray Furber is account execu- tive. . _ — — MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry . Ramsay e ^ 7P3ftbSddSf ■■qK Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New Yd, k 2C fc^X^fg^^ Leo J. Brady, Secretary; New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President, J ^^J^^L^ §^ Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke Advertising Manager ;_ Gus H. Fausel, P reduction M WWa/ff National Press Club, Washington, D. C. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington J. A. un eiw QuigIey Publications: Motion Picture London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable : address - Q«BPubco • ^™;on^c^r^Afmaynac; Fame. Entered as second- Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Pl^5^£J?^S^i£dS Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Class matter. Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, ifb in tne ^mer LSO STARRING DIRECTED BY Todd McCambridge Scott — PRODUCED BY Screen Play by LENORE COFFEE lirilDU ni i\ kll/r f'om 3 ^ove' ^ Margaret Echard HtNKY bLANIVt Her first picture since winning the Academy Award in All the Kings Men ' WARNER BROS: TRADE SHOW FEBRUARY 9 ALBANY Warner Screening Room 79 N. Pearl St. • 12:30 P.M. ATLANTA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 197 Walton St. N.W. . 7:30 P.M BOSTON RKO Screening Room 122 Arlington St. • 2:30 P.M. BUFFALO 'Paramount Screening Room 1 464 Franklin St. • 10:30 A.M. CHARLOTTE 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 308 S. Church St. • 2:00 P.M. CHICAGO Warner Screening Room 1307 So. Wabash Ave. • 130 P.M. CINCINNATI RKO Palace Th. Screening Room Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th • 8:00 P.M. CLEVELAND Warner Screening Room 2300 Payne Ave • 8:30 P.M. DALLAS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1803 Wood St. • 2:00 P.M. DENVER Paramount Screening Room 2100 Stout St. • 2:00 P.M. DES MOINES Paramount Screening Room 1125 High St. • 12:45 P.M. DETROIT Film Exchange Building 2310 Cass Ave. • 2:00 P.M. INDIANAPOLIS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 326 No. Illinois St. • 1:00 P.M. JACKSONVILLE Florida Iheatre Bldg. Sc. Rm. 128 E. Forsyth St. • 2:30 P.M. KANSAS CITY 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1720 Wyandotte St. • 1:30 P.M. LOS ANGELES Warner Screening Room 2025 S. Vermont Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MEMPHIS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 151 Vance Ave. ■ 2:00 P.M. MILWAUKEE Warner Theatre Screening Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS Warner Screening Room 1000 Currie Ave. • 2:00 P.M. NEW HAVEN Warner Theatre Projection Room 70 College St. • 2:00 P.M. NEW ORLEANS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 200 S. liberty St. • 8:00 P.M. NEW YORK Home Office 321 W. 44th St. • 3 00 P.M OKLAHOMA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 10 North lee St. • 1:30 P.M. OMAHA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1502 Davenport St • 1:00 P.M. PHILADELPHIA Warner Screening Room 230 No. 13th St. • 2:30 P.M. PITTSBURGH 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1715 Blvd. of Allies • 1:30 P.M. PORTLAND Jewel Box Screening Room 1947 N.W. Kearney St. • 2:00 P.M SALT LAKE 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 216 East 1st South • 2:00 P.M. SAN FRANCISCO Paramount Screening Room 221 Golden Gate Ave. • 1:30 P.M. SEATTLE Modern theatre 2400 Third Ave. • 10:30 A.M. ST. LOUIS S'renco Screening Room 3143 Olive St. • 1:00 P.M. WASHINGTON Warner theatre Building 13th S E. Sts. N.W. • 10:30 A.M. BROTHERHOOD FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM Believe it! Live it! Support it! BROTHERHOOD WEEK - FEB. 18-25, 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 1, 1951 Wallis Weighs RevietVS {Continued from page 1) nancing-releasing arrangements with Paramount. He is presi- dent of Wallis-Hazen, Inc., a partnership with Joseph Hazen. The company is under contract to deliver a series of pictures to Paramount over an extended period of years. This deal was recently renewed. The arrangement under discussion would parallel Wallis' long association with Warner Brothers where he was executive producer under Jack L. Warner, vice-president in charge of production. Says Briskin to Carry On Until Freeman Is Set Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- dent, at the East-West executive meeting here yesterday, expressed his regret that Sam Briskin's health will prevent him from continuing as assis- tant to Y. Freeman, studio head, a position he has held since July, 1950. Balaban said, "that Briskin will carry on until Freeman can relieve him of heavy duties and that Briskin will continue at the studio_ in ^ some capacity "less physcially taxing." Para. Product (Continued from page 1) Reports were also submitted at the meeting by George Weltner, president of Paramount International, and Fred E. Perkins, managing director for Great Britain. Both men expressed confidence that, barring a worsening of the international situation, the out- look for Paramount films in foreign markets was bright. "Singly and overall," Balaban said, "as a design for a varied and bal- anced diet of motion picture enter- tainment, our product schedule, in our opinion, meets every requirement for existing and foreseeable market con- ditions. "We on our part filled in the picture for Freeman on matters relative to public and exhibitor tastes and stand- ards which he in turn applies to the production of pictures at the studio." Those who attended the meetings included Y. Freeman, Adolph Zukor, chairman of the board ; Paul Rai- bourn, vice-president in charge of budget and planning and television ; Austin Keough, vice-president, secre- tary and general counsel ; Russell Holman, Eastern production head ; Weltner, Perkins, A. W. Schwalberg, president, and E. K. O'Shea and Max E. Youngstein, vice-presidents of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. Cry Danger (Olym>pic-RKO Radio) MELODRAMATIC know-how and cleverly developed suspense do much to enhance a modest thriller in "Cry Danger." Dick Powell has the lead as one who is framed for a holdup and murder he never committed. Up front feminine-wise is Rhonda Fleming, while support comes from Richard Erdman, William Conrad and Regis Toomey. The production will provide a pleasing' 79 minutes to armchair sleuths. After languishing in jail for five years, Powell is finally pardoned when a friend returns from wartime service overseas to corroborate Powell's testimony. Thereupon Powell goes digging to find the real perpetrators of the crime so that his buddy, also believed to be innocent, may likewise be released from prison The wife of the buddy is Miss Fleming who presently falls in love with Powell. In the course of Powell's sleuthing adventures he is shot at so often that he takes on the aspects of a clay pigeon. Chief engineer of the skullduggery is fat, soft and oily Conrad. It takes considerable doing by Powell before he has his man pinned and squirming for mercy. At this point Toomey, a detective, steps in to see that justice is satisfied. By way of a novel twist, Powell does not get the girl m the end. She proves to be implicated in the crime along with her jailed husband. An Olympic Productions' picture, "Cry Danger" was produced by Sam Wiesenthal and W. R. Frank. Robert Parrish directed, from a screenplay by William Bowers. . _ Running time 79 minutes. General audience classification. February re- jease Mandel Herbstman "Two Lost Worlds" (Eagle Lion Classics) AGAINST an Australian background this adventure drama portrays the exploits of a young American clipper-ship designer, Jim Arness, who is wounded in a running fight with pirates. His ensuing adventures while awaiting the return of his shipmates, form the basis of a routine drama, which is aided somewhat by scenes of a volcanic eruption dubbed m from a film of some years ago. . , ■ * ■ r\ Arness painfully wounded, is left with some friendly colonists in Queens- land While recovering, he meets Laura Elliott, daughter of the local magis- trate and the two fall in love despite the fact that Miss Elliott is about to announce her engagement to Bill Kennedy, a sheep rancher. A pirate raid results in Arness, Miss Elliott and some companions escaping to an island. Faced with starvation, the group on its way across the island encounter some rather unbelievable-looking giant lizards. Two of them engage in a spectacular fight to the death. To add to the dangers, an active volcano erupts. Then, just before the group is rescued by Arness' ship, Kennedy con- veniently dies of his injuries. _ _ .. A stilted commentary runs through the entire picture, and what dialogue there is, is contrived and boring. Boris Petroff produced and Norman Dawn directed, from a screenplay by Norman Hubbard. Juvenile audiences espe- cially may find this adventure yarn fairly interesting Others in the cast are : Gloria Petroff, Tom Hubbard, Jane Harlan, Pierre Watkin Bob Carson, Guy Bellis, James Guilfoyle, Fred Kohler, Jr., Tom Monroe', Tim Grahame, Richard Bartell, Charleen Hawks, Joey Ray and Herman Canton. Running time, 61 minutes. General audience classification. January release. Conciliation Boards Weighed in Canada Toronto, Jan. 31. — Execu- tives of the Motion Picture Theatres Association of On- tario have taken up with trade interests here the ques- tion of co-operation in the establishment of conciliation and arbitration boards for the industry in this Province. The president of the associa- tion is Stan Gosnell, manager of the Uptown Theatre, To- ronto. Tri-States TOA (Continued from page 1) Theatre Owners of America, asking that TOA set up a code of bad trade practices and report violations of the projected code to the Bureau of In- ternal Revenue. Other officers elected, besides K. K. ("Deacon") King of Searcy, Ark., as president, as reported here yesterday in conjunction with other selections, were : Arkansas vice-president, Gor- don Hutchins, Corning; Mississippi vice-president, R. B. Cox, Batesville ; Tennessee vice - president, Nathan Flexer, Waverly. Arkansas directors : Sam Kirby, Little Rock; Don Landers, Harrisburg ; Roy Coch- ran, North Little Rock ; and Mrs. Jessie Howe, Hot Springs. Mississippi director: Leon Rountree, Hol- ly Springs ; E. W. Clinton, Monticello ; E. Williams, Clarksdale ; and Earl El- kins, Aberdeen. Tennessee directors : Ed Cullins, Mem- phis; Mrs. H. A. Fitch, Erin; Mrs. Louise Mask, Bolivar ; and Edward O. Sapinsley, Memphis. W. E. Ruffin, Jr., Covington, was selected as national representative to TOA. The resolution on COMPO, passed after delegates listened to addresses by Gael Sullivan, executive director of TOA, and Robert W. Coyne, special counsel of COMPO, warning against the possibility of an increased Federal admission tax, called upon COMPO to serve as the spokesman for the in- dustry on such industry-wide prob- lems as taxation, in addition to public relations and coersive legislation. Tax Rise Doubted (Continued from page 1) increase of about $10,000,000,000 a year, and then later in the session he will submit further plans for another $6,000,000,000, or more. The $10,000,- 000,000 bill, it is expected, will pro- pose a $4,000,000,000 increase in indi vidual income taxes by a four-point boost in all tax brackets ; another $3,000,000,000 from corporations by increasing the top corporate rate from the present 47 per cent to 55 per cent ; and about $3,000,000,000 from more and higher excises and "loophole plugging." The Ways and Means Committee is expected to open tax hearings on Monday, with Treasury Secretary Snyder as the lead-off witness. SWG, Studios Meet Saturday on Pact Hollywood, Jan. 31.— Studio nego- tiators will meet with the Screen Writers Guild board on Saturday to discuss the situation which has arisen since negotiations for a new contract broke down three months ago, prompt- ing SWG to take a strike vote which can become effective on Feb. 15. The board will then meet on Sunday to discuss Saturday's developments. AFM TV Bid (Continued from page 1) Film Wages (Continued from page 1) and stipulate that a "repeat fee" shall be paid to musicians whose perform- ances are reproduced on film during "live" telecasts. Where programs are broadcast simultaneously over radio and TV, the musicians shall be paid in addition to their radio payment, 50 per cent of such payment, it was pro- posed. The network negotiators and Pe- trillo "recognized" at yesterday's meet- ing that any wage increases which would be embodied in new pacts would have to be ratified by the government under the wage freeze. The next ne- gotiation session will be held on Mon- day afternoon at Petrillo's office. 25, but not effective before Jan. 25 — the freeze date — would be allowed if it went into effect before Feb. 9. An- other interpretation made it clear that such items as bonuses, holiday pay- ments, welfare benefits, overtime, pen- sion fund contributions and similar items are all subject to the freeze. It is believed possible that a few option contracts might barely be af- fected by the first order. In the last war, the government refused to allow any increases under option contracts when the contract increases were to take place after the freeze order, no matter when the contracts were made. Meanwhile, from New York, it was reported that film company officials were trying to decide whether to seek special exemption for members of tal ent guilds, should the government rule that all industry wages are indefinitely frozen. Such an attempt was made in the last war, the industry arguing that such employes were really "independ ent contractors." There is some feel- ing that the industrv can hardly ask an exemption for better-paid talent employes and allow the freeze to con- tinue on craft workers and other in- dustry employes. Rosen Urges be anxious to employ in the future new technics, such as the polaroid three- dimensional process. Si H. Fabian, president of Fabian Theatres, is a member of the Cinema Productions board of directors. The establishment of a "Mo- tion Picture Research Institute with a fund of perhaps $2,000,- 000, to conduct certain experi- mental projects," has been pro- posed by Elmer C. Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest The- atres. Rhoden's proposal has been in preparation for some time and is contained in a brochure which the Council of Motion Picture Organizations has under study. Emphasizing that he was speaking only for himself, Rosen pointed out that other large industries such as steel carry on highly organized re- search activities and as a result prog- ress steadily in the technological sphere. In Rosen's opinion the film industry unquestionably has as much use for technological research as have other industries. Fie believes the pos- sibilities inherent in such research, on an industry-wide basis, would be un- limited for motion pictures. _ MOTION PICTURE FILM I ^ |T |^ ^1^^ NEWS ! i/>^JL JLf J. VOL. 69. NO. 24 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1951 TEN CENTS Pay Freeze to Highlight IA' Board Agenda Walsh Off for Tucson as Industry Status Is Set Now that it has been authorita- tively indicated in Washington that the film industry and other indus- tries whose prices are free from control are "definitely under" the wage freeze, it is expected that a stand on the wage control order, will be taken by the IATSE international executive board when it meets in Tucson next week. The meeting will open Monday at the Santa Rita Hotel. "IA" international president Rich- ard F. Walsh left here yesterday by train for Tucson accompanied by Wil- liam P. Raoul, secretary-treasurer ; James J. Brennan, international vice- president, and Thomas J. Shea, as- sistant international president. The "IA" board may or may not announce publicly whatever stand it takes on the wage freeze order. If it maintains for the time being an offi- cial silence, the explanation for that is expected to lie in the possibility {Continued on page 3) Midwest and Majors Sued for $650,000 Chicago, Feb. 1.— A $650,000 anti- trust suit has been filed in the Federal court of Kansas by the Crawford The- atre, operated by O. F. Sullivan, against Fox Midwest Amusement Corp. and eight distributors. The complaint asks the court to enjoin the defendants from refusing to serve the Crawford first-run product. The Crawford is located three miles from the Downtown section of Wich- ita, and maintains it should play first- (Continued on page 3) Independent Claims Unfair Clearance Albany, Feb. 1. — An anti-trust suit action alledging restraint of trade in clearances granted where it is claimed no substantial competition exists, has been filed by St. Lawrence Investor, Inc., conducting the Ameri- can Theatre at Canton, against Schine Chain Theatres, operating in Ogdens- burg. Also named were Loew's, RKO, Warner, 20th-Fox, Paramount, Columbia, Universal and United Art- ists. Leonard Rosenthal of Albany, is attorney for Alex Papayanako, the plaintiff. 'Jackie Robinson' Pays 75% Dividend An initial dividend of 75 per cent plus interest is being paid today to the scores of investors in the production, "The Jackie Robinson Story," which was distributed by Eagle Lion Classics. One or more subsequent payments are certain, virtually assuring investors in the picture of an eventual profit. The flint was the idea of William J. Heineman, ELC distribution vice - president. Made on a modest budget, it was financed entirely by busi- ness associates of Heineman's who invested from several hundred to several thousand dollars each. Griffis and MPEA Confer on U. S. Product in Spain Stanton Griffis, newly-appointed U. S. Ambassador to Spain, met here yesterday with the Motion Picture Export Association board for a run-down of the problems con- fronting American film companies in that country. He was asked by the board to help ease the importation and distribution difficulties being encoun- tered in Spain. Griffis, who is chairman of the executive committee of Paramount Pictures, will leave for Madrid later this month. Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Soc'ety of Independent Mo- tion Picture Producers, pre- (Continued on page 3) 'U' Completes Field Lineup, Promotes Frew, Rosian, Kelly Completing the realignment of Uni- versal^ domestic distribution set-up, James V. Frew has been named At- lanta district manager, P. F. Rosian has been shifted from the Cincinnati district to the Cleveland district pre- viously supervised by P. T. Dana, who was recently named Eastern sales man- ager, and William D. Kelly, Jr. has been named branch manager in At- lanta. The promotions were reported here yesterday by C. J. Feldman, Uni- versal^ manager of domestic sales. Frew, who had been Atlanta branch manager, will supervise Atlanta, Char- lotte, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Memphis, with headquarters in Atlanta. Rosian started with Universal in 1939, was named Cincinnati manager in 1940, and district manager in 1941. Headquartering in Cleveland in his new assignment, he will supervise Al- bany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Kelly had been sales su- pervisor in Atlanta. Herman Robhins to Aid JDA Appeal Herman Robbins, president of Na- tional Screen Service, has been named chairman of the amusements division of the Joint Defense Appeal campaign in Greater New York, it was disclosed here yesterday by Harry Brandt, chair- man of the jDA campaign cabinet. Robbins will mobilize support for the drive throughout the film' industry, and in the fields of the theatre, radio, television, sports, music and records, and among entertainers and concession- aires. The JDA is the fund-raising branch of the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith. Better Product Lifts Nation's Grosses^ 'M. P. Herald' Field Survey Reveals A sharp upswing in business at the nation's box-offices, credited in the main to better product, is reported by theatre owners for January, the Motion Picture Herald will say today. In some cities the improvement is only relative, but, nevertheless, things are brighter. All over the country, top pictures are doing good business and in many instances, long-vanished lines are again appearing before box-offices. Grosses, which slumped badly during the Christmas week to give some theatres their lowest holiday receipts on record, in some places are soaring between 10 and 25 per cent above those chalked up for January of 1949. Theatremen queried in the field survey are speaking with voices that show a new confidence and hope for the future, the Herald reports. They say business, especially in larger cities, is spotty, with the audience apparently determined to pick-and-choose, but the big pictures are grossing big money. Map Industry Steps for Raw Stock Saving Conservation Plans Up To Studios, Exchanges Washington, Feb. 1. — A major industry effort to conserve raw stock by eliminating waste in both production and distribution and to reduce film consumption in other ways is under way in the industry. Much of the conservation program will consist of educa- tional work by key studio and distribution representatives, with the aim of coping with the impending film shortage due to increased military raw stock requirements, and in the hope of avoiding the need for government allocation of raw stock, such as that in effect during World War II. It has been proposed that John B. McCullough of the Motion Picture Association of America's conservation department in New York be author- ized by distribution companies to visit {Continued on page 3) Say Exhibitors Need Not Fear OCD Plan Washington, Feb. 1. — The Office of Civilian Defense, putting off until "early next week" its promised state- ment on the role of the motion picture industry in the OCD program., still emphasizes that there is no intent on the Government's part to close theatres or discourage people from congregat- ing in them, barring word of an immi- nent attack on a particular area. The statement will also go into the contribution which the industry can {Continued on page 3) Vogel to Meet with Division Managers Joseph R. Vogel, vice-president of Loew's in charge of theatre operations, will preside at a meeting of Loew's out-of-town division managers today at the home office. In attendance will be : Orville Crouch, Washington ; Charles Kurtzman, Boston ; Harry Shaw, New Haven ; Mike Cullen, . St. Louis ; Martin Burnett, Columbus ; Frank Murphy, Cleveland. Also at- tending will be Oscar A. Doob, John Murphy, in addition to various other home office department heads, it was announced. Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 2, 1951 Decision on 'Twist' Is Due Next Week Joseph I. Breen, Production Code administrator, and William C. Mac- Millen, Jr., president of Eagle Lion Classics, are scheduled to be in Coast- to-Coast telephonic communication on Monday relative to the cuts which the former has stipulated for "Oliver Twist." It is expected that the conversation on Monday will result in indication next week by ELC whether the com- pany will make the cuts that are deemed necessary to make the film eligible for a PCA seal of approval. MacMillen and other company offi- cials recently viewed here a print from which Breen clipped some 730 feet The PCA chief made the cuts follow- ing return of the picture, which he had refused a PCA seal, by the board of the Motion Picture Association of America. The board took that action on MacMillen's appeal of the Breen decision. OTTO A. HARBACH, president of ASCAP, and past presidents Gene Buck, Deems Taylor and Fred , . Ahlert will appear on WJZ- TV's salute to the Society Sunday evening on the "Family Hour" show. • Sol Schwartz. RKO* Theatres resident, is in Los Angeles from San Francisco, accompanied by Mrs. Schwartz en route to Palm Springs for a vacation. While in San Fran- cisco he conferred with Mark All- ng, manager of the Golden Gate Theatre. Big Grosses Hold 'Halls" in Loop Chicago. Feb. 1.— "Halls of Monte zuma," which took in a big $36,000 gross for its first week at Balaban and Katz' State Lake Theatre and is expected to draw $24,000 for its second, will be held three days beyond the Jackson Park decree two-week Loop run limit. The 20th Century- Fox film, however, will be released on Monday to neighborhood houses open- ing at the Alex and Rockne theatres on that day and at the Windsor on Feb. 6. SDG to Elect, Install Officers Tomorrow Officers elected at the business ses sion of the Eastern Screen Director Guild's sixth annual convention here tomorrow will be installed at a ban- quet in the evening at the Hotel Shel- burne. "Gentleman of the Jungle," tentative title of a new film shot in Africa by Hassoldt and Ruth Davis, will be shown in a rough cut. Dana Noyes is chairman of the convention committee. Personal Mention RKO Boston Will feature 'Live Shows' Alfred E. Daff, Universal world- wide sales director ; Charles J. Feld- man, head of domestic sales, and P. T. Dana and Maurice J. Bergman eft here last night for Pittsburgh. • Harry Stern, special representative m charge of the special features di- visions of Azteca Films and Clasa- Mohme, is due to leave here for Los Angeles next Wednesday. • Charles Johnson, former assist- ant editor of Business Screen- maga- zine, has joined the sales staff of station KGO. • Joseph H. Hazen is in Florida from New York for a two weeks' vacation. • Gene Markey, film writer and pro- ducer, has returned here from a lengthy trip to Europe. • Peter Scully, Monogram produc- er, has returned here from a tour of England. • John P. Byrne, M-G-M Eastern sales manager, is in New Haven from New York. ROBERT W. COYNE, special counsel of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, is slated to re- turn to New York today from Wash- ington and Memphis. • Benedict Bogeaus, independent producer, is due in New York today from the Coast to discuss with Eagle Lion Classics executives distribution of his new film, "My Brother the Outlaw." • Joy N. Houck, president of Joy Theatres, Inc., New Orleans, was pre- sented with a bronze plaque by his executive staff to commemorate his 25 years in exhibition. • James R. Grainger, Republic ex ecutive vice-president, left here last night for Boston, accompanied by New England division manager John P. Curtin. • Dick Shell, motion picture repre sentative of Good Housekeeping magazine, is due to leave here foi Hollywood on Sunday. • Gael Sullivan, executive director of the Theatre Owners of America is due to return to New York today from Memphis. Boston, Feb. 1. — Ben Domingo, New England district manager for RKO Theatres, stated tonight that all possible available television, motion picture stars and vaudeville attrac- tions will be booked into the RKO Boston Theatre. He said every attempt will be made to keep the house open as a "live show" theatre in Boston. He further commented, "The first stage show which opened yesterday, grossed $2,750." Inclement weather, he said, kept the gross down. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center Joan Fontaine - Joseph Cotten in Ha! Wallis' Production "SEPTEMBER AFFAIR" A Paramount Picture Plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION Alexandro Ragozzino is the third member of the Cleveland National Screen Service staff to be called into the Armed Services. • Jack Ellis, president of Ellis Films, is due to return here on Mon- day from Chicago. • Billy Wilder is scheduled to ar- rive from Europe on the S.S. Liberie on Monday. Blumenstock to NY On 'Pass' Bow Plans Mort Blumenstock, Warner Brothers vice-president in charge of advertising and publicity, now in Albuquerque, is en route to New York to set final details for WB's world premiere of "Raton Pass." There will be a simultaneous bow on March 6 in Raton and Albuquer que, N. M., featured by the presence of stars from the film and state and city dignitaries. Pickman in Sarasota Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 1.— Jerry Pick man, assistant to Max E. Youngstein, Paramount advertising-publicity vice- president, has arrived for conferences with Cecil B. DeMille, here shooting scenes for his "Greatest Show on Earth," on advertising and promotion plans for the production. Pickford and Chaplin Study Proposed Deal Hollywood, Feb. 1.— United Artists owners Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin tonight were studying the terms of the proposed Krim-Benjamin- Heller contract which would take over the management of the company on the basis of providing operational fi- nancing and funds for independent producers releasing through the com- pany. Although the terms of the proposed contract, which is said to have been completed Wednesday night, have not been divulged, it is reliably understood that the contract sets up an option- type arrangement looking toward ul- timate acquisition of the controlling stock interest in the company by the syndicate. SMPTE Unit to Meet A demonstration-lecture on the use of micro-waves will be given by Dr. J. O. Perrine, A. T. & T. assistant vice-president, at a meeting of the At- lantic Coast Section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engi- neers this evening at the Western Union auditorium here. All interested persons are invited to attend, it was announced. Popkin Counsel Here; Plans No UA Action Prospects of producer Harry Pop- kin's taking legal action here with respect to United Artists' release of his "The Second Woman" diminished yesterday with the disclosure by Her- bert Silverberg, Popkin's attorney, that he did not come to New York to take any restraining action in con- nection with the producer's dispute with UA. The Popkin picture opened yester- day at the Rivoli here. The producer earlier had protested booking of the picture by UA on the ground that the company has not straightened out its financial affairs. He also expressed the intention of disputing in court the company's releasing of his picture, his contract with UA notwithstanding. Eisenhower Telecast General Eisenhower's report on his military mission to Europe will be telecast tonight at Balaban and Katz Tivoli Theatre in Chicago. Theatre TV-equipped houses in New ^ York carrying the telecast are Fabian's Fox in Brooklyn and Palace in Brook- lyn; Century's Marine in Brooklyn and' Queens on Long Island, and RKO's Fordham in the Bronx record week! • dfHWPBW-—:- A Columbia Picture VSAN JERRY AT WAR WITH THE ARMV in fiersgn A Patamount Picture ElU FITZGERALD Steve Condos S Jeny Brandow tossfaetj Boyd Raebura JMRVEY STONE Midnight Ftolur* Nightly iff s Js?^ B ^ " DISTRIBUTED BY #F RKO RADIO PICTURES SHOT'S GLOBE B' WAY & 46lh ST. LIZABETH SCOTT JANE GREER DENNIS O'KEEFE "The Company She Keeps" • CRITERION Broadway at 45th Street mg\ Including Tax, to One P. M. 5UC Exc. Saturday, Sunday, Holidays Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane Editor; Terry ^^Tdffle cS ^^^L^^ MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, - "c:,rh~ "Avenue Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone ^ircie 7?" "fRrdv Secretary: mmmmmmmmmmmm Friday, February 2, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Coming Events Feb. 5 — IATSE general executive board mid-winter meeting, Santa Rita Hotel, Tucson. Feb. 5 — Theatre Owners of Okla- homa monthly board meeting; Oklahoma City. Feb. 6 — Allied Independent The- atre Owners of Wisconsin re- gional meeting, Hotel Lorraine, Madison. Feb. 8-9 — National Theatre Supply, District Sales Meeting, Hotel Hollander, Cleveland. Feb. 14 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Aster, New York. Feb. 14 — Allied States Association "Caravan Committee" meeting, Statler Hotel, Washington. Feb. 15-16 — Allied States Associa- tion board of directors annual mid-winter meeting, Statler Hotel, Washington. Feb. 18-25— "Brotherhood Week." Feb. 28 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. Swanson and Stewart Win 'Family' Awards Gloria Swanson and James Stewart take top honors as "best" actress and actor of 1950 in Harry Evans' annual "Family Circle Screen Awards" fea- ture, which appears in the February issue of the national grocery-distrib- uted magazine. Feb. 17 Set for Trust Suit Filing U pstate Albany, N. Y„ Feb. 1.— Fast The- atres, Inc., Loew's, RKO, Warner, Paramount, 20th Century-Fox, Uni- versal, Columbia, United Artists and Eagle Lion Classics, have received an extension until Feb. 17 to file answers in the anti-trust action brought in U. S. District Court here by Colony Theatre, Inc., of Schenectady, seeking to enjoin an alleged monopoly exer- cised there by Fabian on first-run product. Sued for $650,000 (Continued from page 1) run product. The theatre is said to have played as low as fourth run, but began to get first-run pictures from some companies in 1949. The suit alleges a conspiracy on the part of the defendants to show pictures in Fox theatres in Wichita before the plaintiff was permitted to play them. Attorneys for the plaintiff are Mor- ris and Laing of Wichita, and Sey- mour F. Simon of Chicago. Continues Mars' Suit Chicago, Feb. 1. — Federal Judge John Barnes has continued the $1,- 000,000 suit brought by Mars Music Co. against M-G-M and Louis B. Mayer and reset the case for trial March 1 before Federal Judge Phillip L. Sullivan. Snooproof Case Lost Salt Lake City, Feb. 1. — Federal Judge Willis W. Ritter has ruled against Henry S. Ungerleider and Snooproof Tickets in their suit against William J. Korth, 'collector of Internal Revenue in the Salt Lake office. In his ruling, Judge Ritter said there was no cause for action. Talk of Many Taxes, Silent on Tickets Washington, Feb. 1.— With President Truman slated to send his tax message to Con- gress tomorrow, Congres- sional sources are still bet- t'ng that an admission tax boost will not be proposed. So far, there has been talk of increased levies for autos, gas, tobacco and cigarettes, but no mention of a theatre tax. It is possible that the President will only hit tax highspots, leaving to Treas- ury Secretary Synder the task of filling in details when he testifiies before the House Ways and Mean Committee on Monday. Put N. Y. Reviewing Revenue at $342,000 Albany, Feb. 1. — Governor Dewey reported in his budget message to the Legislature that during the first ten months of the current fiscal year col- lections from the censors' reviewing fees were $342,000, "indicating a total revenue for 1950-51 of $400,000." He estimated that for 1951-52 the revenue would be "at the same figure as for 1950-51." Dewey said the reviewing fees aver- aged $350,000 in annual revenue dur- ing the three fiscal years 1946-49. "Last year it was $377,000," he said. Seeks Va. Insurance Hike Richmond, Feb. 1. — The Virginia Insurance Rating Bureau has applied to the State Corporation Commission for a 25 per cent rate increase in in- surance on motion picture theatres and contents. Virginia Motion Pic- ture Theatre Association's counsel, Robert T. Barton, Jr., has appeared on behalf of the association in opposi- tion to the increase. Griffis and MPEA (Continued from page 1) dieted recently that the situa- tion in Spain for American film companies would improve "now that a film man has been named Ambassador." Aside from the fact that film remit- tances have been frozen by the Franco government, there is a particularly frustrating problem there with respect to the system under which import li- censes are allocated. That system requires government is- suance of licenses to Spanish film producers exclusively, with the result that it is from those producers only that U. S. distributors can secure per- mits. The hardship for the Americans under the system is that they are more or less at the mercy of the Spanish film-makers who receive the licenses from the government on the basis of the quality of domestic pictures. If a Spanish picture is particularly pleas- ing to the government, the producer is awarded, by way of an expression of official appreciation, two or three licenses which he may dispose of as he pleases. Senate Okays Griffis Washington, Feb. 1. — The Senate, today confirmed Stanton Griffiis, chair- man of Paramount's executive com- mittee, as U. S. Ambassador to Spain. Raw Stock (Continued from page 1) all film exchange centers in the coun- try to instruct individual film handlers in methods of conservation and preser- vation of film. McCullough would start the prolonged, nationwide trip the moment the company approvals are received. The most efficient methods of care and handling of prints to preserve their usefulness and lengthen their life would be taught in addresses to back-room film exchange employes, shippers and others. In the studios, key officials are being- designated to direct conservation pro- grams in production, such as holding individual pictures to a film "ration" set in advance ; limitation of the num- ber of "takes" and other economy measures. The projects to be voluntarily ini- tiated by the industry have been re- ported to Nathan D. Golden, director of the National Production Author- ity's motion picture - photographic products division, in recent meetings. Individual companies also are tabulat- ing their volume of raw stock con- sumption for recent periods and estimating their probable future needs for eventual reports to MPPA, to pro- vide an over-all picture of the indus- try's raw stock situation in line with whatever developments the future may bring. Legion Reviews Nine; Three in Class "B" Nine additional features are listed by the National Legion of Decency, which classified three in Class "B," and the remainder in Class "A." Those in Class "B" include "The Mating Season," Paramount, "My Forbidden Past," RKO Pictures, and "The 13th Letter," 20th Century-Fox. Those in Class "A," Section I, in- clude : "Bedtime for Bonzo," Univer- sal-International, "Blue Blood," Mono- gram, and "Spoilers of the Plain," Republic. "Cause for Alarm," M-G-M, "Sugarfoot," Warner, and "Teresa," M-G-M, were listed in Class "A," Section II. Tatelman in New Post Hollywood, Feb. 1. — Harry Tatel- man of the Music Corp. of America, has been signed as RKO studio story editor, effective March 1. He suc- ceeds William Fadiman, who will be- come a production executive in charge of developing scripts from story prop- erties. Heralds for 'Army' More than 1,000,000 heralds on Para- mount's "At War with the Army" have been sold to exhibitors in the N. Y. Metropolitan area as part of a special campaign being conducted by the New York branch and organized by Henry Randel, local district man- ager. CCD Plan (Continued from page 1) make to the OCD program. "No one in the industry has to be the least bit apprehensive about the statement," it was declared. Officials said that the agency's top policy committee had gone over the prepared statement this morning and wanted to make revisions. However, they said, the changes would be more a matter of phrasing than of policy. NEWS in Brief . . . Hollywood, Feb. 1. — John Farrow, Paramount director and Commander in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, was invested yesterday with the insig- nia of Commander of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, at ceremonies at the home of Robert H. Hadow, Consul General of Great Britain. Lord Wakehurst, Lord Prior of the Order, made the presentation on behalf of the Duke of Gloucester, who is Grand Prior. • Hollywood, Feb. 1. — Johnny Mack Brown today signed a new long- term contract with Monogram to make six Westerns yearly, continu- ing the series he started in 1943. • Toronto, Feb. 1. — Two Interna- tional Variety officials from Pittsburgh, James G. Balmer, ceremonial officer, and George W. Eby, international dough guy, inducted the new crew of Toronto Tent No. 28 at a banquet here this week. The 1951 chief barker is John J. Chisholm, Associated Screen News, Toronto. Meanwhile, a Lady Barkers' Division of Toronto Variety is in process of organization under the direction of a committee of which C. S. Posen is chairman. • London, Feb. 1. — Associated Brit- ish Pictures has announced the decla- ration of a seven-and-one-half per cent interim dividend on ordinary shares for the year ending March, 1951. Amount of the dividend is the same as last year. • Hollywood, Feb. 1.— The Holly- wood Rotary Club will present its first "Sig Grauman Showmanship Award," established in memory of the late pioneer exhibitor, to Kro- ger Babb, president of Hallmark Productions, at a luncheon cere- mony in the Roosevelt Hotel here on Tuesday. • Negotiations for a new contract be- tween New York's Roxy Theatre and the American Guild of Variety Artists continued yesterday with the possibility of a strike in the offing- should no agreement be reached this weekend. The union is seeking wage increases for chorus members. - • Kansas City, Feb. 1. — Theatre lights ■ were dimmed here today be- cause of the shortage of electric cur- rent brought on by a power failure. 'IA' Board Meet (Continued from page 1) that Washington's promise of day-to- day alterations in the wage-price freeze structure ultimately will bring a thaw for film labor. Following the board meeting, which is expected to run all next week, Walsh will' go to Hollywood for con- ferences with Coast labor leaders. The Coast meetings are scheduled to be- gin on Feb. 12. Scheduled to attend the Tucson meetings, in addition to Walsh, who will preside, and Raoul, Brennan, and Shea, are the following : Harland Holmden, William P. Covert, Floyd M. Billingsley, Roger M. Kennedy, Felix D. Snow, Carl G. Cooper, Harry J. Abbott, Louise Wright, Wil- liam C. Scanlan, R. E. Morris and George W. Brayfield. Left, the Eastman 16mm. Projec- tor, Model 25, brings 16mm. pro- jection to the professional level. Shown here, adapted for arc illu- mination, permanently installed alongside 35mm. equipment. Below, working parts of the film move- ment mechanism are in constant view of the operator . . . readily accessible for threading and cleaning. The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25, adapted 1 for 1,000-watt | tungsten light. For Professional Quality Sound Projection from 16mm. Film The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25 The Kodak Projec- tion Ektar Lens, in a choice of four focal lengths, insures supe- rior screen image. This projection instrument — built to a new design concept — eliminates the three major obstacles to theatrical qual- ity 16mm. sound projection . . . exces- sive wear and high maintenance cost; low signal-to-noise ratio; and excessive flutter. A major cause of excessive wear and poor quality sound is the constant trans- fer of shock forces generated in the film pulldown mechanism to other parts of the system. In the Eastman 16mm. Pro- jector, Model 25, the intermittent (film advance mechanism) is completely iso- lated and independently driven by its own 1440 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Thus, shock forces are sealed off from the rest of the instrument. The sprocket- shutter system is driven by its own 1800 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Exact phas- ing between the two systems is accom- plished by specially designed synchro- mesh gears. In addition, the take-up spindle, rewind spindle, and blower are driven by separate motors. A highly corrected microscope ob- jective, adjustable for optimum sound quality from any type of 16mm. sound film, permits reproduction of variable area or variable density 16mm. sound tracks at extremely low distortion and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio. To get the best out of any 16mm. sound film, project it on an Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25. For in- formation on installation, availability, and prices, write directly to the Mo- tion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y., or any branch office. Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y. East Coast Division 342 Madison Avenue New York 17, N. Y. Midwest Division 137 North Wabash Avenue Chicago 1, Illinois West Coast Division 6706 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood 38, California VOL. 69. NO. 25 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1951 TEN CENTS Price Freeze Applies to Raw Stock Ceiling Is Top Price Between Dec. 19-Jan. 25 Washington, Feb. 4. — The Of- fice of Price Stabilization has is- sued an opinion stating that raw film is definitely under the price freeze order now in effect. In a series of questions and answers relating to the film in- dustry, the OPS said t he exemp- tion from the freeze applied only to rental and admission prices, while the cost of equip- ment and raw film stock defi- nitely came under the price freeze. This means that no more can be charged than the highest price in effect for the particular item between Dec. 19. and Jan. 25. 'Phonevision Is No Threat': Rembusch Pittsburgh, Feb. 4. — "Phonevision is no threat to the exhibitor," True- man Rembusch, president of Allied States Association, declares in a mes- sage prepared for the Allied MPTO of Western Pennsylvania, which is being circulated by the latter to its members. Rembusch's opinion coincides with that of a cross-section of the indus- try in New York, as reported by Motion Picture Daily at the close of the first month of the current 90- day test of Phonevision, now under- way in Chicago. It is reported that Albert Sindlinger, (Continued on page 3) Chicago Subsequents To Get 3 Loop Hits Chicago, Feb. 4. — Three of the Loop's current box-office hits will go into neighborhood first-runs within the next two weeks. The neighbor- hood houses will increase advertising for all three in an effort to recoup losses incurred this week by below- zero temperatures and snow storms. M-G-M's "Kim," now in its fourth week at the Grand, will open Friday at 18 theatres. "Kim" drew $29,000 in its first week, $19,000 in the second, (Continued on page 3) See UPT Earnings Highest in Industry Wall Street sources are es- timating United Paramount Theatres' earnings for 1950, its first year of operation, at approximately $12,300,000. The company's annual report is not expected until late next month but if the forecasts prove accurate the figure would make UPT's earnings the highest in the industry for last year. The estimated figure in- cludes sales of assets re- quired by the Paramount con- sent decree, but also reflects earnings of considerably few- er theatres than were affili- ated with Paramount up to 1950. Pickford to Speak At Edison Luncheon Mary Pickford will be a speaker at a luncheon commemorating the 60th anniversary of the patenting of the motion picture camera by Thomas Alva Edison and also observing the 104th anniversary of the late inventor. The luncheon, to be held next Sat- urday at New York's Hotel Astor, is sponsored by the Edison Pioneers, or- ganized in 1918 and comprised of early associates of Edison and their descend- ants. Delegates from the motion pic- ture industry are expected to attend and representatives of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, the Motion Picture Association of Amer- ica and the Motion Picture Pioneers have been invited. Although the first motion pictures were taken in 1889, Edison did not patent his equipment until July 31, 1891. Commemorative events, organ- ized each year by the Edison Pioneers (Continued on page 3) NEW TAX UNLIKELY FOR ADMISSIONS W. Virginia Owners To Fight Tax Bid Charleston, W. Va., Feb. 4 — A state legislative proposal to permit municipalities to impose a four per cent tax on all amusement admissions is being protested by the West Vir- ginia Allied Theatres Association. Fred L. Helwig of Charleston, asso- ciation president, warns that the pro- posed new levy would "very adversely affect" motion picture theatres in the state. He pointed out that theatres "are now collecting a 20 per cent Fed- eral tax, plus a two per cent state tax. They are also paying, in most in- stances, a city and state gross sales tax, plus city and state licenses." "Theatres have been unable to raise prices to keep up with rising costs of films, equipment, payrolls, transporta- tion of films and other services be- cause they have been saddled with the 20 per cent Federal tax eight or nine years which makes the total price of the admission ticket barely within reach of the average moviegoer." 'Brotherhood Week' Prospects Bright First reports on the mass meetings of film industry employes being held in all exchange cities in support of "Brotherhood Week," Feb. 18-25, in- dicate that this year's campaign "will be one of the most successful in the history of the National Conference of Christians and Jews which annually sponsors the observance," it was dis- j closed here at the weekend by a spokesman for the drive. Wires and letters from exchange (Continued on page 3) New Video Program Will Show Viewers What Pictures Are Playing — and Where A six times per week 15-minute television program to inform the vjewer of the films playing at his local theatres and to tell him something about them is being packaged by The Demby Co. here under the title, "What's Playing." Almost all major and independent companies have promised to provide two to four-minute clips from new product, according to Emanuel Demby, president of the company, and it is also planned to use stars for ' personal appearances" on the show. Under the plan as set up, the "plugs" for both pictures and theatres would be gratis, with returns for the program coming from advertising sponsors and a merchandising tie-in, according to Demby. The program will be available both locally and on a syndicated basis, he said. The first show is expected to be ready late in March or early in April. 'Carrying Their Share Now,' Treasury Official Says; May Tax TV Sets Washington, Feb. 4. — With Treasury Secretary Snyder sched- uled to appear before the House Ways and Means Committee to- morrow to fill in details of the Ad- ministration's tax program, the best betting is still that the Administration will not seek an increase in the ad- mission tax. One high Treasury official said that the feeling was that general admission events al- ready are carrying their share, especially in view of the in- creasing competition from tele- vision. In fact, the film industry may even get a helping hand from the Adminis- tration tomorrow, it being reliably re- (Continued on page 3) MPA Prepares 'Art' Theatre Directory { Complete data on every so-called "art theatre" in the United States is being compiled and will be published by the Motion Picture Association 01 America's advisory unit for foreign films as a further service to producers abroad endeavoring to expand their American market. The MPA A unit, headed by Ber- nard B. Kreisler, will send out ques- tionnaires to the owners and operators of all "art" theatres, designed to ob- tain the fullest available information concerning the operations, the individ- ual theatres, their seating capacities, admission scales, type and amount of (Continued on page 3) Dickson New Liaison For MPA with U. S. Washington, Feb. 4. — Cecil Dick- son has resigned as Coordinator of Information for the House of Repre- sentatives to take a post with the Mo- tion Picture Association of America as special assistant to president Eric A. Johnston, now on leave serving with the Economic Stabilization Agency as director. Dickson will act as MPAA's liaison with members of Congress and with government agencies and will also (Continued o-n page 3) 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 5, 1951 Poll, TOA Sampling On Arbitration Jibe The results of Motion Pic- ture Herald's recent poll of exhibitors on the desirability of arbitration for intra-in- dustry dispute jibe with the results of investigations con- ducted nationally by Theatre Owners of America execu- tives, Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel, reported here at the weekend. The Herald poll, reported on Jan. 27, indicated that 89 per cent of exhibitors were in favor of arbitration. Levy said he and Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, ar- rived at the same percentage figure following a year's on- the-spot sampling of exhibi- tor opinion. Personal Mention New Name for NAB Includes Television Washington, Feb. 4. — The National Association of Broadcasters' board of directors, meeting in Belleair, Fla., has suggested a new name — National As- sociation of Radio and Television Broadcasters — and three separate boards of directors. One would be for radio, one for television, and the third for joint matters. NAB president Justin Miller has asked he he allowed to resign so that he could head the new outfit, it was disclosed. The proposal is still sub- ject to approval of the NAB mem- bership, which will vote within a month. The Television Broadcasters Association recently voted to combine with the NAB. SPYROS P. SKOURAS, president of 20th Century-Fox, and Charles P. Skouras, president of National Theatres, are scheduled to leave here tomorrow by plane for Zurich, Switz- erland. • Thomas McKenna, of Quigley Publications business department, has resigned and will join the New York Yankees as a rookie pitcher assigned to the Yankee's Springfield, Mass., farm team. He will train in Florida and Arizona. • Monroe Fass, president of Fass and Wolper, theatre brokers, is to be the recipent of the "Alumni Service Medal" from the City College of New York for distinguished service to the college. Frank L. McNamee, United Art- ists president, was tendered a birth- day luncheon by company staffers last Friday. His birthday was the follow- ing day. HUGH OWEN ern sales division manager, is due to return here and Atlanta. Paramount East- er, is due today from Charlotte Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of United Paramount Theatres, ac- companied by Simon B. Siegel, comp- troller, and Albert Sicignano, ad- ministrator, left here yesterday on a three-week trip through the West. • Jacqueline Dorothy Harvey, daughter of George William Harvey of Paramount's advertising-publicity department, was married to Howard Joseph Smidt in New York recently. • Al Schuman, general manager of the Hartford Theatre Circuit, and his wife are slated to return to Hartford soon from a Florida vacation. • Donald Measer has been appointed tnanager of Shea's North Park, Buf- falo, N. Y., succeeding Stanley Mittlefehld, resigned. Newsreel Parade Century Employes Alerted on TV A letter of information to aid cir- cuit employes in combating television competition is being distributed by Century Theatres here. Five major points concerning TV as entertainment as compared to motion pictures are discussed. They are : Television's cost, its ef- fect on children in relation to educa- tion, the size of the screen, TV's lack of a code similar to the motion pic- ture Production Code, and the cost of TV commercials. The sixth and final point affirms that many good motion pictures are being made and lists 17 top current features. Crabbe Sues Pathe in TV Film Pact Dispute Citing Pathe Industries, Inc., for $500,000 alleged damages and 11 other defendants for $250,000 each, actor Larry (Buster) Crabbe filed in U. S. District Court here at the weekend a breach-of-contract action charging un- authorized TV distribution of West- erns he made under an agreement with Sig Neufield in 1943. Others named as defendants are : Television Station WPIX, Alan B. Du- Mont Laboratories, American Broad- casting, Columbia Broadcasting, Na- tional Broadcasting, J. Walter Thomp- son Agency, New York District Ford Dealers, Tele-Radio, Inc., Film Vision Corp., Wilton Pictures, and Associ- ated Artists Productions. The plain- tiff, claiming he was entitled to five per cent of the net profits from the film, charges that Pathe failed to give an accounting after taking the pictures over from Neufield. Heller & Co. Earnings Up Sharply in 1950 Chicago^, Feb. 4. — Walter E. Heller and Co., Chicago and New York fac- tors, report earnings for 1950 of $1,- 148,567, equal to $2.63 a share on out- standing common stock, compared with 11,779, or $1.90 a share, for the preceding year. Heller and Co. would provide financing for United Artists under terms of a deal now in negotia- tion. New high records were set in almost every phase of the company's opera- tions, according to Walter E. Heller, president. Total gross income amount- ed to $5,519,131, against $4,075,480 for the previous year. Book value of com- mon stock at the end of 1950, after a 10 per cent stock dividend, was $15.14 a share, compared with $14.94 a share at the end of 1949. Five Kansas City Houses Order TV Kansas City, Feb. 4. — Five thea- tre television equipment systems have been ordered for Kansas City theatres, it was disclosed here by Elmer C. Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest Theatres, Inc. In a speech before the local real estate board, Rhoden predicted that theatre television would be installed on a large scale in this area when suitable air-bands will be allocated, allowing theatres to show sporting- events such as the football bowl games at moderate prices. Para.-Brandt Parleys Seek Suit Settlement Negotiations are continuing between attorneys for Brandt Theatres and Paramount Pictures with a view to reaching an out-of-court settlement of the percentage action which the latter filed here two years ago, it was indi- cated at the weekend. The original complaint, listing- Harry, Louis, Bernard and William Brandt, charged inaccuracies in box office reports, and was accompanied by a demand for $563,265 in alleged dam- ages. It was indicated that the de fendants initiated the talks looking to a conciliated settlement. GEN. EISENHOWER'S report to Congress and the UN brand- ing Red China guilty of aggression are current newsreel highlights. Other items include the Navy's 40 years in aviation, sports and fashions. Com- plete contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 11— Gen. Eis- enhower tells Congress about his tour. UN brands Communist China an aggressor. Latest films from Korea. Navy marks 40 years of aviation. Ski jumping, horse rac- ing, bob-sledding. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 244 — Arm Europe to save U. S., Eisenhower says. Operation Orphan saves Korea waifs. Speaker Rayburn hailed. March of Dimes glamor parade. Racing in Egypt. Bob-sled- ding in Alps. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 48— Bob-sled- ding. Foreign correspondents present merit awards. Sam Rayburn sets record as House Speaker. Gen. Eisenhower urges U. S. help to rearm Europe. Brand Red China aggres- sor. Korea orphans. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 5A — Tele- news surveys the tasks facing Gen. Eisen- hower and reviews the background of to- day's crisis. UNIVERSAL NEWSv No. 427— Gen. Eis- enhower reports to Congress. Says Red China is guilty of aggression. Sam Rayburr. honored. March of Dimes fashion show. Korea refugees given sanctuary. Sport's: skiing. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 50-Gen. Eisenhower reports, "We can do the job." UN condemns Red China. Korea: orphans find sanctuary. Sam Rayburn sets all-time mark as House Speaker. Navy aviation marks 40th anniversary. Skiing. Holds Theatre Bingo Is Illegal in S. D. Sioux Falls, S. D., Feb. 4. — A bingo game conducted as an added feature to a theatre program is an illegal lottery in South Dakota, it was ruled by State Attorney General Ralph Dunham. The opinion was directed to States' Attorney Richard Bielski of Sioux Falls, who had asked if a bingo game set up in the lobby of a theatre, and to be played free, would be illegal. Hope Air Force Show Draws 'Price9 Protest Hollywood, Feb. 4. — The Holly- wood Co-ordinating Committee, which clears all talent furnishing free enter- tainment to military establishments, has dispatched a letter to Major Gen- eral Edward F. Witsell, Adjutant General, U. S. Army, protesting the action by the Air Force Command at Cbanute Field, Illinois, in alledgedly charging enlisted personnel $1.50 each to attend a performance by Bob Hope. Hope, on learning an admission had been charged, filed a protest with AFRA. The committee letter said the practice of charging admission is in violation of an agreement by which talent is supplied gratis. At Scout Jamboree Bob Hope, James Stewart, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will be among the featured performers in a special NBC broadcast from the Boy Scout Jamboree in Shrine Auditorium, Holly- wood, next Saturday. McCullough to Canada In line with the exchange-of-infor mation policy prevailing between, the Motion Picture Association of Amer- ica and the National Film Board of Canada, John B. McCullough, MPAA director of conservation, will leave here today for Ottawa. Sets 7 Bookings For UA's 'Fury' First seven playdates for the na- tional release of Robert Stillman's "The Sound of Fury" have been set, with the first booking at tht Astor in Boston on Thursday. Openings to follow are : the Palace, Memphis, Saturday ; Colonial, Read- ing, and Regent, Harrisburg, Feb. 15 ; Kimo, Albuquerque, Feb. 22 ; Earle, Philadelphia, Feb. 28, and the United Artists, San Francisco, March 1. Eases Wage Freeze; Merit Raises Okay Washington, Feb. 4.— The Wage Stabilization Board has relaxed its freeze order to allow companies to resume payments of length-of -service and merit salary increases. The order affects the film in- dustry as well as other in- dustries. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye Consulting Editor Published daily . ««Pt Saturdays. Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefe er Center, New York 20, N. Y Telephone CIrc le 7-3100 Cable address^ ^WPg™. New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Thee, J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer Leo *wetzry Tames P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fause , Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Bu.la.ng VVilha^m R Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South' LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J A_ O en Nat ,on I Press ' ^ W^^'p^u^ London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl ; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Qmgpubco, London Other Quigley P ubhcafao n*-"$™ ™™£ Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 1.3 times a year as a section of Motion Picture. Herald ; International Mot on Picture Almanac Fame Enter ed as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Monday, February 5, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Ga. Facing Censor Board, $2 Reel Tax Atlanta, Feb. 4.— A bill to set up state censorship of motion pictures and stage productions, has been intro- duced in the State Senate by Sen. Charles A. Coffin of Richmond. If would establish a three-man board to be ap- pointed by the governor, one of the three serving as full- time director at a salary not to exceed $7,500 a year. A tax of $2 per 1,000 feet of film would pay the cost of the board. New Tax Unlikely (Continued from page 1) ported that Snyder will ask Congress to boost the manufacturers' excise tax on television sets from 10 per cent to a substantial 25 per cent as a means of conserving valuable materials. One cloud on the horizon, however, is that the Administration may seek higher excises on photographic ap- paratus and on raw stock. Naturally, all companies will be affected by the plan to boost the top corporate rate to 55 per cent and all individuals will be hurt by the projected four- point boost all along the line in the individual income tax rate. The President, in his tax message on Friday, was vague on details, leav- ing them for Snyder to fill in tomor- row. Truman merely sketched the need for quick Congressional action, and then gave the over-all figures. In asking for another $3,000,000,000 a year from excises, the President said he wanted "increases in selective ex- cises, concentrated upon less essential consumer goods and upon goods which use materials that will be in short supply." The President specifically sug- gested that Congress boost the capital gains tax, and promised to step up the Administration's tax enforcement program. Though the President asked for speed, Congress is likely to take its time on the bill, and many key Ad- ministration officials feel that Truman will be lucky if the tax increase is on the books by July 1. Film on Golfer to Bow at Ft. Worth The world premiere of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Follow the Sun," based on the story of Ben Hogan, will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, late in February. It will be followed by openings in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. Expected to be on hand for the opening will be Glenn Ford and Anne Baxter, who have the principal roles in the film. Reviews "The Groom Wore Spurs Edison Luncheon (Continued from page 1) and the Thomas Alva Edison Founda- tion on or about Feb. 11, the date of Edison's birth, will this year feature the achievements of Edison in the mo- tion picture field. Miss Pickford and Spyros P'. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, are trustees of the Edi- son Foundation. ( U niversal-I nternational ) WHAT promised in the opening scene of "The Groom Wore Spurs" to be a rollicking- satire on the off-screen life of Hollywood's cowboy heroes soon turned out to be another of those romantic comedies which depend mainly on slapstick and horseplay. What is regrettable about the picture's taking that turn is that a squandering of the talents of stars Ginger Rogers and Jack Carson was inevitable. Miss Rogers and Carson deserve better material than that provided here. But once in a while the story — about a lady lawyer and the horse opera star whose gambling indebtedness she undertakes to eliminate without pay- ment of an "LO.U." goes in for a bit of broad lampooning that rates appre- ciative chuckles. For example, Carson is portrayed as being wholly fearful of horses off-screen ; he shouts during a real life fistic encounter that he can't manage the bout without his double ; he is revealed to be a singing cowboy who can't render a note without a dubbed in voice. Miss Rogers, who fell in love with the star and married him during a trip to Las Vegas, is called upon to gaze dreamily at him most of the time. She continues to love him notwithstanding disclosure upon disclosure of his character weaknesses. Finally, the writers contrived a robbery situation in which Carson gets a chance to show himself to be a hero after all. The film marks the return to the screen of Joan Davis who, as an ungainly companion of Miss Rogers, has the best gag lines and comedy chores and therefore comes in for the lion's share of chuckles. Also in supporting roles are Stanley Ridges, James Brown, John Litel, Victor Sen Yung and others. A Fidelity Pictures Production, the film was produced by Howard Welsch and directed by Richard Whorf, from a script by Robert Carson, Robert Libott and Frank Burt. The screenplay was based on a Collier's Magazine story by Robert Carson. Running time, 80 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not set. Charles L. Franke "Vengeance Valley" ( Me tro-Go Idzvyn-Mayer) A VIGOROUS, top-grade outdoor action drama in Technicolor has been turned out by M-G-M in "Vengeance Valley." Burt Lancaster and Robert Walker head the cast as foster brothers who strike sparks at each encounter with other performers, including Joanne Dru and Sally Forrest. The production treatment is generous, with eye-filling vistas amply presented. The screenplay, by Irving Ravetch, has an unusual basis of motivation, stamping it for adult audiences. The action revolves around a child born out- of-wedlock to Miss Forrest, and the consequent determination of her two brothers, John Ireland and Hugh O'Brian, to avenge the deed. Actually, the father of the child is Walker, a no-good wastrel whom Lancaster has protected many times. Somehow the vengeance-bent brothers suspect Lancaster of being the father of the child and set about to kill him. Along the way Walker cowardly and connivingly plays his cards so that he can reap the best harvest in all respects, and that includes a ranch, a one-half interest of which belongs to Lancaster. As it should be, there is an abundance of shooting, hard-riding, fisticuffs and action in the story. Added plot angles include cattle rustling and a gruelling winter roundup. In a showdown battle in which Walker overdoes his skullduggery, Lancaster finally kills him. Thus the romantic way is paved for Lancaster and Miss Dru, the much-abused wife of Walker. Despite some seamy human relationships, the story is presented in good taste. Richard Thorpe directed and Nicholas Nayfack produced. The original story by Luke Short was serialized in the_ Saturday Evening Post. Running time, 83 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, Feb_ 16. Mandel Herbstman Phonevision (Continued from page 1) audience research specialist, who was retained by Paramount to observe the Phonevision test on the scene, ex- pressed a similar view in a report made to Paramount recently. Rembusch observes that Skiatron is more of a potential threat to exhibi- tion than Phonevision, "because it eliminates expensive phone lines" used by the latter. Neither system in itself, he believes, need worry exhibitors so long as film producers and distributors refrain from "chasing gold." He im- plies he does not believe the latter will find Phonevision very attractive, pointing out the lack of control over Phonevision audiences and the avail- ability of simple, marketable devices which, he says, will permit those who wish to slip in the back door of the Phonevision theatre without paying. Films to be offered to the 300 Phonevision test families in Chicago during the seventh week of the ex- Chicago Subsequents (Continued from page 1) and $14,000 in the third. On Feb. 16, Universal-Internation- al's "Tomahawk," now in a second week at the Chicago, will open at 18 houses. Hypoed by world premiere promotion, the film did a big $52,000 in its first week. Twentieth-Century-Fox's "Halls of Montezuma," which, as previously re- ported, took in $36,000 for its first week at the State Lake and $24,000 in its second, will open at 16 houses on Friday. periment starting next Sunday are : "Wuthering Heights," released by United Artists in 1939, now RKO ; "Killer McCoy," M-G-M, 1947 ; "Jun- gle Flight," Paramount, 1947 ; "Un- dercover Maisie," M-G-M, 1947 "Woman in White," Warner, 1947 "Murder, My Sweet," RKO, 1944 "If Winter Comes," M-G-M, 1947 "The Westerner," RKO, 1940; "The Spanish Main," RKO, 1945. Tenn. Theatres Aid Victims of Storm Nashville, Feb. 4. — Theatres here were almost without patronage for the past four days as a 10-inch snow left 20,000 homes without electric current for heat, light and cooking. Crescent Amuse- ment's Melrose and Bell Mead amusement centers, centrally-heated and with their own electric power, fur- nished heat, shelter and food for hundreds of people. Normal operation of the- atres is not seen for another day or two with drive-ins out indefinitely. MPA Prepares (Continued from page 1) product used, length of runs and con- siderable other data. The information will be published in booklet form and will be offered for sale to producers and distributors of foreign films, similar to the prepara- tion and sale of MPAA's U. S. stand- ard theatre directories of several years ago. However, whereas a nominal charge was made for the latter, the price of the "art" theatre directory will be high enough to aid materially in offsetting the cost of its preparation. Dickson New Liaison (Continued from page 1) carry out special projects for Johnston and for Joyce O'Hara, now running the MPAA in Johnston's absence. It is reported that Dickson will re- ceive $25,000 a year in his new post. 'Brotherhood Week' (Continued from page 1) cities throughout the country have been pouring into the New York office of Charles Reagan, national chairman of the Brotherhood Week committee, reporting 100 per cent at- tendance and "unbounded enthusiasm at practically every meeting," it was said. "Objective of the industry drive this year is to have every employee join in the campaign not only with a finan- cial contribution but with a conscious realization of his duty as a citizen." FLY UNITED' 'S TO HAWAII! JUST 23 V2 HRS. Fly the finest of all Strato- cruisers direct to Hawaii from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Connecting DC-6 Mainliner 300s from New York. UNITED AIR LINES Current Observations National Screen Service is currently running a series of trade ads which emphasize a resumption or expan- sion of many of the old reliable methods of show-selling — such as more posting, greater use of heralds, window cards, etc. Since this is right in line with what we have been hammering away at on this page for the last few years— or more specifically, since receipts first started to fall off — we are in complete accord with the NSS campaign and the company deserves much credit for this series of advertisements. There are many other avenues for going after busi- ness than those covered by these particular ads and we are hoping that the thousands of theatremen reached by STR will start to pay attention to vital importance of more aggressive showmanship through the medium of stronger merchandising methods than has been the cas< or some years. With hectic fluctuations iij^ and varied actorc ce'jpts, wide rntories, old hai Until someone can j ae, we can only hop* and widely divef rade of doing e Iflfeneafy days and porta nc| tion of 1 predict terials wi What turers are Be able to to supph tions pre able to they all We in thi ness a brj hi e has soundc maintain inj tre's eqt i.restf!C to the tOt liks as t\ busine: xhibito uring r that I n!y start i ighty fev (th of the it (y start how outlook, and nothing but fi 6 an unbalanced s ^greater importanc ian to take careful aintain his busines fere appears to be ens, 'around. can t even guess em'w^»^£|£«ai In areas where receipts have g; a strong picture coml^^!^^2^^0^R^s|jfys'^??:o5s,, tnat sometir^i ja^k^tth^^^r^ fiAtrlaok mild. To whjc the a v e ILw m so rna s but one ans^r. tures! But even that ar^um, film that appears to^fifc a big draw in tm* fie? dies in the surburbjn have been d^stt Jgfoss ;, To wnica^* flfiP^en/a e surotiroan C4* h many y< mark recen siness is alw£. toJiim Mat instead of ie might rather ad pnasize th^good th er critk ision pe< r#Jf time t junior might be sloi video shows — they kepJ nflnonflL SERVICE of me mo us try "toots MOTION PICTURE | air j news TT% ATT "^7" MAIL EDITION TODAY DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 26 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1951 TEN CENTS IA -SOPEG Strife Flames Anew in N. Y. NLRB Action on Issue At Para. Opens Contest Action taken in Washington yes- terday by the National Labor Re- lations Board relative to Screen Employes Guild's control over Para- mount's home office "white collar" workers appeared certain to set off a broad scale jurisdictional "war" in- volving Screen Office and Professional Employee Guild on the one hand and IATSE Home Office Employes Local No. H-63 on the other. The NRLB threw out SEG's motion for dismissal of a board order that the union prove that it had not lost its identity by joining the Distributive, Proc- essing and Office Workers of America. The NLRB had re- quired the proof in order to release to the SEG (now SOPEG) the certification which {Continued on page 10) Congress Told Admission Tax Is 'High Enough' Now Washington, Feb. 5. - In- dicating a tightening in National Production Au- thority policy, 13 exhib- itor appeals for permis- sion to build and remodel theatres on hardship grounds were rejected to- day by NPA. The Authority approved 10 appeals, but this was the first time rejections exceeded ap- provals . Washington, Feb. 5. - The MPAA has protested to the State Department the un- authorized showing in the Soviet Union of "The Crowd Roars," a 1938 M-G-M film on prize-fighting star- ring Robert Taylor. It is the third film reported to be shown in Russia with- out authorization. The others are "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," both of them under protest. Clear Skies Revive NY Grosses; Roxy Big with 'Mister' Snow and icy conditions hit atten- dance at Broadway's theatres during the latter part of last week but the skies cleared by Friday evening and business at the weekend was generally good. The conclusion of the first school semester gave high school stu- dents free time on Wednesday, Thurs- day and Friday and many of the hardy youngsters braved the storm to help compensate at box offices for the slow nights. "Call Me Mister" opened at the Roxy in a near-blizzard, but the pic- ture, aided by Danny Kaye on stage, gave the house $18,000, its biggest opening day in two years — since the last time, in fact that Kaye appeared in person. The show piled up $93,000 (.Continued on page 7) Interest Shown in Allied's Bid Plan Washington, Feb. 5. — Distributors are showing interest in Allied States Association's proposals to change the competitive bidding provisions of the Paramount case decrees, but "there's noting definite yet." That was the word from general counsel Abram F. Myers. He said that most of the companies were say- (Continued on page 10) Treasury Secretary Snyder, in Tax Message, Says No Increase Sought Now; Proposes a 25 Per Cent Excise Tax on Television Sets Theatres Can Stay Open In Emergencies, CDA Says Washington, Feb. 5. — The Civilian Defense Administration today officially declared that it has not recommended that exhibitors close their theatre doors in periods of national emer- gency. The Agency admitted that in gen- eral it does not want the public to gather in large numbers in any area or building when an enemy attack is likely to come within a matter of hours. However, officials made it plain that this was true for all public buildings, not only theatres, and jthat (Continued on page 7) By J. A. OTTEN Washington, Feb. 5. — Secretary of the Treasury Snyder told Congress today that he feels that the 20 per cent admission tax is high enough for now and that the Treasury does not seek any boost in this tax at present. Opening hearings before the House Ways and Means committee, Snyder filled in the details of the President's program of raising over $10,000,000,000 a year in new Federal revenue. Two other taxes highly impor- tant to the film industry would also be left unchanged in the Administra- tion's program, the 25 per cent manu- facturers excise on photographic apparatus and 15 per cent manufac- turers levy on rawstock. In fact, the industry fared quite well throughout the pro- gram. Not only were its own taxes left off the list marked for increases, but its biggest competitor, television, was nom- inated for a sizeable tax boost. The Administration urged that Congress increase from 10 per cent to 25 per cent the manu- facturers excise on television sets, radios, phonographs and records. The film industry would also be aided by new 20 per cent excises on rates for bowling alleys, billiard tables and golf green fees. Treasury officials said there had been complaints from theatre owners that the present very low tax on bowling alleys and billiard tables (only $20 a year per alley or table), and the tax-free status of golf fees constituted unfair competition for the film industry. They said the new taxes on these items plus the stiff TV tax would "help equalize the com- petitive situation in the entertainment field." Of course, the fact that the Admin- (Continaed on page 10) Compo 'Gratified' Over Tax Status; Mayer Cites Work The Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations is "naturally gratified that the Treasury's tax recommendations contemplate no new tax burdens on our industry," Arthur L. Mayer, COMPO executive vice-president, de- clared here yesterday upon being ap- prised of Treasury Secretary John Snyder's disclosures in Washington. "For th's," Mayer said, "the whole industry can thank the COMPO taxation and legisla- tive committee which did such magnificent work in Washing- ton last spring." He cited the committee members individu- ally: chairman Abram F.Myers, Gael Sullivan, Julian Brylawski, Art Arthur, the late Carter (Continued on page 10) Loew's Option Plan Up to Stockholders Election of 11 directors and voting on a plan under which six key execu- tives will receive options on a total of 250,000' shares of common stock will be the principal business at Loew's annual stockholders meeting here on March 15. Part of the stock option plan includes extension of existing (Continued on page 3) Shift Divisions in Loew's Realignment A realignment of out-of-town cir- cuit divisions of Loew's Theatres was made at a meeting of division man- agers held here over the weekend, it was announced yesterday by Joseph (Continued on page 3) Personal Mention th. keynote speech of "Brotherhood Week," in a special Coast-to-Coast broadcast over ABC on Feb. 18. j^RIC JOHNSTON wiU deliver v- Maurice A. Bergman, Universal home office executive, will address a Publicity Club luncheon in Chicago on Thursday and on Saturday he will be guest speaker at the annual Variety Club dinner in Cincinnati, at which Vance Schwartz will be re-installed as chief barker. Montague Salmon, managing di- rector of New York's Rivoli Theatre, has received Cuba's highest honor, the Order of Merit Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, "in recognition of outstand- ing services toward inter-American understanding, friendship and solidar- ity." Harry M. Warner was host at a luncheon at Warner Brothers Coast studio recently honoring Ireland's Am- bassador to the United States, John J. Hearne. • Jacques Grinieff, independent film distributor, returned to New York yesterday from the Coast where he met recently with Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin on the United Art- ists situation. A. A. Collins, musical director for Imperadio Pictures will arrive here today from Europe aboard 5". S. Queen Mary. Dick Sheil, motion picture repre- sentative of Good Housekeeping mag- azine, has delayed his New York-to- Hollywood trip until the week-end. • Al Lowe, general manager of United Artists' foreign department, and Mrs. Lowe will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary today. • F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal Southern and Canadian sales manager, is due to leave here today for New Orleans. • John F. Joostes, who operates the Neil Theatre, Cincinnati, recently cele- brated his 81st birthday. • Syd Gross is in St. Louis from New York on business. He will return in about two weeks. Benedict Bogeaus_ is in New York from Hollywood for conferences with Eagle Lion Classics executives. • Jules Lapidus, Warner's Eastern and Canadian sales manager, left New York yesterday for Philadelphia. G. M. Montanini, 71 London, Feb. 5. — G. M. Montanini, 71, veteran British exhibitor of Man- chester, who was general manager of the H. D. Moorhouse circuit of 48 theatres, died recently. Insider's Outlook -By RED KANN tin renume THERE was flavor of the man-bites-dog routine in Iz Rappaport's boost of "Born Yesterday" via paid space in Motion Picture Daily and Motion Picture Herald last week. Columbia has been record- ing the reverberations ever since and never had a happier chore. By this time everyone is fa- miliar with telegrams from ex- cited exhibitors to excited sales managers reporting performance on one attraction or another. It is a standard form of advertis- ing. Not so in Rappaport's case. He wrote the copy, and or- dered, inserted and paid for the space. Moreover, he did so un- der his own reconnaisance be- cause, as he told the world, "Suddenly I'm a happy guy." Why? Because the seats in his Town Theatre in Baltimore were now in regular contact with the customers. They haven't been empty for three weeks and, if all goes well, won't be for two more, at least. "I know that gloom sometimes gets so thick you can't cut it with a knife. Now I know what to cut it with," he said in paid space. "You cut it with a little dilly called 'Born Yesterday.' That's all, brother. Just 'Born Yesterday.' " Others are sharing Rappa- port's pleasure, it's a pleasure to be able to report. Not within the easy memory of contemporary man, or approximately thereof, is a parallel of the experience of the RKO Orpheum in New Or- leans where this attraction is now in its third week and yes- terday voted in a fourth. At the Victoria, New York, the run is in its seventh stanza. Ditto at the Pantages in Hollywood. The Orpheum in San Francisco al- ready has logged a fifth. Television or no television, an attraction remains an attraction. Paramount, and a flock of ex- hibitors, is in the dead center of an exhilarating experience, too, with "At War with the Army." This stars Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, was produced by Abner Greshler and acquired by Paramount. Now rolling toward the end of its second week at the Broadway Paramount, this war comedy did an astonishing $19,- 149 last Saturday. Scurrying through records, the Paramount boys are hunting fev- erishly for yardsticks. They say the best they've been able to do is to compare their current excite- ment with their best grossing black-and-white film of the last decade. Credit part of this to understandable enthusiasm and the rest of it to finger-snapping in the face of facts which include a little job released in 1944. "Going My Way" was its title. When you cut through some of the hurrahs, you find the comparison is more in line with "The Paleface," which did about $4,500,000 in the United States and around $5,000,000 if you add Canada. Since every distributor keeps graphs, charts and crystal balls and has a way of drawing an accurate bead on final tallies on the basis of performance in the early weeks of release, Para- mount's computation machine comes up with the forecast that "At War with the Army" will do a domestic gross of about $4,000,000, provided- Provided, the attraction main- tains its established pace. Even Paramount won't guarantee that. Coming Events Feb. 6 — Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin regional meeting, Hotel Lorraine, Madi- son. Feb. 8 — Associated Motion Picture Advertisers luncheon - meeting- tribute to Harry A. McWilliams,, AM PA president, Trader Tom Restaurant, 12:30, New York. Feb. 8-9 — National Theatre Supply district sales meeting, Hotel Hol- lander, Cleveland. Feb. 10 — Edison Pioneers anniver- sary luncheon, Hotel Astor, New York. Feb. 14 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. Feb. 14 — Allied States Association, Caravan Committee meeting, Statler Hotel, Washington. Feb. 15-16 — Allied States Associa-i tion board of directors annual mid-winter meeting, Statler Ho- tel, Washington. Feb, 18-25 — "Brotherhood Week." Feb. 28 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 14 — Allied Rocky Mountain Independent Theatres directors^ meeting, Denver. March 14 — Cinema Stamp Collec- tors meeting, Hotel Astor, New' York. March 18-20 — Theatre Owners of Oklahoma annual convention, Biltmore Hotel, Oklahoma City. March 22 — Academy of Motion Pic- ture Arts and Sciences 23rd an- nual presentation of awards, RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center Joan Fontaine - Joseph Cotten in Hal Wallis' Production "SEPTEMBER AFFAIR" A Paramount Picture Plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION i Services Wednesday For Alfred A. Cohn Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Funeral serv- ices will be held here on Wednesday afternoon at Hollywood Cemetery Chapel for Alfred A. Cohn, 71, who died Saturday night following hos- pitalization for a heart attack suffered a month ago. The retired screenwriter, whose screenplay for "The Jazz Singer" won the first Academy Award ever given for screen writing, had recently com- pleted a book covering Hollywood history from the start of production here to the present. He served as U. S. Collector of Customs for the Port of Los Angeles, in 1935-1939 and later was president of the Los Angeles police commission for several years. Before taking up screen writing as a profession, in which he turned out approximately 100 scripts, Cohn had a journalistic career on Metropolitan newspapers. A son and two daughters survive. JEW5Y John Nickel, 73 Baltimore, Feb. 5. — One of Balti- more's oldest showmen is dead. John (Hon) Nickel, 73, was buried here on Saturday, having died from a heart attack. He-was the owner of the Gay- ety Theatre, intermittently a burlesque and a film-house. Marfan^ WAR WITH mum EllA FITZGERAIO Stew CondosiJeiry Brando* Boyd Raefiura hit orchnira A Paramount Picture mm stone. Midnight Fsotur* Nightly ":&!0 & ^DISTRIBUTED BY REF RKO RADIO PICTURES GLOBE 46th ST. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigkv, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor. Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, by Quiglev Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address: yuigpubco| New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J Brady, Secretary, James P Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building. William K. wea\er, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A Olten, National Press Club, W ashington, u c 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a vear as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame, i-ntercd as secona- class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, luc. Tuesday, February 6, lybl MOTION rICTURE DAILY 121A% of Gross to British Producers Under Eady Plan National Pre-Selling PARAMOUNT'S "The Mating Sea- son" has been chosen as "The Pic- ture-of-the-Month" by Seventeen _ mag- I azine and will be so announced in the f March issue to coincide with the re- | lease of the picture. All branches and field representatives have been alerted by Max E. Youngstein, in charge of Paramount's national advertising and exploitation, to use the award as am- munition in their publicity campaigns. • Some 250 radio stations from Coast to Coast will give a full pro- gram plug to 20th Century- Fox's "Of Men and Music," timed to the film's opening playdates. Plugs will be heard on the "Music You Want" program. The program is sponsored by RCA-Victor and is ex- pected to reach an audience of I 7,200,000 classical music lovers | throughout the country. • Special radio transcriptions for 20th Century-Fox's musical, "Call Me Mis- ter," are now available at no cost to exhibitors for saturation exploitation. The recordings make use of a humor- ous personal recommendation by Jack Benny in his familiar voice and film- plugging lyrics sung by a quintette to the picture's title tune. A special trailer featuring Benny has also been made. Full details of trailer and radio transcriptions are contained in the pressbook. • 20th Century-Fox's "Follow the Sun" has been chosen as "The Picture of the Month" for April by Coronet, making it the fifth of the company's films to be so honored in six issues of the magazine. Others cited in recent months were : "Panic in the Streets," "Mister 880," "All About Eve" and "Fourteen Hours." A large-scale merchandising tie- up between 20th Century-Fox, California Girl, Inc., and Cohama Fabrics will see "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" promoted in cities and towns from Coast to Coast. Both fabric companies are manu- facturing dresses which were de- signed by Charles Le Maire for use in the film. The dresses, worn in the picture by Susan Hayward and Marion Marshall, will be introduced by one leading store in each city throughout the country, with the tie-up to be supported in local sit- uations by special newspaper mats, hangtags and window displays. The promotion, which will coincide with the picture's national release in mid-April, will be launched in New York by Gimbel Brothers. • Window displays in more than 40 jewelry stores throughout the Metro- politan area are helping plug Para- mount's "At War with the Army" currently doing record business at the Paramount Theatre, according to Max E. Youngstein, Paramount advertising and publicity vice-president. Basis for the displays, which fea- ture counter cards inside the stores as well as stills of stars Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and ptaydate credits in windows, is a nationwide tieup ef- fected by Paramount with the Benrus Watch Co. — Waltek Brooks London, Feb. 5. — British producers of feature pictures will be given 12^ per cent of the gross of their pictures in succeeding quarterly periods begin- ning Oct. 1, last, under the proposed distribution system being set up for the administration of the so-called Eady production pool tax. This was confirmed today at a meeting here of members of the British Film Producers As- sociation and others. American producers will not share in the pool although exhibitors will pay a levy of one farthing per seat into the pool even when their programs consist only of American pictures. Producers of documentaries and Loew's Option Plan {Continued from page 1) contracts with Loew's of the six exec- utives involved. Confirmation that Loew's has entered into negotiations for a consent decree with the government was also con- tained in the proxy statement mailed yesterday to stockholders. Schenck Urges Plan Approval of the stock option plan was urged by Nicholas M. Schenck, president, in a letter accompanying the statement. As previously reported, the directors on Jan. 17 voted options to the following : Dore Schary, produc- tion vice-president, 100,000 shares; Arthur M. Loew, president of Loew's International, 40,000 shares, and vice- presidents Benjamin Thau, Joseph R. Vogel, Charles C. Moskowitz and Louis K. Sidney, 27,500 shares each. Purchase price will be the price of the stock on Jan. 17, $16% per share. Contingent on approval of the plan, contracts of the executives will be extended as follows : Schary, exclusive services, from July 26, 1955 to Jan. 17, 1958; Loew, from March 1, 1955, to March 1, 1958; Thau, from March 1, 1954 to Jan. 17, 1958; Vogel, from March 1, 1954 to March 1, 1958; Moskowitz, from March 1, 1954 to March 1, 1958, and Sidney, from March 7, 1954 to Jan. 17, 1958. Eleven Directors The 11 directors nominated for re- election by the company are: Leopold Friedman, F. Joseph Holleran, Eu- gene W. Leake, Moskowitz, William A. Parker, William. F. Rodgers, J. Robert Rubin, Schenck, Vogel, David Warfield and Henry Rogers Winthrop. Compensation paid in 1950 to the eight directors who are also officers of the company is listed in the state- ment as follows : Friedman, $130,357 ; Edgar J. Mannix, $159,036, plus $43,- 571 additional based on profits ; Louis B. Mayer, $156,429 plus $143,571 based on profits; Moskowitz, $156,429; Rodgers, $114,714; Rubin, $104,286 plus $110,614 based on profits ; Schenck, $130,357 plus $94,411 based on profits; Vogel, $156,429. In addition to the above salaries, sums ranging from $20,691 to $55,355 were paid into the company's retire- ment plan. Rubin's aggregate com- pensation last year exceeded the pre- vious year by $49,023. The company has deposited in escrow $78,000 for Rodgers, from which he, under terms of his contract, receives $1,739 monthly. short subjects will get two and one- half times the percentage taken by fea- ture producers. Any balance remaining in the pool at the end of any given quarter, will be distributed on a simi- lar, pro rata basis. Following today's meeting the plan is to be submitted to Harold Wilson, president of the Board of Trade, for his formal approval, which is assured. On the basis of current business vol- ume at Britain's theatres, the Eady production pool promises to be en- riched by at least £1,250,000' ($3,400,- 000) during its first year of operation. That would provide a producer, under the provisions of the pool distribution, with an additional £20,000 ($56,000) net during the released run of any of his successful pictures. US Planning Bond Drive; Has Big Role for COMPO The U. S. Treasury Department, contemplating a new emergency bond drive, is counting on all-out coopera- tion from motion picture theatres in that connection, it was revealed here vesterday by Robert W. Coyne, spe- cial counsel of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. Coyne, who from 1941 to 1945 was national field director of the Treasury's War Finance Division, recently conferred in Washington with Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder, Attorney-General J. Howard McGrath and other key govern- ment officials. From these he learned that for the time being the government will not require any special services from thea- tres or from the film industry at large in connection with the emergency effort which has arisen out of Korea. However, Coyne indicated, before the end of spring COMPO doubtlessly will be approached for commitments in line with a forthcoming bond drive. He added that the drive itself may not be set in motion until 1952, but the role which the industry would play in that effort might have to be crys- talized by next autumn. Loew's Realignment {Continued from page 1) R. Vogel, theatre operations vice- president. Martin Burnett, with headquarters in Columbus, will now have charge of Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, Indian- apolis, Louisville and Evansville. Mike Cullen from headquarters in St. Louis, will handle Kansas City, Houston, New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis and Atlanta. The Southern cities had been supervised by Allan Sparrow, who died recently. Frank Murphy, with headquarters in Cleveland, will also handle Akron, Canton and Toledo. Amusement Rates Raised Columbus, O., Feb. 5. — The Co- lumbus Cti 'xzen has advanced its amuse- ment rate one cent, bringing up the rate to 23 J/2 cents per line. Wisconsin AITO Will Meet Today Milwaukee, Feb. 5. — The first regional meeting of the year to be held by the Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin will open at the Hotel Lorraine at Madison tomorrow. Highlighting the agenda will be a clinic featuring "Film Buying on Today's Market and the Proper Book- ing of Product." Exploitation and marketing of product will also be discussed from the floor. Skouras Host at Red Cross Lunch Admiral William F. Halsey deliv- ered the major address at a luncheon given here yesterday for leaders of the film industry by Spyros P. Skouras, chairman for the motion picture di- vision of the 1951 Red Cross cam- paign. Under discussion was possi- bility of a collection drive in theatres. ITOA and MMPTA of New York indicated support. Among those in attendance at the luncheon, at the Metropolitan Club, were: Al Schwalberg, Max Young- stein, Leonard Goldenson, Charles Reagan, Robert Mochrie, S. Barret McCormick, Leon Bamberger, Harry Goldberg, Abe Schneider, Robert S. Benjamin, Herman Robbins, Ed Morey, Spyros P. Skouras, Jr., Wil- liam A. White, A. J. Balaban, Rus- sell V. Downing, Harold Rinzler, Frank Damis, Edward Rugoff, Leo Brecher, Sam Rosen and Lou Gamble. Guest of honor was Corporal Harry Smith, a wounded American-born Chinese veteran of the Korean cam- paign. Truman to Speak at Red Cross Rally Here A mobilization rally to be held in Madison Square Garden Feb. 27, Will officially open the March Red Cross 1951 appeal. The rally staged by Ed Sullivan and Mario Lewis producers of the CBS-TV program, "Toast of the Town," will be climaxed by an ad- dress by President Harry S. Truman speaking from Washington. Three networks, CBS, NBC and ABC already have cleared the air for TV coverages. Burstyn Hits Regents Authority in Brief John C. Farber, attorney for Joseph Burstyn, Inc., has filed with the spe- cial subcommittee of the New York Board of Regents the brief he indi- cated he would submit by yesterday in connection with the subcommittee's inquiry into whether the license for Burstyn's "Ways of Love," including the controversial "The Miracle," shall be revoked. Farber's office here revealed that the attorney took in the brief the same stand he took on earlier occasions, namely, that neither the Regents nor the subcommittee have the authority to take steps to revoke the license, which was granted by the Motion Pic- ture Division of the State Education Department. GROSSES ARE UP- AND FLAGS ARE UP TO CELEBRATE . . . Fo{ BING CROSBY IN MO Watch the results of the premiere engagement of this » great woman's picture now at Radio City Music Hall. Biggest Money Product Since 1946 ■ ■ ■ L 1 J 4- WBEBBSB EBBPEB9 SfiBf D IN COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR 1^' U 5 Hilr It has left "Whispering Smith" grosses far behind in many situations —to become one of '51's leaders. JUL ICC D| COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR * AID First few hundred engagements reveal this trend: It is boosting business on average of 40% over normal. _ ,.,p ,., Then the comedy sensation THE MAT CECIL B. DeMILLE'S COLOR BY BOB HOPE in mmmmmmmm^mmmimmmmammmmmmmmmmmmviM: THE LEMON DROP KID mmmmmmmm —and lots of other exciting marquee merchandise from PARAMOUNT BROTHERHOOD WEEK — February 1 8-25 Brotherhood — for Peace and Freedom, Believe it! Live it! Support ill 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 6, 1951 Rank Background Photo Process A Hit at Showing By PETER BURNUP London, Feb. 5. — The J. Arthur Rank Organization, owner of a new photography process known as Trav- elling Matte, which it claims to be a highly significant technical advance, gave a brief trade demonstration of the process here. Observers, both technical and laymen, left the demon- stration favorably impressed. Basically, the new process aims at replacing back projec- tion in the reproduction of large-scale exteriors. It enables one scene to be printed on top of another without, it is claimed, ghosting or unnatural edges, so that the two scenes blend into one sharp picture. It is said to be the result of five years of intensive research and experi- ment and already has been used in a number of Rank-produced pictures, in Sir Alexander Kor- da's recently completed "Cry the "Beloved Country," and in 20th Century- Fox's production at Denham of the James Stew- art-Marlene Dietrich film, "No Highway." The process uses a special beam- splitter camera which records on two rolls of film at once, one making a normal image and the other a pure silhouette. The background to the picture is later combined with the two rolls of film in the laboratory and the whole is then "married" into a finished composite, for which extraordinary clarify and depth of focus are claimed. Seen as Time Saver Among its advantages are said to be a saving of studio space and the reduction of setting-up time. The stage space used is only that required . by the foreground action, plus about 15 feet behind for backing and lighting equipment. Also claimed for Travelling Matte is its post-shooting control of a com- posite picture. The plate for a back- ground may be replaced by a new one. Alternatively, it can be shot after the foreground action has been recorded. The balance between the foreground and background is said to be com- pletely controllable in the laboratory processing. Also, it is said, the method completely obviates the smudgy, dark grey which develops in normal back- projection treatment of night scenes. Special camera and lighting devices are involved. Processing of the film can, to date, be carried out only in Rank's Denham laboratories. Experi- ments are now in process for Travel- ling Matte's development in color. Reviews Royal Wedding" { M etro-Goldwyn-M aycr) THE FAMILIAR musical format ] musical tormat is given a resplendent treatment in M-G-M's "Royal Wedding." The gilt Technicolor production is generous in its song, dance and production numbers, joyously breaking into them at almost every turn. At other times, a merry, featherweight tale is spun about a brother-sister dancing team that goes to London to perform during the season of the royal wedding and encounters romance along the way. Wing-footed Fred Astaire plays the brother and Jane Powell the sister, while capable support comes from Peter Lawford, Keenan Wynn and Sarah Churchill in her American debut. The picture shapes up as a solid audience pleaser. Astaire, in the story and screenplay concocted by Alan Jay Lerner, plays a performer pretty much set in his gay, bachelor ways, while his sister, Miss Power is romantically inclined, but too dedicated to her art to take a boy seriously. En route to London, however, things start to change. She meets Lawford, a handsome young lord, and presently falls in love with him._ In London, Astaire chances upon Miss Churchill, a dancer, and cupid strikes another hit with his arrow. After a series of minor romantic adventures it gets to a point where both brother and sister really want to get married but somehow they decided that careers are more important. The decision against the heart's impulse doesn't last very long for the team. They behold the royal wedding (presumably Princess Elizabeth's), and decide to do likewise. Wynn, playing a dual role of twin brother, is a hilarious hit. He doubles as an American and British theatrical agent, investing both roles with robust comedy. One dancing number, marked for novel effect, has Astaire strutting his stuff on the ceiling and walls. All production numbers sparkle with a breezy freshness that contributes to a relaxed atmosphere. Miss Churchill has an interesting dramatic face that would suggest accomplished acting ability, although her role, regrettably, is not a histrionically demanding one. Arthur Freed produced and Stanley Donen directed. Running time, 93 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, March 23. Mandel Herbstman Because of the Co- lumbus Day observance on Feb. 12, the next reg- ular Air Mail Edition of Motion Picture Daily will be published on Wednesday, Feb. 13. "Spoilers of the Plains" Short Subject "Strategy for Victory" {March of Tiwie—20th-Fox) The tactics which the Russians have used to build up their strength in Europe and the action which the United States is employing to form a bulwark against future Soviet aggres- sion is viewed in this latest issue of the March of Time. Officers of the combined Army of the North Atlantic Treaty Nations are shown being schooled in the use of American arms and coordinated tactics under General Eisenhower. The picture should prove interesting to the general public as a pictorial account of the various news reports that have appeared in newspapers for the past three months. Running time, 18 min- utes. {Republic) ROY ROGERS makes life quite uncomfortable for a gang of foreign out- laws who are spotted in "Spoilers of the Plains," an action drama which is par with most predecessors in the Rogers series. On hand to help Rogers in this Edward J. White production are Trigger and a dog. William Witney directed, from Sloan Nibley's story. Scientists working to develop a long-range weather forecasting service in Western desert country, face Grant Withers, gangster head, who poses as the owner of a small oil company in the area in order to gain access to the inside on the scientific project. To obtain oil he has offered to Penny Edwards, daughter of the chief scientist, Withers taps into Rogers' pipe-line, and then later steals the timing device from an experimental rocket, substituting a tune bomb so that the chief scientist will be killed. Rogers discovers the bomb just before it is set to explode and he removes it from the experimental camp site. With the aid of guards and his own assistants, Rogers brings the crim- inal's career to a sudden halt. Comedy touches are supplied by Gordon Jones, while Rogers supplies song material, supported by Foy Willing, and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Juvenile' Western fans will enjoy this film. There is plenty of fighting, some shooting, and a chase that is really something, but there is still a definite lag- throughout, because the plot is far fetched. Adults will not be too happy with the result. ' Others in the cast are : William Forrest, Don Haggerty, Keith Richards, Fred Kohler, Jr., House Peters, Jr., and George Meeker. Running time, 68 minutes. General audience classification. February release. Wolff, Thorpe Due Here from London Robert S. Wolff, RKO Pictures managing director for Britain, is scheduled to arrive here from England today on the S.-S". Queen Mary for a six weeks home office visit. Wolff is on his annual visit to the home office and probably will go to Hollywood before returning" to London. Also due here from London is Max Thorpe, Columbia's British managing director, whose previously scheduled departure from London was delayed by an attack of the flu. 36 Features Are in Work on the Coast Hollywood, Feb. S. — The produc- tion index has gone up two points, for a total of 36 pictures in work. _ Eight new pictures were started while six were completed. Started were : "Slaughter Trail" (Irving Allen Productions), Indepen- dent; "Texas Carnival," Metro-Gold- wyn-Mayer ; "Wild Horse Canyon," Monogram ; "Favorite Spy" and "The Greatest Show on Earth," Paramount ; "Wells Fargo Gunmaster," Republic; "The House On the Square" and "The Secret of Convict Lake," 20th Century- Fox. Completed were: "Love Is Better Than Ever" and "Rich, Young and Pretty," Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer ; "Ghost Chasers," Monogram; "Here Comes the Groom," Paramount ; "Rus- tlers' Range," RKO Radio ; "Ma And Pa Kettle at the County Fair," Uni- versal-International. Add 15% Tax to Film Duty in Costa Rica Washington, Feb. 5. — An agree- ment between distributors in Costa Rica and the Central Bank of Costa Rica subjects films to usual customs charges plus a five per cent income tax and a 10 per cent exchange surtax according to a report from the Com- merce Department. The extra 15 per cent of taxes are deducted from the gross amounts remittable to the for eign producers, Golden said in his re- port. The report estimated that gross in- come for the city of San Jose alone is about 4,000,000 colones annually (5.67 colones to the dollar), of which about 2,500,000 colones is remitted to foreign producers as rental on films. Of this, U. S. producers get about 1,500,000 colones, Mexican producers about 600,- 000 and Argentine and European films the remaining 400,000 colones, it was stated. UK Newsreel Price Tiff Compromised London, Feb. 5. — The joint com- mittee of the Cinematograph Exhibi- tors Association and Kinematograph Renters Society has reached a com- promise in the dispute over newsreel rental prices which will go to the two organizations for ratification. The CEA had opposed a fixed scale of newsreel prices and a £1,000 pen- alty on Newsreel Association mem- bers for failure to adhere to the scale, contending that newsreel rentals should continue to be a matter for individual negotiation between buyer and seller. Under the compromise, distributors agree to rescind the pen- alty clause, substituting for it a "rec- ommendation" that the price scale be maintained. For their part, exhibitors have agreed to undertake to eliminate a CEA resolution putting a ceiling of 50 per cent on all film rentals. 10 U.S. Pictures For Uruguay Fete Member companies of the _ Motion Picture Association of America will enter 10 key features in the Interna- tional Film Festival to be held Feb. 15-Mar. 5 at Punta del Este, Uruguay, it was announced here by John G. McCarthy, MPAA vice-president in charge of international affairs. Entries include : "Valentino," Co- lumbia ; "Intruder in the Dust," M-G-M; "Sunset Boulevard" Para- mount ; "Sands of Iwo Jima," Repub- lice ; "Our Very Own," Samuel Gold- wyn-RKO; "Treasure Island," Walt Disney-RKO ; "Halls of Montezuma," 20th Century-Fox ; "Cyrano de Ber- gerac," Stanley Kramer-United Art- ists ; "Harvey," Universal, and "Break- ing Point," Warner. Tuesday, February 6, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 NY Grosses Reviews "Rhythm Inn" (Monogram) Hollyzvood, Feb. 5 \ MUSING, light, musical-comedy entertainment unreels smoothly while producer Lindsley Parsons focuses the spotlight on the Dixieland band vogue that is currently quite popular in many sections of the country. This good-natured comedy, by Bill Raynor, concerns, for the most part, an improvident dance band that goes broke but manages to fulfill its engagement by "borrowing" its instruments nightly from a music store where they have- been pawned to pay off a traffic fine. The band includes such well known talent as Wingy Manone, Pete Dailey and Matty Matlock, names of moment to the dance public, plus the Anson Weeks orchestra. Jane Frazee, Kirby Grant, Charles Smith and Lois Collier are the principals in a story that ties the musical numbers together and supplies some laughs in its own right. All in all, it is a pleasantly serviceable little musical that is honestly entitled to its screentime. Bandleader Grant and his unit are in trouble with the local constabulary and are forced to pledge their instruments at a music store as security for a loan with which to pay a traffic fine. In order to fulfill a date at the Rhythm Inn, the band's singer, Miss Frazee, prevails upon Smith, who works at the store and is an amateur tunesmith, to smuggle the instruments to the boys nightly without his employer's knowledge. Miss Collier, Smith's girl friend, misun- derstands the relationship between him and Miss Frazee, and a series of com- plications ensues. But when matters work out in such fashion that Miss Col- lier is enabled to sing one of Smith's songs at the Inn with the band, every- thing comes out as it should in a musical comedy. William F. Broidy was associate producer, and Paul Landres directed, spiritedly. Others in the cast are : Fritz Feld, Ralph Sanford, Armida, Jean Ritchie, Ramon Ros and Ames and Arno. Running time, 73 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Feb. 12. "My Brother, the Outlaw" (Bogeaus-Eagie Lion Classics) F'LEMENTS of mystery have been added to the outdoor action drama -< format in "My Brother, the Outlaw." Produced in Mexico by Benedict Bogeaus, the picture has Mickey Rooney and Wanda Hendrix in the leads, with support coming from Robert Preston and Robert Stack. The picture has enough action to make it a satisfactory item for Western situations, but, generally, the plot takes too many liberties with credulity, even for a Western. Rooney plays the part of a New York City boy who heads for Mexico to pay a surprise visit to his brother, Stack, who presumably, is operating a silver mine. En route, Rooney meets Preston, a husky Texas ranger who is out to capture a notorious Mexican bandit known as El Tigre. They join forces, and once in Mexico, start looking for Stack. After some mysterious doings and skullduggery, it turns out that Stack is a member of the outlaw gang. There is considerable shooting, fighting and flights with Rooney and Preston in constant danger from the outlaw. In a final showdown gun- fight, Stack is killed and when his disguise is lifted it is revealed that he is none other than El Tigre. Eliot Nugent directed, from a screenplay by Gene Fowler, Jr. Running time, 82 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Feb. 7. M. H. "Rough Riders of Durango" (Republic) A STANDARD Western yarn is spun in "Rough Riders of Durango/' which features Allan (Rocky) Lane. Action is stressed all the way by Fred C. Bannon who directed Gordon Kay's production from a story by M. Coates Webster. Lane combines forces with Ross Ford, a young sheriff, who has his hands full trying to save local farmers from hi-j ackers. With the bank about to foreclose on all ranches and farms, Ford arranges for the farmers to get a $40,000 advance on their next grain shipment so that they can pay off their loans to the bank. At the crucial moment, the money is stolen and the mes- senger killed. Lane and Ford eventually discover that Steve Darrell, a supposedly honest harness-maker, is the brains behind the gang. After a number of close brushes with gunmen, and a fast moving chase, Lane recovers the money, and brings the criminals to justice. Others in the cast are: Denver Pyle, Stuart Randall, Hal Price, Tom London, Russ Whiteman and Dale Van Sickel. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Jan. 30. (Continued from page 1) for its first five days and manage- ment looked for $115,000 for the first week which ends today. "September Affair" opened on Thursday at Radio City Music Hall, with $79,000 grossed over the week- end. For the first week a somewhat less-than-average take of $118,000 is expected. Russell Markert's "Show Shop" highlights the stage show. Still doing good business, despite weather conditions, is "At War with the Army," at the Paramount, where $89,000 is expected for a second week. Ella Fitzgerald tops the stage bill. "Operation Pacific" is doing fairly well at the Strand, with $52,000 in sight for a first week. Denise Darcel is appearing personally at the Strand. "The Enforcer" is holding up well at the Capitol, with $41,000 expected for a second week ; Lionel Hampton's band is on stage. The sole newcomer to straight film houses is "The Second Woman" at the Rivoli, but estimated returns are rather disappointing for a first week, hovering around $18,000. Among the longer runs, "Born Yes- terday" is doing well at the Victoria, with $26,000 in sight for a seventh week. "Harvey," at the Astor, also in a seventh week, is holding up well with about $13,000 expected. Reissues Doing Well Two pictures will bow out on Fri- day, "Mad Wednesday," at the Globe, where $9,500 is expected for a second and final week, and "The Company She Keeps," at the Criterion, where $10,500 is due for its second stanza. Oit Saturday, "Sugarfoot" will open at the Globe, and "Frenchie" will go into the Criterion. Two re-issues, "The Last Gangster" and "The Big Store," are doing quite well at the Mayfair with $14,500 due for a second week ; they will hold for a third. "The Steel Helmet" at Loew's State is still pulling during the daytime but attendance lags eve- nings ; it will do a fair $14,000 for a second week. Business remained fairly steady at off-Broadway first runs. "Seven Days to Noon" took in $8,000 for a seventh week and looks like $7,000 for its eighth; the long-running "Trio" at the Sutton will do an estimated $6,500 for its 18th week. "The Blue Lamp" at the Park Avenue took in a comfor- table $6,000 for its fourth week and will hold for a fifth and final seven days. "Cyrano de Bergerac," playing two- a-day with reserved seats, at the Bijou, is grossing consistently with about $11,000 due for a 13th week. Two Closed, Three Reopen in Chicago Chicago, Feb. 5. — Two neighbor- hood houses, the Essex and Rena have closed because of business conditions. The Essex, a Jones, Linnick, and Schaefer theatre, had been an "art house, but switched to standard pic- tures, advertising admission prices whereby a family of four was admitted for 98 cents. The Rena had been ad- mitting "one family, any size, for one dollar." The Bertha, on the North Side, which closed early this winter, has been reopened, while two Warner houses, the Stratford and Grove, re- opened recently. Seek Boxing Day By-Law Toronto, Feb. 5. — The recognition of Boxing Day, the day after Christ- mas, as a statutory holiday, has led the Motion Picture Theatres Associa- tion of Ontario to ask the Toronto Board of Police Commissioners to add the date to listed holidays in the T>y- laws which provide permission for midnight shows in conjunction with such occasions. Half -Dollars for 'Dimes' Albany, N. Y., Feb. 5. — An in- crease in the size of theatre lobby con- tributions is one of the most hearten- ing features of the current "March of Dimes" campaign in Albany County, local chairman Thomas J. McEnaney reports. He stated that before, "it was chiefly pennies, nickles and dimes. Now it is quarters, half-dollars and dollar bills." CDA Ruling (Continued from page 1) it applied only when an attack was very imminent on a particular area, and could not be expected to be the rule for an indefinite emergency period. The CDA's statement, issued spe- cifically for the film industry, was pre- pared at the request of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. COMPO had protested to the White House that there were reports that the CDA was planning to ask theatres to close or to ask people to stay out of theatres, and wanted a statement to set these fears at rest. As expected, the statement stressed the positive contributions that the in- dustry could make and was in effect an invitation to exhibitors to start closer cooperation with local Civilian Defense officials. Theatres have a definite part to play in the civilian defense effort, especially in off hours, the CDA state- ment declared. It suggested as an ex- ample that theatres could be used on Saturday mornings to show training- films and other orientation material to Civilian Defense workers. The CDA admitted that while thea- tres had the advantage, from a bomb- resisting point, of being windowless, they did not have any special protec- tive features against enemy attack. Theatres surviving bombing would be useful for registra- tion of homeless individuals and other similar purposes, the statement declared. No men- tion was made of theatres serv- ing as first-aid posts, though officials privately have discussed that. Declaring that local Civilian De- fense officials will welcome coopera- tion from the industry, the statement concluded that "the sense of public responsibility exhibited by the industry in the past will suggest to operators that they offer their facilities to locjal Civilian Defense directors without de- lay." CDA officials indicated that they hoped this statement would quiet all fears in the industry, and that barring another similar request from the in- dustry for a statement of policy on a specific point, CDA planned no other releases dealing with theatres or the film industry. Legion Reviews 12; Three in Class "B" The National Legion of Decency has reviewed 12 additional features, putting three in Class "B" and the re- mainder in Class "A." Those in Class "B" include: "Call Me Mister," 20th Century-Fox ; "Film Without a Name," (German), Oxford Films, and "Second Face," Eagle Lion Classics. Under the Class "A," Section No. 1, classification are : "Lights Out," Uni- versal-International ; "Rough Riders of Durango" ; Republic. The fol- lowing were listed in Class "A," Sec- tion 2: "Al Jennings of Oklahoma," Columbia ; "The Bandit Queen," Lip- pert ; "Bowery Battalion," Monogram ; "Chance of a Lifetime" (British), Pilgrim-Ballantine Pictures; "Korea Patrol," Eagle Lion Classics ; "Light- ning Strikes Twice," Warner; and "Belle le Grand," Republic. TICKLED THE PUBLIC AS PERHAPS NO SUCH FILM HAS SINCE DISNEY'S i THREE LITTLE PIGS 7 J ^ Thank you, San Francisco Chronicle BROTH ERHOOD — FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM Believe It! Live It! Support It! Brotherhood Week— Feb. 18-25, 1951 1 . This is the story of Gerald McCloy And the strange thing that happened to that little boy. 2. "I see", said the doctor, "It's just as you said. He doesn't speak words, he goes BOING-BOING instead." 3. He just got a write-up in Life Magazine A plug for a short like no man's ever seen. 4. Still not convinced ? Want more of the same ? With pride, we can point to the critics' acclaim. 5. Wherever he goes, he's a wow, he's a pip. Good showmen everywhere should take this tip ! (will * *7 ****** If toW' (tint GERALD McBOING BOING" IS A ONE-REEL SHORT SUBJECT, ONE OF THE "JOLLY FROLICS" AND "MR. MAGOO" SERIES • PRODUCED BY UNITED PRODUCTIONS OF AMERICA AND GLEEFULLY DISTRIBUTED BY COLUMBIA 10 Motion Picture Daily luesday, February o, ivsi IA '-SOPEG (Continued from page 1) withheld at Para- US Asks No Ticket Tax Boost (Continued from page 1) had been mount. IATSE's H-63, long-time jurisdic- tional rival of SO PEG, announced yesterday through its executive vice- president, Russell M. Moss, that it would call for an NLRB election at Paramount. H-63 claims that over 200 former SOPEG workers at Para- mount have signed statements indicat- ing preference for the "IA" union. Moss said the NLRB's action yester- day could be interpreted as applying to other SOPEG strongholds, such as at 20th Century-Fox and Loew's. He hinted that his union would contest SOPEG's jurisdiction at those locali- ties as well as at Paramount. "Without Prejudice" The Board denied the SEG motion "without prejudice to the filing- of new petitions at an appropriate time." This statement was accepted by the "IA" local as a virtual invitation to challenge its rival at Paramount. The dispute arose when the TJOPWA, SEG's parent outfit, merged into the new Distributive, Processing and Office Workers of America. It asked that it be given the old Screen Publicists Guild certifica- tion. IATSE and 143 individual em- ployes challenged SEG's jurisdiction, claiming UOPWA had lost its ident- ity in the new set-up and that SEG should not be recognized. The Board's action said that in view of the objections and in view of the length of time elapsed since the certi- fication, it would not transfer the cer- tification. It made it plain, however, that this was without prejudice to the SEG's right to seek a new election, or that some other group could seel such an election. What the Board in effect said was that the SEG hadn't convinced it that the union had main tained its identity in the new set-up enough to warrant a transfer of the certification. Praises Results of "Monogram Week" Hollywood, Feb. 5. ■ — Monogram president Steve Broidy said today that bookings indicate "Mongram Week" will more than double the average weekly billings of any similar period during the company's history. Broidy said, "On behalf of the entire organi- zation I wish to thank circuit opera- tors and independent exhibitors for their fine cooperation." Kalmine Betrothal Joan Adrienne Kalmine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Kalmine, will be married on Saturday to Daniel Norton Paradies, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. Jacob Paradies of Atlanta, in the Hotel Plaza, New York. The cere- mony will be performed by the Rev. Dr. Julius Mark of Temple Emanu-El. The bride will be given in marriage by her father, who is president and general manager of Warner Theatres. istration plans to drain $10,000,000,000 more of U. S. income off in taxes means there will be that much less to spend for amusement. To this ex- tent, the tax program is bad news for the industry. Also, of course, individuals and cor- porations in the industry will have to bear the tax increases proposed for all individuals and corporations. Fnally, one specifice Administration proposal might have some very slight damaging effect on drive-in theatre business — a recommendation that the Federal excise tax on gasoline be boosted from one and one half cent a gallon to three cents a gallon. Snyder pointed out that the taxes on amusements are al- ready 20 per cent and suggested that consumer durables are lag- ging way behind and should take the brunt of the tax in- crease. A table submitted to the Committee by Snyder showed that a greater por- tion of consumer expenditures on recreation are subject to Federal ex- cise tax than of any other type of consumer spending. The table showed that 52.1 per cent of spending on rec- reation was taxed. Congress Action Doubtful The fact that the Administration has not proposed a boost in the admission tax makes the odds very long that Congress will not vote one. It is con sidered very doubtful that Congres will go beyond the Administration. There is considerable sentiment, in Congress, however, for a sales tax The Administration did not specifi- cally mention this, and Snyder ducked questions on it. However, his pre pared statement implied that such a tax would not be too successful, de- claring that the amount of consumer purchases now outside the tax base "do not on the whole represent promising source for additional excise tax revenue." Snyder proposed that individual in- come taxes be increased all along th line by four percentage points. He suggested that corporation income taxes go up eight points, to 33 per cent on incomes under $25,000 and to 55 per cent on incomes over $25,000 This would raise the effective rate on excess profits to 85 oer cent. Also he said the ceiling on corporate taxes would have to go up to 70 per cent The income tax boosts should be retroactive to Jan. 1, Snyder said. The Treasury also asked for tighter treatment of long-term capital gains— a boost in the effective maximum rat from 25 per cent to 37*A per cent, and a holding period of at least one year as against the present six months Arbitration Not on Allied Board Agenda Washington, Feb. 5. — The chances of Allied States As- sociation taking any action for an industry arbitration system became more remote today when it was learned that all suggestions for items to be discussed at the coming Allied board meeting have come in from directors and that not a single member has proposed including arbitra- tion on the agenda. Allied General counsel Abram F. Myers pointed out that any director can move to put arbitration on the agenda during the meeting, Feb. 15-16, but he significant- ly added that "any other member, of course, can move to table." At previous Allied board meetings, discussion of arbitration has been tabled. COMPO-Tax (Continued from page 1) Allied Plan (Continued from ige 1) ing they needed more time to study the proposals, and that he felt this a reasonable request in view of the many people in each company who have to be consulted on such a proposal. Myers refused to comment on the reaction from the Justice Department, which also received a copy of Al- lied's proposed changes in the com- petitive bidding rules. Barron, Oscar Doob, Jack Bry- son, Morton Sunshine, Rotus Harvey, Marvin Faris and Jay Emanuel. "The results of their work are a shining example of what can be done by concerted industry action," Mayer added. In Washington, Myers, general counsel of Allied States, said he was "very much gratified" that the Ad- ministration was not seeking any ad- mission tax increase because the 20 per cent admission tax is high enough now. Myers said he felt "it is largely the result of the impression made and the good will gathered during the long- campaign last winter." Sullivan Gratified Sullivan who last week foresaw the threat of an additional Federal levy which would bring the tax to 30 per cent, also expressed gratification that his fears were not realized. He urged, however, that COMPO "for educa- tional purposes" form a new taxation and legislative committee and thereby obviate possible addition of Federal levies later on. The committee, he held, could supervise the making of short subjects which would apprise the public of the tax load now being carried by admissions and urge patrons to be on guard against pos- sible increases. Snyder's exempting of admissions in his tax message signified that the gov- ernment regards films as a "strong arm of communications," Sullivan maintained. Palisades Studio on L. I. Set to Operate Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Palisades Pro ductions, new partnership firm of Marion Parsonnet and Edward Lewis, whose "Run for the Hills" will start here on March 1, has completed con struction of a three-stage New York ound studio on Long Island where il will make 132 15-minute TV subjects starring Faye Emerson. The TV films will be made for Pepsi-Cola, and under the deal with that company writer-director Parson net and producer Lewis are free to turn out an unlimited number of com- mercial television and regular theatre features and shorts. While the initial TV activity will be concentrated in New York, production facilities al- ready are established in Hollywood. Two More TO A Units Okay Compo Changes Two more Theatre Owners of Amer- ica regionals — in Texas and New Mexico — have signified acceptance of the new organizational structure of the Council of Motion Picture Organi- zations. This brings to eight the num- ber of TO A units which have approved the new COMPO set-up. Reporting this here yesterday, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, said he believed virtually all of the remain- ing 20 regionals will have signified approval by the end of the month. Two, however, are scheduled to vote on the change at meetings scheduled for March. Okays 'Obstruction' Bill Boston, Feb. 5. — A bill requiring the printing of the words "Obstructed View" on tickets for sports and other places of entertainment, if seats are behind poles or other obstructions, was approved Friday by the Joint Legisla- tive Committee on Mercantile Affairs. Athanasia Skouras Wed The marriage of Athanasia Georg Skouras, daughter of Mr. and Mrs George P. Skouras, to Martin Sweeny. Jr., son of Mrs. Martin Sweeny, an ' the late Mr. Sweeny, took place Satu day at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye. Rev. B. Del Negro of St. Vito's Church in Mamaroneck, per- formed the ceremony, and Rt. Rev. Monsignor John McGowan, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, pre- sided. The bride was given in marriage by her father, George P. Skouras, head of Skouras Theatres and of United Artists Theatre Circuit. Roxy-Union Sign Pact A new two-year contract has been signed by the Roxy Theatre here and the American Guild of Variety Artists covering working conditions of chorus dancers and ice skaters employed at the theatre. Salary increases and ad- justments in working conditions are provided in the pact. 38 New AMP A Members Thirty-eight new members will be presented at Thursday's closed meet ing of the Associated Motion Picture Adverstisers, to be held here at Trader Tom's Restaurant. Anti-Drinking Bill Pends Indianapolis, Feb 5. — A bill mak- ing it illegal to take alcoholic bever- ages of any kind into drive-in theatres is pending in the Indiana legislature. Wiesenthal Becomes RKO Producer Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Sam Wiesen- thal, who with W. R. Frank formed Olympic Productions which produced "Cry Danger," has been signed by Howard Hughes to a producer's con- tract at RKO Pictures. After functioning as a sales execu- tive in film distribution, Wiesenthal came to Hollywood as a member of the story department at Universal. Later, as general manager of General Service Studios, he was associated with various independent operations. Secures Three Features Jack Berkson, president of Screen- craft Pictures, has secured three Pine- Thomas features, "Power Dive," "Forced Landing," and "Flying Blind," all formerly released by Paramount Pictures. lr> Siii ail Hals lo M.ikc V IIIJIJ .;>'• ill Mleges IEH HH MR inn H8MB rlflffrHnTilWHllBnTTr Bgg H I K COMPLETE PIE I COOK BOOK rr ^ PAGES OF MOTION PICTURE EDITORIAL LINAGE 1950* GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 27.7 WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "A" -0- WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "B" 13.5 WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "C" 18.3 Hloyd Hall Motion Picture Advertising Alert producers place their advertising in the maga zine which does mosf to help them sell. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING pre-sells by solid and con tinuous editorial support, by active exploitation and promotion. Because women believe in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, wise producers have placed it FIRST on their 1951 schedules. PAGES OF MOTION PICTURE ADVERTISING JANUARY-DECEMBER 19501 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "A" WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "B" WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "C" tP. I. B. 13.61 5.25 5.75 8.75 Millions of women are influenced by this symbol. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING The Magazine America Lives By BROTHERHOOD— FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM Believe It! Live It! Support It! Brotherhood Week— Feb. 18-25, 1951 VOL. 69. NO. 26 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1951 TEN CENTS 6IA -SOPEG Strife Flames Anew in N. Y. NLRB Action on Issue At Para. Opens Contest Action taken in Washington yes- terday by the National Labor Re- lations Board relative to Screen Employes Guild's control over Para- mount's home office "white collar" workers appeared certain to set off a broad scale jurisdictional' "war" in- volving Screen Office and Professional Employee Guild on the one hand and IATSE Home Office Employes Local No. H-63 on the other. The NRLB threw out SEG's motion for dismissal of a board order that the union prove that it had not lost its identity by joining the Distributive, Proc- essing and Office Workers of America. The NLRB had re- quired the proof in order to release to the SEG (now SOPEG) the certification which (.Continued on page 10) NPA Rejects 13 Appeals Washington, Feb. 5. — The National Production Authority today turned down 13 "hardship" appeals for per- mission to build and remodel theatres outside its building construction ban and approved 10 others. This was the largest number of ap- peals yet acted on by NPA, and also the first time that turndowns exceeded approvals, indicating a tightening in NPA policy. Several of the denials were for large projects, likely to use large quantities of scarce materials. However, some large theatres were approved, indicating size is not the only factor being considered. NPA officials again denied that there (Continued on page 6) Protests Pirating of Third Film by Reds Washington, Feb. 5. — The Motion Picture Association has protested to the State Department on the unauthor- ized showing in the Soviet Union of still another American film, the third (Continued on page 6) Congress Told Admission Tax Is 'High Enough' Now Clear Skies Revive NY Grosses; Roxy Big with 'Mister' Snow and icy conditions hit atten- dance at Broadway's theatres during the latter part of last week but the skies cleared by Friday evening and business at the weekend was generally good. The conclusion of the first school semester gave high school stu- dents free time on Wednesday, Thurs- day and Friday and many of the hardy youngsters braved the storm to help compensate at box offices for the slow nights. "Call Me Mister" opened at the Roxy in a near-blizzard, but the pic- ture, aided by Danny Kaye on stage, gave the house $18,000, its biggest opening day in two years — since the last time, in fact that Kaye appeared in person. The show piled up $93,000 (Continued on page 7) Interest Shown in Allied's Bid Plan Washington, Feb. S. — Distributors are showing interest in Allied States Association's proposals to change the competitive bidding provisions of the Paramount case decrees, but "there's noting definite yet." That was the word from general counsel Abratn F. Myers. He said that most of the companies were say- (Continued on page 10) Treasury Secretary Snyder, in Tax Message, Says No Increase Sought Now; Proposes a 25 Per Cent Excise Tax on Television Sets Theatres Can Stay Open In Emergencies, CDA Says Washington, Feb. 5. — The Civilian Defense Administration today officially declared that it has not recommended that exhibitors close their theatre doors in periods of national emer- gency. The Agency admitted that in gen- eral it does not want the public to gather in large numbers in any area or building when an enemy attack is likely to come within a matter of hours. However, officials made it plain that this was true for all public buildings, not only theatres, and that (Continued on page 7) By J. A. OTTEN Washington, Feb. 5. — Secretary of the Treasury Snyder told Congress today that he feels that the 20 per cent admission tax is high enough for now and that the Treasury does not seek any boost in this tax at present. Opening hearings before the House Ways and Means committee, Snyder filled in the details of the President's program of raising over $10,000,000,000 a year in new Federal revenue. Two other taxes highly impor- tant to the film industry would also be left unchanged in the Administra- tion's program, the 25 per cent manu- facturers excise on photographic apparatus and IS per cent manufac- turers levy on rawstock. In fact, the industry fared quite well throughout the pro- gram. Not only were its own taxes left off the list marked for increases, but its biggest competitor, television, was nom- inated for a sizeable tax boost. The Administration urged that Congress increase from 10 per cent to 25 per cent the manu- facturers excise on television sets, radios, phonographs and records. The film industry would also be aided by new 20 per cent excises on rates for bowling alleys, billiard tables and golf green fees. Treasury officials said there had been complaints from theatre owners that the present very low tax on bowling alleys and billiard tables (only $20 a year per alley or table), and the tax-free status of golf fees constituted unfair competition for the film industry. They said the new taxes on these items plus the stiff TV tax would "help equalize the com- petitive situation in the entertainment field." Of course, the fact that the Admin- (Continued on page 10) Compo 'Gra tified ' Over Tax Status; Mayer Cites Work The Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations is "naturally gratified that the Treasury's tax recommendations contemplate no new tax burdens on our industry," Arthur L. Mayer, COMPO executive vice-president, de- clared here yesterday upon being ap- prised of Treasury Secretary John Snyder's disclosures in Washington. "For th's," Mayer said, "the whole industry can thank the COMPO taxation and legisla- tive committee which did such magnificent work in Washing- ton last spring." He cited the committee members individu- ally: chairman Abram F.Myers, Gael Sullivan, Julian Brylawski, Art Arthur, the late Carter (Continued on page 10) Loew's Option Plan Up to Stockholders Election of 11 directors and voting on a plan under which six key execu- tives will receive options on a total of 250,000 shares of common stock will be the principal business at Loew's annual stockholders meeting here on March 15. Part of the stock option plan includes extension of existing (Continued on page 3) Shift Divisions in Loew's Realignment A realignment of out-of-town cir- cuit divisions of Loew's Theatres was made at a meeting of division man- agers held here over the weekend, it was announced yesterday by Joseph (Continued on page 3) Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 6, 1951 Personal Mention ERIC JOHNSTON will deliver the keynote speech of "Brotherhood Week," in a special Coast-to-Coast broadcast over ABC on Feb. 18. • Maurice A. Bergman, Universal home office executive, will address a Publicity Club luncheon in Chicago on Thursday and on Saturday he will be guest speaker at the annual Variety Club dinner in Cincinnati, at which Vance Schwartz will be re-installed as chief barker. Montague Salmon, managing di- rector of New York's Rivoli Theatre, has received Cuba's highest honor, the Order of Merit Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, "in recognition of outstand- ing services toward inter- American understanding, friendship and solidar- ity." Harry M. Warner was host at a luncheon at Warner Brothers Coast studio recently honoring Ireland's Am- bassador to the United States, John J. Hearne. Jacques Grinieff, independent film distributor, returned to New York yesterday from the Coast where he met recently with Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin on the United Art- ists situation. A. A. Collins, musical director for Imperadio Pictures will arrive here today from Europe aboard S. S. Oueen Mary. Dick Sheil, motion picture repre- sentative of Good Housekeeping mag- azine, has delayed his New York-to- Hollywood trip until the week-end. • Al Lowe, general manager of United Artists' foreign department, and Mrs. Lowe will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary today. • F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal Southern and Canadian sales manager, is due to leave here today for New Orleans. • John F. Jones, who operates the Neil Theatre, Cincinnati, recently cele- brated his 81st birthday. Syd Gross is in St. Louis from New York on business. He will return in about two weeks. Benedict Bogeaus is in New York from Hollywood for conferences with Eagle Lion Classics executives. • Jules Lapidus, Warner's Eastern and Canadian sales manager, left New York yesterday for Philadelphia. G. M. Montanini, 71 London, Feb. S. — G. M. Montanini, 71, veteran British exhibitor of Man- chester, who was general manager of the H. D. Moorhouse circuit of 48 theatres, died recently. Insider's Outlook By RED KANN THERE was the genuine flavor of the man-bites-dog routine in Iz Rappaport's boost of "Born Yesterday" via paid space in Motion Picture Daily and Motion Picture Herald last week. Columbia has been record- ing the reverberations ever since and never had a happier chore. By this time everyone is fa- miliar with telegrams from ex- cited exhibitors to excited sales managers reporting performance on one attraction or another. It is a standard form of advertis- al- Orpheuni in San Francisco ready has logged a fifth. Television or no television, an attraction remains an attraction. Not so in case. Rappaport s ■ He wrote the copy, and or- dered, inserted and paid for the space. Moreover, he did so un- der his own reconnaisance be- cause, as he told the world, "Suddenly I'm a happy guy." Why? Because the seats in his Town Theatre in Baltimore were now in regular contact with the customers. They haven't been empty for three weeks and, if all goes well, won't be for two more, at least. "I know that gloom sometimes gets so thick you can't cut it with a knife. Now I know what to cut it with," he said in paid space. "You cut it with a little dilly called 'Born Yesterday.' That's all, brother. Just 'Born Yesterday.' " ■ Cfthers are sharing Rappa- port's pleasure, it's a pleasure to be able to report. Not within the easy memory of contemporary man, or approximately thereof, is a parallel of the experience of the RKO Orpheum in New Or- leans where this attraction is now in its third week and yes- terday voted in a fourth. At the Victoria, New York, the run is in its seventh stanza. Ditto at the Pantages in Hollywood. The Paramount, and a flock of ex- hibitors, is in the dead center of an exhilarating experience, too, with "At War with the Army." This stars Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, was produced by Abner Greshler and acquired by Paramount. Now rolling toward the end of its second week at the Broadway Paramount, this war comedy did an astonishing $19,- 149 last Saturday. Scurrying through records, the Paramount boys are hunting fev- erishly for yardsticks. They say the best they've been able to do is to compare their current excite- ment with their best grossing black-and-white film of the last decade. Credit part of this to understandable enthusiasm and the rest of it to finger-snapping in the face of facts which include a little job released in 1944. "Going My Way" was its title. When you cut through some of the hurrahs, you find the comparison is more in line with "The Paleface," which did about $4,500,000 in the United States and around $5,000,000 if you add Canada. Since every distributor keeps graphs, charts and crystal balls and has a way of drawing an accurate bead on final tallies on the basis of performance in the early weeks of release, Para- mount's computation machine comes up with the forecast that "At War with the Army" will do a domestic gross of about $4,000,000, provided- Provided, the attraction main- tains its established pace. Even Paramount won't guarantee that. Coming Events Feb. 6 — Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin regional meeting, Hotel Lorraine, Madi- son. Feb. 8 — Associated Motion Picture Advertisers luncheon - meeting- tribute to Harry A. McWilliams, AMPA president, Trader Tom Restaurant, 12:30, New York. Feb. 8-9 — National Theatre Supply- district sales meeting, Hotel Hol- lander, Cleveland. Feb. 10 — Edison Pioneers anniver- sary luncheon, Hotel Astor, New York. Feb. 14 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. Feb. 14 — Allied States Association Caravan Committee meeting, Statler Hotel, Washington. Feb. 15-16 — Allied States Associa- tion board of directors annual mid-winter meeting, Statler Ho- tel, Washington. Feb. 18-25 — "Brotherhood Week." Feb. 28 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 14— Allied Rocky Mountain Independent Theatres directors meeting, Denver. March 14 — Cinema Stamp Collec- tors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 18-20 — Theatre Owners of Oklahoma annual convention, Biltmore Hotel, Oklahoma City. March 22 — Academy of Motion Pic- ture Arts and Sciences 23rd an- nual presentation of awards, RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. Services Wednesday For Alfred A. Cohn Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Funeral serv- ices will be held here on Wednesday afternoon at Hollywood Cemetery Chapel for Alfred A. Cohn, 71, who died Saturday night following hos- pitalization for a heart attack suffered a month ago. The retired screenwriter, whose screenplay for "The Jazz Singer" won the first Academy Award ever given for screen writing, had recently com- pleted a book covering Hollywood history from the start of production here to the present. He served as U. S. Collector of Customs for the Port of Los Angeles, in 1935-1939 and later was president of the Los Angeles police commission for several years. Before taking up screen writing as a profession, in which he turned out approximately 100 scripts, Cohn had a journalistic career on Metropolitan newspapers. A son and two daughters survive. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center Joan Fontaine - in Hal Walli Joseph Cotten ; Production "SEPTEMBER AFFAIR" A Paramount Picture Plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION!' VBAN JERRY John Nickel, 73 Baltimore, Feb. 5. — One of Balti- more's oldest showmen is dead. John (Hon) Nickel, 73, was buried here on Saturday, having died from a heart attack. He was the owner of the Gay- ety Theatre, intermittently a burlesque and a film-house. Marine £T WAR WITH MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye Consulting Editor. Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York O N. Y Telephone CI, cle " ■ Cabl - address. Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and 1 1 easurer , Leo J Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building William R. Weavei, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. L Sq., London Wl ; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, jr. , • v.. ,, < -mm ,„. „, r, - ■ ■ ■ <• Brady, Secretary ; James P Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South. LaSalle Street^ Urben Farley, .^^jJ^j^^U V,^^, ^o^om-^Oth'er "'Quigley Publications: Motion Picture nd Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section'of Motion Picture. Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame^ Entered « |ec°»* t the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign, single copies, lUc. London Bureau, 4 Golden Herald; Better Theatres class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, Tuesday, February 6, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 National Pre-Selling PARAMOUNT' S "The Mating Sea- son" has been chosen as "The Pic- ture-of-the-Month" by Seventeen _ mag- azine and will be so announced in the March issue to coincide with the re- lease of the picture. All branches and field representatives have been alerted by Max E. Youngstein, in charge of Paramount's national advertising and exploitation, to use the award as am- munition in their publicity campaigns. Some 250 radio stations from Coast to Coast will give a full pro- gram plug to 20th Century-Fox's "Of Men and Music," timed to the film's opening playdates. Plugs will be heard on the "Music You Want" program. The program is sponsored by RCA-Victor and is ex- pected to reach an audience of 7,200,000 classical music lovers throughout the country. • Special radio transcriptions for 20th Century-Fox's musical, "Call Me Mis- ter," are now available at no cost to exhibitors for saturation exploitation. The recordings make use of a humor- ous personal recommendation by Jack Benny in his familiar voice and film- plugging lyrics sung by a quintette to the picture's title tune. A special trailer featuring Benny has also been made. Full details of trailer and radio transcriptions are contained in the pressbook. 20th Century-Fox's "Follow the Sun" has been chosen as "The Picture of the Month" for April by Coronet, making it the fifth of the company's films to be so honored in six issues of the magazine. Others cited in recent months were: "Panic in the Streets," "Mister 880," "All About Eve" and "Fourteen Hours." • A large-scale merchandising tie- up between 20th Century-Fox, California Girl, Inc., and Cohama Fabrics will see "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" promoted in cities and towns from Coast to Coast. Both fabric companies are manu- facturing dresses which were de- signed by Charles Le Maire for use in the film. The dresses, worn in the picture by Susan Hayward and Marion Marshall, will be introduced by one leading store in each city throughout the country, with the tie-up to be supported in local sit- uations by special newspaper mats, hangtags and window displays. The promotion, which will coincide with the picture's national release in mid-April, will be launched in New York by Gimbel Brothers. Window displays in more than 40 jezvelry stores throughout the Metro- politan area are helping plug Para- mount's "At War with the Army" currently doing record business at the Paramount Theatre, according to Max E. Youngstein, Paramount advertising and publicity vice-president. Basis for the displays, which fea Hire counter cards inside the stores as zvell as stills of stars Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and playdate credits in windows, is a nationwide tieup ef- fected by Paramount with the Benrus Watch Co. — Walter Brooks 12y2% of Gross to British Producers Under Eady Plan London, Feb. S. — British producers of feature pictures will be given 12^1 per cent of the gross of their pictures in succeeding quarterly periods begin- ning Oct. 1, last, under the proposed distribution system being set up for the administration of the so-called Eady production pool tax. This was confirmed today at a meeting here of members of the British Film Producers As- sociation and others. American producers will not share in the pool although exhibitors will pay a levy of one farthing per seat into the pool even when their programs consist only of American pictures. Producers of documentaries and short subjects will get two and one- half times the percentage taken by fea- ture producers. Any balance remaining in the pool at the end of any given quarter, will be distributed on a simi- lar, pro rata basis. Following today's meeting the plan is to be submitted to Harold Wilson, president of the Board of Trade, for his formal approval, which is assured. On the basis of current business vol- ume at Britain's theatres, the Eady production pool promises to be en- riched by at least £1,250,000 ($3,400,- 000) during its first year of operation. That would provide a producer, under the provisions of the pool distribution, with an additional £20,000 ($56,000) net during the released run of any of his successful pictures. Loew's Option Plan {Continued from page 1) contracts with Loew's of the six exec- utives involved. Confirmation that Loew's has entered into negotiations for a consent decree with the government was also con- tained in the proxy statement mailed yesterday to stockholders. Schenck Urges Plan Approval of the stock option plan was urged by Nicholas M. Schenck, president, in a letter accompanying the statement. As previously reported, the directors on Jan. 17 voted options to the following : Dore Schary, produc- tion vice-president, 100,000 shares ; Arthur M. Loew, president of Loew's International, 40,000 shares, and vice- presidents Benjamin Thau, Joseph R. Vogel, Charles C. Moskowitz and Louis K. Sidney, 27,500 shares each. Purchase price will be the price of the stock on Jan. 17, $16% per share. Contingent on approval of the plan, contracts of the executives will be extended as follows : Schary, exclusive services, from July 26, 1955 to Jan. 17, 1958; Loew, from March 1, 1955, to March 1, 1958; Thau, from March 1, 1954 to Jan. 17, 1958; Vogel, from March 1, 1954 to March 1, 1958; Moskowitz, from March 1, 1954 to March 1, 1958, and Sidney, from March 7, 1954 to Jan. 17, 1958. Eleven Directors The 11 directors nominated for re- election by the company are : Leopold Friedman, F. Joseph Holleran, Eu- gene W. Leake, Moskowitz, William A. Parker, William F. Rodgers, J. Robert Rubin, Schenck, Vogel, David Warfield and Henry Rogers Winthrop. Compensation paid in 1950 to the eight directors who are also officers of the company is listed in the state- ment as follows: Friedman, $130,357; Edgar J. Mannix, $159,036, plus $43,- 571 additional based on profits ; Louis B. Mayer, $156,429 plus $143,571 based on profits ; Moskowitz, $156,429 ; Rodgers, $114,714; Rubin, $104,286 plus $110,614 based on profits ; Schenck, $130,357 plus $94,411 based on profits; Vogel, $156,429. In addition to the above salaries, sums ranging from $20,691 to $55,355 were paid into the company's retire- ment plan. Rubin's aggregate com- pensation last year exceeded the pre- vious year by $49,023. The company has deposited in escrow $78,000lJor Rodgers, from which he, under terms of his contract, receives $1,739 monthly. US Planning Bond Drive; Has Big Role for COMPO The U. S. Treasury Department, contemplating a new emergency bond drive, is counting on all-out coopera- tion from motion picture theatres in that connection, it was revealed here vesterday by Robert W. Coyne, spe- cial counsel of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. Coyne, who from 1941 to 1945 was national field director of the Treasury's War Finance Division, recently conferred in Washington with Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder, Attorney-General J. Howard McGrath and other key govern- ment officials. From these he learned that for the time being the government will not require any special services from thea- tres or from the film industry at large in connection with the emergency effort which has arisen out of Korea. However, Coyne indicated, before the end of spring COMPO doubtlessly will be approached for commitments in line with a forthcoming bond drive. He added that the drive itself may not be set in motion until 1952, but the role which the industry would play in that effort might have to be crys talized by next autumn. Loew's Realignment {Continued from page 1) R. Vogel, theatre operations vice- president. Martin Burnett, with headquarters in Columbus, will now have charge of Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, Indian- apolis, Louisville and Evansville. Mike Cullen from headquarters in St. Louis, will handle Kansas City, Houston, New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis and Atlanta. The. Southern cities had been supervised by Allan Sparrow, who died recently. Frank Murphy, with headquarters in Cleveland, will also handle Akron, Canton and Toledo. Wisconsin AITO Will Meet Today Milwaukee, Feb. 5. — The first regional meeting of the year to be held by the Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin will open at the Hotel Lorraine at Madison tomorrow. Highlighting the agenda will be a clinic featuring "Film Buying on Today's Market and the Proper Book- ing of Product." Exploitation and marketing of product will also be discussed from the floor. Skouras Host at Red Cross Lunch Admiral William F. Halsey deliv- ered the major address at a luncheon given here yesterday for leaders of the film industry by Spyros P. Skouras, chairman for the motion picture di- vision of the 1951 Red Cross cam- paign. Under discussion was possi- bility of a collection drive in theatres. ITOA and MMPTA of New York indicated support. Among those in attendance at the luncheon, at the Metropolitan Club, were: Al Schwalberg, Max Young- stein, Leonard Goldenson, Charles Reagan, Robert Mochrie, S. Barret McCormick, Leon Bamberger, Harry Goldberg, Abe Schneider, Robert S. Benjamin, Herman Robbins, Ed Morey, Spyros P. Skouras, Jr., Wil- liam A. White, A. J. Balaban,_ Rus- sell V. Downing, Harold Rinzler, Frank Damis, Edward Rugoff, Leo Brecher, Sam Rosen and Lou Gamble. Guest of honor was Corporal Harry Smith, a wounded American-born Chinese veteran of the Korean cam- paign. Amusement Rates Raised Columbus, O., Feb. 5. — The Co- lumbus Citizen has advanced its amuse- ment rate one cent, bringing up the rate to 23J4 cents per line. Truman to Speak at Red Cross Rally Here A mobilization rally to be held in Madison Square Garden Feb. 27, will officially open the March Red Cross 1951 appeal. The rally staged by Ed Sullivan and Mario Lewis producers of the CBS-TV program, "Toast of the Town," will be climaxed by an ad- dress by President Harry S. Truman speaking from Washington. Three networks, CBS, NBC and ABC already have cleared the air for TV coverages. Burstyn Hits Regents Authority in Brief John C. Farber, attorney for Joseph Burstyn, Inc., has filed with the spe- cial subcommittee of the New York Board of Regents the brief he indi- cated he would submit by yesterday in connection with the subcommittee's inquiry into whether the license for Burstyn's "Ways of Love," including the controversial "The Miracle," shall be revoked. Farber's office here revealed that the attorney took in the brief the same stand he took on earlier occasions, namely, that neither the Regents nor the subcommittee have the authority to take steps to revoke the license, which was granted by the Motion Pic- ture Division of the State Education Department. GROSSES ARE UP- AND FLAGS ARE UP TO CELEBRATE . . . FOI Paramount Now Has On The Nation's Marq DEAN MARTIN JERRY LEWIS nf ITH IN AY Held over everywhere in record runs! N. Y. Paramount set 24-year non-holiday week high at regular prices. BING CROSBY IN s crest of terrific promotion from 20th Anniversary JOAN FONTAINE JOSEPH HAL WALLIS' PRODUCTION GOTTEN IN Watch the results of the premiere engagement of this ' great woman's picture now at Radio City Music Hall. I Its Biggest Money Product Since 1946 ■ ■ ■ ALAN LADD IN COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR It has left "Whispering Smith" grosses far behind in many situations —to become one of '51's leaders. COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR First few hundred engagements reveal this trend: It is boosting business on average of 40% over normal. V»4»!"tf>Ht?"t* I* 1 t;_li H«t* "If. !<•♦« f??ii •? ? W I CECIL B. DeMILLE'S Then the comedy sensation BOB HOPE in —and lots of other exciting marquee merchandise from PARAMOUNT BROTHERHOOD WEEK — February 18-25 Brotherhood — for Peace and Freedom. Believe it! Live it! Support itl Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 6, 1951 Rank Background Photo Process A Hit at Showing By PETER BURNUP London, Feb. 5. — The J. Arthur Rank Organization, owner of a new photography process known as Trav- elling Matte, which it claims to be a highly significant technical advance, gave a brief trade demonstration of the process here. Observers, both technical and laymen, left the demon- stration favorably impressed. Basically, the new process aims at replacing back projec- tion in the reproduction of large-scale exteriors. It enables one scene to be printed on top of another without, it is claimed, ghosting or unnatural edges, so that the two scenes blend into one sharp picture. It is said to be the result of five years of intensive research and experi- ment and already has been used in a number of Rank-produced pictures, in Sir Alexander Kor- ea's recently completed "Cry the "Beloved Country," and in 20th Century-Fox's production at Denham of the James Stew- art-Marlene Dietrich film, "No Highway." The process uses a special beam- splitter camera which records on two rolls of film at once, one making a normal image and the other a pure silhouette. The background to the picture is later combined with the two rolls of film in the laboratory and the whole is then "married" into a finished composite, for which extraordinary clarify and depth of focus are claimed. Seen as Time Saver Among its advantages are said to be a saving of studio space an,d the reduction of setting-up time. The stage space used is only that required by the foreground action, plus about 15 feet behind for backing and lighting equipment. Also claimed for Travelling Matte is its post-shooting control of a com- posite picture. The plate for a back- ground may be replaced by a new one. Alternatively, it can be shot after the foreground action has been recorded. The balance between the foreground and background is said to be com- pletely controllable in the laboratory processing. Also, it is said, the method completely obviates the smudgy, dark grey which develops in normal back- projection treatment of night scenes. Special camera and lighting devices are involved. Processing of the film can, to date, be carried out only in Rank's Denham laboratories. Experi- ments are now in process for Travel- ling Matte's development in color. Reviews Royal Wedding (M etro-Goldwyn-M aycr) "jpHE FAMILIAR musical format is given a resplendent treatment in MrG-M's "Royal Wedding." The gilt Technicolor production is generous in its song, dance and production numbers, joyously breaking into them at almost every turn. At other times, a merry, featherweight tale is spun about a brother-sister dancing team that goes to London to perform during the season of the royal wedding and encounters romance along the way. Wing-footed Fred Astaire plays the brother and Jane Powell the sister, while capable support comes from Peter Lawford, Keenan Wynnand Sarah Churchill in her American debut. The picture shapes up as a solid audience pleaser. Astaire, in the story and screenplay concocted by Alan Jay Lerner, plays a performer pretty much set in his gay, bachelor ways, while his sister, Miss Power is romantically inclined, but too dedicated to her art to take a boy seriously. En route to London, however, things start to change. She_ meets Lawford, a handsome young lord, and presently falls in love with hinx In London, Astaire chances upon Miss Churchill, a dancer, and cupid strikes another hit with his arrow. After a series of minor romantic adventures it gets to a point where both brother and sister really want to get married but somehow they decided that careers are more important. The decision against the heart's impulse doesn't last very long for the team. They behold the royal wedding (presumably Ptincess Elizabeth's), and decide to do likewise. Wynn, playing a dual role of twin brother, is a hilarious hit. He doubles as an American and British theatrical agent, investing both roles with robust comedy. One dancing number, marked for novel effect, has Astaire strutting his stuff on the ceiling and walls. All production numbers sparkle with a breezy freshness that contributes to a relaxed atmosphere. Miss Churchill has an interesting dramatic face that would suggest accomplished acting ability, although her role, regrettably, is not a histrionically demanding one. Arthur Freed produced and Stanley Donen directed. Running time, 93 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, March 23 Mandel Herbstman New Federal Bans On Aluminum Use Washington, Feb. 5. — The National Production Author- ity has banned the use of aluminum after April 1 in some 200 non-essential items. Included are advertising and other signs, soap and lo- tion dispensers, door frames and windows, Venetian blinds, building fronts, and sporting goods. NPA Appeals {Continued from page 1) "Spoilers of the Plains" (Republic) ROY ROGERS makes life quite uncomfortable for a gang of foreign out- laws who are spotted in "Spoilers of the Plains," an action drama which is par with most predecessors in the Rogers series. On hand to help Rogers in this Edward J. White production are Trigger and a dog. William Witney directed, from Sloan Nibley's story. Scientists working to develop a long-range weather forecasting service in Western desert country, face Grant Withers, gangster head, who poses as the owner of a small oil company in the area in order to gain access to the inside on the scientific project. To obtain oil he has offered to Penny Edwards, daughter of the chief scientist, Withers taps into Rogers' pipe-line, and then later steals the timing device from an experimental rocket, substituting a time bomb so that the chief scientist will be killed. Rogers discovers the bomb just before it is set to explode and he. removes it from the experimental camp site. With the aid of guards and his own assistants, Rogers brings the crim- inal's career to a sudden halt. Comedy touches are supplied by Gordon Jones, while Rogers supplies song- material, supported by Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Juvenile Western fans will enjoy this film. There is plenty of fighting, some shooting, and a chase that is really something, but there is still a definite lag- throughout, because the plot is far fetched. Adults will not be too happy with the result. Others in the cast are: William Forrest, Don Haggerty, Keith Richards, Fred Kohler, Jr., House Peters, Jr., and George Meeker. Running time, 68 minutes. General audience classification. February release. Wolff, Thorpe Due Here from London Robert S. Wolff, RKO Pictures managing director for Britain, is scheduled to arrive here from England today on the SS. Queen Mary for a six weeks home office visit. Wolff is on his annual visit to the home office and probably will go to Hollywood before returning to London. Also due here from London is Max Thorpe, Columbia's British managing director, whose previously scheduled departure from London was delayed by an attack of the flu. 36 Features Are in Work on the Coast Hollywood, Feb. 5. — The produc- tion index has gone up two points, for a total of 36 pictures in work. Eight new pictures were started while six were completed. Started were : "Slaughter Trail" (Irving Allen Productions), Indepen- dent ; "Texas Carnival," Metro-Gold- wyn-Mayer ; "Wild Horse Canyon," Monogram ; "Favorite Spy" and "The Greatest Show on Earth," Paramount ; "Wells Fargo Gunmaster," Republic ; "The House On the Square" and "The Secret of Convict Lake," 20th Century- Fox. Completed were : "Love Is Better Than Ever" and "Rich, Young and Pretty," Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer ; "Ghost Chasers," Monogram; "Here Comes the Groom," Paramount ; "Rus- tlers' Range," RKO Radio ; "Ma And Pa Kettle at the County Fair," Uni- versal-International. Add 15% Tax to Film Duty in Costa Rica Washington, Feb. 5. — An agree- ment between distributors in Costa Rica and the Central Bank of Costa Rica subjects films to usual customs charges plus a five per cent income tax and a 10 per cent exchange surtax, according to a report from the Com- merce Department. The extra 15 per cent of taxes are deducted from the gross amounts remittable to the for- eign producers, Golden said in his re- port. The report estimated that gross in- come for the city of San Jose alone is about 4,000,000 colones annually (5.67 colones to the dollar), of which about 2,500,000 colones is remitted to foreign producers as rental on films. Of this, U. S. producers get about 1,500,000 colones, Mexican producers about 600,- 000 and Argentine and European films the remaining 400,000 colones, it was stated. is any tightening in their standards. They declared that the early projects were valid ones and that many of the recent appeals tend to be from people who really haven't got a valid "hard- ship" case. The 10 approved projects, according to NPA officials, were these: a new theatre in Salem, Mass., for Buckley and Danzansky ; a $15,000 drive-in at Webster Springs, W. Va., for Arden A. Richards; a $15,000 theatre at Athens, Ga., for Abrams and Joel Theatre ; repairs and improvements for the Majestic theatre at Rhinelander, Wise, $8,250, for the Hodag Amuse- ment Co.; a $50,000 drive-in at Ke- wanee, 111., for Bernard Temborious: a $17,000 prefab drive-in at Loveland, Colo., for Elmer F. Mortell ; a $125,- 000 drive-in at Denver for Lakewood Theatres, Inc., a theatre, probably legitimate, for the Carmel Playhouse at Carmel, Calif. ; a $100,000 drive-in at San Mateo, Calif., for Lester Park ; and a $9,949 drive-in at South Bend, Ind., for Lewis Cochovety. The following projects were denied: a $100,000 drive-in at Worcester, Mass., for Peter J. Morrone ; a $15,000 drive-in at Wrens, Ga., for O. L. King ; a drive-in for S. H. Plockelmon at West Palm Beach, Fla. ; a $10,000 drive-in at Mobile, Ala., for Matthew Suraci ; Construction of a drive-in and remodeling of an existing drive-in, $25,000, Barnwell, S. C, Kathleen H. Dobson; a $55,000 theatre at Ellen- dale, N. D., for H. A. Porter ; a $125,- 000 drive-in at St. Louis for the Kil- gore Amusement Corp.; a $35,000 drive-in at Baton Rouge, La., Film Service Corp. ; an "indoor standard motion picture building" at Tyler, Tex. for S. G. Fry; an $11,000 drive- in at Lubbock, Tex., for B. W. Hall ; a drive-in at Fort Worth, J. T. David- son ; a San Francisco drive-in for the General Theatrical Co. ; and a theatre in Portland, Ore., for the West Slope Community Center. Protests Pirating (Continued from page 1) irated reported to be shown on a pir basis in Moscow. It is a 1938 M-G-M picture, "The Crowd Roars," starring Robert Tay- lor and dealing with a prize-fighting background and is being shown in Moscow as "The Eight Round.' MPAA officials said they did not know whether distortions had been made, but that in any event Irving Maas had asked the Department to try to get the Soviets to stop the un- authorized showings and return the prints to M-G-M. No answer has been received by the Department yet on the earlier pro- tests over "Mr. Smith Goes to Wash- ington" and "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town." Tuesday, February 6, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 Reviews "Rhythm Inn" (Monogram) Hollywood, Feb. 5 AMUSING, light, musical-comedy entertainment unreels smoothly while producer Lindsley Parsons focuses the spotlight on the Dixieland band vogue that is currently quite popular in many sections of the country. This good-natured comedy, by Bill Raynor, concerns, for the most part, an improvident dance band that goes broke but manages to fulfill its engagement by "borrowing" its instruments nightly from a music store where they have been pawned to pay off a traffic fine. The band includes such, well known talent as Wingy Manone, Pete Dailey and Matty Matlock, names of moment to the dance public, plus the Anson Weeks orchestra. Jane Frazee, Kirby Grant, Charles Smith and Lois Collier are the principals in a story that ties the musical numbers together and supplies some laughs in its own right. All in all, it is a pleasantly serviceable little musical that is honestly entitled to its screentime. Bandleader Grant and his unit are in trouble with the local constabulary and are forced to pledge their instruments at a music store as security for a loan with which to pay a traffic fine. In order to fulfill a date at the Rhythm Inn, the band's singer, Miss Frazee, prevails upon Smith, who works at the store and is an amateur tunesmith, to smuggle the instruments to the boys nightly without his employer's knowledge. Miss Collier, Smith's girl friend, misun- derstands the relationship between him and Miss Frazee, and a series of com- plications ensues. But when matters work out in such fashion that Miss Col- lier is enabled to sing one of Smith's songs at the Inn with the band, every- thing comes out as it should in a musical comedy. William F. Broidy was associate producer, and Paul Landres directed, spiritedly. Others in the cast are : Fritz Feld, Ralph Sanford, Armida, Jean Ritchie, Ramon Ros and Ames and Arno. Running time, 73 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Feb. 12. "My Brother, the Outlaw" (Bo genus-Eagle Lion Classics) F" LEMENTS of mystery have been added to the outdoor action drama ■> format in 'My Brother, the Outlaw." Produced in Mexico by Benedict Bogeaus, the picture has Mickey Rooney and Wanda Hendrix in the leads, with support coming from Robert Preston and Robert Stack. The picture has enough action to make it a satisfactory item for Western situations, but, generally, the plot takes too many liberties with credulity, even for a Western. Rooney plays the part of a New York City boy who heads for Mexico to pay a surprise visit to his brother, Stack, who presumably, is operating a silver mine. En route, Rooney meets Preston, a husky Texas ranger who is out to capture a notorious Mexican bandit known as El Tigre. They join forces, and once in Mexico, start looking for Stack. After some mysterious doings and skullduggery, it turns out that Stack is a member of the outlaw gang. There is considerable shooting, fighting and flights with Rooney and Preston in constant danger from the outlaw. In a final showdown gun- fight, Stack is killed and when his disguise is lifted it is revealed that he is none other than El Tigre. Eliot Nugent directed, from a screenplay by Gene Fowler, Jr. Running time, 82 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Feb. 7. M. H. "Rough Riders of Durango" (Republic) A STANDARD Western yarn is spun in "Rough Riders of Durango/' which "features Allan (Rocky) Lane. Action is stressed all the way by Fred C. Bannon who directed Gordon Kay's production from a story by M. Coates Webster. Lane combines forces with Ross Ford, a young sheriff, who has his hands full trying to save local farmers from hi-j ackers. With the bank about to foreclose on all ranches and farms, Ford arranges for the farmers to get a $40,000 advance on their next grain shipment so that they can pay off their loans to the bank. At the crucial moment, the money is stolen and the mes- senger killed. Lane and Ford eventually discover that Steve Darrell, a supposedly honest harness-maker, is the brains behind the gang. After a number of close brushes with gunmen, and a fast moving chase, Lane recovers the money, and brings the criminals to justice. Others in the cast are : Denver Pyle, Stuart Randall, Hal Price, Tom London, Russ Whiteman and Dale Van Sickel. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Jan. 30. NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) for its first five days and manage- ment looked for $115,000 for the first week which ends today. "September Affair" opened on Thursday at Radio City Music Hall, with $79,000 grossed over the week- end. For the first week a somewhat less-than-average take of $118,000 is expected. Russell Markert's "Show Shop" highlights the stage show. Still doing good business, despite weather conditions, is "At War with the Army," at the Paramount, where $89,000 is expected for a second week. Ella Fitzgerald tops the stage bill. "Operation Pacific" is doing fairly well at the Strand, with $52,000 in sight for a first week. Denise Darcel is appearing personally at the Strand. "The Enforcer" is holding up well at the Capitol, with $41,000 expected for a second week ; Lionel Hampton's band is on stage. The sole newcomer to straight film houses is "The Second Woman" at the Rivoli, but estimated returns are rather disappointing for a first week, hovering around $18,000. Among the longer runs, "Born Yes- terday" is doing well at the Victoria, with $26,000 in sight for a seventh week. "Harvey," at the Astor, also in a seventh week, is holding up well with about $13,000 expected. Reissues Doing Well Two pictures will bow out on Fri- day, "Mad Wednesday," at the Globe, where $9,500 is expected for a second and final week, and "The Company She Keeps," at the Criterion, where $10,500 is due for its second stanza. Ort Saturday, "Sugarfoot" will open at the Globe, and "Frenchie" will go into the Criterion. Two re-issues, "The Last Gangster" and "The Big Store," are doing quite well at the Mayfair with $14,500 due for a second week ; they will hold for a third. "The Steel Helmet" at Loew's State is still pulling during the daytime but attendance lags eve- nings ; it will do a fair $14,000 for a second week. Business remained fairly steady at off-Broadway first runs. "Seven Days to Noon" took in $8,000 for a seventh week and looks like $7,000 for its eighth; the long-running "Trio" at the Sutton will do an estimated $6,500 for its 18th week. "The Blue Lamp" at the Park Avenue took in a comfor- table $6,000 for its fourth week and will hold for a fifth and final seven days. "Cyrano de Bergerac," playing two- a-day with reserved seats, at the Bijou, is grossing consistently with about $11,000 due for a 13th week. Two Closed, Three Reopen in Chicago Chicago, Feb. 5. — Two neighbor- hood houses, the Essex and Rena have closed because of business conditions. The Essex, a Jones, Linnick, and Schaefer theatre, had been an "art house, but switched to standard pic- tures, advertising admission prices whereby a family of four was admitted for 98 cents. The Rena had been ad- mitting "one family, any size, for one dollar." The Bertha, on the North Side, which closed early this winter, has been reopened, while two Warner houses, the Stratford and Grove, re- opened recently. Seek Boxing Day By-Law Toronto, Feb. 5. — The recognition of Boxing Day, the day after Christ- mas, as a statutory holiday, has led the Motion Picture Theatres Associa- tion of Ontario to ask the Toronto Board of Police Commissioners to add the date to listed holidays in the by- laws which provide permission for midnight shows in conjunction with such occasions. Half -Dollars for 'Dimes' Albany, N. Y., Feb. 5. — An in- crease in the size of theatre lobby con- tributions is one of the most hearten- ing features of the current "March of Dimes" campaign in Albany County, local chairman Thomas J. McEnaney reports. He stated that before, "it was chiefly pennies, nickles and dimes. Now it is quarters, half-dollars and dollar bills." CDA Ruling (Continued from page 1) it applied only when an attack was very imminent on a particular area, and could not be expected to be the rule for an indefinite emergency period. The CDA's statement, issued spe- cifically for the film industry, was pre- pared at the request of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. COMPO had protested to the White House that there were reports that the CDA was planning to ask theatres to close or to ask people to stay out of theatres, and wanted a statement to set these fears at rest. As expected, the statement stressed the positive contributions that the in- dustry could make and was in effect an invitation to exhibitors to start closer cooperation with local Civilian Defense officials. Theatres have a definite part to • play in the civilian defense effort, especially in off hours, the CDA state- ment declared. It suggested as an ex- ample that theatres could be used on Saturday mornings to show training films and other orientation material to Civilian Defense workers. The CDA admitted that while thea- tres had the advantage, from a bomb- resisting point, of being windowless, they did not have any special protec- tive features against enemy attack. Theatres surviving bombing would be useful for registra- tion of homeless individuals and other similar purposes, the statement declared. No men- tion was made of theatres serv- ing as first-aid posts, though officials privately have discussed that. Declaring that local Civilian De- fense officials will welcome coopera- tion from the industry, the statement concluded that "the sense of public responsibility exhibited by the industry in the past will suggest to operators that they offer their facilities to local Civilian Defense directors without de- lay." CDA officials indicated that they hoped this statement would quiet all fears in the industry, and that barring another similar request from the in- dustry for a statement of policy on a specific point, CDA planned no other releases dealing with theatres or the film, industry. Legion Reviews 12; Three in Class "B" The National Legion of Decency has reviewed 12 additional features, putting three in Class "B" and the re- mainder in Class "A." Those in Class "B" include: "Call Me Mister," 20th Century-Fox ; "Film Without a Name," (German), Oxford Films, and "Second Face," Eagle Lion Classics. Under the Class "A," Section No. 1, classification are: "Lights Out," Uni- versal-International ; "Rough Riders of Durango"; Republic. The fol- lowing were listed in Class "A," Sec- tion 2: "Al Jennings of Oklahoma,'' Columbia ; "The Bandit Queen," Lip- pert ; "Bowery Battalion," Monogram ; "Chance of a Lifetime" (British), Pilgrim-Ballantine Pictures ; "Korea Patrol," Eagle Lion Classics ; "Light- ning Strikes Twice," Warner; and "Belle le Grand," Republic. 1 . This is the story of Gerald McCloy And the strange thing that happened to that little boy. 2. "I see", said the doctor, "It's just as you said. He doesn't speak words, he goes BOING-BOING instead. 3. He just got a write-up in Life Magazine A plug for a short like no man's ever seen. 4. Still not convinced ? Want more of the same ? With pride, we can point to the critics' acclaim. 10 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 6, 1951 IA SOPEG {Continued from page 1) US Asks No Ticket Tax Boost {Continued from page 1) had been withheld at Para- mount. IATSE's H-63, long-time jurisdic- tional rival of SOPEG, announced yesterday through its executive vice- president, Russell M. Moss, that it would call for an NLRB election at Paramount. H-63 claims that over 200 former SOPEG workers at Para- mount have signed statements indicat- ing preference for the "IA" union. Moss said the NLRB's action yester- day could be interpreted as applying to other SOPEG strongholds, such as at 20th Century-Fox and Loew's. He hinted that his union would contest SOPEG's jurisdiction at those locali- ties as well as at Paramount. "Without Prejudice" The Board denied the SEG motion "without prejudice to the filing of new petitions at an appropriate time. This statement was accepted by the "IA" local as a virtual invitation to challenge its rival at Paramount. The dispute arose when the UOPWA, SEG's parent outfit, merged into the new Distributive, Processing and Office Workers of America. It asked that it be given the old Screen Publicists Guild certifica- tion. IATSE and 143 individual em- ployes challenged SEG's jurisdiction, claiming UOPWA had lost its ident- ity in the new set-up and that SEG should not be recognized. The Board's action said that in view of the objections and in view of the length of time elapsed since the certi- fication, it would not transfer the cer- tification. It made it plain, however, that this was without prejudice to the SEG's right to seek a new election, or that some other group could seek such an election. What the Board in effect said was that the SEG hadn't convinced it that the union had main- tained its identity in the new set-up enough to warrant a transfer of the certification. Praises Results of "Monogram Week" Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Monogram president Steve Broidy said today that bookings indicate "Mongram Week" will more than double the average weekly billings of any similar period during the company's history. Broidy said, "On behalf of the entire organi- zation I wish to thank circuit opera- tors and independent exhibitors for their fine cooperation." Kalmine Betrothal Joan Adrienne Kalmine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Kalmine, will be married on Saturday to Daniel Norton Paradies, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. Jacob Paradies of Atlanta, in the Hotel Plaza, New York. The cere- mony will be performed by the Rev. Dr. Julius Mark of Temple Emanu-El. The bride will be given in marriage by her father, who is president and general manager of Warner Theatres. istration plans to drain $10,000,000,000 more of U. S. income off in taxes means there will be that much less to spend for amusement. To this ex- tent, the tax program is bad news for the industry. Also, of course, individuals and cor- porations in the industry will have to bear the tax increases proposed for all individuals and corporations. Fnally, one specifice Administration proposal might have some very slight damaging effect on drive-in theatre business — a recommendation that the Federal excise tax on gasoline be boosted from one and one half cent a gallon to three cents a gallon. Snyder pointed out that the taxes on amusements are al- ready 20 per cent and suggested that consumer durables are lag- ging way behind and should take the brunt of the tax in- crease. A table submitted to the Committee by Snyder showed that a greater por- tion of consumer expenditures on recreation are subject to Federal ex- cise tax than of any other type of consumer spending. The table showed that 52.1 per cent of spending on rec- reation was taxed. Congress Action Doubtful The fact that the Administration has not proposed a boost in the admission tax makes the odds very long that Congress will not vote one. It is con- sidered very doubtful that Congress will go beyond the Administration. There is considerable sentiment, in Congress, however, for a sales tax. The Administration did not specifi- cally mention this, and Snyder ducked questions on it. However, his pre pared statement implied that such a tax would not be too successful, de- claring that the amount of consumer purchases now outside the tax base "do not on the whole represent _ a promising source for additional excise tax revenue." Snyder proposed that individual in- come taxes be increased all along the line by four percentage points. He suggested that corporation income taxes go up eight points, to 33 per cent on incomes under $25,000 and to 55 per cent on incomes over $25,000. This would raise the effective rate on excess profits to 85 per cent. Also, he said the ceiling on corporate taxes would have to go up to 70 per cent. The income tax boosts should be retroactive to Jan. 1, Snyder said. The Treasury also asked for tighter treatment of long-term capital gains— a boost in the effective maximum rat' from 25 per cent to 37l/2 per cent, and a holding period of at least one year as against the present six months. Arbitration Not on Allied Board Agenda Washington, Feb. 5. — The chances of Allied States As- sociation taking any action for an industry arbitration system became more remote today when it was learned that all suggestions for items to be discussed at the coming Allied board meeting have come in from directors and that not a single member has proposed including arbitra- tion on the agenda. Allied General counsel Abram F. Myers pointed out that any director can move to put arbitration on the agenda during the meeting, Feb. 15-16, but he significant- ly added that "any other member, of course, can move to table." At previous Allied board meetings, discussion of arbitration has been tabled. COMPO-Tax {Continued from page 1) Allied Plan {Continued from page 1) ing they needed more time to study the proposals, and that he felt this a reasonable request in view of the many people in each company who have to be consulted on such a proposal. Myers refused to comment on the reaction from the Justice Department, which also received a copy of Al- lied's proposed changes in the com- petitive bidding rules. Barron, Oscar Doob, Jack Bry- son, Morton Sunshine, Rotus Harvey, Marvin Faris and Jay Emanuel. "The results of their work are a j shining example of what can be done by concerted industry action," Mayer added. In Washington, Myers, general counsel of Allied States, said he was "very much gratified" that the Ad- (l ministration was not seeking any ad- mission tax increase because the 20 per cent admission tax is high enough ff now. Myers said he felt "it is largely the result of the impression made and the good will gathered during the long campaign last winter." Sullivan Gratified Sullivan who last week foresaw the threat of an additional Federal levy which would bring the tax to 30 per cent, also expressed gratification that his fears were not realized. He urged, however, that COMPO "for educa- tional purposes" form a new taxation and legislative committee and thereby obviate possible addition of Federal levies later on. The committee, he held, could supervise the making of short subjects which would apprise the public of the tax load now being carried by admissions and urge patrons to be on guard against pos- sible increases. Snyder's exempting of admissions in his tax message signified that the gov- ernment regards films as a "strong- arm of communications," Sullivan maintained. Palisades Studio on L. I. Set to Operate Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Palisades Pro- ductions, new partnership firm of Marion Parsonnet and Edward Lewis, whose "Run for the Hills" will start here on March 1, has completed con- struction of a three-stage New York sound studio on Long Island where it will make 132 15-minute TV subjects starring Faye Emerson. The TV films will be made for Pepsi-Cola, and under the deal with that company writer-director Parson- net and producer Lewis are free to turn out an unlimited number of com- mercial television and regular theatre features and shorts. While the initial TV activity will be concentrated in New York, production facilities al- ready are established in Hollywood. Okays 'Obstruction' Bill Boston, Feb. 5. — A bill requiring the printing of the words "Obstructed View" on tickets for sports and other places of entertainment, if seats are behind poles or other obstructions, was approved Friday by the Joint Legisla- tive Committee on Mercantile Affairs. Athanasia Skouras Wed The marriage of Athanasia George Skouras, daughter of Mr. and Mrs George P. Skouras, to Martin Sweeny Jr., son of Mrs. Martin Sweeny, and the late Mr. Sweeny, took place Satur- day at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye. Rev. B. Del Negro of St. Vito's Church in Mamaroneck, per- formed the ceremony, and Rt. Rev. Monsignor John McGowan, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, pre- sided. The bride was given in marriage by her father, George P. Skouras, head of Skouras Theatres and of United Artists Theatre Circuit. Two More TO A Units Okay Compo Changes Two more Theatre Owners of Amer- ica regionals — in Texas and New Mexico--have signified acceptance of the new organizational structure of the Council of Motion Picture Organi- zations. This brings to eight the num- ber of TOA units which have approved the new COMPO set-up. Reporting this here yesterday, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, said he believed virtually all of the remain- ing 20 regionals will have signified approval by the end of the month. Two, however, are scheduled to vote on the change at meetings scheduled for March. Roxy-Union Sign Pact A new two-year contract has been signed by the Roxy Theatre here and the American Guild of Variety Artists covering working conditions of chorus dancers and ice skaters employed at the theatre. Salary increases and ad- justments in working conditions are provided in the pact. 38 New AMP A Members Thirty-eight new members will be presented at Thursday's closed meet- ing of the Associated Motion Picture Adverstisers, to be held here at Tradei Tom's Restaurant. Anti- Drinking Bill Pends Indianapolis, Feb 5. — A bill mak- ing it illegal to take alcoholic bever- ages of any kind into drive-in theatres is pending in the Indiana legislature. Wiesenthal Becomes RKO Producer Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Sam Wiesen- thal, who with W. R. Frank formed Olympic Productions which produced "Cry Danger," has been signed by, Howard Hughes to a producer's con- tract at RKO Pictures. After functioning as a sales execu- tive in film distribution, Wiesenthal came to Hollywood as a member of the story department at Universal. Later, as general manager of General Service Studios, he was associated with various independent operations. Secures Three Features Jack Berkson, president of Screen- craft Pictures, has secured three Pine- Thomas features, "Power Dive,^ "Forced Landing," and "Flying Blind," all formerly released by Paramount Pictures. The Motion Picture Industry's FIRST Women's Magazine FIRST in Pages of Motion Picture Editorial Linage FIRST in Pages of Motion Picture Advertising Alert producers place their advertising in the maga- zine which does mosf to help them sell. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING pre-sells by solid and con- tinuous editorial support, by active exploitation and promotion. Because women believe in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, wise producers have placed it FIRST on their 1951 schedules. COMPLETE PIE COOK BOOK PAGES OF MOTION PICTURE EDITORIAL LINAGE 1950* GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 27.7 WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "A" -0- WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "B" 13.5 WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "C" 18.3 *Lloyd Hall PAGES OF MOTION PICTURE ADVERTISING JANUARY-DECEMBER 19501 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "A" WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "B" WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINE "C" fP. I. B. 13.61 5.25 5.75 8.75 Millions of women are influenced by this symbol GOOD HOUSEKEEPING The Magazine America Lives By it- 'ill? THE HOTTEST PICTURE OF 1951 ! ALL "Eve" business is now writing phenomenal B. O. history! -and repeat first-run engagements are topping initial dates ACT FAST ON THIS ONE! BROTHERHOOD— FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM Believe It! Live It! Support It! Brotherhood Week— Feb. 18-25, 1951 FIRS FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 27 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1951 TEN CENTS Rank and ELC Distribution Deal Scrapped Reduced Production by Rank Regarded as Cause Eagle Lion Classics and the J. Arthur Rank Organization here jointly announced the termination of their mutual releasing agreement yesterday, two years prior to its origi- nally scheduled expiration. The termination was attributed by ELC sources largely to the reduction of Rank production activities in Eng- land which, with the playing off of the older Rank product here, leaves an insufficient number of pictures to be divided between itself and Uni- versal, in accordance with the terms of the contract, in the future. Under the deal now terminated, the Rank Organization distributed ELC product in the Eastern Hemisphere. Both ELC and Rank will continue dis- tribution of pictures already delivered to them, but will not take on new ones. ELC has approximately 21 {Continued on page 5) Para. Sets 11 for Next Five Months Paramount will release 11 films, March through July, five of which are in Technicolor, it was announced yes- terday by A. W. Schwalberg, presi- dent of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. The schedule is as follows : March : "The Redhead and the Cowboy," starring Glenn Ford, Rhonda Fleming and Edmond O'Brien ; Charles Brackett's "The Mating Sea- son," starring Gene Tierney, John Lund, Thelma Ritter and Miriam Hopkins ; "Samson and Delilah" Cecil B. DeMille's Technicolor production starring Hedy Lamarr, Victor Ma- ture, George Sanders, Angela Lans- (Continued on page 5) Cinema Productions Meetings On Here Executives of Cinema Productions, organization of prominent exhibitors, are meeting here this week in con- nection with preparations for filming of the company's first picture, "Main Street to Broadway." A distributor for the picture, which will be produced in cooperation with the Council of the Living Theatre, has not yet been set, it was reported by Lester Cowan, CP (Continued on page 5) DuPont to Review Cutback; May Up Production Again Washington, Feb. 6. — DuPont's film manufacturing branch has agreed to take another look at its recent 25 per cent cutback in production of film for raw stocks, and see whether any of the production can be restored. This was the result of a meeting here today among Joyce O' Hara, act- ing head of the Motion Picture As- sociation, assistant Jerry Cahill, Na- tional Production Authority film chief Nathan D. Golden, and K. T. Molin, head of DuPont's film section. Those present cautioned that the in- dustry should not be too optimistic over the results of today's meeting. "The industry has DuPont's promise to take another look at the situation, but nothing beyond that," one par- ticipant said. "When they take their second look, they may decide the 25 per cent cut is right. But at least they're reconsidering it." The meeting was the first in what may be a series of similar meetings (Continued on page 4) Reinstate 2, Settle 20th-Fox, SPG Row Re-instatement of two of the five members of the 20th Century-Fox publicity staff recently laid off was announced yesterday in a joint state- ment by the company and a committee of the 20th-Fox unit of the Screen Publicists Guild. Amicable settlement of the dispute was reached in a conference between Jack Lang, in charge of labor matters for 20th-Fox, and the SPG committee. (Continued on page 5) Film Stocks Rise Up to 2% Points Film stocks experienced pronounced gains on the New York Stock Exchange yester- day, with rises of from >/8 to 1% points noted. The gains were attributed to the fact that theatre admissions were bypassed in the Treasury De- partment's increased excise tax recommendations on Monday. Highest gain was achieved by 20th Century-Fox, which opened at 22 and closed at 23%. The full- point gains were registered by Loew's and Paramount which closed, respectively, at 18 % and 2314. Krim - Benjamin Deal for UA Seen Impaired By Delay Prolongation of the current discus- sions in Hollywood between Arthur Krim and attorneys for Mary Pick- ford and Charles Chaplin on the pro- posal by which Krim and Robert Benjamin, prominent industry attor- neys and executives, would acquire operating control of UA, is being taken in industry circles here to mean that the chances of a successful deal being reached are less than had been anticipated a few days ago. It is being pointed out that Krim left here a week ago with the papers all in order and ready for signing at the moment that Miss Pickford and Chaplin reached a decision to accept the proposal. The time has passed where further discussion of terms (Continued on page 5) See Trade Victory in New US Taxes for Competitors Washington, Feb. 6. — Top indus- try officials here are privately patting themselves on the back for their suc- cess in selling the Treasury Depart- ment on the theory that the tax situa- tion in the amusement field must be adjusted so that the competitors of motion pictures bear a tax burden comparable to the film industry's. Secretary of the Treasury Snyder yesterday proposed no increase in the admissions tax but sizable boosts in the tax on bowling alleys, billiard tables, golf fees and television sets, all competitors of motion pictures- in the fight for the consumer's entertain- ment dollar. Leading film officials make no secret of the fact that they feel that this set of recommendations is the result of a long "education" effort by the indus- try in Washington. "Synder's testimony shows that we have convinced the Treasury, at least, that it is important to straighten out the competitive situation and make our competitors carry the same tax load we do," one very highly-placed official said. "Last year we tried to get the admission tax cut to the level of the other taxes. That didn't work. The next best thing is to get their taxes up to our level, and we seem to have had success." Even with a 25 per cent manufac- (Continued on page 4) U. S. Official Hears Allied's Stand on Bids New Anti-Trust Chief Gets Myers' Briefing Washington, Feb. 6. — Allied States Association general counsel Abram F. Myers has been doing a little campaigning at the Justice Department lately in behalf of Allied' s stand against an industry arbitration system and in favor of changes in the competitive bidding provisions of the New York Statutory Court decree. It was learned that Myers yesterday had a lengthy visit with the new assistant attor- ney-general in charge of the anti-trust division, H. Graham Morison, and with other anti- trust officials. Morison admitted that both arbi- tration and competitive bidding had been discussed but that "nothing specific" resulted on either point. He pointed out that he was new to his (Continued on page 5) TOA to Convene Here Sept. 24-27 The Theatre Owners of America annual convention will be held at the Hotel Astor here Sept. 24-27, it was decided yesterday at a meeting of the TOA convention committee. Final settlement of the date and place had been held up by negotiations with TESMA and TED A, equipment dealers and manufacturers associations, for a joint convention and exhibit but defense restrictions on materials have made the manufacturers wary of any exhibit this year. TOA will have its regular exhibit in conjunction with its convention, though its scope will undoubtedly be limited. TESMA is conducting a canvass of (Continued on page 5) Breen Conferring in N.Y. on 'Twist' Cuts Joseph I. Breen, Production Code administrator, has arrived here from the Coast for conferences with Wil- liam C. MacMillen, Jr., Eagle Lion Classics president, and officials of the Motion Picture Association of Amer- ica on the cuts which Breen has rec- ommended for "Oliver Twist," to make it eligible for a PCA seal. Breen is scheduled to leave here this evening for Washington. Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 7, 1951 Personal Mention PHIL REISMAN, RKO Pictures vice-president in charge of foreign distribution, is due to leave here Sat- urday for South America. • Walter A. Brown, a member of the board of directors of Allied The- atres of New England and president of the Boston Garden, has been named chairman of the 1951 campaign of the Massachusetts division of the Ameri- can Cancer Society. » Herman Wobber, 20th Century- Fox Western division manager, Bryan Stoner, assistant Western division manager, and Alec Harrison, San Francisco branch manager, are in Los Angeles from San Francisco for con- ferences. • Colonel John A. Cooper, Canadian film industry pioneer, received con- gratulations from many parts of the United States, Great Britain and Canada on his recent 83rd birthday. • Oscar Neu, president of Neumade Products, will leave here on Sunday for a month's vacation at Palm Springs, Calif. • Oscar A. Morgan, general manager for short subjects and Paramount News, is in Jacksonville, Fla., from New York this week on business. • Harry Ruskin, M-G-M producer- writer, arrived here from a Paris va- cation yesterday and is due back on the Coast Monday. • John Hobart, former drama editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, has left San Francisco for New York, en route to Sicily. 4U' Sets Premieres For First Quarter Universal is releasing some of its top pictures during the first quarter of 1951, Alfred E. DafT, director of world sales, said yesterday. "The pictures are being backed by extensive advertising and promotion campaigns featuring personal appear- ances of stars and world premieres and territorial openings in all sections of the country," Daff said. Having world premieres during February are "Bedtime For Bonzo," with Ronald Reagan and Diana Lynn and introducing Bonzo ; "Target Un- known," Mark Stevens and Joyce Holden; and "The Groom Wore Spurs," the Fidelity Production with Ginger Rogers and Jack Carson. March premieres are being set for "Air Cadet," Stephen McNally and Gail Russell; "Abbott and Costello Meet The Invisible Man," and "Ma And Pa Kettle Back On The Farm." "Bedtime for Bonzo" will have its world premiere at the Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, Feb. 15. Diana Lynn, Jesse White and Bonzo, the Chim- panzee, will attend. Elect Morrissey to Terrytoons Board Michael A. Morrissey, for- mer president and now hon- orary board chairman of the American and Union News companies, has been elected to the board of directors of Terrytoons, Inc., it was an- nounced yesterday by Paul Terry, president. Morrissey is a director of a number of other companies and banks and is a prominent Catholic layman who has held posts with the Cardinal's Committee of the Laity for Charities, the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation and is a director of the Dio- cesan Service Corp. Newsreel Parade IT IGH LIGHTED JlI newsreels are President SDG Again Chooses Glenn as President Jack Glenn, senior director for the "March of Time," has been reelected president of the Screen Directors Guild at SDG's sixth annual conven- tion held here. Other officers include : Dana Noyes, first vice-president ; Leslie M. Roush, second vice-president ; Alexander Gan- sell, recording secretary ; Hans Man- dell, corresponding secretary; and Edward Seward, treasurer. The board of governors include the above-named officers and George L. George, Jo- seph Henabery, William Resnick, Warren Murray, and Herbert Kerkow. Alan Cummings, in charge M-G-M exchange operations, is Chicago from New York. of in Floyd Billingsley, IATSE vice- president, is in Tucson, Ariz., from San Francisco. • L. J. Kaufman, Warner Theatres executive, has left here for Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Seven Added to MOT Television Division Seven additional appointments to the new television department staff of the March of Time were announced here yesterday by Richard de Rochemont producer, and Arthur B. Tourtellot, director of TV operations. Those named include : Tom Buscemi, assistant director of television ; Fred Feldkamp script supervisor ; John Dullaghan and Jack Busch, film editors, and Hope Thomson, Barbara Feldman and Shir ley Potash, editorial associates. The department, which officially opened its new offices this week, at MOT headquarters here, has for its initial project a 26-installment film, "Crusade in the Pacific," a sequel to the television serial on Gen. Eisen- hower's "Crusade in Europe." Other TV films will follow. Indiana Revives An 6 Anti- Ascap' Bill Indianapolis, Feb. 6. — An anti Ascap bill which would outlaw opera tion in Indiana of the American So- ciety of Composers, Authors & Publishers has been introduced in the state senate. Designed to ban the playing of any Ascap tune for profit, except over radio or television, the bill recalls similar measures which failed to pass in this and many other states in the past. Only in the State of Wash- ington did that kind of bill become law, but the law proved impracticable eventually. The ban embodied in the present measure would include Ascap music in motion pictures and juke boxes. Johnston, on Leave, Still Heads AMPP Hollywood, Feb. 6. — A slate of of- ficers headed by Eric Johnston, now on leave of absence with the govern- ment, was reelected at the annual meeting of the Association of Motion Picture Producers. Reelected as chairman of the board was Y. Frank Freeman, vice-presidents, B. B. Kahane and L. K. Sidney, vice-president in charge of industrial relations, Charles S. Boren, and secretary-treasurer, James S. Howie. Bill Aims to Add Two Memphis Censors Memphis, Feb. 6. — A bill to in crease the Memphis board of censors from three to five members was in troduced in the Tennessee state legis lature at Nashville today. At present the board is composed of Lloyd T. Binford, chairman ; Avery Blakeney, attorney, and Mrs. Side Law. Under the proposed new law. the two additional members would be appointed by Mayor Overton of Mem phis. the current Tru- man's dedication of the Interfaith chapel, and Gen. Eisenhower's report to the nation. Other items include the Canadian bridge collapse, reports from Korea and sports. Complete contents follow : MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 12— Truman dedicates Interfaith chapel. Korea report. Four die in collapse of Canada bridge. First anniversary of India Republic. Gen. Eisen- hower gives views on draft and Europe. Sports. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 245— UN forces close in on Seoul. Tugboat disaster. Bridge collapses in Canada. Republic Day marked in India. Carnival time in Dixie. News from the world of sport. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 49— Horse racing. India's Republic Day celebration. French youths take draft in stride. Can- adian bridge collapses. Release Nazi war criminals. Truman dedicates chapel. Sports. TELE NEWS DIGEST, No. 5B— Railroad strike. Washington. Gen. Eisenhower re- ports. Mountain fighting in Korea. Debate on question of national wage-price freeze. Getulio Vargas elected Brazilian president. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 428— Report from Korean front. Canadian bridge col- lapses. ■S'.-S'. Tarawa recommissioned. Presi- dent Truman dedicates Interfaith chapel. Flashes from the sport world. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 51 — Railroad strike. Nazi war criminals freed. Korea war report. Gen. Eisenhower reports to the nation. President Truman opens chapel. Canadian bridge crash. Sports re- view. To Fete Winners of Christopher Awards Winners of the 1950 Christopher Awards in the fields of books and mo- tion pictures will be announced Thurs- day, Feb. 15, at a reception at the Hotel Astor here at which George Skouras, president of Skouras The- atres Corp., will be host. Christopher Prizes of $5,000 Hollywood, Feb. 6. — Father J. Keller, head of the Christopher Soci- ety, will fly to Hollywood on Feb. 20 to present prizes of $5,000 each to two winning screen plays chosen for the 1950 Christopher Awards. Would Amend Cities9 Ticket Tax Rights Albany, Feb. 6. — Senator Nathaniel Hellman, New York, has introduced a bill striking out the provision in the present law that cities having a popu- lation of less than 25,000 shall not have power, until July 1, 1951, to adopt an ordinance imposing a five per cent amusement tax. It would take effect immediately. Cities over 25,000 can adopt such a tax at any time. Skouras Off Again To See Swiss TV Spyros P. Skouras, 20th Century- Fox president, left here last night by plane for Zurich, Switzerland, where he will have a second look at the theatre television system in which the company is interested. He was pre- ceded by Charles P. Skouras, presi- dent of National Theatres, who left here Sunday night, also by plane. Already at Zurich are William C. Michel, 20th Century-Fox executive vice-president, Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, and Earl I. Sponable, techni- cal supervisor. Darryl F. Zanuck, studio vice-president, is also scheduled to leave for Europe next weekend and it is expected he will also view the theatre TV device at the University of Zurich. Ticket Bill to Assembly Albany, Feb. 6. — The Senate last night passed, by a vote of 52-3, and sent to the Assembly the Mitchell Bill permitting brokers to charge $1, in- stead of 75 cents, on the resale of theatre tickets. DC Wage Hearing Today Washington, Feb. 6. — A. Julian Brylawski, president of the Theatre Owners of Metropolitan Washington, will testify before a Senate District committee tomorrow in opposition to a bill to extend the District of Colum- bia's minimum wage law to men. At present, only women are covered. Brylawski will represent the Washing- ton Board of Trade as well as the theatre owners, it was announced here today. Seek Projectionist Bill Manchester, N. H., Feb. 6. — A bill introduced in the New Hampshire legislature would set up a three-man licensing board for motion picture the- atre projectionists. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; ^^^^J^k t^Y ^£ Cl'de 7^ Ca&dSSf" gKS?. Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefej er Cen ^ New York 0 M. * ±e, P Treasurer; Leo J. Brady Secretary; New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann Vice-President; Martin Qu^ey, Jr., ^^fT^^io^hll^^l^yvood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke Advertising Manager '. -R?.'rp«mtati vp ^ fi 3074 Washln^on ^ A Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative FI ^"jvZ^' "OtiiJcubco London. Other Quigley . Publications : Motion Picture London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl ; Hope Burnup Manager ; ^r pf3-"J?' ot^ Motion Picture Herald •International Motion Picture Almanac ; Fame. Entered as. second- cSfm^^ ^.SSS year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single cop.es, 10c. This guy gets plenty of Awards! / PETE SMITH BRIGHT SPOTS ON ANY PROGRAM: Now in release . . ."WRONG WAY BUTCH" . . . "SKY SKIERS". . . coming soon SMITH, A MIGHTY MAN IS HE! "FIXINFOOL". SLEUTH". . . ."CAMERA He doesn't like to be photographed but we want you to see Pete Smith, the man who has given more people more chuckles than any one individual in the entire amusement world ! Nobody ever had a record like this : FOR 10 CONSECUTIVE YEARS! Boxoffice- BAROMETER Tops in live-action shorts! FOR 8 CONSECUTIVE YEARS! Winner of M. P. Herald-FAME poll in live-action shorts! FOR 7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS! Showmen's Trade Review-LEADER in live-action shorts! TOM AND JERRY say: "We're mighty proud of Pete and are happy to report that we also are FIRST again in all the CARTOON POLLS, in M. P. Herald-FAME, and for the 4th year in both Boxoffice. BAROMETER and Showmen's Trade Review-LEADER. And Six Academy Oscars! No other Shorts Series in the industry can equal it." TECHNICOLOR TREATS PRODUCED BY FRED QUIMBY: Tom & Jerry" shorts now in release: "CASANOVA CAT," "JERRY AND THE GOLDFISH." Watch for "JERRY'S COUSIN." M-G-M SHORTS ARE LIKE M-G-M FEATURES, THE BEST! In addition to the "Tom & Jerry" Technicolor Cartoons and Pete Smith Specialties we have M-G-M Specials, FitzPatrick's "People on Parade" (Technicolor), Gold-Medal Reprint Cartoons (Technicolor), and we're especially proud of our live-wire newsreel M-G-M NEWS OF THE DAY! BROTHERHOOD WEEK FEB. 18-25 To Promote Brotherhood All Year! 4 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 7, 1951 Set Priorities On Motor Shipments Washington, Feb. 6. — The Defense Transportation Ad- ministration has ordered the nation's motor freight car- riers to give first priority to shipments for the Armed Forces, the Atomic Energy Commission and the U. S. mails. The order is effective im- mediately and will remain in effect until rail shipments return to normal. Review "Lucky Nick Cain" DuPont to Review (Continued from page 1) in MPAA's attempt to canvass _ the raw stock outlook and the possibilities for expanding production. The MP A \ officials and Golden are slated to meet tomorrow with Ansco officials. Most of DuPont's 25 per cent cut- back will be taken up by increased production of X-ray film, although some will go to DuPont's new color film and probably eventually find its way back to the industry. The MPAA and government offi- cials, it was reported, stressed to Molin the fact that the DuPont cut- back was particularly aggravating m that it came at a time of general shortage, when the military demands for raw stock and demands by tele- vision were cutting the amount avail- able for the film industry anyway. It was also mentioned that the atomic energy program may develop into a prime competitor for raw stock, using it as a radioactivity indicator. Molin finally agreed to go back to Wilmington, Del., and re-canvass the whole situation, and report to O'Hara in a week to 10 days. Then O'Hara will go to Wilmington for further conversations. The meetings to study the raw stock production situation are a part of a two-pronged MPAA campaign to in- sure adequate supplies. One effort is centered on increasing production, the other on conservation of supplies. (Kay dor— 20th Century-Fox) GEORGE RAFT plays an American tough guy who becomes involved in an Italian adventure in "Lucky Nick Cain." The role is quite a familiar one for Raft and he handles it competently. Since the drama was made by Kaydor Productions in Italy, the audience is taken through some scenic spots on the Mediterranean shore. The adventure finds Raft embroiled with gambling, murder, a shooting, a pretty girl and the inevitable chase. Arriving at the gambling spa of San Paolo, Raft, an American gambler, is given a big welcome. It does not take long to find out why he is being received in such style, for during his first night in town, he is framed for the murder of an American Treasury agent. He flees with an American girl who has been hired to lure him to the gambling tables, and from then on, it's a nip and tuck battle until Raft straightens everything out in his blunt manner. There is a fine supporting cast and the native scenes are exceptionally well-photographed. If the script sometimes seems to go awry, there are compensations from other quarters which help make amends. Joseph Kauf- man, the producer, and Joseph M. Newman, the director, have achieved some fine action sequences. In a featured spot is the young Italian actor, Enzo Staiola, who plays the part of a young boy who befriends Raft, and shows considerable ability in his role. Coleen Gray plays the American girl opposite Raft and does an adequate job. The screenplay is by George Callahan and William Rose and is based on the novel "I'll Get You for This" by James Hadley Chase. , Running time, 87 minutes. General audience classification. March release. Fly to fun and relaxation on a in the Southwest Sun Country You're only hours away, byTWA.from "Q. V." fun in Southern California or Arizona. Save on TWA Family Fares. Call your travel agent or TWA. ma TRANS WORLD AIRLINES U.S.A. • EUROPc • AFRICA • ASIA Portugal Holds U. S. Films to $600,000 Washington, Feb. 6. — Commerce Department film chief Nathan D. Gol- den reported today that Portugal has kept the total dollar exchange alloca- tion for all U. S. companies at $600,- 000 annually, but has revised the specific amounts allowed individual distributors to reduce slightly the amount going to large U. S. distribu- tors. The changes were adopted as a re- sult of a meeting of 36 film importers held in November. The meeting was called largely to meet complaints _ of a number of small Portuguese im- porters dissatisfied with their ex- change allocations. In order to meet this criticism, representatives of the large U. S. companies agreed to re- vise the allotments. It is expected that some of the additional revenue alloted the smaller firms will not actually be used by them, and eventually will be reapportioned again to the large com- panies. Blasius Will Book for Assoc. Amusements Salt Lake City, Feb. 6.— Clyde Blasius, with 20th Century-Fox's Salt Lake office for 19 years, resigned to- day to become buyer and booker for Associated Amusements Co. of Salt Lake City which operates and buys and books for drive-ins and theatres in Utah, Idaho and Nevada. Blasius, who was branch manager for 20th Century-Fox for three years, was Idaho salesman for the company at the time of his resignation. His new job begins Feb. 19. T r i o' Benefit for Palsy in Cincinnati Film, newspaper and broadcasting resources of Cincinnati are being pooled for a benefit opening of "Trio" for the Cerebral Palsy Associations at the Guild Theatre, there, on Feb. 22 it was announced jointly here by Max E. Youngstein, Paramount's ad- vertising aid publicity vice-president and Leonard H. Goldenson, president of the CPA and of United Paramount Theatres. Details of the opening are being worked out in Cincinnati by Hal Mar- shall, special field representative for Paramount. Admissions Rise Aids Holland Box Offices Washington, Feb. 6. — Slightly higher admission prices have helped boost box-office receipts in the Neth- erlands, the Commerce Department said. Film chief Nathan D. Golden declared that while box-office receipts were about 10 per cent below 1950 during the first six months of 1949, the total for the first nine months were only 3 per cent below the com- parable 1949 period, indicating that the July through September period must have been substantially above 1949 levels. NEJVS in Brief UNIVERSAL - International's "Tomahawk" will have its New York premiere at Loew's Feb. 17. It will mark the first U-I picture to play the State since the house switched to its present non-vaudeville policy more than two years ago. • Directors of General Precision Equipment Corp. have declared a dividend of 25 cents per share on the common stock payable March 15, to holders of record, Feb. 23. • Toronto, Feb. 6. — The Ontario censor board has placed three more features in the classification of adult entertainment, which prevents their showing on Saturday matinee or holi- days. They are: "Under the Gun," "Kansas Raiders" and "Highway No. 301." • Hollywood, Feb. 6— Ronald Rea- gan will be master of ceremonies at this year's Photoplay "Gold Medal Awards" presentation to be held here on Monday at the Bev- erly Hills Hotel, it was announced by Fred R. Sammis, the magazine's editorial director. • Albany, Feb. 6. — Catholic opposi- tion to Lux Film's "Bitter Rice," booked to open Wednesday at the local Ritz, took the form of a reminder at services in various parishes that the congregation should observe its Legion of Decency pledge by refusing to pa- tronize the Italian film. « Toronto, Feb. 6. — Steps to imple- ment the "stimulate business" _ recom- mendations of regional exhibitor or- ganizations in the Dominion were discussed at a meeting here presided over by J. Arthur Hirsch, president of Consolidated Theatres Limited, Montreal. Delegates of the box office promotion committee of the Motion Picture Industry Council attended. • Washington, Feb. 6. ■ — Senator Bricker (R., O.) has declared that it is the responsibility of Congress and the Federal Communications Commis- sion to make sure that "at least a proportionate part" of the television frequencies is reserved for educational use. He introduced a resolution to that effect in the Senate directing the FCC to make a thorough study of the prob- lem and report to Congress with recommendations. Western Pa. AMPTO Elects M. Finkel Pittsburgh, Feb. 6. — Morris Finkel was elected chairman of the board of Western Pennsylvania Allied Motion Picture Theatre Operators at a meet- ing here today, automatically becom- ing the organization's national direc- tor. Fred Hetherington was re-elected secretary for the fortieth year. Com- mittee personnel for 1951 was an- nounced by newly-elected president Fred Beedle. Trade Victory (Continued from page 1) turers excise on television sets, how- ever, the tax will still be a slightly smaller per cent of the retail price of a TV set than the admissions tax is of the total admission charge. A Treasury table shows that with a 25 per cent rate, the tax will represent 15 per cent of the total retail price of a TV set, compared to 17 per cent of the total admission cost accounted for by the admission tax. At present, the 10 per cent TV excise accounts for only six per cent of the retail price of a set. The other Treasury recommenda- tions were to establish a new 20 per cent tax on golf green fees and _ to boost the billiard table and bowling alley tax to a flat 20 per cent of the use charge from the present nominal tax of $20 a year per alley or table. Mexican Views Vary On US Import Hike Mexico City, Feb. 6. — Though the trade is alarmed about the one per cent hike per lineal foot of film in U. S. import duties, some spokesmen hail the increase as a "blessing." They contend that now only supe- rior Mexican films can possibly suc- ceed in the U. S., a situation that would be advantageous to the Mexican film industry from the standpoint of earnings and prestige. Svigals Joins Scalera Ed Svigals, formerly with Super- film Distributing Corp., has joined Scalera Film Distributing Corp. as general sales manager. The first of a series of four films that Svigals will promote will be "Angels," due to open at the end of the month at the 60th Street 'Trans-Lux here. Wednesday, February 7, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 TOA Meet {Continued from page 1) Scrap Rank-ELC Deal (Continued from page 1) its members regarding a convention and exhibit and of the returns so far some 55 to 60 are opposed, according to Oscar Neu, TESMA president. Formal action calling off the conven- tion must be taken by the board, which probably won't meet for a month or more, but prospects for the usual exhibit are remote. Attending the TOA committee meeting here yesterday were Ted Gamble, Si H. Fabian, Chick Lewis, Herman Levy and Gael Sullivan. Further convention matters will be taken up at the TOA board meeting, scheduled for April 4-6, in Washing- ton at the Hotel Mayflower. D.C. TOA Approves New COMPO Setup Washington, Feb. 6. — The Theatre Owners Association of Metropolitan Washington, affiliated with Theatre Owners of America, approved at a meeting today the plan recently ap- proved by the board of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations for en- larging COMPO's board of directors and establishing a new executive com- mittee to provide new regional repre- sentation on both. This brings to nine the number of TOA regionals which have approved the plan. A $25 per theatre assessment pro- posed by TOA for paying legal and technical talent in connection with TOA's request for special raido fre- quencies for theatre television also was approved by the Metropolitan Wash- ington group. Wants Okla. Delegate On New Compo Board Oklahoma City, Feb. 6. — Theatre Owners of Oklahoma directors have ratified a proposal calling for one Oklahoma member on the projected new board of directors of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. Morris Loewenstein, TOO presi- dent, said the proposal was passed at yesterday's directors meeting here. The group also voted to invite Marc J. Wolf, International Variety chief barker, to speak at the TOO conven- tion, set for March 18-20 at the Bilt- more hotel here. Para. Sets 11 (Continued from page 1) burv and Henry Wilcoxon ; and "Molly" (formerly "The Goldbergs") starring Gertrude Berg. April : "Quebec," in Technicolor and starring John Barrymore, Jr., and Corinne Calvet ; and "The Lemon Drop Kid," starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. May : "Appointment with Danger" (formerly "United States Mail"), starring Alan Ladd, and "The Last Outpost," a William Pine-William Thomas Technicolor production, star- ring Ronald Reagan and Rhonda Fleming. June : "Dear Brat," starring Mona Freeman and Edward Arnold, and "Passage West," a Pine-Thomas Technicolor production, starring John Payne. Dennis O'Keefe and Arleen Whelan. July : Billy Wilder's "Ace in the Hole," starring Kirk Douglas and Jan Sterling, and "Warpath," a Nat Holt Technicolor production, starring Edmond O'Brien, Dean Jagger, For- rest Tucker and Polly Bergen. Rank films on hand, all but one or two of them, including the controver- sial "Oliver Twist," already released. ELC officials said new arrangements are in negotiation for distribution out- lets in the Eastern Hemisphere for its future releases, but no deals have been closed yet. It is assumed that virtually all Rank's distribution here will be through Universal in the future, al- though under its existing deal with Rank, Universal has the right to re- ject any Rank picture which it regards as unsuitable for distribution here. Rank is free to enter into other dis- tribution arrangements, singly or in group, with other American com- panies for pictures so rejected by Universal. However, with his re- duced production schedule in England, it is unlikely that there will be many such deals made here, and that the number of Rank pictures released by Universal in the future also will be reduced. An important part of Rank produc- Reade Managers Win Cash Prize Awards Cash prizes for the best managerial performances in the 40 theatres of the Walter Reade Circuit were presented to the winners by Walter Reade, Jr., yesterday at the company's regular monthly managers meeting at the home office. Tied for first place in October were M. A. Sargent, Eatontown, N. J., drive-in ; John Balmer, Carlton Thea- tre, Red Bank, N. J., and Mrs. Ann De Ragon, Paramount Theatre, Plainfield, N. J. Sargent was the win- ner in November, with Ralph Lanter- man, Community Theatre, Morris- town, N. J., in second place. Balmer and Guy Hevia, Mayfair Theatre, Asbury Park, N. J., tied for first place in December, with Herbert Gordon, Majestic Theatre, Perth Amboy, N. J., placing third. Farewell Dinner For Edward Walton Home office executives of Republic Pictures, headed by president Herbert J. Yates and James R. Grainger, exec- utive vice-president, attended a dinner last night at the New York Athletic Club here for Edward L. Walton, who has resigned as assistant general sales manager and is leaving for Seattle to make his future home. Cinema Productions (Continued from page 1) production chief, in a statement. M. A. Lightman, CP president, is here from Memphis for the meetings. Other participants include Fred J. Schwartz, Samuel Rosen, S. H. Fa- bian, Cowan and others. Sam Milner, 40, Dies Los Angeles, Feb. 6. — Sam Milner, 40, Eagle Lion Classics Los Angeles branch manager, died here yesterday. In 1946 Milner became distribution manager for PRC and when -Eagle Lion took over PRC, he became its branch manager here. tion's activity now consists of joint deals with American companies, such as those entered into with Paramount and 20th Century-Fox. In such in- stances, the American distribution rights go to Rank's producing partner, not to Universal. This further re- duces the amount of Rank product to be handled by the latter. However, John Davis, Rank's managing direc- tor, is scheduled to come here from London next month and may have new production plans to- divulge at that time, possibly based on the recently reported activities of the British gov- ernment to encourage an increase in production activity there. Universal, under the world-wide supervision of Al Daff, has been put- ting emphasis on the sale of Rank's product here in a series of meetings with Universal's domestic sales force in the field. ELC and Rank entered into their reciprocal distribution deal three years ago. It was originally announced as a five-year deal. Ann Sheridan Wins $55,162 From RKO Hollywood, Feb. 6. — Damages of $55,162 were today won by Ann Sheridan in her suit against RKO Pictures arising out of the studio's failure to star her in "Carriage Entrance." A Federal jury of six men and six women decided that the sum repre- sented her earnings during five months — April through August, 1949 — while she was under contract to make the film. When she filed her action in the fall of 1949, Miss Sheridan originally sued for $350,000, but Federal James M. Carter ruled that the damages must be limited to the minimum pay- ment guaranteed her under her con- tract The additional $5,162 in the verdict represented interest and costs, it was explained. Krim-Benjamin (Continued from page 1) should be necessary, it is believed, and the apparent continuing delay signifies either indecision or unwillingness on the part of the UA owners to proceed with the deal. In either case, the chances of its being consummated now are generally regarded as less than they were at the beginning of this week. Jacques Grinieff, who returned here from conferences on the Coast early this week with UA representatives, is reported now to be planning an- other bid for UA control. His earlier talks were held in abeyance pending the outcome of the Krim-Benjamin negotiations. Install Variety Officers Indianapolis, Feb. 6. — New officers of Indianapolis Tent No. 16, headed by chief barker Thomas McCleaster, were installed here in ceremonies pre- sided over -by Marc J. Wolf, inter- national chief barker and member of the local tent. Other officers include Claude McKean, assistant chief barker, William A. Carroll, second assistant chief barker, Earl Herndon, property master, Ted Mendelssohn, doughguy, and Burdette Peterson, chairman of the Heart Fund. RKO Objects to ELC 'Outlaw' Title Use RKO yesterday petitioned U. S. District Court here for an injunction either to re- strain Eagle Lion Classics from releasing Benedict Bogeaus' "My Brother, the Outlaw" under that title or to compel the company to ad- vertise that the picture is not based on Howard Hughes' "The Outlaw." The complaint states that "The Outlaw" earned $1,800,- 000 from bookings in 7,000 theatres, and that there are over 1,000 bookings yet to be filled for the picture. Dismiss Four Firms From Poster Suits Philadelphia, Feb. 6. — Four film company co-defendants with National Screen Service in the seven independ- ent poster company anti-trust suits brought in Federal District Court here were dismissed from the actions in a stipulation signed by U. S. District Judge James P. McGranery. The stipulation eliminated Mono- gram, Republic, Eagle Lion and Film Classics from the suits. Attorney Jack M. Cohen who acted as counsel for Monogram, authored the stipula- tion dismissing the four companies. A motion by plaintiffs for summary judgment in the various poster suits is due to be heard Feb. 15. Asks High Court to Okay CBS Color TV Chicago, Feb. 6. — The Federal Communications Commission has asked the Supreme Court to affirm the order of the Chicago three-judge court sustaining the FCC's color tele- vision decision, and also asked that the three-judge court's temporary1 re- straining order be dissolved. Allied-U.S. (Continued from page 1) job and declared that the meeting- was chiefly to provide himself with background. "The film industry is facing great changes and new kinds of competi- tion," Morison said. "The Department has to be alert to these conditions." He said he wanted to get background from all branches of the industry and that there was no special significance to the fact that his "orientation course" had started with Myers' visit. 20th-Fox, SPG (Continued from page 1) The company also made the statement that it saw no reason for any addi- tional layoffs for economic reasons for the remainder of the year. Returned to their posts yesterday were James O'Neil, magazine con- tact, and Harry Hochfeld, of the art department. It is understood that ef- forts are still being made to re-instate a third person of the five laid off. Of the seven clerical workers also laid off, six have been assigned to other 20th-Fox departments, it is reported. UNITED AIR LINES cordially invites you to fly I 0 AH m m ... . . . the nation's top coast-to-coast flight from New York to Los Angeles Take United's widely-acclaimed DC-6 Mainliner 300 service . . . add the extras you might expect on the finest luxury service . . . top it off with meals to delight the gourmet, and you are just start- ing to describe "The Hollywood." United's continental chefs offer boneless stuffed squab, broiled filet mignon and other delicacies for your pleasure. In mid-after- noon you'll enjoy the snack buffet, a popular feature borrowed from United's Hawaii service. And the final touch, a tempting fruit basket for your selection ! United's superb Mainliner service and cuisine are enjoyable, and the "little" things -the many unexpected services and niceties available on this flight alone -make your trip even more pleasant. Special hand-picked stewardesses stand ready to serve you at a moment's notice; they treat you as an honored guest, and help in countless ways to make your flight on "The Hollywood" a mem- orable occasion. When you travel between New York and Los Angeles, you de- serve the best-enjoy it on "The Hollywood." No extra fare. UNITED AIR LINES l!Al . A DC-6 Mainliner 300 flight, onestop to Los Angeles. Leave New York at noon, arrive at 8:30 p.m. Daily departures. VOL. 69. NO. 28 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1951 TEN CENTS Industry Men Skeptical of Zenith Claims $l-Billion Annual Gross Is Phonevision Vision By VAUGHAN O'BRIEN Considerable skepticism about Zenith Radio's claims for the first four weeks of the Phonevision test being- conducted in Chicago was evinced by a cross-section of the in dustry queried here yesterday. A potential annual gross of a billion dollars, with producers receiving half that as their share was projected in a state- ment released in Chicago yes- terday by E. F. McDonald, Jr., Zenith president. This figure was reached by relating the re- sults of the 300-family test di- rectly to the present estimated TV audience of 10,000,000 sets. The validity of this method of pro {Continued on page 6) Italians May Not Require U.S. Trip First indication that Italy's film in- dustry representatives may not come here for negotiations with the Mo- tion Picture Association of America as previously scheduled was given yesterday. John G. McCarthy, MPAA foreign department chief, disclosed here that a conference is being- planned in Paris between the Italian officials and Ger- ald Mayer, MPAA's representative in France. It was held possible that an agree- (Continued on page 6) Out-of -Living-Room Campaign Is Urged As one way of combating the effects of television, Arthur L. Mayer, ex- ecutive vice president of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, urged exhibitors yesterday to unite with other business men in coopera- tive newspaper advertising campaigns designed to persuade people to quit their homes and go downtown for their entertainment at least one eve- ning a week. In a letter to the heads of exhibitor organizations, Mayer described the (Continued on page 6) Benjamin and Krim Given Provisional ILA. Control McCullough Will Tour Exchanges on Raw Stock Savings Washington, Feb. 7. — The indus- try's distributors have given a green light to the Motion Picture Associa- tion's plan for having conservation director John McCullough tour the nation's exchanges preaching raw stock conservation. According to MPAA officials, all the distributors have now cleared the plan, and McCullough is starting at once with a trial run in Buffalo. Then he'll return to New York, swing around the East and then set out for the rest of the country. The idea is for McCullough to explain to the staffs the present tight raw stock situ- ation and the need for handling film carefully and taking other conserva- tion steps. There were three other develop- ments today in the raw stock situa- tion : DuPont officials notified MPAA (Continued on page 6) MPA Board Men See Cut 'Twist' Version Representatives of the board of di- rectors of the Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America attended a screen- ing here Tuesday night of the new version of "Oliver Twist," prepared after the 73 deletions ordered recently by Production Code Administrator Joseph I. Breen had been made. Regular members of the MPAA board, company presidents for the most part, did not attend the screen- (Continued on page 6) Their Offer for UA Control Signed Pickford, Chaplin Sign Contract Which Is Placed in Escrow Pending Wind-up of Legal Details; May Take Over U.A. in Week or Two Having reached a formal agreement in Hollywood around mid- night Tuesday, Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin, owners of United Artists, yesterday placed in escrow a signed contract which gives management control of UA to Robert Benjamin and Arthur Krim, industry executives and attorneys, on the consummation of legal formalities which will complete the deal. It is estimated that it may take another week or two to complete the remaining legal formalities, foremost among- which is the dis- position of the option to acquire con- trol of UA, which Miss Pickford and Chaplin gave to Paul V. McNutt, Frank L. McNamee and Max Kravetz last July. However, no serious obstacle to an agreement is foreseen, inasmuch as it was McNutt who first approached Benjamin and Krim some months back and eventually interested them in proposing a financing for- mula for UA. Pending the settlement of that and other less important legal details, the signed contract will remain in escrow with Loyd Wright, Chaplin's attorney on the Coast. The deal provides that Benjamin and Krim will supply cash for current (Continued on page 3) K. Benjamin Arthur Krim UA Deal to Signal Early SIMPP Parley Now that the United Artists situa- tion is near to clarification, it is ex- pected that Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, will set an early date for a Society board meeting on the Coast. Arnall had hoped to hold (Continued on page 3) House Un-American Group Aims at New Coast Probe Washington, Feb. 7. — Republican members of the House Un-American Activities Committee are talking about demanding the reopening of the hear- ings on alleged Communism in Holly- wood in an attempt to get proof of Communist penetration of the frlni- colony. They say the Fall, 1947, hearings were cut off "just when things were getting interesting, just when we might have turned up .something." It's still too early to say what the Democrats will do if the Republicans formally make this demand. Chair- man Wood (D., Ga.) has been hold- ing off an organizing meeting of the (Continued on page 6) Deal Expected to Give Quick Lift To Harassed U.A. Signing of the deal for the transfer of United Artists' management con- trol in Hollywood late Tuesday night came at one of the most crucial pe- riods in the hectic 32 years of the company's history. Almost completely deprived of new product as a result of the prolonged uncertainty about the company's cur- rent status and future prospects, its distribution revenue was reduced to a point at which the company was oper- ating in the red at a rate in excess of $500,000 annually, and its cash and other liquid reserves were near to exhaustion. Bankers and others close to the situ- (Continued on page 3) Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 8, 1951 'Yesterday' Recalls ' Good-Old-Day s' With the start yesterday of its fourth week at the Or- pheum in New Orleans, Col- umbia's "Born Yesterday" be- came the third film in the history of that house to play four weeks, Columbia stated here yesterday. It has been three years since a picture has stayed four weeks at the house, Columbia said. Personal Mention SMPTE to Expand Staff and Program Hollywood, Feb. 7.— Expanded ac- tivities by the Society of Motion Pic- ture and Television Engineers will include a larger staff and office space for the national headquarters in New York, an increase of 72 per cent in publications and an accelerated pro- gram of engineering projects, it is reported here bv Peter Mole, presi- dent, following his return from New York and Washington. The program was adopted at the recent annual budget meeting of the Society, over which Mole presided. He said that projects of major impor- tance to the Society are motion pic- ture film standards ; conversion to more extensive use of color films ; use of films in television broadcast- ing ; the lighting of television studios ; and. use of motion pictures in indus- trial, military and medical research, as well as a nation-wide study of projection conditions in motion picture theatres. DORE SCHARY, M-G-M vice- president in charge of production, will be awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal by the Los Angeles ad- visory board of the Denver Sana- torium-Jewish Consumptive Relief So- ciety on Saturday at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in California. George Murphy will be toastmaster at the event. • Jean Carmen Dillow and John Jay will leave here for Europe Satur- day to examine locations for a future production. • Bob Hope expects to sail for Eng- land in mid-April to open a two-week engagement at the London Palladium. • Barney Balaban, Paramount Pic- tures president, is due to return here in about two weeks from a Florida and Nassau vacation. TAMES A. MULVEY, Samuel •J Goldwyn Productions president, is due back here from the Coast at the weekend. • Ben Kaufman, former field ex- ploiteer for M-G-M, Universal and United Artists, has joined Harold M. Coulter's advertising-promotion de- partment at Mutual Broadcasting here. • Ned E. Depinet, president of RKO Pictures Corp., is back here from the Coast. • Herbert J. Yates, president of Re- public, is in New York from Holly- wood. • Nicholas M. Schenck, president of Loew's, Inc., is vacationing in I Florida. Cinema Prod. Plans Start on Feb. 15 20th-Fox Branch Heads Meet Here Branch managers representing the Empire State and Mid-East divisions of 20th Century-Fox met yesterday at the home office with Martin Mosko- witz, Empire State manager, presiding. The meeting was called as a follow- up of the recent division managers meeting here. Attending were Abe Dickstein, N. Y. branch head, and Alex Arnswalder and Joseph St. Clair of his staff ; Sam Diamond, Philadelphia branch chief and Nat Rosen of his office; Glenn Norris, Washington branch manager and Ira Sichelman and John J. Leary; Dan Houlihan, Albany branch man- ager ; and Charles Kosco, Buffalo branch manager. From the home office were vice-presidents Andy W. Smith and Charles Einfeld, assistant general sales manager W. C. Gehring, Lem Jones, executive assistant to Smith, and Roger Ferri, editor of the "Dynamo." The exhibitors backing Cinema Productions will know by next Thursday precisely what the organi- zation's time-table will be with respect to production of its initial ^ picture, "Main Street to Broadway," M. A. Lightman, CP president, reported here yesterday. On that day, Robert Sherwood, whose Council of the Living Theatre is cooperating in the production, will present a completed screenplay to the CP board, Lightman explained. Thus, he said, next Thursday will be CP's official starting day. Thereafter it will be a matter of lining up a cast and arranging for filming activity in New York City, where the picture will be made in its entirety, the CP president said. Lightman is in New York from Memphis for meetings with other CP executives, including Lester Cowan, production <>hief. Distribution arrange- ments willlfiQt be set until later, Light- man said. 'Brotherhood' Plans Reaching Full Tide Orders End of Bingo In Buffalo Area Buffalo, Feb. 7. — Orders to halt bingo and card games on the outskirts of Buffalo which take place in theatres or halls have been issued by Sheriff Britt. The sheriff has directed that arrests be made if violations are found. A directive similar to that isued by Britt was given by Police Commis- sioner Noeppel several days ago, ap- plicable to Buffalo. Tough Georgia Bill On Censorship Killed Atlanta, Feb. 7. — A tough state film censorship bill has been killed in committee here. Jack Bryson of the MPAA is here in connection with the fight against the censorship measure and other bills aimed at the industry in the Georgia legislature. Palsy 'Affair' Benefit Buffalo, Feb. 7.— Close to $4,000 was turned over to the Cerebral Palsy Association as a result of last night's benefit performance in the Center here, which featured a preview of Para- mount's "September Affair." Sells Irwin, la., Theatre Irwin, la., Feb. 7. — Martin Axeland has sold the Irwin Theatre here to Julius Wareberg, effective March 1. With Brotherhood Week activity reaching a peak in preparation for the official observance Feb. 18-25, re- ports from cities throughout the na- tion are beginning to flood the office of Charles M. Reagan, national chair- man of the amusements division. Offered as a plan for every city in the nation is one submitted by Ed- ward C. Johnson, exhibitor co-chair- man for Michigan, who has lined up a giant "Brotherhood" rally in Bay City. Michigan, on the stage of a local theatre. Admission will be en- rollment in and a contribution to the National Conference of Christians and Jews, sponsors of Brotherhood Week. The plan includes a proclamation bv the mayor ; complete cooperation of newspapers and radio stations for pub- licity ; entertainment with all races and religions represented ; participation by Lions, Rotary. Kiwanis and Exchange clubs ; participation, also, by local high school bands and choirs as well as any other talent that can be se- cured ; speeches by the mayor and leaders of the local church council : announcement of the rally from all church pulpits as well as by the Cham- ber of Commerce. Regents to Judge 'Miracle' Thursday Albany, Feb. 7.— Dr. Hugh M. Flick, director of the Motion Pic- ture Division of the New York State Education Department, has arranged a screening of "The Miracle," contro- versial Italian-made short-feature, for the Board of Regents in conjunction with its scheduled meeting here next Thursday. The film, produced by Roberto Ros- sellini and distributed in the U. S. by Joseph Burstyn, Inc., will be screened for the board at the local Warner projection room. A Regents subcommittee has been conducting an inquiry into whether the license for the picture should be revoked. The inquiry arose out of charges that the film is "sacrilegious." Following a screening in New York, the subcommittee agreed that the charge was accurate. It is probable that the Regents will announce their decision the day following the screen- ing here. Burstyn challenged, in a Supreme Court action here and at a New York subcommittee hearing, the Regents' authority to revoke or threaten to revoke a license for a film after the division has issued a seal. Justice Roscoe V. Elsworth refused to make a declaratory judgment that the Re- gents do not have such power. U. S. to Protest to Soviet on 'Crowd* Washington, Feb. 7. — The State Department undoubtedly will protest to the Soviet Union on the unauthor ized showings of M-G-M's "The Crowd Roars," a Department official said He indicated this would merely be a formal follow-up to the earlier Depart- ment note protesting unauthorized Soviet showings of two Columbia films. US Won't Protest France-Reich Pact Washington, Feb. 7. — The State Department has taken the stand that it has no basis for protesting a Franco-German pact setting a quota limit on the number of French films to be imported into Germany each year. The Motion Picture Association protested the pact, which it termed a "secret agreement," and the De- partment ordered its Frankfurt Em- bassy to investigate. It was learned that the Department has now told MPAA that the French- German agreement is only an interim agree- ment and that it really is no different from pacts U. S. producers have en- tered into in other countries fixing a quota on U. S. films. Therefore, the Department says, the matter will have to go unchallenged for the time being. MPAA's concern, and the Depart- ment's, was that the French-German pact would set a bad precedent for unrestricted U. S. imports. Ferretti Joins Alton J. J. Ferretti, for many years East- ern representative of the U. S. Air Conditioning Corp., has been appointed Eastern representative for the Alton Manufacturing Co. of Dallas, Texas, which specializes in the manufacture of theatre air-conditioning equipment. Name Mackenna to TO A Buffalo, Feb. 7. — George H. Mac- kenna, manager of Basil's Lafayette, has been named regional vice-president of the Theatre Owners of America, representing the Motion Picture The- atre Owners of Western New York, on the national TOA board. Snyder Tops IATSE Unit Hastings, Neb,, Feb. 7— IATSE, Local 586, again has elected State Treasurer Wally Snyder as head of the Hastings Union. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; Tames P Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Thursday, February 8, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Krim-Benjamin in U.A. Control Deal (Continued from page 1) McNutt Could Mean Krim and Ben jamin "Paul V. McNutt, United Artists board chairman, stated today that arrange- ments for refinancing UA have been made. Announce- ment as to details will be forthcoming in a very few days." The foregoing is, verbatim, a statement released by the UA home office yesterday. It is assumed that McNutt re- ferred to the Arthur Krim- Robert Benjamin agreement concluded with Charles Chap- lin and Mary Pickford on the Coast_early yesterday. Lift to UA (Continued from page 1) ation have repeatedly stated, never- theless, that UA has continued to meet every cash obligation promptly through- out the past seven months of its pro- gressively graver emergency. One of the important factors in the situation was domestic revenue receipts of sub- stantial proportions during the earlier part of the period from Stanley Kra- mer's "The Men," and, in the more recent part of the period, cash remit- tances of previously blocked foreign earnings. The latter were received in large amounts over a period of several months and came as a "windfall" to the harassed company. Held to 3 Releases Since general release of "The Men" last August, shortly after the Paul McNutt- Frank McNamee-Max Kra- vetz group took over UA management, the company was able to release only three pictures — Gregory Ratoff's "It This Be Sin," last September ; the Goldsmith - Caspary - Reis production, "Three Husbands," in December, and Robert Stillman's "The Sound of Fury" in January. Currently, it is preparing to release Harry Popkin's "Second Woman" over the producer's protests. The Kramer production, "Cyrano de Bergerac," is being roadshown and will not be ready for release until next year. During the roadshow period, UA is entitled to only 10 per cent distri- bution fee, instead of the normal 27 T/2 per cent for pictures in general release. Completed pictures which have not been turned over to UA by producers having releasing deals with the com- pany include "The Scarf," Goldsmith- Caspary production ; "New Mexico," an Irving Allen-Irving Reis produc- tion ; S. P. Eagle's "The Prowler" ; W. Lee Wilder's "Three Steps North," and Stillman's "Queen for a Day." UA operations and for financing of producers releasing through the com- pany. There is no specific ceiling on the financing arrangements but it is anticipated that current cash require- ments will amount to approximately $1,000,000 and an initial production fund of about $2,000,000 will be made available. Both could be increased in time. All financial arrangements have been completed by Benjamin and Krim with Walter Heller & Co., Chi- cago factors, with whom they have been associated as counsel. Heller al- ready has considerable sums invested in independent production financing, some of which might find its way onto the release schedule of UA, in addi- tion to that to be attracted by the new management. Reliable sources indi- cate that Heller is prepared to ad- vance as much as $4,000,000 to Ben- jamin and Krim, as required. Principals in the deal are withholding details until the agreement actually is consum- mated, but reports indicate that, in addition to immediate management control of UA, the Benjamin-Krim team will re- ceive 50 per cent of the UA stock at once, a voting trust on another 10 per cent and an op- tion for ultimate acquisition of the Pickford-Chaplin held 40 per cent after a specified period of profitable operation of the company. Their acquisition of immediate management control is basic, in any event. Negotiations on the deal have been under way for the past several months, during which time the Benjamin-Krim team meticulously avoided any over- optimistic or premature forecasts of the ultimate outcome, having in mind In addition, Popkin has "The Well" shooting, and UA holds commitments for release of the following, which are in preparation : Stillman's "Island in the Sky," Kramer's "High Noon" and "The Children," (which will complete his commitments to UA); Popkin's "The Hard Pillow," Wilder's "Desert Brigade," and Goldsmith - Caspary's "The Gardenia." Trade sources consider it highly likely that with the company getting a new start now, producers with com- pleted pictures will turn them over to UA promptly and that those with com- mitments will fulfill them. New production financing capital of an estimated $2,000,000 will permit the company to line up new product promptly, it is believed, which will start showing up on the company's the unpredictable personalities with whom they were dealing and the fate of earlier negotiations by others. For example, as the UA board of direc- tors last summer was approving and preparing to close a deal for control of the company with Sam Katz and Stanley Kramer, unbeknownst to the directors, Miss Pickford and Chaplin were closing the deal with the Mc- Nutt-McNamee-Kravetz group. The negotiations came to a head a week ago and Krim went to the Coast with papers ready for signing. The talks hung fire over the past week- end, however, leading to misgivings about the closing of the deal, but the late Tuesday night talks ended with the Chaplin-Pickford signatures on the papers. Krim was due back here from the Coast late last night. Wright is expected to leave the Coast on Tues- day by train for New York, where he is scheduled to release a detailed statement covering the deal. New UA President It is assumed that Krim will become president of UA, replacing McNamee, and that Benjamin may become chair- man of the board in the event that Mc- Nutt decides not to remain with the company. That decision is expected to be up to McNutt. If he remains, Ben- jamin would become a member of the board and possibly might hold some executive post. Kravetz would not continue with the company. Benjamin and Krim have made no commitments for executive posts but it is known they favor reassembling, if they can, some of the executive staff that started Eagle Lion together. Krim was formerly president of E-L. No decision has been made either on Gradwell L. Sears, former president of UA, now vice-president in charge of distribution. Sears' contract ex- release schedule next fall. The high esteem in which the industry holds Benjamin and Krim, likewise, is ex- pected to stand the company in good stead in the event that the product immediately on tap proves inadequate to tide it over until the newly financed product is ready for delivery. In that connection, it is recalled that Gradwell L. Sears, as UA president, several years ago was able to pur- chase a block of completed pictures from Paramount to tide UA over an earlier period of product famine. The same industry sympathy for UA's po- sition prevails today and is evidenced in a widespread desire to see the com- pany helped back to its old prominent position in the industry. Wilder is en route from Italy aboard the S. S. America which is expected to dock in New York to- day. He has a four-picture contract with UA, one of the films, "Once a Thief," being in release at present. As- sociates of the producer here indi- cated that he would confer with UA sales officials immediately upon his arrival to secure as much informa- tion as possible on the new develop- ment. Popkin was in meetings the greater part of yesterday with Sears and other UA officials, and although the producer himself was not available for comment, an associate indicated it was likely the changed UA situa- tion would induce Popkin to withdraw his protest against the company's re- lease of "The Second Woman." Pop pires at the end of this year but pro- vides for pension payments for another 10 years if he is. retired. Both Krim and Benjamin will con- tinue as partners in the industry law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim, and Benjamin will continue as president of the J. Arthur Rank Or- ganization here. Krim, who from 1946 to 1949 served as president of Eagle Lion Films, is 40 years old. In 1932, upon graduation from Columbia University, he became a member of the New York law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin and Krim, and in 1940 was appointed general counsel of National Theatre Service. Former NSS Treasurer In November, 1945, after wartime service with the U. S. armed forces, Krim was elected treasurer of Na- tional Screen Service, a post he held for a year before assuming the Eagle Lion presidency. Since leaving Eagle Lion in 1949, Krim has devoted the major part of his time to the interests of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim. Benjamin, president of the J. Ar- thur Rank Organization here since 1946, is also vice-chairman and a di- rector of that company. He is a direc- tor of Universal Pictures, and is a director and general counsel of Pathe Industries and its subsidiary, Eagle Lion. Another industry post held by Benjamin was vice-president of Pathe Films Corp. Born in New York in 1909, Benja- min became a partner in the law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim in 1935, after serving in it since 1926 as a clerk and then an attorney. He earned his law degree at Fordham and a B.A. at C.C.N. Y. Benjamin was a major in the U. S. Signal Corps during World War II. kin will be in New York two weeks and presumably will "iron out" his problems with the company within that time, it was indicated. Meanwhile, the Danziger Brothers, who do not at present have a contract with UA, may seek a deal with the company for release of their "Saint Benny, the Dip," now that the Krim- Benjamin arrangement has been signed, according to a source close to the producers. SIMPP Parley (Continued from page 1) the meeting no later than the end of this month, and he made the date for it indeterminate because much of what is scheduled for discussion hinges on UA's future. Arnall, who now is in Atlanta, is due back in New York next Tuesday or Wednesday. He may set the SIMPP meeting date upon his arrival here, and if he does it is expected to be earlier than the end of the month. The board is expected to approve at its meeting the changes to be made in the corporate structure of the Coun- cil of Motion Picture Organizations. Seaboard Names Curran Charles W. Curran has been named sales manager of Seaboard Studios, producers of television commercials and business films. Curran formerly was president of the Sampling Plan, Inc., a sahs promoting service. AMERICAN * LOS ANGELES THE MERCURY-DC-6 SKYSLEEPER SERVICE Lv. Midnight— At. 8:30 a.m. Cecil B. DeMille s SAMSON AND DELILAH —Hedy LamarrVii f^F" PrOdUCed and Directed by CeCil B DeMille • Screenplay b, Jesse L. Lasky. Jr Fr.dric M Frank From original tre.tm.l THE GREATEST GRO SE IN MARCH !!! or Mature -George Sanders -Angela Lansbury- Henry Wilcoxon ™ Harold Lamb and Vladimir labotinsky • Based upon the history ot Samson and Delilah in the Holy Bible. Judges 13-16 - A Paramount Picture SER OF OUR TIME! BROTHERHOOD WEEK — February 18-25 Brotherhood — for Peace and Freedom. Believe it! Live it! Support itl 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 8, 1951 Raw Stock {Continued from page 1) chief Joyce O'Hara that they had completed their re-study of their 25 per cent production cutback and would deliver their answer to him Friday. O'Hara will go to Wilming- ton to discuss the matter. Industry officials expressed the fear that the speed with which DuPont acted indi- cates the company will say it cannot restore any of the production. O'Hara, assistant jerry Cahill, and National Production Authority film chief Nathan D. Golden discussed the supply situation with L. W. Munch- meyer, assistant general manager of Ansco, at a luncheon meeting. Par- ticipants said no particular conclusion was reached and that the meeting was devoted to an exchange of problems in very general terms. MPAA officials indicated they are working up a program for raw stock conversation by the Hollywood stu- dios, and hope to have something ready early next week. All industry figures connected with the raw stock situation stress that nothing can really be done until there are some figures as to industry and government needs during the next six months. Zenith Claims Questioned (Continued from page 1) AFM-TV Meet Today The third meeting between James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, and the tele- vision networks' representatives, in the negotiations for new union contracts, will take place this morning at Petril- lo's office here. jection was the chief question posed by industry observers here, many of whom have followed the test closely. For example, it was pointed out. Zenith's 300 test families were picked from those who made applications, thus giving persons already pre-dis- posed toward Phonevision the guinea pig role. Not Zenith, but the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center picked the final 300 families, but the original panel came entirely from persons desiring to take part. The assumption that all of the nation's TV set-owners would prove as ready to install the Phonevision device is considered "optimistic," to put it mildly, by some film men. Zenith's statement reports that each test family saw, after the novelty of the first week wore off, an average of 1.8 films per week, or as translated by McDonald, they "are seeing movies more than three times as often at home as the average American sees them at the movie houses." In appraising this statement, indus- try men pointed out that the product used by Zenith for the test, though from two to three years old, is almost in- variably top films with proven records as attractions, and high re-issue value. As one exhibitor commented, "If a theatre-owner could be assured of a steady stream of pictures as good as Phonevision is showing, he would have little to worry about at the box- office." Others mentioned that Phone- v'sion's novelty value did not New date for Warner Bros: Trade Show of "LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE FEBRUARY 19 ALBANY Warner Screening Room 79 N. Pearl SI. • 12:30 P.M. ATLANTA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 197 Walton St. N.W. • 7:30 P.M. BOSTON RKO Screening Room 122 Arlington St. • 2:30 P.M. BUFFALO Paramount Screening Room 464 Franklin St. • 2:00 P.M. CHARLOTTE 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 308 S. Church St. • 2:00 P.M. CHICAGO Warner Screening Room 1307 So. Wabash Ave. • 1:30 P.M. CINCINNATI RKO Polace Th. Screening Room Palace Th. Sldg. E. 6th ■ 8 00 P.M. CLEVELAND Warner Screening Room 2300 Payne Awe • 8:30 P.M. DALLAS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1803 Wood St. • 2:00 P.M. DENVER Paramount Screening Room 2100 Stout St. • 2:00 P.M. DES MOINES Paramount Screening Room 1125 High St. • 12:45 P.M. DETROIT Film Exchange Building 2310 Cass Ave. • 2:00 P.M. INDIANAPOLIS 20lh Century-Fox Screening Room 326 No. Illinois St. ■ 1:00 P.M. JACKSONVILLE Florida Theatre Bldg Sc. Rm. 128 E.Forsyth St. • 8:00 P.M. KANSAS CITY 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1720 Wyandotte St. • 1:30 P.M. LOS ANGELES Warner Screening Room 2025 S. Vermont Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MEMPHIS 20th Centory-Fox Screening Room 151 Vance Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MILWAUKEE Warner Iheatre Screening Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS Warner Screening Room 1000 Currie Ave. • 2:00 P.M. NEW HAVEN Warner Iheatre Projection Room 70 College SI. • 2:00 P.M. NEW ORLEANS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 200 S. liberty St. • 8:00 P.M. NEW YORK Home Office 321 W. 44th St. • 2:30 P.M. OKLAHOMA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 10 North lee St. .1:30 P.M. OMAHA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1502 Davenport St. • 1:00 P.M. last very long, as shown by Zenith's report that viewing fell off from a first week's average of 3.1 films per family to the 1.8 for the latter three weeks. If interest dropped off to that extent in one week, it was asked, how far will it drop in six weeks — or six months? Zenith replies, "We fully expect that as the novelty wears off and after our test families have received their first month's bill, our patronage may decline during the second and third month of the test." McDonald's statement appeared to be aimed primarily at Hollywood's producers, with increased "box-office" through Phonevision's $1 per film fee described as enabling "Hollywood to add a heretofore unavailable audi- ence," with annual returns to pro- ducers estimated at more than $450,- 000,000, by Zenith. Paul Raibourn, head of Paramount Pictures' television operations, was content to remark that the above esti- mate "would be wonderful news for Hollywood — if true." Halpern's Views Nathan Halpern, theatre television consultant to the Theatre Owners of America and Fabian Theatres, re- ferred to a prognosis he made last summer in a report delivered to the Southern California Theatre Owners His estimate of the total audience available to Phonevision "under the most favorable conditions" was 20 per cent, remarkably close to the findings of the test itself. Returns on films to the companies was estimated by Halpern on a pic ture-by-picture basis, however, and it was not as glowing as Zenith's round figure estimate. "It is doubtful that Phonevision would result in film rentals of more than $250,000 on the average for grade "A" feature films, under a fully de- veloped nationwide television system Compare Phonevision's $250,000 with the better than $1,500,000 on the av erage in domestic rentals currently re ceived by Hollywood from theatre ex hibition of these same films. "Under the most favorable condi tions, it is doubtful that Phonevision would bring Hollywood films rentals exceeding $500,000 for its few top films, as compared with $4,000,000 to $5,000,000 for such films from thea- tres," Halpern concluded. Keeps Tabs on Home Team by Theatre TV Albany, Feb. 7. — Fabian's Palace Theatre here has com- pleted arrangements for an exclusive theatre telecast screen showing of the Siena- Georgetown basketball game, Feb. 20. The contest, an away-from- home game for Siena, local Albany college, will be tele- vised from the Uline Arena in Washington, D. C, a dis- tance of 350 miles from the theatre. Oliver Twist' (Continued from page 1) mg, hence no immediate decision on whether a code seal should be issued to the controversial picture in its present form is expected. Presumably, the board representatives who attend- ed the screening will report back to the board itself in a week or two, at which time a decision is looked for on the appeal of Eagle Lion Classics, the distributor, from Breen's original de- nial of a code seal. The board had referred the matter back to Breen for reconsideration, with his request for deletions resulting. ELC made all of the deletions requested. Breen, who conferred here with ELC and MPAA officials this week, left for Washington last night, be- fore returning to Hollywood. Trip to U. S. (Continued from page 1) ment in principle could be reached at a Paris conference, thus making un- necessary a trip to the U. S. by the Italians. At any rate, it was said, a meeting in Paris could determine whether there is a common ground for discussion of problems. The problems between the two in- dustries center around quotas, re- mittances and the Italians' desire to have MPAA companies represented on the Italian equivalent of the MPAA. Compo Urges (Continued from page 1) PHILADELPHIA Warner Screening Room 230 No. 13th St. ■ 2:30 P.M. PITTSBURGH 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1715 Blvd. of Allies • 1:30 P.M. PORTLAND Jewel Box Screening Room 1947 N.W. Kearney St. • 2:00 P.M. SALT LAKE 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 216 East 1st South • 2:00 P.M. SAN FRANCISCO Paramount Screening Room 221 Golden Gate Ave. • 1:30 P.M. SEATTLE Modern Iheatre 2400 Third Ave. • 10:30 A.M. ST. LOUIS S'renco Screening Room 3143 Olive St. • 1:00 P.M. WASHINGTON Warner Theatre Building 13th 8 E Sts N.W. • 10:30 A.M. FCC Test Extends Phonevision to March 31 Washington, Feb. 7. — The Federal Communications Commission today extended until March 31 the period during which Zenith is authorized to test its Phonevision system in Chicago. The Commission pointed out that 7enith had originally been given from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28 to make the tests, and that since it hadn't started until Jan. 1, it felt it only fair to add a month at the end. First Color TV Short Homosassa, Fla., Feb. 7. — The first television color short for commercial use is being made here, showing back- stage operations of the Pine-Thomas' "Crosswinds" troupe on location. The color short, being produced by Gene Lester for use by CBS, stars John Payne, Rhonda Fleming and Forrest Tucker. as a "modest start" on a campaign to offset the claims of tele- vision that there is no reason to leave one's home for entertainment. "Hotels, restaurants, bowling al- leys, clothing shops, transportation companies," he wrote, "should be as desirous of getting people out of their homes at night as exhibitors are. The local newspapers should prove allies in such a venture, not only because they would profit from this particular advertising, but because television, by capturing a large slice of national ad- vertising has made serious inroads on their income." Un-American Group (Continued front page 1) committee in an attempt to line up a program of his own, and won't say whether Hollywood hearings are on his agenda. At least one other Demo- crat, Rep. Walter of Pennsylvania, has demanded reopening of the hear- ings but for an opposite reason. He wants to give Hollywood workers whose names have been mentioned a chance to clear themselves. Walter is seriously thinking of quitting the Committee shortly. FIRST " fl/sT FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Conasei part VOL. 69. NO. 29 NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1951 TEN CENTS UA Agrees to Halt Popkin Film Bookings Cuts 44 Dates Pending Krim-Benjamin Meetings United Artists officials have agreed in conference here with in- dependent producer Harry Popkin to pull all but about six of the 50 dates which were set for "The Second Woman" until the producer learns from Arthur B. Krim and Robert S. Benjamin the details of the latters' deal for financing the company. Popkin reported this last night, in- dicating at the same time that he expected to confer here with Krim and Benjamin later in the evening or sometime today. Krim returned to New York yesterday afternoon follow- ing signing of the refinancing deal on the Coast last Tuesday midnight. The producer said he agreed to per- mit six first-run dates for the picture to stand since openings were so close that cancellations would have seriously inconvenienced the theatres. The pic- ture is showing currently at the Rivoli on Broadway here. Popkin, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangement he reached with UA officials on the cancellations, re- (Continued on page b) Ohio Bill Widens Local Tax Power No Anti-Industry Bills in Indiana Washington, Feb. 8. — Jack Bryson, Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America's leg'sla- tive representative, reports that the deadline for intro- ducing bills in Indiana has passed without any measures having been proposed that might hurt the industry. In West Virginia, he said, sponsors of a bill to allow municipalities to levy a four per cent admission tax have cut the figure to two per cent in the hopes of winning agreement from exhibitors who are now fighting the measure. However, the ex- hibitors have not yet indi- cated whether they will go along with the lower levy. 'Star Pool' Gains Favor Edward Lachman, former president of Allied Theatre Owners of New- Jersey, reported yesterday from his headquarters at Boonton, N. J., that his proposal for a "star pool" for per- sonal appearance purposes is rapidly gaining acceptance among producers and exhibitors. The plan is for a reserve of Holly- wood actors and actresses who would be drawn upon at regular intervals for brief personal appearances in con- junction with regular motion picture theatre programs. It is intended to make small-town theatres the principal beneficiaries of such an arrangement. Lachman had intended to present the proposal to delegates at the Tri- States Theatre Owners Association convention in Memphis last week but ( Continued on page 3 ) BELIEVERS IN A FREE PRESS ASKED TO AID A FREE SCREEN Krim, MeNutt, Benjamin to Meet Today Columbus, O., Feb. 8. — A bill that would extend admission tax powers to 1,200 additional Ohio political sub- divisions has been introduced in the Ohio legislature by Reps. Kenneth A. Robinson, Marion, and Fred Cassel, Wyandot, both Republicans. The measure would empower township trustees to impose admission taxes not to exceed three per cent. About 95 per cent of all Ohio drive- ins would face imposition of the tax, {Continued on page 6) Chicago, Feb. 8. — Adherents to the belief in a free press were called upon today to aid the motion picture in its efforts to rid the screen of censorship. "We in the motion picture business believe that a free screen is im- perative to a healthy democ- racy and for that reason we oppose polit- ical censorship and believe that all who must in- dulge in the benefits of a free press should join with us in our attempt to rid the screen of censorship," Maurice M. A. Bergrirmi A. Bergman, Universal Pictures exec- utive told members of the Publicity Club of Chicago at their luncheon at the Wedgewood Room of Marshall Field and Co. "One of the points we always make on behalf of our industry and its pub- lic relations is the fact we have our own voluntary censorship, or self- regulation, in the form of production and advertising codes," he said. Bergman cited the importance of the contributions which the motion picture industry makes to community projects and to the Federal government. "In the motion picture business we are constantly enlisted in all types of community work. At present, our pub- licity people, as well as all other work- ers in the industry, are devoting time and effort to successfully promoting 'Brotherhood Week' ", he explained. {Continued on' page 6) Matthew Fox Also in On Deal for U. A. Control Talks looking to a liquidation of the United Artists stock option held by Paul V. MeNutt, Frank L. McNamee and Max Kravetz, are scheduled to be initiated here today by Robert Benjamin, Arthur Krim and Matthew J. Fox. Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin have signed an agree- ment with Benjamin, Krim and Fox giving them management control of U. A. on completion of several conditions, foremost among which is a settlement of the McNutt-McNamee-Kravetz option. Present indications are that such an agreement can be reached without undue delay and the deal consummated within a week or 10 days. Fox, former executive vice-presi- dent of Universal, was revealed yesterday as a co-principal with Ben- jamin and Krim in the U. A. negotia- tions. While he has been in the picture from the beginning, aiding actively1 in {Continued on page 6) Vote $200,000 for House 'Red' Probe Washington, Feb. 8.— The House today voted $200,000 for the House Un-American Activities Committee to continue its work in 1951. The action came as Republican committee members ,are pressing for a renewed probe, into alleged Com- munism in Hollywood: As yet, Demo- cratic committee members have not joined the Republicans in their de- mand: Zenith Trailer To Sell Test' Chicago, Feb. 8.— Zenith Radio to- day began showing 15-minute pre- views of coming feature-film attrac- tions prior to each of its three daily Phonevision programs. Under this new setup all families in the area with TV sets, as well as the 300 Phone- vision test families, will be able to hear and see tile previews ..clearly. Four' trailers will be shown in each? (Continued on page 6) Nominating Unit For Am pa Named A nominating committee to elect the next slate of officers for the Associated Motion Picture Advertisers was named at a meeting held here yesterday. Elections are scheduled for the second Thursday in March. Yester- day's meeting also passed a resolution to hold closed business meetings on the sec- ond Thursday of every month. J lu It on. Wayne Win 'Photoplay' Awards Betty Hutton, John Wayne and Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer's "Battle- ground" were the nation's most en- joyed actress, actor and motion pic- ture in 1950, according to the nation- wide, year-long election conducted by Photoplay magazine among America's film-goers. On Monday, the annual Photoplay Gold Medal presentation ceremony and reception will be held in the Bev- erly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, (Continued on page 6) Cal.„ Golden to Coast On Conservation Hollywood, Feb. 8. — Nathan D. Golden, director of the National Pro- duction Authority's film division, is due to arrive here on Tuesday for a series of meetings with industry groups on conservation of raw stock and other materials. Golden comes at the request of the Society of Independent Motion Pic- ture Producers' committee in charge of over-all studio problems. Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 9, 1951 Personal Mention MARY PICKFORD is due here from the Coast today and will be the principal speaker at the Edison Pioneers luncheon tomorrow at the Hotel Astor. • Alfred E. Daff, Universal Pictures director of world sales, and Charles J Feldman, domestic sales manager, left here last night for Memphis. They will be joined there by F. J. A. Mc- Carthy, Southern and Canadian sales manager. • Michael V. Gradle, formerly as- sistant account executive in the Chi- cago office of Foote, Cone and Be d- ing has joined the advertising sales staff of Woman's Home Companion m Chicago. • William C. MacMillen, Jr., presi- dent of Eagle Lion Classics, is sched- uled to leave here for the Coast to- morrow to discuss future releases with producers. • Dolph Schadler, assistant treasur- er of Loew's, has become engaged to Pat Stewart, also of Loew's. The wedding will take place soon after Easter. E. C. Grainger, president and gen- eral manager of the Shea Circuit, is slated to return here Tuesday from a tour of the circuit's Western theatres. • W. A. Scully, domestic sales con- sultant of Universal Pictures, is due to arrive in New York from Florida on Tuesday. Marvin Schenck, M-G-M studio executive, and Mrs. Schenck, are scheduled to arrive here from the Coast on Monday. Russel Holm an, Paramount's Eastern production manager, will leave here for the Coast over the weekend. Mike Simon, editor of M-G-M's The Distributor, has returned here from a week's visit to Dallas and Oklahoma City. Billy Wilder, Paramount produc- er who returned here from Europe yesterday, has left for Hollywood. • Edward M. Saunders, M-G-M as- sistant general sales manager, is visit- ing Jacksonville, Fla., from here. Jack Cummings, M-G-M produc- er, is due here from the Coast for a week's stay. Jimmy Doran, student assistant manager at Loew's Poli, Hartford, has enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. J. Arthur Rank is due here from England in May. I. G. Goldsmith, producer, is in New York from Hollywood Tradewise . . . By SHERWIN KANE THE news of Mary Pickford's and Charles Chaplin's sign- ing of a contract which will give management control of United Artists to Robert Benjamin and Arthur Krim on completion with- in the next week or two of final remaining arrangements, is being hailed throughout the industry with enthusiasm and, as well, with some measure of relief. That these young and capable executives, raised in the indus- try, were the successful negotia- . tors is cause in itself for the popular approval of the news. Motion picture people know that Benjamin and Krim will bring to the task of restoring United Artists to its rightful place in the industry not only their valu- able experience, unique abilities and enthusiasm, but what is more important, their desire and de- termination to work tirelessly to the end that a sick company may be made strong again. That is a vital consideration for, had others less interested in the motion picture industry and, as the saying goes, making a quick buck in it, acquired con- trol, no solution of the company's problems would have been in prospect. Then, without doubt, United Artists would have continued its downward course, a course that inevitably would lead to the bankruptcy courts. More or less unexpected windfalls from for- eign markets and a shift in pol- icy from paying its producers on a cash rather than a billings basis, gave U.A. the "breather" that kept its head above water over the recent perilous months. • It is safe to say that no re- sponsible person in the industry has hoped for anything but a prompt program for assistance to United Artists, one which of- fered promise of a permanent solution of its problems. No one wished to see this venerable com- pany go under, yet many feared it might. Its demise at any time in recent months would have been a blow of the severest order to the business which, due to widespread misinformation con- cerning the health of the indus- try and the nature of its current competition, has suffered a set- back in public confidence, which now, happily, is being remedied. The Benjamin-Krim proposal offers U.A. the widely wished- for remedies of ample cash for current operations and liberal financing with which to provide the distributing organization with a steady supply of product. More than that, it promises a manage- ment which enjoys the confidence and goodwill of the industry and of important financial sources. If everything goes according to schedule, the selection of new management for U.A. should be well along within a week or two. No commitments were made in advance of the signing of the agreement by Miss Pickford and Chaplin, and no firm ones are likely to be made in advance of the formal closing of the deal, but it is no secret in the trade that Benjamin and Krim look kindly on a circle of proven exec- utives who, despite numerous handicaps, helped to get Eagle Lion Films off the ground sev- eral years ago and supplied it with much of the virility and momentum which has character- ized its progress since. Some of those people are com- mitted elsewhere ; all of them have secure posts, promising futures and substantial rewards now, within prospering com- panies. It will be no easy decision for them to make — to relinquish what they have in exchange for the opportunity to work as they have never worked before to bring a major company back from the brink. The rewards are uncertain but the challenge is potent. And the opportunity is theirs for the asking-. • Miss Pickford and Chaplin have made mistakes before in the turbulent history and admin- istration of their company. It is the opinion of many that they have made no mistake this time. Rather, they are to be congratu- lated on their decision. Benjamin and Krim have a tremendous task before them. The popular viewpoint is that they are more than equal to it. As Nate Blumberg, thinking back 12 years to the time he left the security of RKO Theatres for the empty coffers and accu- mulated obligations of a limping- Universal Pictures Co., told Ben- jamin and Krim: "I did it when I was older than either of you. There's no reason why you can t. It will be difficult to find any- one who will disagree with that sentiment. The industry hopes for the speedy and successful conclusion of their agreement, wishes them well, and looks to them for a record of substantial and re- warding accomplishment. Set Deadline for Tax Hearing Bids Washington, Feb. 8. — The House Ways and Means Com- mittee has set Thursday as the deadline for applications to testify at its current hear- ings on new tax legislation. It said testimony must be confined to new taxes and must not discuss technical or Administrative changes in the revenue laws. Film Companies Here To Observe Holiday Most major film companies' New York offices will be closed on Mon- day, Lincoln's Birthday. Companies observing a three-day weekend are : Columbia, M-G-M, Monogram, Para- mount, RKO, 20th Century-Fox, United Artists, Universal-Interna- tional, Warner's and the Motion Pic- ture Association of America. Eagle Lion Classics and Republic will be open all day Monday. M-G-M Buys 213 Spots Chicago, Feb. 9. — Norman Pyle, M-G-M publicity director, here, has announced the purchase of 213 spot an- nouncements on radio stations WBBM out over a year. No Paper Monday Motion Picture Daily will not be published on Monday, Lincoln's Birthday, a legal holiday. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center Joan Fontaine ■ Joseph Cotten in Hal Wallis' Production "SEPTEMBER AFFAIR" A Paramount Picture Plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION DEAN JERRV MarfaNfcMs AT WAR WITH THE ARMY A Paramount Picture Midnight F«oUp*» Nifhihr [J record week! A Columbia Picture MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; TW *m*7*, Conwttto ^tqn Sundavs and holidays by Oui 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 11 A.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 1 P.M. 2 P.M. BROTHERHOOD WEEK, FEB. 18 -25 -To Promote Brotherhood All Year! ^ JS smash tfar Comedy Up front WILL BE THE FIRST PICTUBE ACTUALLY TO LIST THEATRE NAMES 1N NATIONAL MAGAZINE ADVERTISING! All key-city playdates in April will be listed in this ad which will appear in LIFE (April 6) SAT EW.POST(ApriU) before a readership of over 30,000,0001* THE SATURDAY EVENING POST refused to take no I hounded him day ,ing him into a car and down back ernately cajoled ;ld firm. oss racketeer at ring from us." Yt sleep," Cohn en by the recol- er bothered me ust have found e the lotteries le." lind-the-scenes tender age of actural peculi- te of business, esale fur mer- >n the second uilding. Here the lad after night proceed ires at home, ie rear of the red a musty, It descended . He scram- rough a fire nderland. It ? Martinka pal illusions. ;, Al gaped he velvet- le whirring tme of all, stopheleap I and Van- ajestically the place f persona sweeping Is for the These Theatres from Coast to Coast will be playing Up Front" during the Month of April! 1 had been I -nmortals liar, Her- 1 "hurston, Ible Hou- 1 5ne Max 1 vhich he | tanghai, ilalini to Ipf-hand lterpiece 1 of thin said I all my Id it by I I heads I tarried cases li bril- II, and 1 drink I teach ljckly | ship. ]ould [ding lit as fpuld land ligh- |?ill- he lan- STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City . .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City . YOUR THEATRE NAME City . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City . . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City . .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City - . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME reatU-l Screenplay by STANLEY ROBERTS ^Additional regular ads will appear in LOOK, THE SATURDAY EVENING POST THE FUNNIEST BOOK TO COME OUT OF THE WAR A HILARIOUS MOTION PICTURE ! STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE I jpy> City YOUR THEATRE NAME UEfe % City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE Aif\J fMIMT Vi City YOUR THEATRE NAME fifiwJf/A City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME , City YOUR THEATRE NAME ■MHUA City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME I' City YOUR THEATRE NAME H STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME If your favorite theatre is not listed here, ask the manager when he will be playing "Up Front" DAVID WAYNE mMe TOM EWELUtoT with MARINA BERTI • JEFFREY LYNN • RICHARD EGAN Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEIN • Directed by ALEXANDER HALL • A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE The AMERICAN LEGION and VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS Magazines BROTHERHOOD WEEK To Promote Brotherhood Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 14, 1951 National Pre-Selling UNIVERSAL - INTERN ATTON- AL again is breaking new ground in the use of film advertising to help at the point of sale— the box-office. _ David A. Liptou, vice-president in charge of advertising-publicity, dis- closed yesterday that the company, for the first time, will incorporate in its national magazine advertising, lists of theatres in key cities that play a par- ticular picture. Selected for the inno- vation is Bill Mauldin's "Up Front," to be placed in general release in April. Life and the Saturday Evening Post, have been chosen for the test of tieing in local theatres in national advertis- ing. Supplemental ads of conventional format will appear simultaneously in Look, The American Legion and other national publications. Lipton further pointed out _ that, "Universal salesmen are already in the field with copies of the actual ads to show to their accounts." He said, "with the cooperation of theatres in follow-up merchandising of the adver- tisements at the local level, we feel that theatre identification in national selling can prove to be one of the in- dustry's most powerful new advertis- ing stimulants." The Cigar Institute of America has tied in with the regional pene- tration campaigns for M-G-M's "The Magnificent Yankee." With Louis Calhern showing cigars to advan- tage in his role in the picture, the Review Bowery Battalion ( Monogram > TERAL-MINDED fans may look askance at some of the goings-on in this Jan Grippo production but, credibility aside, director William Beau- dine manages to get some good laughs from Charles R. Marion's story. Rowdy shenanigans are made-to-order for the Bowery Boys, in a plot that taxes credulity. The picture should please younger patrons. Leo Gorcey and his gang enlist in the Army on the strength of being frightened by a mock air raid. They are surprised to meet their friend, Bernard Gorcey, now a major, at their base. He received his commission be- cause he alone holds the key to the death-dealing hydrogen ray. Foreign spies seek to capture the major after receiving a tip from Virginia Hewitt, the major's secretary who is actually a member of the spy ring. Leo and the boys, free at last from the guard-house where they seem to have spent most of the time, go AWOL, to round up the spy ring and rescue their friend. The boys are first cited for bravery, and then they are put in the guard-house for being AWOL. Others in the cast are : Huntz Hall, Donald MacBride, Russell Hicks, William Benedict, Buddy Gorman, David Gorcey, John Bleifer, Al Eben, Frank Jenks and Selmer Jackson Running time, 69 minutes Jan. 24. Short Subjects "The Wanderers' Return" ( 1 I 'tinier Brothers) The story of present day Israel is told in "The Wanderers' Return," which gives the historical background of the land, its religious and political significance through the ages and its geographical design, all pictured in Technicolor. The film covers the modern innova- tions introduced in the country and tne people responsible for these im- provements. The climax is a verbal note to all freedom-loving people. The photography itself will prove of great interest to most theatre-goers. The continuity is top grade. Running time, 20 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Institute has planted 1,500 posters in cigar stores in the Boston area alone, and will follow-up through tobacco distributors and retail outlets. The Institute will also engage in a promo- tional tieup with the forthcoming Arthur Loew picture, "Therese," in which cigars play a prominent part in the unfolding of the story. • The first music-world premiere in motion picture history took place Monday at the Park Avenue thea- tre, where some of the world's great virtuosos mingled with lead- ers of civic and social affairs to welcome the opening of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Of Men and Music." The gathering of this distinguished and select audience keys the hand- ling of the first motion picture concert as a film attraction in sub- sequent-runs. The complete coop- eration of music, radio and educa- tional authorities is embraced in pre-selling the picture. • Robert Stillman's "The Sound of Fury" which has been the recipient of numerous pre-selling citations, includ- ing one from the United Nations, as one of the important films of 1951, lias been awarded another commenda- tion by a top women's organization, the National League of Pen Women. Lucille Palmer Thompson, national chairman of the influential women writers' group, hailed the film as "an important contribution to our troubled times." • National radio exploitation on a scale seldom attempted for a mo- tion picture is claimed for the re- lease of 20th Century-Fox's "The 13th Letter" which will have a ma- jor promotion at the local level through a tieup with 544 Mutual 56 Permits Granted In 1950 By Madrid Washington, Feb. 13.— During the first 11 months of 1950 the Spanish government granted 56 import licenses for feature films, Commerce Depart- ment film chief Nathan D. Golden reports. This is based on domestic produc- tion of 35 features. Licenses for im- porting films are granted only to Spanish producers, with the number of permits depending on the classifica- ion of the Spanish film produced. The current sales value of an import per- mit is reported to be about 1,100,000 pesetas. Goldwyn to Reissue Kaye's 'Up in Arms' "Up in Arms," Samuel Goldwyn's first Danny Kaye vehicie, will be re- issued by RKO. The first playdate is set for tomorrow at Miami, where it will have a dual opening at the Variety and Embassy theatres on a single feature bill. The film will open on ' March 2 on a double bill with Goldwyn's Bob Hope starrer, "They Got Me Covered," at the State Thea- tre, Youngstown, O. A new campaign will include re- vised ads, posters, lobby displays and a new pressbook. New prints are also being used for the reissue. network stations. Special one- sheets are offered to exhibitors to cross-plug the film as intensive on- the-spot exploitation in conjunction with the radio programs. In each locality, Mutual promotion man- agers are contacting local theatres on cooperative publicity, exploita- tion and radio time to coincide with playdates. • "Bird of Paradise" — Easter release by 20th Century-Fox will get a five- page spread in full color in the April issue of Photoplay magazine which will hit the stands in mid-March, just prior to the saturation premiere of the picture. The section will be devoted to the fashions which have been in- spired by the Technicolor film and which will be on display in hundreds of stores throughout the country for the Easter season. There will also be an all-out campaign to feature "Bird Paradise" fashions on TV programs from Coast to Coast, starting with the Margaret Arlen shoiv on CBS-TV. • Gene Autry will be starred in one of the largest promotional campaigns ever launched in the name of a single star personality. Beginning in Febru- ary and extending through May, Quaker Oats will feature color pic- tures of Gene on every box of Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice. Tieing in will be a premium givcazvay_ of five pocket-sized Gene Autry comic books. The campaign will result in the dis- tribution, of 5,000,000 of the color boxes through 150,000 retail stores, in addition to shelf strips, counter cards and windoiv displays to support na- tional advertising in top-circulated na- tional magazines. — Walter Brooks Cheyfitz to Coast on Film Aid to 'Voice9 Washington, Feb. 13. — Edward Cheyfitz, special assistant to the president of the Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America, will leave for Hollywood at the end of the week for meetings with studio and labor offi- cials. Cheyfitz will meet with the Motion Picture Industry Council to discuss, among other things, plans for in- creased industry cooperation with the State Department in expanding the Voice of America program. He may also discuss with studio officials the rescheduling of the East-West execu tives' meeting". Georgia Sales Tax Includes Theatres Washington, Feb. 13. — A new three per cent general sales tax, levied on admissions but not on film rentals, has become law in Georgia Jack Bryson, legislative representative of the Motion Picture Association of America, reports. The three per cent general tax replaces a slightly lower special admission tax. A bill to levy a $500-per-picture license fee has been indefinitely postponed in committee, while a tough censorship bill was killed in committee. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" (Warner Brothers) A pictorial presentation of United States history, ranging from the land- ing on the Plymouth Rock to the sign- ing of the Atlantic Pact is offered in this 'Technicolor subject. Historical equences in costume result in a highly entertaining and informative presenta- ion. There is a good deal of flag- waving throughout, but that is to be expected in these times. The general public should enjoy this release. Run- ning time, 20 minutes. "Tales of Hoffman' Premiere April 1 "Tales of Hoffman," the Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger produc- tion being distributed here by Lopert Film Distributing Corp., will have its American premiere at New York's Metropolitan Opera House on April 1. The American Red Cross will spon- sor the premiere with proceeds of the performance being contributed to the 1951 Red Cross drive. Legion Reviews 6; Rates All as 'A' Six additional pictures have been reviewed by the National Legion of Decency, with all receiving an "A" rating. In Class A-l are Universal-Interna- tional's "The Magnet," Columbia's "Ridin' the Outlaw Trail," and "A Yank in Korea." In Class A-ll are 20th Century-Fox's "Lucky Nick Cain," Distinguished Film's "Seven Days to Noon," and M-G-M's "Ven- geance Valley." Hutcheon in New Post Philadelphia, Feb. 13. — George D. Hutcheon, office manager of the War- ner exchange here, has been pro- moted to salesman in charge of New Jersey and Delaware, replacing O. B. Guilfoil, who resigned. Ed O'Donnell, booker, becomes office manager here. Phonevision Is Set For Another Week Chicago, Feb. 13. — New Phone- vision test film-fare for the next week includes : "From This Day Forward," RKO, 1946; "Desert Fury," Para- mount, 1947; "To the Victor," War- ner, 1948; "Mexican Spitfire," RKO, 1939 ; "The Bishop's Wife," Goldwvn, 1948; "Hollow Triumph," Eagle- Lion, 1948, and "Deep Valley," War- ner, 1947. 20th Reduces Capital Albany, N. Y., Feb. 13. — Notice of a reduction of 20th Century-Fox cap- ital from 4,674,569 shares to 4,669,857 shares, of no par value, has been filed here. Wednesday, February 14, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 U. A. Deal Walsh Sees Studios Willing To Talk "Money Additions" Allied Board (Continued from page 1 ) (Continued from page 1) placed it at under $100,000. The resignations of McNutt as board chairman, McNamee as presi- dent and Kravetz as secretary of U. A. are provided for in the agree- ment reached. McNutt may serve on the new U. A. board of directors but McNamee and Kravetz will not be associated with the new management, it is reported. Krim will become the new presi- dent of U. A. Benjamin and Fox will be on the board of directors, it is be- lieved, but in any event will serve in advisory capacities, more than likely without executive titles. Negotiations for other management posts have not been undertaken yet and will not be until the deal is formally closed, either tomorrow when all papers will be in readiness, or Friday, when Loyd Wright, Chaplin's attorney, arrives here from the Coast and frees the basic contract from escrow. Papers securing the new financing for U. A. were signed with Walter Heller & Co., Chicago factors, in that city yesterday and should be received here today. The new financing re- portedly provides a minimum of $1,- 000,000 for current operating require- ments and a minimum of $2,000,000 for new production financing, with no fixed ceiling on either. In Charge Monday No hitches in the closing details have been encountered and all condi- tions of the deal will have been met by the Benjamin-Fox-Krim group to- day. Krim should be able to take over at U. A. by next Monday, if not sooner. It is expected that he will initiate negotiations promptly for Max E. Youngstein, who resigned from Paramount this week, to become vice- president in charge of advertising- publicity, and with William J. Heine- man, whose contract at Eagle Lion Classics expires this week and will not be renewed, as vice-president in charge of distribution. There has been no indication of what the new management plans with respect to Gradwell L. Sears, whose contract runs to the end of this year, with pen- sion provisions for 10 years thereafter. _ Krim also will hold further discus- sions early with U. A. producers for delivery of completed product with- held because of the company's hereto- fore uncertain status. Preliminary dis- cussions already have been held with several, with "encouraging" results re- ported. Krim also will start negotia- tions with producers for new product at an early date. Office Employes; Salesmen Unions Prepare UA Pay Hike Bids With the United Artists situation approaching clarification, at least two unions representing segments of the company's personnel are preparing to move for wage increases. Leaders of the unions, which repre- sent UA "white collar" workers and the company's salesmen, have indicated their belief that the adoption of pay increases at UA would not be a viola- tion of the government's wage-freeze order. Both IATSE Motion Picture Home Office Employes Local No. H-63 and the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America claim to hold commitments from the company to negotiate for increases when UA's financial and production problems are 'IA' Invades Para., Loew's Harold Spivak, counsel for the IATSE Motion Picture Home Office Employes Local No. H-63, will file this week with the National Labor Relations Board in Washington a pe- tition for an election among white collar employes of the Paramount home office and Loew's New York exchange to determine collective bar- gaining agents. The Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild last week lost its con- trol of the Paramount workers in consequence of an 'NLRB ruling that that union had "lost its identity." H-63, long-time jurisdictional rival of SOPEG, claims to have enrolled a majority of the workers at Para- mount's home office and at Loew's exchange. Russell M. Moss, H-63 executive vice-president, said his union will seek to include publicists in the election at both offices. He claims the "IA" local has the support of a "majority" of publicists at the Paramount home office. solved. In the unions' opinion these problems will have been solved when Arthur Krim, Robert Benjamin and Matthew Fox complete in current talks their assumption of management control of the company. David Beznor, Colosseum general counsel, is in New York from Mil- waukee to investigate the possibility of early talks with UA officials. As- serting that the salesmen's minimum at UA is $10 less than the weekly base pay of all other distribution com- panies, Beznor holds that the wage- freeze order allows for the correction of "existing inequities." Want Retroactive Pay A similar view was expressed by Russell M. Moss, H-63's executive 'vice-president, who said that under a committment signed on Jan. 1, 19S0, UA at present owes its 125 "white collarites" retroactive pay totalling between $25,000 and $30,000. Beznor said yesterday that he has worked out here with the industry's labor committee a procedure prelimi- nary to the opening of negotiations for new salesmen's contracts with dis- tributors. Present contracts will expire in about two months. He estimated that 'negotiations would begin in about three weeks. However, a date and place have yet to be set. Gould Will Manage U.A.'s Branch Office in Panama David Gould has been appointed manager for United Artists in Pa- nama by Al Lowe, general manager of the U. A. foreign department. He suc- ceeds Henry Ronge, resigned. Sands to Cleveland Cleveland, Feb. 13. — Ernest Sands, Warner Brothers salesman in Pitts- burgh, has been transferred tq_the Cleveland branch to succeed the- la'te. Dave Kaufman, who was killed recent- ly in an automobile accident. Hollywood, Feb. 13. — Richard Walsh, president of the IATSE, here from a week of conferences with "I A" executives at Tucson, disclosed at a meeting of the Hollywood AFL Film Council that major producers have agreed to discuss the possibility of "money additions" with a committee representing the Council's several con- stituent unions. Walsh stressed the point that pres- ent contracts are not to be reopened, and that a "money addition" does not mean a "cost-of-living increase," also that producers have not agreed tacitly to grant any specific revision in the wage structure. He said discussions are to take place immediately. He told the unions to proceed at once with the appointment of representa- tives fully authorized to act on what- ever proposals materialize. Walsh indicated that discussions will seek to accomplish the same gen- eral effect which living-cost revisions have achieved in other industries since 1947, when the present studio wage schedules were established. Industry Acts (Continued from page 1) questions now confronting studio exec- utives in dealing with the talent guilds, craft workers and other studio em- ployes. It was pointed up in their conver- sations here yesterday that one of the most perplexing problems facing stu- dios now is the question of option contracts and contracts calling for periodic increases. Word reaching here from Washing- ton was that the informal opinion of government attorneys is that any in- crease in contracts having general application are out, but contracts for a particular individual may be okay. However, they emphasize that nothing- can be said definitely until the indus- try officially requests a ruling. Seek Blanket Exemption Another problem is to see if a blanket exemption can be worked out for tal- ent guild workers. In the last war, the industry finally evolved a system whereby the Treasury took jurisdic- tion and the industry merely had to report periodically its actions on wages for writers, directors, actors, and other talent. The Treasury would ob- ject only if there were a conspicuously flagrant violation of its regulations, it was said. Meanwhile, according to Washing- ton sources, over-all board policies on such basic questions as how much wage increases are to be allowed over Jan. 1, 1950, exemption for small firms, general treatment of industries whose prices are exempt — such as the film industry — have been delayed by bick- ering among labor, industry and public members of the board. Gottlieb Joins Lippert Cleveland, Feb. 13. — Leo Gottlieb, former Universal salesman in this area and more recently Eagle Lion Classics branch manager in Pittsburgh, re- turns to Cleveland as manager of the Lippert branch. He succeeds Rube Perlman who returns to New York to a new connection to be announced shortly. counsel Abram F. Myers. He said this means arbitration can be dis- cussed only if some director moves to add it to the agenda at the last minute. Trueman Rembusch is expected to be renamed president by the board, since it has been Allied's practice to keep all officers for two years, and Rembusch is just rounding out his first year in the top Allied post. Myers Is Optimistic Myers' annual report will be a fea- ture of the board meeting, and it is expected that the keynote of the re- port will be optimism over the indus- try's prospects in the immediate future. Myers has made no secret of his belief that due to a variety of factors at- tendance will start picking up rapidly and that good days are ahead for the industry generally and independent ex- hibitors particularly. The report is also expected to praise the divestiture technique adopted by the Justice Depart- ment in the Warner consent de- cree when in many cases di- vestiture of a particular theatre or theatres was conditioned on competing theatres of a par- ticular run being in business at the end of one, two or five years. Myers said Allied territories have been canvassed on present trends on film rental prices and this matter will come before the board for action. He declared that Rembusch and Jack Kirsch would report on the Phone- vision experiment in Chicago, that Wilbur Snaper would report on the Skiatron tests in New York and that William C. Allen would report on the RCA and CBS color television sys- tems. Rembusch will outline Allied progress and plans for the FCC thea- tre television hearings. Allied of Indiana Favors Move for Expanded COMPO Indianapolis, Feb. 13. — The board of directors of Allied Theater Owners of Indiana has instructed its represen- tatives at the national Allied board meeting at Washington, on Thursday and Friday, to go along with the COMPO proposal for broader TOA representation on the executive com- mittee. Trueman Rembusch, William A. Carroll and Joseph P. Finneran will attend the Washington session for Indiana Allied. Objection was raised at the recent February board meeting of Indiana Allied to the number of ads on coming- attractions found in newsreels. Some exhibitors complained that pre-adver- tising of pictures which they had not yet bought placed them in a poor bar- gaining- position. There also was a de- mand that distributors ship film ready to run, without putting exhibitors to the expense of paying an operator to inspect and rewind it. Following the board meeting, Sam Switow, Louisville exhibitor, called a session of exhibitors and branch man- agers to discuss ways and means by which the business here can contribute to the support of the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital at Saranac. Switow was elected chairman of an Indianapo- lis area committee to promote the showing of a short subject telling- about the hospital. 8 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 14, 1951 NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) a rather slow opening week with $110,001! clue for a second and final week- "Payment on Demand" and a new stagv show will bow in tomorrow. "The Enforcer" at the Lapitol is holding a good pace in a second week with about $40,000 due for a third week- "Vengeance Valley" wdl open there on Saturday. At the Strand, "Operation Pacific" will take in about $42 000 for a satisfactory second week, with Denise Darcel heading the stage bill- . ,, Newcomers are doing well at the Criterion and at the Globe. "Frenchie is heading for an excellent first week gross of $17,500 at the Criterion, while "Sugarfoot" is racking up about $14,- 500 in its bow at the Globe. "The Second Woman" is taking in a satisfactory $14,000 for its second week at the Rivoli, while "The Steel Helmet" is holding up nicely at Loew's State, on approximately $12,- 000 coming in for its third and final week- "Tomahawk" will open there on Saturday. A pair of re-issues, "The Last Gangster" and "The Big Store, are still doing good business at the Mayfair, with about $13,000' estimated for a third week. 'Born Yesterday" Strong Still a consistent money-maker, "Born Yesterday" is expected to draw $26,000 at the Victoria for an eighth week. Next door, at the Astor, "Harvey" is a bit milder, but is still pulling a good figure on $16,000 for an eighth week. At the Bijou, where "Cyrano de Bergerac" is in the 14th week of a two-a-day, reserved-seat stand, an excellent and steady gross of $10,000 is expected. Off Broadway, "Trio", at the Sut- ton, is due for a gross of $6,200 for a 19th week. "The Blue Lamp" closed a five- week run at the Park Avenue yester- day with $4,800 for the final week, which is a very good closing figure. "Of Men and Music" had its pre- miere there last night. Kill Bill in Maine Boston, Feb. 13. — A bill to require two projectionists in theatre booths at all time has been killed in the Maine legislature, according to reports reach- ing here from Augusta. Hayward Buys Interest Hollywood, Feb. 13.— Louis Hay- ward has purchased a half-interest in Edgar Ulmer's independent producing company, Mid-Century Productions. He and Ulmer have acquired "The Fulton Case." N. Y. Circuits Raise Ticket Price Scales Most Metropolitan New York circuits, including RKO and Loew's, have increased admission scales moderately, it is learned. Weekday scales in most in- stances have been increased five cents to 40 cents, and weekend and holiday scales are up from a former 74 cents to a current 80 cents. A number of Metropolian cir- cuit houses also increased popcorn and candy prices sev- eral cents recently. Canadian Controls Threaten 155 New Theatres; 48 Others Are in Doubt Washington, Feb. 13. — Controls imposed by the Canadian government on steel and other key materials used in theatre construction will "undoubtedly" force Canadian exhibitors to abandon plans for 123 new indoor theatres and 32 drive-ins, all now in the blue-print stage, the U. S. Commerce Department disclosed here today. A report by film chief Nathan D. Golden said the effect of the controls on the 34 indoor theatres and 14 drive-ins now under construction is still unclear, but the chances are they will be allowed to be completed. He emphasized the tremendous post-war theatre-building boom in Canada, with over $36,000,000 spent during the past five years to build 471 new theatres and renovate and remodel existing houses. 6Re -father WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD! The Preview was one of the three highest -rated in M-G-M history and Spencer Tracy got a 99% popularity rating, a new all-time Survey high. M-G-M has a terrific attraction and MR. TRACY it's backed by a campaign that covers YOU'VE DONE the nation! Wanna bet that the grosses IT AGAIN! top even "King Solomon's Mines"? M-G-M presents SPENCER TRACY • JOAN BENNETT • ELIZABETH TAYLOR in -FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND" • Don Taylor, Billie Burke • Screen Play by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich Based on characters created by Edward Streeter • Directed by VINCENTE MINNELLI • Produced by PANDRO S. BERMAN • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room H. C. Igel's Screen Room RKO Palace Bldg. Sc. Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Paramount Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room Max Blumenthal's Sc. Rm. 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room United Artists' Screen Rm, 20th- Fox Screen Room ADDRESS 1052 Broadway 197 Walton St., N. W. 46 Church Street 290 Franklin Street 308 S. Church Street 1301 S. Wabash Ave. 16 East Sixth Street 2219 Payne Ave. 1803 Wood Street 2100 Stout Street 1300 High Street 2310 Cass Avenue 326 No. Illinois St. 1720 Wyandotte St. 1851 S. Westmoreland 151 Vance Avenue TIME 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 8 P.M. 1 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 :30 P.M.' 1 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. CITY MILWAUKEE MINNEAPOLIS NEW HAVEN NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK - N.J. OKLAHOMA CITY OMAHA PHILADELPHIA PITTSBURGH PORTLAND ST. LOUIS SALT LAKE CITY SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WASHINGTON PLACE Warner Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room 20th Fox Screen Room 20th-Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room M-G-M Screen Room B. F. Shearer Screen Rm. S'Renco Art Theatre 20th- Fox Screen Room 20th- Fox Screen Room Jewel Box Preview Thea. RKO Screen Room ADDRESS 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 1015 Currie Avenue 40 Whiting Street 200 S. Liberty St. 630 Ninth Avenue 10 North Lee Street 1502 Davenport St. 1233 Summer Street 1623 Blvd. of Allies 1947 N. W. Kearney St. 3143 Olive Street 216 E. First St., So. 245 Hyde Street 2318 Second Ave. 932 N. Jersey Ave., N. W. TIME 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 1:30 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 11 A.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 :30 P.M. 1 P.M. 2 P.M. BROTHERHOOD WEEK, FEB. 18-25-To Promote Brotherhood All Year! War Comedy Up front WILL BE THE FIRST PXCTURE ACTUALLY TO LIST THEATRE NAMES W NATIONAL MAGAZINE ADVERTISING! AH key-city playdates in April will be listed in this ad which will appear in LIFE (April 6) SAT EVE.POST(ApriU) before a readership of over 30,000,000!* THE SATURDAY EVENING POST refused to take no hounded him day jig him into a car and down back ernately cajoled ;ld firm. oss racketeer at ring from us." \'t sleep," Cohn en by the recol- er bothered me ust have found e the lotteries le." lind-the-scenes tender age of ectural peculi- te of business, esale fur mer- >n the second uilding. Here the lad after night proceed >res at home. "ie rear of the red a musty, it descended . He scram- rough a fire nderland. It j Mart in ka >al illusions. ;, Al gaped he velvet- ie whirring i me of all, stophelean \ and Van- ajestically the place t persona sweeping Is for the These Theatres from Coast to Coast will be playing Up Front'during the Month of April! I had been I -nmortals liar, Her- lliurston, Ible Hou- 1 me Max 1 which he 1 langhai, llalini to Ipf-hand lterpiece l of thin I ." said 1 all my Id it by 1 ! heads ■ tarried T cases Ik bril- 11, and I drink ■ teach lickly ■ ship. 1 ould Iding lit as Ixdd land ligh- |»ill- i he |an- STATE City .. - . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City ... YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City . .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City ... YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City ... YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City . .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City .. .. YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City .... YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City . . YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME Screenplay by STANLEY ROBERTS ^Additional regular ads will appear in LOOK, THE SATURDAY EVENING POST THE FUNNIEST BOOK TO COME OUT OF THE WAR A HILARIOUS MOTION PICTURE ! STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE I JVy> City YOUR THEATRE NAME UKfc. % City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME state a/f\r /jif City YOUR THEATRE NAME 7 /Jf/E. City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME STATE City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME City YOUR THEATRE NAME If your favorite theatre is not listed here, ask the manager when he will be playing "Up Front THE DAME DAVID WAYNE « Jt?£ TOM EWELU&W with MARINA BERTI • JEFFREY LYNN • RICHARD EGAN Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEIN • Directed by ALEXANDER HALL • A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE The AMERICAN LEGION and VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS Magazines ; ; BROTHERHOOD WEEK FEB. 18-25 To Promote Brotherhood All Yeart 6 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 14, 1951 National Pre-Selling UNIVERSAL - INTERNAT [ON- A.L again is breaking new ground in the use of film advertising to help at the point of sale— the box-office. _ David A. Lipton, vice-president in charge of advertising-publicity, dis- closed yesterday that the company, for the first time, will incorporate in its national magazine advertising, lists of theatres in key cities that play a par- ticular picture. Selected for the inno- vation is Bill Mauldin's "Up Front," to he placed in general release in April. Life and the Saturday Evening Post, have been chosen for the test of tieing in local theatres in national advertis- ing. Supplemental ads of conventional format will appear simultaneously in Look, The American Legion and other national publications. Lipton further pointed out _ that, "Universal salesmen are already in the field with copies of the actual ads to show to their accounts." He said, "with the cooperation of theatres in follow-up merchandising of the adver- tisements at the local level, we feel that theatre identification in national selling can prove to be one of the in- dustry's most powerful new advertis- ing stimulants." The Cigar Institute of America has tied in with the regional pene- tration campaigns for M-G-M's "The Magnificent Yankee." With Louis Calhern showing cigars to advan- tage in his role in the picture, the Institute has planted 1,500 posters in cigar stores in the Boston area alone, and will follow-up through tobacco distributors and retail outlets. The Institute will also engage in a promo- tional tieup with the forthcoming Arthur Loew picture, "Therese," in which cigars play a prominent part in the unfolding of the story. • The first music-world premiere in motion picture history took place Monday at the Park Avenue thea- tre, where some of the world's great virtuosos mingled with lead- ers of civic and social affairs to welcome the opening of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Of Men and Music." The gathering of this distinguished and select audience keys the hand- ling of the first motion picture concert as a film attraction in sub- sequent-runs. The complete coop- eration of music, radio and educa- tional authorities is embraced. Robert Stillman's "The Sound of Fury" which has been the recipient of numerous pre-selling citations, includ- ing one from the United Nations, as one of the important films of 1951, has been awarded another commenda- tion by a top women's organization, the National League of Pen Women. Lucille Palmer Thompson, national chairman of the influential women writers' group, hailed the film as "an important contribution to our troubled times." • National radio exploitation on a scale seldom attempted for a mo- tion picture is claimed for the re- lease of 20th Century-Fox's "The 13th Letter" which will have a ma- jor promotion at the local level with 544 Mutual stations. — Walter Brooks Review "Bowery Battalion" ( Monogram > LITERAL-MINDED fans may look askance at some of the goings-on in this |an (hippo production but, credibility aside, director William Beau- dine manages to get some good laughs from Charles R. Marion's story. Rowdy shenanigans are made-to-order for the Bowery Boys, in a plot that taxes credulity. The picture should please younger patrons. Leo Gorcey and his gang enlist in the Army on the strength of being frightened by a mock air raid. They are surprised to meet their friend, Bernard Gorcey, now a major, at their base. He received his commission be- cause he alone holds the key to the death-dealing hydrogen ray. Foreign spies seek to capture the major after receiving a tip from Virginia Hewitt, the major's secretary who is actually a member of the spy ring. Leo and the boys, free at last from the guard-house where they seem to have spent most of the time, go AWOL, to round up the spy ring and rescue their friend. The boys are first cited for bravery, and then they are put in the guard-house for being AWOL. Others in the cast are: Huntz. Hall, Donald MacBride, Russell Hicks, William Benedict, Buddy Gorman, David Gorcey, John Bleifer, Al Eben, Frank Jenks and Selmer Jackson. Running time, 69 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, Jan. 24. Short Subjects "The Wanderers' Return" (Warner Brothers) The story of present day Israel is told in "The Wanderers' Return," vhich gives the historical background )f the land, its religious and political significance through the ages and its geographical design, all pictured in Technicolor. The film covers the modern innova- tions introduced in the country and the people responsible for these im- provements. The climax is a verbal note to all freedom-loving people. The photography itself will prove of great interest to most theatre-goers. The continuity is top grade. Running time, 20 minutes. Hughes Stock (Continued from page 1) man at his office said the study of "voluminous" records and data will continue until they can prepare a firm offer for Hughes. Dietrich and Thomas Slack, Hughes' attorney, are here from the Coast for hearings tomorrow in Federal Court on the Department of Justice's mo- tion that Hughes or the trustee for the Hughes-owned theatre stock, Irv- ing Trust Co., be forced to dispose of the theatre stock within _ a year. Hughes will oppose the motion. Ultimate disposition of Hughes' the- atre stock, amounting to about 25 per cent of the total, has been the subject of considerable speculation. The Harry Brandt-Trans Lux bid for it was turned down just before the final divorce of RKO distribution-produc- tion and exhibition at the end of last year, under which Hughes put his stock under the Irving Trust trustee- ship. The Justice motion tomorrow would put • a deadline on the length of the trusteeship. Greene, who is said to directly con- trol some 300,000 shares'1 each of the picture and theatre company and to have a working alliance with other large stockholders, has been critical of Hughes' control in RKO and com- plained to the Department of Justice that Hughes' appointees, dominate the board of the theatre company. 'Twist' Decision (Continued from page 1) Skouras, who was in Rome yesterday. Yesterday's meeting, which lasted one hour, was attended by Joseph I. Breen, Production Code Administra- tor, who was scheduled to return to the Coast today. It is understood he will not attend the next board meeting on the subject, scheduled tentatively for next week. Some 73 deletions were made in the J. Arthur Rank produc- tion under Breen's order after the board returned the picture for recon- sideration when the distributor, Eagle Lion Classics, appealed the PCA chief's denial of a seal of approval. Also present at yesterday's meeting were Joyce O'Hara, MPAA executive, who presided, and the following : Ned E. Depinet, J. Robert Rubin, Austin Keough, Theodore Black, Earle Ham- mons, William Clark, A. Schneider, Sam Schneider, Joseph R. Vogel, Sid- ney Schreiber, John G. McCarthy and Ulric Bell. Goldwyn to Reissue Kaye's 'Up in Arms' "Up in Arms," Samuel Goldwyn's first Danny Kaye vehicle, will be re- issued by RKO. The first playdate is set for tomorrow at Miami, where it will have a dual opening at the V ariety and Embassy theatres on a single feature bill. The film will open on March 2 on a double bill with Goldwyn's Bob Hope starrer, "They Got Me Covered," at the State Thea- tre, Youngstown, O. A new campaign will include re- vised ads, posters, lobby displays and a new pressbook. New prints are also being used for the reissue. Ex-Film Workers Sue For $217,171 Los Angeles, Feb. 13.— A $217,171 suit for lost wages was filed today by 15 motion picture technicians who were expelled from their union. They charged that they were victims of a conspiracy involving $1,000,000 in bribes from major film companies to union leaders. The suit was filed in Supreme Court here and charged, among other things, that the bribes were given so that the union, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, AFL, would refrain from strikes. The action grew out of the long standing hostility between craft and theatrical union factions in the Ameri can Federation of Labor that flared up in 1943 in a jurisdictional dispute be- tween the Brotherhood of Painters and the IATSE over set decoration work, and culminated in 1946 in a long bitter walk-out. Charles Skouras to Report on Swiss TV Los Angeles, Feb. 13. — President Charles Skouras will report to Na tional Theatres division presidents on the Swiss theatre-television system investigated on his trip to Zurich, at a three-day convention here starting Feb. 26. The conclave will be devoted primarily, however, to a roundtable discussion of ways and means to stim ulate the box-office, with admission prices, budget control and attendance incentives receiving full attention. My Country 'Tis of Thee" (Warner Brothers) A pictorial presentation of United States history, ranging from the land- ing on the Plymouth Rock to the sign- ing of the Atlantic Pact is offered in this 'Technicolor subject. Historical sequences in costume result in a highly entertaining and informative presenta- tion. There is a good deal of flag- waving throughout, but that is to be expected in these times. The general public should enjoy this release. Run- ning time, 20 minutes. 'Tales of Hoffman' Premiere April 1 "Tales of Hoffman," the Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger produc- tion being distributed here by Lopert Film Distributing Corp., will have its American premiere at New York's Metropolitan Opera House on April 1. The American Red Cross will spon- sor the premiere with proceeds of the performance being contributed to the 1951 Red Cross drive. Legion Reviews 6; Rates All as 'A' Six additional pictures have been reviewed by the National Legion of Decency, with all receiving an "A" rating. In Class A-l are Universal-Interna- tional's "The Magnet," Columbia's "Ridin' the Outlaw Trail," and "A Yank in Korea." In Class A-ll are 20th Century-Fox's "Lucky Nick Cain," Distinguished Film's "Seven Days to Noon," and M-G-M's "Ven- geance Valley." Phone vision Is Set For Another Week Chicago, Feb. 13. — New Phone- vision test film-fare for the next week includes : "From This Day Forward," RKO, 1946; "Desert Fury," Para- mount, 1947; "To the Victor," War- ner, 1948; "Mexican Spitfire," RKO, 1939 ; "The Bishop's Wife," Goldwvn, 1948; "Hollow Triumph," Eagle- Lion, 1948, and "Deep Valley," War- ner, 1947. 20th Reduces Capital Albany, N. Y., Feb. 13.— Notice of a reduction of 20th Century-Fox cap- ital from 4,674,569 shares to 4,669,857 shares, of no par value, has been filed here. Wednesday, February 14, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 U. A. Deal (Continued from page 1) placed it at under $100,000. The resignations of McNutt as board chairman, McNamee as presi- dent and Kravetz as secretary of U. A. are provided for in the agree- ment reached. McNutt may serve on the new U. A. board of directors but McNamee and Kravetz will not be associated with the new management, it is reported. Krim will become the new presi- dent of U. A. Benjamin and Fox will be on the board of directors, it is be- lieved, but in any event will serve in advisory capacities, more than likely without executive titles. Negotiations for other management posts have not been undertaken yet and will not be until the deal is formally closed, either tomorrow when all papers will be in readiness, or Friday, when Loyd Wright, Chaplin's attorney, arrives here from the Coast and frees the basic contract from escrow. Papers securing the new financing for U. A. were signed with Walter Heller & Co., Chicago factors, in that city yesterday and should be received here today. The new financing re- portedly provides a minimum of $1,- 000,000 for current operating require- ments and a minimum of $2,000,000 for new production financing, with no fixed ceiling on either. In Charge Monday No hitches in the closing details have been encountered and all condi- tions of the deal will have been met by the Benjamin-Fox-Krim group to- day. Krim should be able to take over at U. A. by next Monday, if not sooner. . It is expected that he will initiate negotiations promptly for Max E. Youngstein, who resigned from Paramount this week, to become vice- president in charge of advertising- publicity, and with William J. Heine- man, _ whose contract at Eagle Lion Classics expires this week and will not be renewed, as vice-president in charge of distribution. There has been no indication of what the new management plans with respect to Gradwell L. Sears, whose contract runs to the end of this year, with pen- sion provisions for 10 years thereafter. Krim also will hold further discus- sions early with U. A. producers for delivery of completed product with- held because of the company's hereto- fore uncertain status. Preliminary dis- cussions already have been held with several, with "encouraging" results re- ported. _ Krim also will start negotia- tions with producers for new product at an early date. Walsh Sees Studios Willing To Talk "Money Additions" Office Employes; Salesmen Unions Prepare UA Pay Hike Bids With the United Artists situation approaching clarification, at least two unions representing segments of the company's personnel are preparing to move for wage increases. Leaders of the unions, which repre- sent UA "white collar" workers and the company's salesmen, have indicated their belief that the adoption of pay increases at UA would not be a viola- tion of the government's wage-freeze order. Both IATSE Motion Picture Home Office Employes Local No. H-63 and the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America claim to hold commitments from the company to negotiate for increases when UA's financial and production problems are 'IA' Invades Para., Loew's Harold Spivak, counsel for the IATSE Motion Picture Home Office Employes Local No. H-63, will file this week with the National Labor Relations Board in Washington- a pe- tition for an election among white collar employes of the Paramount home office and Loew's New York exchange to determine collective bar- gaining agents. The Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild last week lost its con- trol of the Paramount workers in consequence of an NLRB ruling that that union had "lost its identity." : H-63, long-time jurisdictional rival of SOPEG, claims to have enrolled a majority of the workers at Para- mount's home office and at Loew's exchange. Russell M. Moss, H-63 executive vice-president, said his union will seek to include publicists in the election at both offices. He claims the "IA" local has the support of a "majority" of publicists at the Paramount home office. solved. In the unions' opinion these problems will have been solved when Arthur Krim, Robert Benjamin and Matthew Fox complete in current talks their assumption of management control of the company. David Beznor, Colosseum general counsel, is in New York from Mil- waukee to investigate the possibility of early talks with UA officials. As- serting that the salesmen's minimum at UA is $10 less than the weekly base pay of all other distribution com- panies, Beznor holds that the wage- freeze order allows for the correction of "existing inequities." Want Retroactive Pay A similar view was expressed by Russell M. Moss, H-63's executive vice-president, who said that under a committment signed on Jan. 1, 1950, UA at present owes its 125 "white collarites" retroactive pay totalling between $25,000 and $30,000. Beznor said yesterday that he has worked out here with the industry's labor committee a procedure prelimi- nary to the opening of negotiations for new salesmen's contracts with dis- tributors. Present contracts will expire in about two months. He estimated that negotiations would begin in about three weeks. However, a date and place have yet to be set. Hollywood, Feb. 13. — Richard Walsh, president of the IATSE, here from a week of conferences with "IA" executives at Tucson, disclosed at a meeting of the Hollywood AFL Film Council that major producers have agreed to discuss the possibility of "money additions" with a committee representing the Council's several con- stituent unions. Walsh stressed the point that pres- ent contracts are not to be reopened, and that a "money addition" does not mean a "cost-of-living increase," also that producers have not agreed tacitly to grant any specific revision in the wage structure. He said discussions are to take place immediately. He told the unions to proceed at once with the appointment of representa- tives fully authorized to act on what- ever proposals materialize. Walsh indicated that discussions will seek to accomplish the same gen- eral effect which living-cost revisions have achieved in other industries since 1947, when the present studio wage schedules were established. Industry Acts (Continued from page 1) Gould Will Manage U.A.'s Branch Office in Panama David Gould has been appointed manager for United Artists in Pa- nama by Al Lowe, general manager of the U. A foreign department. He suc- ceeds Henry Ronge, resigned. Sands to Cleveland Cleveland, Feb. 13.— Ernest Sands, Warner Brothers salesman in Pitts- burgh, has been transferred to the Cleveland branch to succeed the late Dave Kaufman, who was killed recent- ly in an automobile accident. questions now confronting studio exec- utives in dealing with the talent guilds, craft workers and other studio em- ployes. It was pointed up in their conver- sations here yesterday that one of the most perplexing problems facing stu- dios now is the question of option contracts and contracts calling for periodic increases. Word reaching here from Washing- ton was that the informal opinion of government attorneys is that any in- crease in contracts having general application are out, but contracts for a particular individual may be okay. However, they emphasize that nothing- can be said definitely until the indus- try officially requests a ruling. Seek Blanket Exemption Another problem is to see if a blanket exemption can be worked out for tal- ent guild workers. In the last war, the industry finally evolved a system whereby the Treasury took jurisdic- tion and the industry merely had to report periodically its actions on wages for writers, directors, actors, and other talent. The Treasury would ob- ject only if there were a conspicuously flagrant violation of its regulations, it was said. Meanwhile, according to Washing- ton sources, over-all board policies on such basic questions as how much wage increases are to be allowed over Jan. 1, 1950, exemption for small firms, general treatment of industries whose prices are exempt — such as the film industry — have been delayed by bick- ering among labor, industry and public members of the board. Gottlieb Joins Lippert Cleveland, Feb. 13.— Leo Gottlieb, former Universal salesman in this area and more recently Eagle Lion Classics branch manager in Pittsburgh, re- turns to Cleveland as manager of the Lippert branch. He succeeds Rube Perlman who returns to New York to' a new connection to be announced shortly. Allied Board (Continued from page 1) counsel Abram F, Myers. He said this means arbitration can be dis- cussed only if some director moves to add it to the agenda at the last minute. Trueman Rembusch is expected to be renamed president by the board, since it has been Allied's practice to keep all officers for two years, and Rembusch is just rounding out his first year in the top Allied post. Myers Is Optimistic Myers' annual report will be a fea- ture of the board meeting, and it is expected that the keynote of the re- port will be optimism over the indus- try's prospects in the immediate future. Myers has made no secret of his belief, that due to a variety of factors at- tendance will start picking up rapidly and that good days are ahead for the industry generally and independent ex- hibitors particularly. The report is also expected to praise the divestiture technique adopted by the Justice Depart- ment in the Warner consent de- cree when in many cases di- vestiture of a particular theatre or theatres was conditioned on competing theatres of a par- ticular run being in business at the end of one, two or five years. Myers said Allied territories have been canvassed on present trends on film rental prices and this matter will come before the board for action. He declared that Rembusch and Jack Kirsch would report on the Phone- vision experiment in Chicago, that Wilbur Snaper would report on the Skiatron tests in New York and that William C. Allen would report on the RCA and CBS color television sys- tems. Rembusch will outline Allied progress and plans for the FCC thea- tre television hearings. Allied of Indiana Favors Move for Expanded COMPO Indianapolis, Feb. 13.— The board of directors of Allied Theater Owners of Indiana has instructed its represen- tatives at the national Allied board meeting at Washington, on Thursday and Friday, to go along with the COMPO proposal for broader TOA representation on the executive com- mittee. Trueman Rembusch, William A. Carroll and Joseph P. Finneran will attend the Washington session for Indiana Allied. Objection was raised at the recent February board meeting of Indiana Allied to the number of ads on coming attractions found in newsreels. Some exhibitors complained that pre-adver- tising of pictures which they had not yet bought placed them in a poor bar- gaining position. There also was a de- mand that distributors ship film ready to run, without putting exhibitors to the expense of paying an operator to inspect and rewind it. Following the board meeting, Sam Switow, Louisville exhibitor, called a session of exhibitors and branch man- agers to discuss ways and means by which the business here can contribute to the _ support of the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital at Saranac. Switow was elected chairman of an Indianapo- lis area committee to promote the showing of a short subject telling about the hospital. 8 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 14, 1951 NY Grosses {Continued from page 1) a rather slow opening week with $116,000 due for a second and final week; "Payment on Demand" and a new stage show will bow in tomorrow. "The Enforcer" at the Capitol is holding a good pace in a second week, with about $40,000 clue for a third week; "Vengeance Valley" will open there on Saturday. At the Strand, "Operation Pacific" will take in about $42,000 for a satisfactory second week, with Denise Darcel heading the stage bill. . „ Newcomers are doing well at the Criterion and at the Globe. "Frenchie is heading for an excellent first week gross of $17,500 at the Criterion, while "Sugarfoot" is racking up about $14,- 500 in its bow at the Globe. "The Second Woman" is taking m a satisfactory $14,000 for its second week at the Rivoli, while "The Steel Helmet" is holding up nicely at Loew's State, on approximately $12,- 000 coming in for its third and final week; "Tomahawk" will open there on Saturday. A pair of re-issues, "The Last Gangster" and "The Big Store, are still doing good business at the Mayfair, with about $13,000 estimated for a third week. ' Born Yesterday" Strong Still a consistent money-maker, "Born Yesterday" is expected to draw $26,000 at the Victoria for an eighth week. Next door, at the Astor, "Harvey" is a bit milder, but is still pulling a good figure on $16,000 for an eighth week. At the Bijou, where "Cyrano de Bergerac" is in the 14th week of a two-a-day, reserved-seat stand, an excellent and steady gross of $10,000 is expected. Off Broadway, "Trio", at the Sut- ton, is due for a gross of $6,200 for a 19th week. "The Blue Lamp" closed a five- week run at the Park Avenue yester- day with $4,800 for the final week, which is a very good closing figure. "Of Men and Music" had its pre- miere there last night. Kill Bill in Maine Boston, Feb. 13.— A bill to require two projectionists in theatre booths at all time has been killed in the Maine legislature, according to reports reach- ing here from Augusta. Hay ward Buys Interest Hollywood, Feb. 13. — Louis Hay- ward has purchased a half-interest in Edgar Ulmer's independent producing company, Mid-Century Productions. He and Ulmer have acquired "The Fulton Case." N. Y. Circuits Raise Ticket Price Scales Most Metropolitan New York circuits, including RKO and Loew's, have increased admission scales moderately, it is learned. Weekday scales in most in- stances have been increased five cents to 40 cents, and weekend and holiday scales are up from a former 74 cents to a current 80 cents. A number of Metropolitan cir- cuit houses also increased popcorn and candy prices sev- eral cents recently. Canadian Controls Threaten 155 New Theatres; 48 Others Are in Doubt Washington, Feb. 13. — Controls imposed by the Canadian government on steel and other key materials used in theatre construction will "undoubtedly" force Canadian exhibitors to abandon plans for 123 new indoor theatres and 32 drive-ins, all now in the blue-print stage, the U. S. Commerce Department disclosed here today. A report by film chief Nathan D. Golden said the effect of the controls on the 34 indoor theatres and 14 drive-ins now under construction is still unclear, but the chances are they will be allowed to be completed. He emphasized the tremendous post-war theatre-building boom in Canada, with over $36,000,000 spent during the past five years to build 471 new theatres and renovate and remodel existing houses. SWG, Producers Reach Compromise Hollywood, Feb. 13.— The contract dispute between major producers and the" Screen Writers Guild, which had threatened to result in a strike if not settled before Thursday has been rec- onciled. The Guild and producers issued the following statement after final conferences here : "We have reached an agreement on all major issues, including television, the separation of rights involved in original story sales, term of contract and no-strike provision, a 10 per cent Guild shop, salary minimums and ad- vertising billing." Included in the statement are most points on which contract negotiations broke down last summer, following which the Guild took a strike vote on Dec. 15. Separation of rights, considered the thorniest problem in negotiations, was settled in an agreement which pro- vides "where the producer wishes to acquire dramatic, publication or radio rights, in addition to motion picture rights, he will bargain and pay sepa- rately for each right." The contract, which runs eight vears, is reopenable every two years on television, billing and minimum compensation. Writer participation in revenues from re-issues, which was among Guild demands, was not men- tioned in the joint statement. Under the contract, producers agree that in advertising billing, the writer's name will be on a parity with the director's and producer's. Pact estab- lishes a joint producer-Guild commit- tee to meet and consider any griev- ances. Denies Plea to Move Lea Case RKO - ELC 'Outlaw' Case Hearing Friday Federal Judae Vincent L. Leibell vesterday continued the temporary re- straining order against Eagle Lion Classics' use of the title "My Brother, the Outlaw" for Benedict Bogeaus' re- cent production, pending argument in U. S. District Court here on Friday on RKO Pictures' motion for a pre- liminary injunction. RKO has sued to prevent ELC use of the title on the ground that it cor- responds too closely to "The Outlaw," the title of a Howard Hughes produc- tion now in release. Fitzmbbon Appointed Stephen E. Fitzenbbon. formerly studio manager for 20th Century-Fox Movietone Studio here, has been named manager of Seaboard Studios, producers of television film. Washington, Feb. 13. — Judge Tamm in U. S. District Court has ruled on two motions in the suit brought here by Leonard Lea, of Dan- ville, Va., against major distributors and three theatre circuits. Lea, who owns the North and Lea theatres in Danville, sued for better clearance as against clearance for theatres of United Paramount Thea- tres. Danville Enterprises, and Wilby- Kincey Service Corp. The latter three asked that the case against them be dismissed on the ground that they did not transact business in Washington, and Judge Tamm granted this motion. However, he denied a motion of the distributors to transfer the case to Western Virginia on the ground that it worked no hardship on the dis- tributors to have the case tried in Washington and that the plaintiff had the right to choose the trial court. 'Red' Probe Services for Garrison St. Louis, Feb. 13. — Funeral serv- ices were held here yesterday for Joseph E. Garrison, 53, Universal Pic- tures district manager with headquar- ters in St. Louis, who died on Friday following a cerebral hemorrhage. Gar- rison had been with Universal for 22 years, starting as a salesman in Al- bany in 1928. The widow survives. Charles M. Nellis Hartford, Feb. 13. — Charles M. Nellis, 94, one of Connecticut's pioneer exhibitors, died at his Meriden, Conn., home. He is said to have been the first man in Meriden to show motion pictures commercially. {Continued from page 1) Maurice Rosenfeld, 49 Toronto, Feb. 13. — Maurice Rosen- feld, 49, theatre, radio and advertising executive here, died after a long ill- ness. Formerly with Allen Theatres, he developed a number of radio per- sonalities. Sunday Films hearings on charges of Red influence in the film colony. Committee chairman Wood t D., Ga.), said no final decisions had been made on anything, and that probably a definite committee agenda would be set up at a meeting late this week. But other committee members said there was an "informal agreement" to reopen the Robinson case, and that they believed the general hearings would follow. Walter has indicated his interest would be not only in hearing charges of Communist penetration but also in giving "smeared" persons a chance to clear themselves. Other committee members, however, seem more inter- ested in the former. First Hearing Was in '47 In the fall of 1947, the committee, under the chairmanship of Rep. J. Parnell Thomas, held hearings on Hollywood which ultimately resulted in contempt convictions for ten writ- ers, directors and other film workers. However, the committee recessed the hearings with at least another dozen 'unfriendly witnesses" to be heard from. Since then there has been periodic pressure from legislators to reopen the hearings, but the committee has been busy with other subjects. (Continued from page 1) lison, in commenting on the decision, said : "Our next concern is the show- ing of motion pictures on Sunday. Showings are authorized in some lo- calities by acts of the legislature, but in other localities such authorization has not been given. "The supreme court in its opinion did not specifically mention Sunday movies, it is true, but I hope that the operators of motion picture theatres on Sunday will recognize this action of the supreme court and will go along with that ruling." TOA Convention (Continued from page 1) an exposition sponsored by the Thea- tre Equipment and Supply Manufac- turers Association, and the possibility that railroad and other travel reserva- tions could be curtailed by next sum- mer in consequence of the international situation have prompted TOA leaders to consider altering the by-laws so that if it is impossible to hold a con- vention this year a postponement will be permissible. Today's meeting will be attended by Gael Sullivan, executive director ; Herman M. Levy, general counsel ; Si Fabian, convention chairman, and Walter Reade, Jr., George Skouras and others. The April board meeting, Sullivan said yesterday, very likely will be "ex- panded" to allow for attendance by some 60 TOA regional executives. Lopert Name Changed Albany, N. Y„ Feb. 13. — Lopert Films Distributing Co., Inc., New York, has changed its name to Lopert Films Distributing Corp. Film Nominees for Academy Award Due to an error in wire transmission from Holly- wood, Motion Picture Daily's story yesterday failed to in- clude "Born Yesterday," Co- lumbia; "Father of the Bride" and "King Solomon's Mines," both M-G-M, among the Academy nominees for the "Best Picture" award. The other nominees in that category, as reported, were "All About Eve," 20th Cen- tury-Fox and "Sunset Boule- vard," Paramount. VOL. 69. NO. 32 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1951 TEN CENTS Golden Urges Economy of Raw Stock Sees U. S. Requirements Large, But Undetermined Hollywood, Feb. 14. — The mo- tion picture industry was told today by Nathan D. Golden, director of the motion picture-photographic products divi- sion of the Na- tional Produc- tion Authority, that it can off- set the present small shortage of raw film stock if it practices every known method of con- trol, operational economy, and safeguard against wastage. Golden's ad- vice was deliv- ered at a joint meeting of the Association of Motion Picture Producers, Society of Inde- pendent Motion Picture Producers, (Continued on page 5) Nathan Golden Study Draft of N. Y. Promotional Drive Plans for a cooperative business- building drive by Metropolitan New York exhibitors, already placed in writing, are being studied by the five- man committee which was elected by the exhibitors last December. Fred J. Schwartz, initiator of the plan and head of the committee, will call a meeting next week to weigh final recommendations and suggested changes, with the full exhibitor group (Continued on page 2) NY Industry to Aid City Defense Drive The motion picture industry of New York and Arthur Wallander, director of the Ctiy Office of Civil Defense, have agreed to work out arrangements whereby the industry can render full cooperation in behalf of local civil defense measures. The first step taken was the appoint- ment yesterday by Wallander of Max A. Cohen, president of Cinema Circuit, {Continued on page 2) Rules Out Film Wage Increases Without U. S. Okay Washington, Feb. 14. — The Wage Stabilization Board today made it absolutely clear that Board approval must be obtained before employers can pay any further wage increases under periodic date schedules, even though a contract was negotiated before the date of the wage freeze. This has been one of the questions bothering the motion picture industry, affecting Hol- lywood talent guides and unions particularly. Meanwhile, Association of Motion Picture Producers attorneys Maurice Benjamin and Arthur Freston re- turned here from New York and con- tinued to try to get further clarifica- tion. They are centering their efforts (Continued on page 5) N. Y. Variety May Move from the Astor The New York Variety Club is dickering for a deal to move its tent headquarters from the Hotel Astor to the Skouras Building on West 49th Street. The move would give the showmen's group more space and may provide its own restaurant facilities. The proposition will be brought before a meeting of the tent's crew, to take place in about three weeks, for ap- proval. Cinecolor's Kerr, Herzog Reelected Hollywood, Feb. 14. — All officers and board members of Cinecolor Corp. were reelected by stockholders at their annual meeting at company headquar- ters in Burbank. Officers are : John D. Kerr, president ; Karl Herzog, ex- ecutive vice-president and treasurer ; Alan M. Gundelfinger, vice-president and technical director ; Graham L. Sterling, Jr., secretary; Frank V. (Continued on page 2) TOA Convention Up to Board Meet It will be up to the Theatre Owners of America's executive board to de- termine at its meeting in Washington on April 4-6, whether provision should be made for possibly by-passing this year's regular TOA convention, it was indicated following a meeting here yesterday of TOA executives who have been making preliminary con- vention arrangements. If a TOA con- vention is not held this year it would be because of possible travel retric- tions in consequence of the country's military preparations, or because cir- cumstances might prevent the holding of a proposed equipment exposition in conjunction with the annual conven- tion. Allied Asks 'Comparable' Phonevision, Skiatron Tax Dembow Seeks Buyer For Hughes' Stock Sam Dembow, Jr., back from the Coast after conferences with Howard Hughes and associates, will continue efforts to find a buyer for Hughes' 24 per cent interest in RKO Theatres stock. Dembow is not now. representing any prospective purchaser of the shares but, rather, is acting on his own in an endeavor to find a purchaser for the Hughes' stock which, under the terms of the RKO consent decree, ultimately must be sold. The pur- chaser, it was indicated, must see eye- to-eye with Hughes on the value of the stock, which carries with it con- trol and management of the theatre company. Dembow, well-versed in na- tional exhibition and familiar, as well, with the RKO circuit, regards the cur- rent market price of just over $5 per share as no criterion of the real value of the Hughes' shares. Washington, Feb. 14. — Allied States Association has suggested to the U. S. Treasury that Phonevision and Skiatron bear a tax comparable to the motion picture admission tax, general counsel Abram F. Myers said today in his annual organizational report. Myers said that if "pay-as- you-see" TV systems obtained the vast audiences which they hoped for, theatre admission taxes would dwindle. Allied "felt it proper," he declared, to urge "appropriate government offi- cials" that "plans be made to col- lect comparable amounts from either Phonevision or Skiatron, or their subscribers." So far as Phonevision and Skiatron are concerned, Myers said, "there is still a question whether motion pic- ture producers will stand for the de- moralization of their present market in order to build up a rival medium." (Continued on page 2) Myers Sees Rosy Future For Industry Annual Report to Allied Board Lauds COMPO Washington, Feb. 14. — In a highly optimistic survey of the future of the film industry, Abram F. Myers, general counsel of Al- lied States Association, de- clared that "there is every reason to be- lieve that the motion picture business can and will fight its way back to prosperity." Myers' survey was contained in his annual report prepared for delivery to Allied's board meeting which will get under way here tomorrow. An Allied Caravan Committee meet- ing was held today, but no announce- (Continued on page 5) Abram F. Myers Kravetz Balks At Dropping U A Option Max Kravetz, United Artists secre- tary and a participant with Paul V. McNutt and Frank L. McNamee in the U. A. stock option granted by Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin last July, said yesterday he has not and does not intend to relinquish "my interest in this option." Informed sources commenting on Kravetz's statement said his stand will not affect nor delay closing of the (Continued on page 5) Arnall 'Delighted' Over New UA Deal Upon returning to New York yes- terday from Atlanta, Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independ- ent Motion Picture Producers, said he was "delighted" over indications of the imminent refinancing and take- over of United Artists by the Arthur Krim-Robert Benjamin- Matthew Fox group. Arnall met yesterday with Krim and Benjamin. Arnall said he intends to invite the (Continued on page 5) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 15, 1951 NEWS in Brief . Personal Mention HYSIDE Associates, Inc., of which Sam Seidelman, Eagle Lion Classics foreign distribution chief is president, has purchased outright from Wally Kline the latter's production, "Skipalong Rosenbloom." There are about 10 investors in Hyside in addi- tion to Seidelman, among them Wil- liam J. Heineman, ELC distribution vice-president. • James P. O'Neill, national maga- zine contact for 20th Century-Fox has resigned, it was announced here by David Golding, publicity man- ager. O'Neill will devote his full time to free-lance writing. • A first day's gross of $1,500 for 20th Century-Fox's "Of Men and Music" at the Park Avenue here was estimated last night by Walter Reade, Jr., who has taken over supervision of the Reade-owned showcase. • Chicago, Feb. 14. — Balaban & Katz* local theatres are plan- ning special "Washington Day" shows next week as a result of the "Lincoln Day" shows held this week. More than 20,000 under twelve- year-old admissions were recorded that day, it was claimed. • The Edward L. Bernays Foundation Radio-Television Award, a $1,000 U. S. Government bond, will be given this year by the American Sociolog- ical Society to the individual or group contributing the best research presen- tation on the effects of radio or tele- vision on American society. Cinecolor (Continued from page 1) Consiglio, comptroller and assistant treasurer-secretary. Members of the board are : C. Ken- neth Baxter, Sidney S. Blake, Gundel- finger, Francis Hann, Herzog, Kerr, Maxwell C. King, Joseph J. Rathert and Richard L. Rosenthal. City Defense Drive (Continued from page 1) DARRYL F. ZANUCK, produc- tion vice-president for 20th Cen- turv-Fox, is scheduled to arrive in New York from the Coast on Satur- day. Edward L. Hyman, United Para- mount Theatres vice-president, ac- companied by Simon B. Siegel and Albert Sicignano, are due today in Salt Lake City from New York for meetings with Ray Hendry and Sid- ney Cohen, who are co-general man- agers of Intermountain Theatres. Hy- man and his party are expected to leave here for San Francisco tomor- row night. F. Borden Nace, president of RD- DR Corp., has left here for Rangoon, Burma, as motion picture adviser to the U. S. Special Technical and Eco- nomic Mission in that country. • John P. Byrne, M-G-M's Eastern sales manager, is due to leave here to- day for a two-day visit to Philadel- phia. Jack McLaughlin, formerly with Kenyon and Eckhardt and Loucks and Norling, has joined the television de- partment of Pathescope Productions. • David Beznor, general counsel of the Colesseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America, returned to Mil- waukee last night from New York. • Philip Gerard, Universal Eastern publicity manager, has left here for a week in Florida. WILLIAM F. RODGERS, M- G-M sales vice-president, is due back here on Monday from a Miami vacation. • Monroe R. Goodman, executive as- sistant to A. W. Schwalberg, presi- dent of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., has announced his engagement to Mrs. Ruth Peyser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell C. Katz. • Leo F. Samuels, assistant to Wil- liam B. Levy, Walt Disney's world sales head, left here yesterday for the Midwest. • A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., is due to leave here tonight to visit the Philadelphia branch office. • Ed Shulman, Universal Pictures home office publicist, is due to leave New York for Washington, D. C, tomorrow. • Don Prince, RKO Radio's Eastern publicity director, has returned here from a 10-day visit to the Coast. • Charles Simonelli, in charge of exploitation for Universal, has left here for Indianapolis. • Leo S. Rosecrans, film and radio writer, has joined the staff of Jerry Fairbanks Productions. • Jack Skirball, producer, is here from Hollywood. Rosen, Schneider UJA Co - Chairmen Study Draft (Continued from page 1) to meet at a later date for final ap- proval. The committee, besides Schwartz, consists of Max A. Cohen, Si H. Fabian, Edward Rugoff and Joseph Vogel. It has met several times on the project, which is said to be a major drive to recapture lost box-office ground and extend the scope of the film-going audience. Sam Rosen, Fabian Theatres, and A. Schneider, Columbia Pictures, have been named co-chairmen of the amuse- ment division of the United Jewish Appeal for the 1951 campaign, it was announced here yesterday by Louis Broido, general chairman, at the first organizational meeting of the division, held at the Hotel Astor. The meeting- was addressed by Rosen, Broido and Harry Brandt. Executive committee co - chairmen who will assist the division chairman are : Barney Balaban, Jack Cohn, S. H. Fabian, Fred J. Schwartz and Spyros P. Skouras. The following division officers were announced by Rosen : Executive and special assignments com- mittee: Brandt, Leo Brecher, Max A. Cohen, Alan Corelli, Julius Collins, George Dem- bow, Ned E. Depinet, George Feinberg, Manny Frisch, Emil Friedlander, Leopold Friedman, Herman Gelber, William German, Leonard H. Goldenson, Irving Greenfield. Leonard Gruenberg. Marcus Heiman, Phil Hcdes. Arthur Israel, Julius Joelson, Harry Kalmine. Tack Lang, Nat Lefkowitz, Jack H. Levin, Tom Murtha, Charles B. Moss, Sol Pernick, Sam Rauch, Samuel Rinzler, Herman Robbins, Edward Rugoff, Manie Sacks, Adolph Schimel, Samuel Schneider, Sol Schwartz, George P. Skouras, Max Seligman. Solomon M. Strausberg, Robert Weitman, and Max Youngstein. Allied Asks Tax (Continued from page 1) 'Valentino' Premiere In 'Frisco Tonight San Francisco, Feb. 14. — This city will have a full-scale Hollywood-style world premiere of Columbia's Edward Small production of "Valentino" at the Orpheum Theatre tomorrow night. Anthony Dexter, who makes his film debut in the title role, will lead a large group of screen personalities at the opening festivities. Mayor Elmer E. Robinson will also attend. He also questioned whether the gov- ernment would retreat from its posi- tion that there should be no charge for the commercial use of airways, which belong to the public. Myers added that he doubted the success of the current experiments in both Phonevision and Skiatron. Myers indicated that Allied would continue its "traditional stand against monopoly" in regard to frequencies for theatre television and would oppose any action by the Federal Communica- tions Commission which would give a "monopoly to a few big-city first-run theatres and deny television to others." Abby Sets TV Package Abby Television Inc., has lined up a package of 39 features for television. It's a better theatre with... Loudspeaker Systems as liaison between the industry and Wallander's office. The occasion which marked the in- dustry's pledge of cooperation to Wallander, Mayor Vincent Impellitteri and Grover Whalen, coordinator of Civil Defense Recruiting and Public Information, was a luncheon held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel last Tues- day. Invited to the luncheon were: Maurice Bergman, Universal; Harry Brandt. Brandt Theatres; Walter Brecher, Brecher Enter- prises; Max Cohen, Cinema Circuit; Her- bert Copland, Warner Brothers; Ned Depinet, RKO; Benjamin Fielding, Loew's; Emanuel Frisch and Harold Rinzler, Rand- force Amusements; Arthur Israel, Para- mount; Nicholas Matsoukas, 20th Century - F'ox; Samuel Rosen, Fabian Theatres; Leon Rosenblatt, Rosenblatt-Welt Theatres; Ed- ward Rugoff. Rugoff and Becker; James Sauter; Sol Strausberg, Interboro Circuit: •Fred J. Schwartz, Century Theatres; Sol Shwartz, RKO1 Theatres ; George P. Skouras, Skouras Theatres; Morris Seider, Pruden- tial Playhouses; Steven Stevens, 20th Cen- tury-Fox; Joseph R. Vogel, Loew's; Robert Weitman, United Paramount Theatres. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Edit or j Terry Ramsaye ^^^^^ f^^^^^S^S:. Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Ce^nter ^ew York |0il;^anYViI^?es1denV and Treasurer ; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; 161 Sixth Avenue New York 13, N.Y. 9356 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, Calif. A LIMITED NUMBER ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THEATRE SUPPLY DEALERS UP NEXT I ■illlrJHIll MOSTEL -TED dc CORSIA OBERTS • EVERETT SLOANE Directed by Produced by Distributed by BRETAiGNE WNDUST- HILTON SPERLING • UNITED STATES PICTURES PROD WARNER BROS. Written by biggest business ce the Christmas Relays" (variety) Capitol, N.Y. -release! 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 15, 1951 New Credit Curbs Hit Exchange, Theatre Building Washington, Feb. 14.— The Fed- eral Reserve Board today extended its credit curbs to the financing of new theatres, film exchanges and other types of non-residential structures, effective tomorrow. The order is not expected to have too great an effect on the film industry, due to the tight curbs on building already or- dered by the National Produc- tion Authority, and to the fact that borrowing does not finance too great a part of commercial construction anyhow. However, it undoubtedly will have some effect. The new credit restriction limits maximum loans on non-residential structures to 50 per cent of the value of the property, the value being de- fined as the bona fide sale price in case of a sale. In respect to any other credit, the value will be the appraised value as set by the lender. Maturities are limited to 25 years and amortiza- tion is required, the Reserve Board announced. Major additions and improvements to any such properties are also cov- ered, including any enlargement, re- construction, alteration or repairing of an existing structure. The only excep- tion is if the cost of the major addi- tion or improvement exceeds 15 per cent of the appraised value of the entire structure, it was pointed out by the Board. Review "Payment on Demand" (RKO Pictures) BETTE DAVIS, as a wife of overriding ambitions, becomes the architect of her own downfall in "Payment on Demand." The production has a lot of narrative substance and should exert a strong attraction for mature theatre- goers. Miss Davis, already a candidate for an Academy ' Award, puts m a sturdy portrayal, showing a mastery of little elocutionary "devices, histrionic hesitations and gesticulations. The picture most likely will lure_ out of the home those who venture forth only when the prospects are sufficiently beck- oning. Miss Davis plays the wife of Barry Sullivan, and the mother of two grown daughters, Betty Lynn and Peggie Castle. As the story opens, Sullivan, a successful attorney, stuns Miss Davis with the assertion that he wants a divorce. Through a series of effectively-manipulated flashbacks the picture etches in the events leading to this impasse. Starting from humble circum- stances, Miss Davis married Sullivan, then connived, maneuvered and goaded him into eventual prestige and wealth. However, Miss Davis' power-drives finally take their toll and Sullivan asks for his freedom. Still ruthless, Miss Davis demands a severe settlement and wins her points by- threatening to drag through the mire of scandal Frances Dee, a young lady in whom Sullivan is interested. **" There are some excellent touches and fine lighting effects in this Bruce Manning presentation. As a lady of aging sophistication, beloved Jane Cowl gives a commanding performance. The screenplay, by Manning and Curtis Bernhardt, has Miss Davis breath- ing the air of marital freedom only to find it quite arid. At a wedding cere- mony for her daughter, Miss Davis again meets Sullivan, and as the final curtain sets, the prospect of a happy reconciliation is in the offing. Bern- hardt directed and Skirball produced. Running time, 90 minutes. Adult audience classification. February release. . Mandel Herbstman Critics Cite 'Born' Cleveland, Feb. 14— The Cleve- land Movie Critics Circle has unani- mously voted "Born Yesterday" as the best picture shown in downtown Cleveland during January. "Harvey" was second. Voting is done by the three local newspaper critics. M-G-M TRADE SHOW February 21st M-G-M proudly presents the outstanding production TERESA (The Story of a Bride) NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES ONLY I AC ANGELES United Artist Screen Room, W^ MIXV,CLCJ 1851 S. Westmoreland — 2 P.M. NFW YORK M-G-M Screen Room, INCVV 630 Ninth Avenue -2:30 P.M. Dry den Theatre Ceremony March 2 Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 14— The opening ceremony for the Dryden Theatre of. the George Eastman House here will be held on March 2. Speak- ers at the ceremony will include Thomas J. Hargrave, president of Eastman Kodak; Capt. Edward Stei- chen, Merrill Meigs and George B. Dryden. Burger Retires As ButterHeld Treasurer Detroit, Feb. 14. — George Burger, treasurer of Butterfield Theatres for the past 27 years, has retired. At a luncheon held in his honor at the De- troit Yacht Club, he was presented with a gold cigarette case. Burger is now in Florida resting. He will return after his vacation to his home in Canada. Hudson Outlines Palsy Aid Plan Detroit, Feb. 14. — Earl J. Hudson, president of United Detroit Theatres, in an address before members of the Detroit Variety Club, outlined the or- ganization's "Cerebral Palsy Emanci- pation Plan," aimed at raising $125,- 000 for a clinic at Ann Arbor, Mich. Lawrence to Join Eisenhower Staff Jock Lawrence of the U. S. J. Ar- thur Rank Organization and World War II staff aide to Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, will rejoin the General's staff in Paris as a colonel next week. Lawrence will return here today from Washington, where, it is under- stood, he accepted the post. RKO's Clark Resigns Omaha, Feb. 14. — Howard Clark has resigned as RKO office manager here due to poor health. His successor is William Laird, who resigned as Universal-International salesman. RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. TRADE SHOWINGS of JACK H. SKIRBALL and BRUCE MANNING Presentation of "PAYMENT ON DEMAND" Scr. Rm Wed. Wed. ALBANY Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 1052 Broadway ATLANTA RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 195 Luckie St., N.W. BOSTON RKO Scr. Rm. Wed 122-28 Arlington St. BUFFALO Mo. Pic. Oper 498 Pearl St. CHARLOTTE Fox Scr. Rm. 308 S. Church St. CHICAGO RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 1300 S. Wabash Ave. CINCINNATI RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 12 East 6th St. CLEVELAND Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 2219 Payne Ave. DALLAS Para. Scr. Rm. Wed. 412 South Harwood St. DENVER Para. Scr. Rm. Wed. 2100 Stout St. DES MOINES Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 1300 High St. DETROIT Blumenthals Scr. Rm. 2310 Cass Ave. Wed. INDIANAPOLIS Universal Scr. Rm. 517 N. Illinois St. Wed. KANSAS CITY Para. Scr. Rm. Wed. 1800 Wyandotte St. LOS ANGELES RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 1980 S. Vermont Ave. MEMPHIS Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 151 Vance Ave. MILWAUKEE Warner Scr. Rm. Wed. 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. MINNEAPOLIS Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 1015 Currie Ave. NEW HAVEN Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 40 Whiting St. NEW ORLEANS Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 200 S. Liberty St. NEW YORK RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 1270 Sixth Ave. Scr. Rm. B— 7th Fl. OKLAHOMA Fox. Scr. Rm. Wed. 10 North Lee St. OMAHA Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 1502 Davenport St. PHILADELPHIA RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 250 N. 13th St. PITTSBURGH RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 1809-13 Blvd. of Allies PORTLAND Star Scr. Rm. Wed. 925 N.W. 19th Ave. ST. LOUIS RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 3143 Olive St. SALT LAKE CITY Fox Scr. Rm. Wed. 216 E. 1st St. South SAN FRANCISCO RKO Scr. Rm. Wed. 251 Hyde St. SEATTLE Jewel Box Scr. Rm. 2318 2nd Ave. Wed. SIOUX FALLS Hollywood Thea. Wed. 212 N. Philips Ave. WASHINGTON Film Center Scr. Rm. Wed. 932 New Jersey Ave. 2/21 8:00 P.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 10:30 A.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 8:00 P.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 1:00 P.M. 2/21 10:30 A.M. 2/21 1:00 P.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 10:30 A.M. 2/21 11:00 A.M. 2/21 10:30 A.M. 2/21 1:00 P.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 1:30 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:30 P.M. 2/21 1:30 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 2:00 P.M. 2/21 10:00 A.M. 2/21 10 :30 A.M. Thursday, February 15, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 Rains Cut Grosses 50% in Northwest Portland, Ore., Feb. 14.— Heavy storms caused a 50 per cent drop in theatre re- ceipts throughout Oregon and Washington. Excessive rains in many areas washed out roads and bridges, created power fail- ures, and isolated numerous outlying theatres. The storms made 6,000 residents homeless in the two states. Kravetz Balks (Continued from page 1) Robert Benjamin- Arthur Krim-Mat- thew Fox deal for taking over man- agement control of U. A., scheduled for tomorrow following the arrival here from the Coast of Loyd Wright, Chaplin's attorney, who holds the new agreement in escrow. The Krim-Benjamin-Fox group has fully complied with all of the condi- tions necessary to free their contract from escrow, it was stated. McNutt and McNamee have cancelled the op- tion they held on the U. A. stock. If Kravetz's portion of that option is divisible, which is not known, then he may have a base of contention between himself and Miss Pickford and Chap- lin, it was surmised, but not against the Krim-Benjamin-Fox group, which has fulfilled the conditions of the con- tract issued to it. Kravetz's statement said he is rep- resented by Sol Rosenblatt, attorney. The latter said he had nothing to add to the statement. Arnall 'Delighted' {Continued from page 1) trio to the forthcoming meeting of the Society's board on the Coast A date for the meeting has not been set pending finalization of the UA deal. Belief that a Krim-Benjamin-Fox take-over of UA would encourage in- dependent production was expressed by Arnall. ? i TWA's newest, fastest, most luxurious transatlantic flights NON-STOP TO 5j LONDON and PARIS | For information, call your local 3 TWA office or your travel agent. ^ Myers Sees (Continued from page 1) ment was made as to its deliberations. In addition to giving Myers' reasons for the recent decline of the film in- dustry and for his optimistic view of the future, the annual report had these other highlights : Great praise for Allied President Trueman T. Rembusch, who will probably be reelected for a second term ; Strong indication that Myers would support the new organizational plan for COMPO, with emphasis on the need for developing it into an organi- zation to hypo box office business ; Endorsement of the divestiture technique developed by the Justice De- partment in the Warner decree, where sale of a theatre was conditioned on another theatre in a particular run be- ing available within a certain time ; A promise that Allied would shortly issue its long-delayed manual on industry trade prac- tices under the Paramount case decrees; A self-congratulatorv pat on the back for Allied's role in the COMPO campaign to reduce the admissions tax, and the success of that campaign in heading off tax boosts on the indus- try at present ; The revelation that Allied had pro- tested to the government that taxes comparable to the admission tax should be levied on Phonevision, Skiatron and similar systems ; Word that Allied had collected in- formation from all parts of the coun- try on the construction and fire-resist- ing qualities of theatres as part of an argument to the Civil Defense Ad- ministration that it should not attempt to close theatres during time of threat- ened air attack. Analyzing the recent recession ex- perienced by the film industry, Myers said that while television was cer- tainly one cause, "it has been given far too much credit for the movies' present distress." One important factor in the post- war decline in the film business, he said, was _ that many families com- mitted their spending money to pur- chasing durable goods not available during the war years. Another factor, Myers said, is "the perverse, smart-aleky attitude" of writers of popular fiction, film reviewers, radio announcers and columnists to- ward motion pictures. However, the report noted, higher grosses are reported from all sections of the country since the first of the year, and while some individual ex- hibitors may continue to be hurt, good times are ahead for the industry as a whole. "There are more good box office pictures on current release than at any time during the last decade," he said, attributing this to increased competi- tion among producers as a result of divorcement and divestiture and to the fact that Hollywood producers were hit hard during the recession and have "thrown off their complacency and gone to work." A rosy factor, Myers said, was the National Production Authority's freeze on new thea- tre construction, which would remedy the over-expansion in exhibition since the end of World War II. Wage Hikes (Continued from page 1) on periodic date contracts, option con- tracts and the treatment of new em- ployes in the talent guilds. Benjamin and Freston have been authorized by the Screen Actors, Screen Directors and Screen Writers guilds, collectively, to seek the Board's consideration of their contention that a flat wage-freeze is not properly ap- plicable to talent personnel whose con- tracts, for the most part, stipulate periodic increases in compensation under the option system long in effect. The Board today made public a series of questions and answers on op- eration of the wage-freeze, and one of these dealt with this problem. "I am an employer," the question started. "On Jan. 24, 1951 (or any other date before the wage freeze), I executed an agreement with my em- ployes providing for a general wage increase to be effective in part on Feb. 1, 1951 and in part on March 1, 1951. May this agreement take effect without Board approval?" The Board's answer said that any wage increase negotiated for before Jan. 25 and taking effect before Feb. 9 was okay, so that in this example the Feb. 1 increase would be per- mitted. However, it said, "the re- mainder of the increase, taking effect March 1, cannot be granted without first obtaining Board approval. Only those increases which take effect and are applicable to work initially per- formed not later than 15 calendar days after Jan. 25, 1951 (i.e., on or before Feb. 9) may be granted without ap- proval." Honor Pete Smith on 21st MGM Birthday Hollywood, Feb. 14.— What is claimed to be the largest contract in film history, 18- by-28 inches, was presented to Pete Smith at a luncheon commemorating his 21st year as producer-narrator of M-G- M's Pete Smith Specialties. Thfe ceremonies took place at the M-G-M Studios and were attended by Louis B. Mayer, Dore Senary, E. J. Mannix, Benjamin Thau,, L. K. Sydney and Fred Quimby. Golden Urges (Continued from page 1) and Independent Motion Picture Pro- ducers Association. The Hollywood meeting was arranged by the studio and distribution priorities committee of the Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations. Golden said raw stock film manu- facturers are making every effort to increase their production. Motion pic- ture film requirements, he said, for 1951 will total about 50 per cent of the total film of all types produced this year. The Department of Defense will require about six per cent of the total supply, "Voice of America," about two per cent, with other govern- ment agencies requiring amounts not yet determined, he said. The NPA film chief in his address put the average annual film consump- tion of the motion picture industry at about two and a half billion linear feet. IS IT HUMAN OR INHUMAN? NATURAL OR SUPERNATURAL? Ads like this are appearing in 58 National Magazines and 93 Sunday Newspaper Supplements totaling 185,761,000 circulation. MOTION PICTURE VOL. 69. NO. 33 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY lf>, 1951 TEN CENTS Republic Net Of $760,574 A Sharp Rise Yates Report Shows '50 Gross of $30,310,748 Republic's consolidated net in- come for the year ended Oct. 28, 1950', was $760,574, marking- a sharp rise over the $486,578 re- corded for the preceding year. Herbert J. Yates, Republic president and board chairman, reported the gain in a state- ment sent to stockholders yesterday. He pointed out that gross revenue for the past fis- c a 1 year amounted to $30,3 1 0,748 Herbert J. Yates against 528, 086,596ffor 'the previous year. Net foreign income of $285,128, sub- (Continued on page 3) Report $37 -Million In Film Dividends Washington, Feb. 15.— The U. S. Commerce Department reported today its preliminary total for publicly-re- ported cash dividend payments of the film industry in 1950 amounted to $37,- 026,000. This compares with a 1949 final total of $45,684,000. The final 1950 figure is likely to be a good bit higher than the preliminary figure, although it will still be below 1949. Late re- (Continued on page 3) Christopher Awards For 'Dozen/ 'Bride' The 1950 Christopher Awards to writers, aggregating $25,000, were presented by Father James Keller, di- rector of the Christophers, at a re- ception at the Hotel Astor here yes- terday tendered by George Skouras, president of Skouras Theatres. This year, $5,000 in awards to (Continued on page 2) Could Be a Statute Of Limitations Washington, Feb. 15.— The State Department has told the Motion Picture Associa- tion not to protest now about things it didn't bother about three years ago. MPAA protested that it had received word there were un- authorized showings in the Soviet Union of M-G-M's, "The Crowd Roars." The De- partment investigated and found that its Moscow Em- bassy had reported this in 1948, that M-G-M had been notified at the time, and had not done anything about it. So, said the Department, it didn't feel it "appropriate" to get too excited about it now, even if there are new pirated showings. Bonaiield, T ravers In New Pathe Posts Jay Bonafield and Douglas Travers have been elected to the newly-created RKO-Pathe posts of executive vice- president and vice-president in charge of production, respectively, by the (.Continued on page 2) Court Offers Two Years for Hughes To Sell RKO Stock Howard Hughes will have two years to dispose of his RKO Theatres stock and, if he fails, the stock must be sold within the next two years by Irving Trust, the trustee, according to a proposal advanced tentatively by the New York Statutory Court yes- terday. The order hinges on the ac- ceptance of these terms by Hughes, and the court ad- journed until next Wednesday to give Hughes' attorney, Thomas Slack, a chance to con- fer with his principal. Slack (Continued on page 2) NSS Asks Poster Suit Dismissal Philadelphia, Feb. 15. — Charging that independent poster renters have been engaging in "bootleg trafficking of copyrighted material," Louis Nizer, counsel for National Screen Service, today asked U. S. District Court (Continued on page 3) Reagan Sees Brotherhood Drive Topping All Others Distribution, exhibition and other film industry personnel in all 36 re- gional areas are solidly lined up to support "Brotherhood Week," which will get under way on Sunday and continue through Feb. 25, declared Charles M. Reagan, na- tional chairman of the Brother- hood Week Committee f o r the amusements division. The Loew's sales executive declared here yesterday that this year's ob- servance by members of the promises to be Charles Reagan amusement industry the most impressive (Continued on page 2) $7,033,507 Outlay For Para. Stock Between June 30, 1950, and Jan. 31, 1951, Paramount Pic- tures paid $7,033,507 in cash for 328,794 shares of its com- mon stock purchased on the open market, the company re- vealed here yesterday. Reporting 2,271,643 shares outstanding as of last Jan. 31, it was reported additionally that during the same June- January period the company issued an aggregate of 74,436 shares of its common in ac- cordance with the plan of re- organization, upon the sur- render and cancellation of, and in exchange for, shares of the corporation's common stock. Allied Okays New COMPO Board Set-Up Arbitration Included On Today's Agenda Washington, Feb. 15. — The board of directors of Allied States Association today approved the new representation plan for the top- level operation of the Council of Mo- tion Picture Organizations. Nominations for Allied's eight representatives on the new COMPO executive committee will be presented to the board tomorrow, and the board will elect the representatives imme- diately. The COMPO action was the high- light of the opening day session of the board's mid-winter meeting at the Statler Hotel here. The meeting- will conclude tomorrow, when other items on the agenda will be election of Al- lied officers for 1951 and discussion of an industry arbitration system. Arbitration was added to the board's (Continued on page 3) May Wind Up U.A. Control Deal Today Freeing from escrow of the contract by which Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin give management control of United Artists to Robert Benjamin, Arthur Krim and Matthew Fox is scheduled for today following the ar- rival here from the Coast of Loyd W right, Chaplin's counsel. The signed contract was placed in escrow with Wright 10 days ago pending fulfillment of final conditions, which were completed two days ago (Continued on page 3) Walker and Schaefer Aid Charity Drive Frank C. Walker, head of Comer- ford Theatres, and George J. Schaefer have been named treasurer and execu- tive assistant treasurer, respectively, of the special gifts committee of the Cardinal's Committee of the Laity for the Catholic Charities campaign in 1951. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 16, 1951 Personal Mention ROBERT STILLMAN and Irv- ing Rubine, Stillman Produc- tions executives, are due in New York from the Coast next Friday for con- ferences with Arthur Krim and Rob- ert Benjamin on United Artists' matters. o Alfred E. Daff, Universal-Inter- national director of world sales, Foster M. Blake, Western sales manager, and Maurice A. Bergman, home office executive, left here yester- day for Minneapolis and Milwaukee. r. K. Chapman, head of exchange operations for Eagle Lion Classics, is due to leave here this weekend for a four-week tour of Southern and Midwestern exchanges. • Otto Harbach, president of ASCAP, is en route to Hollywood by train from New York for the Soci- ety's annual meeting there. • Joseph Steiner, managing director of Walter Reade's Park Avenue The- atre here, will marry Dorothy War- ing, playwright, in two weeks. • Paul Daniels, Universal-Interna- tional field man, has returned to New York from a Hartford, Conn., assign- ment. • J. J. Cohn, M-G-M studio execu- tive, is due to arrive here from the Coast next week. • Marvin H. Schenck, Loew's vice- president, is slated to leave here for the Coast tomorrow. • Richard A. Harper, M-G-M cir- cuit sales representative, returned here yesterday from Gloversville, N. Y. • Noah Dietrich, RKO Pictures board chairman, is ill here with in- fluenza. Hughes Stock {Continued from, page 1) Marathon Sues ELC In Distribution Row New York Supreme Court Justice Samuel Hofstadter yesterday reserved decision on a motion by Marathon Pictures to examine Eagle Lion Clas- sics executives William C. MacMillen, Jr., William J. Heineman and David J. Malamed, in connection with a $400,000 breach - of - contract action brought by Marathon. Naming as defendants the old PRC Corp., as well as Eagle-Lion Filras, ELC and their parent company, Pathe Industries, the plaintiff charged that the companies failed to advertise and promote properly the pictures "Open Secret" and "Close-Up." Honor Robert Smeltzer Washington, Feb. 15. — Over 50 local industry officials turned out here for a dinner honoring Robert Smeltzer, district manager of Warner Brothers, as he rounded out his 35th year in the film business. Sidney Lust was chair- man of the dinner and A. Julian Brylawski was toastmaster. indicated that he will recom- mend acceptance by Hughes. A government motion, presented by Philip Marcus, special assistant in the Justice anti-trust division offices in Washington, asked for a deadline of a year for Hughes to sell the stocK and that the trustee then be given an additional two years for the sale. Slack vigorously opposed the mo- tion, holding that a "forced sale" would depress the value of Hughes' 24 per cent interest in the theatre com- pany and asked that the court uphold the letter of the RKO consent decree, which called for Hughes to either sell or trustee his holdings in either the picture or theatre company. Judge Coxe Comments When Judge Alfred E. Coxe com- mented that sale of Hughes' theatre stock was "contemplated" by the de- cree, Slack replied that Hughes' loss of voting power of the stock under the trusteeship constituted a "severe in- centive" for the sale. Both Slack and Marcus admitted that Hughes has ne- gotiated for such a sale, but Slack maintained . that the "compulsion" of a court order placed handicaps on ne- gotiations. He said that a "miscon- ception" that Huhges had to sell the theatre stock by the end of last year had depressed the value of the stock and credited the recent rise of the market value of the stock to the clear- ing up of that "misunderstanding." The three-man court, consist- ing of Judges Augustus N. Hand, Henry W. Goddard and Coxe, made their compromise proposal on the basis that Hughes' acceptance would waive any further discussion on the order. Slack asked for time to consult with Hughes by tele- phone and final action is ex- pected at next week's hearing. After the hearing, Slack made ar- rangements to confer with Marcus here this week. He said a projected trip to Washington probably would be postponed and that he would not return to the Coast until the final rul- ing on the theatre stock sale is made. Queried concerning complaints made to the Department of Justice that Hughes-appointed men still control the RKO theatres board, Marcus declined to comment except to say that no court action on the complaints has yet been set. Bonafield, Travers (Continued from page 1) firm's board of directors, Ned E. De pinet, president of RKO Pictures Corp., announced here yesterday. Re elected president was Harry J. Mi chalson. 'Miracle' Ruling Today Albany, N. Y., Feb. 15.— The State Board of Regents is expected to an- nounce tomorrow its decision whether Roberto Rossellini's "The Miracle" is "Sacrilegious" as charged. The screen ing of the film for board members was held here today. NEWS in Brief EXT production for Skirball Manning Corp., will be based on John O'Hara's "Appointment in Sam- ara," and will star Bette Davis, pro- ducer Jack H. Skirball declared here yesterday. Skirball arrived here from the Coast Wednesday for the opening of his RKO release, "Payment on De- mand" at the Music Hall. • Hollywood, Feb. 15.— The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced the postponement of its annual awards from March 22 to the 29th because the former date occurs during Holy Week. • Hollywood, Feb. 15. ■ — Jack L. Warner and Jane Wyman today were honored for their "outstanding contri- butions to international goodwill and understanding" by the 150 members of the Foreign Trade Association and consular guests at noonday ceremonies here at the Biltmore Hotel. • Plans to get "Tokyo File 212" on the nation's screens rapidly to gain the benefits of timeliness were launched here yesterday following the signing of contracts whereby RKO Pictures will distribute this new Breakston- McGowan production. • Boston, Feb. 15. — Theatres here, according to a check today, reported that business was off from between 20 and 25 per cent last night due to the televising of the Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta fight. Theatres' Fund for TV Hearing Grows Washington, Feb. 15. — Assessments levied by the National Exhibitors Theatre Television Committee to fi- nance the presentation of its case in behalf of theatre TV frequencies "are coming in quite well" and give every indication that enough funds will be raised to permit the industry to do a first-class job of presenting its argu- ments, Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of America executive director, reported here today. TOA theatre TV experts met here today with Sullivan to discuss plans for presenting the stand of TOA and its units to the Federal Communica- tions Commission. At the all-day ses- sion were Nathan Halpern, attorney Marcus Cohn and engineers C. M. Jansky and Stewart Bailey. Christopher Awards ( Continued from page 1 ) Another Trust Suit Brewing on Coast Los Angeles, Feb. 15. — Southside Theatres, Inc., operating the Southside The- atre, Los Angeles, will file an anti-trust su t here tomorrow against Columbia, Loew's. Paramount, Griffith-Coleman, Inc., West Theatres, Inc., and William J. Kupper, Jr., seeking $300,000 damages on the grounds that the defend- ants have prevented the plaintiffs from obta'ning first-run films, plaintiff attor- neys Pacht, Tannenbaum and Ross stated. Brotherhood Drive (Continued from page 1) since Brotherhood Week was first sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews back in 1934. Reagan said indications of solid in- dustry backing are based on regional reports submitted by the chairmen, co-chairmen and committee members of the various groups in the field. These include exchange city reports forwarded by 32 distributor chairmen to Warner's sales chief Ben Kalmen- son, who is chairman of the distribu- tion committee ; reports by 56 exhibitor co-chairmen sent to Gael Sullivan of the Theatre Owners of America and Truman T. Rembusch of Allied States, who are co-chairmen of the exhibitor's group ; to Eugene Picker of Loew's, chairman of the Metropolitan New York committee, and to Max E. Youngstein and Jerry Pickman, chair- man and assistant chairman, respec- tively, of the advertising and publicity committee, which has 32 members. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN in 'Payment on Demand" Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION screenplay writers were added to the 1950 contest and were given to Lamar Trotti for his screen play of 20th Century - Fox's "Cheaper by the Dozen," and to Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett for M-G-M's "Father of the Bride." The awards will be presented to the winners in person at the annual Screen Writers Guild award dinner next Tuesday at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Guests at yesterday's reception in- cluded publishers and writers. VEAN JSRW Martin Wis ATNUM1H THE ARMY ELLA Stere Contfos I A Paramount Picture fimmio si Jerry Bmutowl ha tan Boyd Raeboni JAMEY STONE Midnight Ftotw* Nightly record week! born A Columbio Picture HefaW- BetterUTh\aYr s and ¥ke^ S^s eU^AlisW Ti times a ^ar as a section* Motion Picture. Hcrkld ; International Motion Picture Almanac ; Fame. Enter, class i mktteV, Sept 23ri938%t the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; sing] Friday, February 16, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Republic (Continued from page 1) ject to withdrawal restrictions and to Federal taxes, was not included in calculating last year's net, nor was $540,000 which has been set aside as estimated Federal taxes on domestic income. "The situation in foreign countries with respect to currency devaluation, taxes, regulations and restrictions which limit, control and discriminate against American motion pictures or the remittance of foreign currencies, still continues," Yates pointed out. Foreign Assets Notwithstanding these handicaps, however, the current assets of Repub- lic's subsidiaries in foreign countries increased from the equivalent of $1,- 418,812 on Oct. 29, 1949, to the equiva- lent of $1,697,477 on Oct. 28, 1950, based upon official rates of exchange prevailing, Yates' report showed. "Although the economic situ- ation prevailing throughout the world makes it inadvisable to make any forecast as to the fu- ture," Yates stated, "we believe, based upon past experience, that as personal incomes are increased, in consequence of the national defense program, a greater portion of such in- come will become available for entertainment purposes, and since motion pictures are an integral part of public enter- tainment, the entire industry including your corporation should benefit." Review Yates pointed out that the company's indebtedness to banks at the end of the last fiscal year, amounting to $3,- 086,100, has since been reduced by $1,077,458. He indicated that when American Federation of Musicians restrictions are removed "in the not too distant future" the company will then be in a position to release to television its pic- tures that have completed the round of regular theatres. Trucolor Process The company's new three-color Tru- color process will be introduced to the public through "Honeychile," soon to be released by Republic, it was re- ported. The financial statement accompany- ing Yates' report revealed that the company has in banks and on hand cash of $2,790,901, with total current assets amounting to $15,175,001, against total current liabilities of $6,- 982,413. U.A. Control Deal (Continued from page 1) by the Krim-Benjamin-Fox group. A voting trust of five members is scheduled to be set up today, which is expected to consist of Krim, Benjamin and Fox on the one hand, and one representative to be designated by Miss Pickford and one by Chaplin, on the other. Krim will take over as head of U. A. on Monday. At the top of his agenda will be talks with producers who have withheld completed pictures from U. A. pending settlement of the company's status and who now prob- ably will turn them lover for imme- diate release, and with producers who will undertake new production with U. A. financing. Conferences with new U. A. management prospects also are expected within the next week or two. "Valentino" (Columbia) t> UDOLPH VALENTINO'S spectacular rise to stardom in silent films -■-V was predicated on his romantic appeal to the feminine audience and in this re-creation of the career of the dancer who turned lover, producer Ed- ward Small has kept his sights on the distaff side. It is a woman's picture, one that will draw the older women still bemused by Valentino's glamor and the younger set whose curiosity is aroused by the legend that still lingers. Once caught in the romance-filled mood of the story, the audience can be counted on to settle down for 102 minutes of Technicolored escapism. The story, written by George Bruce, opens with Anthony Dexter— a new- comer whose resemblance to the real Valentino is nothing short of amazing —en route to America from his native Italy as a member of a dance troupe. A fellow-passenger is Eleanor Parker, a film star traveling incognito, and a shipboard romance ensues. Dexter quits his troupe because of the jealousy of its leader. He becomes first a dish-washer and then a gigolo in New York. He encounters Miss Parker, learns her true identity, and is offered a bit part by director Richard Carlson. From there Dexter goes to Hollywood as an extra player and becomes a star. After another romantic interlude with Miss Parker, Dexter wishes only to continue the liaison and she marries Carlson, long a devoted suitor. Producer Otto Kruger casts the pair in "The Sheik" and the torrid love scenes which ensue convince Dexter and Miss Carlson that they really love each other. Lloyd Gough, a scandal-hunting columnist, traps them in a beach cottage and Dex- ter, ill with appendicitis, stages an elopement to New York with Patricia Medina, another actress, in order to kill Gough's story and the scandal. Anyone thumbing through old casts in an effort to link yesterday's per- sonalities to this film version of Valentino's life would be disappointed, but director Lewis Allen has preserved the broad outlines of the story and has captured the aura of the times. Sets and costumings are masterly, with enough emphasis placed on the props to place the era, but not to intrude unpleasantly on a present-day audience. Joseph Calleia is well cast as Dexter's friend and waiter-turned-secretary, and. Dona Drake is properly tempestuous as the dance troupe leader. Also appearing are Marietta Canty, Paul Bruar and Eric Wilton. Running time, 102 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date not set- Vaughan O'Brien Allied Okays (Continued from page 1) Film Dividend (Continued from page 1) ports from various companies always boost the preliminary figure substan- tially. For example, in 1949, the final figure was almost $5,000,000 higher than the preliminary total, and in 1948 the final figure was almost $10,000,000 higher than the earlier unrevised total. Even taking this into account, how- ever, the trend appears to be steadily downward. The 1948 preliminary fig- ure was $44,905,000 and the 1949 pre- liminary figure was $40,855,000. The all-time peak was the 1947 figure of $54,641,000. The Commerce Depart- ment usually figures publicly-reported dividends in the film industry at about 65 per cent of the total. Commerce officials said they ex- pected late reports from both Stanley Co. of America and RKO, and that these would boost the 1950 total. Stanley reported paying over $6,000,- 000 in 1949 and so far has reported less than $1,000,000 for 1950: RKO has reported nothing for 1950, com- pared with $1,755,000 for 1949. Commerce said the dividend pay- ment figure for Dec, 1950 was $6,505,- 000, against $6,843,000 in Dec. 1949. NSS Asks (Continued from page 1) Judge James P. McGranery to deny a motion for summary judgment asked by Charles Lawlor and Mitchell Pant- zer, plaintiffs, in the anti-trust suit against NSS and eight major film companies. _ Nizer leveled his charge after Fran- cis T. Anderson, counsel for the plain- tiffs, described the action of NSS as "the perfect case" for injunctive relief on the grounds that its contract for exclusive rights to distribute poster material and trailers are illegal per se. Earl G. Harrison, counsel for the film companies with the exception of Warner Brothers, traced the history of his clients relations with NSS. He said it was only the desire of the in- dividual distributors to relieve them- selves of the costly and onerous burden of operating their own poster depart- ments that led to the contracts by which NSS now handles accessories. They merely decided, Harrison de- clared, that NSS could do a better job in that field. Youngstein Weighs Production Entry Max E. Youngstein, whose resigna- tion as Paramount Pictures' director of advertising-publicity will become effective next Friday, said yesterday that he is considering several new proposals, among which is an inde- pendent production venture. He said he may leave here for the Coast with- in the next month to further explore the latter project. Queried on the likelihood of his joining United Artists in a capacity similar to the one he held at Para- mount, Youngstein said, "no deal has been made" in that connection. New Lerner Company Will Produce Six Boston, Feb. 15.— Joseph Lerner, formerly vice-president in charge of production for Laurel Films, has be- come president of the newly-formed production company, North American Films, Ltd. He stated that the com- pany will produce six pictures during 1951-1952. Financing has been ar- ranged. Each will be budgeted be- tween $250,000 and $300,000, and all will be comedies. Storm Hits Kans.-Mo. Kansas City, Feb. 15.— Snow, sleet and freezing rain covered most of Kansas and Missouri today, hitting theatre attendance in rural areas. Southern Missouri was hardest hit. agenda at the last minute, and general counsel Abram F. Myers would not say who had brought the matter up or whether the addition of the sub- ject was an indication that Allied was ready to drop its long-standing oppo- sition to an arbitration system. Another major action taken by the board today grew out of a discussion of what Myers called "a serious print short- age." Allied will ask COMPO, Myers said, to take steps to protect the interest of the ex- hibitor in the current rawstock shortage and make sure that "the distributors don't do as they did in the last war when they seized on the rawstock situation to cut down the avail- ability of prints." If COMPO "cannot or will not" act, Myers said, Allied will have to bring up the matter itself with the National Production Authority. He pointed out that all raw stock conferences so far have been confined to producers, dis- tributors and raw stock manufacturers, and that the exhibitors have had no voice in the discussions. The board officially voted to protest to the distributors the small number of prints now in circulation on most features. After hearing reports by Jack Kirsch on Phonevision and Wil- bur Snaper on Skiatron sub- scriber vision experiments, the entire board, according to My- ers, "felt that neither system was as formidable a threat to the industry as they had feared." He said these two re- ports and another report on color television by William C. Allen were "reassuring," and sa;d that "apprehension is abating very fast." As a result of Allen's report on color TV, the board voted to ask the producers to make as many films as possible in color so that when color television comes into general use, the film industry will be able to fight the novelty aspect. The board referred back to Myers the question of competitive bidding, since replies to a questionnaire sent company presidents on the subject had not arrived in time for today's meet- ing. Daylight and Overnight DC-6 Mainliner 300s 11] HRS ON6STOP to LOS ANGELES \\(MujfiOQodt Leaves at noon, arrives 8:30 pm United's overnight flight to Los Angeles leaves at 9 pm; arrives the next morning. UNITED AIR LINES DVENWRE'S MOST SAVAGE OUTPOST! To the very depths of Africa's tameless heart goes the one-and-only Tarzan . . . bringing to the screen actual scenes of raging conflict, primitive passions, strange, snarling beasts and pagan spectacle so vast in scope that only the jungle itself could contain its drama! STARRING LEX BARKER-virginia huston with GEORGE MACREADY- DOUGLAS FOWLEY- GLENN ANDERS Produced by SOL LESSER Directed by BYRON HASKIN Screenplay by SAMUEL NEWMAN and FRANCIS SWANN The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25, adapted Jj for 1,000-watt »| tungsten light. The Kodak Projec- tion Ektar Lens, in a choice of four focal lengths, insures supe- rior screen image. ^^^^ • jPH if • • • 0 i Left, the Eastman 16mm. Projec- tor, Model 25, brings 16mm. pro- jection to the professional level. Shown here, adapted for arc illu- mination, permanently installed alongside 35mm. equipment. Below, working parts of the film move- ment mechanism are in constant view of the operator . . . readily accessible for threading and cleaning. For Professional Quality Sound Projection from 16mm. Film The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25 This projection instrument — built to a new design concept — eliminates the three major obstacles to theatrical qual- ity 16mm. sound projection . . . exces- sive wear and high maintenance cost; low signal-to-noise ratio; and excessive nutter. A major cause of excessive wear and poor quality sound is the constant trans- fer of shock forces generated in the film pulldown mechanism to other parts of the system. In the Eastman 16mm. Pro- jector, Model 2 5, the intermittent (film advance mechanism) is completely iso- lated and independently driven by its own 1440 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Thus, shock forces are sealed off from the rest of the instrument. The sprocket- shutter system is driven by its own 1800 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Exact phas- ing between the two systems is accom- plished by specially designed synchro- mesh gears. In addition, the take-up spindle, rewind spindle, and blower are driven by separate motors. A highly corrected microscope ob- jective, adjustable for optimum sound quality from any type of 16mm. sound film, permits reproduction of variable area or variable density 16mm. sound tracks at extremely low distortion and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio. To get the best out of any 16mm. sound film, project it on an Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25. For in- formation on installation, availability, and prices, write directly to the Mo- tion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y., or any branch office. Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y. Cast Coast Division 342 Madison Avenue New York 17, N. Y. I # I f Midwest Division 137 North Wabash Avenue Chicago 2, Illinois West Coast Division 6706 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood 38, California MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 34 NEW YORK, U. S. A., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1951 TEN CENTS U.A. Control Changes Hands This Morning McNutt, McNamee Out; Krim, Benjamin, Fox In Management control of United Artists will pass this morning to the Arthur Krim-Robert Benjamin- Matthew Fox group. Paul V. Mc- Nutt and Frank L. McNamee on Fri- day resigned as board chairman and president, respectively. McNutt and Loyd Wright, attorney for Charles Chaplin, announced simul- taneously with the resignations on Friday that the contract for the trans- fer of management control of the com- pany to the Krim-Benjamin-Fox group was delivered out of escrow. {Continued on page 8) Heineman Pact Up; Stays Till March 2 William J. Heineman, Eagle Lion Classics vice-president in charge of distribution, will remain with the com- pany at least until March 2, although his contract expired last Saturday without being renewed. Discussions concerning a new con- tract have extended over the past sev- eral months without an agreement having been reached. It has been re- ported that Heineman is in line for the post of vice-president in charge of distribution for United Artists under the Arthur Krim regime which takes over at U.A. today. However, there have as yet been no negotiations, let alone an agreement. Heineman's decision to remain an- other two weeks, without contract at ELC is believed to have been made to {Continued on page 8) 8,000-Share Option Claimed by Kravetz Max Kravetz, United Artists secre- tary, who has indicated he intends to hold on to his option for the purchase of company stock notwithstanding the now official take-over of management control by the Arthur Krim-Robert Benjamin-Matthew Fox group, claimed in an interview on Friday that his {Continued on page 8) 'Miracle ' Held Sacrilegious; Regents Revoke License 'Miracle' Violates Religious Freedom Albany, N. Y., Feb. 18.— Discussing the "priceless heri- tage of religious freedom in this country" in its opinion finding the Italian-made film, "The Miracle," sacrilegious, the New York State Board of Regents said: "The law rec- ognizes that men and women of all faiths respect the reli- gious beliefs held by others. The mockery or profaning of these beliefs that are sacred to any portion of our citizen- ship is abhorrent to the laws of this great State. This pic- ture takes the concepts (of the Bible) so sacred to mil- lions of our people and asso- ciates it with drunkenness, seduction, mockery and lewd- ness." Albany, N. Y., Feb. 18.— The New York State Board of Regents held unanimously on Friday that Roberto Rossellini's "The Miracle" is "sacri- legious" and cancelled the picture's license previously issued by the Mo- tion Picture Division of the State Department of Education. The license was issued to "The Ways of Love," a film trilogy put to- gether by Joseph Burstyn, New York distributor, of which "The Miracle" is a unit. Thus cancellation of the li- cense applies to the other two films comprising 'Ways of Love" while "The Miracle" remains a part of it. Provision was made for an application to license "Ways of Love" without "The Miracle." Burstyn's attorneys moved immedi- {Continued on page 8) Loew's May Switch Southern Division Atlanta, Feb. 18— Mike J. Cullen, new manager of the Southern division of Loew's Theatres has arrived in Atlanta to take up his new duties, ac- companied by Oscar A. Dobb, general executive of the Loew's organization, from New York. Cullen, who has been transferred {Continued on page 3) Change- of -Venue Test to High Court ^ Washington, Feb. 18.— The U. S. Supreme Court has been asked to rule on the power of Federal District Courts to transfer private anti-trust suits in the film industry from the district where they were brought to another district more convenient to the defendants. Involved are two suits for treble damages and injunctive relief brought by Tivoli Realty, Inc., and I. B. Adel- {Continued on page 8) Allied Will Enter Talks On Arbitration U.S. Will Not Appeal The Griffith Decision Myers to Report Back To Board Meet in May Washington, Feb. 18. — In a surprise move, the board of direc- tors of Allied States Association has authorized general counsel Abram F. Myers to enter into discus- sions with distributors on a possible industry arbitration system. Though Myers stressed that the talks were "purely explora- tory" and in no way bound Al- lied to go through with such a system, one top Allied official admitted that "this is the first time in all its history that Al- {Continued on page 3) Washington, Feb. 18. — The gov- ernment will not appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court Judge Edgar S. Vaught's decision in the Griffith anti- trust case, it was learned here. Solicitor General Philip B. Perlman, acting on recommen- dations of his own staff and of the anti-trust division, has signed papers signifying that the Justice Department has de- cided aga'nst an appeal and that as far as the Government is concerned, the Griffith case is closed. Technically, Judge Vaught's decree will not be absolutely final until Feb. 25, the deadline for any appeal. But the Department's decision makes it certain that the 12-year old suit has finally come to an end. Justice Department officials made it clear that they still feel the Vaught decision and decree were major de- feats for them but that they decided against an appeal because they were convinced they would get nowhere with it. "Make no mistake," one government {Continued on page 8) Rembusch Chosen Again to Head Allied Washington, Feb. 18. — Trueman T. Rembusch was reelected for a second one-year term as presi- dent of Allied States Associa- tion as Allied's t w o-d a y mid- winter board meeting closed here Friday. The board also elected the Associa- tion's eight represen- tatives on the proposed n e w executive com- mittee of the Council of Motion Picture Organiza- {Continued on page 3) Trueman Rembusch Brilant Heads New RKO Promotions Plans to increase activity in the commercial tie-up field as part of an over-all drive to step up national pub- licity coverage for RKO Pictures, were disclosed here on Friday by Don Prince, Eastern publicity director, who has assigned Arthur M. Brilant to {Continued on page 3) Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 19, 1951 Personal Mention BARNEY BALABAN, presid* Paramount Pictures, ret Tradewise . . . By SHERWIN KANE ;ident of returned here over the weekend from a two- week trip to Nassau and Florida. • William Thorman of RKO The- atres' home office art department, is the owner of "Thornville's Gorgeous Caesar" who won a red ribbon, second prize, in the bulldog puppy class at the recent Westminster Dog Show held here. • A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., is due to leave here tonight for Can- ada to visit the company's Dominion branches with Canadian general man- ager Gordon Lightstone. • Frank Farley, chairman and man- aging director of Paramount British Productions, is in St. Mary's Hospital, London, recovering from a major op- eration. • Helen Wexler of Eagle Lion Clas- sics' home office service department, was married yesterday to Joseph Brody at the Hotel Westover here. They will honeymoon in Florida. William Gernannt, vice-president in charge of sales and executive assist- ant to the president of Jerry Fair- banks Productions, is due in New York from Hollywood. • Joe E. Brown will receive a cita- tion from the 52 Association of New York for "outstanding service to the wounded" at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here on Wednesday. • Mildred Webber, formerly with the William Morris Agency, has joined Peter Witt Associates, affiliated with the Kurt Frings Agency in Holly- wood. • Jesse DiAngelis, head of the Di- Angelis Outdoor Advertising Co., is in Yonkers General Hospital following major surgery. • F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal Pictures' Southern and Canadian sales manager, is scheduled to leave here for Atlanta tomorrow. • Eugene Picker, Loew's Theatres executive, has returned here from a visit to the Coast and a vacation at Tucson, Ariz. Robert M. Lury, head of Select In- ternational Films in Japan, will leave here for Hollywood by plane on Wednesday. Bill Snyder of Rembrandt Films is now a parent of a daughter, Patricia Will a. Jack Cohn, vice-president of Col- lumbia Pictures, is vacationing at the Boca Raton Club, Fla. Raymond Burke, assistant manager of Loew's Post Road Theatre here, has resigned to enter the U. S. Navy. IF this week's efforts in the nation's theatres, the point of contact with the public, match the thorough planning and or- ganizing work of the past sev- eral months, the industry cer- tainly will establish new records of accomplishment during Broth- erhood Week, 1951. Exhibitors and exchangemen in all key cities were briefed in the ultimate detail well in advance of the opening of Brotherhood Week yesterday. A national organization stemming from industry chairman Charles M. Reagan's headquarters has covered the nation with regional committeemen and representa- tives who have carried to ex- hibitors in city and town alike sound instruction, based on ex- perience in earlier campaigns, for putting the meaning and solid values of Brotherhood Week before the public and en- listing its aid in furtherance of the ideals of the National Con- ference of Christians and Jews. ■ ■ The tools and supplies with which the work is performed have been drafted again this year and placed in the hands of the theatre workers by Max E. Youngstein and his advertising- publicity committee aides. National and regional exhibi- tor organizations are behind 1951 Brotherhood Week in num- bers and with resolution exceed- ing those of earlier years. In this period of national emergency in which the unity of Americans and the interna- tional principle of world brother- hood has become more vital than ever before, the campaign is carried to a public mind al- ready conditioned to the need for it and already receptive to pleas for help in attaining it, and be- coming a part of it. Under such circumstances, it remains only for the theatre workers throughout this week to approach their assignment con- scientiously, fulfilling their cam- paign roles scrupulously, to make it possible for the industry to exceed past Brotherhood Week records and add another proud chapter of public service to its annals. ■ B In Hollywood last week, Nate Golden, head of the National Production Authority's motion picture division, made it clear that a voluntary raw stock con- servation program by the indus- try not only is essential now but must account for substantial savings if allocations and their attendant headaches are to be avoided. There is approximately a 10 per cent increase over normal in raw stock consumption in prospect now, with the military, the heaviest priority consumer, still to make known its raw stock requirements. Moreover, tele- vision, which was not a factor in allocation of raw stock during World War II, will come in for its cut in the present scheme of things. The Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations, the Motion Picture Association of America and others already are properly concerned with the threatening- prospects of raw stock shortages and are moving swiftly and ef- fectively to apply conservation measures within the industry to stave off NPA allocations and, should they come, regardless, to fortify the industry's position for the emergency. It behooves everyone in key positions in studios, exchanges and theatres to utilize immediate- ly every means of economy, con- servation and preservation of raw stock. If the supply crisis of the World War II years can be averted thereby, such efforts will have been well rewarded. Producers and distributors who have supplied pictures for the current Phonevision experi- ment in Chicago owe it to them- selves to look into the reports that a not inconsequential per- centage of the test families who ordered films during the month of January had not remitted pay- ments therefor, almost three weeks after billing- date. Since only approximately 22 per cent of the possibilities or- dered film programs during Jan- uary, any considerable number of free-riders among them will, for all practical purposes, reduce that percentage importantly. Phonevision is a method of sell- ing film. A sale is not consum- mated if the bill is unpaid. As a matter of hard fact, no reliable appraisal of the commercial worth of Phonevision is possible if made solely on the basis of the number of film programs or- dered. That is the basis of the appraisals that Zenith Radio has been making to date. What the owners of the films need to know is how many who saw their shows paid for them. in Korea and the the flying-saucer Newsreel Parade rHE UN push clarification of "mystery" are current nezvsreel high lights. Other items include floods, sports and human interest stories. Complete contents follotv: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 15 -New cli- max in Korea. Navy explains mystery of flying-saucer. Floods ravage Northwest. East Berlin children snub Red school. "G.I." finds haven for pet lion. Skiing, dog sled race, dog show. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 24 — UN forces battle Red drive. Gen. Marshall urges U. S. army of 100,000 for Europe. President Tru- man greets cadets. Tide of toys. "G. I." loses lion pal. Dog show. Ski stars. PARAMOUNT NEWS. No. 52 — Indoor track season at peak. Photoplay magazine awards. Gen. Marshall tells plans for six U. S. divisions in Europe. Explode myth of flying- saucers. Dog show. Soldier has a lion for a pet. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 7-B— Korea: Seoul again. U. S. sends arms aid to Thai- land. Holland floods. Frank Costellc testi- fies. Admiral Nimitz heads security post. Flying- saucer "mystery." Religious revival in Japan. Marshall Mannerheim dies. Horse racing. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 43UUN forces blunt Communist push in Korea. Floods in Northwest, floods in Italy. Water shortage in Penn sylvania. Avalanche in Austria. Sports: skiing, motorcycle race in England, dog show. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. S4 — Korea: road to Seoul. Clear "mystery" of the flying-saucer. Ice jam perils Pennsyl- vania community. Starts fire to duck the draft. Photoplay awards. A "G. I." and his pet lion. Dog show, track. Philadelphia Honors For Robert Stillman Philadelphia, Feb. 18. — Producer Robert Stillman will be honored on Feb. 23 by the Philadelphia Press Club for his "faithful production" of the Royce Breir Pulitzer Award stories adapted for the screen in Stillman's "Sound of Fury," United Artists re- lease. Stillman will arrive in Philadelphia next Friday from the West Coast ac- companied by Irving Rubine, his asso- ciate, to participate in the ceremonies which will include a preview of the film and the presentation of a scroll by Sig Hagen, city editor of the Philadelphia Daily News and president of the Press Club. Skourases Return Here from Europe Spyros P. Skouras, 20th Century- Fox president, and Charles P. Skouras, National Theatres president, were due here from Europe over the weekend, following a trip to .Switzerland to complete a deal for a new theatre television system. Earl I. Sponable, 20th-Fox technical supervisor, was also scheduled to re- turn. William C. Michel, 20th-Fox executive vice-president, and Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, who also par- ticipated in the negotiations, are ex- pected this week. James Foland Dead Kansas City, Feb. 18. — James E. Foland, 67, former exchange manager and later with theatre supply and in- dependent poster companies here, died. MOTTON PICTURE DATLY Martin Qui-lc-y Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor. Published daily except Saturdays, c i j H-i 7 Iw rw'i^P,^ Inc 1'70 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address: "Quigpubco. Sundays and Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President, Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J Brady Secretary ; New York." Martin Quigley James P. Cunningham, New President; Red Kann. Vice-President; iviartm yuigiey, jr., vitc-noiumi, j- ■j-",™;. * "Tt, ""-""i "™ %%r :*~?j~~~ \i7-7i- „"t> h; „ Editor Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building. William R. Weaver, -klZTRi^;,, _i?n Wh TiSalle Street Urben Farley Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club Washington, D. C. Editor. Chicago Bureau 120 South LaSalle ^t L Jrben ^nlger- Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Henraidn letter "Vea^e and pTheatre Salef each p'ubhsheS Ti tn^es a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- ^L^S^ 23,%3tX^ oiJ^t New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; ingle copw = 10c Monday, February 19, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 JVEJVS in Brief - • Chicago, Feb. 18. — Induction pro- ceedings of men into the U. S. Sub- marine Service were held Friday evening on the Chicago Theatre stage in conjunction with the opening of "Operation Pacific." B. and K. officials and Warner Brothers co-operated all week with the Navy on a submarine recruiting drive here. The film was screened for Navy personnel and the press aboard the USS Silversides, docked in Lake Michigan. • Hollywood, Feb. 18. — Irving Bris- kin, general manager of Columbia Studio, has signed a new seven-year contract. • Hollywodd, Feb. 18. — Jack E. Bak- er, Republic vice-president in charge of production, has announced the ele- vation of associate producer Gordon Kay to secretary-treasurer and execu- tive assistant to Baker, effective as of today. Howard McDonnell, business manager, has been appointed represen- tative to the Association of Motion Picture Producers. The changes were occasioned by the resignation of vice- president Robert V. Newman to join Samuel Goldwyn Productions in an executive capacity. • Chicago, Feb. 18. — "Hollywood can make the finest productions, the dis- tributor can pre-sell them to the pub- lic, and the theatre manager can in turn sell the attractions locally, yet all of these efforts can be knocked into a hat by bad housekeeping," Alex Manta said at the annual managers' meeting of the Manta-Rose Indiana- Illinois circuit here last week. • Paramount's "September Affair" will open the new Astor Theatre in Syracuse, N. Y., on Feb. 22, accord- ing to Maurice Maurer, head of City Entertainment Corp., subsidiary of City Investing Co., which will operate the house. a Paramount home office sales execu- tives began at the weekend to examine possible means of bringing exhibitors and advance trade screenings together. The company has found that exhibitors no longer attend trade screenings, and therefore Paramount trade shows have been discontinued all across the coun- try. • Hollywood, Feb. 18. — Sherrill Cor- win will bring ten o'clock television newscasts into his Orpheum Theatre via his big-screen RCA installation regularly, Tuesday through Thursday, under an experimental arrangement worked out with KLAC-TV, begin- ning tomorrow. • Ben Washer, publicist, states he is withdrawing from all connection with "The Medium," Walter Lowendahl production. Brilant {Continued from page 1) head up the new department in the East and develop and co-ordinate all Brilant, who heretofore has been in charge of RKO Sunday newspaper features, will also direct trade paper publicity. At RKO's studio in Holly- wood, Dick Mahn will be in charge of tie-ups under the direction of Perry Lieber, studio publicity director. Review Air Cadet ( l Universal-International) THE EXACTING and thorough training process of an air force fighter pilot is thrown into dramatic focus in Universal-International's "Air Cadet." The picture is a well-made drama that develops steadily in interest until its climax. Made with the cooperation of the U. S. Air Corps, it was largely shot at Randolph Field in Texas. Audiences in general should find "Air Cadet" satisfying entertainment. The screenplay, by Robert L. Richards, uses the narrative format of hav- ing four young men arrive at the air base to start cadet training. The quartet consists of Alex Nicol, an infantry veteran with an eye to becoming a com- mercial pilot; Richard Long, brother of a World War II ace; Robert Ar- thur, a wealthy lad who wants to show he can accomplish something on his own; and James Best, a civilian with an ambition to fly jet planes. The story traces their various adventures in the service, mixing humor with drama. The real conflict arises from a clash between Long and Stephen McNally, a major a., the base. It seems that McNally has taken a natural disliking to Long and threatens to end his service. Matters worsen when Gail Russell, Mc- Nally's separated wife, takes a liking to Long. It takes a crash in which both men prove their real worth before the enmity between them is erased. As the final curtain lowers, Long receives his fighter wings and Miss Russell returns happily to the side of her husband. There is much visual power in the flight scenes which are one of the picture's assets. Joseph Pevney directed and Aaron Rosenbsrg produced. Running time, 94 minutes. General audience classification. For March release. Mandel Herbstman Cleveland Theatres Unite on Promotion Arbitration {Continued from page 1) Cleveland, Feb. 18. — To regenerate public interest in motion pictures, the Cleveland Showmen's Committee, backed by all theatres in the Greater Cleveland area, is launching a $1,000 "Movie Contest" in cooperation with the Neivs, daily afternoon newspaper. The contest will start on Monday and will close on March 3. During this period the Nczus will print a series of 12 photographs, re- productions of stills from 12 major pic- tures shown in local first-run theatres not earlier than Dec. 1, 1950. One picture each day for the 12-day period will appear on the amusement page. Contestants will identify picture titles, name the stars appearing in the photos and write a letter of not more than 150 words saying which of the con- test films they liked best, and why. During the contest period the Nczvs will publish lists of some 50 pictures exhibited here during the December- March 1950-51 period, including titles of contest pictures. All theatres will be provided with a special promotional tabloid section containing all 12 con- test photos for the convenience of contestants who may have missed some of the entries. Advises Caution on 'ControversiaFFilms Washington, Feb. 18. — Exhibitors should be careful about sponsoring or showing films of a controversial nature, Allied States Association's board cautioned. This stand grew out of a board discussion of the Ohio units' refusal to show "Why Korea ?" after Presiden- tial Adviser John Steelman requested exhibitors to show the film. The board suggested that it is best to wait until public opinion in a com- munity has been clarified before show- ing a film on a possibly controversial subject. It said that exhibitors shouldn't be too extreme in rejecting such films, but that neither should they show such pictures just because they have been asked to. lied has ever shown any inter- est in the subject." Myers is to report back to the board at its May meeting in Kansas City. If the board decides to go into the plan further, it will likely put the matter up to the October convention. Thus even if Allied should eventually approve an industry arbitration sys- tem, it would be at least the end of the year before it could start func- tioning. The question of arbitration was fully discussed by the board Friday, Myers said, and the board decided that "Allied will not as presently advised enter into any general conference on that subject." However, it authorized Myers to confer with the distributors and their counsels — "and especially with those people who have ap- proached Allied" — on two aspects of arbitration: What subjects the distrib- utors consider suitable for arbitration and the methods of arbitrating these differences. Myers refused to say whom the board had in mind by the reference to "people who have approached Allied." However, it has been established that William F. Rodgers and other Loew's officials have talked to Myers on the subject and that officials of Paramount and one or two other companies have also discussed arbitration with him. Loew's May Switch {Continued from page 1) from Loew's St. Louis office, where he was Western manager, said there is a possibility that Southern division head- quarters may be transferred to St. Louis, from Atlanta. The division formerly embraced Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans and Houston, but now that St. Louis and Kansas City have been added there may be a change in the divisional executive center. Dobb observed that theatre business is definitely on the upgrade. He be- lieves that the novelty of televsion, described as the biggest competition of box-offices, is finally wearing off. Or, he added, maybe the folks are catch- ing up with their payments and have a little extra money to spend for out- side entertainment. Cable to Extend TV On Northwest Coast Seattle, Feb. 18.— The Pa- cific Telephone and Telegraph Co. plans to build a $7,000,000 television microwave cable system between Seattle, Port- land and Eastern Washing- ton. Though primarily intend- ed for telephone service, the circuit will be used later to carry TV programs from Cal- ifornia and the East. The Seattle-Portland line is expected to be in service by next year with additional cir- cuits planned to connect Ya- kima, Walla Walla and Spo- kane by 1953. Allied Elects {Continued from page 1) tions. This followed from its ratifica- tion of the new plan on Thursday. A newly-formed committee on film rentals was authorized to present to the distributors Allied complaints about increased rental prices. New York City was selected for Allied's 1951 convention, to be held in early October under the sponsor- ship of Allied Theatres of New Jer- sey. New York won out over Balti- more, proposed by the Maryland unit. Re-elected along with Rembusch as officers for the coming year were Charles Niles, treasurer ; Abram F. Myers, general counsel ; Irving Dol- linger, secretary; Stanley D. Kane, recording secretary. Col. H. A. Cole was renamed chairman of the Cara- van Committee, with Leo Jones Niles and Rembusch the other mem- bers. The eight men chosen to represent Allied on COMPO's executive committee were Rem- busch, Cole, Benjamin Berger, Abe Berenson, Ray Branch, Jack Kirsch, Wilbur Snaper and Nathan Yamins. There were no contests for any of the elected posts, Myers said. Myers said that the film rental com- mittee would take up the increased rental question "more especially" with 20th Century-Fox than with any other film company. Discussions with Fox would be based on "general com- plaints," he said, whereas with other companies complaints would deal with the rental price of a specific picture. The committee will argue, Myers said, that falling theatre attendance should be a "common disaster" and that it is unfair for "one part of the industry to profit while another part suffers." Committee members are Yamins, Snaper and Berger. Allied's standing committee on National Screen Service was author- ized by the board to bring to National Screen's attention various complaints of Allied members, including varying prices for the same commodity on dif- ferent contracts. 47 'Cyrano' Roadshows Forty-seven new roadshow bookings for "Cyrano de Bergerac," Stanley Kramer production for United Artists release, have been set by George Schaefer, general sales manager for the Kramer company, making a total of 68 cities to date where the Jose Ferrer starrer is either running or is set for openings within the next two months. BROTHERHOOD WEEK — Feb. 18-25 Believe It! Live It! Support It! WIADe HIM ... now /'// break h itn / * HE was guilty of the one sin no woman ever forgives! Distributed by R K O RADIO RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ATTRACTION! NOW D THIS TO 1 Htlli itMlill. If Sir Sfif iili WW iiir Illil BIS OUTDOOR PIC1 flfii IT'S GOI IT'S mm, HERBERT J. YATES presents i U ROD CAMERON • ADRIAN BOOTI with WILLIAM CHING • JIM DAVIS Written by Charles Marquis Warren • Associate Producer -Director JOSEPH KANE ■ . . ■ ■ ■ LONG LIST OF JRES PRODUCED BY REPUBLIC! THAT GOT THAT rave men Beautiful women Romance, Adventure! at never-failing box office FORREST TUCKER • CHILL 'ALLY CASSELL • JAMES LYDON EPUBLIC PRODUCTION WILLS Republic Pictures Corporation— Herbert J. Yates, President 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 19, 1951 Raw Film Chemical Exports Controlled Washington, Feb. 18. — In another government action to conserve supplies of methy- lene chloride, chemical sol- vent esential in the making of motion picture safety stock, the Commerce Depart- ment has placed it on the so- called "positive" list of ex- port commodities. This means a government license will be required for shipments of more than $500 of methylene chloride to any foreign coun- try, except Canada. The Griffith Case (Continued from page 1) attorney said, "we lost in Oklahoma City. But we're not appealing for two reasons. In the first place, Vaught's findings-of-fact were so adverse to us that we don't think we could get the Supreme Court to look at the case again. It's not too hard to get an ap- peal taken on grounds of interpretation of the law, but it's awfully hard to get the Court to take a case when the findings of fact are so against you. "Secondly, a lot of the urgency for winning the case is gone in view of the changed competitive situation cre- ated in the industry generally by our success in the Paramount case. The Griffith case has just become pretty stale." Another Justice Department spokes- man agreed. "The suit wasn't success- ful," he said, "but the situation in the industry is so different because of the New York court decree that suc- cess in the Griffith case now isn't as important as it would have been in 1939, when we brought the suit." Revoke 'Miracle' License (Continued from page 1) Change-of-Venue (Continued from page 1) man, against eight major distributors and the Interstate and Texas Con- solidated circuits. The suit was filed in Delaware, and the defendants asked for a transfer to Texas on the ground that the latter was more convenient. Judge Rodney found that five of the "defendants could not be sued in Texas and therefore he lacked the power to transfer. The distributors and the two circuits appealed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which overruled Rodney, declaring the suit could be transferred providing the defendants which could not be sued in the other district agreed to allow themselves to be sued there without raising the legal question. The five defendants referred to are RKO, Paramount, Warner, 20th Century-Fox and Universal. All had indicated they would not raise the legal question if the case were trans- ferred to Texas. The Tivoli and Adelman last week appealed to the high court to reverse the Third Circuit Court ruling, and were joined by Judge Rodney. An appeal petition by Thurman Arnold, for the plaintiffs, said that all of the legal decisions on the point were con- fusing and contradictory, and that it was important that the Supreme Court clear up the confusion. The petition further said the present situation al- lowed great delays, which were unfair to plaintiffs. It pointed out that Tivoli has been attempting to get a ruling in its case for over three years, and that unless the Supreme Court acts, it will have to drag on its fight in the courts for a long time to come. ately in State Supreme Court to ob- tain a stay of enforcement of the Regents' action revoking the license. There, Supreme Court Justice Ken- neth MacAffer denied an application by Joseph Burstyn, Inc., for a stay of the Regents' order pending a review by the courts of the question whether the Regents Board has the power to revoke. A test of the authority of the Re- gents will be taken to the appellate Division of the Supreme Court as soon as it reconvenes here on March 5. In a two-page decision Justice Mac- Affer said the petitioner had failed to make a persuasive showing that denial of a stay would result in im- mediate and irreparable damages. The court said it was passing neither on the question of whether the picture is sacrilegious nor on the authority of the Regents to revoke. (In New York, the management of the Paris Theatre, where the picture has been playing, said it would "com- ply with any official order" but added "We have to comply with our con- tract, too. We have an obligation to the distributor." However, the picture was withdrawn from the trilogy.) The question of the legality of the license was put to the attention -of the Regents in several hundred pro- tests that followed an effort last December by Edward T. McCaffery Licenses Commissioner of New York City, to revoke the license of the Paris Theatre. The Regents' action was taken after the full board had seen the film last Thursday. A spokesman for the board said it was the first time the Regents had overruled a decision of its Motion Picture Division. In its decision, the board asserted "As to our power and authority to rescind the license, we unanimously adopt and approve the report of our committee (which made a preliminary finding last month that "The Miracle" is sacrilegious). We recognize that when the Legislature in 1927 placed the Motion Picture Division in the Department of Education, it placed upon us, as the constitutional head of that Department, the responsibility for its proper enforcement. The Regents neither sought nor welcomed such power of censorship. However, in this case, we have a clear and compelling duty under the law to carry out our constitutional authority." Discussing "the priceless heritage of UA Control (Cont'unied from page 1) religious freedom in this country." the Regents said : "The law recognizes that men and women of all faiths re- spect the religious beliefs held by others. The mockery or profaning of these beliefs that are sacred to any portion of our citizenship is abhorrent to the laws of this great State. To millions of our people the Bible has been held sacred and by them taught, read, studied and held in reverence and respect. Generation after genera- tion have been influenced by its teach- ings. This picture ('The Miracle') takes the concepts so sacred to them set forth in both the Protestant and Catholic versions of the Bible (St. Matthew, King James and Douay Versions, Chapter I, Verses 18-25) and associates it with drunkenness, seduction, mockery and lewdness. Considered Reports "All members of the Board of Re- gents present at this meeting and con- sisting of a majority of the entire Board," the statement continued, "hav- ing considered the report of the com- mittee on 'The Miracle' and the affi davits, briefs and other documents filed therewith, and all of such mem bers of the Board of Regents having viewed such motion picture, now after full discussion and deliberation, unani- mously find and report that said pic- ture, 'The Miracle', is sacrilegious and not entitled to be licensed under the provisions of Section 122 of the Edu- cation Law, and, therefore, it becomes the duty of this board to rescind and cancel the licenses of this picture here- tofore issued by the Motion Picture Division of the Department of Edu- cation. "Under the laws of our State, no picture (other than some specifically exempted by statute) may be shown unless it first has been licensed and the law expressly forbids the licens- ing of any picture that is, in whole or in part, sacrilegious. After viewing this picture we have no doubt that it falls in the category condemned by law." The National Legion of Decency some time ago condemned "The Mira- cle." Cardinal Spellman urged all Catholics to boycott it. The board's action bans the exhibi- tion of the picture throughout New; York State. Ten members of the 13- member board voted for the ban. Two members were not present and there is one vacancy. Wright said that Mary Pick- ford and Chaplin had "ex- pressed complete satisfaction that the legal formalities had been concluded." A new UA board will be elected at a special stockholders meeting in the near future. Miss Pickford and Chaplin, the UA statement continued, "have always felt that an outstanding independent re- leasing organization was essential to the health of the industry. They have full confidence that under the new- management, the great tradition of United Artists will be restored and maintained." Krim is expected to become the new president of UA. Working Capital Walter E. Heller & Co., Chicago, is providing in excess of $3,000,000 for working capital and funds for new production under the Krim-Benjamin- Fox take-over. Milton Gordon, vice- president of the Heller Co., conducted the negotiations on its behalf and will act as financial adviser to the new management. Krim met with Gradwell L. Sears, UA distribution head, on Friday but the results of the conference were not disclosed. It was reported^ however, that a settlement of Sears' contract was discussed. The contract expires the end of this year but carries pro- vision for pension payments for 10 years thereafter. Voting trustees for the company will be designated within a day or two. Krim, Benjamin and Fox will desig- nate three, Miss Pickford and Chaplin one each. Kravetz Option (Continued from page 1) Heineman-ELC (Continued from page 1) cover the period until William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president, re- turns from the Coast, where he _ is now engaged in negotiations with in- dependent producers. Should Heine- man decide to leave ELC, Bernard Kranze, assistant sales manager, is regarded as a likely successor for the post. Mass. Senate Kills Censorship Measure Boston, Feb. 18.— The Massachu- setts State Senate by voice vote has killed Senate Bill No. 473 "an act establishing a board of censors for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to examine and approve television, radio, motion picture and state shows." Alter 'Outlaw' Title, Court Advises ELC Federal Judge Vincent L. Leibell on Friday took a turn at framing motion picture titles, at a hearing of argu- ments in RKO Pictures' action against Eagle Lion Classics' picture titled "My Brother, the Outlaw," a Benedict Bogeaus production. "Why can't you find some such title as 'Brother Outlaw' or 'Outlaw Brother?'" the jurist asked defense counsel, indicating at the same time that the court viewed ELC's title as competing unfairly with RKO's title, "The Outlaw," the Howard Hughes- RKO release. When defense counsel said RKO might object to the use of the word "Outlaw" in a new title, the jurist said he would then have to ren- der a decision, probably this week. It is not the word, but its placement in the title that was questioned. option is separable from those which were held by Paul V. McNutt and Frank McNamee. Asked how many shares were cov- ered by his option, Kravetz replied "Eight thousand." A total of 20,000 UA shares have been issued, and the initial option taken by the Krim-Benjamin-Fox group has been reported to be for 10,000 shares. Asked what he intended to do about his option in light of the Krim-Ben- jamin-Fox take-over, Kravetz sug- gested the question be put to his at- torney, Sol Rosenblatt. (Rosenblatt could not be reached for comment on Friday, but when inquiry along this line was made of him earlier, he re- fused to comment.) Kravetz said he obj ected to what he termed an attempt by Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin, UA owners, to deprive him of the option before its expiration. Chaplin Seeks New 'Star' for 'Limelight' Hollywood, Feb. 18. — Charles Chaplin has announced that he is seeking a "girl between the ages of 20 and 24, who has had stage experi- ence both in dramatic art and ballet" to be featured in his forthcoming pro- duction, "Limelight." The announcement, the first official confirmation of reports that he is plan- ning to produce a picture, further states that neither stage nor ballet ex- perience is necessary "if the applicant shows promise of great talent." MOTION PICTURE NEWS A ¥ ¥ MAIL M I/AIL JL I™ NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1951 Gov't Sees No Immediate Anti-trust Problems in the Film Industry Washington, Feb. 19. — Unless there is some snag in consent decree talks now under way with 20th Century-Fox and Loew's, the Justice Department sees no major anti-trust problem in the motion picture industry in the near future, a top Department official declared here today. While he would not say so flatly, all indications were the De- partment has no investigations under way which might lead to any new film anti-trust cases. The D. of J. official said the Department was receiving "a good number of complaints from exhibitors about competitive bidding, but was managing to get most of these settled amicably." He declared the Department's procedure was to get all of the facts and then refer the complaint to the film distributor involved for adjustment. "It's a long educational process," this official declared, "but I think we're having some success." Golden Says Exhibitors to Be Consulted on Raw Stock VOL. 69. NO. 35 Circuit Heads Weigh Impact Of Swiss TV New Theatre System May Affect Mass Orders Plan Several of the leading circuit ex- ecutives who have joined forces in an attempt to bring down the price of theatre television equipment through the placing of mass orders, met here yesterday to weigh the im- pact on their plans of the Swiss Eido- phore system of theatre TV in whose development and exploitation 20th Century-Fox will share. Charles Skouras, president of Na- tional Theatres, 20th-Fox subsidiary, explained to the meeting the nature of the Swiss system. He and Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox president ; Wil- liam C. Michel, executive vice-presi- dent; Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, and Earl I. Sponable, technical super- visor, were present at the final nego- (Continued on page 6) Schine Divestiture Behind Schedule Buffalo, Feb. 19.— The Schine cir- cuit is having difficulty disposing of the minimum number of theatres re- quired by its consent decree for the second year of its three-year divesti- ture program. The decree directed Schine to divest itself of 39 theatres, one-third of them annually for three years. In the first year, ended last June, Schine dis- posed of 15 theatres, more than meet- ing its quota. Thus far in the second year, however, it has not been suc- cessful in disposing of any. If it has {Continued on page 8) Cleveland Exhibitors Standardize Ads Cleveland, Feb. 19.— Members of the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibi- tors Association, operating indepen- dent subsequent-run houses have adopted a standard newspaper theatre directory for the triple purpose of re- ducing advertising costs, making a better looking "directory," and making- it easier for the public to locate in the (Continued on page 8) B'way Grosses Hold Steady Pace; Lift Due from Holiday Broadway's first-run theatres are looking forward to a pleasant boost at the box-office on Washington's Birth- day, on Thursday, a holiday that should add to grosses that are holding up nicely despite an all-day rain last Saturday. Clear skies on Sunday brought good crowds and good busi- ness to the Times Square area. Radio City Music Hall reports an excellent opening week for "Payment on Demand," with $128,000 estimated (Continued on page 10) Film Industry Silent At Tax Hearings Washington, Feb. 19. — The dead- line set by the House Ways and Means Committee for requests to tes- tify on excise taxes is past, and no mo- tion picture group has asked to be heard, as Secretary of the Treasury Snyder did not propose any increase in the excise taxes directly affecting the film industry. James Reilly, of the League of New York Theatres, has been scheduled to (Continued on page 10) Washington, Feb. 19. — Nathan D. Golden, head of the National Produc- tion Authority's film section, said here today that exhibitors will be consulted before NPA takes any action on the raw stock situation that might affect them. One of the complaints voiced by the board of directors of Allied States Association at its meeting here last week was that so far all NPA con- ferences on raw stock have involved only distributors, producers and film manufacturers, with no exhibitor par- ticipation. "There have been no exhibitors at any of the conferences so far because there's been no need for them," Golden said. "We haven't done anything af- fecting them. If we should plan any- thing that affects them, they'll be (Continued on page 10) Allied Arbitration Move Hailed by TO A The Allied States Association board's authorization of Abram F. Myers to enter into discussions with distributors on a possible industry arbitration system was greeted yester- day by Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of America executive director, as a "healthy sign" and a "statesmanlike gesture." TO A and the distributors last fall held a meeting here at which it was agreed that such effort be made. TEN CENTS Sears Out as UA General Sales Manager Remains with Company; Name Trustees Today At his own request Gradwell L. Sears will step out as United Artists general sales manager, and at least until the end of this year when his contract will expire, will remain with the company "in an executive capacity." Arthur B. Krim, who yester- day took quarters on UA's home office executive floor, communi- cated the change in Sears' status in telegrams sent to all branch managers, district managers and division managers in the U. S. and Canada. "For reasons of health and because he had always expected to retire at the end of 1951," Krim's telegrams explained, "Grad Sears has asked that (Continued on page 10) Robert S. Benjamin, mem- ber of the Arthur Krim- Matthew Fox group which has acquired management control of United Art- ists, will have no offici- al position with U. A. , whether as an officer, director or voting trus- tee, it was learned here last night. His services to the company will be advisory only. • Acceptability of ELC's "Oliver Twist", as re- vised, for a PCA seal will be voted on tomorrow at a meeting of the MPAA board. Action had been postponed pending the attendance of Spyros P. Skouras and Barney Balaban, who were out of town. SEE PAGE For a new idea in advertising from Eagle Lion 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Industry Leaders At Gamble Tribute Ted Gamble, •president of Monarch Theatres, will be honored today at a luncheon in New York's Waldorf- As- toria Hotel for his services as last year's national chairman of the amuse- ments division of the National Con- ference of Christians and Jews. The luncheon will be given by the executive committee of the Amuse- ments division. NCCJ president Dr. Everett R. Clinchy will make the formal presentation of a plaque. J. Robert Rubin, general chairman of the amusements division will pre- side, while Charles M. Reagan, Gam- ble's successor, in this year's NCCJ "Brotherhood" drive, and Max _E. Youngstein, chairman of advertising and publicity, for the drive, will de- liver brief addresses. Among those invited to attend the luncheon are : Barney Balaban, Nate J. Blumberg, Harry Brandt, Max A. Cohen, Jack Cohn, Ned E. Depinet, Si Fabian, Emil Friedlander, Leonard E. Goldenson, Will H. Hays, Harry M. Kalmine, Gen. John Reed Kil- patrick, Louis Nizer, Herman Rob- bins, Nicholas M. Schenck, Fred J. Schwartz, George Skouras, Spyros P. Skouras, Nate J. Spingold, Richard E. Walsh, Albert Warner, Herbert J. Yates, Irving Berlin, Leo Brecher, Samuel Rinzler, Emanuel Frisch, Rus- sell Downing and Edward Lachman. $12,000 for Kaye Film Gets Two More Dates Samuel Goldwyn's reissue of "Up in Arms," his first Danny Kaye film, will gross an estimated $12,000 for its first week's run, in the first engagement of its national re-release through RKO, at the Variety and Embassy theatres in Miami, according- to Mrs. Lillian Claughton, owner of both theatres. "Up in Arms" will open on March 24 at the Phiel Theatre, St. Peters- burg, Fla., with Goldwyn's Bette Davis film "The Little Foxes." The/ first Canadian engagement of the 'Up in Arms" reissue will be on March 23 at Famous Players' Victoria and Egerton theatres on the same bill with "They Got Me Covered," Goldwyn reissue starring Bob Hope. Delcambre Joins NSS in the South Dallas, Feb. 19. — Alfred Delcam- bre has joined National Screen Ser- vice as special sales representative, it was reported here by Paul Short, Na- tional Screen's divisional manager. Delcambre, former Southern football star, was a Hollywood actor and a sales representative for United Artists and Paramount, later joining David O. Selznick where he established the Southwestern district for SRO. Personal Mention Gourfain Discloses Plans Harry A. Gourfain has returned to New York from the Coast and plans three pictures, a number of TV films, and two musicals. These plans, it was announced, are predicated upon the es- tablishment of a revolving fund of $500,000. Yy ILLIAM : MICHEL, 20th Century-Fox .executive vice- president, and Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, are due to arrive here from Europe Thursday on the Queen Mary. • Al Sherman, general manager of the Georgetown Theatre, Washington, D. C, and public relations consultant, spoke before the speech and drama class of George Washington Univer- sity on "The Problems of Art Cinema Management." • Bruno Weingarten, general man- ager of the Norwich-New London Drive-in, at Montville, Conn., has re- turned to Connecticut from a Miami Beach vacation. • Frank Morin, manager of the Warner Regal Theatre, Hartford, is observing his 22nd year with the War- ner Circuit. • Morris Rosenthal, manager of Loew's Poli Theatre, New Haven, has entered New Haven Hospital for surgery. • Nat Wolf, Warner Ohio zone man- ager, and Mrs. Wolf, have left Cleve- land for Texas to visit their son at Fort Hood. • Roy Rowland, producer, has re- turned to the Coast from New York. NOAH DIETRICH, RKO Pic- tures board chairman, who has been confined to his hotel here with influenza, plans to return to the Coast today. • Edward Codel, television director for the Katz Agency, is scheduled to speak before the luncheon meeting of the National Television Film Council tomorrow at the Warwick Hotel here. • Paula Seligman, formerly with Paramount's story department, has another article appearing in the cur- rent issue of the Writers' Journal. • Arthur Wall, manager of the Grand Theatre, Frankfort, Ky., has returned to his desk following a Flor- ida vacation. • Horace Greeley McNab, theatre press agent and talent representative, has joined Earl Peed Associates of New York. • Card Walker, of Walt Disney's studio advertising- department, an- nounces the birth of a daughter. • Steve Keller, office manager of Walt Disney's New York offices, an- nounces the birth of a daughter. • Arthur Davis, publicist and for- eign film distributor, will be married to Helene Brocato here on March 3. W. Va. Proposes New Local Ticket Tax Charleston, W. Va., Feb. 19.— Maximum municipal amusement taxes in West Virginia would be set at three instead of four per cent under a bill proposed by the State Senate Finance Committee to aid municipalities in meeting revenue problems. The Senate committee rejected four proposals to permit municipally-im- posed taxes on amusements, among other things, and decided instead _to give to all cities the powers now in- cluded in general law for those mu- nicipalities operating under home-rule charters. Such charters include maxi- mum amusement taxes of three per cent. Bill Would Bar Fee For Game Telecasts Detroit, Feb. 19. — University of Michigan's practice of allowing tele- vision pictures of its football games to be shown only in theatres where ad- mission is charged is under fire in the Senate where a bill was introduced prohibiting any state-supported insti- tution from televising events unless the pictures are made available to the pub- lic without charge. The televised pictures were shown in the 4,000-seat Michigan theatre in Detroit last fall. Lutheran Unit Chartered Albany, N. Y., Feb. 19.— Lutheran Church Productions, Inc. has regis- tered for a certificate to conduct a motion picture business in New York, for the production and distribution of films for public and private showing. Phone vision Gets New Product Supply Chicago, Feb. 19. — New film-fare for the Phonevision tests this week includes : "Big Town After Dark," Paramount, a 1947 release; "Texas," Columbia, 1941 ; "Lost Horizon," Columbia, 1937; "Caravan," Eagle- Lion, 1946; "The Westerner, "Gold- wvn, 1940 ; "Embraceable You," War- ne'r, 1948. The Sunday Phonevision matinee has been moved back from two to three P.M. Film Stars to Open Red Cross Drive Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor will arrive in Wash- ington late this week from Hollywood to open the national Red Cross drive on Feb. 25, on a special broadcast of M-G-M's "Father of the Bride" on the Theatre Guild of the Air program, over NBC. The program, sponsored by U. S. Steel, will be without commercials and is being donated to the drive by stars, sponsor and network. The trio will travel by air, accompanied by Les Peterson, head of M-G-M's radio ac- tivities at the studio. Iowa Measure Would License Drive-ins Des Moines, Feb. 19. — A bill to license drive-in theatres for a fee of $25 a year, and to require that the screen of a drive-in theatre be at least 200 feet from a highway and not vis- ible from the highway, has been intro- duced by Rep. Brown, and others. 'Hoffman' Has Bijou Date— Or Does It? Lopert Film Distributing Corp. an- nounced yesterday that "Tales of Hoffman," the Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger production which it is distributing here, has been given a "locked date" to open April 4 at the Bijou Theatre here. Stanley Kramer Productions, whose "Cyrano de Bergerac" is the current Bijou tenant, immediately disputed that announcement. It was stated that George J. Schaefer, sales head for Kramer, conferred yesterday with Robert Dowling, head of City Invest- ing Co., owner of the Bijou, and had insisted that "Cyrano's" exhibition contract with the Bijou be observed to the letter. The contract, it was stated, specifies that no decision will be made as to the termination of the picture's run at the Bijou until after the 18th week, which will be about one month from now. At that time, it was claimed, the contract calls for a review of "Cy- rano's" grossing strength, with the decision to hold it longer to be made solely on that basis. A benefit American premiere of "Tales of Hoffman" is scheduled to be held at the Metropolitan Opera House here, under American Red Cross sponsorship, on April 1. Aided 'Rival' Okla. Director, Cole Says Dallas, Feb. 19. — An exhibitor listed as a director of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, a Theatre Own- ers of America affiliate, came to Al- lied Theatre Owners of Texas for help in handling a complaint against a dis- tribution company, H. A. Cole, presi- dent of Texas Allied, asserts in an "open letter" to Morris Loewenstein, president of the Oklahoma unit. Cole's organization recently under- took an organizing effort in Oklahoma which prompted an "open letter" from Loewenstein. Cole's letter does not identify the Oklahoma TO "director," npr does it give any details concerning the complaint, which it says was han- dled through New York with imme- diate relief forthcoming. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN in "Payment on Demand' Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION DICK POWELL RHONDA FLEMING i Cry \$mmm Danger MSS CASE FJSHER Five 1 S/STERS ' Midnight Feol Nightly MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye Cons ulting ■ '^^f^'^J^^1.^^ Sundays and ^holidays, by Quigiey Publishing Company, 5^^^^^^ New York." Martin- Quigley James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Managed; Gusfi. Fausel, Production Manager Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vme Riding WilHam R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South' LaSalle Street,_ Urben Farley, Advertising Rejre^ntattve. FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A.^Otte^ Nat -ona^Pre^ ^^f*^ *^ London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl ; Hope Burnup,. Manager; Peter Burnup, ..Editor; cable address, Quigpubco, London Tame Entered as second Herald; Better Vheatres and Theatre Sales, ekch published 13 times a year 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. Subscription rates per year in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copu.3, 10c. Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 National Pre-Selling A HUGE tieup with Matson Navi gation Co. will promote 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" in more than 100 cities from Coast to Coast. The steamship company, which sends luxury liners to Hawaii, where the picture was filmed, will offer display and poster material to its offices and travel agencies in all parts of the country. Over 1,000 agents have been informed of the tieup and have re- ceived promotional material with in- structions to work closely with thea- tres on cooperative campaigns in local situations. • An unusual promotion kit, con- taining 716 pieces of material in 18 sections, has been tailored for the special use of roadshow engage- ments of Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Bergerac" and issued to advance agents and field men for the exploi- tation of the Jose Ferrer starring vehicle. The kits, with emphasis on focusing interest of educational and cultural groups, include film strips, feature stories, radio spots, TV trailers, publicity and advertis- ing mats, posters and special ma- terial. • American Airlines has completed the distribution of the first 1,000,000 full- color postcards plugging the M-G-M comedy, "Three Guys Named Mike," and has also distributed a sindlar num- ber of booklets on the same subject. The Airlines campaign includes full- page, full-color ads in leading national magazines, display ads in more than 200 neimspapers, and 1,000 window dis- plays for airline and travel bureau tie- ups, all timed for local playdaies. • Unprecedented support from the Florists Telegraph Delivery Associa- tion will give 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" free advertising in 225 key-city and small town news- papers from Coast to Coast. Large scale ads built around Debra Paget, who stars in the picture, will reach an estimated readership of 62,000,000 throughout the country, in addition to magazine ads in April issues of Look, Redbook, McCall's and Parade. At the local level, the FTDA's 8,500 re- tail florist will cooperate. • McCall's magazine announces an increase in its advertising rates, based on the fact that it is deliver- ing a circulation of over 4,000,000 copies. A special rate is now quoted for McCall's and Better Living in combination. This is a "package" amounting to 5,400,000, said to be the largest guaranteed circulation available to women and home- makers. • Seventeen magazine is the highest ranking monthly in amusement lineage, according to the Lloyd Hall Editorial Analysis Bureau's 1950 report. With 43,295 lines of articles, features and stories of screm, theatre, radio and television, Seventeen zvas 3,000 lines ahead of its nearest competitor, and 83,400 lines over any publication in the women's service category, it was said. In addition to its motion picture re- views, Seventeen gives a "Picture of the Month" Award and regularly car- ries feature stories, interviews and pic- ture layouts on movies, stage and en- tertainment media. Something New Is Added EAGLE Lion Classics and Motion Picture Daily break new ground today with the publication of a stream- lined pressbook, fully contained in this edition, for the first time in trade paper history. The pressbook is on "Volcano," is in eight pages, and incorporates all of the essentials required by the exhibitor to plan his campaign. But what this innovation does, and what other pressbooks have not done, is this: It gives the exhibitor unprecedented opportunity to study and to weigh in advance of playdate — and, in fact, in ad- vance of his film buy — the selling tools which the dis- tributor has evolved. Available to him are newspaper ads which set the thematic approach for appeal to the public, boiled-down stories for newspapers, and other channels of publicity, exploitation tie-ups and accessories. In short, all of the established pre-requisites of the oldline press- book with this one pivotal difference: A concentration on the essential values presented concisely and definitively without the need to wade through limitless pages of material expanded beyond its worth or its practical ap- plication. For some time now, many exhibitors have found many pressbooks, unwieldy, cumbersome and ineffective. The fresh approach conceived by Eagle Lion Classics is direct, concise, hard-hitting — and realistically designed to meet the customer's needs. KANN Columbia kicks off its national pre- selling campaign on "Valentino" with a full-page ad in the Feb. 27th issue of Look magazine. From then until a full-color page runs in the Easter Sun- day issue of American Weekly, there will be national advertising in Life, Modern Romance, True Confession, True Story, Screenland, Silver Screen, Seventeen, Movie Life, Movie Stars Parade, Modern Screen, Screen Stories, Movieland, Screen Guide, Mo- tion Picture and Movie Story. The film, which had its world premiere in San Francisco on Feb. 15, is scheduled for April release. • A national tieup in behalf of "The Mating Season," set for March re- lease, has been completed by Para- mount Pictures with the Groshire Clothing Co., manufacturers of men's clothing. The promotion will include half-page ads in Esquire, Holiday, Time, and the New York Times Sunday Magazine. Stores throughout the country will be sup- plied with blow-ups of the ads, which feature John Lund and Thelma Ritter. Groshire is also planning giveaway suits in special promotions at the point-of-sale. • Look Magazine's annual motion pic- ture awards will be presented on Bob Hope's radio show on Tuesday eve- ning, Feb. 27. The Paramount come- dian, currently co-starring with Hedy Lantarr in "My Favorite Spy," will "emcee" the affair. This will be the Wth consecutive year that avuards have been presented on Bob's radio program. • An unprecedented "merchandis- ing tie-in" TV campaign making use of more than 20 fashions created for 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" is netting a large number of free "plugs" for the Technicolor film. Fashion models are heralding both "Bird of Paradise" and the creations inspired by the film over scores of TV programs reaching an "interested" female audience of millions throughout the country. United Artists' new picture, "Queen for a Day," is featured in a page-and- a-half picture story, "Twin Babies — One Movie Role," which appears in March McCall's — on the newsstands Feb. 23. In a series of nine pictures the McCall's article tells of the safeguards used to protect the health of babies and highlights the precautions which are taken. These include: maintenance of nursery for infant performers by the producer, physical examhiations, work permits, etc. The article points out that babies can work only two hours a day — only 30 seconds before the camera at any one time. Heavy fan magazine advertising will herald the release of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" as an Easter attraction in approximately 500 theatres. More than 30,000,000 film fans from Coast to Coast will read advertising copy in the March issues of Modern Screen, Screen Stories, Motion Picture, Movie Story, Movieland, Screen Guide, Movie Life, Movie Stars Parade, Photoplay, Screenland and Silver Screen. Four - color, double - page spreads have been especially de- signed to appeal to readers of the screen publications. In addition, four-color pages will appear in the mass-circulated Sunday newspaper supplements, This Week and Pic- torial Review. Paramount has completed arrange- ments with the Marlboro Shirt Co. for a national tieup plugging Bob Hope's new comedy, "The Lemon Drop Kid" which is set for release in April. Co- incident with the release, Marlboro will introduce a Bob Hope sport shirt, backed by a strong promotional cam- paign. This will include color posters, stills from the picture and special newspaper mats. The promotion will be kicked off with national advertising in large-circulation magazines. ■ — Walter Brooks Senate Bill Seeks Expansion of Overseas Program Washington, Feb. 19. — Senators Benton (D., Conn.) and Wiley (R., Wise.) today introduced a resolution calling for an investigation by a Sen- ate Foreign Relations sub-committee of ways of expanding and making- more effective the State Department's overseas information program, which embraces motion pictures and other media. Benton, in a long Senate speech, said that even the recent expansion in this program fell far short of what was needed. He suggested that it was a mistake to keep the "Voice of America" program in the State De- partment and that the government's propaganda activities aimed at over- seas audiences should be carried on by an independent government agency or by a government corporation. Such an agency, Benton said, would be more attractive to top people from the radio, motion picture and other re- lated industries, and they would be more likely to come in and work for the government. Lipton Due Here on Product Promotions David A. Lipton, Universal Pictures vice-president in charge of advertising- publicity, will arrive in New York from California tonight for confer- ences with home office executives. While in New York, Lipton will set promotion campaigns on "Air Cadet," Bill Mauldin's "Up Front," "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm," "Francis Goes to the Races" and "The Prince Who Was a Thief." Flaherty to Direct Cinerama Picture Robert Flaherty, veteran director, has been signed by Thomas-Todd Productions to direct the first full- length feature to utilize the new Cine- rama process. The film, as yet un- titled, is scheduled for September re- lease. Michael Todd, stage producer, and Lowell Thomas, author and radio commentator, recently formed the pro- ducing unit which will pioneer with commercial Cinerama films. Study TESMA Slate For Officers, Board Hollywood, Feb. 19. — Nominations for officers and a board of directors of the Theatre Equipment and Supply Manufacturers Association are being considered by the nominating commit- tee, Roy Boomer, secretary, reports. The election will be held by mail ballot. Members of the nominating commit- tee are : V. J. Nolan of National Car- bon, chairman; L. E. Jones, Neumade Products ; Thomas E. LaVezzi, La- Vezzi Machine Works ; J. F. O'Brien, RCA ; E. J. Vallen, Vallen, Inc., and E. Wagner of Wagner Sign Service New Variety Hospital Minneapolis, Feb. 19.— The Heart Hospital Committee of the local Vari- etyTent has announced that the dedi- cation of the heart hospital, located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, will take place on March 20. « Prom/ Chasing a crook... catching a dame (or vice-versa) He's the Best! REGIS T00W1EY • JEAN PORTER Produced by SAM WIESENTHAL and W. R. FRANK Directed by ROBERT PARRISH Screenplay it WILLIAM BOWERS • From a Story by JEROME CAD* Distributed by R K O RADIO PICTURES V BROTHERHOOD WEEK -Feb. 18-25 Believe It! Live It! Support It! 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Swiss TV ( Continued from page 1) Reviews tiations in Zurich recently which marked 20th-Fox's identification with the system. The consensus of those who heard Charles Skouras yester- day appeared to be that it would take two or three weeks of contemplation and review of possibilities before any one of those present could venture to speculate on the extent to which the new development might influence the circuit ex- ecutives' mass orders plan. Calculations have pointed to the likelihood that 200 orders from ex- hibitors at one time would result in a reduction in the price of theatre TV units from $25,000 apiece to around $15,000. Pledges are said to have been made thus far for approximately 100 units, 71 of which would go to Fox West Coast Theatres, a National The- atres subsidiary. It was pointed out following the meeting yesterday that the Swiss In- stitute of Technology will need from 18 months to two years for further development work on the new system before production could be put into "full swing." . With Federal Communications Com- mission hearings on theatre TV fre- quencies to start shortly, some of those connected with the mass orders plan now are wondering if circum- stances will be such as to make ad- visable a waiting period of 18 months to two years. , ( Among those present at yesterday s meeting, which was held at United Paramount Theatres home office, were George Skouras, Ted R. Gamble, Frank C. Walker, Joseph Vogel, Fred J. Schwartz, Leonard H. Gold- enson, Gael Sullivan, Robert O'Brien, Paul Raibourn, Nathan L. Halpern and Luther Gamble. Nat'l Theatres Postpones Meeting; Discussion Will Swing Around TV Los Angeles, Feb. 19.— Every divi- sion and department of National Thea- tres will be represented here at the opening of a three-day meeting of the circuit, the agenda of which is "dedicated to an analysis and round- table discussion of methods to stimu- late business at the box-office." The sessions, to be held at the company's home office, will highlight the annual district managers and division presi- dents conference. The four-day meet will get under way next Monday. Charles P. Skouras, president of National Theatres, and of its related Fox West Coast Theatres, will pre- side at the main confabs. He is ex- pected to discuss the new Swiss direct- projection television development, known as the Ediphone, in which 20th Century-Fox has obtained an interest, and which was recently inspected by Skouras and 20th-Fox executives on a trip to Zurich, from New York._ Division executives of National Theatres on the roster of delegates at- tending the meetings will include Rick Ricketson, Denver ; Elmer Rhoden, Kansas City; Frank Newman, Sr., Portland; Harold Fitzgerald, Mil- waukee ; David Idzal, Detroit ; Harold Seidenberg, Philadelphia. Executives from here will include H. C. Cox, NT treasurer; George Bowser, FWC general manager, and Dick Dickson, Southern California, FWC division manager ; Spencer Leve, San Francisco. "Lightning Strikes Twice" ( Warner- Broth ers ) A MYSTERY-DRAMA with psychological trimmings, "Lightning Strikes Twice" offers many a puzzling moment for armchair sleuths. The story is styled along conventional lines and unfolds against shadowy backgrounds and moody atmosphere. Richard Todd heads the cast as a young man who retreats into surly silence after being acquitted of the murder of his wife. Others in the cast include Ruth Roman, Mercedes McCambridge and Zachary Scott. The screenplay by Lenore Coffee builds up in suspense but there are many incredulities that rob it of potential impact. Miss Roman plays an attractive young actress bound for a vacation on a Texas ranch. The story takes her through a series of coincidents that get her involved in the aftermath of the murder. Riding in a borrowed car in a raging storm, she takes refuge in a nearby house where Todd happens to have sequestered himself. Miss Roman finds herself strangely attracted to him. The next morning she heads for the ranch where more melodramatic events seem to have taken place. Save for Miss McCambridge and her brother, the ranch is deserted. There is considerable chatter back and forth over the guilt or innocence of Todd. In time Miss Roman decides to marry Todd but then becomes the victim of her own fears and flees from him in terror. Determined to find out for herself whether he really killed his wife, Miss Roman does some probing which finally brings clarity. It comes to light that Miss McCam- bridge, who was in love with Todd, actually killed Todd's wife when she discovered her with another man. Meanwhile, Todd, thinking that his foster father committed the murder, tried to cover up by allowing the suspicion to fall upon himself. The acting is as competent as the cumbersome script allows. King Vidor directed and Henry Blanke produced. Running time, 91 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, Feb. 20. Mandel Herbstman Navy Bound (Monogram) Hollywood, Feb. 19 TUCKED neatly into this smooth little tale about a sailor boxer is more story, interest and impact than anybody might expect in its 60-minute dimension. Although light insofar as marquee names are concerned — Tom Neal's and Regis Toomey's being the best known — the production is likely to give its audiences more down-to-earth satisfaction than many longer and so-caffed. bigger attractions. Producer William F. Broidy, director Paul Landres and screenplay wright Sam Roeca have done a right spanking job with Talbert Joselyn's Collier Magazine story of the same title, this last circumstance of derivation furnishing an advertising angle that should not be overlooked by the practical showman. The story opens with Neal, a sailor boxing for the fleet championship, which he wins, just before being mustered out, the latter against the wishes of his pals and commander. Going home, he finds his father, a fishing-boat operator, in financial straits, and his foster-brother endangering the parental "fortunes" by estranging fishing crews and shore associates. Numerous complications arising from this state of affairs, and from the indecision of Wendy Waldron as to which of the boys she wishes to marry, lead to a situation in which Neal unwillingly agrees to fight a professional boxer on a winner-take-all basis. He is losing the fight until his sailor pals arrive at the ringside, after which he wins the purse, puts the parental house in order, and rejoins the Navy. (It sounds corny, but it isn't handled that way) John Abbott, Murray Alper, Paul Bryar, and especially Ric Roman, give sturdy support. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, March 4. Fury of the Congo (Columbia) SAM KATZMAN'S latest production in the series based on the comic strip figures, Jungle Jim, and starring Johnny Weissmuller, is tailored for the juvenile trade. Direction by William Berke keeps the action moving along familiar lines, with Carroll Young's story revolving around the activities of a narcotics ring seeking a source of supply in the jungle. Weissmuller rescues a pilot following a crash landing. William Henry the pilot, passes himself off as a police inspector assigned to find Joel Fried- kin, a biochemistry professor, who has disappeared. Henry is actually the leader of the narcotics ring that has captured the professor and is forcing him to make a drug from a gland excretion of the Okongo, an animal sacred to a tribe that has been enslaved by the gang. Weissmuller, after a series of narrow escapes from both the gang and a fantastically large desert spider manages to capture the gang. Others in the cast are Sherry Moreland, Lyle Talbot, George Eldredge, Rusty Wescoatt, Paul Marion and Blanca Vischer Running time, 69 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. 'Cyrano' in Portland First Northwest opening of Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Bergerac" has been set for Portland, Ore., where the Jose Ferrer starrer for United Artists release will begin a roadshow run on Thursday. Sam Nathanson, Kramer advance man, is in Portland handling the advance campaign for the opening. '14 Hours' Opens March 5 "Fourteen Hours," 20th Century- Fox production starring Paul Douglas Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Ged- des and Debra Paget, will have an invitational world premiere on Mon day evening, March 5, at New York's Astor Theatre. It follows the run of U-I's "Harvey." Music Fees Apply To Stage Shows Ottawa, Feb. 19.— The Can- adian Copyright Appeal Board has approved a demand from the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of Canada for permission to col- lect music fees from motion picture theatres which pre- sent stage shows unaccom- panied by motion pictures. Theatre companies objected to the proposed fee at public hearings held here. At the same time, the Copy- right Board refused to fix a music fee for television sta- tions in Canada until they start actual operations. Name Goldenson to Head JDA Unit Leonard H. Goldenson, president of United Paramount Theatres, was named chairman of the motion picture exhibitors committee of the amuse- ments division of the Joint Defense Appeal, Herman Robbins, division chairman, announced here yesterday. Goldenson will mobilize support among all theatre executives for the JDA drive, which is seeking half of its national goal of $6,000,000 in the Mertopolitan New York area, making it the largest campaign of its kind ever held in this city. Meanwhile, Robbins has appointed four more industry executives to key posts in the division. They are Saul Trauner, branch manager of Colum- bia Pictures, who will head the ex- change committee ; Edward Seider, Prudential Film Delivery executive, named chairman of the film delivery committee ; Allen G. Smith, branch manager of National Theatre Supply, chairman of the supply dealers com- mittee, and William H. German, presi- dent of J. E. Brulatour, Inc., chair- man of the laboratory committee. Walsh, Back in N. Y., Readies Meet Report Richard F. Walsh, IATSE interna- tional president, has returned to New York from Tucson and Hollywood where he engaged in, respectively, a meeting of the "IA" board and confer- ences with Coast labor leaders. Announcement of business trans- acted and decisions reached by the board is being withheld pending formal notice to the membership. Legion Reviews Nine; Two Are in Class "C" Nine additional films have been re- viewed by the National Legion of De- cency, of which "Manon," (French) Discina International Films, and "No Orchids for Miss Blandish," Alliance Films, were rated Class C. "Payment on Demand," RKO, was listed in Class "B" and the others in Class "A." Under section one, Class "A" are "Gene Autry and the Moun- ties," Columbia, and "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm," Universal- International. In Class "A," section two, are: "Another Shore," (British), Pentagon Pictures ; "Only the Va- liant,-" Warner; "Royal Wedding," M-G-M, and "Three Guys Named Mike," M-G-M. Ito it? i$s par&b (0 Companion- mm,. People everywhere go trooping off to their local theater when the latest Companion- approved movie comes to town. It happens again and again— and that's why the movie-makers have invested more money in the Companion during the past five years than in any other monthly magazine*. *Except of course the fan magazines! THE CROWELL- COLLIER PUBLISHING COMPANY, 6 40 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 19, N.Y. AVERAGE CIRCULATION: MORE THAN 4,000,000 8 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Rembusch Sees No Phonevision Threat Maco Nearly Clear on Consent Decree Demands Philadelphia, Feb. 19.— Subscrip- tion television does not pose a threat to the exhibitor "provided production and distribution don't start chasing the gold at the end of the Zenith and Skiatron rainbow," Trueman T. Rembusch, president of National Al- lied, told the 13th annual meeting of Eastern Pennsylvania Allied today. Rembusch also revealed that the na- tional organization was working on a plan to obtain present commercial video channels exclusively for gen- eral theatre TV use. National Allied board chairman and general counsel Abram F. Myers while admitting that television has made "terrific inroads" in areas of high TV saturation, said that latest surveys indicated "waning interests" in the new medium, and that filni business will be "on the upgrade" in the next few years. Based on the Chicago tests of Phonevision, said Rembusch, any widespread use of such a system would be largely by organizations such as the American Legion, Elks, etc., with groups of 25 to 100 viewing the dollar film at anywhere from five to one-fifth of a cent per head. "Let production and distribution con- template recovering their costs at ad- missions of one-fifth of a cent and I am sure their ardor for an outlet other than regular theatres would cool off rapidly," he added. Discounts Distributors Views Discounting distributors' contention that they could not legally refuse the films to Phonevision, Rembusch said that no distributor, acting singly, is forced by law to sell his product to any source where such sale would jeopardize his company's profits. _ 'TV viewing "dissipates those pic- tures for the legitimate theatre oper- ator whether those films be old or new," he declared. Promising that exhibitors will protest to those dis- tributors who have and are furnish- ing films to Phonevision, "thus in- vading the exhibitors franchise rights to professional motion pictures, rights acquired by an investment in theatre brick and mortar." Myers declared a definite improve- ment in product as a result of di- vorcement and TV competition, the waning interest in TV, more enter- tainment money brought about by high employment, installment buying curbs and a great revival of showmanship, the most marked in 20 years. They are all factors which will insure a mounting box office in the next few years, he said. Samuelson Chairs Under the chairmanship of general manager Sidney E. Samuelson, the Eastern Pennsylvania unit con- demned M-G-M and 20th Century- Fox allocations of films, as well as Paramount's terms on "Samson and Delilah," allegedly 50 per cent for its general release next month. Elected to the board of governors for a three-year term were Ben Fer- tel, Milton Rogasner, Morris Wax, Jack H. Greenberg and Larry Woodin. Alternate governors named to a one-year term were Alfred J. Davis, Max M. Korr, Thomas Lazarick, David S. Moliver, Mark Rubinsky, Leaster J. Stallman and Thomas P. Thomas. Arnold Pressburger Dies in Hamburg Arnold Pressburger, 65, producer in Hollywood and Europe for 41 years, died in Hamburg, Germany, last Sat- urday of a stroke, it was disclosed here yesterday. Pressburger participated in the pro- duction of more than 200 films. Born in Austria, he formed several com- panies in Europe. He produced the first large-scale British sound film, "City of Song," in 1930. Pressburger founded the British-Cine Alliance in 1934. In 1941 he formed Arnold Pro- ductions, Inc., for United Artists re- lease. He became an American citi- zen in 1942. Surviving are a son, Fred, now en route to New York, and a daughter, Nelly Brash, who lives in Los Angeles. Services Tomorrow For John Good, 33 Brookline, Mass., Feb. 19. — Funeral services for John P. Good, 33, former sales manager for Paramount Pictures in Buffalo, will be held in Boston on Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Rox- bury. Good was stricken with polio in Buf- falo in Aug., 1949. Surviving are the widow, the parents, Dr. and Mrs. Fred- erick L. Good, a son and a brother. 5 Films Nominated For 'Globe' Award Variety Hears Clark Washington, Feb. 19. — Over 200 industry and government officials at- tended the local Variety Club's "Brotherhood-Valentine" luncheon at the National Press Club here today. Guest speaker was U. S. Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark. Minneapolis, Feb. 19. — Further progress in fulfilling the local consent decree demands of the Department of Justice in the Paramount New York anti-trust action is reported by Min- nesota Amusement Co., Paramount affiliate in this area. Sale of the lease and equipment of the Towne Theatre at Mankato, Minn., by Maco, clears the Paramount subsidiary with the government in all but three situations in the territory, under terms of the consent decree agreement. The remaining situations to be cleared with the Department are at La Crosse and Eau Claire, Wis., and at Minot, N. D. At La Crosse, Maco has a partnership deal with the Wel- worth (E. R. Ruben) circuit, but has still another year in which to complete a split-up of the Hollywood and Fifth Avenue theatres. Negotiations have been under way between Ruben and Maco president Harry B. French in an effort to reach an agreement on the split-up but French has referred to progress in the settlement as "academic." Maco asked for bids on the O'Klare, Eau Claire, in December, 1949, but has rejected all offers as being too low. Final disposition may be made by the courts which can rule if an offer must be accepted or if the cir- cuit may not be required to meet the divorce terms of the decree in lieu of a fair offer. Bidders for the Towne, Mankato, is a newly-formed corporation of local business men, headed by A. R. Pfau, president ; Brett Taylor, vice presi- dent, and Don Steiner, secretary- treasurer. Taylor is head of the Brett department store, and Steiner is a Mankato attorney. Purchase price of the Towne was reported to be ap- proximately $125,000. The Towne is a new structure. The new owners will assume possession on March 1, operat- ing as a first-run house. Maco retains the State at Mankato as its "A" stand, and the Grand for "B" pictures. To Vote for Union Election of a collective bargaining unit to cover the 700 officeworkers at CBS here will be held March 7. Qualified for the ballot are the CIO Newspaper Guild of New York and the Radio Guild, Local No. 50, Dis- trict 65 of the independent Distribu- tive, Processing and Office Workers. Schine (Continued from page 1) not succeeded in divesting a minimum of 11 theatres by next June, it will have to put the situation before the Federal Court here and request an extension of time. Circulars listing the 24 theatres re- maining to be divested, and prices, which were sent out recently by Schine to exhibitors and brokers who had expressed interest in the proper- ties, are interpreted as being evidence of the circuit's good faith in endeav- oring to meet the terms of its decree. Distribution of the circulars, observ- ers feel, should stand Schine in good stead with the court in the event it has to apply next June for an exten- sion of time for its second year di- vestiture schedule. The generally de- pressed market for theatres during the year past is cited as the principal reason for Schine's inability to meet its divestiture schedule to date. Says Hughes Silent On Court Ruling Howard Hughes has not yet indi- cated his attitude toward the New York Statutory Court's proposed rul- ing that he be given two years to sell his 24 per cent holding of RKO Thea- tres stock, Thomas Slack, Hughes' attorney, said here yesterday. Slack, who left last night for Wash- ington, said that he had relayed the court's offer to Hughes but had re ceived no instructions for or against acceptance of the order. The court had postponed making a final ruling until Slack could confer with Hughes. Slack said he will be back from Washington in time to appear at the next hearing tomorrow. Hollywood, Feb. 19— "All About Eve," "Born Yesterday," "Cyrano de Bergerac," "Harvey" and "Sunset Boulevard" have been nominated for the "Golden Globe Award" for the "best Hollywood-produced picture" to be announced by the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association at its Golden Globe Awards Dinner on Feb. 28, at Ciro's. Other "best" nominations include : Dramatic actor, Louis Calhern, for "Mag- nificent Yankee"; Jose Ferrer, "Cyrano"; James Stewart, "Harvey." Dramatic ac- tress, Bette Davis, for "All About Eve"; Judy Holliday, "Born Yesterday"; Gloria Swanson, "Sunset Boulevard." Actor (musical comedy), Fred Astaire, for "Three Little Words"; Dan Dailey, "When Willie Comes Marching- Home"; Harold Lloyd, "Mad Wednesday." Actress (musical comedy), Spring- Byington for "Louisa"; Miss Holliday, "Born Yesterday"; Betty Hutton, "Annie Get Your Gun." Support- ing actor, Edmund Gwenn, for "Mr. 880"; George Sanders, "All About Eve"; Eric Von Stroheim, "Sunset Boulevard." Sup- porting actress, Miss Holliday, for "Adam's Rib"; Josephine Hull, "Harvey"; Thelma Ritter, "All About Eve." Most promising newcomer, Gene Nelson, Mala Powers, Debbie Reynolds. Also, best screenplay, "All About Eve," "Asphalt Jungle," "Sunset Boulevard." Color Photography, "Broken Arrow," "King Solomon's Mines," "Samson and Delilah." Black-and-white photography, "Asphalt Jungle," "Cyrano," "Sunset Boulevard." Best director, George Cukor, John Huston, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Billy Wilder. Musi- cal score, "A Life of Her Own," "Destina- tion Moon," "Sunset Boulevard." Produc- tions promoting international understanding, "Broken Arrow," "The Big Lift," "The Next Voice You Hear." 26 Films Shooting On Coast; 2 Start Hollywood, Feb. 19. — The feature production index continues in a down- ward direction, for a total of 26 pic- tures in work; two new ones were started while nine were completed. Started were : "Little Big Horn" and "Kentucky Jubilee," Lippert Pro- ductions. Completed were : "China Corsair" and "The Secret," Columbia ; "The Tall Target" (formerly "The Man on the Train") and "The Strip," M-G-M ; "Nevada Badman," Mono- gram ; "Submarine Command," Para- mount; "On the Loose" (Filmakers), RKO Radio ; "The Real McCoy'; and "Iron Man," Universal-International. Fla. Realtor Names Brandt in Pact Suit A $400,000 breach-of -contract action brought against Harry Brandt by Lu- jacks, Inc., a Coral Gables, Fla., real estate concern, was transferred yester- day from New York Supreme Court to U. S. District Court here at the request of Brandt's counsel. Plaintiff alleges Brandt failed to fulfill an agreement to acquire prop- erty in Coral Gables for the erection of a theatre. March of Time in New Series Bows March of Time yesterday held a press reception and preview of the first of its new series, "March of Time Through the Years." Previous March of Time films are discussed in the new series in the light of today's news, with guest authorities narrating. Screened yesterday were "News- fronts of War — 1940," which will be televised at 10 P.M. Feb. 23, over WJZ-TV and other ABC stations, and "When Air Raids Strike." Cleveland (Continued from page 1) directory the theatres in which they are interested. Meanwhile, theatre ad rates in Cleveland's three newspapers will take an eight and one-half per cent hike in April. The Press and N~ezvs go up three cents a line for all types of houses, while The Plain Dealer raises the Sunday rate, effective April 15. j^niii i in in ii i i ii ii ii ii 1 1 ii ii 1 1 1 ii 111 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiimimmiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1 1 in i in 1 1 ■ ■ ■ in in 1 1 ■ i ■ 1 ii ■ in 111111111 ii^ fame and fortune . . . In each field there is one product that is recognized as the most distinguished in its sphere — the accepted peer among all others of its kind. The single word that expresses the utmost in fine jewelry is TIFFANY. In automobiles it is CADILLAC . Among publications for industry and business it is FORTUNE. And among annual trade publications for the fields of motion pictures, radio and television it is FAME. There is an indefinable, but nevertheless definite, extra measure of benefit — a greater prestige value derived by the many who make appropriate use of the pages of FAME. It represents a rewarding opportunity — an investment that pays well and soundly! Now in Preparation 5iiiiimi iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 10 Motion Picture Daily Sears-UA (Continued from page 1) we name a new sales head at this time. I am pleased to announce that Grad will remain with us in an executive capacity. I hope to be able to advise you within the next two weeks who the new sales head will be." Negotiations are expected to open shortly between Krim and William J. Heineman with a view to having the latter head up UA distribution. Heine- man, who has not renewed his contract as Eagle' Lion Classics distribution vice-president, will leave that company March 2. It is expected he would be succeeded at ELC by Bernard Kranze, assistant general sales manager. Management control of UA passed yesterday morning to Krim, Robert Benjamin and Matthew Fox, following the weekend resignations of Paul V. McNutt and Frank L. McNamee as board chairman and presi- dent, respectively. Krim, joined by his two associates, conducted a meeting of home office depart- ment heads, including Sears, C. J. (Pat) Scollard, Al Tamarin and Al Lowe. Earlier in the day Scollard guided Krim, who is scheduled to be UA's new presi- dent, on a tour of headquarters offices. In his telegrams to the sales man- agers in the field, Krim stated : "I want to greet you and through you all the members of your exchange on this my first day at United Artists. I am happy to become a part of the great tradition of UA and with your help _ to look forward to a renewal of its vigor and importance in the industry. "You have all been through a trying- period of uncertainty," Krim contin- ued. "Happily for all of us this un- certainty is over. However, a very formidable, task remains. We will start immediately to create a strong, steady flow of important new product which is the lifeblood of our company. It is our objective to merit, once again, by careful planning and selectivity, the confidence of exhibitors that each of our pictures will represent the best that the finest creative talents in the world have to offer. This cannot be done overnight." Meet With Producers During the next several days, Krim, Benjamin and Fox are expected to confer with a number of regular UA producers who now are in New York. These include I. G. Goldsmith, S. P. Eagle and W. Lee Wilder. Due to arrive here next Friday from the Coast, via Philadelphia where his "Sound of Fury" will open this week, is producer Robert Stillman, who also will meet with the new UA manage- ment group. Harry M. Popkin, an- other UA producer, who returned to the Coast by train at the weekend without settling the question of book- ings for his "The Second Woman," will return here in about two weeks for further talks with Krim. The pre- vious UA management had agreed to pull some 44 bookings for the picture pending Popkin-Krim conferences on the company's capacity to market the film as the producer would like to see it marketed. United Artists now "must be protected for the benefit of those in the industry to whom it is so essential," Krim stated in his message to the sales managers. "To this end the next six months are crucial. Now is the time for you and our exhib- itor friends to rally to a com- mon cause, no longer in an atmosphere of uncertainty but with the sure knowledge that we are rebuilding for the fu- ture. This is the time for spe- cial energy and enthusiasm and with new purpose to build up our revenues out of what we now have going through the mill. I know I can count on you and your staff to do your part." Max Kravetz, still secretary of UA until an organizing meeting is held by the new operating group and officers are elected, reported for work as usual yesterday. He claims he still holds an option on 8,000 shares of UA stock and has not and will not relinquish it. Trade reaction is that Kravetz, there- fore, can exercise his option for $5,- 400,000, the option price, any time up to June, 1952, without getting either stock or management control. Management control is part of the contract issued to Krim, Benjamin and Fox. There are 12,000 shares of UA stock in addition to that Kravetz claims to be involved in his option. Indications are that everything will be in readiness some time today for the election of voting trustees, first step in squaring away UA's new man- agement. Krim and Fox and, perhaps, Seymour Peyser of the law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim, will be named by the new manage- ment group as its voting trustees. Loyd Wright probably will be named by Chaplin but Miss Pickford's nomi- nee, she and Chaplin are entitled to name one each, is unknown. The voting trustees will elect a new board of directors, the first UA has had since last July, and new officers will then be elected by the board. Sears is privileged to remain with the company for the full term of his contract, nearly 11 years in all, if he elects to do so. The first part of his contract, calling for a salary of $2,000 per week plus $500 expenses, expires at the end of this year. A second part calls for payments of $35,000 annually for the next 10 years, whether he re- mains active or not. Settlement of his status was de- scribed as completely amicable. It is assumed he will be an officer of the company, in line with his contract re- quirements, but that his future service actually will be advisory in the main. Seymour Miller Is Named U.A. Manager Seymour Miller has been named branch manager of United Artists' St. John's, New Brunswick, exchange under Charles S. Chaplin, Canadian division manager, it was reported here yesterday by Nat Nathanson, Eastern- Canadian sales manager for UA. Miller, who joined United Artists in 1943 as a booker in Toronto, was transferred that same year to the St. John's branch, moving up to salesman. Norway Names Sherman Washington, Feb. 19. — Al Sher- man, film publicity consultant, has been appointed official film representa- tive and distributor in the United States for all Norwegian government motion pictures. Sherman, who was decorated by King Haakon of Norway with the Medal of St. Olav for serv- vices rendered during World War II as publicity and film consultant to the Royal Norwegian Embassy, has es- tablished offices here to handle Nor- way's film distribution. Weigh Fewer Prints To Save Raw Stock A plan to conserve raw- stock by reducing the number of prints without impairing service to exhibitors is being studied by 20th Century-Fox distribution executives here. By a rearrangement of schedules, the number of prints for each file, now aver- aging about 400, can be cut to 350 under the plan, it is un- derstood, without any mate- rial change in the availability of pictures. Golden Says (Continued from page 1) consulted at the proper time." Golden said if distributors could cut the number of prints of any picture in circulation without hurting exhibi- tors, "that's all to the good." The NPA chief returned over the weekend from the West Coast, where he discussed conservation with pro- duction officials. He said that "every- one out there was pretty pleased with the situation when I left. They are not at all concerned." The tour of film exchanges now be- ing made by John McCullough, head of the Motion Picture of America's film conservation department, will be a great help in saving raw stock, Golden predicted. Raw Stock Shipments Abroad To Require Gov't Licenses Washington, Feb. 19. — Raw stock shipments to countries outside the Western hemisphere will need govern- ment licenses, effective today. The Commerce Department's office of international trade put "unexposed, sensitized negative film" of all sizes on the list, requiring export licenses for shipment to most foreign points. The license requirement does not ap- ply to Western hemisphere destina- tions nor to shipments valued at less than $25. Tax Hearings (Continued from page 1) testify on "Admissions to Radio Broadcasts and TV Shows." No one here knows exactly what his point is, but it is surmised that he will urge that a ticket tax be levied on such admissions. Spokesman for the National Asso- ciation of Broadcasters and the Radio and Television Manufacturers Asso- ciation have been scheduled to testify in opposition to the Treasury's pro- posal to boost the excise tax on radio and television sets from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. Glenn A. Wallichs of Capitol Rec- ords has also been scheduled to repre- sent record makers in opposition to a similar tax increase on their product. James Reilly yesterday confirmed that he had applied to be heard at House tax hearings in Washington, but said he had not yet been notified of the date he will appear. He de- clined to comment on his proposals. Guernsey Moves Up Otis L. Guernsey, Jr., film critic of the New York Herald Tribune, has been made first reviewer, following the resignation of Howard Barnes, film and drama critic. Tuesday, February 20, 1951 N.Y. Grosses (Continued from page 1) for the first seven days, not including the holiday coming up. Russell Mar- ker's "Smart Set" revue is on the stage. Another house, the Criterion, is changing bills ahead of schedule to have a new film on the screen for the holiday. "Frenchie" is expected to draw about $8,000 for a final five days in a two-week stand, with "Un- der the Gun" coming in Thursday. "Born Yesterday" is still doing fine business at the Victoria, with $25,000 due for a ninth week. At the Astor, "Harvey" is holding up with $10,000 estimated for its ninth week. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is off slightly at the Bijou, but its expected $9,000 for a 15th week is more than satisfactory for a two-a-day policy. While a number of houses _ are bringing in new shows for the holiday, the Roxy is holding "Call Me Mister" and Danny Kaye on stage for an extra two days, with "US. S. Teakettle" bowing in on Friday. "Mister" is ex- pected to pull $107,000 for its final nine days, a figure that concludes one of the theatre's recent best" three-week runs. The Ritz Brothers will head the new stage bill. Another successful four-week run will end tonight, at the Paramount, where "At War With the Army" is winding up with a substantial $53,000 ; "Cry Danger" will open there tomor- row, with Russ Case's band on stage. "Operation Pacific" is having a mild third week at the Strand; with about $24,000 estimated for the period. Denise Darcel tops the stage show. "Vengeance Valley" got off to a rather disappointing start at the Capi- tol, with about $46,000 due for its first week, which ends on the eve of the holiday. Blue Barron's orchestra heads the stage entertainment. Good Weekend at State "Tomahawk," which started Satur- day, at Loew's State, had a good weekend and is expected to gross, with the holiday take, a healthy $30,000. "Sugarfoot" is being pulled after two days short of two weeks at the Globe to make way on Thursday for "No Orchids for Miss Blandish." "Sugar- foot" is expected to gross about $7,000 in its final five days. The Park Avenue, Walter Reade's off -Broadway showcase, is having its best first week under Reade manage- ment, with "Of Men and Music" steadily building to an estimated $14,- 500 for an initial week. This does not include Thursday's holiday. Also off-Broadway, "Trio" is grossing a steady $6,000 for its 20th week, at the Sutton. "The Second Woman" will conclude a three-week run tonight at the Rivoli, with a quiet $10,000 estimated for the final period," "The 13th Letter" will open there tomorrow. The Mayfair has been doing good business with a pair of re-issues, "The Last Gangster" and "The Big Store," with about $8,000 due for a final five- day period of a four-week run ; two other re-issues. "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," will open there on Thursday. Theatre Cuts Prices Hartford, Feb. 19. — Loew's Poli Bijou, New Haven, has launched a new policy of reduced prices, with matinee seats set at 35 cents, and eve- ning seats at 50 cents. OH T LaVe Lion inou- pa9es' HEW idea «n gorges a » advert\s- m°*on P* rtain ior^hcom- »n9fnal i Son Press Book ^n^^esoi A,ddi^ona\ cow _ c this ab\e in kddltl Book are avart- Press Boo* nner •-the usuai ma ^ MaAionai Released through EAGLE L I □ N THE SENSATION OF "OPEN CITY f r » « "Most impressive actress sinceiarbo."- LIFE IN HtK FIRST ALL- ■ ■ ■ LIFE gives unprecedented 8-page layout to Magnani! AND HERE'S HOW TO EXPLOIT MAGNANI LOCALLY... "Anna Magnani in her first all-English drama" — that's a highly exploitable combination which should be socked across locally with stunts like these : The eight-page LIFE layout on Magnani would make an excellent advance 40x60 for out front. Still of this layout is available as Still VOL. — Exp. 1. Copy can be as illustrated above. Art used on the Press Book cover can be used for over- marquee display with colored light simulating fires bursting from the volcano. Don't forget to highlight in all your displays the fact that "Volcano" is "Magnani's first all- English drama." An additional lobby attention-getter can use headline read- ing "Is Magnani the New Queen of the Screen?" This dis- play can be illustrated with stills of Garbo and Bergman plus "Volcano" stills VOL.— 3, 6, 21, 30, 31. In addition to your Magnani exploitation, in- terest can be called to some of the exciting se- quences in "Volcano" by using a see board in- cluding the highlight scenes from the ads. A FREE radio spot platter is available on "Volcano" which includes nine spots — three 1 -minute, three 30-second and three 15-second announcements. Order this FREE platter from Exploitation Manager, Eagle Lion Classics, 165 W. 46th St., New York 19, N. Y. Realistic Movie 'Volcano' Magnani's First in English Filmed with uncompromising realism, "Volcano," first all-English drama starring the world-famous actress Anna Magnani makes its local debut next at the Theatre. "Volcano," has the additional distinction of being produced and directed by William Dieterle who directed such great hits as the Academy Award-winning "Life of Emile Zola," "Louis Pasteur," "Love Letters," "I'll Be Seeing You" and "Portrait of Jennie." Despite the fact that she has been seen in the United States in only a few films including "Open City" and "Angelina," Magnani has become one of the world's best-known actresses. Fiery, tem- peramental and deep-voiced, Mag- nani is an actress in the grand tradition. She is a performer whose off-screen life is as fascin- ating as any role she has por- trayed. Discipline by Dieterle "Volcano" gives Magnani a chance to let out all the stops un- der the discipline that only a di- rector as famous in his own right as Dieterle can enforce on so tem- pestuous a personality. She portrays a fallen woman forced to leave Naples by the police. Magnani returns to Vol- cano, craggy island of her birth, in search of a new life. Barred from all jobs because of her past, she becomes involved in a love triangle with her sister, played by Hollywood actress Geraldine Brooks and an unscrupulous diver portryed by Rossano Brazzi, re- cently seen as the Professor in MGM's "Little Women." Among the other well known actors in "Volcano" is Eduardo Ciannelli, veteran of hundreds of Hollywood films, including "Mark- ed Women," "Gunga Din," and, most recently "Prince of Foxes." Also cast as the little brother of Magnani and Geraldine Brooks is Enzo Staiola, famous as the youthful hero of "The Bicycle Thief." Dieterle Makes Trip From U. S. to Italy To Direct 'Volcano' The recent upsurge of interest in shooting films in Italy has seen many leading American stars cross the ocean to make pictures there, but William Dieterle is one of the first outstanding directors to make the trek from Hollywood. Dieterle crossed the ocean to make "Volcano," Anna Magnani's first all-English drama, which tells the story of a strange love trian- gle set on the rocky island of Vul- cano. The picture opens at the Theatre. The accolade "outstanding di- rector" certainly fits Dieterle for few meggers can match his list of credits. Academy Award History Among the early Dieterle suc- cesses were "The Last Flight," "Madam DuBarry" and "Midsum- mer Night's Dream." He followed this with "The Story of Louis Pasteur" for which Paul Muni won an Academy Award and "The Life of Emile Zola." Dieterle is widely known as a strict disciplinarian on the set and movie insiders prophesied freely that the eruptions on the set when he tangled with iron- willed Anna Magnani would re- semble the eruptions of the vol- cano for which the film is titled. Despite these dire predictions, Dieterle soon asserted his mastery and the rest of the cast of "Vol- cano" including Eduardo Cianelli, Rossano Brazzi, recently seen as the Professor in MGM's "Little Women," Geraldine Brooks and Enzo Staiola, young star of "The Bicycle Thief" were amazed by the calm that prevailed. Mat 2B Still V0L.-8 Anna Magnani and Geraldine Brooks in a scene from "Volcano," Magnani's first all-English drama opening at the Theatre. Rossano Brazzi is also co-starred in "Volcano." Kiss for Screen Scares Magnani "I can't! I've never kissed a man on the screen and I'd be em- barrassed!" This speech from Anna Mag- nani almost shattered the imper- turble calm of William Dieterle who directed the internationally famed actress in her first English language drama, "Volcano," which opens at the Theatre. Magnani, believer in "down-to- earth realism — Magnani, tempest- uous fury off the screen and on the set — Magnani, embarrassed"! The Italian members of the crew were doubly stunned. It took hours for Dieterle with the help of Rossano Brazzi, re- cently seen as the professor in MGM's "Little Women," who co- stars with Magnani, to get the ac- tress to make the scene. After it was over she went and hid in a corner mumbling "They're all going to laugh when they see me kissing on the screen." Mat 1A Still VOL.-3 Anna Magnani and Rossano Brazzi in a scene from "Volcano,", her first all-English drama open- ing at the Theatre. New Film Queen Not Glamor Girl It is odd that Anna Magnani whom many critics pick to in- herit the mantle of Garbo and Bergman as queen of the screen is not a raving beauty. She hardly ever combs her hair, wears plain black dresses and has rather large teeth. But as audiences can see in Magnani's first English language drama "Volcano," which opens at the Theatre, she is literally explosive as an actress. Like the volcano which gives the film its title, Magnani is al- ways either erupting or on the point of it. She has, according to the enraptured critics, an ability to transmit an illusion of femin- inity and sensualism which can al- most be felt physically. Child Film Actor Prefers Soccer Enzo Staiola, sensation of the international hit "The Bicycle Thief" will soon be seen again by American audiences as a featured player in "Volcano," Anna Mag- nani's first English language drama which opens at the Theatre. In "Volcano," Staiola portrays the younger brother of Anna Mag- nani and Geraldine Brooks who play sisters living on the rocky island of Vulcano for which the picture is titled. Staiola is completely unspoiled by his success and his only ambi- tion is to grow up to be a great soccer player. Eagle Lion Section "VOLCANO" Page Three THE CREDITS Anna Magnani in "Volcano." with Geraldine Brooks and Rossano Brazzi. Eduardo Ciannelli and Enzo Staiola. Produced and Directed by William Dieterle. Story by Renzo Avanzo. Screenplay by Piero Tellini and Victor Stoloff. Dialogue, Erskine Caldwell and Viraliano Brancati. Photography by Arturo Gallea. Production Manager, Ar- turo Oliver. Adapter and Archi- tect, Mario Chiari. Documentary Films by Mariani. Submarine scenes taken with special equip- ment and by special experts of the Panaria. An Artists Associates- Panaria Films production. An Eagle Lion release. THE CAST Magdalena Anna Magnani Maria Geraldine Brooks Donato Rossano Brazzi Guard Eduardo Cianelli Brother Enzo Staiola THE STORY Magdalena is forced to leave Naples by the police and returns to the rocky island of her birth, Vulcano. There she lives with her sister Maria and her younger brother. The two sisters go to work help- ing a diver, Donato, to do some salvage work. Maria falls in love with Donato and determines to leave the island with him. Magdalena tries to stop her and finally kills Donato by cutting off his air supply when he is under water. Maria curses her sister and Magdalena despondently throws herself into the island's volcano as it begins to erupt. Miss Brooks Gains Star Rating in Italy Geraldine Brooks feels that Horace Greeley's famous line "Go West, Young Man" should be switched to "Go to Italy, Young Actress" — that prescription has won stardom for the attractive Miss Brooks. The picture that helped zoom her up the ladder is Anna Mag- nani's first all-English drama "Volcano," which opens at the Theatre. Miss Brooks, who has won recognition as an exceptionally gifted actress, got the "Volcano" role after doing a test for William Dieterle who directed the Mag- nani vehicle. Dieterle was 'looking for an "uncivilized beauty" to play the part of an Italian peasant girl who, in "Volcano," is Magnani's sister. Geraldine prepared for the test by getting deeply sun-tanned and by staying away from beauty parlors. Clicked With Dieterle She clicked with Dieterle and when "Volcano" was finished won even the plaudits of the perfec tionist Magnani. The release of the Italian ver sion of "Volcano" started a flood of plaudits from Italian critics These resulted in another starring role for Miss Brooks in an Italian film. She now has a contract to make one Italian film a year and is free to continue her Hollywood career. Geraldine is probably the only actress to be named for a costume company. Her father is the presi dent of Brooks costumers which outfit most of the Broadway shows. Her real name is Stroock She learned Italian while mak ing "Volcano" in that country. She is now fluent in that language after being tutored by Magnani and the other "Volcano" co-star Rossano Brazzi. 'Volcano' Blends Qualities Of U. S. and Italian Films One of the outstanding phenomena of the post-World War II years has been the great interest in Italian motion pictures. Films like "Paisan," "Open City," "Shoe Shine," "The Bicycle Thief," "Panic" and others have attracted increasingly wider audiences. Despite the acclaim awarded these pictures for their uncom- promising realism and daring Mat IB Still VOL.-33 themes they have reached only a small part of American film audi- ences. The language barrier, European production values and unknown actors have confined them to a comparatively few "art" theatres. A small but determined group of men decided to attempt a film which would combine all that was best in Italian pictures with some of the finest qualities of Holly- wood films. The result is "Vol- cano," a tempestuous romance starring the great Anna Magnan. in her first all-English drama which opens at the Theatre. Dieterle Chosen to Direct "Volcano" was actually filmed in its entirety on the rocky island of Vulcano by Director William Dieterle who has turned out scores of Hollywood hits including such films as "Zola," "Louis Pas- teur," "Portrait of Jennie" and "Rope of Sand." Star Anna Magnani has been seen in such smash Italian hits as "Open City" and "Angelina." Die- terle and Magnani represent al- most all that is best in American and Italian films. The rest of the cast of "Vol- cano" offers a similar interna- tional flavor. Co-starred with Miss Magnani are Geraldine Brooks who has been seen in "Possessed," "The Reckless Mo- ment" and "Embraceable You" olus Rossano Brazzi. Geraldine Brooks and Rossano Brazzi in a scene from "Volcano," Anna Magnani's first all-English drama, which opens at the Theatre. Mat 2C Still VOL.-2 Geraldine Brooks and Anna Magnini intently examine a letter in this scene from "Volcano," Magnani's first all-English drama which opens at the Theatre. Star of 'Bicycle' Cast in 'Volcano' Enzo Staiola, who became one of the world's most famous child actors with the release of "The Bicycle Thief," takes a very adult attitude toward film-making. On the set of "Volcano," first English language film starring fiery Anna Magnani which open's at the Theatre, Enzo acted like a real trouper. He was the first one on the set every morning; always knew his lines; took orders from Director William Dieterle without a mur- mur, and was a real ray of sun- shine who brightened up the whole cast. However, when the picture was locked in the can, Enzo gave a typical boy's answer to Dieterle's question about what he planned to do next. "Why, I'm going home and play football," he laughed. Dieterle Unmasks Geraldine Brooks Director William Dieterle is widely known for hits like the Academy Award-winner "Zola," "Louis Pasteur," "Portrait of Jen- nie" and "Love Letters." He also seems about to win additional honors as a discoverer of talent. When he was looking for an unspoiled beauty to play Anna Magnani's younger sister in "Vol- cano," the internationally ac- claimed Italian actress' first all- English film, he found her right in Hollywood in Geraldine Brooks. Miss Brooks had been seen in films like "Possessed" and has al- ways been considered a "glamor- girl" type. But Dieterle saw real beauty under the layers of make- up and persuaded her to go to Italy to play the part in "Vol- cano." It is to his credit that in "Vol- cano," which opens at the Theatre, with no makeup and with uncombed hair she gave a performance that won plaudits even from Magnani. Page Four "VOLCANO" Eagle Lion Section Like the white hot lava thai bursts from a raging volcano! >™s . p /Hf HER mATEST TRIUMPH! Mm 'The most impressive actress since Garbo!" -LIFE ANNA MAGNANI in VOLCANO with ROSSANO BRAZZI • GERALDINE BROOKS Eduardo Ciannelli • Enzo Staiola Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE Screenplay by Piero Tellini and Victor Stoloff Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell An Artists Associates— Panaria Film Production Releosed through EAGLE LlON 3 Col. Ad Mat 301—369 Lines Eagle Lion Section "VOLCANO" Page Five mm ANNA MAGNANI m VOLCANO with ROSSANO BRAZZI ... GERALDINE BROOKS Eduardo Ciannelli • Enzo Staiola Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE Screenplay by Piero Tel I in i and Victor Stoloff Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell An Artists Associates— Panaria Film Production Releosed through Eagle Liom The Most Impressive Actress Since Garbo! -UFB Anna MAGNANI in VOLCANO with Rossano brazzi • Geraldine BROOKS • Eduardo Ciannelli • En:o Staiola • Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE ■ Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell Releortd through Eaglc LfON T H A T R E I Col. Ad Mat 103—72 Lines 2 Col. Ad Mat 203—200 Lines I Col. Ad Mat 102—14 Lines Anna MAGNANI in VOLCANO with Rossano BRAZZI * Geraldine BROOKS • Eduardo Ciannelli • Enio Staiola • Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE • Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell • Keleosed through Eagle Lion ■ 2 Col. Ad Mat 201—58 Lines Page Six "VOLCANO " Eagle Lion Section MAKE UP YOUR OWN AD! These elements can be used for small ads, programs, tieup promotions. ORDER MAT 302 ill 2 Col. Ad Mat 202—100 Lines Like the white hot lava that bursts from its crater MACNANI The Most Impressive Actress Since Garbo!" -LIFE fcfe of . Eagle Lion Section "VOLCANO" Page Seven ISLE OF PASSIONS! . ROSSAfiO 8RSZZI GERAIMNE BROOKS Eduatiio Ctansteiii Imo Staiola WILLIAM DIETERLE ORDER ALL ACCESSORIES PLUS SET OF EIGHT Hxl 4 LOBBIES FROM NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE ...tSLt Of INSERT CARD u x k 1 Id u. 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E ,1- o ©^ , O tu«ifc^ oR =S uj «.gpp3 X UJ -> - l~ X <0 o:= - ft- 2 _ rf J-» I .2 c'10 PS no a CO >■ =8=T . <°et o3z | z„s I © ! j X P3 © * csE l» «£ $| S < O 3 ■ o 1 >cc !s I ui °R z:0q",0 5tEi H<_ © X X « O ■= E u. "(0 S 00 ej T}- 00 * >- ♦ i- d ^ * d oo Sj- d vn i FRISCO As of y^rday a.m< the flrst e"gageDIent of PheUm Thea.re Was d„. "'ff ",he Hw*. Wsiness Sherril] Corw,V8r Hail, Columbia! COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENTS "VALENTINO," AN EDWARD SMALL PRODUCTION « COLOR BY ™ f '~ STARRING ELEANOR PARKER • ANTHONY DEXTER WITH RICHABD CABLSON • PATRICIA MEDINA JOSEPH CALLEIA • WRITTEN BY GEORGE BRUCE • PRODUCED BY EDWABD SMALL • ASSOCIATE OF PRODUCERS GRIPPO • DIRECTED BY LEWIS ALLEN. MOTION PICTURE Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 35 NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1951 TEN CENTS Circuit Heads Weigh Impact Of Swiss TV New Theatre System May Affect Mass Orders Plan Several of the leading circuit ex- ' ecutives who have joined forces in an attempt to bring down the price of theatre television equipment through the placing of mass orders, met here yesterday to weigh the im- pact on their plans of the Swiss Eido- phore system of theatre TV in whose development and exploitation 20th Century-Fox will share. Charles Skouras, president of Na- tional Theatres, 20th-Fox subsidiary, explained to the meeting the nature of the Swiss system. He and Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox president ; Wil- liam C. Michel, executive vice-presi- dent ; Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, and Earl I. Sponable, technical super- visor, were present at the final nego- {Continued on page 6) Schine Divestiture Behind Schedule Buffalo, Feb. 19. — The Schine cir- cuit is having difficulty disposing of the minimum number of theatres re- quired by its consent decree for the second year of its three-year divesti- ture program. The decree directed Schine to divest itself of 39 theatres, one-third of them annually for three years. _ In the first year, ended last June, Schine dis- posed of 15 theatres, more than meet- ing its quota. Thus far in the second year, however, it has not been suc- cessful in disposing of any. If it has {Continued on page 8) Cleveland Exhibitors Standardize Ads Cleveland, Feb. 19. — Members of the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibi- tors Association, operating indepen- dent subsequent-run houses have adopted a standard newspaper theatre directory for the triple purpose of re- ducing advertising costs, making a better looking "directory," and making it easier for the public to locate in the {Continued on page 8) Gov't Sees No Immediate Anti-trust Problems in the Film Industry Washington, Feb. 19. — Unless there is some snag in consent decree talks now under way with 20th Century-Fox and Loew's, the Justice Department sees no major anti-trust problem in the motion picture industry in the near future, a top Department official declared here today. While he would not say so flatly, all indications were the De- partment has no investigations under way which might lead to any new film anti-trust cases. The D. of J. official said the Department was receiving "a good number of complaints from exhibitors about competitive bidding, but was managing to get most of these settled amicably." He declared the Department's procedure was to get all of the facts and then refer the complaint to the film distributor involved for adjustment. "It's a long educational process," this official declared, "but I think we're having some success." Golden Says Exhibitors to Be Consulted on Raw Stock BVay Grosses Hold Steady Pace; Lift Due from Holiday Broadway's first-run theatres are looking forward to a pleasant boost at the box-office on Washington's Birth- day, on Thursday, a holiday that should add to grosses that are holding up nicely despite an all-day rain last Saturday. Clear skies on Sunday brought good crowds and good busi- ness to the Times Square area. Radio City Music Hall reports an excellent opening week for "Payment on Demand," with $128,000 estimated {Continued on page 10) Film Industry Silent At Tax Hearings Washington, Feb. 19. — The dead- line set by the House Ways and Means Committee for requests to tes- tify on excise taxes is past, and no mo- tion picture group has asked to be heard, as Secretary of the Treasury Snyder did not propose any increase in the excise taxes directly affecting the film industry. James Reilly, of the League of New York Theatres, has been scheduled to {Continued on page 10) Washington, Feb. 19. — Nathan D. Golden, head of the National Produc- tion Authority's film section, said here today that exhibitors will be consulted before NPA takes any action on the raw stock situation that might affect them. One of the complaints voiced by the board of directors of Allied States Association at its meeting here last week was that so far all NPA con- ferences on raw stock have involved only distributors, producers and film manufacturers, with no exhibitor par- ticipation. "There have been no exhibitors at any of the conferences so far because there's been no need for them," Golden said. "We haven't done anything af- fecting them. If we should plan any- thing that affects them, they'll be {Continued on page 10) Allied Arbitration Move Hailed by TO A The Allied States Association board's authorization of Abram F. Myers to enter into discussions with distributors on a possible industry arbitration system was greeted yester- day by Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of America executive director, as a "healthy sign" and a "statesmanlike gesture." TO A and the distributors last fall held a meeting here at which it was agreed that such effort be made. Sears Out as UA General Sales Manager Remains with Company; Name Trustees Today At his own request Gradwell L. Sears will step out as United Artists general sales manager, and at least until the end of this year when his contract will expire, will remain with the company "in an executive capacity." Arthur B. Krim, who yester- day took quarters on UA's home office executive floor, communi- cated the change in Sears' status in telegrams sent to all branch managers, district managers and division managers in the U. S. and Canada. "For reasons of health and because he had always expected to retire at the end of 1951," Krim's telegrams explained, "Grad Sears has asked that {Continued on page 10) Benjamin Will Not Take Any U.A. Post Robert S. Benjamin, member of the Arthur B. Krim-Matthew Fox group which has acquired management con- trol of United Artists, will have no official position in the reorganized company, neither as an officer, direc- tor or voting trustee, it was learned yesterday. Benjamin's service to the company will be of an advisory nature only. He will continue as president of the J. Arthur Rank Organization in the U. S., a partner in the Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin and Krim law firm, a direc- {Continued on page 3) MP A Board to Meet On 'Oliver Twist? Barney Balaban and Spyros P. Skouras having returned to New York, a meeting of the MPAA's board has been called for tomorrow to decide on the acceptability of Eagle Lion Class- ics' "Oliver Twist" for a PCA seal in light of the 73 deletions ordered by Joseph I. Breen, Production Code Administrator. {Continued on page 3) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Industry Leaders At Gamble Tribute Ted Gamble, president of Monarch Theatres, will be honored today at a luncheon in New York's Waldorf As- toria Hotel for his services as last year's national chairman of the amuse- ments division of the National Con- ference of Christians and Jews. The luncheon will be given by the executive committee of the Amuse- ments division. NCCJ president Dr. Everett R. Clinchy will make the formal presentation of a plaque. J. Robert Rubin, general chairman of the amusements division will pre- side, while Charles M. Reagan, Gam- ble's successor, in this year's NCCJ "Brotherhood" drive, and Max E. Youngstein, chairman of advertising and publicity, for the drive, will de- liver brief addresses. Among those invited to attend the luncheon are : Barney Balaban, Nate J. Blumberg, Harry Brandt, Max A. Cohen, Jack Cohn, Ned E. Depinet, Si Fabian, Emil Friedlander, Leonard E. Goldenson, Will H. Hays, Harry M. Kalmine, Gen. John Reed Kil- patrick, Louis Nizer, Herman Rob- bins, Nicholas M. Schenck, Fred J. Schwartz, George Skouras, Spyros P. Skouras, Nate J. Spingold, Richard E. Walsh, Albert Warner, Herbert J. Yates, Irving Berlin, Leo Brecher, Samuel Rinzler, Emanuel Frisch, Rus- sell Downing and Edward Lachman. Personal Mention $12,000 for Kaye Film Gets Two More Dates Samuel ' Goldwyn's reissue of "Up in Arms," his first Danny Kaye film, will gross an estimated $12,000 for its first week's run, in the first engagement of its national re-release through RKO, at the Variety and Embassy theatres in Miami, according to Mrs. Lillian Claughton, owner of both theatres, "Up in Arms" will open on March 24 at the Phiel Theatre, St. Peters- burg, Fla., with Goldwyn's Bette Davis film "The Little Foxes." The first Canadian engagement of the "Up in Arms" reissue will be on March 23 at Famous Players' Victoria and Egerton theatres on the same bill with "They Got Me Covered," Goldwyn reissue starring Bob Hope. Delcambre Joins NSS in the South Dallas, Feb. 19. — Alfred Delcam- bre has joined National Screen Ser- vice as special sales representative, it was reported here by Paul Short, Na- tional Screen's divisional manager. Delcambre, former Southern football star, was a Hollywood actor and a sales representative for United Artists and Paramount, later joining David O. Selznick where he established the Southwestern district for SRO. G our fain Discloses Plans Harry A. Gourfain has returned to New York from the Coast and plans three pictures, a number of TV films, and two musicals. These plans, it was announced, are predicated upon the es- tablishment of a revolving fund of $500,000. ILLIAM C. MICHEL, 20 th Century-Fox .executive vice- president, and Otto E. Koegel, chief counsel, are due to arrive here from Europe Thursday on the S.-S". Queen Mary. • Al S Herman, general manager of the Georgetown Theatre, Washington, D. C, and public relations consultant, spoke before the speech and drama class of George Washington Univer- sity on "The Problems of Art Cinema Management." • Bruno Weingarten, general man- ager of the Norwich-New London Drive-in, at Montville, Conn., has re- turned to Connecticut from a Miami Beach vacation. • Frank Morin, manager of the Warner Regal Theatre, Hartford, is observing his 22nd year with the War- ner Circuit. • Morris Rosenthal, manager of Loew's Poli Theatre, New Haven, has entered New Haven Hospital for surgery. • Nat Wolf, Warner Ohio zone man- ager, and Mrs. Wolf, have left Cleve- land for Texas to visit their son at Fort Hood. • Roy Rowland, producer, has re- turned to the Coast from New York. NOAH DIETRICH, RKO Pic- tures board chairman, who has been confined to his hotel here with influenza, plans to return to the Coast today. • Edward Codel, television director for the Katz Agency, is scheduled to speak before the luncheon meeting of the National Television Film Council tomorrow at the Warwick Hotel here. • Paula Seligman, formerly with Paramount's story department, has another article appearing in the cur- rent issue of the Writers' Journal. • Arthur Wall, manager of the Grand Theatre, Frankfort, Ky., has returned to his desk following a Flor- ida vacation. • Horace Greeley McNab, theatre press agent and talent representative, has joined Earl Peed Associates of New York. • Card Walker, of Walt Disney's studio advertising department, an- nounces the birth of a daughter. • Steve Keller, office manager of Walt Disney's New York offices, an- nounces the birth of a daughter. • Arthur Davis, publicist and for- eign film distributor, will be married to Helene Brocato here on March 3. 'Hoffman' Has Bijou Date — Or Does It? W. Va. Proposes New Local Ticket Tax Charleston, W. Va., Feb. 19.— Maximum municipal amusement taxes in West Virginia would be set at three instead of four per cent under a bill proposed by the State Senate Finance Committee to aid municipalities in meeting revenue problems. The Senate committee rejected four proposals to permit municipally-im- posed taxes on amusements, among other things, and decided instead to give to all cities the powers now in- cluded in general law for those mu- nicipalities operating under home-rule charters. Such charters include maxi- mum amusement taxes of three per cent. Bill Would Bar Fee For Game Telecasts Detroit, Feb. 19. — University of Michigan's practice of allowing tele- vision pictures of its football games to be shown only in theatres where ad- mission is charged is under fire in the Senate where a bill was introduced prohibiting any state-supported insti- tution from televising events unless the pictures are made available to the pub- lic without charge. The televised pictures were shown in the 4,000-seat Michigan theatre in Detroit last fall. Lutheran Unit Chartered Albany, N. Y., Feb. 19. — Lutheran Church Productions, Inc. has regis- tered for a certificate to conduct a motion picture business in New York, for the production and distribution of films for public and private showing. Phone vision Gets New Product Supply Chicago, Feb. 19. — New film-fare for the Phonevision tests this week includes: "Big Town After Dark," Paramount, a 1947 release; "Texas," Columbia, 1941; "Lost Horizon," Columbia, 1937; "Caravan," Eagle- Lion, 1946; "The Westerner, "Gold- wvn, 1940 ; "Embraceable You," War- ner, 1948. The Sunday Phonevision matinee has been moved back from two to three P.M. Film Stars to Open Red Cross Drive Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor will arrive in Wash- ington late this week from Hollywood to open the national Red Cross drive on Feb. 25, on a special broadcast of M-G-M's "Father of the Bride" on the Theatre Guild of the Air program, over NBC. The program, sponsored by U. S. Steel, will be without commercials and is being donated to the drive by stars, sponsor and network. The trio will travel by air, accompanied by Les Peterson, head of M-G-M's radio ac- tivities at the studio. Iowa Measure Would License Drive-ins Des Moines, Feb. 19. — A bill to license drive-in theatres for a fee of $25 a year, and to require that the screen of a drive-in theatre be at least 200 feet from a highway and not vis- ible from the highway, has been intro- duced by Rep. Brown, and others. Lopert Film Distributing Corp. an- nounced yesterday that "Tales of Hoffman," the Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger production which it is distributing here, has been given a "locked date" to open April 4 at the Bijou Theatre here. Stanley Kramer Productions, whose "Cyrano de Bergerac" is the current Bijou tenant, immediately disputed that announcement. It was stated that George J. Schaefer, sales head for Kramer, conferred yesterday with Robert Dowling, head of City Invest- ing Co., owner of the Bijou, and had insisted that "Cyrano's" exhibition contract with the Bijou be observed to the letter. The contract, it was stated, specifies that no decision will be made as to the termination of the picture's run at the Bijou until after the 18th week, which will be about one month from now. At that time, it was claimed, the contract calls for a review of "Cy- rano's" grossing strength, with the decision to hold it longer to be made solely on that basis. A benefit American premiere of "Tales of Hoffman" is scheduled to be held at the Metropolitan Opera House here, under American Red Cross sponsorship, on April 1. Aided 'Rival' Okla. Director, Cole Says Dallas, Feb. 19. — An exhibitor listed as a director of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, a Theatre Own- ers of America affiliate, came to Al- lied Theatre Owners of Texas for help in handling a complaint against a dis- tribution company, H. A. Cole, presi- dent of Texas Allied, asserts in an "open letter" to Morris Loewenstein, president of the Oklahoma unit. Cole's organization recently under- took an organizing effort in Oklahoma which prompted an "open letter" from Loewenstein. Cole's letter does not identify the Oklahoma TO "director," nor does it give any details concerning the complaint, which it says was han- dled through New York with imme- diate relief forthcoming. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN in 'Payment on Demand" Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION DICK POWELL S*3&§& RHONDA FLEMING^ «nsi Cry \k0k^^ Banger e Midnight Feature Nightly Quigley, ^^^^^^^^^ .^£fe ffi £ fSM ^d^f SK Jr., Vice-President; Thee J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer ; Leo J Brady Secretary; Fausel Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building William R. Weaver, FI 6-3074 Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, U. C. Editor- cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Mart Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., New York." Martin Quigley,- President ; Red Kann, Vice-President: Martin Quigley Tames P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus n Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, TJrben Farley, Advertising Representative, London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl ; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup imes a year as a sectionof Mot|on W^™. g^a^teV7eV year.l^in'the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies. 10c class matter, Sept,1 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y„ under the act of March Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Something New Is Added EAGLE Lion Classics and Motion Picture Daily break new ground today with the publication of a stream- lined pressbook, fully contained in this edition, for the first time in trade paper history. The pressbook is on "Volcano," is in eight pages, and incorporates all of the essentials required by the exhibitor to plan his campaign. But what this innovation does, and what other pressbooks have not done, is this: It gives the exhibitor unprecedented opportunity to study and to weigh in advance of playdate — and, in fact, in ad- vance of his film buy — the selling tools which the dis- tributor has evolved. Available to him are newspaper ads which set the thematic approach for appeal to the public, boiled-down stories for newspapers, and other channels of publicity, exploitation tie-ups and accessories. In short, all of the established pre-requisites of the oldline press- book with this one pivotal difference: A concentration on the essential values presented concisely and definitively without the need to wade through limitless pages of material expanded beyond its worth or its practical ap- plication. For some time now, many exhibitors have found many pressbooks, unwieldy, cumbersome and ineffective. The fresh approach conceived by Eagle Lion Classics is direct, concise, hard-hitting — and realistically designed to meet the customer's needs. KANN National Pre-Selling A HUGE tieup with Matson Navi- gation Co. will promote 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" in more than 100 cities from Coast to Coast. The steamship company, which sends luxury liners to Hawaii, where the picture was filmed, will offer display and poster material to its offices and travel agencies in all parts of the country. Over 1,000 agents have been informed of the tieup and have re- ceived promotional material with in- structions to work closely with thea- tres on cooperative campaigns in local situations. • An unusual promotion kit, con- taining 716 pieces of material in 18 sections, has been tailored for the special use of roadshow engage- ments of Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Bergerac" and issued to advance agents and field men for the exploi- tation of the Jose Ferrer starring vehicle. The kits, with emphasis on focusing interest of educational and cultural groups, include film strips, feature stories, radio spots, TV trailers, publicity and advertis- ing mats, posters and special ma- terial. • American Airlines has completed the distribution of the first 1,000,000 full- color postcards plugging the M-G-M comedy, "Three Guys Named Mike," and has also distributed a similar num- ber of booklets on the same subject. The Airlines campaign includes full- page, full-color ads in leading national magazines, display ads in more than 200 neit'spapers, and 1,000 zvindow dis- plays for airline and travel bureau tie- ups, all timed for local playdates. • Unprecedented support from the Florists Telegraph Delivery Associa- tion will give 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" free advertising in 225 key-city and small town news- papers from Coast to Coast. Large scale ads built around Debra Paget, who stars in the picture, will reach an estimated readership of 62,000,000 throughout the country, in addition to magazine ads in April issues of Look, Redbook, McCall's and Parade. At the local level, the FTDA's 8,500 re- tail florist will cooperate. • McCall's magazine announces an increase in its advertising rates, based on the fact that it is deliver- ing a circulation of over 4,000,000 copies. A special rate is now quoted for McCall's and Better Living in combination. This is a "package" amounting to 5,400,000, said to be the largest guaranteed circulation available to women and home- makers. • Seventeen magazine is the highest ranking monthly in amusement lineage, according to the Lloyd Hall Editorial Analysis Bureau's 1950 report. With 43,295 lines of articles, features and stories of screen, theatre, radio and television, Seventeen was 3,000 lines ahead of its nearest competitor, and 83,400 lines over any publication in the women's service category, it was said. In addition to its motion picture re- views, Seventeen gives a "Picture of tfa Month" Award and regularly car- ries feature stories, interviews and pic- ture layouts on movies, stage and en- tertainment media. Columbia kicks off its national pre- selling campaign on "Valentino" with a full-page ad in the Feb. 27th issue of Look magazine. From then until a full-color page runs in the Easter Sun- day issue of American Weekly, there will be national advertising in Life, Modern Romance, True Confession, True Story, Screenland, Silver Screen, Seventeen, Movie Life, Movie Stars Parade, Modern Screen, Screen Stories, Movieland, Screen Guide, Mo- tion Picture and Movie Story. The film, which had its world premiere in San Francisco on Feb. 15, is scheduled for April release. • A national tieup in behalf of "The Mating Season," set for March re- lease, has been completed by Para- mount Pictures with the Groshire Clothing Co., manufacturers of men's clothing. The promotion will include half-page ads in Esquire, Holiday, Time, and the New York Times Sunday Magazine. Stores throughout the country will be sup- plied with blow-ups of the ads, which feature John Lund and Thelma Ritter. Groshire is also planning giveaway suits in special promotions at the point-of-sale. Look Magazine's annual motion pic- ture awards will be presented on Bob Hope's radio shozv on Tuesday eve- ning, Feb. 27. The Paramount come- dian, currently co-starring with Hedy Lamarr in "My Favorite Spy," will "emcee" the affair. This will be the 11th consecutive year that azvards have been presented on Bob's radio program. • An unprecedented "merchandis- ing tie-in" TV campaign making use of more than 20 fashions created for 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" is netting a large number of free "plugs" for the Technicolor film. Fashion models are heralding both "Bird of Paradise" and the creations inspired by the film over scores of TV programs reaching an "interested" female audience of millions throughout the country. United Artists' new picture, "Queen for a Day," is featured in a page-and- a-half picture story, "Twin Babies — One Movie Role," which appears in March McCall's — on the newsstands Feb. 23. In a series of nine pictures the McCall's article tells of the safeguards used to protect the health of babies and highlights the precautions which are taken. These include: maintenance of nursery for infant performers by the producer, physical examinations, work permits, etc. The article points out that babies can work only two hours a day — only 30 seconds before the camera at any one time. Heavy fan magazine advertising will herald the release of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" as an Easter attraction in approximately 500 theatres. More than 30,000,000 film fans from Coast to Coast will read advertising copy in the March issues of Modern Screen, Screen Stories, Motion Picture, Movie Story, Movieland, Screen Guide, Movie Life, Movie Stars Parade, Photoplay, Screenland and Silver Screen. Four - color, double - page spreads have been especially de- signed to appeal to readers of the screen publications. In addition, four-color pages will appear in the mass-circulated Sunday newspaper supplements, This Week and Pic- torial Review. Paramount has completed arrange- ments with the Marlboro Shirt Co. for a national tieup plugging Bob Hope's new comedy, "The Lemon Drop Kid" which is set for release in April. Co- incident with the release, Marlboro will introduce a Bob Hope sport shirt, backed by a strong promotional cam- paign. This will include color posters, stills from the picture and special newspaper mats. The promotion will be kicked off with national advertising in large-circulation magazines. — Walter Brooks Senate Bill Seeks Expansion of Overseas Program Washington, Feb. 19. — Senators Benton (D., Conn.) and Wiley (R., Wise.) today introduced a resolution calling for an investigation by a Sen- ate Foreign Relations sub-committee of ways of expanding and making more effective the State Department's overseas information program, which embraces motion pictures and other media. Benton, in a long Senate speech, said that even the recent expansion in this program fell far short of what was needed. He suggested that it was a mistake to keep the "Voice of America" program in the State De- partment and that the government's propaganda activities aimed at over- seas audiences should be carried on by an independent government agency or by a government corporation. Lipton Due Here on Product Promotions David A. Lipton, Universal Pictures vice-president in charge of advertising- publicity, will arrive in New York from California tonight for confer- ences with home office executives. While in New York, Lipton will set promotion campaigns on "Air Cadet," Bill Mauldin's "Up Front," "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm," "Francis Goes to the Races" and "The Prince Who Was a Thief." Flaherty to Direct Cinerama Picture Robert Flaherty, veteran director, has been signed by Thomas-Todd Productions to direct the first full- length feature to utilize the new Cine- rama process. The film, as yet un- titled, is scheduled for September re- lease. Michael Todd, stage producer, and Lowell Thomas, author and radio commentator, recently formed the pro- ducing unit which will pioneer with commercial Cinerama films. Study TESMA Slate For Officers, Board Hollywood, Feb. 19. — Nominations for officers and a board of directors of the Theatre Equipment and Supply Manufacturers Association are being considered by the nominating commit- tee, Roy Boomer, secretary, reports. The election will be held by mail ballot. Benjamin-U.A. ( Continued from page 1 ) tor of Universal Pictures and director and general counsel of Pathe Indus- tries. ■ - „ It was reported that Benjamin's de- cision not to take a post at U. A. stemmed in part, at least, from his desire to maintain his older connec- tions free of possible conflicting in- terests. MPA Board (Continued from page 1) The board met here last week with Breen in attendance, but action was postponed pending the return to town of Balaban and Skouras. Several other items also are on tomorrow's meeting agenda. Chasing a crook... catching a dame (or vice-versa) He's the Best! Produced by SAM WIESENTHAL and W. R. FRANK Directed by ROBERT PARRISH Screenplay by WILLIAM BOWERS • From a Story by JEROME CADY Distributed by R K O RADIO "picture! BROTHERHOOD WEEK -Feb. 18-25 Believe It! Live It! Support It! 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Swiss TV (Continued from page 1) Reviews yy tiations in Zurich recently which marked 20th-Fox's identification with the system. The consensus of those who heard Charles Skouras yester- day appeared to be that it would take two or three weeks of contemplation and review of possibilities before any one of those present could venture to speculate on the extent to which the new development might influence the circuit ex- ecutives' mass orders plan. Calculations have pointed to the likelihood that 200 orders from ex- hibitors at one time would result m a reduction in the price of theatre IV units from $25,000 apiece to around $15,000. Pledges are said to have been made thus far for approximately 100 units 71 of which would go to Fox West Coast Theatres, a National The- atres subsidiary. . It was pointed out following the meeting yesterday that the Swiss In- stitute of Technology will need from 18 months to two years for further development work on the new system before production could be put into "full swing." . . With Federal Communications Lorn- mission hearings on theatre TV fre- quencies to start shortly, some ot those connected with the mass orders plan now are wondering if circum- stances will be such as to make ad- visable a waiting period of 18 months to two years. , Among those present at yesterday s meeting, which was held at United Paramount Theatres home office, were George Skouras, Ted R. Gamble, Frank C. Walker, Joseph Vogel, Fred J. Schwartz, Leonard H. Gold- enson, Gael Sullivan, Robert O'Brien, Paul ' Raibourn, Nathan L. Halpern and Luther Gamble. Nat'l Theatres Postpones Meeting; Discussion Will Swing Around TV Los Angeles, Feb. 19.— Every divi- sion and department of National Thea- tres will be represented here at the opening of a three-day meeting of the circuit, the agenda of which is "dedicated to an analysis and round- table discussion of methods to stimu- late business at the box-office." The sessions, to be held at the company's home office, will highlight the annual district managers and division presi- dents conference. The four-day meet will get under way next Monday. Charles P. Skouras, president of National Theatres, and of its related Fox West Coast Theatres, will pre- side at the main confabs. He is ex- pected to discuss the new Swiss direct- projection television development, known as the Ediphone, in which 20th Century-Fox has obtained an interest, and which was recently inspected by Skouras and 20th-Fox executives on a trip to Zurich, from New York Division executives of National Theatres on the roster of delegates at- tending the meetings will include Rick Ricketson, Denver ; Elmer Rhoden, Kansas City; Frank Newman, Sr., Portland; Harold Fitzgerald, Mi waukee ; David Idzal, Detroit ; Harold Seidenberg, Philadelphia. Executives from here will include H. C. Cox, NT treasurer ; George Bowser, FWC general manager, and Dick Dickson, Southern California, FWC division manager ; Spencer Leve, San Francisco. Lightning Strikes Twice (Warner Brothers) A MYSTERY-DRAMA with psychological trimmings, "Lightning Strikes Twice" offers many a puzzling moment for armchair sleuths. The story is styled along conventional lines and unfolds against shadowy backgrounds and moody atmosphere. Richard Todd heads the cast as a young man who retreats into surly silence after being acquitted of the murder of his wife. Others in the cast include Ruth Roman, Mercedes McCambridge and Zachary Scott. The screenplay by Lenore Coffee builds up in suspense but there are many incredulities that rob it of potential impact. Miss Roman plays an attractive young actress bound for a vacation on a Texas ranch. The story takes her through a series of coincidents that get her involved in the aftermath of the murder. Riding in a borrowed car in a raging storm, she takes refuge in a nearby house where Todd happens to have sequestered himself. Miss Roman finds herself strangely attracted to him. The next morning she heads for the ranch where more melodramatic events seem to have taken place. Save for Miss McCambridge and her brother, the ranch is deserted. There is considerable chatter back and forth over the guilt or innocence of Todd. In time Miss Roman decides to marry Todd but then becomes the victim of her own fears and flees from him in terror. Determined to find out for herself whether he really killed his wife, Miss Roman does some probing which finally brings clarity. It comes to light that Miss McCam- bridge, who was in love with Todd, actually killed Todd's wife when she discovered her with another man. Meanwhile, Todd, thinking that his foster father committed the murder, tried to cover up by allowing the suspicion to fall upon himself. The acting is as competent as the cumbersome script allows. King Vidor directed and Henry Blanke produced. Running time, 91 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, Feb. 20. Mandel Herbstman Si Navy Bound (Monogram) yy Hollyzvood, Feb. 19 TUCKED neatly into this smooth little tale about a sailor boxer is more story, interest and impact than anybody might expect in its 60-minute dimension. Although light insofar as marquee names are concerned — Tom Neal's and Regis Toomey's being the best known — the production is likely to give its audiences more down-to-earth satisfaction than many longer and so-called bigger attractions. Producer William F. Broidy, director Paul Landres and screenplay wright Sam Roeca have done a right spanking job with Talbert Joselyn's Collier Magazine story of the same title, this last circumstance of derivation furnishing an advertising angle that should not be overlooked by the practical showman. The story opens with Neal, a sailor boxing for the fleet_ championship, which he wins, just before being mustered out, the latter against the wishes of his pals and commander. Going home, he finds his father, a fishing-boat operator, in financial straits, and his foster-brother endangering the parental "fortunes" by estranging fishing crews and shore associates. Numerous complications arising from this state of affairs, and from the indecision of Wendy Waldron as to which of the boys she wishes to marry, lead to situation in which Neal unwillingly agrees to fight a professional boxer on a winner-take-all basis. He is losing the fight until his sailor pals arrive at the ringside, after which he wins the purse, puts the parental house in order and rejoins the Navy. (It sounds corny, but it isn't handled that way) John Abbott, Murray Alper, Paul Bryar, and especially Ric Roman, give sturdy support. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date March 4. yy Fury of the Congo (C olumbia) SAM KATZMAN'S latest production in the series based on the comic strip figures, Jungle Jim, and starring Johnny Weissmuller, is tailored for the juvenile trade. Direction by William Berke keeps the action moving along familiar lines, with Carroll Young's story revolving around the activities of a narcotics ring seeking a source of supply in the jungle. Weissmuller rescues a pilot following a crash landing. William Henry the pilot, passes himself off as a police inspector assigned to find Joel Fried kin, a biochemistry professor, who has disappeared. Henry is actually th< leader of the narcotics ring that has captured the professor and is forcing him to make a drug from a gland excretion of the Okongo, an animal sacred to a tribe that has been enslaved by the gang. Weissmuller, after a series of narrow escapes from both the gang and a fantastically large desert spider manages to capture the gang. Others in the cast are Sherry Moreland, Lyle Talbot, George Eldredge, Rusty Wescoatt, Paul Marion and Blanca Vischer. Running time, 69 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. Music Fees Apply To Stage Shows Ottawa, Feb. 19.— The Can- adian Copyright Appeal Board has approved a demand from the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of Canada for permission to col- lect music fees from motion picture theatres which pre- sent stage shows unaccom- panied by motion pictures. Theatre companies objected to the proposed fee at public hearings held here. At the same time, the Copy- right Board refused to fix a music fee for television sta- tions in Canada until they start actual operations. Name Goldenson to Head JDA Unit Leonard H. Goldenson, president of United Paramount Theatres, was named chairman of the motion picture exhibitors committee of the amuse- ments division of the Joint Defense Appeal, Herman Robbins, division chairman, announced here yesterday. Goldenson will mobilize support among all theatre executives for the JDA drive, which is seeking half of its national goal of $6,000,000 in the Mertopolitan New York area, making it the largest campaign of its kind ever held in this city. Meanwhile, Robbins has appointed four more industry executives to key posts in the division. They are Saul Trauner, branch manager of Colum- bia Pictures, who will head the _ ex- change committee ; Edward Seider, Prudential Film Delivery executive, named chairman of the film delivery committee; Allen G. Smith, branch manager of National Theatre Supply, chairman of the supply dealers com- mittee, and William H. German, presi- dent of J. E. Brulatour, Inc., chair- man of the laboratory committee. Walsh, Back in N. Y., Readies Meet Report Richard F. Walsh, IATSE interna- tional president, has returned to New York from Tucson and Hollywood where he engaged in, respectively, a meeting of the "IA" board and confer- ences with Coast labor leaders. Announcement of business trans- acted and decisions reached by the board is being withheld pending formal notice to the membership. 'Cyrano' in Portland First Northwest opening of Stanley Kramer's "Cyrano de Bergerac" has been set for Portland, Ore., where the Jose Ferrer starrer for United Artists release will begin a roadshow run on Thursday. Sam Nathanson, Kramer advance man, is in Portland handling the advance campaign for the opening. '14 Hours' Opens March 5 "Fourteen Hours," 20th Century- Fox production starring Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Ged- des and Debra Paget, will have an invitational world premiere on Mon- day evening, March 5, at New York's Astor Theatre. It follows the run of U-I's "Harvey." Legion Reviews Nine; Two Are in Class "C" Nine additional films have been re- viewed by the National Legion of De- cency, of which "Manon," (French) Discina International Films, and "No Orchids for Miss Blandish," Alliance Films, were rated Class C. "Payment on Demand," RKO, was listed in Class "B" and the others in Class "A." Under section one, Class "A" are "Gene Autry and the Moun- ties," Columbia, and "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm," Universal- International. In Class "A," section two, are: "Another Shore," (British), Pentagon Pictures ; "Onlv the Va- liant," Warner; "Royal Wedding," M-G-M, and "Three Guys Named Mike," M-G-M. Jt&l're ib He pan Companion' mm. People everywhere go trooping off to their local theater when the latest CoMPANiON-approved movie comes to town. It happens again and again— and that's why the movie-makers have invested more money in the Companion during the past five years than in any other monthly magazine *Except of course the fan magazines! THE CROWELL COLLIER PUBLISHING COMPANY, 6 40 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 19, N. Y. AVERAGE CIRCULATION: MORE THAN 4,000,000 s Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Rembusch Sees No Phonevision Threat Philadelphia, Feb. 19— Subscrip- tion television does not pose a threat to the exhibitor "provided production and distribution don't start chasing the gold at the end of the Zenith and Skiatron rainbow," Trueman T. Rembusch, president of National Al- lied, told the 13th annual meeting of Eastern Pennsylvania Allied today. Rembusch also revealed that the na- tional organization was working on a plan to obtain present commercial video channels exclusively for gen- eral theatre TV use. National Allied board chairman and general counsel Abram F. Myers while admitting that television has made "terrific inroads" in areas of high TV saturation, said that latest surveys indicated "waning interests" in the new medium, and that film business will be "on the upgrade" in the next few years. Based on the Chicago tests of Phonevision, said Rembusch, any widespread use of such a system would be largely by organizations such as the American Legion, Elks, etc., with groups of 25 to 100 viewing the dollar film at anywhere from five to one-fifth of a cent per head. "Let production and distribution con- template recovering their costs at ad- missions of one-fifth of a cent and I am sure their ardor for an outlet other than regular theatres would cool off rapidly," he added. Discounts Distributors Views Discounting distributors' contention that they could not legally refuse the films to Phonevision, Rembusch said that no distributor, acting singly, is forced by law to sell his product to any source where such sale would jeopardize his company's profits. TV viewing "dissipates those pic- tures for the legitimate theatre oper- ator whether those films be old or new," he declared. Promising that exhibitors will protest to those dis tributors who have and are furnish ing films to Phonevision, "thus in vading the exhibitors franchise rights to professional motion pictures, rights acquired by an investment in theatre brick and mortar." Myers declared a definite improve ment in product as a result of di- vorcement and TV competition, the waning interest in TV, more enter- tainment money brought about by high employment, installment buying curbs and a great revival of showmanship, the most marked in 20 years. They are all factors which will insure a mounting box office in the next few years, he said. Samuelson Chairs Under the chairmanship of general manager Sidney E. Samuelson, the Eastern Pennsylvania unit con- demned M-G-M and 20th Century- Fox allocations of films, as well as Paramount's terms on "Samson and Delilah," allegedly 50 per cent for its general release next month. Elected to the board of governors for a three-year term were Ben Fer- tel, Milton Rogasner, Morris Wax, Jack H. Greenberg and Larry Woodin. Alternate governors named to a one-year term were Alfred J. Davis, Max M. Korr, Thomas Lazarick, David S. Moliver, Mark Rubinsky, Leaster J. Stallman and Thomas P. Thomas. Maco Nearly Clear on Consent Decree Demands Arnold Pressburger Dies in Hamburg Arnold Pressburger, 65, producer in Hollywood and Europe for 41 years, died in Hamburg, Germany, last Sat- urday of a stroke, it was disclosed here yesterday. Pressburger participated in the pro- duction of more than 200 films. Born in Austria, he formed several com- panies in Europe. He produced the first large-scale British sound film, "City of Song," in 1930. Pressburger founded the British-Cine Alliance in 1934. In 1941 he formed Arnold Pro- ductions, Inc., for United Artists re- lease. He became an American citi- zen in 1942. Surviving are a son, Fred, now en route to New York, and a daughter, Nelly Brash, who lives in Los Angeles. Services Tomorrow For John Good, 33 Brookline, Mass., Feb. 19. — Funeral services for John P. Good, 33, former sales manager for Paramount Pictures in Buffalo, will be held in Boston on Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Rox- bury. Good was stricken with polio in Buf- falo in Aug., 1949. Surviving are the widow, the parents, Dr. and Mrs. Fred- erick L. Good, a son and a brother. Variety Hears Clark Washington, Feb. 19. — Over 200 industry and government officials at- tended the local Variety Club's "Brotherhood-Valentine" luncheon at the National Press Club here today. Guest speaker was U. S. Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark. Minneapolis, Feb. 19. — Further progress in fulfilling the local consent decree demands of the Department of Justice in the Paramount New York anti-trust action is reported by Min- nesota Amusement Co., Paramount affiliate in this area. Sale of the lease and equipment of the Towne Theatre at Mankato, Minn., by Maco, clears the Paramount subsidiary with the government in all but three situations in the territory, under terms of the consent decree agreement. The remaining situations to be cleared with the Department are at La Crosse and Eau Claire, Wis., and at Minot, N. D. At La Crosse, Maco has a partnership deal with the Wel- worth (E. R. Ruben) circuit, but has still another year in which to complete a split-up of the Hollywood and Fifth Avenue theatres. Negotiations have been under way between Ruben and Maco president Harry B. French in an effort to reach an agreement on the split-up but French has referred to progress in the settlement as "academic." Maco asked for bids on the O'Klare, Eau Claire, in December, 1949, but has rejected all offers as being too low. Final disposition may be made by the courts which can rule if an offer must be accepted or if the cir- cuit may not be required to meet the divorce terms of the decree in lieu of a fair offer. Bidders for the Towne, Mankato, is a newly-formed corporation of local business men, headed by A. R. Pfau, president ; Brett Taylor, vice presi- dent, and Don Steiner, secretary- treasurer. Taylor is head of the Brett department store, and Steiner is a Mankato attorney. Purchase price of the Towne was reported to be ap- proximately $125,000. The Towne is a new structure. The new owners will assume possession on March 1, operat- ing as a first-run house. Maco retains the State at Mankato as its "A" stand, and the Grand for "B" pictures. 5 Films Nominated For 4 Globe' Award To Vote for Union Election of a collective bargaining unit to cover the 700 officeworkers at CBS here will be held March 7. Qualified for the ballot are the CIO Newspaper Guild of New York and the Radio Guild, Local No. 50, Dis- trict 65 of the independent Distribu- tive, Processing and Office Workers. Schine (Continued from page 1) not succeeded in divesting a minimum of 11 theatres by next June, it will have to put the situation before the Federal Court here and request an extension of time. Circulars listing the 24 theatres re- maining to be divested, and prices, which were sent out recently by Schine to exhibitors and brokers who had expressed interest in the proper- ties, are interpreted as being evidence of the circuit's good faith in endeav- oring to meet the terms of its decree. Distribution of the circulars, observ- ers feel, should stand Schine in good stead with the court in the event it has to apply next June for an exten- sion of time for its second year di- vestiture schedule. The generally de- pressed market for theatres during the year past is cited as the principal reason for Schine's inability to meet its divestiture schedule to date. Says Hughes Silent On Court Ruling Howard Hughes has not yet indi- cated his attitude toward the New York Statutory Court's proposed rul- ing that he be given two years to sell his 24 per cent holding of RKO Thea- tres stock, Thomas Slack, Hughes' attorney, said here yesterday. Slack, who left last night for Wash- ington, said that he had relayed the court's offer to Hughes but had re- ceived no instructions for or against acceptance of the order. The court had postponed making a final ruling until Slack could confer with Hughes. Slack said he will be back from Washington in time to appear at the next hearing tomorrow. Fla. Realtor Names Brandt in Pact Suit A $400,000 breach-of-contract action brought against Harry Brandt by Lu- jacks, Inc., a Coral Gables, Fla., real estate concern, was transferred yester- day from New York Supreme Court to U. S. District Court here at the request of Brandt's counsel. Plaintiff alleges Brandt failed to fulfill an agreement to acquire prop- erty in Coral Gables for the erection of a theatre. Hollywood, Feb. 19.— "All About Eve," "Born Yesterday," "Cyrano de Bergerac," "Harvey" and "Sunset Boulevard" have been nominated for the "Golden Globe Award" for the "best Hollywood-produced picture" to be announced by the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association at its Golden Globe Awards Dinner on Feb. 28, at Ciro's. Other "best" nominations include : Dramatic actor, Louis Calhern, for "Mag- nificent Yankee"; Jose Ferrer, "Cyrano"; James Stewart, "Harvey." Dramatic ac- tress, Bette Davis, for "All About Eve"; Judy Holliday, "Born Yesterday"; Gloria Swanson, "Sunset Boulevard." Actor (musical comedy), Fred Astaire, for "Three Little Words"; Dan Dailey, "When Willie Comes Marching Home"; Harold Lloyd, "Mad Wednesday." Actress (musical comedy), Spring Byington for "Louisa"; Miss Holliday, "Born Yesterday"; Betty Hutton, "Annie Get Your Gun." Support- ing actor, Edmund Gwenn, for "Mr. 880"; George Sanders, "All About Eve"; Eric Von Stroheim, "Sunset Boulevard." Sup- porting actress, Miss Holliday, for "Adam's Rib"; Josephine Hull, "Harvey"; Thelma Ritter, "All About Eve." Most promising newcomer, G'ene Nelson, Mala Powers, Debbie Reynolds. Also, best screenplay, "All About Eve," "Asphalt Jungle," "Sunset Boulevard." Color Photography, "Broken Arrow," "King Solomon's Mines," "Samson and Delilah." Black-and-white photography, "Asphalt Jungle," "Cyrano," "Sunset Boulevard." Best director, George Cukor, John Huston, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Billy Wilder. Musi- cal score, "A Life of Her O'wn," "Destina- tion Moon," "Sunset Boulevard." Produc- tions promoting international understanding, "Broken Arrow," "The Big Lift," "The Next Voice You Hear." 26 Films Shooting On Coast; 2 Start Hollywood, Feb. 19. — The feature production index continues in a down- ward direction, for a total of 26 pic- tures in work; two new ones were started while nine were completed. Started were: "Little Big Horn" and "Kentucky Jubilee," Lippert Pro- ductions. Completed were : "China Corsair" and "The Secret," Columbia ; "The Tall Target" (formerly "The Man on the Train") and "The Strip," M-G-M; "Nevada Badman," Mono- gram ; "Submarine Command," Para- mount; "On the Loose" (Filmakers), RKO Radio ; "The Real McCoy" and "Iron Man," Universal-International. March of Time in New Series Bows March of Time yesterday held a press reception and preview of the first of its new series, "March of Time Through the Years." Previous March of Time films are discussed in the new series in the light of today's news, with guest authorities narrating. Screened yesterday were "News- fronts of War— 1940," which will be televised at 10 P.M. Feb. 23, over WJZ-TV and other ABC stations, and "When Air Raids Strike." Cleveland (Continued from page 1) directory the theatres in which they are interested. Meanwhile, theatre ad rates in Cleveland's three newspapers will take an eight and one-half per cent hike in April. The Press and News go up three cents a line for all types of houses, while The Plain Dealer raises the Sunday rate, effective April 15. »n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ii 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ill 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ i iiiiiiNmimiiiimimiiMimmimiiiimiimimiiMiiimiimmiiiiiimimimiiimimm^ fame and fortune . . . In each field there is one product that is recognized as the most distinguished in its sphere — the accepted peer among all others of its kind. The single word that expresses the utmost in fine jewelry is TIFFANY. In automobiles it is CADILLAC . Among publications for industry and business it is FORTUNE. And among annual trade publications for the fields of motion pictures, radio and television it is FAME. There is an indefinable, but nevertheless definite, extra measure of benefit — a greater prestige value derived by the many who make appropriate use of the pages of FAME. It represents a rewarding opportunity — an investment that pays well and soundly! Now in Preparation =Ji in iimiiiiiiiinii imiiiimiiiimmiiii iiiimiiimmiiiiiiiiiimimiiimiimiiiimiimi iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniin 10 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 20, 1951 Sears-UA (Continued from page 1) we name a new sales head at this time. I am pleased to announce that Grad will remain with us in an executive capacity. I hope to be able to advise you within the next two weeks who the new sales head will be." Negotiations are expected to open shortly between Krim and William J. Heineman with a view to having the latter head up UA distribution. Heine- man, who has not renewed his contract as Eagle Lion Classics distribution vice-president, will leave that company March 2. It is expected he would be succeeded at ELC by Bernard Kranze, assistant general sales manager. Management control of UA passed yesterday morning to Krim, Robert Benjamin and Matthew Fox, following the weekend resignations of Paul V. McNutt and Frank L. McNamee as board chairman and presi- dent, respectively. Krim, joined by his two associates, conducted a meeting of home office depart- ment heads, including Sears, C. J. (Pat) Scollard, Al Tamarin and Al Lowe. Earlier in the day Scollard guided Krim, who is scheduled to be UA's new presi- dent, on a tour of headquarters offices. In his telegrams to the sales man- agers in the field, Krim stated : "I want to greet you and through you all the members of your exchange on this my first day at United Artists. I am happy to become a part of the great tradition of UA and with your help to look forward to a renewal of its vigor and importance in the industry. "You have all been through a trying- period of uncertainty," Krim contin- ued. "Happily for all of us this un- certainty is over. However, a very formidable task remains. We will start immediately to create a strong, steady flow of important new product which is the lifeblood of our company. It is our objective to merit, once again, by careful planning and selectivity, the confidence of exhibitors that each of our pictures will represent the best that the finest creative talents in the world have to offer. This cannot be done overnight." Meet With Producers During the next several days, Krim, Benjamin and Fox are expected to confer with a number of regular UA producers who now are in New York. These include I. G. Goldsmith, S. P. Eagle and W. Lee Wilder. Due to arrive here next Friday from the Coast, via Philadelphia where his "Sound of Fury" will open this week, is producer Robert Stillman, who also will meet with the new UA manage- ment group. Harry M. Popkin, an- other UA producer, who returned to the Coast by train at the weekend without settling the question of book- ings for his "The Second Woman," will return here in about two weeks for further talks with Krim. The pre- vious UA management had agreed to pull some 44 bookings for the picture pending Popkin-Krim conferences on the company's capacity to market the film as the producer would like to see it marketed. United Artists now "must be protected for the benefit of those in the industry to whom it is so essential," Krim stated in his message to the sales managers. "To this end the next six months are crucial. Now is the time for you and our exhib- itor friends to rally to a com- mon cause, no longer in an atmosphere of uncertainty but with the sure knowledge that we are rebuilding for the fu- ture. This is the time for spe- cial energy and enthusiasm and with new purpose to build up our revenues out of what we now have going through the mill. I know I can count on you and your staff to do your part." Max Kravetz, still secretary of UA until an organizing meeting is held by the new operating group and officers are elected, reported for work as usual yesterday. He claims he still holds an option on 8,000 shares of UA stock and has not and will not relinquish it. Trade reaction is that Kravetz, there- fore, can exercise his option for $5,- 400,000, the option price, any time up to June, 1952, without getting either stock or management control. Management control is part of the contract issued to Krim, Benjamin and Fox. There are 12,000 shares of UA stock in addition to that Kravetz claims to be involved in his option. Indications are that everything will be in readiness some time today for the election of voting trustees, first step in squaring away UA's new man- agement. Krim and Fox and, perhaps, Seymour Peyser of the law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim, will be named by the new manage- ment group as its voting trustees. Loyd Wright probably will be named by Chaplin but Miss Pickford's nomi- nee, she and Chaplin are entitled to name one each, is unknown. The voting trustees will elect a new board of directors, the first UA has had since last July, and new officers will then be elected by the board. Sears is privileged to remain with the company for the full term of his contract, nearly 11 years in all, if he elects to do so. The first part of his contract, calling for a salary of $2,000 per week plus $500 expenses, expires at the end of this year. A second part calls for payments of $35,000 annually for the next 10 years, whether he re- mains active or not. Settlement of his status was de- scribed as completely amicable. It is assumed he will be an officer of the company, in line with his contract re- quirements, but that his future service actually will be advisory in the main. Seymour Miller Is Named U.A. Manager Seymour Miller has been named branch manager of United Artists' St. John's, New Brunswick, exchange under Charles S. Chaplin, Canadian division manager, it was reported here yesterday by Nat Nathanson, Eastern- Canadian sales manager for UA. Miller, who joined United Artists in 1943 as a booker in Toronto, was transferred that same year to the St. John's branch, moving up to salesman. Norway Names Sherman Washington, Feb. 19. — Al Sher- man, film publicity consultant, has been appointed official film representa- tive and distributor in the United States for all Norwegian government motion pictures. Sherman, who was decorated by King Haakon of Norway with the Medal of St. Olav for serv- vices rendered during World War II as publicity and film consultant to the Royal Norwegian Embassy, has es- tablished offices here to handle Nor- way's film distribution. Weigh Fewer Prints To Save Raw Stock A plan to conserve raw- stock by reducing the number of prints without impairing service to exhibitors is being studied by 20th Century-Fox distribution executives here. By a rearrangement of schedules, the number of prints for each file, now aver- aging about 400, can be cut to 350 under the plan, it is un- derstood, without any mate- rial change in the availability of pictures. Golden Says (Continued from page 1) consulted at the proper time." Golden said if distributors could cut the number of prints of any picture in circulation without hurting exhibi- tors, "that's all to the good." The NPA chief returned over the weekend from the West Coast, where he discussed conservation with pro- duction officials. He said that "every- one out there was pretty pleased with the situation when I left. They are not at all concerned." The tour of film exchanges now be- ing made by John McCullough, head of the Motion Picture of America's film conservation department, will be a great help in saving raw stock, Golden predicted. Raw Stock Shipments Abroad To Require Gov't Licenses Washington, Feb. 19. — Raw stock shipments to countries outside the Western hemisphere will need govern- ment licenses, effective today. The Commerce Department's office of international trade put "unexposed, sensitized negative film" of all sizes on the list, requiring export licenses for shipment to most foreign points. The license requirement does not ap- ply to Western hemisphere destina- tions nor to shipments valued at less than $25. Tax Hearings (Continued from page 1) testify on "Admissions to Radio Broadcasts and TV Shows." No one here knows exactly what his point is, but it is surmised that he will urge that a ticket tax be levied on such admissions. Spokesman for the National Asso- ciation of Broadcasters and the Radio and Television Manufacturers Asso- ciation have been scheduled to testify in opposition to the Treasury's pro- posal to boost the excise tax on radio and television sets from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. Glenn A. Wallichs of Capitol Rec- ords has also been scheduled to repre- sent record makers in opposition to a similar tax increase on their product. James Reilly yesterday confirmed that he had applied to be heard at House tax hearings in Washington, but said he had not yet been notified of the date he will appear. He de- clined to comment on his proposals. Guernsey Moves Up Otis L. Guernsey, Jr., film critic of the New York Herald Tribune, has been made first reviewer, following the resignation of Howard Barnes, film and drama critic. N.Y. Grosses (Continued from page 1) for the first seven days, not including the holiday coming up. Russell Mar- kert's "Smart Set" revue is on the stage. Another house, the Criterion, is changing bills ahead of schedule to have a new film on the screen for the holiday. "Frenchie" is expected to draw about $8,000 for a final five days in a two-week stand, with "Un- der the Gun" coming in Thursday. "Born Yesterday" is still doing fine business at the Victoria, with $25,000 due for a ninth week. At the Astor, "Harvey" is holding up with $10,000 estimated for its ninth week. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is off slightly at the Bijou, but its expected $9,000 for a 15th week is more than satisfactory for a two-a-day policy. While a number of houses _ are bringing in new shows for the holiday, the Roxy is holding "Call Me Mister" and Danny Kaye on stage for an extra two days, with "U.S.S. Teakettle" bowing in on Friday. "Mister" is ex- pected to pull $107,000 for its final nine days, a figure that concludes one of the theatre's recent best three-week runs. The Ritz Brothers will head the new stage bill. Another successful four-week run will end tonight, at the Paramount, where "At War With the Army" is winding up with a substantial $53,000 ; "Cry Danger" will open there tomor- row, with Russ Case's band on stage. "Operation Pacific" is having a mild third week at the Strand, "with about $24,000 estimated for the period. Denise Darcel tops the stage show. "Vengeance Valley" got off to a rather disappointing start at the Capi- tol, with about $46,000 due for its first week, which ends on the eve of the holiday. Blue Barron's orchestra heads the stage entertainment. Good Weekend at State "Tomahawk," which started Satur- day, at Loew's State, had a good weekend and is expected to gross, with the holiday take, a healthy $30,000. "Sugarfoot" is being pulled after two days short of two weeks at the Globe to make way on Thursday for "No Orchids for Miss Blandish." "Sugar- foot" is expected to gross about $7,000 in its final five days. The Park Avenue, Walter Reade's off-Broadway showcase, is having its best first week under Reade manage- ment, with "Of Men and Music" steadily building to an estimated $14,- 500 for an initial week. This does not include Thursday's holiday. Also off-Broadway, "Trio" is grossing a steady $6,000 for its 20th week, at the Sutton. "The Second Woman" will conclude a three-week run tonight at the Rivoli, with a quiet $10,000 estimated for the final period," "The 13th Letter" will open there tomorrow. The Mayfair has been doing good business with a pair of re-issues, "The Last Gangster" and "The Big Store," with about $8,000 due for a final five- day period of a four-week run ; two other re-issues. "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," will open there on Thursday. Theatre Cuts Prices Hartford, Feb. 19. — Loew's Poli Bijou, New Haven, has launched a new policy of reduced prices, with matinee seats set at 35 cents, and eve- ning seats at 50 cents. OH nQQ\e Lion mou- pa9es' idea »n «ur?6S liure adverr\s- ■ing. For certain he In Press Bof ■« this form- i A Rook. °te )Ut loco> Ha*10 Released through Eagle Lion THE SENSATION OF "OPEN CITY ". "Most impressive actress since Garbo "- LIFE In urn N HER FIRST ALL-E ■ ■ ■ AND HERE'S HOW TO EXPLOIT MAGNANI LOCALLY... "Anna Magnani in her first all-English drama" — that's a highly exploitable combination which should -be socked across locally with stunts like these : The eight-page LIFE layout on Magnani would make an excellent advance 40x60 for out front. Still of this layout is available as Still VOL.— Exp. 1. Copy can be as illustrated above. Art used on the Press Book cover can be used for over- marquee display with colored light simulating fires bursting from the volcano. * * * Don't forget to highlight in all your displays the fact that "Volcano" is "Magnani's first all- English drama." An additional lobby attention-getter can use headline read- ing "Is Magnani the New Queen of the Screen?" This dis- play can be illustrated with stills of Garbo and Bergman plus "Volcano" stills VOL.— 3, 6, 21, 30, 31. In addition to your Magnani exploitation, in- terest can be called to some of the exciting se- quences in "Volcano" by using a see board in- cluding the highlight scenes from the ads. * * * A FREE radio spot platter is available on "Volcano" which includes nine spots— three 1-minute, three 30-second and three 15-second announcements. Order this FREE platter from Exploitation Manager, Eagle Lion Classics, 165 W. 46th St., New York 19, N. Y. Realistic Movie 'Volcano' Magnani's First in English Filmed with uncompromising realism, "Volcano," first all-English drama starring the world-famous actress Anna Magnani makes its local debut next at the Theatre. "Volcano," has the additional distinction of being produced and directed by William Dieterle who directed such great hits as the Academy Award-winning "Life of Emile Zola," "Louis Pasteur,'* "Love Letters," "I'll Be Seeing You" and "Portrait of Jennie." Despite the fact that she has been seen in the United States in only a few films including "Open City" and "Angelina," Magnani has become one of the world's best-known actresses. Fiery, tem- peramental and deep-voiced, Mag- na™ is an actress in the grand tradition. She is a performer whose off-screen life is as fascin- ating as any role she has por- trayed. Discipline by Dieterle "Volcano" gives Magnani a chance to let out all the stops un- der the discipline that only a di- rector as famous in his own right as Dieterle can enforce on so tem- pestuous a personality. She portrays a fallen woman forced to leave Naples by the police. Magnani returns to Vol- cano, craggy island of her birth, in search of a new life. Barred from all jobs because of her past, she becomes involved in a love triangle with her sister, played by Hollywood actress Geraldine Brooks and an unscrupulous diver portryed by Rossano Brazzi, re- cently seen as the Professor in MGM's "Little Women." Among the other well known actors in "Volcano" is Eduardc. Ciannelli, veteran of hundreds of Hollywood films, including "Mark- ed Women," "Gunga Din," and, most recently "Prince of Foxes." Also cast as the little brother of Magnani and Geraldine Brooks is Enzo Staiola, famous as the youthful hero of "The Bicycle Thief." Dieterle Makes Trip From U. S. to Italy To Direct 'Volcano' The recent upsurge of interest in shooting films in Italy has seen many leading American stars cross the ocean to make pictures there, but William Dieterle is one of the first outstanding directors to make the trek from Hollywood. Dieterle crossed the ocean to make "Volcano," Anna Magnani's first all-English drama, which tells the story of a strange love trian- gle set on the rocky island of Vul- cano. The picture opens at the Theatre. The accolade "outstanding di- rector" certainly fits Dieterle for few meggers can match his list of credits. Academy Award History Among the early Dieterle suc- cesses were "The Last Flight," "Madam DuBarry" and "Midsum- mer Night's Dream." He followed this with "The Story of Louis Pasteur" for which Paul Muni won an Academy Award and "The Life of Emile Zola." Dieterle is widely known as a strict disciplinarian on the set and movie insiders prophesied freely that the eruptions on the set when he tangled with iron- willed Anna Magnani would re- semble the eruptions of the vol- cano for which the film is titled. Despite these dire predictions, Dieterle soon asserted his mastery and the rest of the cast of "Vol- cano" including Eduardo Cianelli, Rossano Brazzi, recently seen as the Professor in MGM's "Little Women," Geraldine Brooks and Enzo Staiola, young star of "The Bicycle Thief" were amazed by the calm that prevailed. Mat 2B Still VOL.-8 Anna Magnani and Geraldine Brooks in a scene from "Volcano," Magnani's first all-English drama opening at the ._ Theatre. Rossano Brazzi is also co-starred in "Volcano." Kiss for Screen Scares Magnani "I can't! I've never kissed a man on the screen and I'd be em- barrassed!" This speech from Anna Mag- nani almost shattered the imper- turble calm of William Dieterle who directed the internationally famed actress in her first English language drama, "Volcano," which opens at the Theatre. Magnani, believer in "down-to- earth realism — Magnani, tempest- uous fury off the screen and on the set — Magnani, embarrassed"! The Italian members of the crew were doubly stunned. It took hours for Dieterle with the help of Rossano Brazzi, re- cently seen as the professor in MGM's "Little Women," who co- stars with Magnani, to get the ac- tress to make the scene. After it was over she went and hid in a corner mumbling "They're all going to laugh when they see me kissing on the screen." Mat 1A Still VOL.-3 Anna Magnani and Rossano Brazzi in a scene from "Volcano," her first all-English drama open- ing at the Theatre. New Film Queen Not Glamor Girl It is odd that Anna Magnani whom many critics pick to in- herit the mantle of Garbo and Bergman as queen of the screen is not a raving beauty. She hardly ever combs her hair, wears plain black dresses and has lather large teeth. But as audiences can see in Magnani's first English language drama "Volcano," which opens at the Theatre, she is literally explosive as an actress. Like the volcano which gives the film its title, Magnani is al- ways either erupting or on the point of it. She has, according to the enraptured critics, an ability to transmit an illusion of femin- inity and sensualism which can al- most be felt physically. Child Film Actor Prefers Soccer Enzo Staiola, sensation of the international hit "The Bicycle Thief" will soon be seen again by American audiences as a featured player in "Volcano," Anna Mag- nani's first English language drama which opens at the Theatre. In "Volcano," Staiola portrays the younger brother of Anna Mag- nani and Geraldine Brooks who play sisters living on the rocky island of Vulcano for which the picture is titled. Staiola is completely unspoiled by his success and his only ambi- tion is to grow up to be a great soccer player. Eagle Lion Section "VOLCANO" Page Three THE CREDITS Anna Magnani in "Volcano," with Geraldine Brooks and Rossano Brazil, Eduardo Ciannetli and Enzo Staioia. Produced and Directed by William Dieterle. Story by Renzo Avanzo. Screenplay by Piero Tellini and Victor Stoloff. Dialogue, Erskine Caldwell and Viraliano Brancati. Photography by Arturo Gallea. Production Manager, Ar- turo Oliver. Adapter and Archi- tect, Mario Chiari. Documentary Films by Mariani. Submarine scenes taken with special equip- ment and by special experts of the Panaria. An Artists Associates- Panaria Films production. An Eagle Lion release. THE CAST Magdalena Anna Magnani Maria Geraldine Brooks Donate Rossano Brazzi Guard Eduardo Cianelli Brother Enzo Staioia THE STORY Magdalena is forced to leave Naples by the police and returns to the rocky island of her birth, Vulcano. There she lives with her sister Maria and her younger brother. The two sisters go to work help- ing a diver, Donato, to do some salvage work. Maria falls in love with Donato and determines to leave the island with him. Magdalena tries to stop her and finally kills Donato by cutting off his air supply when he is under water. Maria curses her sister and Magdalena despondently throws herself into the island's volcano as it begins to erupt. Miss Brooks Gains Star Rating in Italy Geraldine Brooks feels that Horace Greeley's famous line "Go West, Young Man" should be switched to "Go to Italy, Young Actress" — that prescription has won stardom for the attractive Miss Brooks. The picture that helped zoom her up the ladder is Anna Mag- nani's first all-English drama "Volcano," which opens at the Theatre. Miss Brooks, who has won recognition as an exceptionally gifted actress, got the "Volcano" role after doing a test for William Dieterle who directed the Mag- nani vehicle. Dieterle was 'looking for an "uncivilized beauty" to play the part of an Italian peasant girl who, in "Volcano," is Magnani's sister. Geraldine prepared for the test by getting deeply sun-tanned and by staying away from beauty parlors. Clicked With Dieterle She clicked with Dieterle and when "Volcano" was finished won even the plaudits of the perfec- tionist Magnani. The release of the Italian ver- sion of "Volcano" started a flood of plaudits from Italian critics. These resulted in another starring role for Miss Brooks in an Italian film. She now has a contract to make one Italian film a year and is free to continue her Hollywood career. Geraldine is probably the only actress to be named for a costume company. Her father is the presi- dent of Brooks costumers which outfit most of the Broadway shows. Her real name is Stroock. She learned Italian while mak- ing "Volcano" in that country. She is now fluent in that language after being tutored by Magnani and the other "Volcano" co-star Rossano Brazzi. 'Volcano' Blends Qualities I Of U. S. and Italian Films One of the outstanding phenomena of the post-World War II years has been the great interest in Italian motion pictures. Films like "Paisan," "Open City," "Shoe Shine," "The Bicycle Thief," "Panic" and others have attracted increasingly wider audiences. Despite the acclaim awarded these pictures for their uncom- promising realism and daring themes they have reached only a small part of American film audi- ences. The language barrier, European production values and unknown actors have confined them to a comparatively few "art" theatres. A small but determined group of men decided to attempt a film which would combine all that was best in Italian pictures with some of the finest qualities of Holly- wood films. The result is "Vol- cano," a tempestuous romance starring the great Anna Magnan. in her first all-English drama which opens at the Theatre. Dieterle Chosen to Direct "Volcano" was actually filmed in its entirety on the rocky island of Vulcano by Director William Dieterle who has turned out scores of Hollywood hits including such films as "Zola," "Louis Pas- teur," "Portrait of Jennie" and "Rope of Sand." Star Anna Magnani has been seen in such smash Italian hit's as "Open City" and "Angelina." Die- terle and Magnani represent al- most all that is best in American and Italian films. The rest of the cast of "Vol- cano" offers a similar interna- tional flavor. Co-starred with Miss Magnani are Geraldine Brooks who has been seen in "Possessed," "The Reckless Mo- ment" and "Embraceable You" Mat IB Still VOL.-33 olus Rossan° BraZzi' Geraldine Brooks and Rossano Brazzi in a scene from "Volcano," Anna Magnani's first all- English drama, which opens at the Theatre. Mat 2C Still VOL.-2 Geraldine Brooks and Anna Magnini intently examine a letter in this scene from "Volcano," Magnani's first all-English drama which opens at the Theatre. Star of 'Bicycle' Cast in 'Volcano' Enzo Staioia, who became one of the world's most famous child actors with the release of "The Bicycle Thief," takes a very adult attitude toward film-making. On the set of "Volcano," first English language film starring fiery Anna Magnani which opens at the Theatre, Enzo acted like a real trouper. He was the first one on the set every morning; always knew his lines; took orders from Director William Dieterle without a mur- mur, and was a real ray of sun- shine who brightened up the whole cast. However, when the picture was locked in the can, Enzo gave a typical boy's answer to Dieterle's question about what he planned to do next. "Why, I'm going home and play football," he laughed. Dieterle Unmasks Geraldine Brooks Director William Dieterle is widely known for hits like the Academy Award-winner "Zola," "Louis Pasteur," "Portrait of Jen- nie" and "Love Letters." He also seems about to win additional honors as a discoverer of talent. When he was looking for an unspoiled beauty to play Anna Magnani's younger sister in "Vol- cano," the internationally ac- claimed Italian actress' first all- English film, he found her right in Hollywood in Geraldine Brooks. Miss Brooks had been seen in films like "Possessed" and has al- ways been considered a "glamor- girl" type. But Dieterle saw real beauty under the layers of make- up and persuaded her to go to Italy to play the part in "Vol- It is to his credit that in "Vol- cano," which opens at the Theatre, with no makeup and with uncombed hair she gave a performance that won plaudits even from Magnani. Page Four "VOLCANO" Eagle Lion Section ANNA MAGNANI in VOLCANO with ROSSANO BRAZZI • GERALDINE BROOKS Eduardo Ciannelli ■ Enzo Staiola Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE Screenplay by Piero Tellini and Victor Stoloff Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell An Artists Associates— Panaria Film Production Releosed through EAGLE LlON 3 Col. Ad Mat 301—369 Lines Eagle Lion Section "VOLCANO" Page Five ST' ANNA MAGNANI in VOLCANO „ith ROSSANO BRAZZI • GERALDINE BROOKS Eduardo Ciannelli • Enzo Staiola Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE Screenplay by Piero Tellini and Victor Stotoff Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell An Artists Associates— Panaria Film Production Releosed through EaglE Lion THEATRE "The Most Impressive Actress Since Garbo!" -life ALL IN ENGLISH Anna MAGNANI in VOLCANO with Rossano BRAZZI • Geraldine BROOKS • Eduardo Ciannelli • Enzo Staiola • Produced and Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE • Dialogue by Erskine Caldwell fteleoied rhiough EaGlE UiOm THEATRE I Col. Ad Mat 103—72 Lines 2 Col. Ad Mat 203—200 Lines I Col. Ad Mat 102—14 Lines Like the white hot lava ymmm ww^jgij. ANNA MAGNANI "The Most Impressive Actress Since Garbo!" -life m Anna MAGNANI in VOLCANO with Rossano BRAZZI - Geraldine BROOKS • Eduardo Ciannelli • Enzo Staiola • Produced add Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE • Dialogue by^rskme Caldwell fieieosed through Eagle Lion 2 Col. Ad Mat 201—58 Lines Page Six -VOLCANO'' Eagle Lion Section MAKE UP YOUR OWN AD! These elements can be used for small ads, programs, tieup promotions. ORDER MAT 302 ill Anna MAGNANI in VOLCANO with Rossano 8RAZZI * Geraldine BROOKS • Eduardo Ciannelli • Enzo Staiola ■ Produced and Directed by WILLIAM 0IETERLE • Dialogue by Erskme Caldwell Releoied througri Eagle Li"on 2 Col. Ad Mat 202—100 Lines Like the white hot lava that bursts from its crater... ANNA MAGNANI "The Most Impressive Actress Since Garbo ' -LIFE toe of . "- Eagle Lion Section "VOLCANO" Page Seven Ul 1 u * ■ -3 : Z « a ■ E 2 f a T t £ ° H | a> at > s £ c S £ a « u « 'S S T »: a t X ® E 1 « £ « p HI Z z a ° o> cs < CO d o .= < E- p ... 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THE OUTLAW Mickey Rooney Robert Preston 0—82 min. (Rev. 2/6/51) SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM Maxie Rosenbloom Max Baer CO — 73 min. DERBY WINNER D THE HOODLUM THE BLUE LAMP Jack Warner Jimmy Haniey D— 84 min. (Rev. 6/1/50) WHITE HEATHER Ray Milland Marius Goring D SIOUX AMBUSH O WHEN 1 GROW UP Robert Preston Martha Scott Bobby DriscoM D SO LONG AT THE FAIR Jean Simmons Dirk Bogarde D — 90 min. (Rev. 1/19/51) COLUMBIA (Jan. Releases) THE GREAT MANHUNT Doug. Fairbanks, Jr. Giynis Johns D — 97 min. (Bev. 10/5/50) THE FLYING MISSILE Glenn Ford Viveca Lindfors D — 92 min. (Bev. 12/28/50) STAGE TO TUCSON (Color) Rod Cameron 0—82 mln. (Bev. 12/15/50 GASOLINE ALLEY Scotty Beckett CD — 77 min. (Bev. 1/17/51) GENE AUTRY AND THE MOUNTIES 0— 70 min. (Bev. 1/17/51) PRAIRIE ROUNDUP Charles Starrett 0 — 53 min. (Bev. 1/22/51) (Feb. Releases) BORN YESTERDAY Judy Holllday Broderiek Crawford C — 103 min. (Rev. 11/17/50) OPERATION X Edward G. Robinson Peggy Cummins D-79 min. (Rev. 12/18/50) COUNTFRSPY MEFTS SCOTLAND YARD Howard St. John D — 67 min. (Rev. 11/21/50) RIDING THE OUTLAW TRAIL Charles Starrett O — 56 min. (Rev. 2/9/51) REVENUE AGENT Douglas Kennedy Jean Willes D — 72 min. (Rev. 12/5/50) A YANK IN KOREA Lon McCallister D — 73 min. (Rev. 2/13/51) (Mar. Releases) "M" David Wayne Howard DaSilva AL JENNINGS OF OKLAHOMA (Color) Dan Duryea UclIC O LIJ 1 1 1 1 0 — 79 min. (Rev. 1/17/51) TEXANS NEVER CRY Gene Autry 0 FORT SAVAGE RAIDERS Charles Starrett Smiley Burnette O MY TRUE STORY D s* UJ u. ^ o ►5 3 C 00 >-> 00 V rH to a oo • d in LENTINO 99 FRISCO batch SpringfieJd, Mass. Cincinnati Phoenix Tucson Oakland Sacramento Stockton Berkeley —Matt Columbia! COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENTS "VALENTINO," AN EDWARD SMALL PRODUCTION ^^ZZ^Z^ STARRING ELEANOR PARKER • ANTHONY DEXTER WITH RICHARD CARLSON . PATRICIA MEMNA^ CALLEIA • WRITTEN BY GEORGE BRUCE • PRODUCED BY EDWARD SMALL • ASSOCIATE OF PRODUCER JA GRIPPO • DIRECTED BY LEWIS ALLEN. FIRST IN FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 36 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1951 TEN CENTS See Interest In Swiss TV For National Charles Skouras Would Buy if D. ofjh Approves National Theatres will purchase an interest in the Swiss Eidophore theatre television system, in which 20th Century-Fox already has ac- quired an interest, providing the De- partment of Justice registers no ob- jection to the joint interest m the new development. That was revealed to circuit opera- tors here by Charles Skouras, Na- tional Theatres president, in describing the new theatre television system to them at a meeting Monday at United Paramount Theatres headquarters here The approval of the Department of Justice will be sought in advance m order to avoid complications or con- flict with 20th Century-Fox's anti- trust suit consent decree, which is expected to be made final within a matter of days. The decree wall call for the separation from 20th-i Max E. Youngstein, who resigned recently as vice-president of Para- mount Film Distributing Corp. in charge of advertising-publicity, was appointed vice- president of United Art- ists in the same capacity by Ar- thur B. Krim, U. A. president on Friday. The appointment is effective today. A c c o m - panying the ap- pointment were reliable but un- official reports that Young- stein's deal gives him an opportunity either to acquire stock in (Continued on page 4) Max Youngstein Para. Production Post to Hartman Hollywood, Feb. 25. — The appoint- ment of Don Hartman as supervisor of production was announced here by Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount vice- president in charge of studio opera- tions. Hartman assumes the duties for- merly handled by Samuel J. Briskin (Continued on page 2) Studios Open Fight for U.S. Wage Freeze Relief Propose UPT Acquisition Of Interstate Would Have to Divest Itself of 76 Theatres Washington, Feb. 25. — The Justice Department has agreed to amend the Paramount consent de- cree to permit United Paramount Theatres to acquire complete owner- ship of the Interstate Circuit Corp. and Texas Consolidated Theatres, Inc., providing UPT divests itself of 76 or more theatres in the 171-theatre chain. UPT now has a joint interest in the two circuits with Karl Hoblitzelle. The proposed change, which will be presented to the three- judge statutory court in New York on Thurs- (Continued on page 2) R.J. Rubin Named an Aide to Balaban Washington, Feb. 25. — Hollywood producers and talent guilds have opened their fight for early relief from the government's wage freeze. Representatives of the two groups met here Friday with Willard Wirtz, executive direc- tor of the Wage Stabilization Board. Industry spokesmen em- phasizing the unique problems of the film industry, said they were not at all clear how they were affected by the freeze and that early action was needed to enable them to continue normal operations. The delegation calling on Wirtz was headed by Joyce O'Hara, acting chief of the Motion Picture Association of America, and included Jerry Cahill of the MPAA, Maurice Benjamin and Arthur Freston of the Association of Motion Picture Producers, and Jack (Continued on page 4) Sales to Drive-Ins Eyed By D. of J. Reportedly acting on com- plaints of discriminatory terms and alleging difficulty in obtaining "fresh" product sent to the Department of Justice by drive-in operators, Phil Marcus, D. of J. attor- ney, queried distributors here last week on their sales poli- cies for the outdoor opera- tions. Marcus declined comment but trade reports indicated the information sought prob- ably would be matched with policies applicable to stand- ard theatres in a search for indications of discrimination or joint action. Robert J. Rubin, today, will be- come an assistant to Barney Balaban, president of Paramount Pictures.. Corp., Balaban disclosed here at the weekend. Rubin entered the motion pic- ture industry in 1947 as assis- tant to Donald M. Nelson, and has been active in motion pic- ture matters primarily in the field of distri- bution and for- e i g n markets. His most recent post was as general counsel for the Society of Independent Motion Picture Pro- (Continued on page 4) Robert J. Rubin Fromkess Forming His Own Company Hollywood, Feb. 25. — Leon From- kess, whose five-year vice-presidency of Samuel Goldwyn Productions will expire on April 15, will establish a new production-distribution company, according to present plans, with most former PRC franchise holders han- dling physical distribution. Fromkess, who will own the new (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 26, 1951 Personal Mention AW. SCHWALBERG, president • of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., has returned to New York from a tour of the Canadian branches. • E. K. O'Shea. vice-president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., returned here from Buffalo over the weekend and will leave tomorrow for a two-day business visit to the Detroit branch. • Hiller Innes, executive assistant to Russell Holm a n , Paramount's Eastern production chief, left here over the weekend for Jamaica for a two-week vaction. • Jesse DiAngelis, head of the Di- Angelis Outdoor Advertising Co., has returned home from the Yonkers Gen- eral Hospital where she underwent major surgery. • Eric A. Johnston will be an hon- ored guest at the banquet of the In- ternational Convention of Variety Clubs, to be held in Philadelphia, May 9-12. • Philip Gerard, Universal Pictures Eastern publicity manager, is sched- uled to return here today from Flor- ida. • W. A. Scully, Universal Pictures domestic sales consultant, returned to Florida over the weekend from New York. • John Davis, managing director of the J. Arthur Rank Organization, is due to arrive here this morning by plane from London. George D. Burrows, executive vice- president and treasurer of Monogram and Allied Artists, has returned to the Coast from here. • Russell Holman, Paramount's Eastern production chief, is due here from the Coast today. To Hear Geo. Skouras In Goldwyn Suit George Skouras, head of the United Artists Theatres circuit, is scheduled to give a pre-trial deposition here to- morrow or Wednesday in Samuel Goldwyn's suit against Fox West Coast and others charging conspiracy in the exhibition of independent prod- uct. Hartman xo Para. (Continued from page 1) NT Convention on Today in L. A. Los Angeles, Feb. 25. — The annual National Theatres convention, attended by com- pany division president, will begin here tomorrow with the return of Charles Skouras, NT president from New York. The meeting had been originally set for last week. Skouras will report on the Swiss - developed Eidophore Theatre TV system in which 20th Century-Fox recently acquired an interest. Skouras was present at final nego- tiations in Zurich. Swiss TV (Continued from page 1) JD Proposes UPT (Continued from page 1) who relinquished that post on Jan. 23. Hartman has been a producer-direc- tor-writer with M-G-M. He will re- port to Paramount on March 5 and will work under the direction of Free- man. Freeman also announced that nego- tiations were pending with Briskin to produce a number of pictures for Paramount. day, envisages dissolution of the partnership, with UPT ac- quiring the Hoblitzelle interest. Justice Department officials said they were making the terms of the change public now to give an oppor- tunity to anyone who might want to object to present their views to the court first. They said, however, that as of the present they know of no op- position. The present decree provides that neither partner can buy the other out, but that if Paramount buys out Hob- litzelle it can keep only 45 theatres compared with a possible 95 in the proposed change. The amendment would not permit any increase in the maximum number of theatres which United Paramount can own through- out the country. If as a result of ac- quiring the new circuits, UPT would go over the ceiling in the original decree it must dispose of theatres in other areas. According to the proposed change Paramount must divest itself within three years of at least 76 theatres. Seven speci- fically mentioned theatres can be retained only if the circuit finds that competition is not unduly restrained as a result. In about ten additional localities Paramount must get rid of additional theatres, if there is no independent competition within a certain time. In 15 more cases, Paramount must either divest itself of theatres or accept a 60 per cent product limitation if inde- pendent theatres cannot acquire first or second-run features. In still other towns there must be divestiture jf Paramount over a period of time is operating more than a designated num- ber of theatres on a particular run in that area. H. Graham Morison, assistant at- torney general in charge of the anti- trust division, said that "while _ the original judgment required the disso- lution of the partnership it did_ not open any closed towns by requiring divestiture." "The proposed change," he said, "presents a unique opportunity to bring about competitive conditions in both first and subsequent runs in 31 cities and towns in which the cir- cuits operate." Manufacturing rights for Continental Europe will be shared between 20th- Fox and the University of Zurich on a 50-50 basis. Twentieth-Fox's specifications will meet the requirements of American projection practices and will in addi- tion provide for the projection of color. The present model, according to Earl I. Sponable, 20th-Fox techni- cal supervisor who attended the press conference, is now the size of an ordi- nary film projector, a considerable ad- vance over the original model, which was three stories high. Both Skouras and Sponable reported that the Eidophor system, which en- ables the use of arc lights, is far superior to any present theatre TV system and said that it can be adapted to any present television color broad- casting system. Other Equipment Queried on previously announced plans to use other equipment in 20th- Fox theatres, Skouras said that the plans were still under consideration but left little doubt that a watch-and- wait policy would be followed until the Swiss system had been tried. Sponable, queried about plans to set up theatre TV networks on the Coast, said that from a technical point of view he could not advise the neces- sary expenditures for a system that might be outclassed by the Eidophor system. Neither Skouras or Sponable would venture a prediction on the eventual cost of Eidophor per unit and the ex- act means of manufacturing the sys- tem, whether directly or by license has not been decided. Skouras did say that the units would be sold, not licensed, to exhibitors. Sponable Explains Sponable explained that the system does not use a cathode tube, but that the cathode rays are received on an oil-like substance, kept at a constant temperature, which produces a series of depressions on the oil film. Light is projected through the oil film through a series of mirrors up to the projection lens, and thus to the screen. Images are formed at the rate of about 50 frames per second, with each fading out in time to permit the oil to receive the next. He said the system is extremely flexible and that its "throw" is un- limited except by the amount of light used. Though the present model is for black-and-white only, he said adap- tation to color should be relatively simple. Skouras left after the interview for the Coast to attend the National The- atres convention. Newsreel Parade [RIGHTING in Korea and the New •* Guinea volcano are current news- reel highlights. Other items cover a new parking system, sports and fash- ions. Complete contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 17— Allies blast Reds in Korea. Rock Island arsenal restoring tanks. New Guinea volcano. Chi- nese Navy set for 'D'-Day.' New York Film Critics awards. Horse racing on ice, speed races, cliff diving. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 251— Formosa fighting-men trained. Arsenal speeds de- fenses. Puerto Rico hails industrial pro- gram. Basketball fix roundup. Golden Gloves. Sports: speed car race, daredevil divers. Red Cross appeal. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 54— Puerto Rico booms economy. Basketball spreads. Male fashions go native in Nassau. Britain trains "Foreign Legion" troops. Sports: Golden Gloves finals. Steeplechase on ice. Red Cross trailer. TELE NEWS DIGEST, No. 8-B— Basket- ball on trial. Korea: fight guerrillas. Urge U. S. troops to Europe. Spain: festival highlights. New York: spring fashions. Norway prepares for 1952 Olympics. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 433— Rearma- ment program underway. Blizzard in Tokyo. Puerto Rico industry boom. New "pidgeon hole" parking system. Sports: Golden Gloves tournament. Sleigh riding in Ger- many. Cliff diving. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 433 — Korea news flash: Mighty "Mo" in action. Puerto Rico industry booms. Beats food prices— fasts 55 days. Sports: Ski champs- two years old. Surf champ — 17 months. Golden Gloves tournament. Outlook Better (Continued from page 1) Skouras Sees 'Hope' For Decree March 15 A consent decree with the govern- ment before the March 15 deadline is the "hope" of 20th Century-Fox, ac- cording to Spyros P. Skouras, presi- dent. He made the observation at a press conference on Friday. a good film can now draw audiences at the same theatre for a period of weeks instead of days is a sign of better times for exhibition." The theatre executive said that of all of the cities which he visited, San Francisco seemed to be the liveliest — more crowds seeking entertainment, more service uniforms visible in the crowds. He confirmed reports that business is generally on the upgrade since the first of the year, but em- phasized that theatremen still have a job to do in running their houses and exploiting new attractions. "Interest in television may be wan- ing as the novelty wears off," Schwartz said, "but it still is and will remain serious competition. Our job, in both exhibition and production, is to work at keeping our position of leadership in entertainment." 'Keep Alert' While "keeping alert" to develop- ments in theatre television, Schwartz said that RKO has no immediate plans to install more TV equipment. The present installation at the Fordham in the Bronx serves primarily as a means of keeping abreast of the trend, Schwartz said. The primary question for theatre television, according to Schwartz, is programming. "Exclusive telecasts for theatres may be an answer," he said, "or per- haps those working on the problem may come up with another. Eventu- ally, I feel the two mediums will be working together for their mutual benefit." Ja^s^Cunnrngnar^News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke Advertising Mana?^ NaUonaV'pr^f Out Washington,' D, C. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSa e Street Urben Farley, Advertising J^"^^7e'uu address Ouigpubco London." Other Ouigley Publications: Motion Picture London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl ; Hope Burnup Manager, Peter Burnup,^ Entered as secQnd. ^^S^£^*^^^^^^ Ty^^TXl 3M°^n Per year, * in the Americas and «, foreign; single copies, 10c. tomahawk' Tops Tomahawk' Hot Buffalo, Feb. 13. i^irly well her HERE COME THE HOLDOVERS! a« over «• SAN FRANCISCO • STOCKTON • OMAHA CHAMPAIGN • PHILADELPHIA • OAKLAND CLEVELAND • SPRINGFIELD, MASS. • BOSTON BLOOMINGTON • MANCHESTER • BALTIMORE ALLENTOWN • HARTFORD • BRIDGEPORT and more coming every day! "TOMAHAWK" The Story of the Great Sioux Indian Uprising Color by TECHNICOLOR starring VAN HEFLIN • YVONNE De CARLO with Preston Foster • Jack Oakie 'Tom Tully Susan Cabot and ALEX NICOL Screenplay by SILVIA RICHARDS and MAURICE GERAGHTY Directed by GEORGE SHERMAN • Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEIN A UNIVERSAL - INTERNATIONAL PICTURE Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 26, 1951 Youngstein {Continued from page 1) COMPO Sets Campaign its the company or to participate in future profits. . Before joining Paramount in Youngstein was vice-president _ of Eagle Lion in charge of advertising, publicity and exploitation. Knm was president of Eagle Lion at the tune. Francis Winikus Reported To Be Returning to U. A. Francis M. Winikus, until recently advertising director of United Artists, was reportedly returning to the com- pany in a similar capacity under Max Youngstein, advertising-publicity vice- president. Youngstein, queried on the report Friday, said the appointment was a possibility but has not yet been set. Daff Reports (Continued from page 1) company's 31 branches, is finding eag erness on the part of exhibitors to cooperate with distributors in special advertising and exploitation. He stated that many exhibitors are mind ful of the fact that the public is re spending better than ever to good pictures and especially when they re ceive the benefit of extra attention in advertising and exploitation. Rubin, Balaban Aide (Continued from page 1) ducers. Rubin has also functioned^ in intra-industry organizational activities, including COMPO. (Continued from page 1) The organization to be set up to handle the campaign, which will start early in September, will be composed of these four branches of the industry, the speaker emphasized. The gathering, composed of top dis- tribution and advertising executives and leading exhibitors, was informed by Depinet that he would appoint committees immediately to lay fur- ther plans for the campaign. The box-office drive was approved last No- vember by the COMPO executive committee as one of the industry agency's major projects for the im- mediate future. Skouras, co-sponsor with Depinet of the luncheon-meeting, laid down a program for boosting the industry's business and prestige. Leonard Gold- enson, president of United Paramount Theatres, recommended to the meet- ing that prizes, similar to the "Os- cars" given bv the Academy of Mo- tion Picture Arts and Sciences, be bestowed on the best box-office pic- tures of each of the four months during which the drive lasts. Rodgers urged that the top exhibitor of each state be invited to Hollywood by pro- ducers for the discussion of mutual problems. Al Lichtman, 20th-Fox vice - president, recommended a na- tionwide research program. Skouras, originator of the "Movies Are Better Than Ever" campaign, embodied in his program the need for the industry to overcome the public's idea that pictures have deteriorated in quality, that Hollywood is decadent we ns in Brief Important l^ople ARE RMHG ABOUT AVer/ Umporfant [picture I A Very [important (personality! SEASON A Paramount Picture "slickest flicker since 'Father of the Bride'!'* — Hy Gardner and evil, that the film industry _ is panicky over the effects of television and that Hollywood cannot meet the demand for adult entertainment. He said COMPO's program should show the national service which the picture business performed in the last war, the immense charitable works it is doing and drive home to the pub- lic the fact that local investments in theatres are an important part of the American economy and that the money spent on theatre admissions is only a small part of the total spent on all entertainment. Expressing confidence in the pub- lic's enthusiasm for motion pictures, Skouras said that the only people who did not seem to recognize this were those in the picture business. Goldenson's proposal for awards in- cluded the suggestion that an "Oscar" should be given the best picture in each of four classes — Westerns, musi- cals, comedies and straight dramas — with the presentation to be made at a dinner in New York to the producers, directors and stars of the prize-win- ning productions. Other speakers wtere Arthur L. Mayer, COMPO executive vice-presi- dent; Sol Schwartz, RKO Theatres; George Skouras, and Max E. Young- stein, who originally presented the box-office campaign to the COMPO executive committee last November. Others at the luncheon were : John Joseph, Si Seadler, George Joseph. Paul Lazarus, Art Schmidt, Irving Worm- ser, Joseph R. Vogel, Oscar A. Doob, Eu- gene Picker, Ernest Emerling, Maury Goldstein. Nicky Goldhammer, A. W. Schwalberg, Jerry Pickman, Sid Blumen- stock, Mort Nathanson, S. Barret McCor- mick, Don Prince, Walter Branson, Leon Bamberger, Charles Einfeld, William C. Gehring, Rodney Bush, Eddie Silverman, Sterling Silliphant, Jonas Rosenfield, Mau- rice Bergman, Alfred Daff, Charles Feld- man, David Lipton, John J. O'Connor, Mort Blumenstock, Larry Golob, Gilbert Golden. Walter Brecher, Norman Arenwald, Her- man Levy, Max Cohen, R. J. Weitman, Harry Mandel, William W. Howard, Robert W. Coyne, Charles E. McCarthy and Dick P'itts. as Isomer of the Groom steals the picture— and a honey it is!" — Louis Sobo/ International Variety and Coast MPIC Approve COMPO In Hollywood, the Motion Picture Industry Council has formally ratified the changes slated for the governing structure of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, of which MPIC is a charter member. Another Coast member of COMPO, the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, is expected to ratify the changes at a meeting to be held in Hollywood during the week of March 5. Variety Clubs International has also ratified the changes in the by-laws of the Council of Motion Picture Organi- zations voted last month, Robert J. O'Donnell of Dallas, ringmaster of the organization, informed Arthur L. Mayer, COMPO executive vice-pres- ident, in a telegram received here at the weekend. Washington, Feb. 25. — There is growing talk that the House Un- American Activities Committee will send a three-man sub-committee to Hollywood to continue its "Commun- ism-in-movies" investigation, rather than have full-scale hearings here. Chairman Wood (D., Ga.) admitted such a sub-committee appointment was "a distinct possibility." • Hollywood, Feb. 25. — William MacMillen, Eagle Lion Classics vice- president in charge of operations, has announced ELC plans for "quality pictures with top stars," emphasizing the use of color. He left here Friday night by plane for New York. MacMillen gave final story and cast approval to the first three of ten Fidelity Productions to be delivered within two years. These are "Vigilante," starring Joel McCrea, in Supercinecolor ; "My Fine Feathered Friend," with Tony Martin and Jo Stafford, also in color; and "Deadlock," with George Raft. • Harry Sacher, a defense attorney in the trial here last year of the country's top Communists, will continue to rep- resent as counsel IATSE's New York Projectionists Local No. 306, notwith- standing his having been ousted by the general membership at a meeting here last Jan. 3. Herman Gelber, president of "306," said at the weekend that Sacher will continue as the local's attorney "until such time as the union finally decides on a new attorney." • M-G-M's "Stars in My Crown" won the $1,500 first prize in the Free- doms Foundation's annual awards, Kenneth Wells, executive vice-presi- dent of the Foundation, has announced. • Hollywood, Feb. 25. — Herbert Bregstein, who has leased the Monica Theatre here, for a run of "Ways of Love" starting March 7, has declined to discuss reported exhibitor opposi- tion to booking the picture, but said Joseph Burstyn, owner of the Ameri- can rights, is due to arrive here Mon- day, and will hold a news conference. • Twentieth Centry-Fox's "U. S. S. Teakettle" opened at the New York Roxy Theatre on Friday, following a 23-day run for the same company's "Call Me Mister," which, with Danny Kaye on stage, set a Washington's Birthday holiday gross record of $26,- 900 for the day, it was reported by A. J. Balaban, managing director of the theatre. a Seattle, Feb. 25.— Sam Milner, well-known in the film industry, died in Los Angeles recently, according to word just received here. Fromkess' Company (Continued from page 1) company, said talks have been held with a majority of prospective fran- chise holders, and "the project is just about set." He expects final arrange- ments to be completed in the next two or three weeks, at which time formal announcement will be made. Wage Freeze Relief (Continued from page 1) Dales, executive secretary of the Screen Actors Guild, representing the talent guilds. Spokesmen stressed that the talks were "purely exploratory" and that "we just gave them the background on our problems." They said Wirtz proni- ised to consider the matter. The in- dustry will probably file detailed briefs backing up its arguments sometime this week. TODAY'S NEWS TODAY MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 39 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1951 TEN CENTS UPT Retains Hoblitzelle And O'Donnell Long Term Contracts For Both Are Reported Dallas, Feb. 26. — Following- an- nouncement of the city-by-city di- vestiture provisions of the Para- mount decree on Interstate and Texas Consolidated circuits, as set forth in adjoining- columns, Karl Hoblitzelle, president of Interstate, reported today that Interstate's management would continue in its present form. Hoblitzelle said he and R. J. (Bob) O'Donnell, vice-president and general manager, would cont'nue to direct Interstate's operations. Others who have been in key posts at Interstate include E. J. Solon, treasurer ; J. Q. Adams, assistant to the president ; T. de Boer, comptroller ; P. K. Johnson, booker, and C. C. Hoover, purchasing chief. United Paramount Theatres has ac- (Continued on page 8) INTERSTATE, TEXAS CONSOL. THEATRES UPT MUST DIVEST B'way First-Run Grosses Move Up; $140,000 for Hall Washington, Feb. 26. — Here are the details of the proposed amendment to the Paramount consent decree, permitting United Paramount Theatres to acquire complete ownership of Interstate Circuit, Inc. and Texas Consolidated Theatres, Inc.: To the extent the theatres which United Paramount can keep in the two circuits puts the total UPT thea- tre ownership over the maximum fig- ure set in the original consent decree, United Paramount will within three years get rid of its interest in com- parable theatres in other areas. As for the theatres which United Paramount must unconditionally get rid of in the Interstate and Texas Consolidated circuits, at least one-third must be sold within one year from the date of the new order, another third within two years, and the rest within three years. All theatres which UPT may have to sell under one of the conditions in the amendment must be disposed of "within six months of the time they are required to be divested." No theatre can be sold to any com- pany which was a defendant in the original government anti-trust suit, which is owned or controlled by or affiliated with such a company. Four theatres must be divested in Albuquerque, New Mexico — Hiland and 66 Drive-In, Kimo or Sunshine, and Chief or Rio or Lobo. All other theatres to be divested are in Texas. Here are the city-by-city require- ments : Abilene: Paramount or Majestic (Continued on page 8) Says 20th-Fox Decree Ready y Weekend Spurred on by a spell of clear cool weather which began on Washington's Birthday, grosses at New York's first- run theatres hit the best average re- ported since the Christmas and New Year holidays. "Payment on Demand" at Radio City Music Hall in a second week is topping the initial week's take by about $10,000, with $140,000 due— a good gross at the Hall in any week with any picture. Russell Markert's revue is on stage. The Roxy capitalized on the holiday (Continued on page 6) Winikus Resumes As UA Ad Manager Francis M. Winikus, who resigned as United Artists advertising manager on Jan. 1, yesterday was re-appointed to the post by Max E. Youngstein, newly-named vice-president and na- tional director of advertising-publicity- exploitation. Formerly with Warner's advertising department, Winikus joined United Artists in 1946 as a copywriter, was appointed conv chief and then adver- tising manager in 1947. Heineman May Extend ELC Stay William J. Heineman, who is sched- uled to become United Artists' new distribution chief, will continue in charge of Eagle Lion Classics' dis- tribution until March 12 if William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president, has not selected a successor to Heine- man by the end of this week. Heine- man originally was scheduled to leave ELC next Friday. MacMillen and Bernard G. Kranze, ELC general sales manager, yesterday began discussions concerning the lat- ter's succeeding Heineman at UA. Meanwhile, however, it is understood (Continued on page 8) Davis to Tour 4U' Branches with Daff John Davis, managing director of the J. Arthur Rank organization in Britain, arrived here from London by plane- on Sunday and will leave in a day or two for a tour of Universal exchanges accompanied by Al Daff, worldwide sales director for Universal, and other company executives. Uni- versal distributes for Rank here. Davis's first stop will be in Chicago on Friday. From there the group will visit other Universal exchanges as far West as San Francisco, before return- ing here. Davis brought with him from Lon- (Continued on page 8) Chas. Skouras Free to Head Theatres: Koegel Final agreement between 20th Century-Fox and the Department of Justice for a consent decree is expected to be reached this week, with an appearance before the Fed- eral Court here expected by the end of the present deadline on Monday, ac- cording to Otto E. Koegel, 20th-Fox chief counsel. The decree will place no bar- rier in the way of Charles P. Skouras continuing to head up the new theatre company which will emerge from the reorgani- zation, Koegel said, adding that the government never opposed such a suggestion. Koegel said that any delay which might necessitate a last-minute exten- sion beyond Monday for filing of the decree would arise from technical as- (Continued on page 6) Pile Industry Ammunition In COMPO Speaker's Kit Denham Buys Out Gamble in Indpls. Indianapolis, Feb. 26. — Gamble Enterprises, headed by Ted R. Gamble of New York, today sold its half in- terest in Greater Indianapolis Amuse- ment Co. to Denham Theatres of Denver, headed by B. D. Cockrill. The Greater Indianapolis Amuse- ment Co. operates four of Indianapolis' five first-run theatres, the Circle,. In- diana, Lyric and Keith's. Fourth Ave- nue Amusement Co. is the other op- (Continued on page 6) A 100-page "Speaker's Kit" has been issued by Council of Motion Picture Organizations headquarters here to provide material "for talks either by people in our industry or by others outside our business who might feel disposed to champion motion pictures before civic clubs, women's groups, over the radio or elsewhere." The kit comprises 11 addresses, written by D;ck Pitts, COMPO editorial director, to assist "motion picture people in pre- senting the film industry's case to the public." Each speech re- quires about 15 minutes for de- (Continued on page 6) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.— The U.S. Supreme Court to- day refused to hear an ap- peal from a lower court decision holding that states cannot censor films to be shown on tele- vision programs. The lower court had ruled that state TV cen- sorship was already con- trolled by the FCC. A proposal for the take- over of the recently formed Lopert Films Dis- tributing Corp. by United Artists reportedly has been discussed by Arthur Krim, U.A. president ; Ilya Lopert and Sir Alex- ander Korda, Lopert part- ners. The principals could not be reached for comment last night but spokesmen said no imme- diate development is seen. 2' Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 27, 1951 Personal Mention ANDY W. SMITH, 20th Century- • Fox sales vice-president, has re- turned to his office following a two- week vacation. James R. Grainger, Republic ex- ecutive vice-president in charge of sales and distribution, has returned to New York from a tour of Southern exchanges. • Montague Salmon, managing di- rector of New York's Rivoli Theatre, accompanied by Mrs. Salmon, has left here for the Coast on a vacation trip. Sol Siegel, 20th Century-Fox pro- ducer, is en route here from England on the S.S'. Queen Elizabeth and will leave immediately for Hollywood fol- lowing his arrival on Friday. • Calvin Gaeta, assistant buyer and booker for Martina Theatre Corp., Albion, N. Yr., recently became the father 'of a baby girl, Pamela Ann. • Harry Hardman, head of the sound department of the Wilby-Kincey The- atre Service Co., Atlanta, is confined to a hospital there. » Edwin L. Harin, Warner Broth- ers director, has entered Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, Hollywood, for a checkup. • Bili Woods has been promoted from office manager to city salesman at the Minneapolis Columbia ex- change. 'Look' Awards Go to Davis, Stewart, Swanson, Zanuck Annie "In A "The ; "The "Cin "Kind Max Thorpe, British managing di- rector for Columbia, has returned _ to London following a home office visit here. e Arthur C. Bromberg, of Mono- gram's Southern Exchanges, At- lanta, has returned there from Chi- cago/ • Eddie Cantor and George Jessel will be honored at a testimonial din- ner here on May 5, to be given by the Jewish Theatrical Guild. • Mort Spring, vice-president of Loew's International, returned here vesterday from the Coast. • William H. Wright, M-G-M pro- ducer, is slated to leave here for Hollywood tomorrow. Emanuel Silverstone of 20th Century-Fox's foreign department, has left London for South Africa. • William B. Levy, worldwide sales head for Walt Disney Productions, has returned here from Hollywood. • Al Margolies has returned here from London where he produced three 30-minute films for television. Hugh Owen, Paramount's Eastern and Southern division manager, is in Boston today. Bette Davis, James- Stewart, Gloria Swanson and Darryl F. Zanuck have been named tops in the "Annual Movie Awards" of Look Magazine in "tri- bute to their outstanding achievement in the motion picture industry." Bob Hope will present gold plaques to the 1950 Look award winners on his radio program this evening over the NBC network, marking the 10th annual presentation of Look awards which are given "to the men and women who create America's film en- tertainment." At the same time, Look's selection of the "best pictures of the year" will be named as follows: "All About Eve," (20th Century-Fox) ; Get Your Gun," (M-G-M) ; Lonely Place," (Columbia) ; Tackpot," (20th Century-Fox) Asphalt Jungle," (M-G-M) ; derella," ( Disney - RKO ) ; Hearts and Coronets," (Eagle Lion) ; "King Solomon's Mines," (M-G-M) ; "Cyrano de Bergerac," (United Ar- tists) ; "Mister 880," (20th Century- Fox) ; "The Glass Menagerie," (Warner) ; "Harvey," (Universal-In- ternational) ; "No Way Out," (20th Century-Fox) ; "Sunset Boulevard,' (Paramount); "Francis," (Universal- International); "The Men," (United Artists). Bette Davis was named best actress of the year "for the greatest perform- ance of her life," in "All About Eve," James Stewart was named best actor of the year, for his roles in "Harvey" and "The Jackpot." Gloria Swanson will be given a spe- cial award, "for the most sensational comeback in motion picture history-" To Zanuck will go an "All-Industry Achievement Award," for his contri- butions to the screen in 1950; and as a pace-setter for the industry." Gold plaques will also be presented to Judy Holliday, as the most promis- ing female newcomer, "for one of the freshest, most dazzling comedy per- formances, in 'Born Yesterday' " ; to Marlon Brando, as the most promising (male) newcomer, "for an outstanding debut, in The Men'"; to Josephine Hull, as the best supporting female player, for her role as Elwood P. Dowd's sister in "Harvey," and to Arthur Kennedy, as the best support- ing male player, for his brother role in "The Glass Menagerie." Gold plaque presentations will^also be made to Stanley Kramer, as "best producer," "for proving that good films with unusual themes can be made on low budgets, and for produc- ing two of the year's best pictures, 'The Men' and 'Cyrano de Ber- gerac' " ; to Joseph Mankiewicz, "best writer and best director," "as both writer and director of All About Eve' " (this is the first time in the 10-year history of the Look Awards that two Achievement Awards are given to a single person) ; to Robert Surtees, "best cameraman," "for his Technicolor photography in 'King- Solomon's Mines,' the best cinematog- raphy of the year," and to Walt Dis- ney who will be given a special 10- year award, "for making the most original films in the world." Top Honors in 'Look' Poll to Chakeres The ever-increasing impor- tance of the exhibitor to the industry is recognized in the current issue of Look Maga- zine. An award will be pre- sented to Phil Chakeres of Springfield, Ohio, head of Chakeres Theatres, who "symbolizes the showmanship and community service of 20,000 theatremen throughout the United States," the magazine's publishers an- nounced here yesterday. This marks the first time that Look has made an ex- hibitor award, given "in recognition of the great con- tribution of the exhibitor to the whole pattern of the mo- tion picture industry." Va- riety International aided the magazine in selecting the winning exhibitor. Ebenstein in MPAA Copyright Post Morris Ebenstein of Warner Broth- ers was named chairman of the Motion Picture Association's copyright com- mittee at a luncheon-meeting held here yesterday at the Hotel Algonquin. Ebenstein succeeds Edwin P. Kil- roe who resigned from the commit- tee post concurrent with his retire- ment from 20th Century-Fox. In an unprecedented action, the committee also designated David O. Decker of Loew's as its honorary chairman. Cyril S. Landau of Uni- versal was elected secretary. The terms are for one year. Present at yesterday's meeting, in addition to Decker, Ebenstein and Landau, were : Irving Moross, Colum- bia ; James S. Polk, Paramount; Theodore R. Black, Republic; Peter F. Pugliese, RKO; Harry J. Mcln- tyre, 20th Century-Fox; Adolph Schimel, Universal ; Austin C. Keough, chairman of MPAA's law committee ; Sidney Schreiber, MPAA. ELC-LoewVRKO Action Moves Along Washington, Feb. 26. — Attorneys for Eagle Lion Classics on the one hand and Loew's and RKO circuits on the other have "just about worked out" an agreement as to how much information each will supply the other in connection with the $15,000,000 anti-trust action now pending in New York. ELC brought the suit against RKO and Loew's charging that the two companies refused to let independently- produced films into their New York neighborhood first run circuits. To- day, Feb. 26, was originally set as the date for each party to answer interrogatories served by the other, but there was considerable dispute as to the scope of these interrogatories, and rather than fight it out in court the parties have been negotiating on the scope of the information to be supplied. These negotiations are nearly over, and when final agree- ment is reached a new deadline for supplying the information will be set 20th-Fox Declares Three Dividends . The board uf directors of 20th Cen- tury-Fox has declared a quarterly div- idend of $1.12^ per share on out- standing prior perferred stock, payable March 15 to the stockholders of record on March 6. A quarterly dividend of 37 cents on convertible preferred, a quarterly dividend of 50 cents on out- standing common also have been de- jlared, both payable March 30 to stockholders of record on March 6. Piracy Suit Against 20th-Fox Dismissed Judge Samuel H. Kaufman yester- day dismissed in U. S. District Court here the $500,000 piracy action filed against 20th Century-Fox by Anthony Richard Pinci who had alleged the company infringed on his play about Woodrow Wilson in producing the picture "Wilson." The jurist found that similarities did not exist between Pinci's work and the picture. NEW YORK THEATRES Gluck Named a V. P. Of United World Norman E. Gluck has been named a vice-president and a member of the board of directors of United World Films, non-theatrical film subsidiary of Universal Pictures, it was an- nounced here yesterday by James M. Franey, company president. Gluck has been associated with United World for the past three years and during the past year he has been n charge of the television depart- ment. Before joining United World, he was a theatre manager, managing the Park Avenue Theatre here dur- ing 1947-48. He managed Skouras theatres for 12 years. RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN in "Payment on Demand' Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION DICK POWELL RHONDA FLEMING in person"- RUSS CASE EDDIE FISHER WF » V&wgKE Banger Midnight Feolur» Nightly MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwta ^^^^g^TTk°^SS&I^ 7^*Cable "fcagimbco, Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefeller C ^e"2)°'k Sullivan Vie°- P'reSderTt and Treasurer ; Leo J- Brady, Secretary ; New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin QulSle F^sel" ^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^.yiat Building, William R. Weaver, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H Fausel Product. °" M "SU ri A O en National Press Club, Washington D. C. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative H 6-3074 Wt^£Ston .1 A utten Publications: Motion Picture London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Buvnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor ^ *dd^^ Entered as second- Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion P'c1£"ri^ and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., tinder the act of March 3, 1879. Subscnpuon rates per year, „<> in rne ^ GEORGE M. MANN... one of America's best-known independent theatre owners expresses his opinion about... Republic's BELLE LE GRAND Peter B. Kyne's famous story of Old San Francisco starring VERA RALSTON ■ JOHN CARROLL introducing MURIEL LAWRENCE O.SFP820 Wi on cr P< ]9 MR GRAINGER SF FRANCISCO CAL 14- 1740 BROADWAY NVK- WHlCH^^s^/oMB^L4L'NGDR^; D£P,CTING OLD SAN erancisco WHO ARE INTERESTED IN " P,CT^ ^ TO EARTH PICTURE WELL PuvPn 0F ™,S ™* * A DOWN ACCEPTABLE TO THE AuL./c ™D ' AM SU<* WILL BE ««y tha^^vin'o rFC'RCU'T ro CEO M MANN- ^ BNJOV THIS FINE SHOW- 4 Motion Picture Daily National Pre-Selling ARRANGEMENTS for what is de- scribed as one of the top promo- tional campaigns of the year have been completed by Paramount Pictures with the Lusk Candy Co. in behalf of Bob Hope's latest comedy, "The Lemon Drop Kid," which is set for national release in April. More than 18,000 re- tail outlets will be alerted in a tieup that will make the public "lemon-drop conscious." Every case of lemon drops shipped to the confectionary trade will contain a three-color display piece, while a larger poster is designed to tiein with playdates at a local theatre More than 1,000 special two-pound boxes of lemon drops will be sent to the nation's top newspaper, radio and television commentators, while hundreds of regular-sized cartons will serve as giveaways, obtainable through Paramount's field exploitation staff. • In full color, the RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, will adorn the front cover of the March 16 issue of Collier's magazine, as a tiein with the coming Motion Picture Academy Award presentations which will take place at the Pantages later in the month. Collier's, on a previous occasion, carried a front-cover of a typical theatre in the midst ot a Saturday morning children's show, which was equally interesting and amusing to theatre managers and their patrons. • One of the most extensive promo- tion campaigns ever set up in support of a short subject will get roh- ing shortly for Paramount's Grant- land Rice Sportlight, "Big Little Leaguers," the story of the organized baseball movement for children from eight to 12 years of age. Oscar A. Morgan, short subject sales manager for Paramount, has sent a special let- ter to all branch managers acquainting them with the national movement, and ' encouraging them to contact the league and local teams in every area. These "little league" teams are pub- licly supported and there will be a ready-made audience for the picture. • More than 50 chain stores in Chi- cago's Loop will participate in the promotion campaign set up for Para- mount's "The Lemon Drop Kid" ac- cording to E. J. Fitzgibbon, the com- pany's field man in the Chicago area. Each store will devote an entire win- dow to a "lemon drop guessing con- test" with passers-by asked to guess the number of lemon drops on display in a large container. Ten winners will be named from each store, and all 500 will be invited to a special screening of the picture, at which lemon drops will be served. The promotion will get under way 10 days before the Chicago opening of the picture. • The New York Daily Mirror, sec ond largest circulation of any Met ropolitan newspaper, carried a cen ter double spread on 20th Century Fox's "Bird of Paradise" in its rotogravure magazine section last Sunday, the first time that this Technicolor feature, scheduled for Easter release, has broken in the color supplements. The campaign of pre-selling is now approaching its height and will reach a climax within the next two or three weeks, in a majority of media breaks. Coast Producers, Screen Writers Start Signing Eight-Year Pacts Hollywood, Feb. 26— Major motion picture studios, which con- clude all labor contracts individually, today began affixing signa- tures to new eight-year pacts with the Screen Writers Guild, on which an agreement was reached a fortnight ago and which was formally ratified by the Guild membership over the weekend. The contract, a product of long negotiations which promised for awhile to eventuate in a screen writers' strike, gives writers an increase in wage minimums, the separation-of-rights in original story sales, and other benefits. A complete 15-minute radio pro- gram devoted to 20th Century- Fox's "The 13th Letter" will launch the first "Movie Mystery Month" in radio history on Sunday, March 4, over the Mutual Broadcasting's 450 stations from Coast-to-Coast. An interview with Otto Preminger, producer-director of "The 13th Let- ter," and excerpts from the sound track of the film will be heard over the "Mr. Mystery" program, as con- ducted by John Shuttleworth, edi- tor of True Detective magazine. Plugs for "The 13th Letter" will also be heard over other top Mutual shows. Promotion plans for the opening in New York of 20th Century-Fox's "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" have been set in motion with plans for mass tieins with the garment trades, which have reason to be interested in the picture. The story, based on Jerome Weidman's novel, deals with the op- eration of the ladies ready-to-wear garment industry, and points wp a number of promotions at the local level which should be amusing and interesting to the retail trades. • National Silver is the latest manu- facturer to participate in 20th Cen- tury-Fox's promotion for "Bird of Paradise." The company has created a special dinnerware pattern to be mar- keted aggressively through 3,500 stores, and a full scale dealer pro- gram is underway, with the mailing of a broadside on the picture to all deal- ers. The "Bird of Paradise" dinner set will be on display in early March, timed with the Easter playdates of the Technocolor film. • Among the more important TV shows on which "Bird of Paradise" fashions have been or will be ex- hibited a number of times are: The Margaret Arlen Show (CBS-TV), Vanity Fair Program (CBS-TV), Bride and Groom Program (CBS- TV), Buddy Rogers Show (WOR- TV), Barbara Welles Show (WOR- TV), and the Ilka Chase Show (CBS-TV). In addition, "Bird of Paradise" merchandise is being given away to contestants and guests on a number of radio quiz programs, including "Shoot the Moon" (ABC) and "What Makes You Tick" (ABC). • Phillips Wymcm, vice-president of the McCall Corp. and publisher of McCall's Magazine, has appointed Francis N. McGehee as advertising director of Redbook effective March 5. For many years, McGehee was asso- ciated with Scripts-Howard News- papers, and since 1943 has operated his own business as a professional ad- vertising sales counsellor. Simultane- ously, Wyman reported that William E. Terry would be advertising man- ager of Redbook magazine. — Walter Brooks Windsor Product Wrangle Continues Washington, Feb. 26. — Lawyers for opposing parties in a local breach of contract film case got orders from a Federal judge here today to attempt to work out an out-of-court settle- ment and did attempt to but failed. They will go back to the judge to- morrow to try the case, part of the three-year old fight between the Wal- brook and Windsor theatres in Balti- more. The Windsor originally brought a treble damage anti-trust suit against film distributors seeking some of the product going to the Walbrook. When 20th- Fox settled out of court with the Windsor, agreeing to split the prod- uct between the two houses, the Wal- brook sued 20th-Fox for breach of contract. This was the case which Judge Curran ordered the lawyers to try to settle. . One of the highlights of the trial will be a difference of opinion be- tween the 20th-Fox and Windsor lawyers as to how long the agree- ment to split product was to last. The Windsor lawyers say it runs in- definitely; 20th-Fox attorneys say it was a one-year-agreement, and since the one year is long past, it can now use competitive bidding. New Coast Pay Talks Starting Tomorrow Hollywood, Feb. 26.— Ralph Clare, representing studio transportation drivers and four other basic-agreement unions, is slated to meet tomorrow' with Charles Boren, Association of Motion Picture Producers vice-presi- dent in charge of labor relations. . The meeting will open discussions similar to the "money addition" talks initiated between IATSE international representative Roy Brewer and the studios. Other unions represented by Clare will be the Building Service Employees, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers, In- ternational'Hod Carriers and Building and Common Laborers. New England Allied Group Hits 20th's 'Montezuma' Terms ] Boston, Feb. 26. — New England In- I dependent Exhibitors, Inc., an Allied I States affiliate, has attacked in its lat- est bulletin 20th Century-Fox's sales ! policy on "Halls of Montezuma." The j organization alleges that "This new policy demands a 40 to 66-2/3 per cent J split or it imposes higher percentage | terms by raising the floor on sliding scales from 20 to 30 per cent" and tends to put smaller situations into higher flat rentals "by arbitrarily rais- ing the established buy off." The picture, the association bulletin pointed out, "is being sold as a top picture and with this allocation we have no quarrel yet — but we do not think that Fox is being fair or even intelligent in expecting more for this than they have gotten for other top pictures." At the recent Allied board meeting in Washington, Abram F. Myers, gen- eral counsel and board chairman, said that the national organization's film rental committee would take up the increased rental question "more espe- cially" with 20th-Fox than with any other company. Discussions with 20th- Fox would be based on "general com- plaints," Myers said, whereas with other companies complaints would deal with prices of specific pictures. A New York source has indicated that the Allied rentals committee is in process of "gathering data" pre- paratory to meeting with representa- tives of the companies. ASCAP Nominates New Directors Boost for Trade From Film Salesmen Pittsburgh, Feb. 26— A two-fold plan to help increase theatre grosses was disclosed here by Robert H. Ruskin, president of the Pittsburgh Lodge of the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen. The plan calls upon salesmen to ad dress all key civic groups, such as th< Lions and Kiwanis, to boost the indus- try, and to form clinics to aid theatre owners. "Each and every salesman is aware of the fact that the continued survival of the small theatre is as important to him as an individual, as to the com- pany he represents," Ruskin declared. The writers' and publishers' nomi- nating committees of ASCAP have announced candidates for election to the Society's board of directors, in addition to the incumbents. They are : Writer candidates in the popular production field, Arthur Alt- man, Maxwell Anderson, Bennie Ben- jamin, Mann Curtis, Sylvia Dee, Jimmy Eaton, Sammy Gallop, Alex Gerber, Morton Gould, Moe Jaffe, J. C. Johnson, Sidney Lippman, George Marion, Jr., John Redmond, Harold J. Rome, Louis C. (Lou) Singer, Harry Tierney and Jack Yellen. Standard writers nominated are: Otto Cesana, Walter Golde, J. Rosa- mond Johnson, Frank La Forge, Rob- ert MacGimsey and Harry R. Wilson. Candidates for publisher directors in the popular production filed are : Ben Barton, Ben Bloom, Sam Fox, Charles H. Hansen, George Joy, Charles Lang, George Paxton, Abner Silver and Charles Trotta. _ Standard publishers nominated are : Herman Coleman, Edwin C. Gunther and Carl T. Fischer. Ed Solomon in New Exploitation Post Eddie Solomon has been appointed assistant exploitation manager at 20th Century-Fox. Solomon will work with Rodney Bush, exploitation manager. Solomon has been with the company for the past 10 years as field ex- ploited- in the Central division. Most recently he has been a member of the special services unit at 20th's studio. Only in FAME.. Edited by Red Kann FAME is the only publication which records, within a single book, the popularity status of talent in the three fields of Motion Pictures, Radio, and Television. Now, more than ever, is that information of importance to those who create or produce — and all who purvey, sponsor or present entertainment in any of those three fields. For, talent-wise, the three fields have become virtually inter- related; the progress of talent in any of the three fields often is of significant interest for either of the other fields. Similarly, that also applies to the show as a whole. Fame records the boxoffice Champions in the Motion Picture field, and also the Champion shows in Radio and Television respectively. Thus is it possible, through Fame, to comparatively observe the type and calibre of shows that enjoyed top acceptance — as well as note the status of individual talent — in each of the three fields. And Fame — which is in itself a fine quality production job — makes it a pleasure to own, refer to, and preserve this handsomely presented record. That is why so many maintain, and yearly add to, their col- lection of issues of Fame. Production of the 19th edition of Fame is now nearing com- pletion— for distribution soon. Order your copy now. Price $1.00 A QUIGLEY QUALITY PUBLICATION Motion Picture Daily Griffith Decree Is Now Final Washington, Feb. 26. — The deadline for taking an appeal by the Department of Justice from Judge Vaughfs Federal Court decision in the Griffith anti-trust case today passed without any notice of appeal, and the decree is now final. Government costs in the 11- year lit'gation totaled $30,974 and it has asked the defen- dants to pay them. Review "Raton Pass" N. Y. Grosses (Continued from page 1) by holding over "Call Me Mister' and Dannv Kaye on stage for an extra day "which brought in $26,900 last Thursday, reportedly the best Wash- ington's Birthday gross in the history of the house. "U.S.S. Teakettle," be- reft of the holiday bonus, looks for a satisfactory first week of $80,000 ; the Ritz Brothers top the stage bill. ( Another opener, "Cry Danger ' at the Paramount; is racking up $71,000 for its first week, which is eminently satisfactory. A second week for "Vengeance Valley" at the Capitol is rather slow but may wind up with more than $30,000. It is being pulled for "Three Guys Named Mike," which will open on Thursday. "Operation Pacific" is ending a four-week run at the Strand with a mild $20,000. Johnny Pineapple and his Hawaiian revue have taken over on stage ; "Storm Warning" will bow in on Friday. Among straight film policy houses, "Tomahawk" is bringing Loew's State good business with a gross of about $22,000 due for a second week. "Born Yesterday" is holding its place as a consistently steady grosser at the Victoria, with the holiday holding the 10th week's gross even with the ninth, for another $25,000 take. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish' is expected to bring in about $18,000 for a good first week at the Globe, while "Under the Gun" is modest at the Criterion with $12,000 due for its first week. At the Mayfair another pair of re-issues, "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," are expected to draw an excellent $22,000 for an initial week The Rivoli expects $20,000 for its first week with "The 13th Letter," which is only fair. "Harvey" at the Astor is holding at about $10,000 for a 10th week. It will make way for "14 Hours" today. "Of Men and Music" is doing best at the off-Broadway showcases, with the Park Avenue reporting $11,000 for a second week, said to be 20 per cent better than any gross under the Reade circuit's management. The house is opening an hour early on Saturdays for an extra show. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is slipping slightly in its 16th week of a two-a- day run at the Bijou, with an esti- mated $8,000 gross due. "Trio" is steady at the Sutton, with $6,000 ex- pected for a 21st week. 20th Century-Fox Will Have Four Films on Broadway With the arrival at New York's Astor Theatre next Tuesday of "14 Hours," 20th Century-Fox will have four major productions playing simul- taneously in local first-run houses. They are: "U.S.S. Teakettle," at the Roxy; "The 13th Letter," at the Riv- oli • "Of Men and Music," at the Park (Warner Brothers) BY way of departure from traditional Western pattern, "Raton Pass portrays a lady as the designer of skullduggery. Actually the picture is the story of a conniving and ambitious lady, set against a conventional out- door background. Characterizations are developed in greater-than-cus omary detail, otherwise there is the usual hard riding and blood-and-thunder hostilities. ,. . . Producer Saul Elkins has gathered a good cast for the proceedings. Patricia Neal is the determined lady of the story. Arriving in Raton in New Mexico, she focuses her attentions on Steve Cochran, a hard-as-nails ranch hand. How- ever when her eyes fall upon stronger pickings, Dennis Morgan, a wealthy rancher, she shifts her calculating attentions to him. Playing her cards right, Miss Neal marries Morgan and acquires half ownership of his sprawling ^The screenplay by Tom W. Blackburn and James R. Webb has fashioned Miss Neal into a lady of insatiable appetite for power. When her husband Moroan is out of town she makes a play for Scott Forbes, a rich railroad owner Together they conspire to buy out the entire ranch. Morgan agrees to sell but plans his revenge by taking the ranch crew with him and also by shuttino- off Raton Pass which separates the ranch from vital grazing land. Miss Neal then hires Cochran as her trigger man, and he forthwith goes gun-crazy as battle after battle ensues. When finally the smoke of the range war has cleared, both Miss Neal and Cochran have been shot and Morgan a°ain comes into possession of the ranch with Dorothy Hart at his side this time as his prospective wife. Basil Ruysdael lends sturdy support as Morgan s iron-willed father. Edwin L. Marin directed. ' Runnino- time 84 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, ^prjj 7 B Mandel Herbstman N. Y. Variety Crew To Discuss Moving The prospective move of the New York Variety tent from the Hotel Astor to new headquarters in the Skouras Building here will be dis- cussed tomorrow at a meeting of the tent's crew. Immediately before the crew meeting, the membership com- mittee will meet. Other matters coming up before the meeting, to be presided over by Fred J. Schwartz, chief barker, will be a report on the Variety blood bank set up in the French Hospital under the direction of Dr. Henry J. Falk, and reports from, other groups under the welfare committee, headed by William German. Stillman , Rubine Here for UA Talks Robert Stillman, head of Robert Stillman Productions, and Irving Rubine, advertising-publicity vice- president, have arrived here for a series of conferences with Arthur B. Krim, president of United Artists, and Max E. Youngstein, advertising-pub- licity vice-president, on releasing plans for Stillman' s "The - Sound of Fury," and "Queen for a Day." "Queen for a Day," just completed, is the second of Stillman's slate of six pictures for UA' release. Young- stein will be host at a trade press meeting for Stillman and Rubine to day at the Stork Club. Holds Ryder Film For TV Build-up Hollywood, Feb. 26.— Stephen Sles- inger's release of his forthcoming Red Ryder feature will be withheld until after a similar series of TV films have been telecast. The action was taken in line with Slesinger's belief that release of TV films first will create a box-office buildup for theatres when the regular film is released later. Hal Roach, Jr., is associated with Slesinger as execu- tive producer in the Red Ryder proj- ects. United Artists' "Three Husbands" will have its New York premiere at the Palace Theatre on March 8. Tuesday, February 27, 1951 Blanc Sets Variety Convention Groups Philadelphia, Feb. 26. — A work- ing organization to handle the cam- paign for the 15th annual convention of Variety Clubs International, to be- held here May 9-12, has been set up by Victor H. Blanc, general chair- man of the convention. Blanc has appointed a steering com- mittee consisting of Ted Schlanger, Jack Beresin, James P. Clark, Jay Emanuel, Everett C. Callow, Harold D. Cohen, Edward Emanuel, Michael Felt, Louis J. Goffman, Jack H. Greenburg, David Supowitz and Ben- nett E. Tousley. Emanuel Liaison Officer Emanuel will act as liaison officer, Goffman will be in charge of legal affairs, and Greenburg is treasurer. Greenburg has appointed Herbert Baylson, Cecil Felt, William Blum- berg, and Sidney Samuelson to assist him. The carrying out of the campaign has been broken down into five divi- sions, as follows : Michael Felt is in charge of operations and has appointed Mo Wax, Clint Weyer, Cecil Felt, Mitchell Panzer, Oscar Neu- feld, Ben Biben, Sam Alesker and Louis Molitch as assistants. Schlanger will be responsible for the banquet. Callow is his assistant, with Harry Biben and Harold Seidenberg look- ing after the entertainment, while those in charge of the technical side of the Ken Murray television show will be Harry Freedman, William A. MacAvoy, Harry Romain, William C. Goodwin, David O. Peterson, Elmer O. Wilschke, Abe Free- man, and Meyer Lewis. The program will be under the direction of Cohen. Assisting him will be George T. Beattie, Cecil Felt, Harry Freedman, Meyer Lewis, Ralph W. Pries, Milton Ro- gasner, and George Sobel. Emanuel is chairman of the journal committee, and has appointed as his aids Robert Adle, Herbert M. Miller, and Paul Greenhalgh. Publicity is being handled by a commit- tee under the chairmanship of James Ash- craft, who has appointed as his general assistants Mike Weiss and Ed Gallner, Helping them in the details of the work will be Robert Pryor, George Nonamaker, John Scheuer, Leonard Matt, William A. Banks, Irving Blumberg, Milton Young, William Brooker, Ed Rosenbaum, George Fishman, Max Miller, and Richard Mayers. 20th-Fox Decree (Continued from page 1) Speaker's Kit Margaret Mayo, 68 Margaret Mayo, 68, playwright, died Sunday in Ossining (N. Y.) Hospital. Besides writing many stage hits, she wrote scenarios for the screen, supply- ing some of the early scripts for Gold- wyn Productions. Walter Ruf Services Hollywood, Feb. 26.— Funeral serv- ices will be held Wednesday morning at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, for Walter Ruf, 48, trade journalist, pub- licist and public relations consultant, who died Sunday night. pects of preparing the document and would not mark any serious disagree- ment. He said that negotiations had been proceeding amicably and that the opposing parties have been see- ing eye-to-eye for some time. The decree will be the fourth reached by the government and major film companies in the anti-trust suit initiated in 1938. Paramount and RKO have complied with the divorce- ment and divestiture requirements of their decrees, while Warner has until April 4 to file its plans, under a de- cree, to reorganize. Loew's, last of the defendants, is currently negotiat- ing with the Department of Justice for a consent decree. (Continued from page 1) Denham-Gamble (Continued from page 1) Avenue, and "14 Hours," which will be preceded by an invitational world premiere Monday evening. erating partner in Greater Indianapolis Amusement Co. Cockrill is a veteran of this tern tory, having been branch manager for Universal here years ago and later operated Cockrill Theatrical Enter- prises. Also, he formerly was district manager for RKO Theatres at Fort Wayne. iivery before an audience. The speeeches are entitled: "The Real Hollywood," "The Production Code," "Exploding A Myth," "Breath- ing Life Into the Blackboard," "Aisle- Seat Adventure," "Target for Today" (for delivery by a member of the industry), "Target for Today" (for delivery by a non-member of the in- dustry), "Hollywood, the Unknown," "Hollywood Style" (for delivery by exhibitors), "Hollywood Style" (for. delivery by non-members of the in-' dustry), and "Powers of Destruction." It is pointed out in a kit foreword that the speeches "can be used as written or adapted in any way deemed advisable by the speaker." Thus far, only leaders of COMPO's 10 charter-member groups have been provided with copies of the kit, but the all-industry agency expects soon to place copies in the hands of all who require them. Big Business in Conn. Hartford, Feb. 26. —Receipts of Connecticut motion picture theatres total more than $19,000,000 a year, ac- I cording to the Census Bureau. Tuesday, February 27, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 U.K. Theatre Gross Up Last Summer London, Feb. 26. — Britain's 4,580 theatres grossed £26,976,000 for the three months ended Sept. 30, last, ac- cording to statistics just published by the British Board of Trade. The fig- ure represents a gain of 6.6 per cent over the preceding quarter. The number of admissions, some 358,913,000, was five per cent more than in the previous quarter. Aver- age admission price was 18 pence, compared with 17.8 pence in the pre- vious quarter. The proportions of gross going to admission tax, film rental and exhibitors remained prac- tically unchanged from the previous quarter. Unused studio space increased to 62 per cent and studio employment de- clined further to 3,523 persons from a previous total in excess of 4,000. 20TH SPACES PRINTS FOR PEAK LOAD' WEEKS TO SAVE FILM Sulphur Shortage Hits British 'Labs' London, Feb. 26. — An expected al- location order for chemicals to British users, including film laboratories, is expected to be made by the U. S. Na- tional Production Authority around March 1 to alleviate a drastic shortage here. Sulphur and its derivatives are the products in particularly short supply. William A. Fielder, chairman of the Film Laboratory Association, said that unless an adequate allocation is ob- tained soon, laboratories would be forced to close, with an immediate ef- fect on the entire British film industry. So serious was the situation that Har- old Wilson, president of the Board of Trade, planned to visit Washington to press for an immediate allocation. His planned visit will be canceled if the NPA acts this week, as expected. Wiethe Heads Ohio Film Booking U nit Cincinnati, Feb. 26. — Louis Wiethe, local circuit operator, has been re- elected president of the Theatre Own- ers Corp., a buying-booking agency. Willis Vance was retained as first vice-president. New officers include Charles Ackerman, second vice-presi- dent, Herman Hunt, secretary, and Elstun Dodge, treasurer. Harold Hoffert was chosen to head the new post of exhibitor relations. Ruth Drout was appointed short sub- ject booker and Rex Carr was renamed general manager. Directors, in addi- tion to the officers, include: Mrs. M. M. Wienig, Maurice Chase, John Hewitt, Jerome Kuntz, Manny Mar- cus and Sante Macci. Spacing out of "peak load" weeks for subsequent runs is the method planned by 20th Century-Fox to conserve raw stock by reducing the number of" prints of each picture, according to William C. Gehring, 20th's assistant, general sales manager. The objective is to keep 20th-Fox's film-stock buy at its present level even though the company will release five more pictures in 1951 than it did in 1950, Gehring said. He is confident that playing schedules can he re-arranged sufficiently to accomplish this with- out materially changing the availability of prints. Gehring said the government did not suggest the move, but that the com- pany wishes to tighten up on its use of raw stock in case of a possible shortage due to defense demands. He pointed out that as yet the film division of the National Production Authority has placed no limitations on the use of raw stock. As an example of a "peak load" Gehring used the Philadelphia situation where, after a three-week clearance, a film breaks in 21 subsequent-runs. If other large cities have a subsequent-run break on the same film in the same period, the demand for prints runs very high. By shifting the subsequent- run breaks in various cities a smaller number of prints can fill the demand. Pre-release saturation bookings, Gehring said, actually ease the strain on print demand by taking care of solid sections of the country before general Print requirements vary with different films, Gehring reminded. On the basis of 60 bookings per print, theoretically 250 prints could take care of 15,000 accounts, but that number is rarely sufficient. He noted that "Father Was A Fullback" needed 500 prints to keep up the demand. Gehring said that he would be satisfied if the new scheduling plan, still not completed, keeps the number of 20th-Fox prints somewhere between a low of 300 and a high of 400. M-G-M Steps U p Files Anti-Monopoly Trailer Output Mexican Film Plan More stars and personalities will narrate and appear in trailers for the forthcoming M-G-M product than ever before in the company's history, it was reported to Howard Die.tz, advertising - publicity vice - president, by Frank Whitbeck, studio trailer and advertising head. Dietz returned here yesterday from the. Coast, where the policy was set following extensive dis- cussions by M-G-M executives. The "go-ahead" sign was also given by Dietz for producing 15 two-weeks- in-advance teaser trailers to precede regular trailers on theatre screens by one week. Representing one third of the company's 45-picture output, teasers for the coming year are more than triple last year's total. RCA Protests FCC High Court Brief Washington, Feb. 26. — The Su- preme Court was asked today by Radio Corp. of America to deny the motion of the Federal Communica- tions Commission seeking to avoid the court's review of the color television case. In its brief, RCA- claimed that the Commission's action in prohibiting the broadcasting of its color television system in competition with the CBS color system is contrary to law. It also pointed out that this is the first time that the Federal regulation of the television industry has come before the Supreme Court. British Royalty at Warner Premiere Britain's Princess Margaret will head the world premiere audience at Warner's "Captain Horatio Horn- blower" when it opens at the Warner Theatre, London, on April 12, War- ner's home office reported here. Vice-Admiral Earl Mountbatten is the president of a committee in charge of special arrangements and sale of tickets for the premiere, which is to be held for the benefit of King- George's Fund for Sailors. Correction Carl Foreman received the top trophy in the recent third annual awards presentation of the Screen Writers Guild, for his "The Men," being awarded the Robert Meltzer Award for the picture of the year "which best depicts the American scene." It was inadvertently stated that Foreman and Meltzer had been given the award. The Meltzer Award is presented annually. Mexico City, Feb. 26. ■ — A plan aimed at curbing alleged monopolistic practices in the Mexican film industry has been submitted to General Abel- ardo L. Rodriguez, head of Credito Cinematografico, the semi-official film producing, distributing, exhibiting and financing organization. He promised to submit the plan, which is intended to encourage private initiative, to President Miguel Aleman. The proposal which calls for more private financing initiative by afford- ing more facilities for private banks to back film production and theatre operation, was submitted by a delega- tion of independent producers, headed by Miguel Contreras Torres. The in- dependents complain of too much semi- official financing. Will Ask Compo to Act on 'Star Pool' When the board of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations meets again in the spring, Edward Lach- man's proposal for a "Holly- wood star pool" will be rec- ommended for incorporation in COMPO's general plans. Lachman, member of Allied States Association's board, reported here yesterday that he urged at its recent meet- ing in Washington that COM- PO be asked to act on the proposal. The plan calls for a reserve of stars who would be routed into small-town theatres from t'me to time for personal ap- pearances along with regular film shows. Weisners to Form Production Firm King Brothers File Suit on 'Gangs' Los Angeles, Feb. 26. — King- Brothers has filed a Superior Court breach of contract suit here against Eagle Lion Classics, PRC Pictures and Pathe Industries, Inc., asking an accounting on "Paper Bullets," pro- duced by King in 1941, and currently reissued as "Gangs, Inc." The suit asserts that the distribut- ing companies subjected the film to distribution costs in excess of terms called for under the contract and failed to reveal this in statements until recently. Irving Weisner, realtor, and for- merly an exhibitor, and his brother, Sidney, an attorney, will form Weisner Brothers Productions, with headquar- ters here for the production and finan- cial support of independents. They will also schedule six pictures to be made by the company itself. The Weisners entered the motion picture field with "Two Gals and a Guy," which starred Robert Alda and Janis Paige. Wood Estimates Drop Of $6,000,000 Columbus, O., Feb. 26. — Gross the- atre receipts in 14 major Ohio cities during 1950 dropped $6,000,000, ac- cording to a report by P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio. Wood based the fig- ure on a 17 per cent decline in admis- sion tax receipts in those cities. He said that an additional $6,000,000 was dropped by other areas in the state. The 14 cities include Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, Portsmouth, Springfield, Warren and Youngstown. Columbus had a drop of 21 per cent, the second highest ; Cincinnati was highest with a 27 per cent decline. Wood said the Columbus drop represents a gross decline in box- office receipts of $960,000 in 50 theatres. Files Copyright Action H. K. S. Motion Picture Producing and Distributing Corp. reported here yesterday that it has begun in U. S. District Court, New York, an action against Dwain Esper and RKO Thea- tres charging infringement of copy- right covering a film entitled "Savage- Bride." Damages of indeterminate amount and an injunction are sought. 35th Anniversary For 'Tarzan' Series "Tarzan's Peril," current Sol Lesser feature produced for release through RKO Pictures, marks the 35th anni- versary of the Tarzan series. Robert Mochrie, RKO's sales vice- president, reported here that the pic- ture will open in as many theatres as possible on March 15 in observance of the anniversary. Lex (Tarzan) Barker is touring the country making per- sonal appearances in advance of the blanket playoff. N. Y. Transit Ban Albany, N. Y., Feb. 26. — A bill which would ban "dangerous" trans- portation of nitro-cellulose, instead of cellulose acetate film, upon a vehicular crossing operated by the New York Port Authority has been passed by the senate and sent to the assembly. Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 27, 1951 May Ask Control of Commercial Rents Washington, Feb. 26. — The Administration reportedly will ask Congress soon for authority to control com- mercial as well as residential rents again. Such a request is said to be under consideration but, if made, the Administration will have a hard job persuading Congress to grant it such power. UPT Texas Divestiture (Continued from page 1) About 30 from ELC In Eros U.K. Deal London, Feb. 26.— Eros Films will distribute around 30 Eagle Lion Clas- sics' releases here under the deal con- cluded recently, Sid Hyams, managing director of Eros, said on his return here from New York. The list will include 21 from ELC, of which six will be in Technicolor and four in Cinecolor ; seven or eight from Joseph Seidelman's Fidelity Pictures, and three from Harry Sherman. The deal boosts Eros' releases to around 40, including- their own local output of six or seven annually. There is no provision now for ELC to dis- tribute the Eros British output in America. Hyams left a proposal for joint production with Sam Seidelman, ELC foreign manager, for further . consideration. Heineman (Continued from page 1) that MacMillen is giving considera- tion to the possibility of securing L. Jack Schlaifer, former ELC general sales manager and one-time Eagle- Lion distribution vice-president, for the spot Heineman is vacating. Schlaifer, who formed Jack Schlaifer Associates last July, has since been identified with the selling of pictures financed by N. Peter Rathvon for ELC release. MacMillen, who returned here yes- terday from Hollywood, reported that in line with ELC's plans for "quality pictures with- top stars," David Rose's Coronado Productions has been con- tracted to make "God's Little Island" in Technicolor in the Bahamas with Linda Darnell starred. Meanwhile, lie said, Hal Stanley will deliver to ELC "Come Out Singing," a Cine- color musical starring Donald O'Con- nor and Marilyn Maxwell. Benagoss Productions will film "White Rose in France" in Technicolor, with Glenn Ford and Geraldine Brooks, for ELC release and Ed Gardner will produce "Man With My Face," starring him- self, in Puerto Rico. MacMillen also closed with pro- ducer Jack Schwartz for the produc- tion of 15 low budget pictures. 18 Book ELC Duo Day-Date Eighteen first-run theatres in key cities have booked Eagle Lion Clas- sics' "Paper Gallows" and "The Tam- ing of Dorothy" day-and-date, it is reported by Bernard G. Kranze, ELC general sales manager. McDonald Succeeds Sklar Charlotte, Feb. 26. — With the resignation of Arthur Sklar, M-G-M office manager here, Hugh McDonald, head booker, has been moved up to the post. and, unless the Park Drive-In is dis- posed of, one other theatre. The Park Drive-In may be retained only on a court finding that competition is not unduly restrained. Amarillo: Capital and Rialto, one of them to a purchaser who will op- erate the theatre as a first-run. Para- mount or State if certain conditions are not met for competition from in- dependents, similar to the conditions in "the Warner decree. Arlington: Texan. The Arling- ton may be retained only if the court finds competition not unduly re- strained. If the Arlington is sold, the Texan may be retained. Austin: Queen, Capital and Texas. Possibly two additional first-run thea- tres unless certain conditions are met for competition from an independent. Breckenridge: Palace or National. If the National is sold, the Palace shall be divested or subjected to a 60 per cent product limitation if for the next five years an independent with a suitable theatre does not have a chance to get first-run films. Brownsville: Capitol. The Ma- jestic can be retained only on a court finding competition is not restrained unduly. If the Majestic disposed of, the Capitol may be retained. Erownwood: Three of either the Bowie, Lyric, Queen and Ritz. Corsicana: Palace or Ideal and Rio or Grand. Dallas: in downtown Dallas, the Melba, Rialto and Capitol. In North Dallas, Esquire or Village or Inwood or Varsity ; Knox and Lawn. If the Varsity is sold, the purchaser must promise to run it as a first neighbor- hood run. UPT must sell anywhere up to another three theatres in North Dallas depending on the competitive situation in first and second neighbor- hood runs in the area. In South Dallas, the Dalsec. One additional theatre to be sold or sub- jected to a product limitation if cer- tain conditions for independent com- petition are not met. In Northwest Dallas, the Circle shall be sold or subjected to a product limitation _ if certain conditions are not met for in- dependent competition. Denison: Rialto or State to a pur- chaser who promises a first-run policy. Denton: Texas and Palace or Dreamland. The Campus may be re- tained only with court anprova1_ and only if subsequently certain conditions for independent comnetition are met. If the Campus is sold, the Texas may be retained. Eastland: Maiestic and Lyric. El Paso: Ellanav and Texas Grand, or State and Texas Grand. If the State is sold. LPT may have to sell up to two additional first-run theatres if certain conditions for in- dependent comnetition are not met. Fort Worth: Hollvwood. Majes- tic. Varsity and Ridelea. The Mans- field Drive-in mav be retained only with court approval. Galveston: State, Key and Tre- mont. The Broadwav must be sold or subiected to a product limitation if certain conditions for independent competition are not met. The Olean- der Drive-In mav be retained only with court approval. Harlingen: Either the Rialto c Arcadia must be sold, or the Strand must be =old and one other theatre either sold or subiected to 3 product limitation if during the next five years an independent in Harlingen or San Benito with a theatre suitable for first- run operation is not given a chance to get first-run films. If the Rialto and Arcadia are kept, UPT must sell an additional theatre if at any time dur- ing the next five years three UPT theatres play first-run. Houston: In downtown, Majestic or Metropolitan or Kirby shall be sold or subjected to a product limitation if certain conditions for independent competition are not met. In the South- west zone, Paramount has two alterna- tives. It can sell two first neighbor- hood run theatres, one of which shall be the Yale, Alabama or Tower. Or it can sell the Yale or Alabama or Tower or the River Oaks and then sell up to two other first neighbor hood run theatres if certain condi tions are not met for independent competition in the zone. No matter which alternative is taken, UPT must sell an additional theatre or take a product limitation if certain conditions are not met for competition from in- dependents. In southeast Houston, the Broadway or Eastwood or Santa Rosa. If the Santa Rosa is sold, an additional first neighborhood run theatre must be sold if certain conditions for independent competition are not met. If certain other conditions are not met, Para- mount must sell another theatre or take a product limitation. In north Houston, Irvington Drive- in and Hempstead Drive-in. The North Main must be sold if certain conditions for independent competi- tion are not met ; it must be sold or subjected to a product limitation if certain other conditions are not met. Two more theatres must be sold or subjected to a product limitation — and not the Shepherd Drive-In — if still other conditions for independent com- petition in the zone are not met. Mc Allen: Palace or Queen. Mercedes: Either the Rex and the Rio; or the Tex, and then one additional theatre if during the next five years two United Paramount theatres play first-run. Paris: Grand or Main or Plaza: and Airport Drive-in. If the Main or Plaza is sold, the purchaser must oromise a first-run policy. San Antonio: In suburban San \ntonio, the Sunset, Laurel and Woodlawn. In the downtown area. Paramount has two choices. It can sell any two of the Majestic, Aztec, Texas and Empire. Or it can sell the Aztec and then sell or subject to a nroduct limitation one of the other three theatres if in any year during the five years following the sale of the Aztec two independent theatres are not regularly playing first-run for the greater part of the year. San Marcos: Palace or Texas: and Hays. If the Texas is sold, the Palace must be sold or subjected to a product limitation if certain condi- tions for independent competition are not met. Temple: Arcadia or Bell. The Bell can be sold only to a purchaser who promises a first-run nolicy. Tyler: Tvler or Liberty. The Crest Drive-in cpu be kept onlv with court approval. If the court nermits UPT to retain the Crest Drive-In. one other theatre must be sold. Vernon: The Vernon must be sold or subjected to a nroduct limita- tion if certain conditions are not met for independent competition. WB Divestiture Starts in Conn. Hartford, Feb. 26.— In the first transaction covering the sale of a Warner Brothers theatre property in Connec- ticut as a result of the gov- ernment's anti-trust action, the Raphael Realty Co. of New Britain has purchased the Capitol Theatre Building, New Britain, for an undis- closed sum. A number of additional Warner theatre properties in Connecticut are also up for sale under the decree. Davis-Daff (Continued from page 1) don a print of "The Browning Ver- sion," just completed at Rank's Pine- wood studios and regarded as one of the best of his recent productions. It is planned to screen the picture for some of the Universal sales force dur- ing the tour of exchanges. While here Davis also may discuss arrangements for distribution of Rank product not allocated to Universal, as a replacement for Ihe distribution for- merly handled by Eagle Lion Classics here. The latter's deal with Rank was terminated recently. It is reported in tnat regard that some of the Rank pic- tures may go to United Artists. Rob- ert Benjamin, member of the New UA control group, is president of the J. Arthur Rank Organization here. UPT Retains (Continued from page 1) quired from Hoblitzelle and his asso- ciates their stock interests in the In- terstate and Texas Consolidated op- erations. Both will be given long-term operating contracts by UPT, it is re- ported. The proposals, in the form of amendments to the Paramount con- sent decree, will be put before the Federal Statutory Court in New York for approval on Thursday. Waco: The Waco or Orpheum. Weswaco: The Gem. Wichita Falls: Wichita or Strand or State. If the State is sold, UPT must sell another theatre if certain conditions for independent competi- tion are not met. ■ . Another theatre must be sold if in anv year during the next five years UPT theatres play first- run for more than an aggregate of 104 weeks. If the Justice Department finds that a competing first-run theatre will be ad- versely affected by the first-run show- ing of pictures' at more than two UPT theatres, UPT shall divest itself of an additional theatre or cease showing ; first-run at more than two theatres. In addition to all the theatres spe- cifically listed above which United Paramount must sell, it must within three years sell any additional thea- tres to bring its total holding in the Interstate and Texas Consolidated chains down to 95 theatres or less. Ticket Tax Repealed Shelby, O., Feb. 26. — The City Council here has repealed the three per cent admission tax on the ground that it is discriminatory. The impost, in effect since 1947, has netted the city $8,000 annually. MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 39 NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1951 TEN CENTS UPT Retains Hoblitzelle And O'Donnell Long Term Contracts For Both Are Reported Dallas, Feb. 26. — Following an- nouncement of the city-by-city di- vestiture provisions of the Para- mount decree on Interstate and Texas Consolidated circuits, as set forth in adjoining columns, Karl Hoblitzelle, president of Interstate, reported today that Interstate's management would continue in its present form. Hoblitzelle said he and R. J. (Bob) O'Donnell, vice-president and general manager, would continue to direct Interstate's operations. Others who have been in key posts at Interstate include E. J. Solon, treasurer ; J. Q. Adams, assistant to the president ; T. de Boer, comptroller ; P. K. Johnson, booker, and C. C. Hoover, purchasing chief. United Paramount Theatres has ac- (Continued on page 8) INTERSTATE, TEXAS CONSOL. THEATRES UPT MUST DIVEST Washington, Feb. 26. — Here are the details of the proposed amendment to the Paramount consent decree, permitting United Paramount Theatres to acquire complete ownership of Interstate Circuit, Inc. and Texas Consolidated Theatres, Inc.: theatres B 'way First-Run Grosses Move Up; $140,000 for Hall Spurred on by a spell of clear cool weather which began on Washington's Birthday, grosses at New York's first- run theatres hit the best average re- ported since the Christmas and New- Year holidays. "Payment on Demand" at Radio City Music Hall in a second week is topping the initial week's take by about $10,000, with $140,000 due— a good gross at the Hall in any week with any picture. Russell Markert's revue is on stage. The Roxy capitalized on the holiday {Continued on page 6) To the extent the theatres which United Paramount can keep in the two circuits puts the total UPT thea- tre ownership over the maximum fig- ure set in the original consent decree, United Paramount will within three years get rid of its interest in com- parable theatres in other areas. As for the theatres which United Paramount must unconditionally get rid of in the Interstate and Texas Consolidated circuits, at least one-third must be sold within one year from the date of the new order, another third within two years, and the rest within three years. All theatres which UPT may have to sell under one of the conditions in the amendment must be disposed of "within six months of the time they are required to be divested." No theatre can be sold to any com- pany which was a defendant in the original government anti-trust suit, which is owned or controlled by or affiliated with such a company. Four theatres must be divested in Albuquerque, New Mexico — Hiland and 66 Drive-In, Kimo or Sunshine, and Chief or Rio or Lobo. All other theatres to be divested are in Texas. Here are the city-by-city require- ments : Abilene: Paramount or Majestic {Continued on page 8) Says 20th-Fox Decree Ready By Weekend Chas. Skouras Free to Head Theatres: Koegel Heineman May Extend ELC Stay William J. Heineman, who is sched- uled to become United Artists' new distribution chief, will continue in charge of Eagle Lion Classics' dis- tribution until March 12 if William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president, has not selected a successor to Heine- man by the end of this week. Heine- man originally was scheduled to leave ELC next Friday. MacMillen and Bernard G. Kranze, ELC general sales manager, yesterday began discussions concerning the lat- ter's succeeding Heineman at UA. Meanwhile, however, it is understood {Continued on page 8) Davis to Tour 6U' Branches with Daff John Davis, managing director of the J. Arthur Rank organization in Britain, arrived here from London by plane on Sunday and will leave in a day or two for a tour of Universal exchanges accompanied by Al Daft', worldwide sales director for Universal, and other company executives Uni- versal distributes for Rank here. Davis's first stop will be in Chicago on Friday. From there the group will visit other Universal exchanges as far West ?s San Francisco, before return- ing here. Davis brought with him from Lon- {Continued on page 8) Final agreement between 20th Century-Fox and the Department of Justice for a consent decree is expected to be reached this week, with an appearance before the Fed- eral Court here expected by the end of the present deadline on Monday, ac- cording to Otto E. Koegel, 20th-Fox chief counsel. The decree will place no bar- rier in the way of Charles P. Skouras continuing to head up the new theatre company which will emerge from the reorgani- zation, Koegel said, adding that the government never opposed such a suggestion. Koegel said that any delay which might necessitate a last-minute exten- sion beyond Monday for filing of the decree would arise from technical as- {Continued on page 6) Pile Industry Ammunition In COMPO Speaker's Kit Winikus Resumes As UA Ad Manager Francis M. Winikus, who resigned as United Artists advertising manager on Jan. 1, yesterday was re-appointed to the post by Max E. Youngstein, newly-named vice-president and na- tional director of advertising-publicity- exploitation. Formerly with Warner's advertising department, Winikus joined United Artists in 1946 as a copywriter, was appointed conv chief and then adver- tising manager in 1947. Denham Buys Out Gamble in Indpls. Indianapolis, Feb. 26. — Gamble Enterprises, headed by Ted R. Gamble of New York, today sold its half in- terest in Greater Indianapolis Amuse- ment Co. to Denham Theatres of Denver, headed by B. D. Cockrill. The Greater Indianapolis Amuse- ment Co. operates four of Indianapolis' five first-run theatres, the Circle, In- diana, Lyric and Keith's. Fourth Ave- nue Amusement Co. is the other op- {Continued on page 6) A 100-page "Speaker's Kit" has been issued by Council of Motion Picture Organizations headquarters here to provide material "for talks either by people in our industry or by others outside our business who might feel disposed to champion motion pictures before civic clubs, women's groups, over the radio or elsewhere." The kit comprises 11 addresses, written by D:ck Pitts, COMPO editorial director, to assist "motion picture people in pre- senting the film industry's case to the public." Each speech re- quires about 15 minutes for de- {Continued on page 6) High Court Will Not Interfere in TV Censorship Rule Washington, Feb. 26. — The U. S. Supreme Court today refused to hear an appeal from a lower court decision holding that states cannot censor films to be shown on television programs. The high court gave no reasons for its stand, merely noting in a long list of actions its refusal to review the lower court ruling. Accordingly, to- day's action cannot be used to any great extent as a precedent for argu- ing against state censorship of films for exhibition in theatres, since the chief ground for the lower court rul- {Continued on page 4) Report U. A. Acquire Lopert Co. It was reported here yesterday that a proposal for the take-over by United Artists of the recently formed Lopert Films Distributing Corp. has been advanced. Efforts to reach Arthur Krim, U.A. president ; Ilya Lopert and Sir Alex- ander Korda, partners in Lopert Dis- tributing were unsuccessful. However, a spokesman described the report as "premature," indicating that while the {Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 27, 1951 Personal Mention ANDY W. SMITH, 20th Century- ■ Fox sales vice-president, has re- turned to his office following a two- week vacation. James R. Grainger, Republic ex- ecutive vice-president in charge of sales and distribution, has returned to New York from a tour of Southern exchanges. • Montague Salmon, managing di- rector of New York's Rivoli Theatre, accompanied by Mrs. Salmon, has left here for the Coast on a vacation trip. Sol Siegel, 20th Century-Fox pro- ducer, is en route here from England on the •S'.-S". Queen Elizabeth and will leave immediately for Hollywood fol- lowing his arrival on Friday. • Calvin Gaeta, assistant buyer and booker for Martina Theatre Corp., Albion, N. Y., recently became the father of a baby girl, Pamela Ann. • Harry Hardman, head of the sound department of the Wilby-Kincey The- atre Service Co., Atlanta, is confined to a hospital there. • Edwin L. Harin, Warner Broth- ers director, has entered Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, Hollywood, for a checkup. • Bili Woods has been promoted from office manager to city salesman at the Minneapolis Columbia ex- change. Max Thorpe, British managing di- rector for Columbia, has returned to London following a home office visit here. • Arthur C. Bromberg, of Mono- gram's Southern Exchanges, At- lanta, has returned there from Chi- cago. • Eddie Cantor and George Jessel will be honored at a testimonial din- ner here on May 5, to be given by the Jewish Theatrical Guild. • Mort Spring, vice-president of Loew's International, returned here yesterday from the Coast. William H. Wright, M-G-M pro- ducer, is slated to leave here for Hollywood tomorrow. • Emanuel Silverstone of 20th Century-Fox's foreign department, has left London for South Africa. • William B. Levy, worldwide sales head for Walt Disney Productions, has returned here from Hollywood. • Al Margolies has returned here from London where he produced three 30-minute films for television. • Hugh Owen, Paramount's Eastern and Southern division manager, is in Boston today. 'Look' Awards Go to Davis, Stewart. Swanson. Zanuck Bette Davis, James Stewart, Gloria Swanson and Darryl F. Zanuck have been named tops in the "Annual Movie Awards" of Look Magazine in "tri- bute to their outstanding achievement in the motion picture industry." Bob Hope will present gold plaques to the 1950 Look award winners on his radio program this evening over the NBC network, marking the 10th annual presentation of Look awards which are given "to the men and women who create America's film en- tertainment." At the same time, Look's selection of the "best pictures of the year" will be named as follows : "All About Eve," (20th Century-Fox) ; "Annie Get Your Gun," (M-G-M) ; "In A Lonely Place," (Columbia) ; "The Jackpot," (20th Century-Fox) ; "The Asphalt Jungle," (M-G-M) ; "Cin- derella," (Disney- RKO) ; "Kind Hearts and Coronets," (Eagle Lion) ; "King Solomon's Mines," (M-G-M) ; "Cyrano de Bergerac," (United Ar- tists) ; "Mister 880," (20th Century- Fox) ; "The Glass Menagerie," (Warner) ; "Harvey," (Universal-In- ternational) ; "No Way Out," (20th Century-Fox) ; "Sunset Boulevard,' (Paramount); "Francis," (Universal- International) ; "The Men," (United Artists). Bette Davis was named best actress of the year "for the greatest perform- ance of her life," in "All About Eve," James Stewart was named best actor of the year, for his roles in "Harvey" and "The Jackpot." Gloria Swanson will be given a spe- cial award, "for the most sensational comeback in motion picture history." To Zanuck will go an "All-Industry Achievement Award," for his contri- butions to the screen in 1950, and as a pace-setter for the industry." Gold plaques will also be presented to Judy Holliday, as the most promis- ing female newcomer, "for one of the freshest, most dazzling comedy per- formances, in 'Born Yesterday' " ; to Marlon Brando, as the most promising (male) newcomer, "for an outstanding debut, in 'The Men' " ; to Josephine Hull, as the best supporting female player, for her role as Elwood P. Dowd's sister in "Harvey," and to Arthur Kennedy, as the best support- ing male player, for his brother role in "The Glass Menagerie." Gold plaque presentations will also be made to Stanley Kramer, as "best producer," "for proving that good films with unusual themes can be made on low budgets, and for produc- ing two of the year's best pictures, 'The Men' and 'Cyrano de Ber- gerac' " ; to Joseph Mankiewicz, "best writer and best director," "as both writer and director of 'All About Eve' " (this is the first time in the 10-year history of the Look Awards that two Achievement Awards are given to a single person) ; to Robert Surtees, "best cameraman," "for his Technicolor photography in 'King Solomon's Mines,' the best cinematog- raphy of the year," and to Walt Dis- ney who will be given a special 10- year award, "for making the most original films in the world." Top Honors in 'Look' Poll to Chakeres The ever-increasing impor- tance of the exhibitor to the industry is recognized in the current issue of Look Maga- zine. An award will be pre- sented to Phil Chakeres of Springfield, Ohio, head of Chakeres Theatres, who "symbolizes the showmanship and community service of 20,000 theatremen throughout the United States," the magazine's publishers an- nounced here yesterday. This marks the first time that Look has made an ex- hibitor award, given "in recognition of the great con- tribution of the exhibitor to the whole pattern of the mo- tion picture industry." Va- riety International aided the magazine in selecting the winning exhibitor. Ebenstein in MPAA Copyright Post Morris Ebenstein of Warner Broth- ers was named chairman of the Motion Picture Association's copyright com- mittee at a luncheon-meeting held here yesterday at the Hotel Algonquin. Ebenstein succeeds Edwin P. Kil- roe who resigned from the commit- tee post concurrent with his retire- ment from 20th Century-Fox. In an unprecedented action, the committee also designated David O. Decker of Loew's as its honorary chairman. Cyril S. Landau of Uni- versal was elected secretary. The terms are for one year. Present at yesterday's meeting, in addition to Decker, Ebenstein and Landau, were : Irving Moross, Colum- bia ; James S. Polk, Paramount ; Theodore R. Black, Republic; Peter F. Pugliese, RKO; Harry J. Mcln- tyre, 20th Century-Fox ; Adolph Schimel, Universal ; Austin C. Keough, chairman of MPAA's law committee ; Sidney Schreiber, MPAA. ELC-Loew's-RKO Action Moves Along Washington, Feb. 26. — Attorneys for Eagle Lion Classics on the one hand and Loew's and RKO circuits on the other have "just about worked out" an agreement as to how much information each will supply the other in connection with the $15,000,000 anti-trust action now pending in New York. ELC brought the suit against RKO and Loew's charging that the two companies refused to let independently- produced films into their New York neighborhood first run circuits. To- day, Feb. 26, was originally set as the date for each party to answer interrogatories served by the other, but there was considerable dispute as to the scope of these interrogatories, and rather than fight it out in court the parties have been negotiating on the scope of the information to be supplied. These negotiations are nearly over, and when final agree- ment is reached a new deadline for supplying the information will be set. 20th-Fox Declares Three Dividends The board of directors of 20th Cen- tury-Fox has declared a quarterly div- idend of %\.\2]/2 per share on out- standing prior perferred stock, payable March 15 to the stockholders of record on March 6. A quarterly dividend of 37^2 cents on convertible preferred, a quarterly dividend of 50 cents on out- standing common also have been de- clared, both payable March 30 to stockholders of record on March 6. Gluck Named a V. P. Of United World Norman E. Gluck has been named a vice-president and a member of the board of directors of United World Films, non-theatrical film subsidiary of Universal Pictures, it was an- nounced here yesterday by James M. Franey, company president. Gluck has been associated with United World for the past three years and during the past year he has been in charge of the television depart- ment. Before joining United World, he was a theatre manager, managing the Park Avenue Theatre here dur- ing 1947-48. He managed Skouras theatres for 12 years. Piracy Suit Against 20th-Fox Dismissed Judge Samuel H. Kaufman yester- day dismissed in U. S. District Court here the $500,000 piracy action filed against 20th Century-Fox by Anthony Richard Pinci who had alleged the company infringed on his play about Woodrow Wilson in producing the picture "Wilson." The jurist found that similarities did not exist between Pinci's work and the picture. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN in "Payment on Demand' Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION DICK POWELL RHONDA FLEMING . or ar Banger person"1 MSS CASE affiles *BBfc»* Midnight Feotur* Nightly MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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: (Juigpuoco, New York." Martin Ouigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Ouigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary , James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building, William K- weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Uub, Washington, y c. London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion jr-icture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. JiJitered as secono- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, xuc. GEORGE M. MANN. ..one of America's best-known independent theatre owners expresses his opinion about... Republic's BELLE LEGRAHD 'eltgram at ■OA192 Peter B. Kyne's famous story of Old San Francisco starring VERA RALSTON -JOHN CARROLL introducing MURIEL LAWRENCE * S— SCO CAL J.951 ^ 1740 BROADw^y NVK. n/M/r row GEORGE M. MANN President and Owner of the Redwood Theatre Circuit of California. 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 27, 1951 National Pre-Selling A1 RRANGEMENTS for what is de- scribed as one of the top promo- tional campaigns of the year have been completed by Paramount Pictures with the Lusk Candy Co. in behalf of Bob Hope's latest comedy, "The Lemon Drop Kid," which is set for national release in April. More than 18,000 re- tail outlets will be alerted in a tieup that will make the public "lemon-drop conscious." Every case of lemon drops shipped to the confectionary trade will contain a three-color display piece, while a larger poster is designed to tiein with playdates at a local theatre. More than 1,000 special _ two-pound boxes of lemon drops will be sent to the nation's top newspaper, radio and television commentators, while hundreds of regular-sized cartons will serve as giveaways, obtainable through Paramount's field exploitation staff. • In full color, the RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, will adorn the front cover of the March 16 issue of Collier's magazine, as a tiein with the com'ing Motion Picture Academy Award presentations which will take place at the Pantages later in the month. Collier's, on a previous occasion, carried a front-cover of a typical theatre in the midst of a Saturday morning children's show, which was equally interesting and amusing to theatre managers and their patrons. • One of the most extensive promo- tion campaigns ever set up in support of a short subject will get roll- ing shortly -for Paramount's Grant- land Rice Sportlight, "Big Little Leaguers," the story of the organised baseball movement for children from eight to 12 years of age. Oscar A. Morgan, short subject sales manager for Paramount, has sent a special let ter to all branch managers acquainting them zvith the national movement, and encouraging them to contact the league and local teams in every area. These "little league" teams are pub- licly supported and there will _ be a ready-made audience for the picture. • More than 50 chain stores in Chi cago's Loop will participate in the promotion campaign set up for Para mount's "The Lemon Drop Kid" ac- cording to E. J. Fitzgibbon, the com pany's field man in the Chicago area. Each store will devote an entire win dow to a "lemon drop guessing con test" with passers-by asked to guess the number of lemon drops on display in a large container. Ten winners will be named from each store, and all 500 will be invited to a special screening of the picture, at which lemon drops : will be served. The promotion will get under way 10 days before the Chicago opening of the picture. • The New York Daily Mirror, sec- ond largest circulation of any Met- ropolitan newspaper, carried a cen- ter double spread on 20th Century- Fox's "Bird of Paradise" in its rotogravure magazine section last Sunday, the first time that this Technicolor feature, scheduled for Easter release, has broken in the color supplements. The campaign of pre-selling is now approaching its height and will reach a climax within the next two or three weeks, in a majority of media breaks. Coast Producers, Screen Writers Start Signing Eight-Year Pacts Hollywood, Feb. 26— Major motion picture studios, which con- clude all labor contracts individually, today began affixing signa- tures to new eight-year pacts with the Screen Writers Guild, on which an agreement was reached a fortnight ago and which was formally ratified by the Guild membership over the weekend. The contract, a product of long negotiations which promised lor awhile to eventuate in a screen writers' strike, gives writers an increase in wage minimums, the separation-of-rights in original story sales, and other benefits. New England Allied Group Hits 20th's 'Montezuma' Terms TV Censorship Rule (Continued from page 1) ing was that state censorship was in- valid because the subject was already controlled by the Federal government. The case before the court grew out of a Jan., 1949 regulation of the Penn- sylvania Board of Censors that films should not be projected by television in Pennsylvania without board ap- proval. Five corporations licensed by the Federal Communications Commis- sion to broadcast television programs went to court against this regulation. The firms were Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc., Philco Television Broadcasting Corp., Triangle Publica- tions, Inc., WCAU, Inc., and WGAL, Inc. Both the U. S. District Court and the Court of Appeals enjoined the cen- sors from passing on films for tele- vision, holding that "Congress has oc- cupied fully the field of television regulation" and that states could not act there. The Board then asked the Supreme Court to rule, but the court today declined to do so. U. A.-Lopert (Continued from page 1) subject may have been broached ten- tatively, no definite developments have occurred yet and none are looked for immediately. It was also reported without con- firmation that talks have been initiated concerning the possibility of the new Stanley Kramer-Sam Katz producing company remaining with United Art- ists. However, the Kramer-Katz ne- gotiations with Columbia are still under way. Among the more important TV shows on which "Bird of Paradise" fashions have been or will be ex- hibited a number of times are: The Margaret Arlen Show (CBS-TV), Vanity Fair Program (CBS-TV), Bride and Groom Program (CBS- TV), Buddy Rogers Show (WOR- TV), Barbara Welles Show (WOR- TV), and the Ilka Chase Show (CBS-TV). In addition, "Bird of Paradise" merchandise is being given away to contestants and guests on a number of radio quiz programs, including "Shoot the Moon" (ABC) and "What Makes You Tick" (ABC). • Phillips Wyman, vice-president of the McCall Corp. and publisher of McCall's Magazine, has appointed Francis N. McGehee as advertising director of Redbook effective March 5. For many years, McGehee was asso- ciated zvith Scrip bs-Hozvard News- papers, and since 1943 has operated his ozm business as a- professional ad- vertising sales counsellor. Simultane- ously, Wyman reported that William E. Terry wo%dd be advertising man- ager of Redbook magazine. — Walter Brooks Windsor Product Wrangle Continues Washington, Feb. 26. — Lawyers for opposing parties in a local breach of contract film case got orders from a Federal judge here today to attempt to work out an out-of-court settle- ment, and did attempt to but failed. They will go back to the judge to- morrow to try the case, part of the three-year old fight between the Wal- brook and Windsor theatres in Balti- more. The Windsor originally brought a treble damage anti-trust suit against film distributors seeking some of the product going to the Walbrook. When 20th-Fox settled out of court with the Windsor, agreeing to split the prod- uct between the two houses, the Wal- brook sued 20th-Fox for breach of contract. This was the case which Judge Curran ordered the lawyers to try to settle. Trial Highlight One of the highlights of the trial will be a difference of opinion be- tween the 20th-Fox and Windsor lawyers as to how long the agree- ment to split product was to last. The Windsor lawyers say it runs in- definitely; 20th-Fox attorneys say it was a one-year-agreement, and since the one year is long past, it can now use competitive bidding. New Coast Pay Talks Starting Tomorrow Hollywood, Feb. 26.— Ralph Clare, representing studio transportation drivers and four other basic-agreement unions, is slated to meet tomorrow with Charles Boren, Association of Motion Picture Producers vice-presi- dent in charge of labor relations. The meeting will open discussions similar to the "money addition" talks initiated between IATSE international representative Roy Brewer and the studios. Other unions represented by Clare will be the Building Service Employees, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers, In- ternational Hod Carriers and Building and Common Laborers. Boston, Feb. 26. — New England In- dependent Exhibitors, Inc., an Allied States affiliate, has attacked in its lat- est bulletin 20th Century-Fox's sales policy on "Halls of Montezuma." The organization alleges that "This new policy demands a 40 to 66-2/3 per cent split or it imposes higher percentage terms by raising the floor on sliding scales from 20 to 30 per cent" and tends to put smaller situations into higher flat rentals "by arbitrarily rais- ing the established buy off." The picture, the association bulletin pointed out, "is being sold as a top picture and with this allocation we have no quarrel yet — but we do not think that Fox is being fair or even intelligent in expecting more for this than they have gotten for other top pictures." At the recent Allied board meeting in Washington, Abram F. Myers, gen- eral counsel and board chairman, said that the national organization's film rental committee would take up the increased rental question "more espe- cially" with 20th-Fox than with any other company. Discussions with 20th- Fox would be based on "general com- plaints," Myers said, whereas with other companies complaints would deal with prices of specific pictures. A New York source has indicated that the Allied rentals committee is in process of "gathering data" pre- paratory to meeting with representa- tives of the companies. ASCAP Nominates New Directors Bur sty n On Coast Primarily 'For Rest' Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Joseph Burs- tyn, American distributor of "Ways of Love," who arrived here today, said that no bookings for the film beyond the scheduled Monica Theatre run, which begins March 7, have been made in this area so far. Declaring he is here primarily "for a rest," Burstyn said he has not yet investi- gated a reported meeting between art theatre operators and an industry at- torney at which the latter, acting as an individual, discouraged their book- ing the picture. The writers' and publishers' nomi- nating committees of ASCAP have announced candidates for election to the Society's board of directors, in addition to the incumbents. They are : Writer candidates in the popular production field, Arthur Alt- man, Maxwell Anderson, Bennie Ben- jamin, Mann Curtis, Sylvia Dee, Jimmy Eaton, Sammy Gallop, Alex Gerber, Morton Gould, Moe Jaffe, J. C. Johnson, Sidney Lippman, George Marion, Jr., John Redmond, Harold J. Rome, Louis C. (Lou) Singer, Harry Tierney and Jack Yellen. Standard writers nominated are: Otto Cesana, Walter Golde, J. Rosa- mond Johnson, Frank La Forge, Rob- ert MacGimsey and Harry R. Wilson. Candidates for publisher directors in the popular production filed are: Ben Barton, Ben Bloom, Sam Fox, Charles H. Hansen, George Joy, Charles Lang, George Paxton, Abner Silver and Charles Trotta. _ Standard publishers nominated are : Herman Coleman, Edwin C. Gunther and Carl T. Fischer. Ed Solomon in New Exploitation Post Eddie Solomon has been appointed assistant exploitation manager at 20th Century-Fox. Solomon will work with Rodney Bush, exploitation manager. Solomon has been with the company for the past 10 years as field ex- ploiteer in the Central division. Most recently he has been a member of the special services unit at 20th's studio. Only in FAME . . FAME is the only publication which records, within a single book, the popularity status of talent in the three fields of Motion Pictures, Radio, and Television. Now, more than ever, is that information of importance to those who create or produce— and all who purvey, sponsor or present entertainment in any of those three fields. For, talent-wise, the three fields have become virtually inter- related; the progress of talent in any of the three fields often is of significant interest for either of the other fields. Similarly, that also applies to the show as a whole. Fame records the boxoffice Champions in the Motion Picture field, and also the Champion shows in Radio and Television respectively. Thus is it possible, through Fame, to comparatively observe the type and calibre of shows that enjoyed top acceptance— as well as note the status of individual talent— in each of the three fields. And Fame — which is in itself a fine quality production job— makes it a pleasure to own, refer to, and preserve this handsomely presented record. That is why so many maintain, and yearly add to, their col- lection of issues of Fame. Edited by Red Kann Production of the 19th edition of Fame is now nearing com- pletion— for distribution soon. Order yovir copy now. Price $1.00 A QUIGLEY QUALITY P U B L I C A T I O N 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 27, 1951 1 Griffith Decree Is Now Final Washington, Feb. 26. — The (leadline for taking an appeal by the Department of Justice from Judge Vaught's Federal Court decision in the Griffith anti-trust case today passed without any notice of appeal, and the decree is now final. Government costs in the 11- year lit'gation totaled $30,974 and it has asked the defen- dants to pay them. N. Y. Grosses (Continued from page 1) Review by holding over "Call Me Mister" and Danny Kaye on stage for an extra day, "which brought in $26,900 last Thursday, reportedly the best Wash- ington's Birthday gross in the history of the house. "U.S.S. Teakettle," be- reft of the holiday bonus, looks for a satisfactory first week of $80,000; the Ritz Brothers top the stage bill. Another opener, "Cry Danger," at the Paramount, is racking up $71,000 for its first week, which is eminently satisfactory. ' A second week for "Vengeance Valley" at the Capitol is rather slow but may wind up with more than $30,000. It is being pulled for "Three Guys Named Mike," which will open on Thursday. "Operation Pacific" is ending a four-week run at the Strand with a mild $20,000. Johnny Pineapple and his Hawaiian revue have taken over on stage ; "Storm Warning" will bow in on Friday. Among straight film, policy houses, "Tomahawk" is bringing Loew's State good business with a gross of about $22,000 due for a second week. "Born Yesterday" is holding its place as a consistently steady grosser at the Victoria, with the holiday holding the 10th week's gross even with the ninth, for another $25,000 take. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is expected to bring in about $18,000 for a good first week at the Globe, while "Under the Gun" is modest at the Criterion with $12,000 due for its first week. At the Mayfair another pair of re-issues, "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," are expected to draw an excellent $22,000 for an initial week. The Rivoli expects $20,000 for its first week with "The 13th Letter," which is only fair. "Harvey" at the Astor is holding at about $10,000 for a 10th week. It will make way for "14 Hours" today. "Of Men and Music" is doing best at the off-Broadway showcases, with the Park Avenue reporting $11,000 for a second week, said to be 20 per cent better than any gross under the Reade circuit's management. The house is opening an hour early on Saturdays for an extra show. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is slipping slightly in its 16th week of a two-a- day run at the Bijou, with an esti- mated $8,000 gross due. "Trio" is steady at the Sutton, with $6,000 ex- pected for a 21st week. "Raton Pass" (Warner Brothers) BY way of departure from traditional Western pattern, "Raton Pass" portrays a lady as the designer of skullduggery. Actually the picture is the story of a conniving and ambitious lady, set against a conventional out- door background. Characterizations are developed in greater-than-customary detail, otherwise there is the usual hard riding and blood-and-thunder hostilities. Producer Saul Elkins has gathered a good cast for the proceedings. Patricia Neal is the determined lady of the story. Arriving in Raton in New Mexico, she focuses her attentions on Steve Cochran, a hard-as-nails ranch hand. How- ever, when her eyes fall upon stronger pickings, Dennis Morgan, a wealthy rancher, she shifts her calculating attentions to him. Playing her cards right, Miss Neal marries Morgan and acquires half ownership of his sprawling ranch. The screenplay by Tom W. Blackburn and James R. Webb has fashioned Miss Neal into a lady of insatiable appetite for power. When her husband Morgan, is out of town she makes a play for Scott Forbes, a rich railroad owner. Together they conspire to buy out the entire ranch. Morgan agrees to sell but plans his revenge by taking the ranch crew with him and also by shutting off Raton Pass which separates the ranch from vital grazing land. Miss Neal then hires Cochran as her trigger man, and he forthwith goes gun-crazy as battle after battle ensues. When finally the smoke of the range war has cleared, both Miss Neal and Cochran have been shot and Morgan again comes into possession of the ranch with Dorothy Hart at his side this time as his prospective wife. Basil Ruysdael lends sturdy support as Morgan's iron-willed father. Edwin L. Marin directed. Running time, 84 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, April 7. Mandel Heebstman TV. Y. Variety Crew To Discuss Moving The prospective move of the New York A^ariety tent from the Hotel Astor to new headquarters in the Skouras Building here will be dis- cussed tomorrow' at a meeting of the tent's crew. Immediately before the crew meeting, the membership com- mittee will meet. Other matters coming up before the meeting, to be presided over by Fred J. Schwartz, chief barker, will be a report on the Variety blood bank set up in the French Flospital under the direction of Dr. Henry J. Falk, and reports from other groups under the welfare committee, headed by William German. Holds Ryder Film For TV Build-up Hollywood, Feb. 26. — Stephen Sles- inger's release of his forthcoming Red Ryder feature will be withheld until after a similar series of TV films have been telecast. The action was taken in line with Slesinger's belief that release of TV films first will create a box-office buildup for theatres when the regular film is released later. Hal Roach, Jr., is associated with Slesinger as execu- tive producer in the Red Ryder proj- ects. S t il I man , Rubine Here for UA Talks Robert Stillman, head of Robert Stillman Productions, and Irving Rubine, advertising-publicity vice- president, have arrived here for a series of conferences with Arthur B. Krim, president of United Artists, and Max E. Youngstein, advertising-pub- licity vice-president, on releasing plans for Stillman's "The Sound of Fury," and "Queen for a Day." "Queen for a Day," just completed, is the second of Stillman's slate of six pictures .for UA release. Young- stein will be host at a trade press meeting for Stillman and Rubine to- day at the Stork Club. United Artists' "Three Husbands" will have its New York premiere at the Palace Theatre on March 8. 20th-Fox Decree (Continued from page 1) 20th Century-Fox Will Have Four Films on Broadway With the arrival at New York's Astor Theatre next Tuesday of "14 Hours," 20th Century-Fox will have four major productions playing simul- taneously in local first-run houses. They are: "U.S.S. Teakettle," at the Roxy ; "The 13th Letter," at the Riv- oli ; "Of Men and Music," at the Park Margaret Mayo, 68 Margaret Mayo, 68, playwright, died Sunday in Ossining (N. Y.) Hospital. Besides writing many stage hits, she wrote scenarios for the screen, supply- ing some of the early scripts for Golcl- wyn Productions. Walter lluf Services Hollywood', Feb. 26. — Funeral serv- ices will be held Wednesday morning at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, for Walter Ruf, 48, trade journalist, pub- licist and public relations consultant, who died Sunday night. Avenue, and "14 Hours," which will be preceded by an invitational world premiere Monday evening. pects of preparing the document and would not mark any serious disagree- ment. He said that negotiations had been proceeding amicably and that the opposing parties have been see- ing eye-to-eye for some time. The decree will be the fourth reached by the government and major film companies in the anti-trust suit initiated in 1938. Paramount and RKO have complied with the divorce- ment and divestiture requirements of their decrees, while Warner has until April 4 to file its plans, under a de- cree, to reorganize. Loew's, last of the defendants, is currently negotiat- ing with the Department of Justice for a consent decree. Denh am -Gamble (Continued from page 1) erating partner in Greater Indianapolis Amusement Co. Cockrill is a veteran of this terri- tory, having been branch manager for Universal here years ago and later operated Cockrill Theatrical Enter- prises. Also, he formerly was district manager for RKO Theatres at Fort Wayne. Blanc Sets Variety Convention Groups Philadelphia, Feb. 26. — A work- ing organization to handle the cam- paign for the 15th annual convention of Variety Clubs International, to be held here May 9-12, has been set up by Victor H. Blanc, general chair- man of the convention. Blanc has appointed a steering com- mittee consisting of Ted Schlanger, Jack Beresin, James P. Clark, Jay Emanuel, Everett C. Callow, Harold D. Cohen, Edward Emanuel, Michael Felt, Louis J. Goffman, Jack H. Greenburg, David Supowitz and Ben- nett E. Tousley. Emanuel Liaison Officer Emanuel will act as liaison officer, Goffman will be in charge of legal affairs, and Greenburg is treasurer. Greenburg has appointed Herbert Baylson, Cecil Felt, William Blum- berg, and Sidney Samuelson to assist him. The carrying out of the campaign has been broken down into five divi- sions, as follows : Michael Felt is in charge of operations and has appointed Mo Wax, Clint Weyer, Cecil Felt, Mitchell Panzer, Oscar Neu- feld, Ben Biben, Sam Alesker and Louis Molitch as assistants. Schlanger will be responsible for the banquet. Callow is his assistant, with Harry Biben and Harold Seidenberg look- ing after the entertainment, while those in charge of the technical side of the Ken Murray television show will be Harry Freedman, William A. MacAvoy, Harry Romain, William C. Goodwin, D'avid O. Peterson, Elmer O. Wilschke, Abe Free- man, and Meyer Lewis. The program will be under the direction of Cohen. Assisting him will be George T. Beattie, Cecil Felt, Harry Freedman, Meyer Lewis, Ralph W. Pries, Milton Ro- gasner, and George Sobel. Emanuel is chairman of the journal committee, and has appointed as his aids Robert Adle, Herbert M. Miller, and Paul Greenhalgh. Publicity is being handled by a commit- tee under the chairmanship of James Ash- craft, who has appointed as his general assistants Mike Weiss and Ed Gallner, Helping them in the details of the work will be Robert Pryor, George Nonamaker, John Scheuer, Leonard Matt, William A. Banks, Irving Blumberg, Milton Young, William Brooker, Ed Rosenbaum, George Fishman, Max Miller, and Richard Mayers. Speaker's Kit (Continued from page 1) livery before an audience. The speeeches are entitled: "The Real Hollywood," "The Production Code," "Exploding A Myth," "Breath- ing Life Into the Blackboard," "Aisle- Seat Adventure," "Target for Today" (for delivery by a member of the industry), "Target for Today" (for delivery by a non-member of the in- dustry), "Hollywood, the Unknown," "Hollywood Style" (for delivery by exhibitors), "Hollywood Style" (for delivery by non-members of the in- dustry), and "Powers of Destruction." It is pointed out in a kit foreword that the speeches "can be used as written or adapted in any way deemed advisable by the speaker." Thus far, only leaders of COMPO's 10 charter-member groups have been provided with copies of the kit, but the all-industry agency expects soon to place copies in the hands of all who require them. Big Business in Conn. Hartford, Feb. 26. — Receipts of Connecticut motion picture theatres total more than $19,000,000 a year, ac- cording to the Census Bureau. Tuesday, February 27, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 20TH SPACES PRINTS FOR PEAK LOAD' WEEKS TO SAVE FILM Spacing out of "peak load" weeks for subsequent runs is the method planned by 2(Jth Century-Fox to conserve raw stock by reducing the number of prints of each picture, according to William C. Gehring, 20th's assistant, general sales manager. The objective is to keep 20th-Fox's film-stock buy at its present level even though the company will release five more pictures in 1951 than it did in 1950, Gehring said. He is confident that playing schedules can be re-arranged sufficiently to accomplish this with- out materially changing the availability of prints. Gehring said the government did not suggest the move, but that the com- pany wishes to tighten up on its use of raw stock in case of a possible shortage due to defense demands. He pointed out that as yet the film division of the National Production Authority has placed no limitations on the use of raw stock. As an example of a "peak load" Gehring used the Philadelphia situation where, after a three-week clearance, a film breaks in 21 subsequent-runs. If other large cities have a subsequent-run break on the same film in the same period, the demand for prints runs very high. By shifting the subsequent- run breaks in various cities a smaller number of prints can fill the demand. Pre-release saturation bookings, Gehring said, actually ease the strain on print demand by taking care of solid sections of the country before general release. Print requirements vary with different films, Gehring reminded. On the basis of 60 bookings per print, theoretically 250 prints could take care of 15,000 accounts, but that number is rarely sufficient. He noted that "Father Was A Fullback" needed 500 prints to keep up the demand. Gehring said that he would be satisfied if the new scheduling plan, still not completed, keeps the number of 20th-Fox prints somewhere between a low of 300 and a high of 400. Will Ask Compo to Act on 'Star Pool' When the board of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations meets again in the spring, Edward Lach- man's proposal for a "Holly- wood star pool" will be rec- ommended for incorporation in COMPO's general plans. Lachman, member of Allied States Association's board, reported here yesterday that he urged at its recent meet- ing in Washington that COM- PO be asked to act on the proposal. The plan calls for a reserve of stars who would be routed into small-town theatres from time to time for personal ap- pearances along with regular film shows. U.K. Theatre Gross Up Last Summer London, Feb. 26. — Britain's 4,580 theatres grossed £26,976,000 for the three months ended Sept. 30, last, ac- cording to statistics just published by the British Board of Trade. The fig- ure represents a gain of 6.6 per cent over the preceding quarter. The number of admissions, some 358,913,000, was five per cent more than in the previous quarter. Aver- age admission price was 18 pence, compared with 17.8 pence in the pre- vious quarter. The proportions of gross going to admission tax, film rental and exhibitors remained prac- tically unchanged from the previous quarter. Unused studio space increased to 62 per cent and studio employment de- clined further to 3,523 persons from a previous total in excess of 4,000. Sulphur Shortage Hits British 'Labs' London, Feb. 26. — An expected al- location order for chemicals to British users, including film laboratories, is expected to be made by the U. S. Na- tional Production Authority around March 1 to alleviate a drastic shortage here. Sulphur and its derivatives are the products in particularly short supply. William A. Fielder, chairman of the Film Laboratory Association, said that unless an adequate allocation is ob- tained soon, laboratories would be forced to close, with an immediate ef- fect on the entire British film industry. So serious was the situation that Har- old Wilson, president of the Board of Trade, planned to visit Washington to press for an immediate allocation. His planned visit will be canceled if the NPA acts this week, as expected. Wiethe Heads Ohio Film Booking U nit Cincinnati, Feb. 26. — Louis Wiethe, local circuit operator, has been re- elected president of the Theatre Own- ers Corp., a buying-booking agency. Willis V ance was retained as first vice-president. New officers include Charles Ackerman, second vice-presi- dent, Herman Hunt, secretary, and Elstun Dodge, treasurer. Harold Hoffert was chosen to head the new post of exhibitor relations. Ruth Drout was appointed short sub- ject booker and Rex Carr was renamed general manager. Directors, in addi- tion to the officers, include : Mrs. M. M. Wienig, Maurice Chase, John Hewitt, Jerome Kuntz, Manny Mar- cus and Sante Macci. RCA Protests FCC High Court Brief Washington, Feb. 26. — The Su- preme Court was asked today by Radio Corp. of America to deny the motion of the Federal Communica- tions Commission seeking to avoid the court's review of the color television case. In its brief, RCA claimed that the Commission's action in prohibiting the broadcasting of its color television system in competition with the CBS color system is contrary to law. It also pointed out that this is the first time that the Federal regulation of the television industry has come before the Supreme Court. M-G-M Steps Up Trailer Output More stars and personalities will narrate and appear in trailers for the forthcoming M-G-M product than ever before in the company's history, it was reported to Howard Dietz, advertising - publicity vice - president, by Frank Whitbeck, studio trailer and advertising head. Dietz returned here yesterday from the. Coast, where the policy was set following extensive dis- cussions by M-G-M executives. The "go-ahead" sign was also given by Dietz for producing 15 two-weeks- in-advance teaser trailers to precede regular trailers on theatre screens by one week. Representing one third of the company's 45-picture output, teasers for the coming year are more than triple last year's total. British Royalty at Warner Premiere Britain's Princess Margaret will head the world premiere audience at Warner's "Captain Horatio Horn- blower" when it opens at the Warner Theatre, London, on April 12, War- ner's home office reported here. Vice-Admiral Earl Mountbatten is the president of a committee in charge of special arrangements and sale of tickets for the premiere, which is to be held for the benefit of King George's Fund for Sailors. Correction Carl Foreman received the top trophy in the recent third annual awards presentation of the Screen Writers Guild, for his "The Men," being awarded the Robert Meltzer Award for the picture of the year "which best depicts the American scene." It was inadvertently stated that Foreman and Meltzer had been given the award. The Meltzer Award is presented annually. Files Anti-Monopoly Mexican Film Plan _ Mexico City, Feb. 26. — A plan aimed at curbing alleged monopolistic practices in the Mexican film industry has been submitted to General Abel- ardo L. Rodriguez, head of Credito Cinematografico, the semi-official film producing, distributing, exhibiting and financing organization. He promised to submit the plan, which is intended to encourage private initiative, to President Miguel Aleman. The proposal which calls for more private financing initiative by afford- ing more facilities for private banks to back film production and theatre operation, was submitted by a delega- tion of independent producers, headed by Miguel Contreras Torres. The in- dependents complain of too much semi- official financing. King Brothers File Suit on 'Gangs' Los Angeles, Feb. 26. — King- Brothers has filed a Superior Court breach of contract suit here against Eagle Lion Classics, PRC Pictures and Pathe Industries, Inc., asking an accounting on "Paper Bullets," pro- duced by King in 1941, and currently reissued as "Gangs, Inc." The suit asserts that the distribut- ing companies subjected the film to distribution costs in excess of terms called for under the contract and failed to reveal this in statements until recently. Files Copyright Action LI. K. S. Motion Picture Producing and Distributing Corp. reported here yesterday that it has begun in U. S. District Court, New York, an action against Dwain Esper and RKO Thea- tres charging infringement of copy- right covering a film entitled "Savage Bride." Damages of indeterminate amount and an injunction are sought. Weisners to Form Production Firm Irving Weisner, realtor, and for- merly an exhibitor, and his brother. Sidney, an attorney, will form Weisner Brothers Productions, with headquar- ters here for the production and finan- cial support of independents. They will also schedule six pictures to be made by the company itself. The Weisners entered the motion picture field with "Two Gals and a Guy," which starred Robert Alda and Janis Paige. Wood Estimates Drop Of $6,000,000 Columbus, O., Feb. 26. — Gross the- atre receipts in 14 major Ohio cities during 1950 dropped $6,000,000, ac- cording to a report by P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio. Wood based the fig- ure on a 17 per cent decline in admis- sion tax receipts in those cities. He said that an additional $6,000,000 was dropped by other areas in the state. The 14 cities include Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, Portsmouth, Springfield, Warren and Youngstown. Columbus had a drop of 21 per cent, the second highest ; Cincinnati was highest with a 27 per cent decline. Wood said the Columbus drop represents a gross decline in box- office receipts of $960,000 in 50 theatres. 35th Anniversary For 'Tarzan' Series "Tarzan's Peril," current Sol Lesser feature produced for release through RKO Pictures, marks the 35th anni- versary of the Tarzan series. Robert Mochrie. RKO's sales vice- president, reported here that the pic- ture will open in as many theatres as possible on March 15 in observance of the anniversary. Lex (Tarzan) Barker is touring the country making per- sonal appearances in advance of the blanket playoff. N. Y. Transit Ban Albany, N. Y., Feb. 26. — A bill which would ban "dangerous" trans- portation of nitro-cellulose, instead of cellulose acetate film, upon a vehicular crossing operated by the New York Port Authority has been passed by the senate and sent to the assembly. 8 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 27, 1951 May Ask Control of Commercial Rents Washington, Feb. 26. — The Administration reportedly will ask Congress soon for authority to control com- mercial as well as residential rents again. Such a request is said to be under consideration but, if made, the Administration will have a hard job persuading Congress to grant it such power. UPT Texas Divestiture About 30 from ELC In Eros U.K. Deal London, Feb. 26.— Eros Films will distribute around 30' Eagle Lion Clas- sics' releases here under the deal con- cluded recently, Sid Hyams, managing- director of Eros, said" on his return here from New York. The list will include 21 from ELC, of which six will be in Technicolor and four in Cinecolor ; seven or eight from Joseph Seidelman's Fidelity Pictures, and three from Harry Sherman. The deal boosts Eros' releases to around 40, including their own local output of six or seven annually. There is no provision now for ELC to dis- tribute the Eros British output in America. Hyams left a proposal for joint production with Sam Seidelman, ELC foreign manager, for further consideration. Heineman (Continued -from page 1) (Continued from page 1) that MacMillen is giving considera- tion to the possibility of securing L Jack Schlaifer, former ELC general sales manager and one-time Eagle- Lion distribution vice-president, for the spot Heineman is vacating. Schlaifer, who formed Jack Schlaifer Associates last July, has since been identified with the selling of pictures financed by N. Peter Rathvon for ELC release. MacMillen, who returned here yes terday from Hollywood, reported that in line with ELC's plans for "quality pictures with top stars," David Rose's Coronado Productions has been con- tracted to make "God's Little Island" in Technicolor in the Bahamas with Linda Darnell starred. Meanwhile, he said, Hal Stanley will deliver to ELC "Come Out Singing," a Cine- color musical starring Donald O'Con- nor and Marilyn Maxwell. Benagoss Productions will film "White Rose in France" in Technicolor, with Glenn Ford and Geraldine Brooks, for ELC release and Ed Gardner will produce "Man With My Face," starring him- self, in Puerto Rico. MacMillen also closed with pro- ducer Jack Schwartz for the produc- tion of 15 low budget pictures. 18 Book ELC Duo Day-Date Eighteen first-run theatres in key cities have booked Eagle Lion Clas- sics' "Paper Gallows" and "The Tam- ing of Dorothy" day-and-date, it is reported by Bernard G. Kranze, ELC general sales manager. McDonald Succeeds Sklar Charlotte, Feb. 26. — With -the resignation of Arthur Sklar, M-G-M office manager here, Hugh McDonald, head booker, has been moved up to the post. and. unless the Park Drive-in is dis- posed of, one other theatre. The Park Drive-in may be retained only on a court finding that competition is not unduly restrained. Amarillo: Capital and Rialto, one of them to a purchaser who will op- erate the theatre as a first-run. Para- mount or State if certain conditions are not met for competition from_ in- dependents, similar to the conditions in the Warner decree. Arlington: Texan. The Arling- ton may be retained only if the court finds competition not unduly re- strained. If the Arlington is sold, the Texan may be retained. Austin: Queen, Capital and Texas. Possibly two additional first-run thea- tres unless certain conditions are met for competition from an independent. Breckenridge: Palace or National. If the National is sold, the Palace shall be divested or subjected to a 60 per cent product limitation if for the next five years an independent with a suitable theatre does not have a chance to get first-run films. Brownsville: Capitol. The Ma- jestic can be retained only on a court finding competition is not restrained unduly. If the Majestic is disposed of, the Capitol may be retained. Brownwood: Three of either the Bowie, Lyric, Queen and Ritz. Corsicana: Palace or Idea! and Rio or Grand. Dallas: in downtown Dallas, the Melba, Rialto and Capitol. In North Dallas, Esquire or Village or Inwood or Varsity ; Knox and Lawn. If the Varsity is sold, the purchaser must promise to run it as a first neighbor- hood run. UPT must sell anywhere up to another three theatres in North Dallas depending on the competitive situation in first and second neighbor- hood runs in the area. In South Dallas, the Dalsec. One additional theatre to be sold or sub- jected to a product limitation if cer- tain conditions for independent com- petition are not met. In Northwest Dallas, the Circle shall be sold or subjected to a product limitation _ if certain conditions are not met for in- dependent competition. Denison: Rialto or State to a pur- chaser who promises a first-run policy. Denton: Texas and Palace or Dreamland. The Campus may be re- tained onlv with court approval and only if subsequently certain conditions for independent comnetition are met. If the Campus is sold, the Texas may be retained. Eastland: Maiestic and Lyric. El Paso: Ellanav and Texas Grand, or State arr' Texas Grand If the State is sold. UPT mav have to sell up to two additional first-run theatres if certain conditions for in dependent competition are not met. Fort Worth: Hollvwood. Majes tic. Varsity and Ridslea. The Mans- field Drive-In mav be retained only with court approval. Galveston: State, Key and Tre mont. The Broadway must be sold o subjected to a product limitation if certain conditions for independent competition are not met. The Olean- der Drive-In may be retained onlv with court approval. Harlingen: Either the Rialto or Arcadia must be sold, or the Strand "Hist be =old and one other theatre either sold or subjected to p product limitation if during the next five years an independent in Harlingen or San Benito with a theatre suitable for first- run operation is not given a chance to get first-run films. If the Rialto and Arcadia are kept, UPT must sell an additional theatre if at any time dur- ing the next five years three UPT theatres play first-run. Houston: In downtown, Majestic or Metropolitan or Kirby shall be sold or subjected to a product limitation if certain conditions for independent competition are not met. In the South- west zone, Paramount has two alterna- tives. It can sell two first neighbor- hood run theatres, one of which shall be the Yale, Alabama or Tower. Or it can sell the Yale or Alabama or Tower or the River Oaks and then sell up to two other first neighbor- hood run theatres if certain condi- tions are not met for independent competition in the zone. No matter which alternative is taken, UPT must sell an additional theatre or take a product limitation if certain conditions are not met for competition from in- dependents. In southeast Houston, the Broadway or Eastwood or Santa Rosa. If the Santa Rosa is sold, an additional first neighborhood run theatre must be sold if certain conditions for independent competition are not met. If certain other conditions are not met, Para- mount must sell another theatre or take a product limitation. In north Houston, Irvington Drive- in and Hempstead Drive-in. The North Main must be sold if certain conditions for independent competi- tion are not met ; it must be sold or subjected to a product limitation if certain other conditions are not met. Two more theatres must be sold or subjected to a product limitation — and not the Shepherd Drive-in — if still other conditions for independent com- petition in the zone are not met. McAllen: Palace or Queen. Mercedes: Either the Rex and the Rio ; or the Tex, and then one additional theatre if during the next five years two United Paramount theatres play first-run. Paris: Grand or Main or Plaza; and Airport Drive-in. If the Main or Plaza is sold, the purchaser must promise a first-run policy. San Antonio: In suburban San Antonio, the Sunset, Laurel and Woodlawn. In the downtown area. Paramount has two choices. It can sell any two of the Majestic, Aztec, Texas and Empire. Or it can sell the Aztec and then sell or subject to a product limitation one of the other three theatres if in any year during the five years following the sale of the Aztec two independent theatres are not regularly playing first-run for the greater part of the year. San Marcos: Palace or Texas: and Hays. If the Texas is sold, the Palace must be sold or subjected to a product limitation if certain condi- tions for independent competition are not met. Temple: Arcadia or Bell. The Bell can be sold only to a purchaser who promises a first-run policy. Tyler: Tvler or Liberty. The Crest Drive-In can be kept only with court approval. If the court permits UPT to retain the Crest Drive-In, one other theatre m"st be sold. Vernon: The Vernon must be sold or subjected to a product limita- tion if certain conditions are not met for independent competition. WB Divestiture Starts in Conn. Hartford, Feb. 26.— In the first transaction covering the sale of a Warner Brothers theatre property in Connec- ticut as a result of the gov- ernment's anti-trust action, the Raphael Realty Co. of New Britain has purchased the Capitol Theatre Building, New Britain, for an undis- closed sum. A number of additional Warner theatre properties in Connecticut are also up for sale under the decree. Davis-Daff (Continued from page 1) don a print of "The Browning Ver- sion," just completed at Rank's Pine- wood studios and regarded as one of the best of his recent productions. It is planned to screen the picture for some of the Universal sales force dur- ing the tour of exchanges. While here Davis also may discuss arrangements for distribution of Rank product not allocated to Universal, as a replacement for the distribution for- merly handled by Eagle Lion Classics here. The latter' s deal with Rank was terminated recently. It is reported in that regard that some of the Rank pic- tures may go to United Artists. Rob- ert Benjamin, member of the New UA control group, is president of the J. Arthur Rank Organization here. UPT Retains (Continued from page 1) quired from Hoblitzelle and his asso- ciates their stock interests in the In- terstate and Texas Consolidated op- erations. Both will be given long-term operating contracts by UPT, it is re- ported. The proposals, in the form of amendments to the Paramount con- sent decree, will be put before the Federal Statutory Court in New York for approval on Thursday. Waco: The Waco or Orpheum. Weswaco: The Gem. Wichita Falls: Wichita or Strand or State. If the State is sold, UPT must sell another theatre if certain conditions for independent competi- tion are not met. . . Another theatre must be sold if in any year during the next five years UPT theatres play first-run for more than an aggregate of 104 weeks. If the Justice Department finds that a competing first-run theatre will be ad- versely affected by the first-run show- ing of pictures at more than two UPT theatres, UPT shall divest itself of an additional theatre or cease showing first-run at more than two theatres. In addition to all the theatres spe- cifically listed above which Linked Paramount must sell, it must within three years sell any additional thea- tres to bring its total holding in the Interstate and Texas Consolidated chains down to 95 theatres or less. Ticket Tax Repealed Shelby, O., Feb. 26. — The City Council here has repealed the three per cent admission tax on the ground that it is discriminatory. The impost, in effect since 1947, has netted the city $8,000 annually. MOTION PICTURE DAILY I _____ ' | ■ .: ., , j Accurate ! Concise ; and , Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 40 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1951 TEN CENTS Asks WSB to Independents Rallying to Rule on Film | UA, Say Stillman, Spiegel Wage Control Johnston's Wage Boost Formula Affects Industry Washington, Feb. 27. — Eco- nomic Stabilizer Eric A. Johnston has directed the Wage Stabilization Board to give immediate attention to the question of whether wage con- trols should be continued in the film industry and other industries exempt from price controls. If the board should decide that con- trols should be continued, it is di- rected to determine exactly what special procedures might be needed in these industries. The board will prob- ably hold hearings on the problem at an early date. This was revealed as Johnston is- sued an order setting a nation-wide overall wage increase formula. The formula would permit without prior government approval any wage in- creases between Jan. 15, 1950 and July, 1951 up to a total of ten per (Continued on page 4) Studios Offer 10* Hourly Wage Boost Hollywood, Feb. 27. — A proposed ten cent an hour wage boost was part of a four-point offer made today by major studios in negotiations with IATSE locals. A union representative, however, said the offer is not satisfactory under present conditions and said that cer- tain union requests would be taken up at another meeting with the pro- ducers on Friday. The ten cent boost would apply to all hourly rated employees and a pro- portionate increase to all flat salaried employees would be made. The other points include paid holidays for all (Continued on page 2) Priority Order for Repair Materials Washington. Feb. 27. — The Na- tional Production Authority today gave all U. S. establishments, includ- ing theatres and other film industry firms, the right to use government priorities to get materials and equip- ment for the maintenance, repair and operation of present facilities. Many firms have complained that they cannot get materials to keep pres- ent facilities in good condition. The (Continued on page 4) Robert Stillman, head of Still- man Productions, which releases through United Artists, declared here yesterday that a large number of independent producers have been waiting for UA to get on a sound footing, and that these independents soon will represent "new blood" in the company's activities. Here from the Coast to deliver a print of his latest production, "Queen for a Day," Stillman said he was "gratified to see that UA now is in the hands of people who will make it work." There is now a "definite feeling of security" among independent producers in consequence of the take- over of the company by the Arthur Krim-Robert Benjamin-Matthew Fox group, Stillman observed. He was supported in that contention by Irving Rubine, vice-president of Stillman Productions, who left a sick bed to attend a luncheon at the Stork Club (Continued on page 2) Sam Spiegel, partner with John Huston in Horizon Productions, which recently concluded a deal to release its forthcoming "African Queen" through United Artists, said at a press interview here yesterday that the new management set-up at UA is the answer to the "prayers" of a large number of independent produc- ers on the Coast. Spiegel, who sometimes produces under the name of S. P. Eagle, said that although it has no overall con- tract with UA, Horizon plans to de- liver six pictures to UA over the next two years. Additionally, Horizon has a pact with Eagle Lion Classics call- ing for two films. "African Queen," the producer said, will be co-produced with the Wolfe Brothers of Britain and therefore will be a British quota picture. Horizon will have distribution rights in the Western Hemisphere and the Wolfes (Continued on page 2) U A Set to Join Theatres on Ads United Artists, under its new man- agement, is prepared to join with ex- hibitors in exploitation and promo- tional activities, Max E. Youngstein, newly - named advertising - publicity vice-president, reported here yester- day. "All we want is a fair sharing of expense and a decent house budget," he said. In about 90 days, U. A. will have a permanent staff of 15 field exploi- teers, Youngstein said. The present staff numbers eight. From time to time, in accordance with the demands of individual pic- tures, the exploitation staff will be augmented with temporary exploiteers, Youngstein explained. "The set-up will parallel the one I had at Paramount," (Continued on page 2) Blumenstock West On Plans for Four Mort Blumenstock, Warner's vice- president in charge of advertising- publicity, will leave here by plane tomorrow for the company's West Coast studios, accompanied by Gil Golden, advertising manager, and Larry Golob, Eastern publicity direc- tor. Purpose of the trip is to finalize promotional campaigns on "I Was a Communist for the FBI," starring Frank Lovejoy; "Strangers on a Train," starring Ruth Roman, Robert Walker and Farley Granger, and di- rected by Alfred Hitchcock ; "Jim (Continued on page 4) N. Y. Meet Leads Off Three 4U' Regionals The first of three regional sales meetings to be attended by Al Daff, Universal's director of world sales ; John Davis, managing director of the J. Arthur Rank organization in Brit- ain, and Charles Feldman, Universal sales manager, will open at the War- wick Hotel here today. With the New York meeting con- cluding tomorrow, the others will be held at the Drake Hotel, Chicago, on Friday and Saturday, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, on Monday and Tuesday. Attending the New York meeting will be Nate Blumberg, Universal president ; David Lipton, advertising- publicity vice-president ; Maurice Bergman, public relations executive ; (Continued on page 4) Martin, Wilkinson, Settoon Promoted Henry H. Martin has been promoted to Universal district manager in Dal- las by Charles J. Feldman, domestic sales manager, who also disclosed here yesterday the promotion of Rob- ert N. Wilkinson to branch manager in Dallas, the post previously held by Martin, and the promotion of salesman Richard C. Settoon to branch mana- ger in Memphis, previously held by Wilkinson. Martin replaces the late Joseph E. Garrison. He will supervise Dallas, St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and New Orleans. Phonevision's Second Month Holds Steady No Noticeable Decline But Showmen Unworried Chicago, Feb. 27. — With two- thirds of the 90-day Phonevision test here to be completed tomorrow local showmen are as placid now as they were a month ago in their at- titude toward pay-as-you-see television films as competition for the established theatre. The consensus here is that nothing developed during the second month of the three- month test to make it neces- sary for them to revise their complacency achieved after close observation of Phone- vision for the first 30 days. However,- many who predicted that Fhonevision's test subscriptions would decline noticeably once the first bloom ot novelty and publicity had worn off expressed surprise that February or- (Continued on page 2} Paramount Expands N. Y. Sales Meet Paramount's division managers' sales meeting in New York on Friday and Saturday will be attended by thirteen additional home office ex- ecutives, it was announced here yes- terday by A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp The 13 are : Robert J. Rubin, newly- appointed assistant to Barney Bala- ban; Sid Blumenstock, advertising manager; Al Kane, assistant Eastern and Southern division manager ; Mon- roe Goodman, executive assistant to Schwalberg; Fred Leroy, head of the statistical department; J. A. Walsh, head of branch operations; his assis- (Cotitinued on page 4) 11 Added to Para.'s Service Contracts Eleven additional pictures have been added to Paramount's "Security Serv- ice Contract," it was annonnced here yesterday by A. W. Schwalberg, presi- dent of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. They include all releases from April through August, 1951. The Se- curity Service Contract was set up by Paramount in 1949 for exhibitors in smaller situations. The 11 additional films, which com- (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 28, 1951 Personal Mention PAUL RAIBOURN, Paramount vice-president in charge of budgets, planning and television, yesterday de- livered an address before the Asso- ciation of Customers' Brokers, on "The Incredible Tale of ^ the Chang- ing Amusement Industry." Milt Livingston, Jerry Evans and Herman Kass have been given tribal names of "Goes to War," "Sioux Boy," and "Chief Eagle," re- spectively by the Sioux Indian chiefs who toured key cities on behalf of U-I's "Tomahawk." • Don Prince, Eastern publicity di- rector of RKO Pictures, will leave here for Washington tomorrow and will return on Friday. • Ted O'Shea, vice-president of Paramount Pictures, and Howard Minsky, division manager, are in De- troit for a two-day sales conference. • Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., will serve as chairman of American Relief for Korea, a voluntary organization spon- sored by the U. S. State Department. • D. Corbit Curtis, who has served as assistant director of The March of Time, has been promoted to director. • Leon D. Netter, Jr., general sales manager of Altec Service Corp., has left here for Des Moines and Dallas. Phonevision Steady {Continued from page 1) ders pretty well maintained the level set during January. Orders for the first month amounted to about 21 per cent of the total possibilities. That level might have been moderately ex- ceeded during February, particularly had it not been for the sharp decline on the night of Feb. 14 when poten- tial subscribers for the most part used their free Zenith television sets to tune in the Ray Robinson-Jake LaMotta prizefight instead of ordering a $1 film for the average audience of seven persons. Observers here feel that the fact that no decline in Phonevision sub- scribers set in, as expected, during February may be explained in large measure by the nature of the test au- dience. They contend that the test families are not an "average" audi- ence, having been selected originally from those expressing a desire to be a "guinea pig" and, therefore, had a pre-conditionend and above-average enthusiasm. Moreover, the 300 fami- lies all are located in one telephone exchange district and do not repre- sent a cross-section of the city's pop- ulation, it is claimed. It is also contended that there is no penalty for non-payment of bills for the film programs ordered by Phonevision test families. If there were, it is suggested, that might act as a deterrent to some who order films they are not particularly anxious to see. These, at any rate, are some of the Business Better, FP Dividend Up Toronto, Feb. 27.— A boost in the quarterly dividend from 25 cents to 30 cents on common shares of Famous Players Canadian Corp. for the first period of 1951, re- flecting better business for Canada's largest circuit, has been announced. The payment is to be made March 24 to shareholders of record on March 9. Quiz Skouras Today On Income Pools George Skouras, head of Skouras Theatres and the United Artists Thea- tres Circuit, is scheduled to give a pre-trial deposition today in the Sam- uel Goldwyn suit for treble damages of $6,750,000 against Fox West Coast theatres and others, now pending in Federal Court at San Francisco. Joseph Alioto, Goldwyn attorney from San Francisco, said here yester- day that Skouras would be questioned regarding the present status of any income pools relating to LTATC, formerly headed by Joseph M. Schenck, and to other Skouras-con- trolled circuits. Charles Skouras tes- tified in a previous deposition that he, Spyros and George Skouras have pooled their incomes from their vari- ous motion picture interests, but that the pool was discontinued at the be- ginning of 1951. Redbook Award to Zanuck, 20th~Fox Darryl F. Zanuck and the 20th Cen- tury-Fox studio have been named win- ners of Redbook's 1950 annual award for the company's production of out- standing pictures, it was announced here yesterday. This is the second successive year the award has gone to Zanuck and 20th Century-Fox, it was said. Studios Offer (Continued from page 1) daily workers, cost of living adjust- ments patterned after the General Mo- tors formula, and an attempt to solve the problems of group insurance. explanations being advanced by those who predicted a month ago that sub- scriptions during February would drop to about 10 per cent of the possibili- ties, and said they would consider even that a "good showing." Al Sindlinger, research analyst ob- serving the test here for Paramount Pictures, warned observers against "missing one of the major points of the test." "It's not," he said, "a case of Phone- vision versus the film theatre, but a case of free or paid television versus the theatre." Sindlinger believes it is still too early to reach any definite conclusions about Phonevision. He will not make a full report to Paramount until the test has been concluded at the end of March, he said. Stillman (Continued from page 1) for the trade press at which Stillman discussed the UA situation and his own production plans. Stillman has a six-picture contract with UA. Two of them, "Queen for a Day" and "Sound of Fury" have been delivered. He said virtually all UA producers had received invitations to join major studios during the months preceding the change in UA manage- ment control, "but we wanted to stay independent." The producer said UA's plans call for the "stamp of quality" on future releases. He said two di- dectors are planning to join forces to produce pictures for UA distribution, and although he declined to name them these directors are understood to be Mark Robson and Robert Wise. Also present at the luncheon were : Max E. Youngstein, UA advertising- publicity vice-president ; Arthur Sach- son, Stillman Productions sales mana- ger ; Harold Salemson, the producer's publicity representative ; Al Tamarin, UA publicity manager, and Leon Roth, UA exploitation manager. Spiegel (Continued from page 1) will have Eastern Hemisphere rights. Spiegel said the British producers are investing sterling and Horizon is in- vesting dollars in the production of "African Queen," which will be made in Technicolor in Kenya with Hum- phrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn starring. Filming will start shortly and the picture is due to be delivered to UA this summer. The UA management headed by Ar- thur Krim, president, intends to be- come the "Cartier" of independent production, meaning that eventually only top grade product will be handled by the company, Spiegel said. He added that "African Queen" has been marked as the "pace-setter" in this connection. Next on Horizon's schedule for UA release is "Three Wierd Tales," an omnibus film based on three short stories by John Collier. For one of the three short features which will make up the film, Horizon is seeking Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh as stars, Spiegel said. This film, is planned for shooting in the fall, at which time Horizon will set produc- tion arrangements for its next two. UA to Co-operate (Continued from page 1) said Youngstein, who recently re- signed as Paramount's director of ad- vertising-publicity to join United Artists. Youngstein set forth these plans at a luncheon at the Stork Club yester- day given by producer Robert Still- man and Irving Rubine of Stillman Productions, which releases through UA. The new UA advertising-pub- licity chief paid tribute to Stillman and Rubine for their confidence in UA. Harold GlanHeld Portland, Ore., Feb. 27.— Harold Glanfield, who represents Favorite Films in Seattle, died suddenly of a heart attack. Newsreel Parade GEN MacARTHUR at the Kor- ean front and an address by Gov. Dewey mark current newsreel highlights. Other items include a White House photo exhibit, sports and aviation. Complete contents follow : MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 18— Gen. Mac- Arthur at the front. UN offensive. Gov. Dewey proclaims his views on fighting the Reds. Jet aviation: Helicopters. Sport flashes: water skiing', ski jumping. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 252— Gen. MacArthur in Korea. Gov. Dewey urges troops for Europe. Jet helicopter. Freedom Awards at Valley Forge. Quads born. Sports: ace diving, wrestling queen. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 55— United States welcomes record-breaking jets. Reds stopped at Wonju. Troops-to-Europe debate. News flashes from the sports world: Ski jumping, horse racing. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 9-A — De- fense-mobilizer Wilson reports. "Operation Killer" in Korea. Dean Acheson reaches Bermuda. British jets. Indo-China exchange of war prisoners. Spanish floods. Gov. Dewey's speech. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 434— Korea re- port. British jet bombers. "Harvey" re- ceives "Look" award. White House photo exhibit. Sports world flashes: Diving, ski- ing, women wrestlers. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 57— "Oper- ation Killer" in Korea. Gov. Dewey voices views on Europe. Valley Forge Awards. Quads born. President Truman honors news photographers. British jet. Jet helicopter. Diving, skiing. Name New ELC Sales Head in a Few Days William C. MacMillen, Jr., presi- dent of Eagle Lion Classics, indicated here yesterday that he expects to name a distribution chief to succeed William J. Heineman by either Friday or Mon- day. Heineman is scheduled to join United Artists as soon as his successor at ELC has been named. MacMillen is reported to have con- ferred with Bernard G. Kranze, ELC general sales manager, and L. Jack Schlaifer, who has been handling sales for N. Peter Rathvon-financed pro- ductions. Goldsmith, Caspar y Leave for the Coast Producer I. G. Goldsmith and his wife, Vera Caspary, author and screen- writer, will leave here for the Coast today after concluding talks with Ar- thur B. Krim, United Artists president and Max E, Youngstein, advertising- publicity vice-president, on releasing and exploitation plans for two Gold- smith films for UA, "Three Husbands" and "The Scarf." 'Fabiola' Shown to UA Jules Levey's "Fabiola" was screened here yesterday for United Artists' ex- ecutives with a view to possible dis- tribution by the company. A decision will be made later, it was said. Al Brick, 52 Los Angeles, Feb. 27. — Al Brick, 52, veteran motion picture cameraman, principally in the newsreel field, died here last night. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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 Quigley, President: Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, T. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture~Almanac ; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. M-G-M's Story of those Gorgeous Airline Stewardesses! , Four-Star Cast! JANE WYMAN VAN JOHNSON HOWARD KEEL BARRY SULLIVAN Screen Play by Sidney Sheldon Story by Ruth Brooks Flippen From Suggestions Made by Ethel "Pug" Wells • Directed by CHARLES WALTERS • Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE 2nd Biggest M-G-M GROSS in a year at Wilkes -Barre, Pa. AND AT SCRANTON IT TOPS "3 LITTLE WORDS," "FATHER OF THE BRIDE" AND IN NEW ORLEANS IT'S RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE BIG ONES! JUST THE BEGINNING! Wait till you see Fred do his "Dancing On The Ceil- ing" number in M-G-M's BIG MUSICAL "ROYAL WEDDING," next attrac- tion at Radio City Music Hall. Selected by Cosmo- politan as "Best Musical of the Month" and by Seven- teen Magazine for the "Picture of the Month." (Technicolor of course!) 4 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 28, 1951 Asks WSB {Continued from page 1) cent above the level in effect before Jan. 15. Wage Stablizer Cyrus Ching, in the meantime, has called a board meeting for tomorrow afternoon. It could not be learned whether labor members, who opposed the formula, would at- tend. Meanwhile, Hollywood producers and talent guilds expect "very prompt" action on their request for relief from the government's wage freeze. Presents Points A written memorandum presented today to Willard Wirtz, executive sec- retary of the Wage Stablization Board, put on paper the points made by spokesmen for the producers and guilds in a personal call made last Friday. The industry representatives expect to make another call on Wirtz tomor- row, it was reported, and then hope for action by the middle of next week. The industry's plea is to be permitted to operate as nearly normally as pos- sible, with authority to use option and periodic pay increase contracts, power to set rates for workers hired on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis, and some guide as to wages for new workers. Priority Order (Continued from page 1) NPA order, Regulation No. 4, recog- nizes that even though key materials are needed for the defense program, the nation cannot afford to allow any of its existing productive capacity or service facilities to run down. The Review "Quebec" (Paramiount) REBELLION against British rule by French and English Canadians in 1837 and their abortive attempt to take the fortress at Quebec form the historical basis of this adventure story, written and produced by Alan Le May. Fine battle scenes, with the Redcoats glistening in Technicolor, and beautiful shots of old Quebec and the wilderness of the voyageurs give a pictorial quality to the film. However, a fanciful and poorly-motivated plot detract from the overall effect. The picture, directed by George Templeton, should be promoted as a spectacle and not an epic. Corinne Calvet is the mysterious leader of the rebellion, spurred on by her hatred for the commander of the British garrison, played by Don Haggerty, to whom she was married briefly at the age of 15. Her true love is Patric Knowles, leader of the rebellious voyageurs of the woods. With Knowles is his son, John Barrymore, Jr., who does not know that Miss Calvet is his mother. When young Barrymore does meet his mother it as an adoring- follower of the rebellion's leader. Lending romantic interest are Nikki Duval, vivacious and forward girl of the woods, and Barbara Rush, pretty ward of Miss Calvet. Both girls vie for the love of handsome young Barrymore, who is too busy fighting to pay much attention to either. The ill-fated rebellion is doomed to defeat and Knowles is killed when he attempts to negotiate an amnesty for his men. Young Barrymore takes over for another desperate attempt to take the fortress, again unsuccessfully, and this time Miss Calvet dies in an attempt to save her son. Miss Duval, too, is killed as she refuses to betray Barrymore, thus leaving the field to Miss Rush. John Hoyt plays the part of a sympathetic priest, Arnold Moss is a rabble- rousing speaker and among the voyageurs are Howard Joslin, Paul Guevre- ment, Adrian Belanger, Rene Constantneau, Marcel Sylvan and Rolland Joseph Beaudet. Others are Patsy Ruth Miller and Jacques Champagne. Running time, 85 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. Vaughan O'Brien priority is on a par with priorities for defense orders. Naturally, the priorities would be available only for work now permitted by law. That is, the NPA limits on theatre and other amusement con- struction would still stand. !Hiy|mportentRopfe ARE RMHGABOUT AVer/ important Picture, [ A Very Important personality/ SEASON A Paramount Picture 66is something mighty wonderful to recommend!99 — Louella Parsons as Morrier of the Groom emerges as a new comedy star!99 — Ed Sullivan art ou^ of c OOP a^1 ou a' na- if a \>it' >rS tne lie st i^1 dep en on up to st YiaS P? rcvo St to a 11 of us- return ^as 1^ ©ite< tYve nU of n* set ts^° .s^ade _e recoT deo- nd tTcve OU® of 0G^ are indeed ^ at© ful ere^\ FIRST IN FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial L- VOL. 69. NO. 41 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 1951 TEN CENTS Say Skouras Barred from Phila. in '37 Goldwyn vs. FWC Suit Deposition Reveals Ban Skouras plans to build a theatre to compete with Warner in Phila- delphia were forbidden by another major company, George Skouras testified in a deposition here yesterday, according to Joseph Alioto, San Fran- cisco attorney representing Samuel Goldwyn. Skouras said that in 1931 he joined the Atlantic circuit operating theatres along the Eastern seaboard. Skouras interests owned 25 per cent of the cir- cuit, with Paramount owning the other 75 per cent. When expansion plans were made in 1937, including the pro- posed Philadelphia theatre, Paramount intervened and said that no competi- tion with Warner in the area could be permitted, according to Alioto's account of Skouras's testimony yester- day. Alioto, who is handling Goldwyn's (Continued on page 2) US Sees 20th-Fox Delay; Loew Decree Talks Due to Start Washington, Feb. 28. — Another postponement in the March 5 deadline for 20th Century-Fox to file its di- vorcement plan is likely, a Justice Department official said here today. Otto E. Koegel, 20th-Fox counsel, was quoted earlier in the week as say- ing he thought a decree could be pre- sented to the court by the March 5 deadline, but the Justice official said that while the parties were very close to final agreement, "There are a few details left which will probably need (Continued on page 4) Dismiss Universal Stockholder Suit The U. S. District Court of Dela- ware has dismissed the action, charg- ing mismanagement, which minority stockholder Dorette A. Wise insti- tuted in 1943 against former Universal executives J. Cheever Cowdin and Charles D. Prutzman, it was revealed in New York yesterday. The suit was dismissed on a defense (Continued on page 4) Sweeping Changes in UA's Overseas Selling Structure Are Planned First definite indication that United Artists will make sweeping changes in the constitution of its sales operations overseas came yesterday from independent producer I. G. Goldsmith who releases through UA. "Re-staffings" and "adjustments" in these operations, with perhaps the replacement of a number of agents and sub- agents with UA-operated offices, are planned, the producer re- ported at a press interview here prior to his departure for the Coast after conferring with Arthur B. Krim, new UA president. So pleased was Goldsmith with the prospect of changes in the company's sales machinery abroad that he at once gave the com- pany worldwide distribution rights to "Three Husbands," whose original contract limited UA handling to the U. S., Canada and England. Industry Looks for Wage Freeze Relief Washington, Feb. 28. — After an- other call today on top officials of the Wage Stabilization Board, represen- tatives of Hollywood producers and talent guilds appeared to be extremely cheerful about the prospects of getting some relief from the government wage freeze, and getting it soon. "Don't be too optimistic," one film industry spokesman said, "but it cer- tainly looks very good." Officials of the Motion Picture As- sociation of America and representa- tives of the Association of Motion Picture Producers and the various tal- ent guilds called on WSB executive secretary Willard Wirtz and other WSB attorneys to "finish their edu- cation" about the special problems faced by Hollywood including term and option contracts and day-to-day and week-to-week workers. They said they hoped for an answer within a week, but admitted that a lot would depend on how much their problem is affected by the current crisis in the WSB over the general wage increase formula. NTS to Meet in Atlanta and Denver The second and third in a series of district sales meetings being held by National Theatre Supply to discuss new products and services will be held in Atlanta and Denver. Program ar- rangements are under the direction of W. E. Green, NTS president, and Oscar S. Oldknow, vice-president. The Atlanta meeting, to be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Ansley Hotel, will be attended by branch managers and salesmen from Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, Memphis, Dallas, Oklahoma City, St. Louis~and ■Kansas City. The Denver meeting, planned for (Continued on page 2) Football Telecasts On 3 -Day Agenda Chicago, Feb. 28. — The National College Athletic Association will meet with representatives of the motion pic- ture and television industries for three days beginning tomorrow at the La- Salle Hotel to determine what form of experimental football telecasts will be adopted as policy during 1951-52. This is in line with the resolution adopted at the NCAA convention in Dallas last month when a one-year moratorium was declared on wide- spread "live" telecasts with the pro- viso that experiments be conducted on these various types of telecasts : Delayed showings of films, Phone- vison, theatre screenings direct from the field, Skiatron, and specially-con- trolled "live" telecasts, perhaps One in each district. Robert O'Brien, secretary-treasurer of United Paramount Theatres, will be on hand to represent theatre tele- vision. The latter form was permitted on some University of Michigan game telecasts in Detroit theatres and some (Continued on page 4) Rep. Lane Says TV Needs Censoring Washington, Feb. 28. — Rep. Lane (D., Mass.) today told the House that Congress should enact legislation to set up a censorship board for televi- sion programs within the Federal Communications Commission. The board, Lane declared, should "scrutinize every telecast in advance and cut out all words and actions that arouse the passions or that hold up any individual, race, creed, group or belief to mockery and derision." Lane charged that "in the feverish rush to capture and monopolize atten- tion, video has thrown all standards to the winds." He also accused the TV industry of lacking "self-discipline." Says U.A. Will Not Finance Its Producers Heller Funds Available; Banks 'Open Up' Again Apart from having provided United Artists, under its new man- agement, with "several million dol- lars" for operating capital, Walter E. Heller and Co., Chicago, is pre- pared to supply certain of UA's inde- pendent producers with first and sec- ond money for picture financing. This was reported here yes- terday by independent produc- er I. G. Goldsmith, who returned to Hollywood last night fol- lowing conferences in New York with Arthur B. Krim, new UA president. UA itself, Gold- smith said, will not provide financing. The producer, who has his own pri- vate sources of financing and there- fore will not be among those who will go to Heller for production funds, said (Continued on page 2) Northwest Theatre Supply Dealers See Buying Rush Minneapolis, Feb. 28. — Motion pic- ture theatre supply dealers in this Northwest territory anticipate the biggest equipment buying rush since World War II. Few, if any, serious material shortages are expected. "There should be no scarcity of either theatre equipment ma- terials or buyers this spring," declared one supply dealer who operates a key situation. He pointed out that most items normally needed in spring buy-.. (Continued on page 2) Court Rules Bidding Right No Franchise Washington, Feb. 28. ■ — Federal District Court Judge Curran declared here today that a contract giving an exhibitor the right to negotiate for a certain share of a distributor's product is not in any way to be construed as giving the exhibitor an absolute right to those pictures. Otherwise, he held, such a contract would amount to a franchise and (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 1, 1951 Personal Mention XT ATE J. BLUMBERG, president of Universal Pictures, accompa- nied by Mrs. Blumberg, will leave New York today aboard the S.S. / '///- cania for a six-week business trip to Europe. Leo F. Samuels, assistant to Wil- liam B. Levy, worldwide sales super- visor of Walt Disney Productions, and Irving Ludwig have returned here from a Midwest tour of RKO Pictures branches. • H. Russell Gaus. Oklahoma City M-G-M manager, planed back to his headquarters yesterday after a three- day visit here. • Leonard Hirsch, home office assis- tant to Rudy Berger, M-G-M South- ern sales manager, has returned here from Washington. • E. K. O'Shea, vice-president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., is due to return here today from De- troit. Howard LeSieur, Eagle Lion Clas- sics advertising-publicity director, is in Washington today from New York. • Seymour Roman of Columbia's pressbook department announces the birth of a son, Howard Lewis. ■ • Bob Newhook, publicist -for Loew 's Boston Theatres, has married Elaine Gaetani, secretary to E. M. Loew. • Virginia Morris of Paramount's advertising department is celebrating a birthday today. NTS to Meet (Continued from page 1) March 10-11, at the Brown Palace Hotel, will be attended by managers and salesmen from Denver, Los An- geles, San Francisco, Seattle, Omaha, Des Moines, Milwaukee and Min- neapolis. Company executives from New York attending both meetings will include in addition to Green, J. W. Servies, manager of purchasing ; J. E. Currie, drive-in department manager, and W. J. Turnbull, sales promotion man- ager. Others attending will be H. D. Epting, air conditioning department manager, and J. S. Goshorn, theatre seating department manager. Expect Buying Rush (Continued from page 1) ing had been thoroughly checked and found to be in plentiful quantities to meet anticipated demands. He also pointed out that there had been no "scare buying" and said he felt rea- sonably certain that exhibitors had not hoarded extra supplies fearing a shortage. Nor is a delay in deliveries expected, it was learned. 59 Drive - ins Set For the Northwest Portland, Ore., Feb. 28.— The drive-in theatre season has already opened in many spots in the Pacific North- west, with the advent of semi-summer weather. Some 32 drive-ins will be in service in the Portland trade area, and some 27 in the Seattle area, with additional poten- tialities in the offing. UA-Finance Du Pont Film Maps Company's Growth Du Pont's feature-length Techni- color film of the company's rise since its founding in 1802 until the pres- ent was screened for the press at the Paris Theatre here. Produced by jack Chertok and directed by William Thiele at the Apex Film Studios in Hollywood, the picture is a colorful and interesting account that covers the administrations of 10 du Pont presi- dents, from the founder to Walter S. Carpenter, present board chairman, and Crawford H. Greenewalt, present head of the company. The picture will not have theatrical distribution but will be shown in some 80' localities, primarily for employes. Barred from Phila. (Continued from page 1) $6,750,000 suit against National The- atres, Fox West Coast theatres and others, said that his questioning of Skouras is to show that the major companies have divided up exhibition areas on a national basis. He said that there is little likelihood of dis- tribution companies becoming involved in the present suit, but that United Artists Theatre Circuit, headed by George Skouras, may become a de- fendant. Skouras testified, Alioto said, that for the first there months after he became president of UATC, succeed- ing Joseph Schenck, he received no salary from the company but was re- imbursed from an income pool set up by George, Spyros and Charles Skouras. As Charles Skouras testified in San Francisco, the Skouras broth- ers had for many years shared their earnings and profits from the motion picture industry on a pooled basis. Alioto said that Skouras has prom- ised to make the pool document, which was discontinued in December, 1950, available in Los Angeles next week. The deposition will continue tomor- row at the offices of Milton Weisman, Skouras's attorney. When a Motion Picture Daily reporter called there yesterday he was refused admittance and was told by a Weisman ■ office at- tendant that no meeting was under- way and that neither Skouras, Alioto or James Mulvey, Samuel Goldwyn Productions president who attended, were in the offices. Vote Republic Dividend A dividend of 25 cents per share on preferred stock payable April 2 to stockholders of record on March 12, was declared by the board of direc- i tors of Republic Pictures. (Continued from page 1) he was informed that the Chicago firm's loans would be made only on pictures whose subject-matter meas- ured up to certain standards. Equally significant in the qualifying for Heller loans will be the stature of applying producers, Goldsmith indicated. United Artists itself will not engage in production financing, Goldsmith said, adding that if the contrary were the case independent producers would "run from the company." UA produc- ers, he explained, prefer to have the company concern itself solely with dis- tribution and attendant promotional ac- tivities since under such an arrange- ment a "democratic equality" prevails among all who make pictures for the company's release. Goldsmith's report that UA would not finance producers conflicted with previous trade reports that indicated the com- pany would make funds avail- able to producers. Krim could not be reached yesterday for comment. With the take-over of UA manage- ment control by the Arthur Krim- Robert Benjamin-Matthew Fox group, financing problems dissolved for UA producers, Goldsmith said, explaining that the Bank of America and other film-financing institutions made known at once that they were ready to pro- vide first money on UA contracts up to 60 per cent of a picture's budget. At the same time, he said, second money sources also indicated a will- ingness to enter into picture financing arrangements. In many cases pro- viders of second money themselves borrow from banks the funds which they turn over to producers. Goldsmith, a producer in England for 14 years prior to coming to the U. S. two years ago, described the revitalization of UA as "something- like a miracle." Sorely disappointed, as he put it, over the way his product was being handled at UA prior to the take-over of the new management, Goldsmith said he now has "the great est confidence" in the company. This confidence, he added, he has proven by delivering his latest production, "The Scarf," and by taking steps to release his next, "The Gardenia," through UA. The latter will be from a new novel to be published soon by the producer's wife, Vera Caspary. When he and Miss Caspary, the producer's partner in Gloria Films, came to New York four weeks ago as the Krim-Benjamin-Fox take-over of UA was about to be finalized, Gold- smith was "deeply worried" about whether the investment they had made in "The Scarf" would be virtually lost under UA as it had been constituted. Present at yesterday's interview with Goldsmith were Myer Beck, whom the producer has appointed spe- cial promotion representative for "The Scarf," and David E. (Skip) Wesh- ner, Gloria Films' sales manager. Weshner paid tribute to the UA sales force for the extent to which it achieved results in the months preced- ing the new management take-over de- spite the handicaps that hampered company salesmen. IVEJVS in Brief . . - Hollywood, Feb. 28.— M-G-M will become the first studio to turn out a three-color feature using its own proc- ess and laboratory if its technicians complete preparations in time for start of the shooting on "Constable Ped- ley," scheduled for mid-April, a M-G-M spokesman confirmed today. • Hollywood, Feb. 28.— Arch Oboler has announced formation of Arch Oboler Productions to make two or three independent productions an- nually. • Chicago, Feb. 28. — Films set for next week's Phonevision test are : "Wild Harvest," Paramount, released in 1947; "Framed," Columbia, 1947; "The Little Foxes," (Goldwyn) RKO, 1941 ; "Caged Fury," Paramount, 1948; "Sahara," Columbia, 1943; "Back to Battan," RKO, 1945, and "The Reluctant Dragon," RKO, 1941. • Hollywood, Feb. 28.— Ellis Arnall, Society of Independent Motion Pic- ture Producers president, said that he will decide tomorrow whether to call a membership meet:ng dur- ing his present visit here, as orig- inally planned, or merely continue meeting with individual members. He began individual conferences on Monday. • Hollywood, Feb. 28.— Paramount's "Sunset Boulevard" tonight was ac- claimed as the best Hollywood pro- duced picture of 1950 by the Holly- wood Foreign Correspondents Asso- ciation, in its annual presentation of the "Golden Globe Awards." • Will Baltin, executive secretary and treasurer of the Television Broad- casters Association, is resigning to join Screen Gems, Columbia Pictures' television department in an executive capacity. • Kansas City, Feb. 28. — Ernest J. Amoneno, owner of the Aladdin Theatre here, died Monday night. Brother of Mayer Dies in Hollywood Hollywood, Feb. 28. — Rudolph W. Mayer, 63, brother of Louis B. Mayer, M-G-M production vice-president, died here last night at the Gaylord Apart- ments. Death was said to be from a hear attack suffered when fire broke out in his hotel. Goldsmith reported that 3,300 book- ings have been set for his "Three Husbands," which will open at the Palace Theatre here on March 8. Canton Assigned to "Fury" Arthur Canton has been named spe- cial United Artists field representa- tive, under Mori Krushen, exploita- tion head, for the engagement of Robert Stillman's "Sound of Fury" in Syracuse. The picture will open at the Midtown Theatre there on March 8. tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays, Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center. New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-310O. Cable address: "Quigpubco, MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Marti: Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Lompa-. New York." Martin Ouigley, President; Red Kann. Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary: James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel. Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative. FT 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten. National Press Club, Washington, D. C 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Jm Model 25, adapted T'Wm for 1 ,000-watt fW *^|- tungsten light. \ ' r. ^J^f' m ^iiiiiiiiiiii""^ 77>e Kodak Projec- tion Ektar Lens, in a choice of four focal lengths, insures supe- rior screen image. Left, the Eastman 1 6mm. Projec- tor, Model 25, brings 16mm. pro- jection to the professional level. Shown here, adapted for arc illu- mination, permanently installed alongside 35mm. equipment. Below, working parts of the film move- ment mechanism are in constant view of the operator . . . readily accessible for threading and cleaning. For Professional Quality Sound Projection from 16mm. Film The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25 This projection instrument — built to a new design concept — eliminates the three major obstacles to theatrical qual- ity 16mm. sound projection . . . exces- sive wear and high maintenance cost; low signal-to-noise ratio; and excessive nutter. A major cause of excessive wear and poor quality sound is the constant trans- fer of shock forces generated in the film pulldown mechanism to other parts of the system. In the Eastman 16mm. Pro- jector, Model 2 5, the intermittent (film advance mechanism) is completely iso- lated and independently driven by its own 1440 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Thus, shock forces are sealed off from the rest of the instrument. The sprocket- shutter system is driven by its own 1800 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Exact phas- ing between the two systems is accom- plished by specially designed synchro- mesh gears. In addition, the take-up spindle, rewind spindle, and blower are driven by separate motors. A highly corrected microscope ob- jective, adjustable for optimum sound quality from any type of 16mm. sound film, permits reproduction of variable area or variable density 16mm. sound tracks at extremely low distortion and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio. To get the best out of any 16mm. sound film, project it on an Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25. For in- formation on installation, availability, and prices, write directly to the Mo- tion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y., or any branch office. Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y. East Coast Division 342 Madison Avenue New York 17, N. Y. Midwest Division 137 North Wabash Avenue Chicago 2, Illinois West Coast Division 6706 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood 38, California 4 Motion Picture Daily 20th, Loew (Continued from page 1) more time." He admitted, however, it still might be "barely possible" to meet the March 5 date. Negotiations with Loew's officials will probably start "very soon," it was reported. It was pointed out that the Justice attorneys have been tied up with work on the 20th- Fox decree, the Howard Hughes RKO theatre holdings, and the recent amendment to the Paramount decree, and they have not had a chance to work on the Loew's situation. The proposed amendment to the Paramount decree, permitting United Paramount Theatres to acquire com- plete ownership of Interstate and Texas Consolidated Theatres, is slated to go before the New York Statutory court tomorrow afternoon. The New York court will probably not have any further argument on the question of what time limit, if any, should be placed on disposal of Hughes' RKO theatre holdings, it is believed here. Indications are the court will decide the matter on the previous argument and the briefs being submit- ted. Hughes' attorney, Thomas Slack, filed his brief yesterday, and the Jus- tice brief is due on Tuesday. Review 44 Fourteen Hours' Football Telecasts (Continued from page 1) Illinois games in B. and K.'s State Lake and Tivoli theatres here. Representatives of Zenith, creators of Phonevision, and the major net- works will also be present at the meet- ings. (ZOtli Century-Fox) THE LONG ORDEAL of a disturbed young man who perched himself on a 15th-floor ledge of a New York hotel and teetered for 14 hours between suicide and survival is recounted dramatically in this 20th Century-Fox pro- duction. Its counterpart in reality took place in the very same city a number of years ago. The entire story is built on this one major incident, and as it develops there evolves considerable suspense. The picture is well-made. It will have its premiere here on Monday at the Astor Theatre. Good perform- ances are turned in all around with Richard Basehart as the unbalanced young man, Paul Douglas as a traffic patrolman who goes on a talking marathon to dissuade Basehart from jumping, and Barbara Bel Geddes, as Basehart's sweetheart. Not long after Basehart plants himself at the precarious height there arrive on the scene units of the fire and police departments. Soon the streets are thronged with people while newspapermen and radio and television crews work feverishly. It seems that Douglas is the only one to whom Basehart will talk so it becomes his task to attempt to persuade, cajole and bully Basehart into leaving the ledge. All efforts fail. Next follow attempts to get Basehart's mother, and then his father, to talk with him. This fails, and so does the attempt to get Miss Bel Geddes to influence him. When finally a strategem is. used to lure Basehart from his perch, it fails when an intruder bursts upon the scene. After considerable strains and anxieties, police are able to rig up a net which catches Basehart just as he plunges downward. The 14-hour incident also affects the lives of many others. There is a young- boy and girl who meet in the crowd and go off romantically, and the young wife who becomes reunited with her husband from whom she originally wanted a divorce. Commendable support is provided by Howard Da Silva, a jumpy police lieutenant ; Agnes Moorehead, the mother, and Robert Keith, the father. Sol C. Siegel produced and Henry Hathaway directed, from a screenplay by John Paxton. Running time, 92 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not set. Mandel Herbstman Bidding (Continued from, page 1) Nevius Off 'U' Board Franklin Nevius of New York has resigned from the board of directors of Universal Pictures, it was an- nounced here. WHERE DID IT COME FROM? HOW DID IT GET HERE? WHAT IS IT 9 from Another World! HOWARD HAWKS' jrf??ag/si& MOVIE Ads like this are appearing in 58 National Magazines and 93 Sunday Newspaper Supplements totaling 185,761,000 circulation. D.C. Bow of 'Music' To Draw Top Officials Washington, Feb. 28. — Some of the nation's top statesmen will be on hand for the opening of 20th Century- Fox's "Of Men and Music" at the Dupont Theatre tomorrow night. Heading the list of patronesses for the event, which is sponsored by the American Newspaper Women's Club, are Mrs. Harry Truman, Mrs. Eric Johnston and Mrs. Sigrid Arne. Other patrons of the event include Secretary of the Interior and Mrs. Oscar Chapman, Secretary of Agri- culture and Mrs. Charles F. Brannan, and others. would be illegal under the U. S. Su- preme Court's decision in the Para- mount case. He emphasized that a contract of this type merely binds the distributor to negotiate in good faith, and nothing else. The matter came up during a ses- sion at which Judge Curran approved a stipulation settling a breach of con- tract suit brought by the Walbrook Theatre of Baltimore against 20th Cen- tury-Fox. The latter, when sued by the Windsor Theatre of Baltimore for a part of the features being sold to the Walbrook, had stipulated with the Windsor that it would have the right to negotiate for half of 20th-Fox's features in that neighborhood. The Walbrook then sued. The settlement put a Sept. 11, 1952 termination date on the Windsor- 20th-Fox contract, but Judge Curran insisted that the settlement include a clause stating that the term "nego- tiate" is not to be construed as the equivalent of a franchise and that it means only that the distributor must bargain in good faith. It is believed here that Curran's stand could have an important bear- ing on similar contracts throughout the country. Attorneys for Walbrook said no de- cision had been made yet as to what they would do about similar contracts made with Windsor by Loew's, War- ner, Paramount, Universal and United Artists. The 20th-Fox suit had been regarded as a test case for all the distributors. Quigley Wins Suit Brought by Harris In an action brought by David Har- ris, former circulation promotion man- ager of Quigley publications, against Quigley Publishing Co., for wrongful discharge, requesting salary and par- ticipation in gross receipts under an alleged oral contract, a jury on Tues- day in New York Supreme Court, brought in a verdict for the defendant Quigley Publishing Co., on all causes of action. Louis Nizer, of Phillips, Nizer, Ben- jamin and Krim, represented Quigley Publishing Co. Morton Abrahams was attorney for the plaintiff. The presid- ing Judge was Andrew W. Ryan. Martin Quigley, Theodore Sullivan, Dennis Shea and several others testi- fied for the defendant. Harris had been circulation promotion manager of Quigley Publishing Co. from 1945. until the time the dispute arose, in Nov., 1948. The jury held that there was no contract for a specific period of time with Harris ; that rather than being discharged he had voluntarily resigned and, in any event, there would have been grounds for terminating the re- lationship even if he had been dis- charged. Universal Suit (Continued from page 1) motion for a summary judgment. In her complaint the plaintiff asked that a receiver of Universal be ap- pointed pending final disposition of the case, and that judgment be entered directing the cancellation of all war- rants and all rights to warrants for the purchase of common stock of the registrant in which the individual de- fendants had subsisting rights. Cowdin, who resigned as Universal board chairman about a year ago, still holds some 80,000 warrants for Uni- versal common shares of a like num- ber. Prutzman, who left Universal at about the same, was vice-president and general counsel. Bunche to Give Award Hollywood, Feb. 28. — Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' president Charles Brackett reports that Dr. Ralph Bunche will make the pre- sentation of the "Best Picture Award" at the annual Academy ceremonies on March 29. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. CO., INC. INSURANCE • Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York 3720 W. 6th St., Los Angeles FIRST IN FILM NEWS lilliSf^llil VOL. 69. NO. 42 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1951 TEN CENTS Material Cuts Threaten Carbon Output Fear Cutbacks in Film Equipment Manufacture A severe shortage of monazite sand, a little-known raw material containing about two dozen rare elements needed for a variety of industrial uses, threatens sharp cut- backs in the output of carbons for projectors, spotlights and other equip- ment essential to the motion picture industry, it was learned here yester- day. Monazite sand contains among other things rare earth fluoride and rare earth oxide, both es- sential to production of car- bons, graphites and sirrtilar items. These items in turn are essential to arc lamps, bat- teries, effect lights, generators and other film industry equip- ment. The shortage of monazite sand is (Continued on page 4) Set Court Dates For Five Chicago Film Industry Suits Chicago, March 1. — The anti-trust suit brought by the Grayslake Out- door Theatre Co. against major dis- tributors, Balaban and Katz, Great States, and A. J. B. Theatres, was reset today for trail on March 19 in the Federal court of Judge Michael Igoe. Plaintiff claims the defendants con- spired to keep first-run product out of (Continued on page 4) MPAA Annual Meet Set for March 26 The annual meeting of the Motion Picture Association of America is scheduled for March 26. Indications are that directors will reelect Eric Johnston president and extend his leave of absence for his continued service as Economic Stabilization Ad- ministrator. There is a possibility that the meeting may be post- poned to a later date. I A 'VP' Post To Heineman The appointment of William T. Heineman as vice-president in charge of distribution of United Artists was announced here yesterday by Arthur B. Krim, presi- dent. Heineman, whose contract as vice-president of Eagle Lion Classics in charge of distri- bution expired two weeks ago, will assume his new post at U.A. on Monday. ft is understood that Heineman's deal with U.A. includes provi- sion for either acquisition of a stock interest in the company at a later date or an arrangement for participa- (Continued on page 4) W. J. Heineman U.A. Sets Release Dates for 3 Months Tentative release dates have been set by United Artists for six pictures during the next three months, the first substantial release schedule to be pre- pared by the company in almost a year. The films and dates as supplied to the company's field sales forces by Fred Jack and Nat Nathanson on their recent country-wide tour are : "The Scarf," produced by I. G. Goldsmith, released March 26 ; "New Mexico," produced by Irving Allen, April 6 ; "Queen for A Day," pro- duced by Robert Stillman, April 20 ; "The First Legion," produced by Douglas Sirk and starring Charles (Continued on page 4) Arnold Named Ad Aide to Winikus Jonas Arnold yesterday was named assistant advertising manager to Fran- cis M. Winikus at United Artists, by- Max E. Youngstein, advertising-pub- licity vice-president, effective on Mon- day. Arnold has been in the film industry for many years, 10 of them with Para- mount Pictures, where he served in various publicity and advertising ca- pacities. Most recently he was as- sistant and then advertising manager for Eagle Lion. Before joining__the latter company in 1947, Arnold was national exploitation director for the "March of Dimes." He has also been a trade paper and newspaper writer. File Approval of WB Divorcement Notice of stockholder ap- proval of Warner Brothers' reorganization under the consent decree reached with the government was filed in New York Statutory Court here yesterday. Final divorce of production - distribution and exhibition is slated to be in effect by April 4, 1953. Sopeg Status Again An Issue at Para. The National Labor Relations Board in Washington has given the Screen Publicists and Screen Office and Professional Employes guilds an- other chance to deny board charges that they have lost their identity as bargaining agents for Paramount home office workers. NLRB ruled recently that the un- ions, functioning as a merger outfit called Screen Employes Guild, had lost their identities at Paramount in consequence of the merger of their parent union, United Office and Pro- fessional Workers of America, with the Distributive, Processing and Of- fice Workers of America. Word was received here yesterday from Washington that the guilds re- quested reconsideration of the ruling on the grounds that they were never served with the opposing affidavits filed by 143 Paramount employes and IATSE's Motion Picture Home Of- fice Employes Local No. H-63. The latter union meanwhile has challenged the guilds' jurisdictional rights at Paramount and at Loew's New York exchange, by applying to NLRB here for elections at both locations. _ The NLRB in Washington now has given the guilds 10 days from the date of receipt of H-63's objections to file a reply thereto with the Board. (Continued on page 4) Para. Sales Heads Meet Here Today The opening session of Paramount' s two-day sales meeting of home office and division managers will get under way here this morning with A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., presiding. The agenda includes opening ad- dresses by Schwalberg and Adolph Zukor and an outline of new product by Russell Holman, Eastern produc- tion head. They will be followed by a review of sales events since the last division managers meeting in Septem- ber and a discussion of selling methods "to meet the demands of the con- stantly-changing motion picture mar- ket." Court Okays UPT Takeover Of Interstate 'Opportunity to Create Competition,' US Holds The three-judge statutory court in New York yesterday signed the amendment to the Paramount con- sent decree permitting United Para- mount Theatres to acquire complete ownership of Interstate Circuit, with divestiture provisions. Philip Marcus, Department of Justice attorney, in expressing to the court the Department's approval of the amendment, said it embodied "a unique op- portunity to create competi- tion." He explained that within three years UPT must dispose of 76 houses in the 171-theatre circuit, while retaining 95, and additionally will have to sell some 40_ theatres outside the Interstate Cir- cuit in consequence of the purchase to keep within the limit of the number (Continued on page 4) SkourasSays UA TC Presidency Ended 3- Way Income Pool George Skouras served for 14 months as vice-president of United Artists Theatre Circuit and for three months last year as its president without com- pensation, it was brought out in his deposition, concluded here yesterday, in the Samuel Goldwyn suit against Fox West Coast Theatres. Skouras said his primary reason for (Continued on page 4) Col. Net $660,000 For 26 Weeks in '50 Columbia Pictures' esti- mated net profit for the 26 weeks ending Dec. 30, 1950 is $660,000, after taxes, com- pared with $945,000 for the same period in 1949, Harry Cohn, president, announced yesterday. Earnings per share on the 654,311 shares of common stock outstanding, were 79 cents, compared with $1.22 one year ago. Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 2, 1951 NEWS in Brief Personal Mention Hollywood, March 1.— Producer Edmund Grainger today an- nounced that crime-prober Senator E. Kefauver has pledged "complete coop- eration" in filming "The Racket" on Grainger's production schedule for RKO Pictures release. The announce- ment said that Grainger and Ke- fauver have scheduled a series of con- ferences in Washington in April. • Hollywood, March 1.— The Acad- emy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that Fred Astaire will be master of cere- monies at the "Awards" ceremonies on March 29. • Brandt's Flatbush Theatre, Brook- lyn, has acquired three M-G-M pro- ductions by outbidding Century's Al- bermarle Theatre, the Brandt Circuit reported here yesterday. The first feature, "Kim," -will open ■ next Wednesday for a 10-day engage- ment, to be followed by "Pagan Love Song" and "Dial 1119." • Favorite Films, New York, has a new dual-bill feature package for immediate release consisting of the Zane Grey stories, "Bad Men of Nevada" and "Bad Men of Ari- zona." • A national closed-circuit broadcast to the 544 stations of the Mutual net- work carried the voice of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's sales vice-president Andy W. Smith to branch managers and exhibitors this week in connection with the promotion of "The 13th Letter," designated by Mutual as its "Mystery of the Month." • Washington, March 1. — Some of the groundwork for reopening the House Un-American Activities Com- mittee's hearings in Hollywood may be laid March 8. The Committee plans to hear testimony then from V. J. Jerome, described in the Com- mittee's 1947 Hollywood hearings as head of the Communist party's cul- tural branch. • Albany, N. Y., March 1. — Robert W. Case, Reade Theatres city manager at Kingston, N. Y., will be transferred to Long Branch, N. J., in a similar capacity. He will replace H. L. Rob- inson, who will take over the Eaton- town Drive-in when it opens late next month. Elizabeth Risely will become acting city manager at Kingston. • Buffalo, March 1. — Richard Kem- per, zone manager, Dipson Theatres, will be ringmaster at the big Fall Guy luncheon and show of Buffalo Bill Tent, Circus Saints and Sinners Club of America, Inc., tomorrow in the Hotel Statler here. BARNEY BALABAN, president of Paramount Pictures, will re- turn to New York today from Palm Beach, Florida. • Sir Alexander Korda, chairman of London Film Productions ; Comp- ton Bennett, director ; and David Niven, Donald O'Connor and Van Heflin are due to sail from here to- night for Europe aboard the .S\5\ Queen Elizabeth. • James Mulvey, president of Sam- uel Goldwyn Productions, will leave here tomorrow for a vacation in Florida. • Ben M. Cohn, Universal-Interna- tional foreign department executive, is slated to leave here tomorrow for a business trip to the Caribbean area. • Joyce O'HaRA, Motion Picture As- sociation assistant head, arrived in New York yesterday from Washing- ton. • William Pine and William Thomas left here for Hollywood last night. • Albert Arlis, Argentine producer- director, is here from Buenos Aires for a few months' stay. • Robert Stillman, head of Stillman Productions, will leave here for the Coast today. • John Fisher, M-G-M salesman in Dallas, has returned there from New York. • William Gadboni, M-G-M Omaha branch manager, has returned^ to his headquarters after a brief visit here. SPYROS P. SKOURAS, president of 20th Century-Fox, returned here from the Coast yesterday. • Tim Whelan, producer-director, was guest director for his brother-in- law, Ezra Stone, on Wednesday's Danny Thomas TV show. Stone was in Philadelphia at the time guid- ing a play through its pre-Broadway run. Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of United Paramount Theatres, Si- mon B. Siegel and Albert Sicig- nane have returned here from the Coast. Earl Evans, M-G-M Albany and Buffalo field representative, left for Florida yesterday to attend the funeral of his mother-in-law. • Jack Glenn, March of Time direc- tor and Eastern Screen Directors Guild executive, has returned here from Texas. • Harry Levine, talent booker for United Paramount Theatres, is in Chicago from New York. • Herb Crooker of M-G-M's publicity department, returned here yesterday from Philadelphia. • Ben Katz, Universal Pictures Mid- west field representative, has returned to Chicago from New York. • Jerome M. Evans, Universal ex- ploiteer, has returned here from To- ledo. • J. Cheever Cowdin has left here for a three-week stay in Hollywood. TV Research Cost RCA $50,000,000 San Francisco, March 1. — More than $50,000,000 has been invested by RCA in television research and de- velopment, it was disclosed here by E. C. Anderson, RCA vice-president. "Most of this outlay," Anderson said in an address before the Patent Law Association of San Francisco, "was made before a single dollar returned to anybody, including RCA." With both black-and-white and color television, RCA's research costs were borne in the belief that televi- sion would become a "great new American art and industry," accord- ing to Anderson. He said through RCA's policy it is possible and prac- ticable for any manufacturer to obtain most of the patent rights necessary for the production of virtually all kinds of radio and electronic equip- ment, and to do so on a fully com- petitive basis. Grainger in Chicago For Republic Meet Chicago, March 1. — James R. Grainger, Republic Pictures distribu- tion vice-president, has arrived here from New York to preside over a sales meeting to be held Saturday and Sunday at the Blackstone Hotel. Branch managers attending will include A. H. Fischer, Chicago ; Bernard Brager, Indianapolis ; Jack G. Frack- man, Milwaukee; J. E. Loeffler, Min- neapolis ; R. F. Withers, Kansas City ; Harry Lefholtz, Omaha; Paul Webs- ter, Des Moines, and Nat E. Stein- berg, St. Louis. Following the meeting, Grainger will go to San Francisco, and will then make stopovers in Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle prior to return- ing to New York in about three weeks. Andelman' s Mother Boston, March 1. — The death of the mother of Maxwell (Mickey) Andelman, last Sunday, was reported here today. Andelman, executive of Devonshire Film Co., will return to his desk early next week. Yates Opens New U.K. Headquarters London, March 1. — Sixty top news- men here attended the reception tend- ered by Republic president Herbert J. Yates, in conjunction with the opening of Republic House, the company's new British distribution headquarters. Re- public stars John Wayne and Forrest Tucker, in addition to Richard W. Altschuler, president of Republic In- I ternational, also attended. Warner's De Fazio, Sullivan Promoted Peter DeFazio has been promoted by Warner Brothers from branch man- ager in Buffalo to branch manager in Washington, succeeding Fred Beiers- dorf, resigned. At the same time, Warner distribution vice-president Ben Kalmenson announced the promotion of Matthew V. Sullivan, salesman in Buffalo, to Buffalo manager. DeFazio joined Warner in 1931 as a salesman in Pittsburgh. After serv- ice in World War II he re-joined the company as Baltimore representative, becoming Buffalo manager in May, 1950. Sullivan was formerly with United Artists in Buffalo. He joined Warner in Buffalo in 1950. NY Variety Removal Decision Delayed Definite action on the proposed move of Variety Tent No. 35 from its pres- ent quarters in the Hotel Astor to the Skouras Building was delayed at a crew meeting here, but the proposi- tion is still under consideration. Fred J. Schwartz, chief barker, and Edward Lachman, property master, have been elected delegates to the in- ternational convention in Philadelphia. Max A. Cohen, international canvas- man, will also represent the local tent at the convention. Alternates are Ira Meinhardt and Max Wolff. Plans for a benefit show, slated for May 23 at Madison Square Garden, will be dis- cussed later by Schwartz and repre- sentatives of AGVA, a joint sponsor. NEW YORK THEATRES Saville Expanding Independent Lineup London, March 1. — Victor Saville will remake his 1936 production, "Storm in a Tea Cup," based on the German play by Bruno Frank, for his independent production schedule, to follow his next, "Order of Release." United Artists originally released "Tea Cup," in the U. S. Meanwhile, the producer-director is dickering with J. Arthur Rank for rights to the Stuart Cloete story, "Turning Wheels." RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center . BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN In 'Payment on Demand" Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION ' PEHSON* DICK POWELL RHONDA FLEMING ». Cry jmbse&ihs Banger 'LAWRENCE Midnight Feature Nightly record week! *oR]?tvY * Columbia Pittute MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane Editor; Terry Ramsaye Consult^ Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefeller Center New York 20 N. Y Tele ^phone arete ^^^j ]?«, j. Brady, Secretary; New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr. Vice-President Theo. J. Sullivan, v'=^res'?e^ WilHara R. Weaver, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gas E Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, ™cca Vme auilttng, W£»m Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074 Walton J^ London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, Quipubco, Tendon Fame Entered as second- Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion ■^^^^^^.T^^l^, 10c. class matter Sept. 21, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and S12 toreign, single coy Friday, March 2, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Hallmark Sets 3 for 1951, 4 Next Year Hallmark Productions will make four features next year as compared with three this year and two last year, Kroger Babb, company president, de- clared here yesterday. Babb has ar- rived here from his headquarters in Wilmington, Ohio, to attend the Broadway opening of his Cinecolor production, "The Prince of Peace," at the Criterion. The film, which is the story of the Life of Christ, will open on Good Friday, March 23. Under a three-picture deal made with the Criterion, the house will also play "One Too Many" and "Secrets of Beauty." Reporting on the Hollywood scene, Babb said there is now a "better feel- ing and outlook there than in three years." The opening of "Secrets of Beauty" at the Criterion Aug. 27, has been sold out to the National Hair Dresser and Cosmetologists Association, which will hold a convention here. C o c kr ill Head of Indianapolis Group Indianaoplis, March 1. — B. D. Cockrill, president of Denham Thea- tres, Denver, has been elected presi- dent of Greater Indianapolis Amuse- ment Co. here, succeeding Ted R. Gamble, whose Gamble Enterprises this week sold its half interest in GIA's Indiana, Circle, Lyric and Keith to Denham. The other half in- terest is owned by Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. of Louisville. Cockrill is president of the Colorado Association of Theatre Owners. He was president of the old Indiana Ex- hibitors Association from 1926-1936. Alliance to Book for 3 Indiana Houses Indianapolis, March 1. — Film ex- changes here have been informed by Fred Dolle, president of the Fourth Avenue Amusement Co., Louisville, that the Alliance Circuit of Chicago will do the buying and booking for Fourth Avenue's three houses at Terre Haute, Ind., effective Thursday. This will give Alliance control of five downtown houses in Terre Haute. It now has the Orpheum and the Grand there, while Fourth Avenue operates the Wabash, Indiana and Liberty. Daylight and Overnight DC-6 Mainliner 300s \\\ HRS. ONESTOP to LOS ANGELES Leaves at noon, arrives 8:30 pm United's overnight flight to Los Angeles leaves at 9 pm; arrives the next morning. UNITED AIR LINES Review Up Front ( U nivcri-al-Intenuttional) THAT YANKEE ABILITY to wring humor out of situations however extreme, is given a grand demonstration in "Up Front." The picture can best be characterized as a war drama with a hilarious sense of humor. Based on Bill Mauldin's cartoon strip characters, Joe and Willie, the picture fre- quently has the novel quality of an animated cartoon. The antics come off with rousing success. With so little space between wars these days, one might think audiences would be disinclined to laugh at war comedies. But such a contention comes to grief with "Up Front," as it did with "At War with the Army." At a sneak preview at a midtown New York theatre last week audiences responded with continuous hearty laughter. There are no top-notch marquee names in the production but, regardless it looks like U-I has a sure fire money maker in "Up Front." David Wayne and Tom Ewell portray Joe and Willie, respectively, as two battle-wise in- fantrymen and inseparable buddies. After some humorous preliminary sketches, the screenplay, by Stanley Roberts, has Joe hit by enemy fire. Thinking his buddy dead, Willie is crestfallen. Also, his chances of self-preservation are lessened by the fact that he now has been teamed up with a raw recruit. It is happy news indeed for Willie when he learns that his buddy is alive in a Naples base hospital, and off Willie goes to Naples to bring him back to the front. In Naples the pair get entangled with the Military Police, blackmarkets and an assortment of trdublesome situations. The whirlwind finale has droves of MP's in hot pursuit of the trouble-beset pair who are roaring back to the front in a truck laden with blackmarket supplies. Seeming disaster turns to glory for the boys when it develops that the blackmarket supplies are just what the hard-pressed front-line soldiers need. Also, the pursuing MP's make a welcome augmentation to the fighting men up front. A bare outline of the story misses much of the picture's sentiment, parable, and humor. The grim account of the fighting is neatly interwoven with the comedy, all under Alexander Hall's direction. Others in the cast of Leonard Goldstein's production are Jeffrey Lynn, a combat captain, and Marina Berti, a pretty Italian girl. Running time, 92 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. Mandel Hf.rbstman Kranze Files for $28,450 Back Pay Bernard G. Kranze, formerly Film Classics general sales manager, has filed suit for $28,450 in Federal Court here against Cinecolor, Inc., FC's parent company, claiming unpaid sal- ary in that amount. A defense motion to dismiss the suit has been set for hearings on March 16. Kranze, who became assistant gen- eral sales manager for Eagle Lion Classics following the merger of the two companies last summer, became FC general sales manager in 1948 at a salary of $800 per week for the first week, papers in the suit reveal. The pact called for an increase to $1,000 per week in the second and third years. Cinecolor took over FC's payroll and Kranze's claim for allegedly unpaid salary is directed against it. Kranze went to ELC at a weekly salary of $500, the papers state. RKO Pathe Promotes Kleinerman, Adams Isaac Kleinerman, veteran editor of RKO Pathe, has been promoted to assistant studio manager here, by Jay Bonafield, executive vice-president. In addition, Clay Adams has been named manager of the RKO Pathe special service unit, with Dudley Hale to be his principal assistant ; Edward R. Evans has been promoted to the post of television consultant, with Ed- ward Tate as sales consultant. Keegan to Buy for Cooperative Group Cincinnati, March 1. — Jack Kee- gan, formerly vice-president and gen- eral manager of Northio Theatres, Paramount affiliate, has been appointed manager of the Cooperative Theatre Service's local branch. He succeeds William Borack, Northio booker for several years tinder Keegan, before he resigned to go with Cooperative. Bookers Club to Meet The Motion Picture Bookers Club of New York will hold an open meet- ing here on Monday at the Hotel Taf t, it was announced. Phila. 'Fellowship' Cites Skouras, 20th Philadelphia, March 1.— Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, tonight accepted an award honoring his company and himself for their efforts contributing to human relations and inter- group understanding, and for making such films as "Gentle- man's Agreement," 'Pinky" and "No Way Out." The citation was made at a "Salute to the Arts" dinner at the Bellevue-Stratford Ho- tel given by the Philadelphia Fellowship Committee. National Theatres to Aid Civil Defense Hollywood, March 1. — The Na- tional Theatres Circuit will make its 450 theatres in 19 states, together with their staff personnel, fully available to civil defense authorities on local, state and national levels, president Charles P. Skouras announced today at the close of the company's annual headquarters conference. The meet was attended by 70 delegates header, by division presidents. A resolution pledging civil defense cooperation reminded that that has been National Theatres' policy through- out the circuit's history. No other details of the closely-gaurded four- day deliberations, which had been scheduled to cover all phases of circuit operation, were disclosed. Delegates tonight attended a dinner here. ^lylmporfentRopfe ARE RMHGABOUT AVery Important Picture ! — i AVery important personality/ THE SEASON A Paramount Picture fc*is a gem that will bend moviegoers into pretzel shapes!" — Erskine Johnson aS Mother of the Groom is a cinch to be nominated for an Academy Award !" — Sheila Graham Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 2, 1951 Expect 'Freeze' Thaw Despite 'Walkout' Washington, March 1 — Spokesmen for Hollywood producers and talent guilds said here today that they did not think labor's walkout on Wednesday from the govern- ment's mobilization agencies would delay action on their request for relief from the wage freeze. They said they still felt that an answer would come from the Wage Stabilization Board within the week. Heineman-UA (Continued from page 1) Skouras on Income Pool (Continued from page 1) tion in future profits. A similar ar- rangement reportedly was included in the deal by which Max E. Youngstem joined U. A. the first of this week as vice-president in charge of advertising- publicity. Heineman replaces Gradwell L. Sears, who continues with the com- pany for the term of his existing con- tract on a special assignment and advisory basis. An announcement is expected today from ELC of the ap- pointment of Bernard Kranze as vice- president in charge of distribution, succeeding Heineman, and of Milton Cohen, ELC Eastern division man- ager, as sales manager succeeding Kranze. Both Heineman and Youngstein pre- viously were associated with Krim in the formation and development of Eagle Lion Films, of which Krim was president. Heineman entered the in- dustry in 1918 as a booker for Pathe in Seattle. He held executive distri- bution posts in the West, rising to Western sales manager for Universal in 1938. In 1941 he was named Universale assistant general sales manager; he be- came sales manager of Samuel Gold- wyn Productions in 1943, and was appointed vice-president and general sales manager of United World Films in 1946, and subsequently was named sales manager and a director of the J. Arthur Rank Organization here. Heineman joined Eagle Lion in 1948. not accepting pay as vice-president was because his actual services had been given at irregular intervals. His depo- sition indicated that he did not take compensation after becoming president last Oct. 1 because he did not feel that anything from that position should be paid into the income pool which he and his brothers, Spyros and Charles, maintained for their earnings within the industry. End of Pool He testified that the termination of the income pool last Jan. 1 was due to his own decision on becoming presi- dent of UATC Skouras denied hav- ing heard anything at all from the Department of Justice prior to his de- cision to terminate the pool. He agreed yesterday to produce his contract as UATC president for Joseph Alioto, Goldwyn attorney. The contract is expected to show that Skouras was employed by UATC as president for a five-year period at $130,000 annually under an arrangement by which Met- ropolitan Playhouses pays $30,000, Skouras Theatres $25,000 and UATC $75,000. Also, the contract is believed to carry a provision which reduces the payment from UATC by 50 per cent in the event of losses by that circuit. Skouras's deposition showed that it was in 1931, not 1937 as reported by Motion Picture Daily yesterday, that Atlantic circuit, of which he was a min- ority owner, abandoned plans to enter the neighborhood-run situation in Philadelphia. He said the instructions not to go into the territory came from within Paramount, which owned 75 per cent of Atlantic, and Skouras believed they had been issued because of the death of Sam Warner, out of concern for the surviving Warner brothers. Alioto had been endeavoring to show that agreements existed among major theatre operating companies to divide the nation into exhibition territories. Carbon Output (Continued from page 1) That allegation was made by the gov- ernment in the Paramount case but was never proved in the 12 years of proceedings in that action. Skouras denied he knew of any agreements between companies not to compete with each other in specific areas. However, he denounced a 1935 pooling of theatres in Hackensack, Jersey City and Elizabeth, with War- ner's subsidiary, the Stanley Co. of America, as forced upon him when Metropolitan Playhouses was in 77-B reorganization proceedings. He said the whole "Broadway bunch" had ganged up against him at the time, naming Goldwyn as well as all of the major companies. Weisman Objects Milton Weisman, Skouras's attor- ney, objected .to details of the Jersey pooling being given, asserting that it may be the subject of a suit, and their case should not be disclosed. Skouras testified that Joseph Bernhard, then head of Warner Theatres, and Don J Cox acted for Stanley Co. in the pool He said his theatres got the slough-off pictures and Warner the good ones, but the pool was renewed in 1943 and was not terminated until 1947, he added. Skouras also said that a pool involv- ing five of his theatres in Astoria, L. I., had been dictated by Loew's in 1936. The deposition was given in Weis- man's office and reporters were barred for the second day. Alioto, who will leave here for the Coast today, said he hopes the $6,750,- 000 treble damage action against Na- tional Theatres, Fox West Coast and others, alleging discrimination in the booking of Goldwyn pictures, can go to trial this summer. He is scheduled to take the deposition of Spyros P. Skouras on March 20, either here or on the Coast, and that of Joseph M. Schenck in April. He said additional depositions will be taken of Charles P. Skouras and John Bertero next month. Okays UPT (Continued from page 1) of theatres UPT may own under the terms of the original consent decree. UPT was represented by George Gallantz of the New York law firm of Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett. Gallantz indicated UPT's acceptance of the amendment, and found himself joined with Marcus in defending the document against the attacks of Wash- ington attorney Russell Hardy, former Department of Justice attorney, who spoke on behalf of St. Louis Amuse- ment Co., Fanchon and Marco and a number of other Midwest and Far West circuits. Hardy argued that "powerful" com- petition in film-buying would be cre- ated for his clients with UPT's take- over of the Interstate Circuit. Some of his clients had previously appeared in opposition to other phases of the Paramount case. Yesterday, Judges Hand, Goddard and Coxe signed the amendment after approximately one hour's argument. 20th-Fox Case Marcus said following the hearing that he had not met here with 20th Century-Fox attorneys regarding a possible postponement of the March 5 deadline for the company to file its divorcement plan. He indicated, how- ever, that he would remain in New York for a few days before returning to Washington. It was held likely, therefore, that he would confer today with Otto E. Koegel, 20th-Fox coun- sel. Asked if he would agree to a postponement of 30 days — understood to be the extra time being sought by 20th-Fox, Marcus said, "No com- ment." Chicago Suits (Continued from page 1) UA Releases (Continued from page 1) said to be due to an embargo on ship ments to the U. S. from the two main foreign sources, India and Brazil. In dia's embargo has been in effect since 1946, but the Brazil embargo is very recent. With an increasing demand for some of the elements used in atomic energy and other defense pro grams, processors of the sand are now compelled to fall back on domestic production. This, they estimate, will supply less than one-third of U. S needs during the coming year. One industry official said that unless some relief is forthcom- ing, there may have to be seri- ous cutbacks — possibly 50 per cent or more — in the produc- tion of industry equipment using carbons. Some attempt is under way to get Congress and the government's defense agencies alerted to the problem. One possible solution would be to require India to ship some monazite sand to the U. S. before it gets any of the emergency aid now being voted by Congress. Boyer, April 27; "The Prowler," S. P. Eagle, producer, May 4, and "He Ran All the Way," starring John Garfield and Shelley Winters and produced by Bob Roberts, May 11. Additional completed or near-com- pleted product is being lined up by the company rapidly to fill out the release schedule until the delivery of product under new deals now being negotiated begins. Warns Tax Would Destroy Theatres Buffalo, March 1. — The proposed local five per cent tax on admissions would be absolutely destructive of the theatre business, said Sidney B. Pfeiffer, attorney represeting the The- atre Owners Association of Buffalo at a hearing before the city council. Pfeiffer said Buffalo theatres' most active competition comes from outdoor theatres outside the city and that if the additional tax is imposed in Buf- falo it will "simply mean that patro- nage will be driven over the city-line to outdoor theatres." 12th T he at re for Capital Circuit Washington, March 1. — District Theatres Corp. will take over opera- tion of the "Senator Theatre in North- east Washington on March 13, Dis- trict Theatres president Harry Freed- man discloses. The 950-seat Senator, operated by the Kogod-Burka group since its opening in 1941, is owned personally by Fred S. Kogod. District, which operates 11 other houses in Washing- ton, all catering to Negro patrons, will run the Senator on the same basis. Sopeg-Para. Issue (Continued from page 1) its Family Outdoor Theatre in the Waukegan area. Essaness Theatres was given until April 20 to answer charges brought against it in a $500,000 suit filed Dec. 19, 1950 by Emil Stern, ex-Essaness general manager. Stern claims he was "wrongly induced into selling 250 shares of Essaness capital stock for less than its true value." The majors, B. and K. and Great States were given until March 30 to file briefs in the $150,000 anti -trust suit filed against them by the Starview Drive-in Theatre. Plaintiff says the defendants consipred to keep the drive- in from bidding for first-run product in the Elgin, 111., area. Towne Theatre Suit An appeal in the $1,250,000 Towne Theatre of Milwaukee anti-trust case will be heard in the Circuit Court of Appeals on April 10. Towne won the case over a year ago after a lengthy court battle. Early this week Balaban and Katz filed a notice of appeal from Judge Igoe's decision in the Jackson Park case, in which the court refused to modify the Jackson Park decree. Yesterday, However, H-63's counsel filed with the board an objection to having to turn affidavits over to the "IA" local's jurisdictional rivals and contended at the same time that H-63 was informed originally by the NLRB that such a procedure was not to be followed pending the holding of an election among Paramount's employes. H-63 now is awaiting further instruc- tion from the Board. Mars Suit Is Dismissed Chicago, March 1.— The $1,000,000 civil suit brought against M-G^M and Louis B. Mayer, by the Mars Music Co. of Chicago, was dismissed today in Federal Court, for want of prosecu- tion. The plaintiffs, who failed to fol- low up their charges, had claimed the defendants infringed on song copy- rights. FIRST MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 43 NEW YORK, U. S. A., MONDAY, MARCH 5, 1951 TEN CENTS Box - Office Take in '50 Off 6%: U.S. Ticket Tax Receipts Total $355,679,176 Washington, March 4.— If U.S. Treasury Department tax collec- tion figures are any gauge, box- office business last year was not quite six per cent below 1949. Total general admission tax collections from Feb., 1950 through Jan., 1951, reflecting box-office take for the 12 months of last year, amounted to $355,679,176, compared with $377,911,424 for the 12 months of 1949, figures released by the Bureau of Internal Revenue re- veal. Exhibitor groups have frequently argued that the box-office drop is actually worse than the Treasury fig- ures indicate, since these figures lump all general admission events together and do not fake into account the in- (Continued on page 4) 4UV Release Plans Up at Coast Meet Universal Pictures' top executives will start a series of meetings at the company's Coast studios on Wednes- day to map releasing plans for the next several months. The meetings will continue for a week. Attending from New York will be Alfred E. Daff, director of world sales ; Charles J. Feldman, sales man- ager, and Maurice A. Bergman, home office executive. Daff and Feldman will arrive at the studio on Wednes- day from San Francisco upon conclu- (Continued on page 4) 175,315 Salary To Yates in 1950 $9,000,000 of $45,000,000 UPT Loan Used for Interstate Purchase Of the $45,000,000 which United Paramount Theatres borrowed last December, $9,000,000 was used toward the company's purchase of its partners' half-interest in Interstate and Texas Consolidated theatres, it was revealed here at the weekend. Full purchase price was $12,500,000, according to unofficial reports. Other portions of the loans, secured from Metropolitan Insur- ance Co. and three banks, were slated to pay off secured and unsecured indebtedness. However, it was indicated that addi- tional theatre properties will be bought with some of the bor- rowed funds. Charges Dipson Decision Is Contrary to Para. Ruling UA Board, Officers, Formally Elected Formal elections of United Artists' new board of directors and officers were held late last week. Announce- ment of the board membership, the first the company has had since last June, was not made immediately be- cause of legal technicalities, a com- pany official stated. Basic corporate authority rests for the time being in the voting trustees named by the company earlier. They are : Arthur Krim, president ; Mat- (Continued on page 4) Washington, March 4. — Federal Judge Knight's decision in the Dipson case is completely contrary to the U. S. Supreme Court's decisions in the Paramount New York and Jack- son Park Chicago trust cases, attor- neys for Dipson told the New York Circuit Court of Appeal at the week- end in appealing the Buffalo District Court's decision. Kn'ght threw out the $4,500,- 000 suit brought by Dipson Theatres, Inc., against six ma- jor distributors and Buffalo Theatres, holding that Para- mount and Loew's, in pooling their theatre interests in Buf- falo and in favoring the pooled {Continued on page 4) RCA Cuts Cost Of Theatre TV to $15,800 Full - Scale Production Will Continue: Kreuzer Camden, N. J., March 4.— Radio Corporation of America will pro- ceed with full-scale production of its present theatre television equip- ment and the price of its Model PT- 100 has been reduced to $15,800, Bar- ton Kreuzer, general product manager of the RCA engineering products de- partment said in a statement issued here on Friday. (The reduction is from a pre- v'ous cost of $25,000, it is under- stood, and represents nearly as much as the cut in price re- portedly sought by a group of exhibitors in return for an order for 200 sets.) "This system has been proven by the reports of exhibitors on box-office results," Kreuzer said, "and by the enthusiastic and unanimous approval (Continued on page 4) Kranze Named Distribution Vice-President of ELC Herbert J. Yates, president, was the highest paid Republic executive last year, having received $175,315 in re- muneration, it was reported here at the weekend supplementary to the company's recent financial statement which disclosed a net profit of $760,574 for 1950. All officers and directors of Re- public last year received remunera- tion totalling $407,854. Second highest paid officer was James R. Grainger, (Continued on page 4) Bernard G. Kranze has been ap- pointed vice-president of Eagle Lion Classics in charge of national distribu- tion, it was announced here on Friday by William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president. Kranze suc- ceeds William J. Heineman, who joins United Artists as vice- president in charge of dis- tribution today. Kranze had been general manager of ELC and, ac- cording to re- ports, Milton Cohen, Eastern division manager, will be appointed to that post today. New ELC releases and product (Continued on page 4) Bernard Kranze Flynn, Fisher in Managerial Posts Vincent Flynn, M-G-M salesman in the New York branch, has been named manager of the company's branch in Omaha, succeeding William Gaddoni who has been assigned to take over operations of the Kansas City branch. George L. Fisher of the Dal- las office, will take over the Oklahoma City territory, replacing H. Russell Gaus, who has been promoted to man- ager of the Atlanta branch. Al L. Adlor, who has been handling the Kansas City branch for the past several years, was relieved of the full responsibility of the office at his doc- tor's request. He will continue there as assistant to Gaddoni. In Atlanta, Gaus succeeds Ansley B. Padgett, who resigned to enter exhibition in the South. Skouras Deposition Hits Bidding Competitive bidding has the un- qualified disapproval of George Skouras, the theatre executive re- vealed in his deposition taken here last week in the Samuel Goldwyn action against National Theatres, Fox West Coast and others. Asked by Joseph Alioto, Goldwyn's attorney, about United Artists Thea- tre Circuit participation in bidding, Skouras took pains to make it clear that in most instances exhibitors en- gage in bidding only when compelled ( Continued on page 4) Industry Committee To Aid Charities Formation of the motion pictures committee of the Cardinal's Commit- tee of the Laiety for the 32nd annual Catholic Charities fund-raising drive of the Archdiocese of New York which has as its 1951 goal the sum of $2,376,196, was announced here at the weekend by John J. O'Connor of Uni- versal Pictures, chairman, and Bert Sanford of ABC Vending Corp., vice- chairman. The committee1 includes Frank J. (Continued on page 2) 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 5, 1951 Personal Mention ADOLPH ZUKOR, chairman of - the Paramount board, and Mrs. Zukor, are to leave here today for Hollywood for a two months' stay. 0 Louise Weyhrauch, formerly sec- retary to Max E. Youngstein at Paramount, will rejoin Youngstein today as his secretary in the latter's new post as United Artists advertis- ing-publicity vice-president. Miss Weyhrauch celebrated a birthday on Saturday. John Davis, managing director of T. Arthur Rank companies in Britain, is scheduled to return here Wednes- day from San Francisco and will visit Canada before leaving for London. • A., J. O'Keefe, former Universal assistant general sales manager, will leave here today for a three-week business-and-vacation trip to the Coast. P. T. , Dana, Universal Eastern sales manager, left here at the week- end for Cincinnati, Canada and Glov- ersville. Maurice Bergman, public relations executive for Universal, is expected back at his office today after recover ing from virus pneumonia. ' '•" John J!.' Bo-wen, Metropolitan New York district manager for M-G-M, is slated to return here today fol lowing a Miami vacation. • ' David A. Lipton, Universal vice president in charge of advertising- publicity, left here over the weekend for the Coast.. • Stirling Silliphant, promotion manager for 20th Century-Fox,- left New York for the Coast over the weekend, ■, Skouras, Schwartz, Mayer Talk Compo ' Spyros P. Skoiir as, president of 20th Century-Fox, Fred J. Schwartz, head of'* Century Theatres, and Arthur Mayer, executive vice-president of the Council of Motion Picture Organi- zations, conferred here Friday at COMPQ headquarters on plan's to implement COM PO's proposed cam- paign to increase business at box offices,' it is understood. Drive - in Owners To Map Tax Fight Columbus, O., March 4. — A pro gram for the defeat of two state ad- mission tax bills will be launched at a meeting at the Deshler Hotel here Tuesday i■>■* ■ ACTION in Korea and a Paris -tl electrical exhibit are highlighted in the current newsreels. Other items include Gen. Marshall swearing in defense workers, and sports subjects. Complete contents follozv: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 19— UN forces mash Korean Reds. Pope appeals for help to aid war orphans. Bob Hope presents Look "Magazine awards. ' Motorcycle race at Daytona Beach. Porpoise does tricks. Golden Gloves. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. Z53— Lt. Gen. Ridgway sees rugged action in Korea. Gen. Marshall rallies civil defense workers. Pans electrical exhibit. Polar bear triplets. Golden Gloves. Baseball. Motorcycle race. Trained porpoise. PARAMOUNT NEWS, Nol 56— Swiss troops on alert in the Alps. Paratroopers greeted by President Truman. Gen Mar- shall swears in defense workers. Chile host to UN delegates. Paris: home-making marvels. Korea report. Motorcycle classic. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 9-B— Wash- ington: Debate on troops to Europe. Influ- enza spreads. Korea report. Recover boy's body from deep well. Airlift to Israel. Ger- man acrobats put on show in Italy. Sports: basketball. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 435— Paris fash- ions. Gen. Marshall and civilian defense. French electrical exhibit. Trained porpoise. Citrus fiesta in Cloverlahd, Cal.' ; |J Sports : motorcycle classic, Golden Gloves, WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 58-^UN forces pound Reds in Korea. Gen. Marshall swears in civil defense workers. Labor quits all defense agencies. "UN ' unit- meets in Chile. Distribute atomic dogrtags-, . Motor- cycle race. Golden Gloves. ..... Alford, Motion Picture Export Asso- ciation; John W. and Charles A. Ali- coate, Film Daily; E. C. Grainger and William E. Barry, Jamestown Amuse- ment Co. ; Harry Buckley ; Frank E. Cahill, Jr., Warner Theatres ; Patrick Casey ; T. J. Connors ; Frank C Walker and William Cronin, Comer ford Theatres ; Russell V. Downing and J. F. Dailey, Radio . City Music Hall ; Spyros P. Skouras, A. frW. Smith and F. Carroll, 20th Century Fox ; S, H. Fabian and Joseph Eagan, Fabian Theatres ; James M. Franey, United World Films ; James R. Grainger, Joseph E. McMahon and William P. Murphy, Republic Pic- tures ; W. J. Heineman, United Ar- tists ; W. J. Higgins, Prudential Playhouses; Al Hovell and J. M. Geoghan, Century Theatres ; William W. Howard and Thomas E. O'Con- nor, RKO Theatres. Also, Martin Quigley, "Quigley Pub- lications ; Sherwin Kane, Motion Picture Daily ; Austin C. Keough and E. K. O'Shea, Paramount ; T. J. Martin, Warner Brothers ; Joseph A. McConville and John Kane, Colum- bia ; Phil Reisman, E; J. Smith, Jr., and William J. McShea, RKO Pictures; Herman Robbins and Paul C. Mooney, Sr., National Screen ; Peter J. Mooney, Audio Productions ; L. D. Netter, Jr., Altec Service Corp..; Paul E. O'Brien, O'Brien, Driscoll, Raft- ery and Lawler ; John Murphy, Loew's ; William F. Rodgers and Charles M. Reagan, M-G-M; Robert H. O'Brien,-* "United Paramount The- atres ; Joyce O'Hara, Motion Picture Association of America; Charles L. O'Reilly, ABC Vending Corp.; George Skotiras and William White, Skouras Theatres ; Gael Sullivan, The- atre Owners of America ; C. J. Scol- lard ; ( ieorgt,-. .1 . Schaefer ; Nick Tro- nolonefPathe*5 Laboratories, and Rich- ard F. Walsh, IATSE. Titus at Republic Meet in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh;- March 4. — Republic division manager Walter L. Titus, Jr., will be here tomorrow for a sales meeting to be held at the William Penn Hotel. Titus is accompanied by New England division manager John Po Curtin. Branch managers attending will in- clude I. T. Sweeney, Pittsburgh; 1. H. Pollard, Cleveland;. George H Kirby, Cincinnati, and Sam Seplowin, Detroit. Following the meeting Titus will proceed to Memphis, Oklahoma City, Dallas, New Orleans and Char- lotte, prior' to his return to New York, Curtin will visit Cleveland and De- troit. Services Held for Segal of Columbia Funeral services for Jacob Segal, 56, vice-president and treasurer of Columbia Pictures International Corp., were held here yesterday at. Riverside Memorial Chapel. He died on Friday at his apartment in the Sherry Nether- lands Hotel. ■ ,p ,M.« ,*,/ ., •■. , Segal, whose office, was in Lona&i, became ill several months ago, and came to New York with his wife, Shirley, who survives. Ray Brown Services Cleveland, March 4. — Funeral services for Ray Brown, Sr., Warner Southern Ohio district manager, who died suddenly in Lima, (0., will be held tomorrow in Springfield, O., where he . made his home1. ' Surviving are the widow, a daugh- ter and, a son, Ray, Jr., manager of the State Theatre, Cuyahoga Falls. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor. "Published ■ da ily, ,^ce.pt(,^;"^o' Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20. N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address New York." Martin Quigley, President: Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, V.ce-Pres,dent and Treasurer V Leo J. B"^- Sewetary James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Budding, ^"f ^J^^c' Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street. Urben Far.ley, Advertising Representative, Fl 6-3074. Washington. J. A O en National P, S*. W^^mWm. ft U London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, ''Quigpubco, London." Other Qu gley Pubhcat.ons ^Motion Picture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald ; International Motion Picture Al^aOTC. ?m^^^£Lg^£ class matter, Sept. 21, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign, single copies, luc. Sell at a glance EH.-;'. :ts POSTING! your BOXOFFICE is as good as your showmanship! 4 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Monday, March 5, 1951 Dipson (Continued from page 1) Review theatres in distributing their films, were not monopolizing or restra'ning trade, nor were the other distributors in favoring the Loew's-Paramount theatres. He said that each distributor had individually decided it would be to their business ad- vantage to prevent such com- petition. In appealing the case, Dipson re- vealed it was drastically cutting down the amount of damages sought, drop- ping claims for over $4,500,000. As it now stands, Dipson seeks only $170,000 damages, trebled to $510,000, for injury claimed to the Century and Bailey theatres while Dipson actually operated them. It has dropped the $4,500,000 trebled damages originally sought for the loss of the leases on the Century and Riviera and another $75,000 claimed for injury to the Ridge Theatre in Lackawanna. The Dipson brief, prepared in large part by former Justice Department trust attorney Robert L. Wright, said that Knight's conclusions as to the legality of the distributors' conduct "are the exact opposite of those reached in the Paramount case. The Buffalo pool was there dissolved and the conduct found legal here was en- joined there." It also argued that Knight's finding that Dipson had not been damaged because the amount was speculative "were in conflict with the Jackson Park case." Dipson has asked the Appeals Court to hold that Knight was wrong in making three basic holdings : That two major film distributors can exclude all theatres in a city other than those in which they have a joint interest from licensing their films for first and second-run exhibition ; that other ma- jor distributors can lawfully give all of their product to the theatres owned by the two majors; and that a theatre operator who sustains injury by not being able to get profitable films can- not recover damages unless he can prove exactly the amount of his loss. 'Republic Week' for Yates in Britain London, March 4. — Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic Pictures, who came here a week ago from New York to preside at the opening of Republic House, new United Kingdom headquarters for the company, has concluded a week of activities at which he was at one time or another the host or honor guest, during "Re- public Week" in the trade. On Tuesday, Yates gave a luncheon to David Jack Goodlatte and C. J. Latta of the ABC circuit, attended by Richard Altschuler, president of Re- public International, New York. "Inside Straight" Republic Salaries (Continued from page 1) (Metro-G aldwyti -Mayer) THE adventures of a young man, determined to win a fortune for himself, are told in a dramatic and engrossing picture in "Inside Straight." With San Francisco in the latter part of the last century as the setting, the picture has good atmosphere, action and intensity, giving it a reliable commercial standing. David Brian heads an able cast that includes Arlene Dahl, Barry Sullivan, Mercedes McCambridge, Paula Raymond, Claude Jarman, Jr. and Lon Chaney. A bitter childhood experience burns into Brian's consciousness the power of money and so he sets out for power. One of his first steps along the upward climb is to shrewdly get possession of a hotel run by Miss McCambridge. Ruthless in his methods, Brian advances, steadily, plays the stock market cunningly, and in time achieves his riches. In the meantime he marries pretty Miss Dahl, who also is ruthlessly ambitious. After presenting him with a son, she gets a divorce when she finds him with another woman. Miss Dahl also makes the divorce a lucrative adventure for herself. Brian next marries Miss Raymond, the nurse of his son. Fortunes rise and fall for Brian, but somehow he is never really happy, and when Miss Raymond dies in child- birth, his native gloom deepens. The entire story is told in flashback at a moment when the city is stirred because of an impending failure of a bank run by Miss McCambridge. Little anecdotes are told by four persons in an effort to illuminate Brian's personal- ity. Brian decides to gamble his fortune with Miss McCambridge for pos- session of the bank. There is a showdown hand of poker and Miss McCam- bridge wins. Brian never reveals his hand, leaving one to wonder whether he just allowed her to win. Chaney portrays a lifelong buddy of Brian's while Sullivan is a some- times-friendly, sometimes-hostile friend. Jarman plays Brian in his youth. Richard Goldstone produced and Gerald Mayer directed, from the screenplay by Guy Trosper. Running time, 89 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, March 16. Mandel Herbstman executive vice-president, who received $78,315. Edward L. Walton, vice- president, received $28,950, it was re ported. Yates' salary included $100,000 accrued remuneration for the fiscal year, ended Oct. 28, in accordance with an employment agreement dated March 1, 1946. That agreement was renewed last Oct. 19 for a five-year period. UA Board Elected ( Continued from page 1 ) thew Fox, member of the new manage- ment group ; Seymour Peyser, attor- ney for the new management group ; Mary Pickford, and Loyd Wright, at- torney for Charles Chaplin. It is believed that the five voting trustees, plus three additional nomi- nees of the management group and two of the stockholders, constitute the new board. William Heineman and Max E. Youngstein were elected vice-presidents and members of the board for the management group. Daniels in UA Pittsburgh Post Matthew Daniels has been named office manager of the United Artists Pittsburgh exchange, effective today, by Nat Nathanson, eastern Canadian sales manager. Daniels, who was promoted from UA's home office play- date department, replaces J. Patterson, resigned. Skouras Deposition ( Continued from page 1 ) 'UV Release Plans (Continued from page 1) sion of the company's third and final regional sales meeting at the Hotel Mark Hopkins, attened by John Davis, general manager of the J. Ar- thur Rank film interests. Leo Spitz, executive head of pro- duction; William Goetz, in charge of production ; Edward Muhl, vice-presi- dent and general manager of the stu- dio, and David A. Lipton, vice-presi- dent in charge of advertising-publicity, will participate in the meetings from the studio. Lipton left New York for the Hollywood meetings over the weekend after conferences with home office executives on promotion plans on forthcoming U-I releases. Promote 20th's Lebworth M. J. Lebworth, formerly of the 20th Century-Fox home office exploi- tation staff, has been promoted to ex- ploitation representative for the com- pany's Empire State division. to do so by an individual distributor's sales policy. He was particularly op- posed to the distribution practice of keeping successful bids secret. Skouras said that UATC houses have on numerous occasions lost pic- tures in bidding to independent com- petitors, as well as to Fox West Coast theatres and others. In reply to questions he said he had been told of such instances by a UATC film buyer and had counselled the official that if he wanted the picture and ex- pected to gross that much he should have bid higher. The UATC president denied ever having discussed film terms or buying policies for Goldwyn or other pictures with his brother, Charles Skouras, or with any other defendant in the case, among whom are Michael Naify, R. A. McNeil and Roy Cooper. Asked if he had ever discussed with Charles a product allocation between UATC and Fox West Coast houses, George Skouras termed the question silly, pointing out they were bidding against each other. Box-Office Take (Continued from page 1) crease in the number of theatres or in theatre costs. General admission tax collections for Jan. 1951, reflecting business in Dec, 1950, totaled $26,865,033, slightly be- low the $27,909,723 reported in Jan., 1950, the Bureau also announced. Ex- hibitors have contended that the up- turn in theatre business did not really get under way until early this year. The general admission figures in- clude collections on admissions to sporting events, concerts and other entertainments, as well as to theatres, but do not include taxes on night club and roof garden bills nor on various seat leases, broker fees or over- charges. Total admission tax collec- tions in Jan. 1951 were $30,287,977. Sportcaster Stern Get 8 Award Scroll Bill Stern, chosen best radio sports announcer in Motion Picture Daily's 1950 poll of radio editors, was pre- sented with a scroll Friday night on his program, "The Colgate Sports Newsreel," over NBC. Stern has placed first in the publication's poll ever since 1940, the year the cate- gory was inaugurated. He is the only artist in any cate- gory to win each year since then. RCA Theatre TV (Continued from page 1) of theatre-goers wherever it has been used. "Moreover, it is on the market and available for installation right now. It is being offered by independent RCA theatre supply dealers in all television areas in the U. S., and the standard- ized picture tube and other electron tubes and components it employs are also readily available at this time." Kreuzer mentioned that the equip- ment is so designed that a minor ad- justment will permit operation with higher picture definition if standards permitting such definition should be adopted for closed circuit theatre tele- vision. "RCA is continuing research in the- atre television, looking toward future improvements as new knowledge of electronics and optics becomes appli- cable," he said. Kreuzer said that the RCA equip- ment is in use -in theatres in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and a number of smaller cities and pointed to the recent closed-circuit telecast of a basketball game from Washington to Albany's Fabian Palace Theatre and the "Big 10" exclusive football theatre telecasts as examples of box-office success with the equip- ment. He added that through the use of an RCA -Model PT-100 in NBC's Center Theatre in New York, "about 10,000 New Yorkers each week are being introduced to theatre television." Kranze-ELC (Continued from page 1) sources will be announced by Kranze today at his first trade press confer- ence in his new capacity as head of distribution. ELC described him as one of the youngest men ever to hold the top executive sales post of a ma- jor company. Kranze is 50 years old. He has been in the industry 30 years, having been associated with Para- mount's Astoria Studios on Long Is- land in 1921. He later joined the same company's sales force at the New York exchange. Kranze joined RKO in 1930 as a salesman, becoming Albany branch manager in 1937, and Cleveland branch manager in 1941. In 1944 he was appointed Eastern Central dis- trict manager for RKO. He joined United World Picture in 1946 as East- ern division manager, later becoming assistant general sales manager for J. Arthur Rank here. In 1948 he was appointed vice-president in charge of sales of Film Classics and with its merger with Eagle Lion last year be- came general sales manager of ELC. VOL. 69. NO. 44 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1951 TEN CENTS Special Sales Unit for ELC Foreign Films Will Resemble Prestige; Kranze Sets 13 Releases A new "art" films sales unit will be established shortly by Eagle Lion Classics to handle certain of the company's imports from Eng- land, France, Italy and other Euro- pean countries, Bernard G. Kranze, newly-named ELC distribution vice- president, said yesterday. Kranze reported at the same time that 13 pictures have been slated for ELC release gen- erally during the next three months. Indicating that the new "art" films division will be patterned somewhat after the Prestige Pictures _ set-up which was discontinued some time ago by Universal, Kranze said that many foreign-made pictures "need special concentration and handling — men who sell regular motion pictures can't do (Continued on page 7) Producers Rallying to Li A. Heineman Tells Salesmen See New NPA Unit Aiding Industry Washington, March 5. — With the appointment of a full-time director today, a division of the National Pro- duction Authority that might bring considerable help to some industry- firms is expected to really start func- tioning. The division is the Office of Civilian Requirements. It is charged with act- ing as the claimant in the government, before NPA and other agencies con- cerned with priorities and allocations, for materials needed to assure goods and services essential to the civilian economy. For example, if a new theatre is (Continued on page 7) Leading independent producers are rallying to the support of the new United Artists, making it possible for the company to complete an aug- mented release schedule this week for the next 90-day period, William J. Heineman, U. A. vice-president in charge of distribution, informed the company's sales force on taking over his new post yesterday. In wires sent to U. A. branch per- sonnel throughout the country Heine- man expressed enthusiasm for the company's prospects under Arthur Krim, its new president, and his as- sociates. He paid his respects to Gradwell L. Sears, former head of U. A. distribution, saying he is "grate- ful for the privilege of being able to utilize his (Sears') great ability and experience." "In my opinion, no company in the (Continued on page 7) Cohen Named ELC General Sales Mgr. Milton E. Cohen yesterday was promoted from Eagle Lion Classics Eastern sales manager to general sales manager succeeding Bernard G. Kranze who last Friday was named dis- tribution vice- president. Kranze said a new Eastern sales manager will be selected from within the company at an early date. It is expected that Kranze, who has succeeded Wil- liam J. Heine- man as distribu- tion chief, will replace Heineman on (Continued on page 7) $70,000 for 'Storm Warn ing ' Tops N. Y. First-Run Grosses Blustery March weather, with snow and rain on Saturday and Sunday, depressed business somewhat at Broadway first-runs last week but grosses held up rather well, consider- ing the adverse elements. "Storm Warning" had a splendid opening at the Strand despite the weather, with $34,000 reported for the three days beginning Friday. The week's gross is expected to total over $70,000, the best first week there in (Continued on page 7) MGM to Release 18 in 5 Months, 8 in Technicolor Eighteen pictures for the five months beginning March 9 will be released by M-G-M, it was announced here yesterday by William F. Rodgers, sales vice-president. Of the 18, eight will be in Technicolor. The schedule follows : For March : "Three Guys Named Mike," starring Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel and Barry Sul- livan, followed by "Inside Straight," to feature David Brian, Barry Sulli- (Continued on page 2) Contract Date Stalls Studio Labor Peace Milton E. Cohen U. S. - Italian Pact Expected by Canty Confidence that a "formula will be worked out for a long term agree- ment" between the Italian and Ameri- can industries was expressed here yesterday by George Canty, _ Motion Picture Association of America rep- (Continued on page 7) Meet on Coast Next Week For Compo Seminar Plans Planning for industry seminars to be held under the auspices of the Council of Motion Picture Organiza- tions will get underway on the Coast next week, it was indicated here yes- terday by Gael Sullivan, chairman of the COMPO seminar committee. Sullivan who, as executive director of Theatre Owners of America, will attend the March 9-11 meeting of the Southern California Theatre Owners Association, said he will take advan- tage of that Coast visit to confer with Art Arthur, executive secretary of the Motion Picture Industry Council, as well as studio heads and officers of the local Variety Club on a possible date (Continued on page 7) Would End Missouri Censorship Board Kansas City, March 5. — A bill to end the state film censor board on the ground it is unnecessary has been introduced in the legislature by the ways and means com- mittee. A spokesman said the mo- tion picture industry now is policing itself better and there is no longer any need for state censorship. Balk at Date Change in Wage Reopening Clause Hollywood, March 5. — Unless management and labor can reach a compromise date for reopening con- tracts for wage revisions the offer by major studios of a 10-cent-an-hour wage increase will continue to be re- jected by IATSE locals, Roy Brewer, 'IA' international representative, said here today. The studios in making their offer last Tuesday had stipu- lated that the unions must agree to postpone the present reopening date, Oct., 1951, to Oct., 1953. Union officials thus far have contended that the price future is too uncertain at this time to warrant a two-year extension. This point, which was the chief stumbling block at last Tuesday's .(Continued on page 7) An extension until April 1 was granted yes- terday for 20th Century- Fox to file its divorce- ment plan. Both 20th-Fox and the Department of Jus- tice expressed hope that a consent decree would be reached before the expir- a t i o n of the extension. Also extended until April 1 was final dissolution of 20th-Fox's interest in Golden State Theatres, originally scheduled to be completed by March 15. Universal has retired 1,400 shares, or $140,000 worth of its 4% per cent cumulative preferred stock which had been allo- cated to "U's" sinking fund. This reduces to 93,- 200 the number of pre- ferred shares of author- ized capital stock. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 6, 19511 RKO's Reisman Sales Drive Begins The 1951 sales drive of the foreign division of RKO Pictures, honoring Phil Reisman, vice-president in charge of foreign distribution, will start worldwide this week and run to June Captains are the supervisors of the rive divisions : Joseph Bellfort, Eur- ope; Robert S. Wolff, United King- dom; Michael Havas, Latin-America; Ralph Doyle, Australia and Leon Britton, Far East. Jack Kennedy is drive coordinator. Robert K. Hawkinson, assistant foreign manager, is chairman of the home office drive committee which includes : Beverly Lion, Ned Clarke, Jack Kennedy, Harry Ehrreich, Rut- gers Neilson, Arthur Herskovitz, Mel Danheiser and Alfred Stern. Personal Mention 'Miracle' Appeal to Be Heard March 12 Albany, N. Y., March 5.— The Ap- pelate Division will hear arguments on March 12 to review the action of the Board of Regents cancelling the license for "The Miracle" on the grounds that it is "sacrilegious." The clerk of the court, John S. Herrick, said that Samuel E. Arno- witz, attorney for Joseph Burstyn, Inc., has asked the court to view the film in Warner's screening room. MGM Releases {Continued from page 1) van, Arlene Dahl, Mercedes McCam- bridge and Monica Lewis, and "Royal Wedding," co-starring Fred Astaire, Jane Powell and Peter Lawford, with Sarah Churchill. For April : "Father's Little Divi- dend," starring Spencer Tracy, Eliza- beth Taylor and Joan Bennett, followed by "Soldiers Three," with Stewart Granger, Walter Pidgeon and David Niven, and "The Great Caruso," star- ring Mario Lanza and Ann Blyth. For May : "The Painted Hills," in Technicolor, starring Lassie, with Paul Kelly, Bruce Cowling and Gary Gray ; "The Headline Story," starring Donald Crisp, Jeffrey Lynn and Mar- jorie Reynolds; followed by "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman," also in Technicolor and co-starring Ava Gardner and James Mason, and "Go For Broke," produced by Dore Schary and starring Van Johnson. For June : "People in Love," with Ray Milland, John Hodiak, Nancy Davis and Jean Hagen ; "Mr. Impe- rium," in Technicolor, co-starring Lana Turner and Ezio Pinza ; "Calling Bull- dog Drummond," starring Walter Pidgeon with Margaret Leighton, and "Excuse My Dust," in Technicolor, starring Red Skelton, with Sally For- rest, Monica Lewis and McDonald Carey. For July : "Kind Lady," starring Ethel Barymore, with Maurice Evans ; "An American in Paris," starring Gene Kelly with Leslie Car on and Georges Guetary, in Technicolor ; "Love Is Better Than Ever," co-star- ring Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Parks, "Show Boat," in Technicolor, with Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Ava Gardner, and Joe E. Brown. SAM SEIDELMAN, head of Eagle Lion Classics' foreign sales, is due to leave here this week for Mexico City. • [oseph Steiner, managing director of Walter Reade's Park Avenue The- ater, New York, and Dorothy War- [NG, playwright and television pro- ducer, will be married today by Judge Mi mi n Herzfeld in Union City, N.J. o Irving Blumberg of Warner Thea- tres' Philadelphia publicity staff, and Jules Fields, Robert Stillman repre- sentative, were recent guest lecturers at the School of Journalism of the University of Pennsylvania. e Laura Kovsch, secretary to Uni- versal-International's Cleveland branch manager, has been promoted to sec- retary to district manager Peter Rosian. Jean Falk has been named the branch manager's secretary. • Sylvia Langer, secretary to Hyams Green of the Little Cinemet Theatre and Globe Film Distributors, New York, was married Sunday to Har- old Leand, formerly manager of the City Theatre here. • David A. Babcock, superintendent of the emulsion coating department at Eastman Kodak's Rochester plant, retired recently after completing some 45 years of service. • Ted Routson, press director for the Hippodrome, Town and Little thea- tres, Baltimore, is confined to his home because of illness. • Leonard Berch, Atlanta's branch manager of United World Films, will leave there for New York on March 14. • N. A. Taylor, president and man- aging director of International Film Distributors, Ltd., has returned to Toronto from New York. • Rudolph Mate, director, has ar- rived here from the Coast en route to France. • Phil Laufer, Universal special ex- ploitation representative, has returned to New York from Indianapolis. JULES LAPIDUS, Warner's East- ern and Canadian division sales manager, left here last night for Buf- falo and Albany. • Irving Lesser and Seymour Poe, representing Sol Lesser Productions, have returned to New York follow- ing visits to RKO Pictures branches in the Midwest and South, respec- tively. • Howard G. Burkhardt, manager of Loew's Midland, Kansas City, has been elected vice-president of the Jackson County Chapter of the Na- tional Foundation for Infantile Paral- ysis. • William Conncers, general mana- ger for Hamrick Theaters of the Northwest, visited Fred C. Quimby, at the M-G-M Coast studio, from Portland, Ore., recently. • Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney Pro- ductions president, has been awarded Mexico's Aztec Eagle decoration. He is due in New York shortly from the Coast for a two-week stay. • Beaumont New hall, curator of George Eastman House, Rochester, N. Y., was the recipient of the ser- vice medal of the Photographic Soci- ety of America for 1951. • Sid Kramer, RKO Pictures short subjects sales manager, returned to New York yesterday from a tour of company exchanges in Eastern Canada • Don McElwaine of M-G-M's stu- dio publicity department, has arrived on the Coast from a tour of the Mid- west. • Abe Bernstein, M-G-M Cleveland press representative, was in New York yesterday on business. • J. J. Cohn, M-G-M's studio execu- tive, returned to the Coast yesterday from Baltimore. • Robert Lamb, Paramount salesman in Detroit, will leave for duty with the U. S. Navy tomorrow. • Jerry Fairbanks, producer, is in New York from Hollywood. Peyser, Sears Are New U.A. Officers New United Artists officers, in ad- dition to those reported here yesterday, include the following, Arthur B. Krim, president, announced : Seymour Peyser, vice-president and general counsel, and Seward I. Ben- jamin, secretary. Gradwell L. Sears was reelected a vice-president, and H. J. Miller was reelected treasurer. Loyd Wright and Muller were named assistant secretaries and Benjamin and H. A. Weimer were named assistant treasurers. Previously announced were W. J. Heineman and Max E. Young- stein, vice-presidents. Benjamin is a brother of Robert Benjamin who, with Krim and Mat- thew Fox, comprise the new UA man- agement control group. Fisher Is Named District Manager Chicago, March 5. — A. H. Fisher, Chicago branch manager of Republic Pictures was promoted to Chicago dis- trict manager at the company's sales meeting held this weekend at the Blackstone Hotel. James R. Grain- ger, Republic distribution vice-presi- dent, presided at the meeting. Gilliam in Schine Post Cleveland* March 5. — George (Bud) Gilliam, resigning from the local Warner theatre department after 15 years with the company, to join Schine as booking manager in Cin- cinnati, will be honor guest at a din- ner on Thursday in the Theatrical Grill here. Theatre Landmark In Boston Passes Boston, March 5.— The old B. F. Keith Theatre, where B. F. Keith's vaudeville cir- cuit was founded, has been sold to the Boston Herald Traveler Corp. It will be razed for possible future ex- pansion of the Traveler's newspaper plant. The theatre was opened in 1884 and it was there that the first motion picture was shown in Boston, on May 16, 1896. Press Previews for Stillman's 'Fury' Invitational previews have been ar ranged for Robert Stillman's "The Sound of Fury" at the press clubs of Philadelphia and San Francisco, it was announced bv Max E. Young- stein, UA advertising-publicity vice- president. In both cases this is the first time that the clubs had lent them- selves to this type of general introduc- tion of a film to their members. In Philadelphia, Robert Stillman was awarded a citation by the press; association "in appreciation of the courageous film production, 'The Sound of Fury,' which boldly de- picts the evils of mass prejudice and mob violence." 'Top Brass' Sees 'Spy' Washington, March 5. — Officials of the Office of Defense and of the Pentagon staff were guests here to- day of producer David Diamond at a screening of his production, "Ii Was An American Spy." Morey Goldstein, general sales manager of Monogram-Allied Artists, attended. Higgins in New Post Donald F. Higgins has been ap- pointed chairman of the editorial board of The March of Time by pro- ducer Richard de Rochemont, suc- ceeding Fred Feldkamp, who moved to March of Time's new television de- partment as script supervisor. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL _____ Rockefeller Center __ BETTE DAVIS BARRY SULLIVAN In 'Payment on Demand' Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures plus SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION Paramount presents MOLLY starring nPQA GERTRUDE DLKu os Molly Goldberg mill PHILIP I0EB • fll MINIZ HOARD fRANZ • BARBARA RUSH • PETER HANSON dnight Feotur* N19MU MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting- Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Tnc, 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Often, National Press Club, Washington, D. C 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. J Join in that "September" Song of Profit! IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO PLAY THE ROMANTIC ATTRACTION THAT HAS BOXOFFICE BUSINESS SINGING! _^ Joan ^ Joseph « Jontaine- Uotten Also starring FRANCOISE ROSAY with JESSICA TANDY • Robert Arthur Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE • Screenplay by Robert Thoeren From a Story by Fritz Rotter and Robert Thoeren • A Paramount Picture eptpmber ffair" a HAL WALLIS production that Look Magazine joyfully re- ports "is frankly and unabashedly all about — and that's why it's the outstanding woman's picture in a long, long time from aramount 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 6, 1951 National Pre-Selling Review if 'M (Columbia) ALL kinds of psychopathic killers have passed in darkening parade since the cycle first developed its head of steam in Hollywood, and many of the characters since displayed have been unsavory and pretty horrible. The probability now is that a new high is established with this remake of one of the most famous of early German films in which Peter Lorre originally played the maniacal child murderer and Fritz Lang directed. Seymour Nebenzal, who produced both, has made a film which is shot through with undeniable power although unevenly developed. But it is the kind of dramatic power which inclines to fascinate and hold attention by its ability to repel and repulse. Obviously, the story of a man with a twisted mentality which compels him to strangle a half-dozen bright-eyed children is not pleasant and, it might well be argued, hardly suitable material for a motion picture available to anyone capable of buying a ticket no matter where. The murders, obviously, are not shown, but they are indicated _ with un- mistakable clarity. No one can possibly misunderstand what David Wayne is up to. As the killings proceed unchecked by a baffled police department, panic gradually takes hold in the community. The police, clearing through detec- tive Howard da Silva, throw out dragnet after dragnet and interrupt routines to the point where the underworld syndicate finds its floating crap games, numbers racket, slot machines, et al., falling on hard times. Martin Gabel, top gang leader, is smart enough to realize the only way to lift the heat is to get the killer. It is his organization, its tentacles reaching into every corner of the city, which runs clown Wayne intending to turn him over to the police. In an underground garage, rum-sodden Luther Adler, Gabel's mouth- piece, holds a kangaroo court to decide Wayne's fate. The police determine the issue by arriving at the crucial juncture. Joseph Losey's direction leans toward the semi-documentary. In this area, he has achieved many arresting touches and effects. Much of "M"— for murderer — is photographed on true-to-life locations which raise the overall impact of realism. Wayne, in his most important straight dramatic role, handles a difficult part very commendably, his big scene developing before the kangaroo court. Effort to create a measure of sympathy for him en- deavors to break through here and there, but it is only fleetingly successful. The fault may not be his, but Wayne's monstrous crimes outride attempts to pin the blame on his unhappy youth or an indifferent society. Other prin- cipals, notably da Silva and Gabel, are dramatically hard-hitting. "M" is anything but pretty. It is morbid, depressing, and shocking. But, because it is a shocker, there undoubtedly are situations where it will dis- play box-office weight. Like mother, the exhibitor knows best. Norman Reilly Raine and Leo Katcher wrote the screenplay and Waldo Salt contributed additional dialogue. Running time, 88 minutes. Adult audience classification. For March release. Red Kann rJDE, the news magazine for ad- vertising executives, publishes a cover story on "How Walt Disney Sells Fairy Tales," an analysis of the firm's advertising and promotion poli- cies, in its current issue. It tells how he uses careful research and copy tests to ascertain what appeals will make people "buy" his films, and how, "de- spite the lack of stars, sex appeal, sen- sationalism and other standard box- office appeals, by careful analysis of public tastes, planned advertising and exploitation," Disney manages to at- tract big-time audiences. • Life for March 5 carries a three- page color story on "Tales of Hoff- man," the new Michael Powell-Em- eric Pressburger film, which is de- scribed as being "opera in a bril- liant color movie." The producers are credited with "limitless taste for richly colored fantasy." It an- nounces that a preview at the Metropolitan Opera House on April 1 will make musical history, in- asmuch as this will be the first time that films have been shown in the historic opera house. Tickets, at $25 each, are to be sold for charity. The world premiere, at the Bijou Theatre, here, where "Red Shoes" has its phenomenal run, was advertised in Sunday's Metropoli- tan newspapers for Wednesday, April 5. • Five-hundred prizes, zvorth $25,000 at wholesale, will be given to winners in a Coast-to-Coast promotion for Eagle Lion Classic's "Mr. Universe" through a tieup effected with Helbros Watch Co. The promotion, at the local level, will include window displays, newspaper space, TV trailers^ and radio announcements, and all will be timed for local playdates. In addition, another tieup has been completed with Owendale Men's Jackets, whereby their 15,000 dealers will display spe- cial material showing Jack Carson wearing an Owendale original model. 9 The March issue of Seventeen fea- tures a profile on Dan Dailey, 20th Century-Fox star, written by enter- tainment editor Edwin Miller. The illustrated double spread is titled ". . . And He Made It." It tells how Dailey earned his reputation as a sorrg-and-dance man, and plays it straight in his forthcoming picture, "I Can Get it for You Wholesale." • The world premiere of Warner's "Raton Pass" will take place today at the Kimo theatre, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and will be followed by 250 regional openings within 10 days, in Western and Pacific states. Stars of the picture will be greeted at the Santa Fe station in Albu- querque by an Indian band, a cow- boy band, a Mexican group in fiesta costumes and the Early Pioneers of New Mexico. The premiere at- tractions will move tomorrow night to the El Raton Theatre, Raton, N. M., where a turnout of cowboys from the famous T-0 ranch will join the party. Press and radio coverage is aimed to cover a radius of 300 miles of the premi- ere situations. Walter Bbooks Supreme Court to Rule on TV Color Washington, March 5. — The U. S. Supreme Court today agreed to rule on the legality of the Federal Com- munications Commission's order ap- proving CBS color television. The court said it would hear argu- ments on an appeal by RCA from a decision of a special three-judge court in Chicago. That court upheld the FCC action, but left in effect an or- der restraining CBS from actually starting color telecasting until April 1 or until the Supreme Court acts. Indicating it plans to move quickly in the case, the high court immedi- ately set it down for argument on March 26. RCA Brochure Gives Details Of TV Tri-Color Tube Production details of RCA's new tri-color tube for television, until now a "top secret," have been made avail- able to electronics manufacturers in a brochure issued by the company. RCA's color system, of which the tube is the integral part, has figured in the dispute with the Federal Com- munications Commission, which has approved CBS's color system. Name Brown to NAB Washington, March 5. — Thad Brown, Jr., has been appointed coun- sel for the television board of the Na- tional Association of Broadcasters. Legion Reviews 15, 5 Are in Class 'B' Fifteen additional features have been reviewed by the National Legion of Decency, five of which were put in Class "B and the remainder in Class "A." Those in Class "B" include : "Flesh and Blood," (British) London Films; "Raton Pass," Warners ; "Quebec," Paramount ; "Valentino," Columbia ; "Volcano," (Italian) Eagle Lion Classics. Listed in Class "A," section one, were : "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and "The Courtneys," both British, Lon- don Films ; "Circle of Danger," ELC, and "Go for Broke," M-G-M. In Class "A," section two, are included : "Air Cadet," Universal-International ; "Father's Little Dividend," M-G-M; "Fingerprints Don't Lie," Lippert; "Into the Blue" and "The Small Voice," both British, London Films, and "U. S. S. Teakettle," 20th-Fox. Ark. ITOA to Meet Little Rock, Ark., March 5. — The Independent Theatre Owners of Ar- kansas will hold its 32nd annual con- vention on May 7-9 at the Hotel Marion here. Kill 'Reissue' Bill Boston, March 5. — A bill requiring theatres in Massachusetts to post spe- cial advertising when old or reissued motion pictures are shown has been rejected by the House of Representa- tives. Short Subject "Strategy for Victory" {March of Time-20th Century-Fo.v) The current issue of March of Time reviews the tactics used by Russia to build up its strength in Europe, and the action that the United States is employing through the Marshall plan and arms aid, to form a bulwark against Soviet aggression. Officers of the combined Army of the North At- lantic Treaty Nations are shown schooled in the use of American arms and coordinated tactics under General Eisenhower. The picture should prove interesting to the general public in- sofar as it is a pictorial account of the various news reports that have ap- peared in the papers for the past sev- eral months. Running time, 18 min- utes. Rosen and Schneider Name UJA Aides Sam Rosen, .Fabian Theatres, and Abraham Schneider, Columbia Pic- tures, co-chairmen of the amusement division of the United Jewish Appeal, have selected additional officers and members of the industry's 1951 cam- paign for overseas Jewish aid. Co-chairman of the independent ex- hibitors committee are : Manny Frisch, Julius Joelson, Fred J. Schwartz and Solomon M. Strausberg. Members of the committee are : A. J. Balaban, Herman Becker, Harry Brandt, Wil- liam Brandt, Leo Brecher, Max A. Cohen, Ed Fabian, Leonard Green- berg, Phil Hodes, Arthur Mayer, Charles B. Moss, Walter Reade, Jr., Samuel Rinzler, Michael Rudin, Ed- ward Rugoff, Morris Seider, George P. Skouras, Morton Sunshine and David Weinstock. Charles B. Moss is chairman of the pur- chasing1 agents committee. Members are: Charles Beigel, Ethel Black, James F. Burns, Jules Catsiff, Walter Dunn, William Friedman, Ida Garretson, Lou Goudreau, Milton Green, Joe Hornstein, Nat Lapkin. Peter Lewis, Herman R. Maier, Harry Nadel, Jack Price and Max Seligman. Spyros Skouras has again accepted the chairmanship of the corporate gifts com- mittee. Company chairmen are: Columbia, Max Seligman; Loew's, Irving Greenfield; National Screen, George Dembow, Jr.; Paramount, Arthur Israel; United Para- mount Theatres, Robert Weitman; RKO Theatres, Sol Schwartz, Harry Mandel and Robert Goldfarb; 20th Century -Fox, Jack Lang and TJlrich Bell; Universal, Adolph Schimel; Warner, Sam Schneider. Laboratory chairman is William J. Ger- man. Other divisional heads are: Music publishers, Julius Collins; legitimate the- atres, Alan Corelli; talent, Robert Weit- man; talent agencies, Sam Rauch. Members of the publications committee are: Jack Alicoate, Abel Green, Red Kann, Chic Lewis and Martin Quigley. Tom Murtha was named chairman of the labor committee as business representative of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local No. 4, AFL. 10% LocaTTicket Tax Up in Maine Augusta, Me., March 5. — Maine municipalities would be empowered to levy local taxes of 10 per cent on theatre and other amusement admis- sions, and impose other local levies not duplicated by the state, under terms of a bill introduced in the Leg- islature by Rep. Paul L. Woodworth. Fairfield Republican. The bill would limit the overall return of such local levies to an amount equal to $15 per $1,000 of local property valuation. Tuesday, March 6, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 THE MATING SEASON wins SEVENTEEN's Pic- ture - of - the - Month Award for March. This romantic comedy of young love vs. mother- in-law antics calculates to be a "top box office" natural for the 7'/2 mil- lion teenage girl movie fans. Millions of them will learn all about its rollicking fun as they read the many pages of Movie News in seventeen THE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS NCAA to Conduct Regional Football Test Telecasts Chicago, March S. — The National College Athletic Association meeting here at the LaSalle Hotel, gave Tom Hamilton, Pittsburgh's director of athletics, authority to conduct re- gional TV experiments to determine the effect of telecasts on college games. Meeting with representatives of TV networks, Zenith's Phonevision, the Television and Radio Manufacturers Association, and Robert O'Brien, sec- retary-treasurer of United Paramount Theatres, Hamilton said, "A lot of study is needed before we decide which form of football telecast is best for experimental purposes." Hamil- ton plans to study all experimental telecast forms completely before reach- ing any conclusions. Non-Compliance The NCAA also moved for the ex- pulsion of any member who does not comply with the one year "morato- rium" on "live-television" agreed upon at the recent NCAA meeting in Dal- las. Any member voluntarily per- mitting "live" TV would "not be in good standing" and would be recom- mended for expulsion." If legislative action forces "live" telecasts of grid games, as has been suggested in Ohio, Illinois, and other state legislatures, the member using "live" telecasts will be asked to with- draw from the Association. Meanwhile, it was learned that 25 members of the National College Ath- letic Association, representing that many schools, were guests of Zenith Radio Corp. at a 20-minute demon- stration of Phonevision last night. '14 Hours' Opens At Astor Here World premiere of 20th Century- Fox's "14 Hours" was held at the Astor Theatre here last night. A special police detail was ^n hand to route traffic and high-powered kleig lights played on the theatre. Inter- views with noted personalities were conducted by Martin Starr for station WINS. Newsreel cameramen were also on hand. Over 400 Situations Set for 'Up Front' The world permiere of Universal- International's "Up Front," set for March 24 at New York's Loew's State Theatre, will launch more than 400 dates for the film from Coast-to- Coast in April, C. J. Feldman, U-I's domestic sales manager, announces. Plan Allied Convention , At a general membership meeting here yesterday, Allied Theatre Own- ers of New Jersey, which will be host to Allied States Association's national convention here next fall, completed perliminary plans for the event. Wil- bur Snaper, New Jersey Allied presi- dent, said he would announce the plans today. ASCAP Offers 'Per Program' TV Plan Unable to reach an agreement with a committee representing the televi- sion stations although negotiations have been in progress for nearly two years, Otto A. Harbach, ASCAP president, has announced that the So- ciety will send to television stations this week a form of per-program li- cense agreement, in accordance with the provisions of the interim license agreements now in effect. Harbach's letter to the stations ac- cepting the per-program agreement will say : "We wish to assure you that the enclosed form of per-pro- gram license represents our sincere effort to arrive at a fair return on the basis prescribed by the per-pro- gram committee of your industry — that is, one on which no payment is to be made on spot announcements be- tween programs, even though the program preceding or following the spot announcement is one which con- tains ASCAP music." TV Talent Hearing Back to Hollywood Hollywood, March 5. — Hearing on Television Authority's petition for representation of all actors and ex- tras in television work, "live" or film, will be transferred here from New York where they have been in pro- gress the past fortnight, in order that working procedures in filming the "Amos and Andy" television program may be studied. New York NLRB hearings officer Chester Wigden so ruled on Friday after hearing testi- mony submitted by Screen Actors Guild and Screen Directors Guild of- ficers, who returned to Hollywood today. SAG and SEG had intervened in the New York case, in which TVA sought recognition from the television net- works, on the ground, that SAG and SEG have jurisdiction over all actors and extras working in television films. Services for Kendis Cleveland, March 5. — Funeral serv- ices for Philip D. Kendis, 79, former head of Exhibitor Poster Exchange, who died at his home here Friday, were held Sunday. Survivors are the widow, two daughters, in addition to a son. New 'Red' Hearings Shift to Capital Washington, March 5. — The pen- dulum seems to be swinging back to- ward hearings here late this month by the House Un-American Activities Committee on Communist activities in Hollywood. For a time, Committee Chairman Woods (D., Ga.) was "plugging" for a three-man sub-committee to hold hearing's in Hollywood. But other members of the Committee feel they can garner more publicity by having the hearings here, and are out-voting Woods. Present plans of the Com- mittee are to have a few days of hear- ings here starting on March 21, before the House quits for its Easter recess, and then hold additional hearings after the Easter vacation. The in-between period would be used for the staff to develop leads furnished at the initial hearings, for use at the later hearings, it is understood. Meanwhile, subpoenas have been is- sued for another 10 to 12 Hollywood figures, bringing to more than 30 the total number of witnesses being sought for the Committee's hearings. THE MATING SEASON owes much of its capti- vating humorto the new comedy star Thelma Ritter in the hilarious role of mother of the groom. We know that SEVENTEEN's Picture- of-the-Monfh Award will reward its exhibi- tors with "top box of- fice" as millions of teen- age girls will read about it and its stars, Gene Tierney and John Lund, Thelma Ritter and Miriam Hopkins. Di- rected by Mitchell Leisen. A Paramount Picture pictures/* 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 6, 1951 Motion Picture Daily Feature Reviews "Teresa" {Arthur Locw-M ctro-Gokkvyn-M aycr) Hollywood, March EXHIBITORS operating so-called "art theatres' might do quite a thing with this picture by advertising it as proof that an American producing outfit can take a crew to Italy and come back with a picture as good, in the same ways, as the Italian outfits export to us. Such advertising might induce controversy and attendance. But the commercial exhibitor is likely to find it much more difficult to persuade his regular customers to turn out in force for a 103-minute feature unprovocatively titled, thin as to names, and decidedly scrambled in point of subject matter. Whether customers who do turn out for it will consider themselves repaid for their time and money is for tomorrow to tell, but those among them who do will have won out over many discour- agements. These include background noises that obscure the dialogue, much of which is in Italian or spoken with Italian accent, abrupt changes of scene, arbitrary switches of theme emphasis and, finally, a resort to close-ups of babies as a means of rescuing a floundering story. The players, in screen-credit order, are: Pier Angeli, an Italian actress, John Ericson, Patricia Collinge, Richard Bishop, Peggy Ann Garner, Ralph Meeker, Bill Mauldin, (famed otherwise than for acting), Ave Ninchi, Rod Steiger, Aldo Silvani, Tommy Lewis, and so on. The film was produced by Arthur M. Loew, largely in Italy and partly here, and directed by Fred Zinnemann, who made quite a name for himself with "The Search," a fact an exhibitor can refer to in exploiting this picture. The screenplay is by Stewart Stern, from an original story by himself and Alfred Hayes. There appears to have been some lack of agreement between them as to what they were going to write about. The picture opens in Italy, near the close of World War II, with Ericson, a big, but timid New York recruit, joining an Army company that has taken possession of a small Italian town where Miss Angeli, mild-mannered member of a large family, lives. They are attracted to each other, and are getting on fairly well when he is sent into action, loses his nerve, becomes shockeo. and is hospitalized. Released from the hospital when cease-fire has come, he returns and marries her, leaving shortly thereafter for New York, with her to follow. At home he decides to conceal the fact of his marriage for a time from his family, but his mother finds out about it, and eventually he sends for his wife. When she arrives they share the parental apartment with his father, mother and sister, and he seeks work, but does not have much luck at it until, after his wife has told him she is expecting and he has ordered her to go away and have her baby somewhere else, he gets a job in a YMCA and leaves home. He is miserable, his possessive mother, to whose solicitude; his weaknesses have been attributed by now via various incidents, is miser- able, and his father, dominated by the mother, is presumably miserable also, until his wife pops up in the hospital having birth pains and" lets them know where she is. That fixes up everything, to the satisfaction of the writers, at least, although it leaves half a dozen story points flapping in the breeze. Some of the scenes shot in Italy, especially some views of Rome, are very interesting, scenically, and at times, as when the camera is showing the hunger on the faces of starving children, the film is momentarily eloquent. Running time, 103 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, not set- William R. Weaver "Only the Valiant" "House on Telegraph Hill" (ZGth Century-Fox) ROBERT WISE's direction contributed substantially toward making this Robert Bassler production a satisfactory suspense thriller. Had the script by Elick Moll and Frank Partos not left a number of loose ends and unanswered questions for audiences to puzzle about after the picture closes, "The House on Telegraph Hill" might stand a few notches higher in the category. From a plus standpoint, though, the exhibitor is offered good star values, namely, Richard Basehart, Valentina Cortesa and William Lundigan. Capitalization on these and exploitation of the lady-in-distress theme should pay off agreeably at the box-office. A Pole who had been persecuted by the Nazis, Miss Cortesa employs the strategem of impersonation to secure entry into the U. S. Over here she seeks out the wealthy 10-year-old son (Gordon Gebert) of the dead Polish friend whom she pretends to be, marries the child's guardian and soon has reason to believe that the bridegroom, Basehart, is bent on murdering her so he may have undisputed control of the boy's wealth and possession of the family's roccoco mansion on San Francisco's Telegraph Hill. Tension mounts subtly under Wise's direction as the husband takes to stalking the hapless lady from room to room. Additionally, a fearsome mood is heightened by the use of familiar lighting and lensing contrivances. On top of this, a measure of actuality is suggested by the many location shots featuring San Francisco's buildings and precipitous streets. In the climax, Basehart is stricken by a poisoned drink he had intended for Miss Cortesa, but thereafter the film takes leave of what believeably it had achieved. The audience knows the- lady is innocent of murder, but the investigating police seem shockingly unquestioning in accepting as true the story of one who admittedly had entered the country illegally. Thus Miss Cortesa is free to marry a sympathetic friend, Lundigan, while the child's intransigent nursemaid, vvlio had been the wife's rival for Basehart's affection, is taken into custody on a relatively flimsy charge. Running time, 93 minutes. General audience classification. For June release. Charles L. Franke {William Cagney Productions — Warner Brothers) Hp HE FAMILIAR battle tale of men facing insuperable odds is given a X gripping performance in this William Cagney production starring Gregory Peck as a taciturn martinet whose life is in as much danger from the men under him as from the Indians they battle. Gordon Douglas' direction of the screenplay by Edmund H. North 'and Harry Brown keeps attention focussed on the little band of men, split and embittered by their own hatreds and fears, who hold off marauding Apaches for three days. Action-minded au- diences will find this taut, well-paced film to their liking. The locale is Arizona in 1867 when U. S. Cavalry posts were the only pro- tection against the unsubdued Apaches. When a voung lieutenant, Gig Young, is sent on a suicide mission the garrison blames Peck because of Young's rivalry for the hand of Barbara Payton, daughter of another officer. Already hated by the men as a stern disciplinarian, though grudgingly ad- mired as an officer, Peck's move to protect the fort from an impending Indian attack by holding it off at an outpost is construed as motivated by suicidal remorse. Peck carefully chooses the men to accompany him from those that hate him most— determined, thev think, to finish off his enemies as he himself dies. Actually, Peck has chosen them as the men the under- manned fort could most easily lose, but he fully intends to return with as many men as possible. The picture's main sequences are in the outpost where the men, continually attacked through a narrow pass by the Indians, bicker and quarrel among themselves. Performances are excellent, with Ward Bond effective as a whisky-loving corporal, Lon Chaney as a brooding Arab trooper Neville Brand as a brutal, ambitious sergeant, Jeff Corey as a scout, Dan Riss as a tubercular junior officer, and Warner Anderson, Steve Brodie and Terry Kilburn, all troopers. Only three, including Peck, survive by the time a relief troop, bearing a newfangled Gatling gun, arrives and vanquishes the Indian^ Peck and Michael Ansara, the Apache chieftain, fight hand-to-hand as the battle ends. Running time, 105 minutes. General audience classification. For April 21 release. Vaughax O'Brien "The Magnet" ( Rank- Universal-International) rHE adventures of an English schoolboy whose acquisition of a large magnet leads to a series of misunderstandings with his parents and his nurse form the narrative base for this Michael Balcon British-made produc- tion. The reactions of the boy and others around him point up the differences between English and American behavior patterns— and, incidentally, the film exemplifies the differences in U. S. and English cinema tastes. "The Magnet" will do best at "art" theatres in this country. T. E. B. Clarke, the screen writer, and Charles Frend, the director, seemed not to have completely made up their minds whether this film was intended to be a psychological study of a 10-year-old boy, a quiet English domestic comedy or a satire on psychologists. However, despite certain satiric and humorous overtones, the film's major impact puts it into the psychological study class. Actor William Fox effectively plays the principal role, the only child of psychologists Stephen Murray and Kay Walsh. The boy trades an "invisible watch" for a large magnet with a much younger child. The child's nurse accuses the boy of stealing. He runs off and soon believes the police are after him. After several unsuccessful attempts to get rid of the magnet, he presents it to the organizer of a campaign for an iron lung for the local hospital. The magnet is auctioned in the fund campaign and finally is mounted on the iron lung as a tribute to the unknown donor. Meanwhile, the psychologist father makes a completely inaccurate diagnosis for his wife of the boy's worries. In the end the boy meets the child whom ne thought had died as a result of losing the magnet, and trades back his "in- visible watch" for the gold medal which the mayor had bestowed on him for his part in the hospital campaign. Running time, 78 minutes. General audience classification. February release. "Flame of Stamboul" (Columbia) AS A SPY MELODRAMA, "Flame of Stamboul" runs a standard course. ^X It has some good action and conflict scenes although the story is quite transparent. Set in Istanbul, the story concerns a gang of thieves that are out to get defense plans which are vital to the protection of the Suez Canal. Dis- patched to the distant outpost is an American intelligence officer, played by Richard Denning. The vital plans are concealed in a jewel box of a wealthy Egyptian who is attending a peace conference. By way of strategy, the outlaws get Lisa Ferraday to assume the identity of a dancer known as the Flame of Stamboul, and then press her into friendly relations with the Egyptian's son. Denning has considerable difficulty getting necessary information before he finally cracks the case. By way of romantic denoue- ment, he also wins Miss Ferraday after persuading her of the virtues of uprightness. George Zucco plays the mastermind of the criminals, known as "The Voice," while Nestor Paiva plays another American operative who is killed in the dangerous business and Norman Lloyd portrays the part of the paid informer. The production is done in a sepia tint. Wallace MacDonald produced and Ray Nazarro directed, from a screenplay by Daniel B. Ullman. Running time, 68 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. Mandel Herbstman Tuesday, March 6, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 7 Hope for 'Freeze' Ruling by Weekend Washington, March 5.— Of- ficials of the Wage Stabiliza- tion Board said here today they "certainly hope" to have some ruling by the end of the week on the request of Hol- lywood producers and talent guilds for relief from the wage "freeze." Spokesmen for the Hollywood groups met with the WSB officials again on Saturday and today. ELC Sales (Continued from page 1) Sell 4Twist' As a 'Regular' Feature "Oliver Twist" prints carrying the seal of the Production Code Adminis- tration will be in Eagle Lion Classic's exchanges from next week on, it was reported here yesterday by Bernard G. Kranze, LLC distribution vice- president. The picture, he added, will be sold as a regular feature, meaning that whatever plans there may have been for increased prices, on a re- served-seat two-a-day policy have been abandoned. April 17 has been set for national release of the film. Howard LeSieur, ELC advertising- publicity director, announced at the same time that his department will give the picture "A" treatment "all the way." The advertising department, he added, is prepared to spend more _ in promoting the film than is set aside ordinarily for regular company re- leases. Referring to the promotional effort and sums expended on a previ- ous J. Arthur Rank film that went through U. A., LeSieur said "Oliver Twist" will receive " 'Red Shoes' treatment on a regular release." New NPA Unit (Continued from page 1) needed in an area being built up by the Atomic Energy Commission, the OCR might help the owner get build- ing materials. Again, if a studio is having trouble getting a particular item essential to its operations, OCR might help out. The NPA film divi- sion, headed by Nathan D. Golden, will remain as the group charged with administering controls affecting the film industry and working out broad material problems that affect the en- tire industry. OCR will come in chiefly as a helper in individual cases where something is needed for an es- sential service. The new head of the division, an- nounced today, is Lewis Allen Weiss, former chairman of the board of the Mutual Broadcasting System and an NPA consultant since Jan. IS. He was prominent in California broad casting circles and briefly was a man agement adviser for the Hughes Air craft Co. justice to foreign product." Prestige formerly handled J. Arthur Rank "art" product going through Universal here. An individual to head up the new "art" sales unit will be named soon by Kranze, who once was associated with the Prestige set-up. He pointed out that not all foreign-made pictures released by ELC will be channeled into the new unit. "Just pictures which seem to be designed for 'art' theatres' screens" will be sold through it, he explained. The appointee will tour the country to sell the films. The following three-month regular release schedule was announced by Kranze: "My Outlaw Brother" (form- erly "My Brother, the Outlaw"), produced by Benedict Bogeaus, star- ring Mickey Rooney, Wanda Hendrix and Robert Preston, March 15; "Cir- cle of Danger," produced by David E. Rose, starring Ray Milland and Patricia Roc, March 22 ; "Skipalong Rosenbloom," starring" Maxie Rosen bloom and Max Baer, April 3 ; "Bad man's Gold," produced by Jack Schwarz, April 3 ; "The Long Dark Hall," produced by Peter Cusick, star- ring Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer April 10 ; "Oliver Twist," starring Robert Newton and Alec Guinness April 17 ; "When I Grow Up," pro- duced by S. P. Eagle, starring Bobby Driscoll and Robert Preston, Apri 20 ; "Volcano," produced and directed by Willian Dieterle, starring Anna Magnani, May 1 ; "Fighting Rebels," produced by Schwarz, May 8; "Cairo Road," a Bering Production, May 8; "Hoodlum," produced by Schwarz, May 15 ; "Two Guys and a Gal," pro- duced by John Arent, May 15; "Man With My Face," produced by and starring Ed Gardner, May 22. Early June, Kranze said, will see release of Cusick's "Pardon My French" and Schwarz's "Revenge." Kranze said he expects to appoint an assistant distribution-executive in the near future. In answer to reporters' questions, Kranze said the company's contracts with its producers provide that pic- tures are not to be made available for television showings until after they have completed all theatre runs. N.Y. Grosses (Continued from- page 1) Compo Seminar (Continued from page 1) 6 Rank Films to Mayfair for West Los Angeles, March 5. — Six J. Arthur Rank productions comprise the initial release schedule of the newly-formed distributing" company, Mayfair Pictures, here. The com- pany will service 11 Western states with offices in San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, as well as here. British featurettes and American reissues also are on the company's schedule. for the first seminar. Sullivan will leave here today by train for the Coast. Noting that exhibition appears to be "flexible" on the question of a date for the first seminar, Sullivan said once he learns what time would be sat- isfactory to the Coast segment of the industry, plans can get under way ac- cordingly. The COMPO seminars, approved at a meeting of the all-in- dustry agency board in New York last year, are intended to implement a closer working relationship between the various branches of the industry. Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel, will accompanv Sullivan to the Coast. Ted R. Gamble, TOA stal- wart, who is in Hollywood at pres- ent, is expected to join Sullivan in the seminar planning conferences. some time. Top stage attraction is songstress Josephine Baker, whose ap- pearance was heralded by ads on newspaper concert pages, in addition to regular cinema spots. Another newcomer is "Three Guys Named Mike" at the Capitol where an all-right $43,000 is due for a first week. Johnnie Long's band is on stage. "Cry Danger" is bowing out at the Paramount after a two-week stand ; an estimated $50,000 gross for the final week is not bad; "Molly" will open there tomorrow. "Payment on Demand" is having a fair third and final week at the Music Hall, with $105,000 expected. "Royal Wedding" and the annual Easter show, staged by Leon Leonidoff, will open there on Thursday. At the Roxy, "U.S.S. Teakettle" is modest in a second week, with about $55,000 ex- pected, but it will hold for a third week; the Ritz Brothers are on stage. "Born Yesterday" is still a con- sistent money-maker at the Victoria, with a fine $24,000 expected for an 11th week. Also holding up well is "Tomahawk" at Loew's State, with a gross of about $15,000 due for a third week. At the Rivoli, "The 13th Let- ter" is having a fair second week, with $12,000 estimated. "14 Hours" Opens "Harvey" bowed out of the Astor yesterday after 11 weeks, with $9,500 racked up for the last six days. Last night "14 Hours" had its premiere there, with the regular run starting- today. "Target Unknown" opened at the Criterion on Saturday with the first week's gross heading for a satisfac- tory $15,000. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is holding up well at the Globe, with $15,000 expected for a second week. Two reissues, "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," are still doing excellent business at the May- fair, with an approximate $16,000 gross for a second week. The Bijou's long run of "Cyrano de Bergerac," showing twice a day, continues in a 17th week, with a satisfactory $8,000 expected. "Trio" at the Sutton is still moving along in a 22nd week, with a gross of about $5,500 due. "Of Men and Music," which has been doing excellent business at the Park Avenue, is down a bit to a $7,000 gross for a third week, but that figure is still excellent for the house. Beznor Hits 'Freeze' In Johnston Plea Milwaukee, March 5. — In a wire to Eric A. Johnston, Economic Stabilization Ad- ministrator in Washington, David Beznor, general coun- sel of the Colesseum of Mo- tion Picture Salesmen of America, has appealed for the exemption of film salesmen's salaries from the wage freeze. "Immediate relief is neces- sary to permit freedom of collective bargaining," Beznor urged. He is due to open ne- gotiations soon with the dis- tributors. Studio Labor Peace (Continued from page 1) meeting, was the principal issue dealt with, again unsuccessfully, in a sec- ond meeting late on Friday. Brewer today said he has no intention of let- ting the matter drop, and that he be- lieves a common ground for a com- promise can be found, possibly in an- other meeting some time this week. None has been scheduled so far. Although the offer has been made to all unions on an all-or-none basis, the IATSE has taken the lead in ne- gotiations and the belief is that others will follow the IATSE pattern. The offer, which includes a cost-of- living provision following the General Motors formula and using the Jan. 15 price level as a base point, repre- sents approximately $4,000,000 an- nually at the present production em- ployment rate, according to studio statisticians. It would go into effect on acceptance. N. Y. ITOA Okays Compo Plan The Independent Theatre Owners Association of New York haT ratified the orooosed change in the bv-laws of COMPO. Heineman-UA (Continued from page 1) industry has had a harder-hitting sales force on quality product," Heineman told the U. A. personnel. "I know that given a steady flow of quality prod- uct you will come through with the kind of performance that will again place United Artists among the very top majors of the industry. Every person in this company will be given ample opportunity to prove his worth by pulling his own weight in the tre- mendous job that lies before us," Heineman said, indicating" that he starts his job with no plans for a turnover of personnel. His message reported "expressions of good will and cooperation" re- ceived bv United Artists from leading exhibitors as well as independent pro- ducers. U.S.-Italian Pact (Continued from page 1) resentative in Italy, upon his arrival on the SS. He de France. _ Canty said it was an "adjustable situation" and added the expectation that the forthcoming study here of the Italian delegation will lead to a film agreement. The delegation will sail for America today on the 6*6" Queen Mary. The committee is com- posed of Eitel Monaco, president of ANICA, representing" general trade organization ; Dr. Renato Gualino, president of the Italian Producers As- sociation ; Francesco Penotti, presi- dent of the Italian Distributors As- sociation ; Italo Gemini, president of the Italian Exhibitors Association, and Michele Lauria, secretary of the delegation. Canty said he would report today to John McCarthy, MPAA vice-presi- dent in charge of the international division. Cohen Named (Continued from page 1) the ELC board as well. The latter has become United Artists' distribu- tion vice-president. Cohen, who is 46, started his film career as a salesman with UA in Chicago in 1929, joining Columbia in a similar capacity in 1931. The fol- lowing j'ear he became Columbia's Detroit sales manager, and in 1938 took a similar post with RKO, be- coming RKO Detroit branch manager in 1942. Cohen is scheduled to begin a tour of ELC exchanges at an early date. World Premiere in Fort Worth MARCH 23rd BIG asTEXAS L ""Jutii ' Screen BftNNAH Based o *>o6;,she is bedecked in Western garb and presented as a casual young man who has set out to "learn the business." Working as an attendant at a relay sta- tion, he learns a lot in a short time, all of which makes for a skilled and exciting Western drama that should have little trouble in pleasing. The screenplay, by Dudley Nichols, builds upon the idea of having a handful of people held captive by a group of desperadoes. Thus a strong element of suspense is added to an old and dependable entertainment form. All Westerns of dimension should spotlight a girl, and in this instance Susan Hayward fills the requirement. Travelling Westward with the infant daughter of her sister, her journey is rudely interrupted at the Rawhide stop-off because of a prison break. Miss Hayward is an obstreperous young lady and she does not get along too amicably with Power. Presently Hugh Marlowe, posing as a sheriff, rides up to the station and before long reveals himself as an outlaw. Joined by three other henchmen, Marlowe takes command of the station, imprisoning Power, Miss Hayward and the baby. Edgar Buchanan, another station attendant, has already been killed by Jack Elam, a leering, gun-crazy outlaw. What follows is a long ordeal of fear and uncertainty for the captives as the outlaws await the arrival of a gold-laden stage. In the interval Miss Hayward falls in love with Power while enmity between Marlowe and Elam widens. Efforts to escape by the captives are fruitless. As the climax nears, Elam kills Marlowe, another outlaw flees, a third is shot and, finally, a long gun duel between Power and Elam brings an end to the latter. At this point" in the Samuel G. Engel production, Power feels that he has a right to claim that he is "learning the business." Henry Hathaway directed. Running time, 86 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not set- Mandel Herbstman it if Belle Le Grand (Republic) "D RAWLING, lusty days of the Comstock Lode and the Barbary Coast, re- AJ produced through lavish and faithful sets artfully photographed, form the background _ for a familiar portrait of a gambling lady and her trials, loves and tribulations. The picture, based on a Peter B. Kyne story, should satisfy in situations where action and melodrama are a basic requirement. Allan Dwan directed and he kept the story moving, carefully interspersing comedy, song and raw drama. Muriel Lawrence, a coloratura soprano, is in- troduced, and shows both professional appearance and a voice. The comedy is supplied by Hope Emerson, as a gun-toting, raucous mining town millionairess. The drama comes from Vera Ralston as the gambler, cynical but always watching over and educating anonymously her sister, Miss Lawrence— and secretly loving reckless miner and gambler John Carroll. The villain is Stephen Chase, Miss Ralston's unacknowledged husband, an unscrupulous stock market manipulator who is not above murder. In the end, Miss Ralston disposes of Chase, sees her sister a singing success, and wins her love, Carroll. Others in the cast are William Ching, John Qualen, Henry Morgan, Charles Cane, Thurston Hall, Marietta Canty, Glen Vernon and Muriel Lawrence Running time, 90 minutes. General audience classification. m . ;..:/::.::r-' ■■ . THERE'S ON THB OLD HOME$T£AD ...A NEW BABY IN THE HOUSE - and the whole farm's jumpin' with i RICHARD LONG • MEG RANDALL • RAY COLLINS Story and Screenplay by JACK HENLEY • Directed by EDWARD SEDGWICK • Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEIN MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 46 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1951 TEN CENTS Map Industry Stand on New 'Red' Hearings O'Hara Meets Here With Ad-Publicity Directors Laying the groundwork for de- fense of the industry should it be deemed advisable later on, Joyce O'Hara, acting executive head of the Motion Picture Association of America, met here yesterday with member companies' advertising-pub- licity executives to discuss the cur- rent reopening of the House Un- American Activities Committee's in- vestigation of Hollywood personali- ties. Various suggestions were made at the meeting for future action, and the course of the committee's Hollywood hearings of a few years ago was re- viewed. At that time the industry re- tained Paul V. McNutt as special counsel to represent it at the hearings. Also, a joint East- West meeting was held in New York of presidents of the companies and studio chiefs. Action terminating the employment contracts of all suspected subversives at the stu- (Continued on page 4) List Subversive 'Hollywood' Groups Washington, March 7. — Over a dozen active and inactive "Hollywood" organizations are included in a 156- page "Guide to Subversive Organiza- tions and Publications" issued by the House Un-American Activities Com- mittee today. The committee said its listing in- cluded organizations and publications "which have been declared to be out- right Communist or Communist-front enterprises." Listed were : Hollywood (Continued on page 4) Name Eastman to ELC Eastern Post Appointment of Clayton Eastman as Eastern division manager for Eagle Lion Classics was announced here yesterday by B. G. Kranze, distribu- tion vice-president. He succeeds Mil- ton E. Cohen, who was recently named general sales manager. Eastman started in the industry in 1923 as a booker in Paramount's Al- bany branch, becoming branch mana- ger there in 1932. In 1946, he joined United Artists as district manager. In 1949 he became New England district manager for Film Classics. Heller Is Made Custodian Of UA Producers 9 Revenue To Turn Out 25 in Super-Cinecolor This Year: Herzog Hollywood, March 7. — Cinecolor will turn out 25 films in Super-Cine- color during 1951, and between 15 and 20 in Cinecolor, president Karl Her- zog told the press today at a news conference which followed last night's screening of "Sword of Monte Cristo," the first previewed picture using the new Super-Cinecolor process. With plant expansion now under way completed, he said, the laboratory will use Super-Cinecolor for 65 per cent of its output, and Cinecolor for the remaining 35 per cent. Herzog said the company has been processing (Continued on page 2) Pery, Brauer, Levy, In New Col. Posts Culminating a series of conferences at the home office with field sales ex- ecutives, shifts in Columbia Pictures International personnel were disclosed here yesterday by Joseph A. McCon- ville, president of Columbia's foreign sales subsidiary. Nick Pery, for a number of years managing director in Australia and supervisor of several Far Eastern ter- (Continued on page 2) United Artists has asked Walter E. Heller and Co., Chicago, to be the custodian of funds received from ex- hibitors which are due to producers, it was reported here yesterday by Ar- thur B. Krim, UA president. He has notified all UA producers with pic- tures in current release of the new arrangement to keep their rental re- turns "in trust." The move, Krim reported, was de- signed ( 1 ) to strengthen the confid- ence of the banks and of other finan- cial institutions in independent film production, (2) to provide greater se- curity for active UA producers, and (3) to create a fairer financial climate for all independent producers. Asserting that "it is a matter of primary importance to the manage- ment of UA that its producers feel secure in the custodianship of the funds received from exhibitors," Krim (Continued on page 2) Ask US Sales Tax In Place of Excises Washington, March 7. — A propo- sal for the repeal of practically all existing Federal excise taxes and re- placing them with a broad retail sales tax was put before the House Ways and Means Committee today by the National Committee for Fair Emer- gency Excise Taxation. This is a group of officials of com- panies whose products are affected by (Continued on page 4) Theatre, Circuit Dues to COMPO Start Next Month The streamlined dues collecting procedure which was voted last year for the Council of Motion Picture Organizations has been geared to bring substantial contributions from theatres and circuits starting next month. This anticipated flow of reve- nue will give a much-needed boost to the COMPO treasury, which has been sustained for the most part by funds supplied by the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America and some larger circuits such as United Paramount, Loew's and RKO. The new machinery for collecting dues from exhibitors is embodied in. a special combination pledge certificate and envelope which will be sent (Continued on page 2) Nebraska Reelects Robert Livingston Grand Island, Neb., March 7. — The Nebraska Theatre Owners Association has re- elected Robert Livingston of Lincoln president. Other offi- cers are: William Miskell, Omaha, vice-president; Ralph Falkinburg, Lexington, treas- urer; and Avis Rutherford, Grand Island, secretary. How- ard Kennedy, Broken Bow; Ralph Ayre, Lincoln; Mons Thompson, St. Paul; Wallace Kemp, Grand Island; and Bill Ostenberg, Scottsbuff, were named to the board of di- rectors. WSB Grants Hollywood Wage Relief Okays Options, Wage Hikes in Interim Ruling Washington, March 7. ■ — The Wage Stabilization Board today gave Hollywood producers permis- sion to continue temporarily their trade salary policies for talent guild employes. Special approval of options and pe- riodic wage increase contracts was in- cluded in the board ruling. It was emphasized that this is just interim relief and that the situation may be changed when the board finally gets around to laying down a perma- nent policy for salary stabilization as distinct from wage stabilization. The board's action came in the form of a letter from acting executive di- rector W. Willard Wirtz to the Mo- tion Picture Association of America, the Association of Motion Picture Producers, and the actors, directors and writers' guilds. Wirtz's letter was not a new order but rather an "interpretation" of ex- (Continued on page 4) Steel Cutback Hits Theatre Equipment Washington, March 7. — Use of iron and steel for theatre • seats, dis- play cases, cabinets and counters, 8mm. motion picture cameras and projectors, radio and television sets and signs and advertising displays was cut back today by the National Production Authority. NPA said that manufacturers of these items will be permitted to use, from the second quarter of 1951 on, only 80 per cent as much iron or (Continued on page 2) Ansco Film Sales Headed by Young Robert Pratt Young has been named manager of professional motion pic- ture sales by James Forrestal, vice- president of General Aniline and Film Corp. in charge of Ansco and Ozalid. Young succeeds J. Kneeland Nunan, who has resigned. Formerly Eastern sales manager of Ansco's motion picture division, Young joined the company in 1945 as a salesman and became assistant man- ager of the New York branch in 1946. He was appointed Eastern sales manager in 1948. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 8, 1951 JVEWS in Brief . Personal Mention Washington, March 7.— The Fed- eral Trade Commission told Congress today it is preparing legis- lation to tighten the anti-trust law provisions on interlocking corporation ties. FTC said the industry was one that presented a pattern of interlocking backward to suppliers and forward to users. • Rochester, N. Y., March 7.— Con- solidated net earnings of Eastman Kodak in 1950 amounted to $61,- 858,957, equal to $4.50 per share on 13,664,350 shares outstanding, the company reported. • A Federal Bureau of Investigation probe of unauthorized 16mm. "hot" print summer-hotel exhibitions in the Catskill Mountains, New York, has resulted in the recovery of 24 features from a Bronx film library. Among the recovered films were 16 16mm. prints from 20th Century-Fox, three from Paramount, two from Warner, two from Universal and one from RKO. • Hollywood, March 7. — Norman Siegel, Paramount studio publicity- advertising director, has been elected a member of the Public Relations So- ciety of America, composed of repre- sentatives of leading business and in- dustrial concerns in this country and Canada. Siegel is the first representa- tive of the film studio to become a member. • Philadelphia, March 7. — The Fox Theatre here, key first-run, will pre- sent a return engagement of "All About Eve" starting March 16. The repeat booking, following soon after the comparatively recent engagement at the same theatre, was set by Har- old Seidenberg, managing director. • Columbia Pictures' Screen Gems has named John Gilmour and Peter Keane to its television division, Gilmour as a producer-director and Keane as general production execu- tive. • Ann Blyth, Jack Benny, Eddie Can- tor, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, Irene Dunne, Bob Hope, Ronald Rea- gan, Rosalind Russell and Loretta Young are named "Hollywood's 10 Best Citizens" in the current April is- sue of Modern Screen- magazine. "These stars won the accolade for outstanding, unselfish civic activities," stated Dell Publishing Co., publishers of M odem Screen: • Chicago, March 7. — Representatives of the AFL Television Authority said today that preparations are complete for a strike -of 2,400 actors, singers, dancers and announcers against Chi- cago's four TV stations. • "La Forze Del Destino," new Ital- ian-produced Verdi film opera, which recently had its American premiere at the Beacon Hill Theatre in Bos- ton, is being distributed here by Na- than Cy Braunstein, head of Screen Art Sales. ELLIS G. ARNALL, president of the Society of Independent Mo- tion Picture Producers, has returned to Atlanta from Hollywood and is due in New York next week. • Charles E. Kurtzman, North- eastern division manager for Loew's Theatres, has been elected president of the Suffolk County, Mass., chap- ter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. • Maurice Bergman, Universal pub- lic relations executive, will leave here for Florida tomorrow to recuperate from a recent illness. • Robert M. Weitman, vice-presi- dent of United Paramount Theatres, is ill with the flu. ARRY MAN DEL, RKO Thea- res national director of advertis- ing-publicity, is visiting RKO Mid- west theatres. Helen Beck, wife of Meyer Beck, Stanley Kramer Distributing Co. vice-president, entered the Hospital for Joint Diseases here yesterday and will undergo an operation today. She_ is scheduled to remain in the hospital about 10 days. • Jerome J. Cohen, industry insur- ance specialist, is celebrating a birth- day today. Irving Mack, head of Filmack Trailers, left here for Chicago last night. Okla. T.O. Director Joined Texas Allied Oklahoma City, March 7.— The director of Theatre Owners of Okla- homa whom H. A. Cole, president of Allied of Texas, said had been aided through the latter organization on a grievance against a distribution com- pany, had previously told Morris Loewenstein, T.O. of Oklahoma presi- dent, that he had joined Cole's or- ganization and paid a $100 member- ship fee, Loewenstein reports in a rejoinder to Cole. He adds that the grievance already was in process of being rectified. Cole and Loewenstein have ex- changed several "open letters" since the former's efforts to organize an Allied unit in Oklahoma, presently a Theatre Owners of America territory, first became known. P incus Quits Post To Join Blumenfeld Salt Lake City, March 7.— Charles M. Pincus, manager of the Centre Theatre, main downtown first- run here, resigned today to accept an assignment with the Blumenfeld circuit of San Francisco. Pincus will leave in two weeks. No announcement of a successor has been made by Intermountain The- atres, operator of the Centre. Commerce Rescinds Export License Rule A Department of Commerce ruling which would have required each in dividual shipment of lithographic ad vertising on motion pictures and other commodities to the Eastern hemisphere to have a validated export license has been rescinded, according to Norman Barnett, vice-president of Barnett In ternational Forwarders, Inc. The company which expedites film industry shipments abroad, communi- cated with Commerce by telephone when the ruling was published in a bulletin and succeeded in having it withdrawn, Barnett said. Compo Dues (Continued from page 1) shortly in large quantities to the sev- eral exhibitor organizations' head- quarters for circulation among mem- ber theatres. Moreover, the distribu- tors have put their film salesmen at the service of COMPO as deliverers of the certificate-envelopes to theatres on their regular rounds. The exhibitor whose regional asso- ciation has committed him to the sup- port of COMPO, as well as exhibi- tors who have no association ties, are asked to fill in and sign this pledge : "I hereby agree to pay the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, Inc., the sum of , which represents l/10th-of-one-percent of the feature film rentals I paid all companies for all my theatres during 1950, it being understood that the distributing com- panies will pay COMPO an equal amount." The signer then is asked to indicate whether he wishes to make a payment annually, semi-annually or quarterly. The statement includes the signer's indication that a check covering the payment due accompanies the pledge. COMPO headquarters here expects to have between 20,000 and 30,000 pledge forms printed. The reverse side of the pledge form relates in four concise paragraphs COMPO's objectives, the extent of its membership and the basis upon which dues are to be paid. Heller Custodian (Continued from page 1) said the arrangement with Heller is part of the over-all financial arrange- ment UA has with the Chicago firm. Heller will deposit the producers share of collections in a special bank account. Disbursements will be made only with a counter-signature by a repre- sentative of both companies, insuring that the producers' share of rentals cannot be used for any other purpose, In accepting this "trust" arrange- ment, Heller, however, assumes no responsibility for the preparation of the accounting of a disbursement, nor for its distribution in proper propor- tion to the various parties entitled to share in it. That will continue to be UA's responsibility, Krim said. RCA Names O'Brien To New Sales Post Camden, March 7. — J. F. O'Brien has been appointed sales manager of the RCA theatre, film recording, vis- ual, and sound equipment, divisions by A. R. Hopkins, general sales manager of RCA Engineering Products. In charge of RCA theatre equip- ment sales since 1946, O'Brien's new sales duties were formerly under the supervision of Barton Kreuzer, who was recently promoted to manage the product administration division. 2 Theatres Used For 'Raton* Bow Raton, N. M., March 7. — To take care of the overflow from tonight's special premiere of Warner's "Raton Pass," the facilities of the nearby Shuler Theatre were enlisted to show the film, in addition to the El Raton. Columbia Promotions (Continued from page 1) ritories, becomes European sales man- ager, serving under Lacy Kastner, managing director and general super- visor of all Continental European op- erations. Leroy Brauer, formerly supervisor in the Near East and India, and re- cently a member of the European or- ganization, succeeds Pery as managing director in Australia and supervisor of all territories supervised by Pery up to now. William Levy, who also has been serving in Europe with headquarters in Paris, is named assistant to Max Thorpe, managing director in Great Britain and Eire. Morris Goodman, formerly in charge of distribution of foreign pictures in the United States, joins Kastner's staff in Europe and assumes supervi- sion of the countries formerly han- dled by Brauer. Super-Cinecolor (Continued from page 1) 20 per cent of all color pictures in the past and estimated it will be han- dling one-third within a year. The price of Cinecolor, two-color process, is 4.9 cents per foot; Super-Cinecolor process, which uses the new Eastman three-color negative, is priced at 5.4 cents per foot. Herzog said the demand for color is so great that all existing color plants, working at capacity, could not handle more than half of the available orders. RKO Pictures today became the second major studio to employ Super- Cinecolor, closing a commitment for its use in "Half Breed," a Robert Young-Jack Buetel vehicle, which goes before the cameras next week. Columbia has used the process in six completed pictures, not yet released, and the King Brothers in ten. "Sword of Monte Cristo" was produced by Edward Alperson for 20th Century- Fox release. Steel Cutback (Continued from page 1) steel in making these products as they used in the average quarter of the first six , months of 1950. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kan. .Editor; Terry ' »™*7*V °rStaJhSe^S; ^^M^QiM^SldSS^-J^SSS: Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc.. 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefeller Center New York 20 , N. Y . Te ^°5| £ ^e YvlTsurer • Leo j Brady, Sectary New York." Martin Quigley, President: Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Qu^ James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager Gus H. Fausel, Production _ ftia"as=V„^°n t a Often National Press Club Washington. D C Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street Urben Farley, Ad^W^res^totave^ K «^W»g"n*t«n, ^^*«^^,^^^f^g^i^ London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor, cable address^ ^ yuigpuDco, ifnaon._ Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture The &t&^ ^ce A^9^rHU9^%! 4 PRODUCED BY \ i M,)U smnninu V N\A\, SZ SAKALL- BILLY DE WOLFE- GLADYS GEORGE-DAVID BUTLER-WILLIAM JACOBS. Written by EAR L BALDWI N Musical Direction by Rjy Heindorl Xiull -a by * A- *• % of Broad -way > -The * " show worlds ring song! • * WARNER BROS! TRADE SHOW MARCH 12 ALBANY . Werner Screening Room 79 N. Penil St. • 12:30 P.M. ATLANTA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1*7 Walton St. K.W. . 7:30 P.M. BOSTON RKO Screening Room 122 Arlington St. • 2:30 P.M. BUFFALO Paramount Screening Room 464 Franklin St. • 2:00 P.M. CHARLOTTE 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 308 S. Church St. • 2:00 P.M. CHICAGO Womer Screening Room 1307 So. Wabash Ave. • 1:30 P.M. CINCINNATI RKO Palace Th Screening Room Palace th. Bldg. E. 6th ■ 8:00 P.M. CLEVELAND Warner Screening Room 2300 Payne Ave ■ 8:30 P.M. DALLAS 20th Centuty-Fox Screening Room 1 803 Wood St. • 2:00 P.M. DENVER Paramount Screening Room 2100 Stout St. • 2:00 P.M. DES MOINES Paramount Screening Room 1125 High St • 1 2:45 P.M. DETROIT Film Exchange 8ui!ding 2310 Con Aw. • 2:00 P.M. INDIANAPOLIS 20th Centuty-Fox Stfeening Room 326 No. Illinois St. • 1:00 P.M. JACKSONVILLE Florida Theatre BlrJq Sc. Rm. 128 E.Forsyth St. '8:00 P.M. KANSAS CITY 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1720 Wyandotte St. • 1:30 P.M. LOS ANGELES Warner Screening Room 2025 S. Vermont Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MEMPHIS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 151 Vance Ave. ■ 2:00 P.M. MILWAUKEE Worner Theatre Screening Room 212 W.Wisconsin Ave. • 2:00 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS Warner Screening Room 1000 Currie Ave. • 2:00 P.M. NEW HAVEN Warner Theatre Projection Room 70 College St. • 2:00 P.M. NEW ORLEANS 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 200 S. Liberty St. • 8:00 P.M. NEW YORK Home Office 321 W. 44th St. • 2:30 P.M. OKLAHOMA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 10 North tee St. • 130 P.M. OMAHA 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1502 Davenport St. • 1:00 P.M. PHILADELPHIA Warner Screening Room 230 No. 13th St. • 2:30 P.M. PITTSBURGH 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 1715 Blvd. of Allies • 1:30 P.M. PORTLAND Jewel Box Screening Room 1947 N.W. Kearney St. • 2:00 P.M. SALT LAKE 20th Century-Fox Screening Room 216 East 1st South • 2:00 P.M. SAN FRANCISCO Poramounl Screening Room 221 Golden Gate Ave. -1:30 P.M SEATTLE Modern Theatre 2400 Third Ave. •' 10:30 A.M. ST. LOUIS S'renro Screening Room 3143 Olive St. • 1:00 P.M. WASHINGTON ' Warner Theotre Building 13th & E-Sts. N.W. • 10:30 Ml 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 8, 1951 'Red' Probe (Continued from page 1) dios, including the so-called "unfriend- ly ten," was taken subsequently. Present at yesterday's meeting with O'Hara were : Howard Dietz, Sidney Schreiber, Max E. Youngstein, Jerry Pickman, Art Schmidt, Barrett Mc- Cormick, Steve Edwards, Sid Blumen- stock, Si Seadler, John Josephs, Phil Gerard, Charles Simmonelli, Jonas Rosenfield and Ulric Bell. Garfield an "Anti-Communist" John Garfield, who has been sub- poenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee in connection with its current investigation, yester- day issued the following statement : "I have always hated Communism. It is a tyranny which threatens our country and the peace of the world. Of course then I have never been a member of the Communist Party or a sympa- thizer with any of its doctrines. I will be pleased to cooperate with the com- mittee." Issue Subpoenas in 'Red' Probe Washington, March 7. — The House Un-American Activities Com- mittee has issued subpoenas for John Garfield, Jose Ferrer, Abe Burrows and Ann Revere to appear before the Committee in connection with its re- opening of hearings into alleged Com- munistic activities in Hollywood, a Committee official said here. Meanwhile, Rep Velde (R., 111.), a Committee member, disclosed that he is asking to have subpoenas issued for Madeleine Carroll and Sterling Review The Long Dark Hall" (Eagle Lion Classics) PRODUCTION know-how and effective performances combine to make "The Long Dark Hall" a highly enjoyable melodrama. Filmed in England, this American production features Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer in the lead, with sturdy performances coming from a large supporting cast. Suspense builds up adroitly in Nunnally Johnson's screen play. The picture is modest in its production values, but its appeal is considerable. The story is about a psychopathic killer whose second victim is a show- girl. As it happens, Harrison, a quiet family man, had been seeing the victim surreptitiously and was in love with her. Circumstantial evidence points to Harrison and he is booked on murder. Courtroom scenes are charged with excitement as defense and prosecution engage in verbal duels. The whole incident has a nightmarish quality for Harrison as a "guilty" sentence is finally brought in and he finds himself strangely doomed. A novel plot twist has a government edict passed suspending capital punish- ment on the morning of the execution. About the same time the ego of the kiiler-maniac betrays him into capture. The entire story is told by way of flashback from the lips of a writer. There is restraint and talent in Miss Palmer's performance as Harrison's loyal wife. Raymond Huntley plays the shrewd and patient detective that finally breaks the case. Peter Cusick produced and Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck directed. Running time, 86 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, not set. Mandel Herbstman Hayden to appear for the coming hearings. He emphasized that none of those subpoenaed so far have been identified as either 'friendly" or "un- friendly" to the committee. Seeks Cole Suit Dismissal Washington, March 7. — Loew's, Inc., has urged the U. S. Supreme Court to let stand a lower court de- cision throwing out a suit for reinstate- ment brought by writer Lester Cole. The suit grew out of Cole's refusal to tell the House Un-American Activi- ties Committee whether he was a Communist. Loew's suspended his em- ployment, and Cole sued to be rein- stated, with back pay. The District Court upheld him, but the Circuit Court of Appeals held for Loew's, and Cole appealed to the High Court. Subversive Groups (Continued from page 1) YOU CAN'T KILL ii fro** WITH A G HOWARD HAWK MOVIE! HO ^DIO Actors' Laboratory School, Holly- wood Anti-Nazi League, Hollywood Community Radio Group, Inc., Holly wood Democratic Committee, Holly- wood Independent Citizens' Committee of the Arts, Sciences and Profession, Hollywood League for Democratic Action, Hollywood Motion Picture Democratic Committee, Hollywood Writers Mobilization, Hollywood Theatre Alliance, Hollywood Peace Forum, Motion Picture Artists Com mittee, Citizens' Committee for the Motion Picture Strikers, Committee of One Thousand, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Club, Film and Photo League, Freedom from Fear Committee, Fron tier Films, Lincoln Book Store, and Motion Picture Artists Committee. US Sales Tax (Continued from page 1) Wage Relief (Continued from;'page 1) existing excises. Last year it was known as the National Committee for Repeal of the Wartime Excises. Mo- tion Picture Association of America president Eric A. Johnston was a vice- chairman of the group. Under the plan of the National Committee, the present 20 per cent ad- mission tax and all other excises ex- cept those on alcohol, tobacco and gas would be repealed. Marion B. Folsom, treasurer of Eastman Kodak ; RCA vice-president Glen McDaniel, Philco executive vice- president J. H. Carmine, and F. A. Holme, assistant to the chairman of General Electric, are among commit- tee members. Ads like this are appealing in 58 National Magazines and 93 Sunday Newspaper Supplements totaling 185,761,000 circulation. 'Odette' to the Park Herbert Wilcox's British-made pro- duction of "Odette" will play New- York's Park Avenue 'Theatre follow- ing the current run of "Men and Music." Lopert Films is distributing i "Odette" in this country. isting orders. He said his interpreta- tion covered actors and actresses, extra talent, producers and associate producers, directors, assistant direc- tors, technical directors and dance directors, writers, song writers, art directors, cameramen, assistant camera- men, sound engineers, film editors and wardrobe designers. Wirtz ruled that any studio may pay whatever salary is required by terms of contracts in effect on Jan. 25, in- cluding contracts calling for options or periodic increases. With respect to contracts made after Jan. 25, he said employers shall follow the same practices as in 1950 as far as optional and fixed increases go and the exact payment "must be in balance with" the pay given by that employer to comparable talent. The board official held that it was not "feasable" to apply the ten per cent wage boost formula to the talent workers. Graetz Receives Award Producer Paul Graetz of New York, was the recipient of an award from the International Catholic Film Office in Zurich, Switzerland, for the production, "God Needs Men," it was disclosed here by AFE Corp., which is distributing the film in the U. S. ; 20th-Fox is distributing abroad. GREATER BENEFIT from your properties . . . through a Bank of America hiving Trust Day-to-day management of your properties under a Bank of America Living Trust can mean greater income and a more secure financial posi- tion. Forthisdynamictrustplan insures that your real estate, stocks, bonds and other hold- ings receive regular analysis by a Trust Committee quick to realize investmentadvantage. If your properties might profit from this more intense management, you'll be in- terested in a recent Bank of America publication, "Trust Advantages for your Invest- ments." Your copy is waiting for you at any Bank of America branch; or write the Trust De- partment, 660 South Spring St., Los Angeles. Do it today- while you're thinking about it. 38mtk of Ktntvicn NATIONAL JS^Vgs ASSOCIATION Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FIRST IN FILM NEWS VOL. 69. NO. 47 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1951 TEN CENTS Divorcement Splits RKO Pension Trust Coverage Continues For Both Firms' Workers Concomitant with the decree split-up of RKO which became ef- fective last Dec. 31, the pension plan of the former company will be continued by each of the two new firms, RKO Pictures and RKO Thea- tres, as two separate pension plans covering their respective employes, the theatre company reported here yester- day. The existing trust fund will be di- vided on the basis indicated in the plan of reorganization for separation of this kind, namely, in the split-up of the actuarial reserve respecting the member-employes in each group, it was explained. The respective managements have been studying the effect on the pen- sion benefits payable under the plan of the recent amendment to the Fed- eral Social Security Act. The general purpose of the plan, which covers all employes who have reached the age of 30 and have been (Continued on page 4) Rose Will Produce 4 Films This Year David E. Rose's two Coronado Pro- ductions, one in the U. S. and one in England, are geared to produce four pictures between them this year, the producer said here yesterday. Rose arrived from Hollywood early this week and will leave by plane for Eng- land on Monday. Two or three weeks later he will be in Jamaica to get his next film rolling ; starring Linda Dar- ( Continued on page 4) Safety Stock Use Gains Rapidly in UK Washington, March 8.— Use of safety stock is expected to be universal throughout the United Kingdom by July, ac- cording to Nathan D. Golden, head of the Department of Commerce film division. Golden said safety stock is just now coming into use in the United Kingdom but that the changeover will be prac- tically complete by the mid- dle of this year. Government Is Stumped on Films To Promote Defense on Screens Washington, March 8.— The U. S. Civil Defense Administration may eventually have to make special short subjects for theatre showings, since CDA officials believe that the series of 10 films now in preparation primarily for non-theatre showing "will have little appeal for exhibitors." One spokesman said that while CDA is still trying to work out some sort of theatre distribution for the 10 films, it realized that these are not the type of documentary which theatres would fight to show, due both to their subject matter and presentation, and that the main emphasis was being put on getting wide local dis- tribution to non-theatre audiences through local film dealers. "That probably means," he said, "that later either we ourselves will have to make other films specially for theatres or we'll have to get the motion picture industry to make them." Northwest Drive-ins Seek Better Product and Terms Active Trading in Film Stocks Reported by SEC Washington, March 8. — Several film company executives are listed in the latest Securities and Exchange Commission report on transactions in the securities of their respective firms. At Universal, Nathan J. Blumberg bought 600 common shares, and now owns 700 common shares plus war- rants for 31,900 shares. Alfred E. Daff bought 2,000 shares of common and 100 shares of 4% per cent cumu- lative preferred, his total holdings. Preston Davie sold 600 shares, leaving his holdings at 1,409 shares. John J. (Continued on page 4) Schneider to Aid Robbins on JDA With the naming of Samuel Schneider, Warner vice-president, as associate chairman of the Joint De- fense Appeal's amusement division, the entire industry has completed plans to mobilize the JDA campaign in greater New York, according to division chairman Herman Robbins. Associate chairmen are Barney Balaban, Para- mount Pictures, and Jack Cohn, Col- umbia. Meanwhile, Robbins has announced additional officers for the drive, Al Lichtman of 20th Century-Fox, being- named chairman of the home office committee, while A. J. Balaban, of the Roxy Theatre, was appointed to-head talent. Others holding key posts in the division are: Martin Levine, Wil- (Continued on page 4) Minneapolis, March 8. — Remind- ful of rental terms and clearances last year which were described as over- burdensome, several operators of drive-in theatres have already set out to obtain newer and better product and prices for the approaching 1951 outdoor season. Although large-scale openings of drive-ins in this Northwest territory still are upwards of six weeks away, drive-in interests have actually start- ed to talk terms with film exchanges in anticipation of even stronger prod- uct competition this year from "reg- ular'' theatre operators. Drive-in operators are said to feel that they are entitled to lower rentals to enable them to spread profits over the comparatively short six-month period of operations, against the 12 months during which regular theatres can apply income to investment. Coast 6RecT Hearings Set For March 21 Breakston & Stahl Set Six More Films Un-American Activities Group to Call 40-50 Washington, March 8. — Mem- bers of the House Un-American Activities Committee said here to- day that some 40 to 50 film figures are being lined up to testify at the coming Hollywood hearings. The hearings are scheduled to start March 21 and 22, and then to recess until early in April. Today the committee got nowhere in its attempt to get testimony on al- leged Communist activities in Holly- wood from V. J. Jerome, reported to be chairman of the Communist Party's cultural commission. Committee members say Jerome was active in reorganizing the Commun- ist party in Hollywood and in many pro-Communist organizations of film, radio and television workers. How- ever, Jerome refused to answer ques- tions about individuals and groups named by committee members. Among the individuals and organi- zations Jerome refused to answer (Continued on page 4) Producers George Breakston and C. Ray Stahl, who produce in Japan with frozen yen and release through estab- lished distribution organizations in various parts of the world, reported here yesterday that their schedule for the next three years calls for pro- duction of six films in almost as many countries. They are in New York from Tokyo to discuss with RKO Pictures exploi- tation arrangements for "Tokyo File 212," which that company will release, and to set distribution for "Unmei," recently completed in Japan. The lat- ter stars Martha Flyer, former RKO contract player, and Byron Michie, Australian actor. Stahl wrote the original story and screen play and CO- (Continued on page 4) Gamble Ent. Moving To Milwaukee Gamble Enterprises, headed by Ted R. Gamble, will close its New York offices within the next several weeks and operate from Milwaukee, where its most important remaining theatre interests are located. The company established headquar- ters here two years ago after Gamble sold his Pacific Northwest theatres and acquired Monarch Theatres, tak- (Continued on page 4) Three Groups to File Briefs on 'Miracle' Albany, N. Y., March 8.— The State Catholic Welfare Council, the New York Civil Liberties Committee and the National Council On Freedom From Censorship were granted permission today by the Appelate Division to file briefs in the appeal to be ar- gued Monday on the Regents' revocation of "The Miracle" 's license. The Catholic group supports the Regents. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 9, 1951 Personal Mention EK. O'SHEA, vice-president of • Paramount Film Distributing Corp., is slated to return here today from St. Louis. • Ed Leftwich, television director, has resigned from Young and Rubi- cam to join the radio and TV produc- tion firm of Masterson, Reddy and Nelson. Herman Silverman, Wometco Theatre Circuit executive, has flown back to Miami from Nassau where he suffered injuries in a boating acci- dent. William B. Zoellner, head of M- G-M's short subject and newsreel sales, is due to leave here Sunday for the Midwest. Edward Morey, Monogram first assistant director, and Mrs. Morey announce the birth of a daughter, Deborah, their fourth child. • Leo S. Rosencrans, film and radio writer, has arrived in Hollywood from New York to join the staff of Jerry Fairbanks Productions. • J. J. Cohn, M-G-M studio execu- tive, has left New York for Miami before returning to the Coast. • Eric Johnston, Economic Stabili- zation Agency administrator, will speak over the CBS network tonight, e Marvin Fish, of Realart Pictures' advertising department, has become engaged to Frances Alterman. To Honor Freeman Hollywood, March 8. — Y. Frank Freeman will be the honor guest at a dinner Wednesday evening, at the Beverly Hills Hotel on the occasion of his accepting the Association of Mo- tion Picture Producers board chair- manship for another year. About 100 industry leaders will attend. Reviews The Sword of Monte Cristo {Edward L. Alperson—20th Century-Fox) SOME swashbuckling adventure along a familiar pattern is offered in Edward L. Alperson's "The Sword of Monte Cristo." The picture's note however lies in the fact that it is the first to be unveiled in the new Super- cinecolor. The process is splendid in quality. Its tones are soft and its colors were reproduced with impressive fidelity. There are many good exploitation points in the picture which is set in France during the reign of Louis Napoleon. The well-meaning Emperor's minister, Berry Kroeger, is a ruthless despot who keeps the people under his corrupt fist. Meanwhile in Normandy a rebellious group has arisen to bedevil the evil rulers. A member of the group is Paula Corday, beautiful niece of a marquis, who in secret, dons the robes of a masked cavalier, and plays havoc with the Royal Dragoons. Miss Corday rides a horse, leaps about, and out- duels professional swordsmen with all the dash and agility of a Douglas Fair- banks. It develops that Miss Corday is in possession of the fabled sword of Monte Cristo which, in symbol, bears the location of a fabulous treasure. There follows a dangerous cat-and-mouse game between Miss Corday and Kroeger for possession of the sword. Kroeger has no qualms about torturing and cajoling Miss Corday's uncle, Robert Warwick, into deciphering the symbols on the sword. When his own captain, George Montgomery, falls out of line, Kroeger has him tossed into a dungeon. Finally, Montgomery and his imprisoned men break out of the dungeons, and with the aid of Miss Corday, succeed in overcoming the oppressors. The finale sees the emperor restore civil liberties and convey his blessings upon Miss Corday and Montgomery. Edward L. Alperson, Jr., was associate producer. Maurice Geraghty directed and wrote the screenplay. Running time, 80 minutes. General audience classification, March release. Mandel Herbstman Carl N. Johnson Dies Omaha, March 8.— Carl N. John- son, owner of the Grand Theatre, Red Oak, la., died here today of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was stricken at the Monogram exchange. Dakota Tax Bills Die Washington, March 8. — The North Dakota legislature has adjourned with- out taking any action on a bill au- thorizing localities to impose admis- sion taxes and license fees, according to Jack Bryson, legislative representa- tive of the Motion Picture Associa- tion of America. W. Va. Bill Lowers Tax Wheeling, March 8. — The state senate has passed and sent to the house a bill which would reduce from three per cent to two per cent the amusement tax authorized for local imposition in cities with home-rule taxing powers. "Texans Never Cry" {Columbia) GENE AUTRY is in fine fighting form and good voice in this sepia-tinted film that will please his host of fans. Champion, his faithful horse, again cavorts about and though Autry sings only two songs, "Texans Never Cry" stacks up quite well. Autry is a Texas Ranger on the trail of a gang who proposes to sell fake Mexican lottery tickets. A Mexican official is sent to investigate but he is soon murdered by the mob. Then Autry proceeds to clean up the situation in his usual efficient manner. The film has enough straight shootin' and hard riding to satisfy any action fans. The story is easy to follow and should espe- cially have the youngsters sitting on the edges of their seats. The usual characters participate in the proceedings, both on the right and wrong side of the law. Gail Davis is the girl and Richard Powers is the vil- lain. Armand Schaefer produced, Frank McDonald directed and Norman S. Hall wrote the screenplay. Others in the cast are : Pat Buttram, Mary Castle and Russ Hayden. , , Running time, 70 minutes. General audience classification. March release. Rentals on Agenda Of Eastern Pa. Unit Phildelphia, March 8. — Eastern Pennsylvania Allied will hold a gen- eral membership meeting here next Tuesday to consider "the National Screen situation, current film rental demands and related subjects." The organization's stand against joining the Council of Motion Picture Organizations is not scheduled for discussion. A board resolution reject- ing COMPO membership was auto- matically approved in the organiza- tion's recent annual meeting when the membership ratified all board resolu- tions of last October. Chicago Theatre Tax Returns Still Decline Chicago, March 8.— William C. Prendergast, Chicago tax collector, reports a continuing decline in amuse- ment tax collections over taxes col- lected last year for the same period. Theatre tax collections for Febru- ary were $98,171 as compared with $127,102 collected in February, 1950. Collections for February, 1951, how- ever, were slightly above those for January, 1951, when $92,662 was cited. UA, ELC Both Claim Release of Same Film United Artists and Eagle Lion Classics apparently differ over the re- lease of the Ed Gardner production, "The Man with My Face," filmed in Puerto Rico. The picture has been on ELC's schedule for release on May 22, but yesterday Arthur B. Krim, UA presi- dent, announced that his company has added Gardner's picture to its releases. Bernard G. Kranze, ELC distribution vice-president, replied to an inquiry that as far as he knew the film still is on ELC's schedule by virtue of an agreement with Gardner. UA claims to hold a contract signed by Gardner. Juveniles Free in 34 F. & M. Theatres St. Louis, March 8.— Chil- dren under 12 years of age, when accompanied by a par- ent, will be admitted free to any of the 34 theatres op- erated by F. & M.-St. Louis Amusement Co. The new policy, already in effect, is aimed at getting youngsters back into film theatres, Harry Arthur, F. and M. president, said, adding once the younger element sees the high-type entertain- ment available they will be- come good customers of the future. Wolf on New Tour Of Variety Tents Marc Wolf, international chief barker of Variety Clubs, is due to visit Minneapolis on March 20 on the first of a series of trips which will take him to St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Miami and Philadelphia. In Minneapolis, he will participate in dedication ceremonies of the Variety Heart Hospital at the University of Minnesota. At St. Louis he will be the honor guest at a tent luncheon on March 26. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center FRED AST AIRE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW Paramount presents MOLLY starling DTD A GERTRUDE DLHU Molly Goldberg Midnight Feotur* Retitles 'Teakettle' Twentieth Century-Fox has re- titled "U. S. S. Teakettle" to "You're in the Navy Now," the company an- nounced yesterday after a three-city test, during which both critical and public opinion was investigated. The film still retains its national release date in April, prior to which it will be given an intensive promotion cam- paign throughout the country, the company announced. record week! A Columbia Picture MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor P^'1^,^ Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20 N. Y Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable addies ""™c°: New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr. Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan. Vice -President and T«a%rer^ James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus E Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building. ^MgR^Wea Fditor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J A. Otten National Press Uub, Washington, _ London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, Quigpubco, London. Other guigley Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald D. C. Publications: Motion Picture 'international Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, 1 Theatre bales, each puDiisnea u times a year as a section oi muuon nuuic m,«.u, J..»^w. New York." Martin Ouigley, President; Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building, William K. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative. FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten National Press Club Washington U C. Bureau, 4 Golden Sq.. London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager: Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; J? ame. tnteied as 21 1938, a+ the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription -rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, London Herald; class matter, 5ept. second- 10c. Tuesday, March 13, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Review "Soldiers Three" (Metro-Goldwyn-M oyer ) T NSPIRED by the stories of Rudyard Kipling, M-G-M's "Soldiers Three" 1 has its setting in India and revolves around the rousing adventures of three soldiers in the King's army. The obstreperous trio that has a kinship with trouble and mischief consists of Stewart Granger, Cyril Cusack and Robert Newton. The story is told in retrospect in a tongue-in-cheek manner by Walter Pidgeon, a retired general who lived through the stormy mischief of the three soldiers. The cast is rounded out by David Niven, a captain, and Greta Gynt, a voluptuous blonde who shares a brief romantic interlude with Granger. The picture has been well made production-wise, and has humor, interest and action. However, there are times when the plot seems uncertain in its direction and is heavy with dialogue. For the most part the story delineates the misadventures of the three soldiers and shows how their unorthodox behavior has repercussions on both Pidgeon and Niven. Incident follows incident, until finally the wily Pidgeon hits upon a strategem to break up the three. He promotes Granger to a sergeant, and since privates traditionally do not like sergeants, dissension is aroused among the three friends. Comic enmity bounces back and forth in abundance. A crisis is reached when some SO men are dispatched to take a fortress, a seeming death-trap mission. The two privates are in the group but Granger is left behind. Once within the walls of the fortress, the group gets hopelessly trapped by the Indians. In the meantime, Granger has deserted and goes off to join his buddies. His desertion becomes mighty helpful to the trapped men as he proves instrumental in their liberation. Since hero Granger has to be punished for his desertion, he is happily demoted back to a private and all ends joyously. Pandro S. Berman produced and Tay Garnett directed, from a screenplay by a trio of writers consisting of Marguerite Roberts, Tom Reed and Malcolm Stuart Boylan. Running time, 83 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, April 20. Mandel Herbstman (Additional revieivs on page 6) National Pre-Selling M-G-M's radio series, "The Story of Doctor Kildare," now circu- lating to radio stations through M-G-M Records, has been singled out for com- mendation by the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults. The 29-year-old nationwide organ- ization, with 2,000 affiliates in the 48 states, services more than 20,000 chil- dren suffering from cerebral palsy. The film and radio series has also been praised by the American Red Cross for its effect in deepening the under- standing of services provided by the sale of Easter Seals, with due appre- ciation to Lew Ayers and Lionel Bar- rymore for their imaginative interpre- tation of the needs of crippled children. • Paramount's "The Redhead and the Cowboy" will be given novel publicity as a result of a tieup with Copley Fabrics, Inc., which will cre- ate a montage of scenes from the picture, including shots of Glenn Ford, Edmond O'Brien and Rhonda Fleming, printed directly on a French crepe Copley fabric which can be fashioned into dresses, scarve , blouses, etc. These photo- prints will also be available to man- ufacturers for use on satins, fluo- rescent and sharkskins, and should be a c le for exploitation tieups at the point of sale. Theatre staff em- ployes can be attired in the new material to show goods in advance of playdates. • Six television trailers, running from 20 seconds to one-minute, have been prepared by Columbia for the Tech- nicolor production of "Valentino." Trailers feature the stars, Anthony Dexter, who is said to be like the original "Rudy," and Eleanor Parker, as one of many women in his life. Dramatic highlights are accented and the selling approach is intended to bring out the romantic and nostalgic quality of the film. Trailers are now available in both 16mm. and 35mm. • An important tribute to the 20th Century-Fox "Bird of Paradise" pro- motion campaign has come from the Retail Division of the Bureau of Ad- vertising, which has named the plan "an outstanding example of motion picture merchandising at the local level." A special bulletin heralding the campaign is being sent by the Bureau to hundreds of member newspapers, urging their complete support. Spe- cifically, advertising managers of daily newspapers throughout the country are urged to set nip special sections in which various tie-ins can be assembled for the greatest cooperative advertis- ing benefit zvith local theatres. • Almost 1,000,000 persons in every part of the country have already asked to see Robert Stillman's "Queen for a Day" as a result of the elaborate pre- selling campaign which has been waged since Feb. 12, when Mutual Broadcast- ing launched its three-week, day-to- day program urging listening audi- ences to send signed postcards, re- questing tickets for the premiere of the picture in their city. The network's 500 stations concluded their search for the "Queen City" on March 2 and an- nouncement of the winning situation will follow, with a personal appear- ance of the entire "Queen for a Day" radio troupe on the local MBS station. A six-fold tieup between 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Follow the Sun' and Foot- Joy golf shoes will saturate 10,000,000 members of the golfing world zvith special material on the Ben Hogan film, Seventy-five thou- sand postcards will be sent to members of golf clubs, with follow-up letters going to 2,200 golf "pros," and 8,000 Foot-Joy catalogues and more than 10,000 posters going to sporting goods dealers and department stores. Coun- try clubs, public golf courses and pro- fessionals throughout the country will also promote the picture. • Twentieth Century-Fox's "Follozv the Sun" will be promoted in a Coast- to-Coast tieup zvith Catalina, Inc., which has created a special "Follozv the Sun" swim suit for men, women and children, displaying them in ap- proximately 10,000 stores, zvith full- page ads breaking simultaneously in national magazines. The company is also distributing a promotional manual to encourage local campaigns between dealers and theatre managers, to put on bathing siut contests zvith coopera- tive advertising. The current issue of Reader's Digest will bring the story of "Follozv the Sun" to 25,000,000 readers throughout the world. Walter Brooks New Lens for TV Boston, March 12. — A claim that "jellied" plastic has been used suc- cessfully in a plastic lens which pro- duces 15 by 20 foot television pic- tures in theatres, was made recently by Polaroid Corp. officials. The lens is the largest ever manufactured com- merically, officials said, and it has been installed in a chain of theatres. Offi- cials said it is being used in the RCA theatre television projection system. Harriett Expanding Barnett International Forwarders, New York, which expedites film., in- dustry shipments abroad, has opened an office at N. Y. International Airport. Ascap Sets Annual Meet for March 27 Ascap's annual meeting, which will feature reports by Otto Harbach, pres- ident, and other officers, has been set for March 27 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here. It will be followed on the evening of the same day by the soci- ety's annual banquet at the Waldorf- Astoria. Ballotting is already under way for a new board of directors, and the re- sults of the election are expected to be announced on March 22. The new board will consist of 12 writer repre- sentatives and 12 publisher represen- tatives. In three to five days following AS- CAP's annual meeting, officers will be elected for the coming year from among the new board membership. Borack Heads New Film Buying Group Cincinnati, March 12. — William Borack, formerly Cooperative Theatre Service branch manager, has formed Tri-State Theatre Service, in partner- ship with Rube Shor, operator of the local Twin Drive-in and other theatres in the territory. Headquarters have been established in the Film Building here. Play TV Duals, Shorts Boston, March 12. — The Yankee Network of New England which op- erates television station WNAC-TV in Boston, has instituted a new policy on Saturday afternoons, playing double feature films beginning at 1 :30 P.M. and ending at five, augmented by short subjects. This will continue until the baseball season starts and in the event that baseball games are not televised on Sautrday afternoons the double feature film policy will be re- instated. NY Grosses (Continued from page 1) Show, staged by Leon Leonidoff, is on stage. Another opener which looks big is "14 Hours" ot the Astor, where a hefty $25,000' is expected for the first week. "Molly" at the Paramount is having a mild first week, with a gross of about $50,000 due. Nellie Lutcher tops the Paramount stage bill. "Storm Warning," aided by Jose- phine Baker on stage is expected to gross over $50,000 for a second week at the Strand, provided Miss Baker recovers from the illness which kept her from the stage on Sunday. The film and stage show is being held for an additional week because of the ex- cellent box-office showing. "Three Guys Named Mike" is mov- ing out of the Capitol after a two- week stand, with about $36,000 ex- pected for the final week. With $44,- 000 for the first week, the run is satis- factory. "Inside Straight" will open on Thursday. Also finishing up is "U.S.S. Tea- kettle (renamed "You're in the Navy Now"), at the Roxy, with about $46,- 000 estimated for a final five days. Better business was reported for last weekend than for the previous week- end, with $39,000 grossed as compared to $37,000. The Roxy's Easter offer- ing, "Bird of Paradise," will open to- morrow, along with a special stage show headed by Tony Martin. Among the longer runs, "Born Yes- terday" still leads with a splendidly consistent $21,000 reported for its 12th week. "Tomahawk" is holding up nicely at Loew's State, with about $14,000 due for a fourth week. The State also reports better business last Saturday than on the same day a week ago. "The 13th Letter" is rather slow with $10,000 estimated for a third week at the Rivoli. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is sitll okay at the Globe, with about $12,000 in sight for a third week. "Target Unknown" had a satisfactory 10-day run at the Cri- terion with a total gross of ab(out $22,000 ; regardless, it is making way for "The Groom Wore Spurs" today. The Mayfair is concluding three weeks with a pair of reissues, "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," with a good $12,000 estimated for the final period. "Gambling House" will open there on Saturday. "Cyrano de Bergerac" still maintains a satisfactory pace in its two-a-day run at the Bijou, with about $8,000 due for the 18th week. "Trio" is be- ginning to sag a bit at the Sutton, with about $4,500 expected for the 23rd week. 'Brass' Will View U-I's 'Air Cadet* San Antonio, March 12. — Univer- sal-International's "Air Cadet" will have its world premiere at the Majes- tic Theatre here Wednesday evening before an invited audience headed by 15 top Air Force Generals, and civic leaders, including the Governor of Texas and Mayor of San Antonio. Richard Long, on furlough from the U. S. Army, and Peggie Castle, both of whom are featured in the film, will represent Hollywood. The premiere will launch a series of key Texas openings, including the Majestic in Dallas, Thursday; Loew's State, Houston, Friday ; and the Worth, Ft. Worth, Saturday. 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 13, 1951 Rhoden {Continued from page 1) speaks for us on the industry level. We sit and take it and do nothing.". Rhoden reviewed a number of fac- tors that have been injurious to the industry's standing in the eyes of the public and pointed out indications of the industry' unwillingness or inability to counteract them. The investing public, he said, "thinks we are going down-hill. Motion picture stocks in the past five years decreased in mar- ket value from a former worth of $900,000,000 to a present worth of something over $400,000,000. Many financial spokesmen, have without challenge, made the assertion that tele- vision will mean the end of motion pictures, he pointed out, and critics and columnists through adverse and frequently unwarranted statements have contributed to the industry's bad press, often without being answered. For itself, Rhoden said, the indus- try has experienced a letdown of good old-fashioned press-agentry and its advertising no longer dominates popu- lar media as it once did. While citing figures to show that over-all Ameri- can advertising expenditures have more than doubled since 1940, film ad- vertising actually has decreased in dis- play space used, and what increase in expenditure for advertising there has been is explained by increases in rates, he said. "We have not kept pace in adver- tising with other lines and other in- dustries," Rhoden said. Even the Main Street theatre today has become a "drab" thing, the Fox Midwest chief asserted. At one time, he re- called, the theatre with its ani- mated lights was the one bright spot at night on Main Street. Today, wedged between the brighter neons of even super- markets, "it looks drab." While many good pictures still come from Hollywood regularly, Rhoden said, "we have introduced nothing new that people can talk about." In this respect he commended 20th Century- Fox for its Showmanship Campaign of last year and 20th-Fox's Charles Einfeld for the scheduled-performances policy for "All About Eve." The lat- ter, Rhoden admitted, may have had indifferent results but it did give critics and columnists something to write about with the result that the picture was highly successful in his own and many other theatres. "Distributors' advertising- publicity departments are doing a good job within their orbit," Rhoden said, "but we must se- lect better selling angles on the exhibitor level." Television, he suggested, should make a very effective advertising-pub- licity medium for theatres and, com- mending "The M-G-M Story," super- vised by Frank Whitbeck, Rhoden said it is ideally suited to television presentation. He holds that television is not fatal competition for theatres by any means, asserting that since its introduction in the Kansas City area a year ago his theatres have experienced no decline • in business. In -fact, it's better, he said. Rhoden mentioned competitive bid- ding and earlier liquidation of pictures as among the few new things intro- duced in distribution in recent years, adding that he feels both are bad for the industry — bidding because it often results in putting the best picture in Saville Quigley Publications Photo 71 A ART IN QUIGLEY, chairman of the 17th annual Motion IVl Picture Herald Managers Round Table judging meeting and luncheon for the Quigley Publications' "Showmanship Competi- tion," introduces the guest speaker, Elmer C. Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest Amusement Corp., at the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria here yesterday. Rhoden is seated to the left of Quigley. They are flanked by Louis Schine of the Schine Circuit (left) and J. J. O'Connor of Universal (right). the poorest theatre and faster liquida- tion because it destroys some of the great value of word-of-mouth adver- tising. Exhibition, he said, is still using the same media, with the exception of television, for selling pictures that it used years ago. However, he paid tribute to trailers, reporting that a re- cent poll conducted in Kansas City theatres showed that 47 per cent of the patronage had been sold by trailers. Rhoden also pointed up the great publicity value to the industry of the annual Academy Awards. He sug- gested better information to exhibitors on production operations in order that exhibitors may know who is making the economically sound as well as the successful pictures. "Production must be successful if exhibition is to succeed," Rhoden said. "Waste must be eliminated in Holly- wood and exhibitors should know whether production costs are all on the screen or whether a large part of them are errors to be wrung out." He commended Universal for pro- duction of successful pictures at rea- sonable costs and also mentioned Rob- ert Lippert's "Steel Helmet" and Re- public's "Sands of Iwo Jima" in the same category. "The industry needs to act," he concluded. "I hope the COMPO Film Festival starts next fall, as planned. We must put the circus back on the road. We must bring Hollywwood to Main Street, as we brought the Bond Shows there in the last war." Rhoden expressed his appreciation of the Managers Round Table work in promoting business on the exhibi- tor level and said its importance is demonstrated by the fact that when one of his men wins the annual Quig- ley Showmanship Award, "I either have to give him a promotion or someone steals him from me." He com- mended Martin Quigley, the Hearld and Walter Brooks, director of Man- agers Round Table, for their services to the industry in inspiring managers to showmanship excellence. In introducing Rhoden, Quigley cited the Fox Midwest head's contribu- tions to community and industry wel- fare as well as his successful adminis- tration of his own business. Quigley reported that this year's en- tries of campaigns by theatre mana- gers in the annual Showmanship Awards constituted the largest num- ber in the 17-year history of the com- petition, and that more than 3,500 current members of the Mangers Round Table also sets a new record. Quigley called for a pause by the approximately 80 luncheon guests for a silent tribute to Louis S. Lifton, advertising-publicity director of Mono- gram-Allied Artists, who died sud- denly last Saturday in Hollywood. At the dais with Rhoden and Quig- ley were E. C. Grainger, Shea's Thea- tres ; Louis Schine, Schine Circuit ; A. W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox; J. J. O'Connor, Universal; Oscar Doob and Ernest Emerling, Loew's. Former winners of the Quigley grand award for showmanship who were present included Charles Hacker, Radio City Music Hall ; Harry Gold- berg, Warners, and Lige Brien, Eagle Lion Classics. Distribution and theatre advertising- publicity executives served as judges of the campaign entries. Their ballots will be tabulated during the week and winners will be announced at the end of the week. The judges for the Showmanship Awards were : PAUL ACKERMAN, advertising and publicity director, Paramount International Films, Inc.; LEON BAMBERGER, sales pramotioTB manager, RKO Radio Pictures; EMIL BERNSTECKER, district manager, Wilby-Kincey Theatres; DAVID BLUM, publicity director1, Loew's International Corp.; SID BLUMENSTOCK, advertising director, Paramount Pictures; LIGE BRIEN, exploitation manager, Eagle Lion Classics; RICHARD BROUS, legal depart- ment. Fox Midwest; DENNIS CARLIN advertising manager, Republic Pictures; MILTON E. COHEN, general sales man- ager, Eagle Lion Classics; SAMUEL COHEN, foreign publicity director, United Artists; RICHARD DE ROCHEMONT, The March of Time; OSCAR A. DOOB, general theatre executive, Loew's Theatres; (Continued from page 1) the interests of his forthcoming inde- pendent production activity. The post-war hostility which was evident in some quarters a few years ago when foreign film industries op- posed invasion by Hollywood, even in the form of location troupes, has van- ished, Saville stated. "Stage space, camera equipment, and other production facilities arc readily available in England and in Italy in particular, and are obtain- able in almost every country in Europe," the producer-director said. "In addition, they offer several ad- vantages, including a lot of spectacu- lar scenery that has not been worn out as screen backgrounds. And of course it is very easy to find bit and character players who are experienced actors and yet haven't worn out their welcome on the American screen." Saville made preliminary arrange- ments to film "The Director," his forthcoming independent film, in Ire- land. Before he left England he com- pleted, in collaboration with L.A.G. Strong, Irish novelist, the screenplay for this picture which is based on a story by Strong. In addition, Saville has launched pre-production activity on several other independent projects, including "Order of Release," and "I'm Going to Maxime's," the latter to be filmed in Paris. He will also remake his 1936 production, "Storm in A Teacup." licity department, Loew's Theatres; STEVE EDWARDS, director of advertising and publicity, Republic Pictures; ERNEST EMERLING, advertising publicity direc- tor, Loew's Theatres; LYNN FARNOL; MELVIN L. GOLD, director of advertising andl publicity, National Screen Service; HARRY GOLDBERG, advertising and publicity director, Warner Bros. Circuit; LARRY GRABURN, advertising director, Cdeon Theatres of Canada; E. C. GRAIN- GER, president, M. A. Shea Theatrical Enterprises; BEN H. GRIMM, advertising manager, RKO Radio Pictures; CHARLES HACKER, administrative assistant, Radio City Music Hall; WILLIAM J. HEINE- MAN vice-president in charge of distribu- tion, United Artists; B. G. KRANZE, vice- president in charge of national distribution, Eagle Lion Classics; TED LAZARUS, ad- vertising manager, Eagle Lion Classics; HOWARD LESIEUR, national director of advertising and publicity, Eagle Lion Classics; HENRY A. LINET, sales pro- motion: manager, Universal International; LARRY LIPSKIN, foreign publicity di- rector, Columbia; JEFF LIVINGSTON, Eastern advertising manager, Universal International. Also- GEORGE LYNCH, head film buyer, Schine Circuit; HARRY McWILLIAMS, exploitation manager, Columbia; HARRY MANDEL, national director of advertising and publicity, RKO Theatres; SIDNEY MESIBOV, director of expliotation, Para- mount Pictures; SEYMOUR MORRIS, ad- vertising and publicity director, Schine Theatre Circuit; JAMES R. NAIRN, di- rector of publicity and public relations, Famous Players Canadian; RUTGERS NEILSON, foreign publicity director, RKO Radio Pictures; JOHN J. O'CONNOR, vice-president, Universal International; JERRY PICKMAN, acting national adver- tising and publicity director, Paramount Pictures; DON PRINCE, director of pub- licity, RKO Radio Pictures; HARLAND RANKIN, Rankin Enterprises, Canada; ELMER RHODEN, president Fox Midwest Amusement Corp.; WILLIAM F. ROD- GERS, vice president, Loew's; JONAS ROSEN FIELD, advertising manager, 20th Century-Fox; SIDNEY SCHAEFER, di- rector of media and printed advertising, Columbia; LOUIS W. SCHINE, secretary- treasurer, Schine Circuit: CHARLES SCHLAIFER; SILAS F. SEADLER, ad- vertising manager, Loew's: MILTON SILVER, executive assistant, Republic Pic- tures- GEORGE SKOURAS. president, Skouras Theatres; A. W. SMITH, Jr., vice president, 20 th Century-Fox: DAN TERRELL, director of exploitation, Loew's; PHIL WILLIAMS, sales maneger. The March of Time; FRANCIS M. WINIKUS. advertising manager. Urited Artists, and MAX E. YOUNGSTEIN, vice president and national director of advertising and EDWARD C. DOWDEN, advertising-pub- publicity United Artists. 3IIIIIIIIIIIIIIU illinium mum imiiiiiimimmi mm iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiimimiiiiiiimmimimmiu 1 Only in I FAME... FAME is the only publication which records, within a single book, the popularity status of talent in the three fields of Motion Pictures, Radio, and Television. Now, more than ever, is that information of importance to those who create or produce — and all who purvey, sponsor or present entertainment in any of those three fields. For, talent-wise, the three fields have become virtually interrelated; the progress of talent in any of the three fields often is of significant interest for either of the other fields. Similarly, that also applies to the show as a whole. Fame records the boxoffice Champions in the Motion Picture field, and also the Champion shows in Radio and Tele- vision respectively. Thus is it possible, through Fame, to comparatively observe the type and calibre of shows that enjoyed top acceptance — as well as note the status of individual talent — in each of the three fields. And Fame — which is in itself a fine quality production job — makes it a pleasure to own, refer to, and preserve this handsomely presented record. That is why so many main- tain,, and yearly add to, their collection of issues of Fame. The 19th edition of FAME is now in distribution. Order your copy. Price $1.00 | A QUIGLEY QUALITY PUBLICATION | ii mil iim ■iniiiii ■■■ ■■ ■■ mil in ■■■■ ■■■■in ■■■■■■■■■>■■■ ■ iiii iii ■■ iiiiiiiiiiii liiii itiei ii ■•■«■ iiiiiii iiiiiiiiii ii ii ii if i ii ii i ii ■■ iiiim ■ ii iiiiiiiii ■iiiiiiiiiiiiii^ 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 13, 1951 U.A. (Continued from page 1) in the neighborhood of 29 per cent as against whatever percentage a pro- ducer is charged, thus leaving a mini- mum spread of about three per cent between what it would cost the dis- tributor to sell and promote a picture and what would be charged as a dis- tribution fee. Pictures which are viewed as con- tinuing within the former distribution fee range, notwithstanding the higher costs, are those which were contracted for by the former UA management. Such pictures which are just going into release include Harry M. Pop- kin's "The Second Woman," I. G. Goldsmith's "The Scarf," Irving Al- len's "New Mexico," S. P. Eagle's "The Prowler," W. Lee Wilder's "Three Steps North" and Robert Still- man's "Queen for a Day." It is viewed as likely, however, that contracts cov- ering some of these could have been renegotiated with the new manage- ment with the result that distribution fees were increased, thereby provid- ing the producers with the assurance of the maximum efforts of the sales and promotion departments under the increased costs structure. Reviews Lullaby of Broadway ( W am cr Brothers) THE ARRAY of old, nostalgic tunes that are brought back in "Lullaby of Broadway" is the real attraction of this musical drama. The produc- tion is in Technicolor and has enough entertainment assets to make it de- pendable merchandise despite conventional story material. The story has Doris Day returning home from a theatrical career in England to visit her mother, Gladys George, who is presumed to be riding the crest of a successful stage career. Actually, Miss George is on the lower rung of the theatrical ladder, addicted to alcohol, and working in a cheap village cafe. To shelter Miss Day from the reality, the latter is led to believe that her mother is the owner of a swank home which actually is the property of S. Z. Sakall, a theatrical "angel." As the masquerade continues, complications deepen. Meantime, Sakall decides to back a musical and have Miss Day as the star. The association of Miss Day and Sakall leads to several misunderstandings, mainly from Gene Nelson, tap-dancing boy friend of Miss Day's, and Florence Bates, Sakall's wife. In time Miss Day learns the truth about her mother, is crestfallen, and prepares to return to England. A last minute series of events reunites Miss Day and her mother, and then the show, "Lullaby of Broadway," goes on with Nelson as Miss Day's leading man. Others in the cast are Billy De Wolfe and Ann Triola, vaudeville team working as butler and maid for Sakall. Songs, beside the title one, include "In A Shanty in Old Shanty Town," Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," "Somebody Loves Me," and others. William Jacobs produced and David Butler directed from a screenplay by Earl Baldwin. Running time, 92 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, March 24. M. H. Double Refund for Seattle's Patrons Salem, Ore., March 12.— Oregon Legislator Bernard D. Gleason of Portland, has dropped a bill in the hopper that provides a theatregoer to be refunded twice the cost of a ticket if he is not seated within 30 minutes. The pur- chase time of the ticket would be stamped on it when it is sold. A standing-room- only ticket would sell for half price. tt New UA Management Discusses Prospects with Mary Pickford United Artists officers met with Mary Pickford at a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here yesterday to discuss company prospects under the new management. Present were Arthur B. Krim, UA president; Wil- liam J. Heineman, distribution vice- president ; Max E. Youngstein, vice- president and national director of ad- vertising-publicity, and Matthew Fox and Robert Benjamin, principals with Krim in the take-over of the company. Services for Lif ton (ContimKd from page 1) since the company's reorganization in 1936. Prior to that he had been East- ern story and talent executive for Re- public. Earlier film experience in- cluded associations with Educational, World-Wide, British - International and Metro. Born in New York and educated at Columbia, Lifton had been a staff member of the Chicago Trib- une's Paris edition, and also was a reporter for the Brooklyn Eagle and Times, prior to joining the film indus- try- Surviving are the widow, Lillian, his father and mother, a sister and three brothers, all of New York City. Hollywood, March 12 Industry Firms Gave $87,325 to N. Y. Fund Contributions to the Greater New York 1950 Fund Drive collected by the entertainment group totalled $87,- 325 from firms and $16,353 from em- ployes, according to a final report made by Joseph R. Vogel, Loew's vice-president and head of the enter- tainment group. The Man from Planet X (Sherrill Corwin — Mid-Century Pictures) INDEPENDENT motion picture theatre owner Sherrill Corwin, with an eagle-eye peeled in the direction of what he believes to be a box-office bonanza, for marketing through an as yet unnamed distribution company, purchased "The Man from Planet X" from its producers, Aubrey Wisberg and Jack Pollexfen. operating as Mid-Century Pictures. To make certain of his estimate of the production's future box-office potentialities, Corwin opened the film for a test run at the Paramount Theatre in San Francisco on March 9, further strengthening his economic conclusions by screening the film for professional reviewers in Hollywood prior to the San Francisco test. Out of all of this attention came the consensus of opinion that Exhibitor Corwin had dealt himself ace-high merchandising- product. The tale reverses the procedure of films about people of the Earth visiting- other planets, and depicts people of other planets visiting Earth. Corwin apparently had in mind the highly satisfactory box-office performances of the predecessor productions of the Earth -visiting-other planets sphere. Ably directed by Edgar Ulmer, from an impressively literate script by the co-producers, this production relies, as seems to be the correct procedure in enterprises of this character, on subject matter rather than upon magnetic personalities for its pulling power. Opening the story, a New York newspaper reporter journeys to a remote island off the Coast of Scotland, on invitation of a scientist who is his long- time friend, to cover the news of the approach of a hitherto unknown planet, which he has called Planet X. The scientist has calculated the date of its closest approach to Earth, but while they are awaiting this date they discover a torpedo-shaped conveyance in which an agent of Planet X, peacefully dis- posed, has landed to make preparations for further landings of X-people. When the scientist's assistant crosses up the friendly visitor, who depends on a tank of X-atmosphere for survival, the visitor enslaves the scientist, his daughter, his assistant, and several townsfolk, by use of a mesmeric ray. The reporter summons Scotland Yard men, then rescues the enslaved people by shutting off the visitor's supply tank, and the police blow up the visitor ?nd his vehicle in time to prevent his signalling landing instructions to Planet X, which finally swings on past and away. The story is by no means as incredible, fantastic and cartoon-like as the above synopsis suggests, and it it handled in such a way that it builds genuine suspense and solid impact. The cast goes along well, and includes Robert Clark, Margaret Field, Ray- mond Bond, William Schallert. Roy Engel. Running time, 70 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not set. Phonevision {Continued from page 1) telecast problem. During the recent National Collegiate Athletic Associa- tion meetings in Chicago, Zenith dem- onstrated Phonevision for the dele- gates. Their reaction was very fa- vorable, it was stated, the most note- worthy comment being made by Tom Hamilton, head of the NCAA televi- sion committee, who said, "in present- ing sporting events on TV without harm to the financial structure of col- lege athletics, I feel that the develop- ment of Phonevision will make TV all the more valuable to the public." No Action on Cole Suit Against Loew Washington, March 12. — The U. S. Supreme Court today did not act on the appeal of Lester Cole from a lower court ruling tossing out his rein- statement suit against Loew's, Inc. This means that no action will come before March 2'6 at the earliest, the date of the next court session. Some film industry officials had hoped the Court would dispose of the: appeal be- fore the House Un-American Activi- ties Committee's Hollywood hearings open next week. The issue in the Cole appeal is whether a refusal to cooperate with the House Committee and to answer questions on Communist affiliations constitutes ground for dismissal under the "morals" clause in most talent contracts. Would Exempt Films From Tenn. Sales Tax Nashville, March 12. — A bill in- troduced in the Tennessee Legislature by Representative Paul Phillips of this city would exempt rentals on motion picture film from the state sales tax. Missing Women9* (Republic) PERENNIAL INTEREST in police work and in particular the Bureau of *■ Missing Persons may give this semi-documentary study a lift at the box- office. Exploitation with the cooperation of city and police officials, may also help this film, which doesn't quite come off. Penny Edwards sees her groom of an hour killed after they stop on an isolated road to remove something from the back of their car. When police appear to be taking their time about finding the killers, Miss Edwards takes things into her own hands, completely changes her name and appearance and starts on their trail. Her disappearance becomes a problem to the Missing Persons detail and she is tracked down. The police discover how close she is to the solution and to the whereabouts of a gang of auto thieves who operate in lover's lanes." They close in just in time to rescue Miss Edwards, engage in a gun fight and apprehend the gang. Acting is up to par and the direction by Philip Ford is adequate. Stephen Auer was associate producer. Others in the cast are James Millicum, John Gallaudet and John Alvin. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. February release. Arthurs on Coast to Present F-M Awards Hollywood, March 12. — Harry C. Arthur and Harr" C. Arthur, Jr., who arrived here last night from St. Louis to present the Fanchon and Marco Circuit's first annual box-office win- ner award to the 20th Century-Fox studios, will also present a special sil- ver plaque to Dr. Herbert T. Kal- mus. This will be in appreciation of Technicolor's "immeasurable contribu- tions to the welfare and progress of the motion picture industry." To Select Committee For Allied Meet New Jersey Allied will hold a mem- bership meeting at its New York head- quarters tomorrow to select a commit- tee to handle arrangements for the national Allied convention scheduled for next Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at the Hotel Biltmore here. Wilbur Snaper, president of the New Jersey regional, will preside at tomorrow's meeting. The New Jersey unit recently was selected by Allied States' Board to play host to the 1951 national conven- tion delegates. co i- Z Ul £ ir Ul Z CJ o Z o ~ ™ i-i aj Ul I " * > c 1- Z « « ° < "2 JS * cc » -s «r — CO 02 < o < © « < o I— "0 l/> »■ 5 i o i- V) CtT. UJ Z < z cc < ErSilJ cccc ■ — oCa ts cc E £ = d£ Li. >i ^ z££- E= = o S|c| cc=-5ES in «< « ul — i c . — ■ . cji - , zSg^-i -K gr- .c z cl c^ 1 — e-2i = IUI j i^ci I ~ P, 6 o LULLABY OF BROADWAY (Color) Doris Day Gene Nelson M RATON PASS D"nnis Morgan Patricia Neal 0—84 min. (021 (Rev. 2/27/51) > z Z „ ^ _ ■ ~ i-i-'CeS <£©«£» M**"! g s-S| | £ CPS £ >fc« 5:5° 1 UIN 55 =!? pOcc-'JSC UICC a «2 ^ too =Q I £ = E Q I £ Opj .to •*> m-"' 1/1 . — . M * CC c - CS 0= go CO M 111©.*°? • . U1CC gg £ s) uizg-C Q u_l uj ; as a 3q uf *tj UJZ -co'i CO o ' = - co < ,^ .ZQ = *^UJ i ^ UJ 5g = a! — A ct> nf2= cS ^uj5 l^o^ £ = ^ c= O — , — ra - U.-oE£N S< =■'!»= - CCtcU^L^ . . -z « ^ c o O © " ■■ — ' ZZ o £ 6m ->S1A£ 4 O — 1 _J (1 >l RKO THE COMPANY SHE KEEPS Lizabeth Scott Jane Greer Dennis 0' Keefe D— 83 min. (Rev. 12/19/50') GAMBLING HOUSE Victor Mature Wm. Bendix D — 80 mln. (Rev. 12/22/50) CRY DANGER Dick Powell Rhonda Fleming D — 79 mln. (Rev. 2/1/51) PAYMENT ON DEMAND Bette Davis Barry Sullivan D — 90 mln. (Rev. 2/15/51) TARZAN'S PERIL Lex Barker Virginia Huston D THE THING Margaret Sheridan Kenneth Tobey D HARD, FAST AND BEAUTIFUL Claire Trevor Sally Forrest D KON-TI Kl Thor Heyerdahl Doc. MY FORBIDDEN PAST Ava Gardner Robert Mitchum D REPUBLIC SPOILERS OF THE PLAINS Roy Rogers Penny Edwards 0 — 68 min. (Rev. 2/6/51) MISSING WOMEN Penny Edwards James Millican D NIGHT RIDERS OF MONTANA Allan "Rocky" Lane 0 — 60 min. (Rev. 3/12/51) SILVER CITY BONANZA Rex Allen O CUBAN FIREBALL Estelita Rodriguez Warren Douglas CD — 78 min. (Rev. 3/12/51) OH! SUSANNA (Color) Rod Cameron Adrian Booth O — 90 min (Rev. 3/12/51) INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR Audrey Long Richard Denning HEART OF THE ROCKIES Roy Rogers Penny Edwards OM THUNDER IN GOD'S COUNTRY Rex Allen Mary Ellen Kay 0—67 min. (5052) BULLFIGHTER AND THE LADY Robert Stack Joy Page Gilbert Roland D— 87 min. (5009) PARA. (Feb. Releases^ THE GREAT MISSOURI RAID (Color) Wendell Corey Macdonald Carey D — SJ min. (Rev. 12/1/50) SEPTEMBER AFFAIR Joan Fontaine Joseph Cotten D— 101 min. (Rev. 10/11/50) (Mar. Releases) SAMSON AND DELILAH (Color) Hedy Lamarr Vietor Mature George Sanders D — 128 mln. (Rev. 10/21/49) THE MATING SEASON Gene Tierney John Lund Thelma Ritter C— 101 min. (Rev. 1/10/51) THE REDHEAD AND THE COWBOY Glenn Ford Edmond O'Brien Rhonda Fleming 0^ — 60 min. (Rev. 12/7/50) (Apr. Releases) MOLLY Gertrude Berg D — 83 min. (Rev. 11/24/50) QUEBEC (Color) Corinne Calvet Patric Knowles D — 85 min. (5017) (Rev. 2/28/51) THE LEMON DROP KID Bob Hope Marilyn Maxwell CD— 91 min. (5018) (Rev. 3/7/51) MONO. ABILENE TRAIL Whip Wilson 0 RHYTHM INN Jane Frazee Mc — 73 min. (Rev. 2/6/51) THE VICIOUS YEARS Tommy Cook Gar Moore D— 79 mln. (Rev. 2/23/50) NAVY BOUND Tom Neal Regis Toomey D — 60 min. (Rev. 2/20/51) MAN FROM SONORA Johnny Mack Brown 0 — 54 mln. GYPSY FURY Viveca Lindfors D LION HUNTERS Johnny Sheffield D (5109) CANYON RAIDERS Whip Wilson O (5151) (Allied Artists) 1 WAS AN AMERICAN SPY Ann Dvorak Gene Evans D (AA19) M-G-M THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE Louis Calhern Ann Harding D — 89 min. (Rev. 11/15/50) VENGEANCE VALLEY (Color) Burt Lancaster Robert Walker 0 — 83 min. (Rev. 2/5/51) CAUSE FOR ALARM Loretta Young Barry Sullivan D — 74 min. (Rev. 1/26/51) THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman Van Johnson C — 79 min. (Rev. 2/9/51) INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian Arlene Dahl Barry Sullivan D — 89 min. (Rev. 3/5/51) ROYAL WEDDING (Color) Fred Astaire Jane Powell MC— 93 mln. (Rev. 2/6/51) FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy Elizabeth Taylor CD— 82 min. (Rev. 2/21/51) SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger Walter Pidgeon D-87 mln. z UJ co —1 O o z« 2 u. 4) CO© UJ CC < Ul° Eci ui SO mm OOtBloo >.£»■§ I 2 eI oSlIi 0.2°= 3 I »°s ° E cc UJ z CL E < . >- — OO . "J CD Ul I- ui £ s UI(a = C5 -'ZE »f cc * >>-r- = Q« « O P=E a. X 3 ED OjgS E cc£cor » X 2 b-S =- J= ha 5 E i- .£ = _ - Cf) ° H- .5 - CL a cc = — ^ o . io CC£J -gCM ^uiEco ^ S =cr- Z = CO z_5sr -<^T>- 35 iT O l-|C» -h«0« "o"0 s:2«SS z?^»S < O ms t~ ^ EOcS X » — ■ — ! . HIS PS -E-=-o?: >« I -r. C " s ft S zo |Ec» -xrifog.- zjoo»=; uiajo c •tr I ocso' cc< . uj ® r UJ 4-> « CCCC B = O J= E U. "U) =>>- ca cccca • HO I >cc « E 1 1 fe tin r£ 1-1 rO 00 » 5- • « 00 5^ 5- ■a oo ■Oh 10 " 3 III 12 Left, the Eastman 16mm. Projec- tor, Model 25, brings 16mm. pro- jection to the professional level. Shown here, adapted for arc illu- mination, permanently installed alongside 35mm. equipment. Below, working parts of the film move- ment mechanism are in constant view of the operator . . . readily accessible for threading and cleaning. 'The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25, adapted for 1,000-wattM tungsten light. For Professional Quality Sound Projection from 16mm. Film The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25 The Kodak Projec- tion Ektar Lens, in a choice of four focal lengths, insures supe- rior screen image. This projection instrument — built to a new design concept — eliminates the three major obstacles to theatrical qual- ity 16mm. sound projection . . . exces- sive wear and high maintenance cost; low signal-to-noise ratio; and excessive flutter. A major cause of excessive wear and poor quality sound is the constant trans- fer of shock forces generated in the film pulldown mechanism to other parts of the system. In the Eastman 16mm. Pro- jector, Model 2 5, the intermittent (film advance mechanism) is completely iso- lated and independently driven by its own 1440 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Thus, shock forces are sealed off from the rest of the instrument. The sprocket- shutter system is driven by its own 1800 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Exact phas- ing between the two systems is accom- plished by specially designed synchro- mesh gears. In addition, the take-up spindle, rewind spindle, and blower are driven by separate motors. A highly corrected microscope ob- jective, adjustable for optimum sound quality from any type of 16mm. sound film, permits reproduction of variable area or variable density l6rara. sound tracks at extremely low distortion and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio. To get the best out of any 16mm. sound film, project it on an Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25. For in- formation on installation, availability, and prices, write directly to the Mo- tion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y., or any branch office. Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y. East Coast Division 342 Madison Avenue New York 17, N. Y. ill i Midwest Division 137 North Wabash Avenue Chicago 2, Illinois West Coast Division 6706 Sanla Monica Blvd. Hollywood 38, California VOL. 69. NO. 49 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1951 TEN CENTS Higher Fees Seen for LA Distribution Tied to Increased Costs Current in Industry Increased distribution fees are indicated for United Artists on future contracts with independent producers. Current negotiations between the new UA management and producers who have sought UA as an outlet are understood to be focusing on a distribution fee range that starts with a minimum which is higher than the company's previous maxi- mum. Heretofore, UA's distribution charge for individual pictures was variously 27% per cent and 30 per cent, de- pending on a number of factors, in- cluding a film's earning potential. The new charges are expected to start at around 32 per cent. Current higher costs, it is said, are (Continued on page 6) N. Y. Grosses Up; $145,000 at Hall, '14 Hours', $25,000 Grosses at New York's first-runs are on the upgrade this week and are expected to go higher as a number of theatres bring in strong product for the Easter season. Several runs, with holdover pictures, report better busi- ness for the past weekend than over the previous Saturday and Sunday. First of the Easter shows to open is "Royal Wedding" at Radio City Music Hall, which with $91,000 grossed by Sunday, looks to build to a tremen- dous $145,000. The annual Easter (Continued on page 3) Replies to US on Hughes Stock Sale Holding fast to the contention that a forced sale of Howard Hughes' RKO Theatres stock would be a modi- fication of the RKO consent decree and thus would need the presentation of new evidence at new hearings, Hughes' attorney Thomas Slack yes- terday filed a reply to the government brief requesting that the stock be sold (Continued on page 2) Phonevision Will Bid for Kentucky Derby 'Exclusive9 Chicago, March 12. — If Phone- vision receives the approval of the Federal Communications Commission after April 1, when its present 90- day test is over, one of its first steps will be to bid for an exclusive telecast of the running of the 1952 Kentucky Derby, according to E. F. McDonald, Jr., president of Zenith Radio Corp., parent company of Phonevision. Revenue to the Derby would run in- to the millions, McDonald predicted, saying that the Derby would have 20,000,000 spectators besides those at Churchill Downs. "I foresee Phonevision as a tremen- dous boon to charity," McDonald con- tinued. "In the name of the Red Cross or some such organization, a cham- pionship fight could be viewed on TV sets all over the country at $2 per set. In addition to huge profits for the promoters and principals, the char- ity would undoubtedly realize up to $10,000,000 in a single night." McDonald believes Baseball Com- missioner A. B. Chandler made a mis- take when he sold World Series TV rights for six years for $6,000,000. "Phonevision, if approved," he said, "would net baseball $6,000,000 for just one game." McDonald is sure that Phonevision is the answer to the college football (Continued on page 6) Production Abroad Smoother: Saville Hollywood, March 12. — British production facilities as well as those on the Continent are tagging along pretty hard on Hollywood's heels and most of the production hassles that were popping up in foreign film-mak- ing two or three years ago have now been eliminated, Victor Saville dis- closed on his return here from several months abroad. The producer - director's return marked the end of a 25,000-mile trip, including travels in Africa, made in (Continued on page 4) ELC Books Films Into 17 NY Houses Seventeen New York Metropolitan area "art'' theatres will open day^and- date runs tomorrow with Eagle Lion Classics' "Paper Gallows" and "The Taming of Dorothy." The mass booking was arranged by Charles Amory in his new post as head of ELC's special sales unit for releases considered by the company to be designed for "art" theatres. MP A Seeking Coast Aid in 'Red' Fight Hollywood, March 12.— Ed- ward Cheyfitz, Motion Picture Association of America ex- ecutive, arrived here from Washington today to request the cooperation of Hollywood studios and gu'lds for the March 21 hearings of the House Un-American Activi- ties Committee on alleged Communist activities here. Cheyfitz will ask that posi- tive steps be taken by the industry here to aid in the nation's fight against Com- munism. U. S. Rejects Pleas Of Ad Film Firms Washington, March 12. — The Federal Trade Commission has turned down the request of several advertis- ing film producers and distributors, including Alexander Films and Gen- eral Business Films, to modify a Com- mission order against their exclusive screening contracts. The Commission ordered the com- panies to cease making any such con- tracts running- for over a year, and to end any existing contracts that had more than a year to run from the date the Commission order was served. The companies asked the Commission to drop this last provision on existing contracts, but the Commission today refused. The companies have gone to court against the entire FTC order, and this _ court action has the effect of staying the effective date of the order. Services Today for Louis S. Lifton Hollywood, March 12. — Funeral services will be conducted here tomor- row morning at the Church of the Recessional. Forest Lawn, for Louis S. Lifton, national director of adver- tising and publicity for Monogram and Allied Artists, who died unex- pectedly Saturday afternoon at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, where he had undergone major brain surgery, on Friday. Lifton had become ill Wed- nesday morning as he prepared to leave home" for the studio, and physi- cians who were summoned diagnosed the illness as a brain tumor. He had rallied from the operation and ap- peared to be gaining strength when the end came. Lifton, 52, held the Monogram post (Continued on page 6) Rhoden Urges Spokesman for Film Industry Addresses Luncheon for Quigley Awards Judges (Picture on Page 4) The industry sorely needs an offi- cial spokesman to answer its critics and traducers across the land, El- mer C. Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest Amusement Corp., Kansas City, told directors and department heads of distribution and theatres' ad- vertising-publicity departments at a luncheon at the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria here yesterday following the 17th an- nual judging of the Quigley Show- manship Awards, sponsored by the Managers Round Table of Motion Picture Herald. Rhoden expressed the hope that the Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations will be able to meet the need for an official industry spokesman. "As of now," he said, "no one (Continued on page 4) Theatre Telecast Of Senate Crime Probe A Hit at Fox The interest of the audience at Fa- bian's Fox Theatre in Brooklyn which, through theatre television, heard and saw Joe Adonis testifying before the Senate committee investigating crime impressed the management so much that the telecast, scheduled to run for about 20 minutes, was continued for 50 minutes yesterday afternoon. Fabian's Fox was one of three the- atres in the Metropolitan area which picked up excerpts of the televised hearings, held at the Federal Build- (Continued on page 3) N. Y. Exhibitors to Discuss Exposition A meeting of New York exhibitors for the discussion of plans for an in- dustry exposition- to be held next fall has been called for Thursday morning by Fred Schwartz, president of Cen- tury Theatres, who is chairman of an exhibitors' committee charged with making plans for improving theatre business in the New York area. It (Continued on page 3) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 13, 1951 4Best Films' Rating High, MP A A Reports One out of every seven motion pic- tures shown on American theatre screens last year achieved the distinc- tion of a "best films" rating. This is disclosed in a compilation of 21 lists of the year's outstanding films as se- lected and published by motion picture critics, periodicals and reviewing groups, and disclosed here yesterday by the Motion Picture Association of America. Analysis of the lists shows that of some 465 .feature films exhibited in the nation's theatres last year, 66—50 of them American — won "best films" citations. This total represents an in- crease in the number that made the "best films" grade in 1949 when, from approximately the same number of re- leases, the composite "jury" placed 57 motion pictures — 48 from Holly- wood— in the blue-ribbon category, the MPAA stated. A number of the critics and pollsters complained that they had considerable difficulty confining their selections m 1950 to arbitrary limits, it was said. Arthur H. DeBra, director of Com munity Relations of the MPAA, who made the survey, observed : "Most of the films that won top honors last year, as in previous years appeared on lists that limited the se- lections to the customary '10 best.' That as many as 66 different films were thus singled out reflects in part the extensive difference in tastes even among the relatively few critics and groups whose selections were pub- lished. "Compared with the totals of the previous year, the increase in the num- ber of films adjudged 'best' in 1950 would also indicate that American mo- tion picture audiences are being- treated to a constantly increasing va- riety of fine movies. "According to the composite selec- tions, there was at least one 'best' film for every week of the year — with 14 added for good measure." Personal Mention GEORGE J. SCHAEFER, Stanley Kramer Productions' distribution chief, is scheduled to return to New York from the Coast next weekend. • Kenneth N. Hargreaves, 20th Century-Fox secretary and director in London, sails from England today in the Queen Elizabeth for a home of- fice visit. • Phil William theatrical sales manager of The March of Time, and his assistant, Bob Ogden, have re- turned here from Cincinnati. • John B. Preston, Humphrey, Neb., exhibitor, has been reelected president of the Loup River Public Power Dis- trict. • Ted R. Gamble, head of Gamble Enterprises, is due to return here to- morrow from Palm Springs, Calif. • Murray Roman, field representa- tive for Stanley Kramer, is in Dallas from New York. • Alva E. Smith of the Westrex Corp. has left here by plane for Rome. He will also visit Paris and London. George W. Steck of Westrex Corp. has returned to New York from Teheran. • Elaine Goss of Realart Pictures' art department, has become engaged to Robert J. Gross. Leon Brandt and Ilya Lopert of Lopert Films have returned to New York from Chicago. Mickey Daly, manager of the Cen- ter Theatre, Hatrford, is observing his 30th year in show business. Goldstone-Savini Deal Harry Goldstone, president of Famous Pictures, New York, has con- cluded a deal with R. M. Savini, president of Astor Pictures to dis- tribute the following re-releases, "Dark Waters," "Mr. Ace," "The Great John L," "Bridge of San Luis Rey," and one new release, Carol Reed's "Men of the Sea," for the Metropolitan New York and New York State territories. JOSEPH HAZEN, president of Hal Wallis Productions, is due back here at the weekend from the Coast. • Sam Cohen, United Artists for- eign publicity manager, observes his 32nd anniversary in the industry to- day, 13 years with Paramount and 19 with U. A. • George M. Jones, former office manager for Universal-International, Atlanta, has been appointed sales man- ager there replacing Bill Kelly, now branch manager. • Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independent Motion Pic- ture Producers, is expected here to- day from Atlanta. • Lawrence Kent, 20th Century- Fox's representative on the Gaumont- British board, has returned to Lon- don from New York. • Ellison Dunn, owner of Dunn Theatres in Florida and Georgia, is in Emory Hospital, Atlanta, recover- ing from illness. • Shannon Katzenbach has re- signed as city manager in Terre Haute, Inch, for the Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. of Louisville. • Dick Johnson has become office manager for Columbia's exchange at Atlanta. Bob Roberts, producer, has re- turned to Hollywood from New York. • Irving Rubine, vice-president of Robert Stillman Productions, has re- turned to Hollywood from here. 40 Years for Wilhy At Selma Theatre Atlanta, March 12. — On April 3, R. B. Wilby, presi- dent of Wilby-Kincey Theatre Service, will celebrate the 40th year of continuous oper- ation of the Wilby Theatre, Selma, Ala. The theatre, for- merly called the Academy of Music, was changed to the Wilby, on April 3, 1939. On April 3, this year, there will be a big celebration in Selma in Wilby's honor. Hughes Stock (Continued from page 1) by Hughes within two years, or by the trustee in the following two years. Slack's reply, due in court last Fri- day, was delayed because of his ab- sence in Washington and not, as re- ported, because he saw no need to reply to the government brief pre- pared by U. S. Assistant Attorney General Philip Marcus. Most of Slack's latest document con- ' cerned. itself with the precedents cited by Marcus but he reiterated that the consent decree reached by RKO and the government did not specifically call upon Hughes to do more than trustee his theatre holdings. He re- ferred to the government's motion as "the whim of a single U. S. Assistant Attorney General" and asked the N. Y. Statutory Court to bear in mind that stock sales in other decrees had been specifically agreed upon and voted up- on by the stockholders. The government motion is now be- fore the court, which may call fur- ther hearings or hand down a decision. The latter course is expected. Switch to Technicolor Hollywood, March 12.— RKO Pict- ures' "Half Breed," with Robert Young and Jack Buetel, which goes into production this week, will be filmed in Technicolor. It was previ- ously reported among 25 films to be made this year in Supercinecolor. Warner District Split Cleveland, March 12 . — Dick W right and Frank Harpster, Warner Ohio Theatres district managers will divide the Southern Ohio territory handled by Ray Brown, Sr. until his death last week, thus eliminating one district manager from the zone. Set 'Queen' Tie-in for Variety Convention In cooperation with Robert Still- man Productions, Mutual Broadcast- ing and the Raymond Morgan Agency, producers of the "Queen for a Day" radio show, a special personal appearance of Jack Bailey and his radio troupe has been set for the eve- ning of May 11 at the Variety Inter- national Convention in Philadelphia, Max E. Youngstein, United Artists advertising-publicity vice - president, has announced. The "Queen for a Day" troupe will put on a special performance at the Variety convention for the wives of exhibitors, one of whom will be select- ed "Queen for a Day" and presented with several prizes. The production will go into national release through UA in April. McCall Ups Cunningham Bill Cunningham has been named advertising salesman covering motion picture accounts of McCall's Maga- zine. Cunningham, a veteran of 25 years in the publishing field, and ■ for 10 years with McCall's, will take over from Fred Bauer, whose new assign- ment is the household furnishings field on the same publication. Legion Reviews 11; One in Class 'C Eleven additional films have been reviewed by the National Legion of Decency. One was listed as Class "C," two are in Class "B," and the remainder in Class "A." In Class "C" is "Hoboes in Para- dise," (French), Distinguished Films. In Class "B" are "Bird of Paradise," 20th Century-Fox and "Footlight Varieties," RKO. Class "A," section one, include "Night Riders of Mon- tana," Republic; "Skipalong Rosen- bloom," Eagle Lion Classics, and "Up Front," Universal-International. Class "A," section two, include : "Fourteen Hours," 20th-Fox; "The Long Dark Hall," and "Oliver Twist," both (British) ELC; "Missing Women," Republic, and "My True Story," Col- umbia. Gottlober Aids Drive For the 10th consecutive year, Sig- mund Gottlober, executive director of the Foreign Language Press Film Critic's Circle, New York, is serving as chairman of the foreign press com- mittee here for the 1951 Red Cross Fund Campaign, which is seeking $6,500,000 throughout the city and $85,000,000 nationally. Vote Against Capital Bill Washington, March 12. — A Senate District sub-committee has adversely reported on a bill to extend the Dis- trict's minimum wages to males. At present, it covers only women work- ers. Theatre owners and other busi- ness groups had fought the measure, which may still be favorably acted on by the full Senate committee. SMPTE to Hear Terry Paul Terry, president of Terry- toons, Inc., will deliver a lecture- demonstration on the .making of car- toons before the Atlantic Coast sec- tion of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers on March 21 in the Wilkie Memorial Building, here. Non-members are welcome. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center __ FRED AST AIRE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting- Editor. Ftiblished daily, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, bv Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-310O. Cable address: Qurgpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer- Leo J. Brady Secretary, Tames P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building, William K. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, LI C. London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager: Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion i-ictme Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; ba.me. Entered as secona- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, luc. Tuesday, March 13, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3> Review it Soldiers Three (M etro-G oldwyn-M oyer) INSPIRED by the stories of Rudyard Kipling, M-G-M's "Soldiers Three" has its setting in India and revolves around the rousing adventures of three soldiers in the King's army. The obstreperous trio that has a kinship with trouble and mischief consists of Stewart Granger, Cyril Cusack and Robert Newton. The story is told in retrospect in a tongue-in-cheek manner by Walter Pidgeon, a retired general who lived through the stormy mischief of the three soldiers. The cast is rounded out by David Niven, a captain, and Greta Gynt, a voluptuous blonde who shares a brief romantic interlude with Granger. The picture has been well made production-wise, and has humor, interest and action. However, there are times when the plot seems uncertain in its direction and is heavy with dialogue. For the most part the story delineates the misadventures of the three soldiers and shows how their unorthodox behavior has repercussions on both Pidgeon and Niven. Incident follows incident, until finally the wily Pidgeon hits upon a strategem to break up the three. He promotes Granger to a sergeant, and since privates traditionally do not like sergeants, dissension is aroused among the three friends. Comic enmity bounces back and forth in abundance. A crisis is reached when some 50 men are dispatched to take a fortress, a seeming death-trap mission. The two privates are in the group but Granger is left behind. Once within the walls of the fortress, the group gets hopelessly trapped by the Indians. In the meantime, Granger has deserted and goes off to join his buddies. His desertion becomes mighty helpful to the trapped men as he proves instrumental in their liberation. Since hero Granger has to be punished for his desertion, he is happily demoted back to a private and all ends joyously. Pandro S. Berman produced and Tay Garnett directed, from a screenplay by a trio of writers consisting of Marguerite Roberts, Tom Reed and Malcolm Stuart Boylan. Running time, 83 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, April 20. Mandel Herbstman (Additional reviews on page 6) NY Grosses {Continued from page 1) National Pre-Selling \/I -G-M's radio series, "The Story 1V1 of Doctor Kildare," now circu- lating to radio stations through M-G-M Records, has been singled out for com- mendation by the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults. The 29-year-old nationwide organ- ization, with 2,000 affiliates in the 48 states, services more than 20,000 chil- dren suffering from cerebral palsy. The film and radio series has also been praised by the American Red Cross for its effect in deepening the under- standing of services provided by the sale of Easter Seals, with due appre- ciation to Lew Ayers and Lionel Bar- rymore for their imaginative interpre- tation of the needs of crippled children. • Paramount's "The Redhead and the Cowboy" will be given novel publicity as a result of a tieup with Copley Fabrics, Inc., which will cre- ate a montage of scenes from the picture, including shots of Glenn Ford, Edmond O'Brien and Rhonda Fleming, printed directly on a French crepe Copley fabric which can be fashioned into dresses, scarve , blouses, etc. These photo- prints will also be available to man- ufacturers for use on satins, fluo- rescent and sharkskins, and should be a c le for exploitation tieups at the point of sale. Theatre staff em- ployes can be attired in the new material to show goods in advance. • Six television trailers, running from 20 seconds to one-minute, have been prepared by Columbia for the Tech- nicolor production of "Valentino." Trailers feature the stars, Anthony Dexter, who is said to be like the original "Rudy," and Eleanor Parker, as one of many women in his life. Dramatic highlights are accented and the selling approach is intended to bring out the romantic and nostalgic quality of the film. Trailers are now available in both 16mm. and 35mm. • An important tribute to the 20th Century-Fox "Bird of Paradise" pro- motion campaign has come from the Retail Division of the Bureau of Ad- vertising, which has named the plan "am. outstanding example of motion picture merchandising at the local level." A special bulletin heralding the campaign is being sent by the Bureau to hundreds of member newspapers, urging their complete support. Spe- cifically, advertising managers of daily nezvspapcrs throughout the country are , urged to set up special sections in which various tie-ins can be assembled for the greatest cooperative adz'ertis- ing benefit zmth local theatres. • Almost 1,000,000 persons in every part of the country have already asked to see Robert Stillman's "Queen for a Day" as a result of the elaborate pre- selling campaign which has been waged since Feb. 12, when Mutual Broadcast- ing launched its three-week, day-to- day program urging listening audi- ences to send signed postcards, re- questing tickets for the premiere of the picture in their city. The network's 500 stations concluded their search for the "Queen City" on March 2 and an- nouncement of the winning situation will follow, with a personal appear- ance of the entire "Queen for a Day" radio troupe on the local MBS station. Walter Brooks Crime Hearings (Continued from page 1) ing here. The others, Century cir- cuit's Marine in Brooklyn and Queens in Queens Village, used shorter por- tions at two intervals in each house. S. Netzler, manager of Fabian's Fox, said the quality of the telecast was "very good" and was comparable to newsreels. He and his aides kept constant check on audience reaction, which was good enough to continue the telecast for the longer span. He considered the appearance of Adonis at the time of the conclusion of the regu- lar feature a "lucky break," as Adonis and his history are part of Brooklyn's lore. At the Marine the first excerpt, be- ginning at 2 :10 P.M., ran for 17 min- utes and the second, at 3 :45, ran for five minutes. The Queens showed the hearing at 2:25 P.M. for eight min- utes and at 4 :20 for 10 minutes. At both theatres the audience was recep- tive, it was said. Century will decide today on fur- ther telecasts of the hearings, while Fabian's Fox will continue on a spot basis, looking for colorful 'figures with the attention-holding ability of Adonis. The hearings, conducted by U. S. Senator Estes Kefauver, are being carried, in whole or part, by five of the seven television stations in this area. WPIX is handling the pick- up of the proceedings and in turn "feeds" the program to the other out- lets. N. Y. Exhibitors (Continued from page 1) is expected other aspects of the com- mittee's work will also be taken up. The idea of holding an industry exposition was first proposed by Schwartz last November at a meeting of the COMPO executive board. At that time the board expressed interest in the project and authorized Schwartz to make a further study of it. Ascap Sets Annual Meet for March 27 Ascap's annual meeting, which will feature reports by Otto Harbach, pres- ident, and other officers, has been set for March 27 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here. It will be followed on the evening of the same day by the soci- ety's annual banquet at the Waldorf- Astoria. Ballotting is already under way for a new board of directors, and the re- sults of the election are expected to be announced on March 22. The new board will consist of 12 writer repre- sentatives and 12 publisher represen- tatives. Action by SCTOA On COMPO Delayed Hollywood, March 12. — The South- ern California Theatre Owners of America today deferred action on ap- proving the new set-up for the Council of Motion Picture Organizations at a meeting attended by Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, and Herman Levy, TOA general counsel. The outstanding development of to- day's session was the decision to ap- point a committee which, after study- ing problems in the Los Angeles area, will go to Washington for conferences with Department of Justice officials, continuing on to New York for talks with industry executives. The meet- ing with Department of Justice offi- cials, arranged by Sullivan, will take place before April 3, when the TOA board meets. Sullivan in his address emphasized the need for unity in local units and restated his belief that more films in color are needed to improve the box- office take. Levy, who also addressed the meeting, spoke of the advantages to be gained by reducing exhibitor- distributor disputes to a minimum. Show, staged by Leon Leonidoff, is on stage. Another opener which looks big is "14 Hours" it the Astor, where a hefty $25,000 is .expected for the first week. "Molly" at the Paramount is having a mild first week, with a gross of about $50,000 due. Nellie Lutcher tops the Paramount stage bill. "Storm Warning," aided by Jose- phine Baker on stage is expected to gross over $50,000 for a second week at the Strand, provided Miss Baker recovers from the illness which kept her from the stage on Sunday. The film and stage show is being held for an additional week because of the ex- cellent box-office showing. "Three Guys Named Mike" is mov- ing" out of the Capitol after a two- week stand, with about $36,000 ex- pected for the final week. With $44,- 000 for the first week, the run is satis- factory. "Inside Straight" will open on Thursday. Also finishing up is "U.S.S. Tea- kettle (renamed "You're in the Navy Now"), at the Roxy, with about $46,- 000 estimated for a final five days. Better business was reported for last weekend than for the previous week- end, with $39,000 grossed as compared to $37,000. The Roxy's Easter offer- ing, "Bird of Paradise," will open to- morrow, along with a special stage show headed by Tony Martin. Among the longer runs, "Born Yes- terday" still leads with a splendidly consistent $21,000 reported for its 12th week. "Tomahawk" is holding up nicely at Loew's State, with about $14,000 due for a fourth week. The State also reports better business last Saturday than on the same day a week ago. "The 13th Letter" is rather slow with $10,000 estimated for a third week at the Rivoli. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is sitll okay at the Globe, with about $12,000 in sight for a third week. "Target Unknown" had a satisfactory 10-day run at the Cri- terion with a total gross of about $22,000 ; regardless, it is making way for "The Groom Wore Spurs" today. The Mayfair is concluding three weeks with a pair of reissues, "Dodge City" and "Virginia City," with a good $12,000 estimated for the final period. "Gambling House" will open there on Saturday. "Cyrano de Bergerac" still maintains a satisfactory pace in its two-a-day run at the Bijou, with about $8,000 due for the 18th week. "Trio" is be- ginning to sag a bit at the Sutton, with about $4,500 expected for the 23rd week. Defers Decision on 'Miracle' to May 9 Albany, N. Y., March 12. — The Appellate Division's decision on "The Miracle," banned as "sacrilegious" by the Board of Regents, was deferred today until May 9 after the judges saw a screening of the film and listened to opposing arguments by counsels, representing the Regents and Joseph Burstyn, Inc., distributor of the con- troversial film. The court also received amici curae briefs filed by the State Catholic Wel- fare Committee, in support of the Regents, and the New York City Civil Liberties Committee and National Council on Freedom from Censorship, opposing the ban. 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 13, 1951 Rhoden (Continued from page 1) speaks for us on the industry level. We sit and take it and do nothing." Rhoden reviewed a number of fac- tors that have been injurious to the industry's standing in the eyes_ of the public and pointed out indications of the industry' unwillingness or inability to counteract them. The investing public, he said, "thinks we are going down-hill. Motion picture stocks in the past five years decreased in mar- ket value from a former worth of $900,000,000 to a present worth of something over $400,000,000. Many financial spokesmen, have without challenge, made the assertion that tele- vision will mean the end of motion pictures, he pointed out, and critics and columnists through adverse and frequently unwarranted statements have contributed to the industry's bad press, often without being answered. For itself, Rhoden said, the indus- try has experienced a letdown of good old-fashioned press-agentry and its advertising no longer dominates popu- lar media as it once did. While citing figures to show that over-all Ameri- can advertising expenditures have more than doubled since 1940, film ad- vertising actually has decreased in dis- play space used, and what increase in expenditure for advertising there has been is explained by increases in rates, he said. "We have not kept pace in adver- tising with other lines and other in- dustries," Rhoden said. Even the Main Street theatre today has become a "drab" thing, the Fox Midwest chief asserted. At one time, he re- called, the theatre with its ani- mated lights was the one bright spot at night on Main Street. Today, wedged between the brighter neons of even super- markets, "it looks drab." While many good pictures still come from Hollywood regularly, Rhoden said, "we have introduced nothing new that people can talk about." In this respect he commended 20th Century- Fox for its Showmanship Campaign of last year and 20th- Fox's Charles Einfeld for the scheduled-performances policy for "All About Eve." The lat- ter, Rhoden admitted, may have had indifferent results but it did give critics and columnists something to write about with the result that the picture was highly successful in his own and many other theatres. "Distributors' advertising- publicity departments are doing a good job within their orbit," Rhoden said, "but we must se- lect better selling angles on the exhibitor level." Television, he suggested, should make a very effective advertising-pub- licity medium for theatres and, com- mending "The M-G-M Story," super- vised by Frank Whitbeck, Rhoden said it is ideally suited to television presentation. He holds that television is not fatal competition for theatres by any means, asserting that since its introduction in the Kansas City area a year ago his theatres have experienced no decline in business. In fact, it's better, he said. Rhoden mentioned competitive bid- ding and earlier liquidation of pictures as among the few new things intro- duced in distribution in recent years, adding that he feels both are bad for the industry — bidding because it often results in putting the best picture in Saville (Continued from page 1) Quigley Publications Photo 71 /f ART IN QUIGLEY, chairman of the 17th annual Motion 1 VI Picture Herald Managers Round Table judging meeting and luncheon for the Quigley Publications' "Showmanship Competi- tion," introduces the guest speaker, Elmer C. Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest Amusement Corp., at the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria here yesterday. Rhoden is seated to the left of Quigley. They are flanked by Louis Schine of the Schine Circuit (left) and J. J. O'Connor of Universal (right). the poorest theatre and faster liquida- tion because it destroys some of the great value of word-of-mouth adver- tising. Exhibition, he said, is still using the same media, with the exception of television, for selling pictures that it used years ago. However, he paid tribute to trailers, reporting that a re- cent poll conducted in Kansas City theatres showed that 47 per cent of the patronage had been sold by trailers. Rhoden also pointed up the great publicity value to the industry of the annual Academy Awards. He sug- gested better information to exhibitors on production operations in order that exhibitors may know who is making the economically sound as well as the successful pictures. "Production must be successful if exhibition is to succeed," Rhoden said. "Waste must be eliminated in Holly- wood and exhibitors should know whether production costs are all on the screen or whether a large part of them are errors to be wrung out." He commended Universal for pro- duction of successful pictures at rea- sonable costs and also mentioned Rob- ert Lippert's "Steel Helmet" and Re- public's "Sands of Iwo Jima" in the same category. "The industry needs to act," he concluded. "I hope the COMPO Film Festival starts next fall, as planned. We must put the circus back on the road. We must bring Hollywwood to Main Street, as we brought the Bond Shows there in the last war." Rhoden expressed his appreciation of the Managers Round Table work in promoting business on the exhibi tor level and said its importance is demonstrated by the fact that when one of his men wins the annual Quig ley Showmanship Award, "I either have to give him a promotion or someone steals him from me." He com mended Martin Quigley, the Hearld and Walter Brooks, director of Man- agers Round Table, for their services to the industry in inspiring managers to showmanship excellence. In introducing Rhoden, Quigley cited the Fox Midwest head's contribu- tions to community and industry wel- fare as well as his successful adminis- tration of his own business. Quigley reported that this year's en- tries of campaigns by theatre mana- gers in the annual Showmanship Awards constituted the largest num- ber in the 17-year history of the com- petition, and that more than 3,500 current members of the Mangers Round Table also sets a new record. Quigley called for a pause by the approximately 80 luncheon guests for a silent tribute to Louis S. Lifton, advertising-publicity director of Mono- gram-Allied Artists, who died sud- denly last Saturday in Hollywood. At the dais with Rhoden and Quig- ey were E. C. Grainger, Shea's Thea- tres ; Louis Schine, Schine Circuit ; A. W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox; J. J. O'Connor, Universal ; Oscar Doob and Ernest Emerling, Loew's. Former winners of the Quigley grand award for showmanship who were present included Charles Hacker Radio City Music Hall ; Harry Gold- berg, Warners, and Lige Brien, Eagle Lion Classics. Distribution and theatre advertising publicity executives served as judges of the campaign entries. Their ballots will be tabulated during the week and winners will be announced at the end of the week. The judges for the Showmanship Awards were: PAUL ACKERMAN, advertising and publicity director, Paramount International Films, Inc.; LEON BAMBERGER, sales promotion manager, RKO Radio Pictures; EMIL BERNSTECKER, district manager, Wilby-Kincey Theatres; DAVID BLUM, publicity director1, Loew's International Corp.; SID BLUMENSTOCK, advertising director, Paramount Pictures; LIGE BRIEN, exploitation manager, Eagle Lion Classics; RICHARD BROUS, legal depart- ment, Fox Midwest; DENNIS CARLIN, advertising manager, Republic Pictures; MILTON E- COHEN, general sales man- ager, Eagle Lion Classics; SAMUEL COHEN, foreign publicity director, United Artists; RICHARD DE ROCHEMONT, The March of Time; OSCAR A. DOOB, general theatre executive, Loew's Theatres; the interests of his forthcoming inde- pendent production activity. The post-war hostility which was. evident in some quarters a few years ago when foreign film industries op- posed invasion by Hollywood, even in the form of location troupes, has van- ished, Saville stated. "Stage space, camera equipment, and other production facilities are readily available in England and in Italy in particular, and are obtain- able in almost every country in Europe," the producer-director said. "In addition, they offer several ad- vantages, including a lot of spectacu- lar scenery that has not been worn out as screen backgrounds. And of course it is very easy to find bit and character players who are experienced actors and yet haven't worn out their welcome on the American screen." Saville made preliminary arrange- ments to film "The Director," his forthcoming independent film, in Ire- land. Before he left England he com- pleted, in collaboration with L.A.G. Strong, Irish novelist, the screenplay for this picture which is based on a story by Strong. In addition, Saville has launched pre-production activity on several other independent projects, including "Order of Release," and "I'm Going to Maxime's," the latter to be filmed in Paris. He will also remake his 1936 production, "Storm in A Teacup." licity department, Loew's Theatres; STEVE EDWARDS, director of advertising and publicity, Republic Pictures; ERNEST EMERLING, advertising publicity direc- tor, Loew's Theatres; LYNN FARNOL; MELVIN L. GOLD, director of advertising and publicity, National Screen Service; HARRY GOLDBERG, advertising and publicity director, Warner Bros. Circuit; LARRY GRABURN, advertising director, Odeon Theatres of Canada.; E. C. GRAIN- GER, president, M. A. Shea Theatrical Enterprises; BEN H. GRIMM, advertising manager, RKO Radio Pictures; CHARLES HACKER, administrative assistant, Radio City Music Hall; WILLIAM J. HEINE- MAN vice-president in charge of distribu- tion, United Artists; B. G. KRANZE, vice- president in charge of national distribution, Eagle Lion Classics; TED LAZARUS, ad- vertising manager, Eagle Lion Classics; HOWARD LESIEUR, national director of advertising and publicity, Eagle Lion Classics; HENRY A. LINET, sales pro- motion' manager, Universal International; LARRY LIPSKIN, foreign publicity di- rector, Columbia; JEFF LIVINGSTON, Eastern advertising manager, Universal International. Also- GEORGE LYNCH, head film buyer, Schine Circuit; HARRY McWILLIAMS, exploitation manager, Columbia; HARRY MANDEL, national director of advertising and publicity, RKO Theatres; SIDNEY MESIBOV, director of expliotation, Para- mount Pictures; SEYMOUR MORRIS, ad- vertising and publicity director, Schine Theatre Circuit; JAMES R. NAIRN, di- rector of publicity and public relations, Famous Players Canadian; RUTGERS NEILSON, foreign publicity director, RKO Radio Pictures; JOHN J. O'CONNOR, vice-president, Universal International; JERRY PICKMAN, acting national adver- tising and publicity director, Paramount Pictures; DON PRINCE, director of pub- licity, RKO Radio Pictures; HARLAND RANKIN, Rankin Enterprises, Canada; ELMER RHODEN, president Fox Midwest Amusement Corp.; WILLIAM F. ROD- GERS, vice president, Loew's; JONAS ROSENFIELD, advertising manager, 20th Century-Fox; SIDNEY SCHAEFER, di- rector of media and printed advertising, Columbia; LOUIS W. SCHINE, secretary- treasurer, Schine Circuit; CHARLES SCHLAIFER; SILAS F. SEADLER ad- vertising manager, Loew's: MILTON SILVER, executive assistant, Republic Pic- tures- GEORGE SKOURAS, president, Skouras Theatres; A. W. SMITH, Jr., vice president, 2H*h Century- Fox; DAN TERRELL, director of exploitation, Loew's; PHIL WILLIAMS, sales manager. The March of Time; FRANCIS M. WINIKUS advertising manager, United Artists, and MAX E. YOUNGSTEIN, vice president and national director of advertising and EDWARD C. DOWDEN, advertising-pub- publicity United Artists, 2IU ii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii nun iiiimimiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiL; I Only in \ FAME... FAME is the only publication which records, within a single book, the popularity status of talent in the three fields of Motion Pictures, Radio, and Television. Now, more than ever, is that information of importance to those who create or produce — and all who purvey, sponsor or present entertainment in any of those three fields. For, talent-wise, the three fields have become virtually interrelated; the progress of talent in any of the three fields often is of significant interest for either of the other fields. Similarly, that also applies to the show as a whole. Fame records the boxoffice Champions in the Motion Picture field, and also the Champion shows in Radio and Tele- vision respectively. Thus is it possible, through Fame, to comparatively observe the type and calibre of shows that enjoyed top acceptance — as well as note the status of individual talent — in each of the three fields. And Fame — which is in itself a fine quality production job — makes it a pleasure to own, refer to, and preserve this handsomely presented record. That is why so many main- tain, and yearly add to, their collection of issues of Fame. The 19th edition of FAME is now in distribution. Order your copy. Price $1.00 1 A QUIGLEY QUALITY PUBLICATION ^llll II II lllll lllllllllll IIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIIIII lllillllilll ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■'■•■^■■■■■■■■■■'(■'■■■■II ■■■■■■■■■■'■■■^■■■■■■■>BI>l^ 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 13, 1951 U.A. (Continued from page 1) in the neighborhood of 29 per cent as against whatever percentage a pro- ducer is charged, thus leaving a mini- mum spread of about three per cent between what it would cost the dis- tributor to sell and promote a picture and what would be charged as a dis- tribution fee. Pictures which are viewed as con- tinuing within the former distribution fee range, notwithstanding the higher costs, are those which were contracted for by the former UA management. Such pictures which are just going into release include Harry M. Pop- kin's "The Second Woman," I. G. Goldsmith's "The Scarf," Irving Al- len's "New Mexico," S. P. Eagle's "The Prowler," W. Lee Wilder's "Three Steps North" and Robert Still- man's "Queen for a Day." It is viewed as likely, however, that contracts cov- ering some of these could have been renegotiated with the new manage- ment with the result that distribution fees were increased, thereby provid- ing the producers with the assurance of the maximum efforts of the sales and promotion departments under the increased costs structure. New UA Management Discusses Prospects with Mary Pickford United Artists officers met with Mary Pickford at a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here yesterday to discuss company prospects under the new management. Present were Arthur B. Krim, UA president; Wil- liam J. Heineman, distribution vice- president ; Max E. Youngstein, vice- president and national director of ad- vertising-publicity, and Matthew Fox and Robert Benjamin, principals with Krim in the take-over of the company. Services for Lif ton (Continued from page 1) since the company's reorganization in 1936. Prior to that he had been East- ern story and talent executive for Re- public. Earlier film experience in- cluded associations with Educational, World-Wide, British - International and Metro. Born in New York and educated at Columbia, Lifton had been a staff member of the Chicago Trib- une's Paris edition, and also was a reporter for the Brooklyn Eagle and Times, prior to joining the film indus- try. Surviving are the widow, Lillian, his father and mother, a sister and three brothers, all of New York City. Industry Firms Gave $87,325 to N. Y. Fund Contributions to the Greater New York 1950 Fund Drive collected by the entertainment group totalled $87,- 325 from firms and $16,353 from em- ployes, according to a final report made by Joseph R. Vogel, Loew's vice-president and head of the enter tainment group. Would Exempt Films From Tenn. Sales Tax Nashville, March 12. — A bill in troduced in the Tennessee Legislature by Representative Paul Phillips of this city would exempt rentals on motion picture film from the state sales tax. Reviews "Lullaby of Broadway" (Warner Brothers) THE ARRAY of old, nostalgic tunes that are brought back in "Lullaby of Broadway" is the real attraction of this musical drama. The produc- tion is in Technicolor and has enough entertainment assets to make it de- pendable merchandise despite conventional story material. The story has Doris Day returning home from a theatrical career in England to visit her mother, Gladys George, who is presumed to be riding the crest of a successful stage career. Actually, Miss George is on the lower rung of the theatrical ladder, addicted to alcohol, and working in a cheap village cafe. To shelter Miss Day from the reality, the latter is led to believe that her mother is the owner of a swank home which actually is the property of S. Z. Sakall, a theatrical "angel." As the masquerade continues, complications deepen. Meantime, Sakall decides to back a musical and have Miss Day as the star. The association of Miss Day and Sakall leads to several misunderstandings, mainly from Gene Nelson, tap-dancing boy friend of Miss Day's, and Florence Bates, Sakall's wife. In time Miss Day learns the truth about her mother, is crestfallen, and prepares to return to England. A last minute series of events reunites Miss Day and her mother, and then the show, "Lullaby of Broadway," goes on with Nelson as Miss Day's leading man. Others in the cast are Billy De Wolfe and Ann Triola, vaudeville team working as butler and maid for Sakall. Songs, beside the title one, include "In A Shanty in Old Shanty Town," Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," "Somebody Loves Me," and others. William Jacobs produced and David Butler directed from a screenplay by Earl Baldwin. Running time, 92 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, March 24. M. H. The Man from Planet X (Sherrill Corwin — Mid-Century Pictures) Hollywood, March 12 INDEPENDENT motion picture theatre owner Sherrill Corwin, with an eagle-eye peeled in the direction of what he believes to be a box-office bonanza, for marketing through an as yet unnamed distribution company, purchased "The Man from Planet X" from its producers, Aubrey Wisberg and Jack Pollexfen, operating as Mid-Century Pictures. To make certain of his estimate of the production's future box-office potentialities, Corwin opened the film for a test run at the Paramount Theatre in San Francisco on March 9, further strengthening his. economic conclusions by screening the film for professional reviewers in Hollywood prior to the San Francisco test. Out of all of this attention came the consensus of opinion that Exhibitor Corwin had dealt himself ace-high merchandising product. The tale reverses the procedure of films about people of the Earth visiting other planets, and depicts people of other planets visiting Earth. Corwin apparently had in mind the highly satisfactory box-office performances of the predecessor productions of the Earth-visiting-other planets sphere. Ably directed by Edgar Ulmer, from an impressively literate script by the co-producers, this production relies, as seems to be the correct procedure in enterprises of this character, on subject matter rather than upon magnetic personalities for its pulling power. Opening the story, a New York newspaper reporter journeys to a remote island off the Coast of Scotland, on invitation of a scientist who is his long- time friend, to cover the news of the approach of a hitherto unknown planet, which he has called Planet X. The scientist has calculated the date of its closest approach to Earth, but while they are awaiting this date they discover a torpedo-shaped conveyance in which an agent of Planet X, peacefully dis- posed, has landed to make preparations for further landings of X-people. When the scientist's assistant crosses up the friendly visitor, who depends on a tank of X-atmosphere for survival, the visitor enslaves the scientist, his daughter, his assistant, and several townsfolk, by use of a mesmeric ray. The reporter summons Scotland Yard men, then rescues the enslaved people by shutting off the visitor's supply tank, and the police blow up the visitor ?nd his vehicle in time to prevent his signalling landing instructions to Planet X, which finally swings on past and away. The story is by no means as incredible, fantastic and cartoon-like as the above synopsis suggests, and it it handled in such a way that it builds genuine suspense and solid impact. The cast goes along well, and includes Robert Clark, Margaret Field, Ray- mond Bond, William Schallert, Roy Engel. Running time, 70 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, not set. "Missing Women" ( Republic) PERENNIAL INTEREST in police work and in particular the Bureau of *- Missing Persons may give this, semi-documentary study a lift at the box- office. Exploitation with the cooperation of city and police officials, may also help this film, which doesn't quite come off. Penny Edwards sees her groom of an hour killed after they stop on an isolated road to remove something from the back of their car. When police appear to be taking their time about finding the killers, Miss Edwards takes things into her own hands, completely changes her name and appearance and starts on their trail. Her disappearance becomes a problem to the Missing Persons detail and she is tracked down. The police discover how close she is to the solution and to the whereabouts of a gang of auto thieves who operate in lover's lanes." They close in just in time to rescue Miss Edwards, engage in a gun fight and apprehend the gang. Acting is up to par and the direction, by Philip Ford is adequate. Stephen Auer was associate producer. Others in the cast are James Millicum, John Gallaudet and John Alvin. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. February release. Double Refund for Seattle's Patrons Salem, Ore., March 12.— Oregon Legislator Bernard D. Gleason of Portland, has dropped a bill in the hopper that provides a theatregoer to be refunded twice the cost of a ticket if he is not seated within 30 minutes. The pur- chase time of the ticket would be stamped on it when it is sold. A standing-room- only ticket would sell for half price. Phonevision (Continued from page 1) telecast problem. During the recent National Collegiate Athletic Associa- tion meetings in Chicago, Zenith dem- onstrated Phonevision for the dele- gates. Their reaction was very fa- vorable, it was stated, the most note- worthy comment being made by Tom Hamilton, head of the NCAA televi- sion committee, who said, "in present- ing sporting events on TV without harm to the financial structure of col- lege athletics, I feel that the develop- ment of Phonevision will make TV all the more valuable to the public." No Action on Cole Suit Against Loew Washington, March 12. — The U. S. Supreme Court today did not act on the appeal of Lester Cole from a lower court ruling tossing out his rein- statement suit against Loew's, Inc. This means that no action will come before March 26 at the earliest, the date of the next court session. Some film industry officials had hoped the Court would dispose of the appeal be- fore the House Un-American Activi- ties Committee's Hollywood hearings open next week. The issue in the Cole appeal is whether a refusal to cooperate with the House Committee and to answer questions on Communist affiliations constitutes ground for dismissal under the "morals" clause in most talent contracts. Arthurs on Coast to Present F-M Awards Hollywood, March 12. — Harry C. Arthur and Harr^ C. Arthur, Jr., who arrived here last night from St. Louis to present the Fanchon and Marco Circuit's first annual box-office win- ner award to the 20th Century-Fox studios, will also present a special sil- ver plaque to Dr. Herbert T. Kal- mus. This will be in appreciation of Technicolor's "immeasurable contribu- tions to the welfare and progress of the motion picture industry." To Select Committee For Allied Meet New Jersey Allied will hold a mem- bership meeting at its New York head- quarters tomorrow to select a commit- tee to handle arrangements for the national Allied convention scheduled for next Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at the Hotel Biltmore here. Wilbur Snaper, president of the New Jersey regional, will preside at tomorrow's meeting. The New Jersey unit recently was selected by Allied States' Board to play host to the 1951 national conven- tion delegates. 1/1 a: LU Z a: < 5 > Z 3 < x O O OS U _i oa Z> a. < a. < co *- 2. Z U > c £ J 3 £ c f ■= « fi UI Z a ■- z o ■- to Z cc ■o « n ~ < z * OS 5 « CO O o ■= X E < 0 T3 o- i» i o H CO ^ one1* . CT SO A > = =A » CC'- ° >— 0°£ li. >> — CO «< « z c? 1 IUIj: m 1 CD* -5-= . 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S = fi •0,2 Q "CO eoR < © — N-l ™ CC - < > Ul b c I- feil <_l — , o t» .3 > ■ 00- *. u. gi . <-2 Oz j^H — eo Cm DC _i o"o »^ LU n OS Ui 00 0 °XCC=Of£ C3z«'2 (oEuiEP £5 cc<: uiz » — 1- 0 « — Z = «u.= c^-03 -o< =co 2 -= CP E IK < z if S Z £ o c - © o ™ CI oi- = = z < o c 3C0^^ coui 3 « z><-g (-"Sis z cc >; , - ui-5= - S.g«*=.s z xu E 3,. » i?ce i_b «<= o E I cs O ■a S CCq UJ<"o hj o J Ul e§ eS . x cs^fOpj OO E b , - . uio: <=— _ > XoD MONO. ABILENE TRAIL Whip Wilson 0 RHYTHM INN Jane Frazee Mc — 73 min. (Bev. 2/6/51) THE VICIOUS YEARS Tommy Cook Gar Moore D — 79 mln. (Bev. 2/23/50) NAVY BOUND Tom Neal Regis Toomey D — 60 min. (Rev. 2/20/51) MAN FROM SONORA Johnny Mack Brown 0 — 54 min. GYPSY FURY Viveca Lindfors D LION HUNTERS Johnny Sheffield D (5109) CANYON RAIDERS Whip Wilson O (5151) (Allied Artists) 1 WAS AN AMERICAN SPY Ann Dvorak Gene Evans D (AA19) M-S-M THE MAGNIFICENT YANKEE Louis Calhern Ann Harding D — 89 min. (Bev. 11/15/50) VENGEANCE VALLEY (Color) Burt Lancaster Robert Walker O — 83 min. (Bev. 2/5/51) CAUSE FOR ALARM Loretta Young Barry Sullivan D — 74 min. (Bev. 1/26/51) THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman Van Johnson C — 79 min. (Bev. 2/9/51) INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian Arlene Dahl Barry Sullivan D — 89 min. (Bev. 3/5/51) ROYAL WEDDING (Color) Fred Astaire Jane Powell MC — 93 min. (Bev. 2/6/51) FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy Elizabeth Taylor CD — 82 min. (Rev. 2/21/51) SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger Walter Pidgeon D-87 min. EAGLE LION CLASSICS (Feb. Releases) FIGHTING REBELS 0 VOLCANO Anna Magnani D THEY WERE NOT DIVIDED Edward Underdown D — 102 min. MY OUTLAW BROTHER Mickey Rooney Robert Preston 0 — 82 min. (Bev. 2/6/51) SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM Maxie Rosenbloom Max Baer CO — 73 min. DERBY WINNER THE HOODLUM D THE BLUE LAMP Jack Warner Jimmy Hanley r>— 84 min. (Bev. 6/1/50) CIRCLE OF DANGER Ray Milland Marius Goring D SIOUX AMBUSH O WHEN 1 GROW UP Robert Preston Martha Scott Bobby Driscoll D SO LONG AT THE FAIR Jean Simmons Dirk Bogarde D — 90 min. (Rev. 1/19/51) COLUMBIA (Feb. Releases) BORN YESTERDAY Judy HoMlday Broderick Crawford C — 103 niin. (Bev. 11/17/50) OPERATION X Edward G. Robinson Peggy Cummins D-79 min. (Rev. 12/18/50) COUNTERSPY MEETS SCOTLAND YARD Howard St. John 1) — 1!7 min. (Bev. 11/21/50) RIDING THE OUTLAW TRAIL Charles Starrett 0 — 56 min. (Bev. 2/9/51) REVENUE AGENT Douglas Kennedy Jean Willes D — 72 min. (Bev. 12/5/50) A YANK IN KOREA Lon McCallister D — 73 min. (Rev. 2/13/51) (Mar. Releases) "M" David Wayne Howard DaSilva D^88 min. (Rev. 3/6/51) AL JENNINGS OF OKLAHOMA (Color) Dan Duryea Gale Storm 0 — 79 min. (Rev. 1/17/51) TEXANS NEVER CRY Gene Autry 0 — 70 min. (Bev. 3/9/51) FORT SAVAGE RAIDERS Charles Starrett Smiley Burnette O MY TRUE STORY Helen Walker D — 67 min. (Rev. 3/12/51) LU LL. ^ O r£ _ CD -?» lri £, N • * a 00 * i- C OI 0) e «- O o ■e Q. O c is 3 "2 E a 41 2 u ^ I ■o *■ * a f 2 3 ■» e 41 o u u 41 k to O CO 41 u >» -o 41 E o U The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25, adapted T M - fo r 1 ,000 -watt »pp - i tungsten light. \ * » t^9* Left, the Eastman 16mm. Projec- tor, Model 25, brings 16mm. pro- jection to the professional level. Shown here, adapted for arc illu- mination, permanently installed alongside 35mm. equipment. Below, working parts of the film move- ment mechanism are in constant view of the operator . . . readily accessible for threading and cleaning. For Professional Quality Sound Projection from 16mm. Film The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25 The Kodak Projec- tion Ektar Lens, in a choice of four focal lengths, insures supe- rior screen image. This projection instrument — built to a new design concept — eliminates the three major obstacles to theatrical qual- ity 16mm. sound projection . . . exces- sive wear and high maintenance cost; low signal-to-noise ratio; and excessive flutter. A major cause of excessive wear and poor quality sound is the constant trans- fer of shock forces generated in the film pulldown mechanism to other parts of the system. In the Eastman 16mm. Pro- jector, Model 2 5, the intermittent (film advance mechanism) is completely iso- lated and independently driven by its own 1440 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Thus, shock forces are sealed off from the rest of the instrument. The sprocket- shutter system is driven by its own 1800 r.p.m. synchronous motor. Exact phas- ing between the two systems is accom- plished by specially designed synchro- mesh gears. In addition, the take-up spindle, rewind spindle, and blower are driven by separate motors. A highly corrected microscope ob- jective, adjustable for optimum sound quality from any type of 16mm. sound film, permits reproduction of variable area or variable density 16mm. sound tracks at extremely low distortion and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio. To get the best out of any 16mm. sound film, project it on an Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25. For in- formation on installation, availability, and prices, write directly to the Mo- tion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y., or any branch office. Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y. Cast Coast Division 342 Madison Avenue New York 17, N. Y. Midwest Division 137 North Wabash Avenue Chicago 2, Illinois West Coast Division 6706 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood 38, California MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 50 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 1951 TEN CENTS NPA Appeals By Drive -Ins On Increase Spring Spurs Building Plans; File 7 in Day Washington, March 13. — The approach of spring- is bringing an upturn in the number of hopeful drive-in theatre operators making "hardship appeals" to the National Production Authority for permission to build new theatres, NPA officials said. They reported that all other types of appeals, including re- modeling, are dropping off in volume or merely holding steady, but that the number of drive-in appeals is on the up- turn r'ght now. Just today, they said, one operator put in ap- peals for seven new drive-ins. Indications were that most of the appeals will be rejected on the ground {Continued on page 8) Italians Invite SIMPP to Talks The Italian delegation which has been scheduled to confer with Mo- tion Picture Association of America officials to determine if there is a "common ground" for negotiation of Italo-American film pact, will be in New York for that purpose between March 28 and April 5, it was estab- lished yesterday. Moreover, the Society of In- dependent Motion Picture Pro- ducers has been invited to par- ticipate in the discussions during that period. The invita- tion was received in New York by Ellis G. Arnall, SIMPP (Continued, on page 3) Phonevision to Replace Matinees with Midnight Shows in Chicago Test Run Chicago, March 13. — Phonevision will replace its weekday mati- nees with midnight shows beginning Monday in order to compare the drawing power of the two spots. The two P.M. showings have drawn the smallest audiences during Phonevision's 90-day, 300- family test run, which began Jan. 1, it was said. Matinees will be given Saturdays and Sundays with the other showings to continue at seven and nine P.M. Films to be shown next week include: "Rage in Heaven," by M-G-M, released in 1941; "It Happened in Brooklyn," M-G-M, 1947; "Sainted Sisters," Paramount, 1948; "I Love Trouble," 1948; "Ari- zona," 1940, and "Prince of Thieves," all Columbia, 1948; "Bambi," RKO (Disney) 1942. Set Seminar Subjects for Exhibitors UA 'Grad Sears Drive' Is Set for April 1 -June 2 Arnall Reports New Turn to Production With U. A. Upswing A large number of independent pro- ducers are making plans to "get back into production" in view of United Artists' resurgence, Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independ- ent Motion Picture Producers, re- ported here yesterday following his return from a visit to the Coast. The new developments at UA, Arnall said, have resulted in "a great feeling of optimism" among Hollywood's independ- ent producers. Arnall had hoped to hold a meeting (Continued on page 8) A United Artists "Grad Sears Drive" in honor of the UA vice-presi- dent, will be conducted throughout the U. S. and Canada April 1 through June 2, it was ;imn mnced here yesterday by William j. Heineman, the company's dis- tribution vice- president. Ten thousand dollars in prizes will be awarded to the winners of the drive in the U. S., with propor- tionate, awards for Canadian winners. The drive will be based on billings and • (Continued on page 8) COMPO's Mayer Will Pass on Agenda Here Hollywood, March 13. — Politi- cal censorship, message films, topi- cal cycles and "star pools" for personal appearance purposes are among the subjects agreed upon for exhibitor-Hollywood seminars by Gael Sullivan, chairman of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations' sem- inar committee, and Art Arthur, exec- utive secretary of the Motion Picture Industry Council. The two met here, preliminary to submitting their list of proposed sub- jects to Arthur L. Mayer, executive vice-president of COMPO, when Sul- livan, who is also executive director of the Theatre Owners of America, returns to New York. Other proposed seminar sub- jects include motion picture (Continued 011 page S) Gradwell Sears AID OF THEATRE STAFFS IS SOUGHT TO END LOOSE TALK Mears Heads CEA; Speakman New 'V-P' London, March 13. — Harry P. E. Mears was elected president of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association and W. J. Speakman was named vice- president at the organization's annual meeting here today. Mears, CEA's former vice-president, succeeds A. B. Watts. W. R. Fuller, CEA general secre- tary, continues in that post for his 25th year. In his inaugural speech at CEA's annual dinner at Grosvenor House to- (Continued on page 3) The executive committee of the Council of Motion Picture Organiza- tions has been called upon to help put an end to "loose talk among theatre employes" which "is contributing to the public's belief that there is some- thing seriously wrong with the picture business." In a letter sent from COMPO headquarters here to the or- ganization's executive commit- tee, Arthur L. Mayer, execu- tive vice - president, warns that "thoughtless remarks" by theatre staff workers are giving the impression that "our busi- ness is on the downgrade." "Since nobody likes to be associated (Continued on page 3) ELC Sets 4 Sales Meetings in N. Y. Eagle Lion Classics will hold a se- ries of two-day regional sales meet- ings in New York starting Monday, it was announced here yesterday by B. G. Kranze, distribution vice-presi- dent. The meetings will be held at the company's home offices with division, district and branch managers attend- ing. The Eastern division will meet March 19-20, the Midwestern divi- sion on March 21-22, Southern divi- (Continued on page 3) Include Bidding in SCTOA,D.ofJ.Talks Hollywood, March 13.— A proposed new zoning and clearance schedule for the Los Angeles area, new regulations governing competitive bidding and the establishment of an arbitration system to reduce the number of anti-trust suits filed here are among the prob- lems to be submitted to Department of Justice officials by the newly-cre- ated special Southern California Thea- tre Owners Association committee. This was revealed, today by Sherrill Corwin, who is expected to be named committee chairman. Corwin said, "We plan to work out (Continued oil page 8) Rocky Mt. Allied to Start Booking Unit Denver, March 13. — Allied Rocky Mountain Independent Theatres di- rectors today voted to establish a booking and buying agency for those members wishing to use it with Rob- ert Spahn as booker-buyer. The group also decided to join the Council of Motion Picture Organiza- tions and to urge its members to pay clues direct to COMPO. A commit- tee was named to investigate reasons for the current print shortage. In addition, a convention date was set' for May 9-10 for Denver, it was an- nounced. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 14, 1951 See More Time for Loew's Decree Talks Washington, March 13. — An- other extension of the March 31 deadline for Loew's to sub- mit a divorcement plan to the New York statutory court seemed likely to be granted by the Justice Department. Justice officials said they received from Loew's yester- day detailed, factual informa- tion requested by the Depart- ment for consent decree ne- gotiations. They said after analysis of this information is completed, bargaining ses- sions can start. 1,600 Films May Share in Eady Pool London, March 13. — Approximately 1,600 films will be eligible for shares in the first year's operation of the Eady Production Pool, Sir Henry French of the British Film Producers Association, has revealed. The work- ing year runs to Sept. 8 next. Of the estimated total, 500 are class- ified as features, including reissues which have had their quota "life" ex- tended. The remainder are shorts. It is estimated that approximately £1,100,000 ($3,080,000) will be avail- able for distribution this year under the pool. Distribution will be made pro rata to a given picture's gross at the box-office. As a production incen- tive, shorts will be allowed a percent- age two and one-half times greater than features. Pickman to Coast For Product Talks Jerry Pickman is due to leave here for Hollywood today on his first trip to the Paramount studios since taking over as head of the company's adver- tising, publicity and exploitation op- erations. During his stay, Pickman will con- fer with Y. Frank Freeman, Norman Siegel and other studio executives, on Billy Wilder's new film, "Ace in the Hole," and George Stevens' "A Place in the Sun." In addition, Pickman will formulate and discuss overall plans for exploiting future releases. Stallings to Analyze All Para. Story Properties Hollywood, March 13. — Laurence Stallings, playwright and scenarist, has been appointed by Don Hartman, new production chief at Paramount, to survey and analyze the entire cata- logue of Paramount story properties. Balaban 'Responds To Treatment? Hollywood, March 13. — John Bala- ban, president of Balaban and Katz Circuit, Chicago, was described today as "responding well to treatment," following an emergency operation Sunday in La Casita Hospital, Indio, Cal. He was stricken with appendi- citis and a perforated ulcer. Personal GUS S. EYSSELL, executive vice- president of Rockefeller Center, and Humphery Bogart and his wife, Lauren Bacall, are among the pass- engers sailing from here today for Europe on the Liberie. • J. P. Curtin, newly-named Repub- lic Eastern division manager, recently made his first visit to the Cleveland exchange. • Phil Williams, theatrical sales manager of The March of Time, left here yesterday for a week in Wash- ington. Hearing on 'Pinky' Appeal Due Today Austin, Tex., March 13. — The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is scheduled to hear today the appeal of W. L. Gelling, manager of the Para- mount Theatre, Marshall, Texas, from a fine of $200 imposed by a county court for showing "Pinky" in Feb., 1950, after it had been banned by a local censor board in Marshall. The latter had been hastily conceived under a statute unused for 29 years. The basic issue is Ceiling's conten- tion that the motion picture is entitled to the freedom of the press and is im- mune from previous restraint or cen- sorship under the Constitution. The industry hopes that the Gelling case will eventually reach the U. S. Su- preme Court for a ruling to have films included in the "press" of the country whose freedom from censorship is guaranteed by the First Amendment. A continuance of today's hearing is not expected to be requested by either Robert H. Park, attorney for Gelling, or by George B. Blackburn, attorney for the state. James Baldwin will rep- resent the City of Austin. It is ex- pected that a written decision will be handed down by the Criminal Appeals Court within a month of today's sub- mission of oral arguments. Eastern Pa. Allied Supports NSS Suit Philadelphia, March 13. — Eastern Pennsylvania Allied threw its full sup- port behind the exhibitor anti-trust suit against National Screen Service at a general membership meeting here today. In a motion passed by an over- whelming vote, some 45 exhibitors representing 160 theatres, directed president and general manager Sidney E. Samuelson to draft a resolution stating that "We indorse and give our moral support to the lawsuit of Korr Brothers against National Screen Service." The Allied unit, in a secret ballot, voted 20th Century-Fox and Colum- bia "the most unpopular companies in their treatment of exhibitors." The result was particularly surprising, ac- cording to Samuelson in the light of last year's vote acclaiming 20th-Fox the "most popular" company. Film rentals and sales practices were also discussed. Mention ROBERT S. WOLF, RKO Pic- tures' managing director for the United Kingdom, will sail from here today on the Queen Mary for England. • Lewis Cotlow, producer, is slated to leave here tomorrow for Holly- wood by plane. • William Zimmerman, RKO Pic- tures' home office attorney, is due to leave here today by plane for Chicago. Kermit C. Stengel, executive vice- president of Crescent Amusement Co., is back at his desk in Nashville after recovering from pneumonia. Rep. Stockholders To Meet April 3 The annual meeting of Republic stockholders will be held on April 3 in New York, with the principal business to be the election of five directors to terms on the board of three years each. In notices sent to stockholders, Jo- seph E. McMahon, company secretary, has advised that the following have been nominated for reelection to the board: Richard W. Altschuler, James R. Grainger, Albert W. Lind, Fred- erick R. Ryan and Herbert J. Yates. The stockholders also will transact other business as may be brought be- fore the meeting. The meeting notice indicates that the director-nominees beneficially own Re- public stock in the following number of shares : Altschuler, president of Republic International, 300 common, 200 preferred ; Grainger, executive vice-president of Republic, 300 com- mon, 500 preferred ; Lind, 500 pre- ferred, $45,000 in debentures ; Ryan, 800 common, 1,200 preferred; Yates, Republic president, 87,831 common, 1,000 preferred. Services Today for Carl L. Gregory, 68 Hollywood, March 13. — Funeral services will be held tomorrow morn- ing for Carl Louis Gregory, 68, pio- neer cinematographer, who died Sun- day at his home in Van Nuys, Calif., following a year's illness. The widow and five sisters survive. In his early years, Gregory . worked with Thomas A. Edison. Among his many activities, he lectured at Colum- bia University and did Technicolor re- search with Professor Wall. In the latter part of his career, he was con- sulting engineer with the Kislyn Corp., from 1936 to 1939. He was a member of the Society of Motion Pictures En- gineers and the Royal Photographic Society. Herman Chrisman, 45 Memphis, March 13. — Services for Herman Chrisman, 45, branch man- ager for Columbia Pictures here, who died early today of a heart ailment, will be held at 10 A.M. tomorrow at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Burial will be in Memorial Park. Newsreel Parade A CTION in Korea and the Pan- ■fl American Olympic games are cur- rent newsreel highlights. Other items include animal news, sports, and peo- ple in the news. Complete contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 22—Allies force Reds toward 38th parallel. President Truman on vacation. Naval guns made in Washington. Press photographers choose queens. Pan-American unity nailed at Ar- gentine Olympic games. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 256-UN forces advance in Korea. Holiday for Presi- dent Truman. Guns for defense. Dachs- hund paradise. News flashes from the sports world: Pan-American Olympic games. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. S9^-Advent of spring. Cabinet changes in England and France. Typewriter — key to new world of art. Great expansion of fleet approved. Korea: action at Han River. Pan-American games won by Argentina. TELENEWS DIGEST No. 11-A— Ernest Bevin resigns. Mud slows UN in Korea. People in the news: Rita Hayworth, Wil- liam Green, William Marshall. Naval gun factory. Communist arensal. Turtle fishing. Student antics. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 438— Korea re- port. Naval gun manufacture. P'ress pho- tographers crown queen. Animals in the news. News flashes from the sport world: Pan-American games in Argentina. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 61 — UN crosses the Han. Mass production of Thun- der jets. "Raton Pass" premiere. Bavaria: Dachshunds' paradise. Milton, Mass.: Chil- dren's church. Polar bear puppy. Pan- American games in Argentina. 'IT 's Three Months' Gross Sale Rises Washington, March 13.— Univer- sal Pictures' total worldwide consoli- dated gross sales for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 27, 1951, was $12,723,150, the company reported today to the Se- curities and Exchange Commission here. This figure compares with $12,442,- 000 grossed for the corresponding pe- riod of last year, marking a rise of $281,150. 'The company files reports of this nature with the SEC for every quarterly period. Theatre Rent Control Bill Set by Wilson Washington, March 13. — Housing Expediter Tighe Woods said that De- fense Mobilizer Charles E. Wilson and Economic Stabilizer Eric Johns- ton had okayed a proposed draft of a new rent control law, including a pro- vision giving the Government power to control rents charged for theatres and other commercial buildings. The pro- posal will be submitted to Congress as part of a new bill to extend the defense production act. Set 'Kettle' Chicago Bow Chicago, March 13. — Universal- International's "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm," will have its world premiere at the Chicago The- atre here on March 30, backed by the personal appearances of Percy Kilbride, Del Chain, Bob Donnelly and U-I starlet Beverly Tyler. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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; Tlieo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary: James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Often, National Press Club, Washington. D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Wednesday, March 14, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Para. Workers File Anti-Sopeg Protest The 143 Paramount home office "white collar" employes who have aligned themselves against the incum- bent union, Screen Office and Pro- fessional Employes Guild, have served the guild with the objections which thev hold to its being certified under its recent affiliation with the Dis- tributive, Processing and Office Work- ers of America. The National Labor Relations Board in Washington gave SOPEG another chance to answer loss-of- identity changes, after ruling against the guild, when the union complained that it had not been served with the objections to its motion for amended certification. Under an NLRB order, objections have been filed with the guild also by attorney Harold Spivak in behalf of IATSE Motion Picture Home Office Employes Local No. H-63, the guild's jurisdictional rival. Spivak pointed out yesterday that H-63 had not felt called upon to set forth any such ob- jections, although he acknowledged that the 143 employes sought represen- tation by H-63: Recently when the NLRB instruct- ed the 143 employes to serve the guild with the objections so that a ruling- could be founded on full observance of proper procedure, the workers pro- tested to NLRB against making their identities known to SOPEG. Follow- ing receipt of that protest the NLRB informed the employes that their names need not be made known to the guild with the filing of the objections. Thereupon the employes filed. TWA=TWA=TWM=H^ S St ! proudly presents TWA's newest, fastest, most luxurious transatlantic flights NON-STOP TO LONDON and PARIS For information, call your /oca/ TWA office or your travel agent. Review WANTED Several models "D" 35mm Bell and Howell printing machines. Write full details to Box 451 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York 20, N. Y. it I Can Get It for You Wholesale (20th Century-Fox) THE MANNERS and morals of Manhattan's fabulous garment industry have been given a superb screen treatment in "I Can Get It for You Wholesale." The picture's story-substance has been matched by persuasive acting and sound production support. Based on Jerome Weidman's popular satirical novel of over a dozen years ago, the film should easily prove a hit at the box-office. By way of marquee names there are Susan Hayward, Dan Dailey, George Sanders and Sam Jaffe. The story centers around the power-drives of Miss Hayward, a dress model who would lie, cheat and connive to get ahead. By pulling strings and talking fast, she succeeds in convincing Dailey, a salesman, and Jaffe, an inside man, into leaving their employer to join in the formation of a new dress concern. The new outfit gets oft to an auspicious start, sparked by Dailey's love for Miss Hayward. However, Miss Hayward is determined to rise as high as possible in the business world, which, by the way, she calls a jungle. She meets Sanders, suave chain store owner, and before long he responds to her charms and offers to make her a leading designer. _ From this point Miss Hayward is torn between her ambitions and her devotion to Jaffe and Dailey. As the story develops, ambition seems to win out and it looks as though the new dress concern is doomed. However, a last-minute revaluation brings Miss Hayward back to her senses and into Dailey's arms. Behind the personal story lie colorful glimpses of an amazing industry. One of the many entertainment aspects of the picture are the barbed com- ments rattled off intermittently by Marvin Kaplan, a philosophic young ship- p i n ^* c 1 k Sol C. Siegel produced and Michael Gordon directed admirably from the screenplay by Abraham Polonsky. ...... „ . .. Runnino- time, 91 minutes. General audience classification, bor April re lease. Mandel Herbstman ELC Sales Meets (Continues from page 1) Italian Talks (Continued from page 1) sion, March 23-24; and the Western division on March 27-28. Sales policy in relation to the com- pany's new release schedule and a dis- cussion of new productions now in preparation will be the first items on the agenda. Besides Kranze, home office execu- tives who will address the meetings will include: William C. MacMillen, Jr., president; Milton E. Cohen, gen- eral sales manager ; Howard LeSieur, director of advertising - publicity ; David Melamed, treasurer ; Joe Sugar, assistant to Kranze, and Charles Amory, head of ELC's special "art' film sales unit. N. Y. Bow for ELC's 'Hall' Eagle Lion Classics' "The Long- Dark Hall," co-starring Lilli Palmer and Rex Harrison, will have its New York premiere at the Rivoli Theatre in April, B. G. Kranze, ELC vice- president in charge of distribution, an- nounced yesterday. Produced by Peter Cusick, the film story was written by Nunnally Johnson and was directed by Anthony Bushell. Theatre Staff's Aid (Continued from page 1) with failure, rumors of this nature, which always grow as they are re- peated, hurt our business," Mayer added. "It is a situation fortunately that can he corrected. Every theatre oper- ator should point out to his employes that their own welfare is bound up in the general welfare of this industry and that remarks damaging to the bus iness can only be harmful to them selves," he continued, pointing that one New York circuit. Century Theatres, cognizant of this situation, has already inaugurated an educational program among its employes. By talks and lit- erature, the management is acquaint- ing employes with the real facts of our business and is chan°ing them from pessimists into optimistic boost ers for the industry, he said. president, in the form of a cable from Rome. Arnall said yesterday that he would confer shortly with John G. McCarthy, chief of the MPAA foreign division, on an agenda for the conferences with the Italians. McCarthy returned to New York on Monday from a Florida vacation. The Italian industry, production particularly, is seeking an increase in dollar income from exhibition of Ital- ian pictures in the American market. At recent talks in Rome and Paris the Italians indicated it was their firm intention to seek a reciprocal or quid pro quo deal with the Americans. This prompted the MPAA to invite the in- dustry of that country to send to the U. S. a delegation which could learn here the facts about commercial at- tainments of Italian-made films in the American market and their outlook for 'the future in this respect. Mears Heads CEA (Continued from page 1) JVEWS in Brief Tentatively titled "Crusade in the Pacific," a sequel to the television series, "Crusade in Europe," is being readied for production by the tele- vision department at the March of Time. Release is planned for the fall. • A special screening of Robert Still- man Productions' "Queen for A Day" will be held this evening at the Mu- seum of Modern Art here. United Artists, which is releasing the film, will be host to the trade press at a dinner at Al and Dick's Restaurant prior to the screening. • James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, A. F. L., yesterday called off threat- ened strikes by local unions here and in Los Angeles against the radio and television stations owned by the major networks. The walkouts, called by a vote of the two local membership bodies, had been scheduled for 6 P.M. today. Simultaneously Mr. Petrillo an- nounced that he virtually had arranged with the networks a new three-year contract granting a 15 per cent mini- mum wage increase for staff musi- cians playing on networks. • Boston, March 13. — Ray Feeley, representing the Drive-in Theatre As- sociation, and Frank Lydon, field sec- retary of the Allied Theatres of New England, today both voiced their op- position to a proposed bill restricting the operation of drive-ins near places of worship or schools. They were heard by the Joint Committee on Mer- cantile Affairs at the State House. • Arthur Sherrill, who joined Wo- man's Day Magazine in an executive capacity last Jan. 1, has been named director of sales. night, Mears confined himself mainly to an attack on the British Film Pro- ducers Association's recent proposal that punishment of exhibitors for film quota defaults be removed from the courts and made the responsibility of the Board of Trade. The courts here- tofore have levied small fines against convicted quota defaulters. "Exhibitors," Mears said, "are not a set of law breakers .escaping gaol only by the benevolent permission of the BFPA. The latter's officers might bet- ter employ themselves in writing scripts for films, which would lead them into unexplored avenues of good- will towards exhibitors." Mears also pointed up the difficul- ties of profitable operation, particu- larly for small exhibitors, in the face of the continuing high entertainment tax, indicating that he would campaign for a reduction. "I hope it will be my good for- tune," he said, "to be able to produce some concession which offers such the- atres a fresh lease on life." Crime Telecast Cut Short at Fabian Fox Fabian's Fox in Brooklyn, which televised the Senate committee in- vestigating crime hearings here on its screen for SO minutes on Monday, did not fare so well yesterday. A recess was on when that theatre picked up the telecast at 4:10' P.M. and just as the recess ended technical difficulties cut the telecast short. The hearings will be shown again today. Century's Marine and Queens, which carried the hearings in two short , ex- cerpts on Monday, did not pick ft up yesterday but will resume today. In- stead of two periods, however, the tele- cast will be shown, for 10 to 2Q minutes, depending on audience itfe terest, following the screening of the first feature film. Weaver Addresses Women's Ad Club Long-range plans for television pro- gramming on NBC were outlined yes^ terday bp Sylvester (Pat) Weaver, NBC vice-president in charge of TV, who spoke at a luncheon given by the. New York Women's Advertising Club at the Waldorf-Astoria. Also on the dais were Otto Brandt, ABC's vice-president in charge of TV station relations ; Nadine Miller.; director of promotion and public rela~l tions for C. E. Hooper ; Norman Liv~ ingston, WOR director of commercial TV programming. "You can say positively that M-G-M's etpfo'iiafion tie-ups behind my piotureTATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND' are the greatest in industry annals! This means that apart from other advertising, those tie-ups have a readership of 670, 000,000. Now lets go over to the next page for the details! HOW TO DECLARE AN EXTRA DIVIDEND! ie your playdate of M-G-M's "FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND" to these lever before equalled promotions with 670,000,000 readers: QUALITY BAKERS OF AMERICA (Sunbeam Bread) Over 2,000 Billboards (24 sheets) Advertisements in 500 daily newspapers Over 4,000 3-sheets " 2,000 Super posters " 4,000 De Luxe posters " 25,000 Store posters " 6,000,000 End labels — And thousands more postcards, but- tons, market basket cards, etc. Your Readership 150,000,000 LIBBY'S BABY FOODS Nationwide contest based on picture and promoted full blast via the following: Newspaper ads in 8 5 cities — mini- mum of three insertions of 1,000 and 800 lines in major papers. National Magazine advertising — full pages in: Modern Romances • Parents' True Confessions • Woman's Day Today's Woman • Living • Ebony Full pages in "baby" magazines: Baby Talk • Baby Post Baby Care Manual. Congratulations My Baby & Young Years Special editorial coverage of contest in: Modern Romances Modern Screen Radio credits for the picture — on the "Modern Romances" program, ABC Network Direct Mail— sent by Libby's to 400,000 new mothers — Plus truck posters, newsstand cards, point-of-sale displays, grocery store shelf setups, window streamers, entry-blank tear-off pads and other media handled by 900 Libby sales- men nationwide. Your Readership 120,000,000 MAX FACTOR Full-page four-color ads in: Ladies' Home Journal . McCall's Woman's Home Companion Glamour . Mademoiselle Today's Woman • True Story Seventeen • Photoplay True Confessions . Modern Screen Screen Stories Your Readership 60,000,000 LUX TOILET SOAP Full-page ads in: Ladies' Home Journal • McCall's Woman's Home Companion Motion Pictures • Movie Story Modern Screen • Screen Stories And 30,000 point-of-sale displays throughout the country Your Readership 50,000,000 FLORISTS TELEGRAPH DELIVERY ASSOCIATION Valentine's Day color ads in: American Magazine • Coronet Esquire . Saturday Evening Post Parade • New Yorker — And window display cards in florists' shops nationwide Your Readership 45,000,000 AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION Three-month campaign by over 500 member companies will utilize: Dealer displays — life-size cutouts Full color easel-back posters Truck, car and counter cards Newspaper ad mats for gas com- panies and appliance dealers Jumbo sales tags and customer folders. Your Readership 6,000,000 ROYAL DESSERTS Picture of Elizabeth Taylor and picture credit will appear on backs of 20 mil- lion Royal Dessert packages Same will appear in four ads in each of 308 daily papers in 287 cities. Same ads will go into six top magazines: Woman's Day . Family Circle Everywoman's • Western Family American Family • Better Living Special ads in large group of comic books. — Plus display material in grocery stores all over the country. Your Readership 180,000,000 PEERLESS "STAR" PATTERNS Two woman's-page pattern features, each with picture credit, in 105 Sunday newspapers. Your Readership 30,000,000 ELIZABETH TAYLOR COSTUME JEWELRY Necklaces, earrings, etc., carried by 2 5,000 stores across the country will be promoted by local newspaper ads, window streamers and counter cards. Your Readership 5,000,000 LANE BRYANT DRESSES "Father's Little Dividend" maternity dresses advertised by Lane Bryant in newspapers in 2 3 cities. Additional newspaper advertising of dresses by independent stores elsewhere Window displays and counter cards in stores selling dresses Your Readership 20,000,000 IDEAL TOY COMPANY Tie-up with promotion of the famous "Blessed Event" Doll, will involve: Newspaper mats furnished to de- partment stores and toy dealers show Elizabeth Taylor holding real baby and the doll. Display card with same illustration fur- nished to major toy outlets, plus win- dow blow-ups and statement inserts. Your Readership 4,000,000 • EXPLOITATION TIE-UP READERSHIP TOTALS 670,000,0001 PLUS M-G-M ADVER- TISING READERSHIP OF 450,000,000! In addition to the tie-ups on this page M-G-M's own campaign runs in 32 National Magazines. Plus a long-range teaser build-up in 150 papers in 75 cities. Plus cooperative playdate newspaper ads. (And un- counted millions reached by radio!) * M-G-M Presents SPENCER TRACY- JOAN BENNETT • ELIZABETH TAYLOR in "FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND" • Don Taylor • Billie Burke • Screen play by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich • Based on characters created by Edward Streeter Directed by VINCENTE MINNELLI • Produced by PANDR0 S. BERMAN 8 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 14, 1951 NPA {Continued from page 1) that no financial hardship is involved for the builder and that they are not needed for public morale or because population has expanded in the area. NPA officials noted these other trends : Appeals on grounds of finan- cial hardship are thinning out ; appeals on the ground that the area is expand- ing are beginning ; very few remodel- ing appeals right now. It is hard to appeal projects as being needed be- cause of defense expansion, because as yet, no ', "defense areas" have been officially named. All theatre appeals are still proc- essed in W ashington, even though they are filed in the field offices, NPA offi- cials emphasized. An official NPA announcement is expected shortly about the creation of an appeals board, to hear appeals from decisions of NPA officials. It is ex- pected that tight standards will be laid down as to when appeals can be made to this new board. SCTOA Talks ( Continued from, page 1) a program of action and regulation which we believe will improve indus- try practices here, and submit this program to Department of Justice offi- cials" who will check on its legality with respect to the anti-trust laws. "If they give us the green light," he continued, "or let us make a trial run, we shall go ahead with steps toward implementing our plans." Corwin plans to fly to New York Wednesday night. UA 'Sears Drive ' Set (Continued from page 1) Seminars collections during the nine weeks of the drive. Heineman stated that Sears volun- teered to actively spearhead this cam- paign. "Grad will be an active work- ing participant for your interest and that of United Artists," Heineman told sales personnel. First prize will be $2,500, to be dis- tributed among all personnel of the winning branch ; second prize is $1,500, third prize, $1,000. There will be other prizes, of $350 each. There will be an extra prize of $500 to the mana- ger whose district makes the best showing. The Canadian drive, which will parallel the domestic sales effort, will be capped by a $500 prize to the per- sonnel of the leading Canadian branch. Rothertberg Joins United Artists As Comptroller of Advertising Jack Rothenberg, formerly assistant to the treasurer of National Screen Service, has been appointed United Artists comptroller of advertising and business manager of the advertising- publicity-exploitation department, it was announced here yesterday by Max E. Youngstein, UA advertising-pub- licity vice-president. Prior to joining NSS, Rothenberg was in the account- ing departments of Loew's and Co- lumbia. Kieran TV Film Show Extended To All Major Stations, UA Says With San Francisco and Seattle heading the list of 10 new outlet cities set to telecast "John Kieran's Kalei- doscope," the 15-minute TV film show distributed by United Artists, the pro- gram now has a Coast-to-Coast audi- ence which covers every major tele- vision area in the country, John Mitch- ell, UA director of television, re- ported here yesterday. UA to Distribute 'Merlini' Television Film Program "The Great Merlini," new half-hour television mystery program on film, will be distributed nationally by United Artists Television Corp on the basis of local - and regional sponsor- ship, it was announced yesterday by John Mitchell, UA director of tele- vision. S chary Again Drive Head Hollywood, March 13. — Dore Schary, M-G-M vice-president in charge of production, has accepted Permanent Charities Committee chair- man Lew C. Helm's invitation to serve again as chairman of the PCC fund- raising campaign, which has already obtained $1,200,000 in subscriptions. Arnall Reports (Continued from page 1) of the SIMPP board while he was in Hollywood, but the absence from town of a number of board members prompted him to postpone the, meeting until a later date, perhaps next month. The SIMPP president pointed out (Continued from page 1) critics, faulty double - bill choices, audience surveys, pub- lic relations, and an annual film festival. In addition, Sullivan told the Mo- tion Picture Daily that plans are being worked out for detailed studio visits during which time exhibitors would be shown how subjects are selected for filming, how stories are developed, screen plays written, casts assembled, sets built, and other pro- duction steps necessary to turn out the finished product. The timing of the seminars, Sullivan said, depends on finding the period of the year when most exhibitors are able to absent themselves from their theatres for a trip to Hollywood. Present thinking, he said, favors holding the first semi- nar in the latter part of May. Business on Coast * Sullivan also came to the Coast to attend the Southern California The- atre Owners Association meet, which closed Monday. that notwithstanding the fact that the Society's board has not yet formally ratified the recently established changes in the governing structure of COMPO, the approval of SIMPP is assured. However, Arnall said, if the SIMPP board does not meet soon for the purpose of voting on the COMPO changes, he will ask Marvin Faris, SIMPP secretary in Hollywood, to poll the board by telephone or mail and send the results to New York. TWO BIG WARNER EVENTS AHEAD!! The Big Musical Event AND THE PROMOTION EVENT THAT WILL iACK IT EVERYWHERE/ DORIS DAY^GENE NELSON iVI Love the Way You Say Goodnight'^ lOm^^ MOTION PICTURE DAILY Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 51 NEW YORK, U. S. A., THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1951 TEN CENTS Stockholders 'OK' New Pact For Blumberg Directors Re-Elected; Board Meets March 22 The stockholders of Universal Pictures at their annual meeting in Wilmington yesterday, reelected the following 13 members of the com- pany's board of directors : Robert S. Benjamin, N. J. Blum- berg, Preston Davie, John G. Eidell, Albert A. Garthwaite, William J. German, Leon Goldberg, R. W. Lea, John J. O'Connor, J. Arthur Rank, Budd Rogers, Daniel M. Sheaffer and G. I. Woodham-Smith. The stockholders approved the five- year employment agreement between the company and Blumberg, president, negotiated on July 1, 1950, effective last Jan. 1. Blumberg, who is now on a Carib- bean tour with Mrs. Blumberg, is due back in New York in time to attend the company's annual board meeting on March 22 at which officers will be elected. The board set the annual election date yesterday following its reelection. It was announced at the meeting that although final income figures are {Continued on page 5) Question 'Early' Drive-in Openings Chicago, March 14. — Some distrib- utors here have questioned the early openings of outdoor theatres, pointing- out that none did particularly good business at the same time last year. Distributors also say the weather is still very representative of winter and hardly conducive to visiting outdoor theatres. Drive-in operators, however, are {Continued on page 5) British Festival May Lack Top Film London, March 14. — Film execu- tives here assert that the British Film Institute's plans for motion picture representation in the Festival of Brit- ain, opening in late April, are danger- ously behind schedule and thus far have failed to include the industry it- self in its participation. They point out that a project for a (.Continued on page 5) U. S. May Give Tax Stand Next Week Washington, March 14. — Rep. Reed (R., N.Y.), top G.O.P. member of the House Ways and Means Committee, said he understood that top Treasury officials would ap- pear before the Committee next week to outline the Ad- ministration's recommenda- tions for raising an additional $6,500,000,000 in new taxes, over and above the $10,155,- 000,000 already requested. Top Democrats said, however, that no final decision had yet been made on this point. DuMont Urges FCC To A ctNowon Para. Control Question Washington, March 14. — Allen B. DuMont Laboratories today asked the Federal Communications Commission to rule without any further delay that it is not controlled by Paramount Pictures. The DuMont request took the form of a motion to dismiss an application for FCC permission to transfer the DuMont stock owned by the old Para- mount Pictures to the new Paramount Pictures Corp. The FCC has never acted on this motion, nor has it ever made final its two-year old proposed decision that Paramount does con- trol DuMont. By asking the FCC to dismiss the transfer application, Du- Mont in effect was taking the only legal avenue to prod the Commission into acting on the control issue, for (Continued on page 5) PCCITO Becomes 7th to Ratify New COMPO Setup The Pacific Coast Conference of Independent Theatre Owners has be- come the seventh charter member to ratify the new governing structure slated for the Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations. The eighth of the 10 charter mem- bers to ratify is likely to be the Metro- politan Motion Picture Theatres As- sociation, which will meet at the St. M oritz Hotel here on March Zl. Theatre Owners of America's rati- fication as a national organization is expected at the TOA board meeting in Washington on April 4. The So- ciety of Independent Motion Picture Producers will formally ratify in the near future, according to its president, Ellis G. Arnall. Approval of the COMPO changes are recorded for the Motion Picture Association of America, Allied States (Continued on page 5) NPA Construction Limit Narrowed Washington, March 14. — In com- puting construction costs to determine whether a theatre or other building- project comes within the $5,000 gov- ernment limitation, the expense of de- molishing any existing construction preliminary to the new construction must be included, the National Pro- duction Authority has ruled. This was one of a long series of "explanations" of the M-4 order which the agency announced in a press re- lease. Another "explanation" said a build- (Continued on page 5) 'Legit' Theatres Ask Congress to Tax Free Tickets to Radio and TV Washington, March 14. — The League of New York Theatres today urged the House Ways and Means Committee to apply the Federal admission tax to tickets to radio and television studio programs. "We do not feel the vast audiences served by radio and tele- vision should go untaxed, to our detriment and also at a loss to our government," the League said. It pointed out that since 1937, 14 theatres in New York City alone, with a seating capacity of 16,955, have been taken over for radio broadcasts or television performances. "These theatres are filled several times each day for different presentations," the League declared. "Add to this the countless studios throughout the country where broadcasting and televising are carried on and you can realize the vast audi- ence that is not only seeing entertainment without paying but from which the government is deriving no revenue in the form of taxes. That is the unfair competition part of it, inasmuch as the people attending these theatres and studios are watching and listening to 'live' actors and not films or mechanical repro- ductions." Buy Theatre TV Equipment Now: Hodgson Says Present Quality Warrants Investment By VAUGHAN O'BRIEN Exhibitors contemplating the in- stallation of theatre television equip- ment were urged yesterday by Richard Hodgson, Paramount tele- vision technical director, to go ahead with their plans without further delay before defense demands cut down on production. Hodgson said that in his opinion the quality of currently available equipment warrants the necessary investment by the exhibitor. The next big step for theatre TV, he said, lies not in the development of a different type of projection equipment, but in obtaining the wider megacycle bands needed for telecasting better-defined images suitable for large screens. This is up to the Federal Communi- cation Commission, he explained, but by having more theatres equipped with television facilities, and demonstrating (Continued on page 5) U.S. -DeVry Sign 5-Million Deal Chicago, March 14. — Contracts in excess of $5,000,000 for the manufac- ture of sound projectors for the Armed Forces have been awarded to the DeVry Corp., it was announced here today by William C. DeVry, presi- dent. The equipment to be manufactured under the contracts is to be used in conjunction with the long-range (Continued on page 5) Theatres Unruffled By FCC Report Washington, March 14.— Theatre television officials here are not dis- turbed by reports that the Federal Communications Commission is con- sidering allocating 70 new channels in the Ultra-high frequencies to televi- sion broadcasting, rather than the 42 proposed more than two years ago. They said that the additional 28 (Continued on page 5) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 15, 1951 in Brief - . - THE Federal government expects to launch preliminary phases of its forthcoming- new War Savings Bond Drive in May, with the all-out effort in which the industry will join likely to get underway in the fall, it was re- ported here yesterday by Robert W. Coyne, special counsel to the Council of .Motion Picture Organizations. • A total of 14 applications for admission to the Will Rogers Me- morial Hospital at Saranac Lake, N. Y., have been received and either will be admitted or processed. • Boston, March 14. — Governor Paul Dever of Massachusetts announced to- night that officials of Anvers Auto Park, Inc., have given up their right and title to 60 acres of land in Dan- vers, Mass., to the Hytron - Radio Electronics Corp. of Salem, Mass., so that this company can build a defense plant on the land. Agreement came after a two-hour conference with the governor. • Roller Derby skaters will help in the Damon Runyon Fund "Lemon Drop Kid" contest in the New York mkltown area all next week by pass- ing out lemon drop samples to pedes- tians and inviting them to enter the "Lemon Drop Kid" contest at the Paramount Theatre. • Washington, March 14. — The Senate District Committee today temporarily shelved a bill to extend the District of Columbia's minimum wage law to men. At present, it covers only women. • Warner's two-reel Technicolor short subject, "The Wanderers' Return," has been scheduled for simultaneous showings beginning March 21, in RKO Theatres' entire New York Metropoli- tan circuit of 60 theatres. • London, March 14. — William Cart- lidge, former assistant to D. J. Good- latte, managing director of Associated British Cinemas, has been appointed general manager of the company. • RKO Pictures' "Kon-Tiki," will be given a "full-dress" premiere on April 2 here at the Sutton Theatre under the sponsorship of the American Sea- men's Friends Society. Four Salt Lake City Managers Switched Salt Lake City, March 14. — Four managerial changes at Salt Lake City first-run theatres have been made by Intermountain Theatres' executives Ray M. Hendry and Sidney L. Cohen, following the resignation of Charles M. Pincus, who has left Intermountain to join Blumenfeld Theatres in North- ern California. Nevin McCord has been moved from the Utah to replace Pincus at Centre; Lou Sorenson was moved from the Capitol to the Utah ; Howard Soren- son goes from the Studio to the Capi- tol, and William Burt was named manager of the Studio. Personal Mention NED E. DEPINET, RKO Pic- tures' president, is in Phoenix for a three weeks' vacation after re- covering- from his recent illness in Hollywood. • Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of United Paramount Theatres, and Simon B. Siegel, comptroller, are in Springfield, Mass., today for confer- ences with Samuel Goldstein, presi- dent of Western Massachusetts The- atres. • William N. Day, Jr., owner of the Grand Theatre, Dunkirk, O., is ill in a hospital there. • Joe Lebiworth, 20th Century-Fox field exploiteer, was in Buffalo re- cently from New York. Sol Rief, former Eagle Lion Clas- sics branch manager in Omaha, has joined Universal there as a salesman. I OHN DAVIS, managing director of J. Arthur Rank film and theatre operations, returned here last night from Toronto and will leave for Lon- don by plane tonight. He returns here with Rank at the end of May. • Charles Skouras, president of Na- tional Theatres, and George Bowser, general manager of Fox West Coast Theatres, were in San Francisco this week from Los Angeles for a meeting with Northern California personnel. • Charles Elder has been trans- ferred to Omaha from Des Moines as a Paramount salesman, succeeding James Flaherty who was trans- ferred to Chicago. • Rudolph Berger, M-G-M South- ern sales division manager, and Mrs. Berger are vacationing in Fort Lau- derdale, Fla. Rosen, Schneider Call UJA Meet The executive committee of the amusement division of the United Jew- ish Appeal will meet here on Wednes- day, March 28, at noon, at the Hotel Astor, it was announced by Sam Rosen of Fabian Theatres, and Abraham Schneider, Columbia Pictures, division chairmen. "The UJA division is developing plans for the most intensive campaign in the industry's history to meet criti- cal overseas Jewish needs," they said. Gamble's N. Y. Office Will Close Tomorrow Gamble Enterprises' New York of- fice will close tomorrow with the com- pletion of the firm's recently-reported transfer of its headquarters to Mil- waukee. The company, headed by Ted R. Gamble, has had its headquarters in the RKO Building here for approxi- mately two years. Gamble will con- tinue to make his home in the East. CheyRtz Leaves Coast For Washington, D.C. Hollywood, March 14. — Edward Cheyfitz, Motion Picture Association of America executive, here since Mon- day conferring with industry leaders on policy to be observed in connection with the projected House Un-Ameri- can Activities Committee hearings, left tonight by plane for Washington MPAA headquarters. It is understood that Hollywood organizations, studios, guilds, and un- ions regard the upcoming hearings as directed strictly at individuals and will give the Committee full cooper- ation in its investigation. 'Bird' Campaign Cited The promotion campaign for 20th Century-Fox's "Bird of Paradise" is the "Case Study" of the week in the current issue of Tide, advertising trade journal. The article describes in de- tail the major phases of the promo- tion campaign on the picture, which included tie-ups with 23 manufacturers and hundreds of stores. Set Para. Meeting For Mid-East Staff Pittsburgh, March 14. — Para- mount Mid-Eastern division key per- sonnel will meet here Saturday at the William Penn Hotel to discuss prod- uct and sales plans mapped at the re- cent home office gathering of division managers. Howard G. Minsky, mid- Eastern division manager, will preside at this session, one of a series of re- gionals. In addition to Minsky, those in at- tendance will include the following branch managers : Willian Meier, Cin- cinnati ; Harry Buxbaum, Cleveland ; Mike Simon, Detroit, and Johnny Himmelein, his assistant ; Ulrik Smith, Philadelphia, and Herb Gillis, his as- sistant ; David Kimelman, the com- plete sales and booking staff of the Pittsburgh exchange, and Bob Caskey, Kimelman's assistant ; Al Benson, Washington manager, and Herb Thompson, his assistant. Sid Mesibov, exploitation manager, will represent the home office ; field- men will include Mike Weiss, Milt Hale and Hal Marshall. Another Award for 'All About Eve' "All About Eve" was voted the "Best Film of 1950," as well as the "Best American Film," by the Foreign Lan- guage Press Film Critics' Circle, it was announced here yesterday. "The Titan" was designated the "Best For- eign Film," and "The Winslow Boy" received the "Best British Film" prize. Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, will be guest speak- er at the presentation of the awards on March 22, over the New York municipal broadcasting station, WNYC, at five P.M. Named best producer of the year was Daryl F. Zanuck ; best actor, Jose Ferrer, and best actress, Gloria Swan- son ; selected as the best director and also for the best screen play was Jo- seph Mankiewicz. Entertainment values increase with the good sound from . . . Loudspeaker Systems 161 Sixth Avenue New York 13, N.Y. 9356 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, Calif. A LIMITED NUMBER ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THEATRE SUPPLY DEALERS MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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 Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau. 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. O'tten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. fc\G OPEW/A/G/ AUE/VD OF DAliAS" IN START OF 300-THEATftF MIVSS PREMIER GET SET !! :-Sii:;-i"-;'V DENNIS MORGAN • PATRICIA NEAL • STEVE COCHRAN JRATON PASS" wtth SCOTT FORBES • DOROTHY HART Directed by EDWIN L. MARIN Produced by SAUL ELKINS Screen Play by TOM W. BLACKBURN and JAMES R. WEBB • From a Novel by Tom W. Blackburn • Music by Max Steiner 4 Motion Picture daily Thursday, March 15, 1951 Review "Fort Savage Raiders'' {Columbia) WESTERN-PICTURE PATRONS will find in "Fort Savage Raiders" all of the familiar ingredients, packed compactly, which they might expect in a Charles (Durango Kid) Starrett tale of ridin' and shootin' and bare-knuckle jaw-bustin', all interspersed with a nicely-spotted flavoring of songs, by Dusty Walker, and comedy, to which Smiley Burnette and Trevor Bardette contribute noticeably. Starrett is commissioned by the Army to track down a band of desperados who have escaped from a stockade at Fort Savage. The gang is led by John Dehner, an AWOL captain embittered at the Army over the death of his son. Peter Thompson, a pompous young lieutenant, is placed in charge of Starrett's desperado-hunting party. His conceit threatens the venture with disaster on two occasions. As expected, Thompson is placed on an even keel after tak- ing a good licking at the hands of Starrett, bowing to Starrett's experienced judgment, and together they clean up the villains. Others in the cast are John Dehner, Fred Sears, John Cason, Frank Griffin and Sam Flint. Running time, 54 minutes. General audience classifications. For March release. Film Festival Set For June in Berlin An international film festival, in which the U. S., Britain, France, Ger- many, Belgium, Italy and other West- ern democracies will participate, is slated for Berlin next June 6-17. Sponsored by the city administration of West Berlin and endorsed by the Western allies, the purpose of the fes- tival is to display the caliber of mo- tion picture art that emanates from the studios of the free world, accord- ing to word received here from Ger- many. Foreign managers of Motion Pic- ture Association of America member companies will meet at MPAA's office here today to discuss a number of late developments abroad. Approval of the MPAA companies participation in the forthcoming Berlin film festival is ex- pected to be registered at the meeting. Raybond Houses Join Free Passbook Plan Raybond Theatres here has joined the Metropolitan Passbook Plan, which is said to offer over $175 worth of free admissions to Broadway and neighborhood theatres, free dinners at restaurants and nightclubs, etc., it was announced jointly yesterday by David Weinstock, Raybond president, and Harry Schooler, Passbook Plan ex- ecutive. Weinstock, an official of the New York Independent Theatre Owners Association, said that if the plan "lives up to expectations, I intend to urge it for all ITOA theatres." 'Hunts' Hartford in With Pack of Plans Chicago, March 14. — Huntington Hartford, grandson of the A. and P. chain store founder, said today while here en route to New York from the Coast that he had just completed "The Secret Sharer," based on a story by Joseph Conrad and starring James Mason and Gene Lockhart, and planned two additional pictures. Hartford said he will start "The Open Window" in May and an as yet untitled Stephen Crane story later. He said he is negotiating for the rights to Rudyard Kipling's "Without Benefit of Clergy" and also plans a se- ries of television shorts to be made by a company which he purchased re- cently. Vol Ivan Lewton, 46, Producer, Dies Hollywood, March 14. — Val Ivan Lewton, 46, died this morning at Ced- ars of Lebanon Hospital. A film producer who was a mem- ber of the Stanley Kramer production staff, he was born in Yalta, Russia. Educated at Columbia University, he became a journalist and novelist be- fore joining the industry as M-G-M home office publicist. After coming to Hollywood as scenarist, he became a producer, making ten films for RKO, later producing for Paramount, Uni- versal-International and M-G-M. The widow, mother, sister, and two chil- dren survive. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at St. Matthews Episcopal Church. B. J. Callahan, 87, Pioneer Exhibitor Seaside, Ore., March 14. — Barthol- omew John Callahan, 87, pioneer Sea- side theatre owner, died at his home here. He had been ill since last July. Callahan built the Critic, Seaside's first theatre, in 1907. In later years he built the Strand and Times, which are now operated by his sons, John Michael and Daniel James Callahan. Services Today for Samuel R. Wax, 53 Philadelphia, March 14. — Sam- uel R. Wax, 53, veteran exhibitor in this area, died suddenly this morning. Surviving are the widow, Gertrude, a son Philip, and three brothers. Ser- vices will be held tomorrow. Mrs. Nellie Dickinson Hollywood, March 14. — Word has been received here of the death in Lon- don of Mrs. Nellie Dickinson, wife of Clifford G. Dickinson, London repre- sentative of Monogram International Corp. W. Va. Tax Cut Near Wheeling, March 14. — A bill re- ducing from three to two per cent the West Virginia amusement tax author- ized for local imposition in cities with home rule taxing powers has been sent to the governor for signature. Goldstein Resigns Gloversville, N. Y., March 14. — Louis Goldstein of the Schine Circuit here has resigned as assistant film buyer. 'M-G-M Story' Potent Boost for Industry An expanded verision of "The M- G-M Story," first shown to exhibitors at the Theatre Owners of America Houston convention, is now available free of charge to exhibitors. Narrated by Dore Schary, produc- tion vice-president, the hour-long film takes its audience to the M-G-M stu- dios and gives glimpses of 25 features to be released in the coming months. No audience can justly complain of tedium during the showing. The exhibitor who plans to use the feature would be wise to devote thought and energy to its exploitation, for it is worthy public relations. The format is simple and straightforward : Lionel Barrymore introduces Schary and the picture, after a few studio shots, plunges into clips from coming product. Schary's comment is chary of superlatives ; the pictures are al- lowed to speak for themselves. How- ever, Schary does point out the value of certain pictures in fostering pa- triotism and appreciation of our na- tion. The picture concludes with closeups of a number of M-G-M stars, with a total of 58 personalities appearing dur- ing the show. Herman Hoffman pro- duced, and Frank Whitbeck super- vised. V. O'B. 25 Loew's Theatres Book 'Story' "The M-G-M Story" has been dated in approximately 25 Loew's theatres in conjunction with the booking of "Royal Wedding," starting March 22. Towns where the combination is set include Akron, Atlanta, Baltimore, Columbus, Dayton, Harrisburg, Hous- ton, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louis- ville, Memphis, Nashville, New Or- leans, Norfolk, Pittsburgh, Reading, Richmond, St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington and Wilmington. Army Air Show at U-Ps 'Cadet' Bow San Antonio, March 14. — With a large group of civic and military offi- cials in attendance, Universal-Interna- tional's "Air Cadet" had its world premiere at the Majestic Theatre here tonight, following a full day of civic activities and an air show put on by the U. S. Army Air Force. Participating in radio and television interviews from a specially-construct- ed stand in front of the Majestic The- atre before the premiere were Major Generals Robert W. Harper, Warren R. Carter, James S. Stowell, Charles W. Lawrence ; Brigadier Generals Otto Benson, Carl MacDaniels and Charles Born. Station KABC carried the radio interviews and KEYL, the telecast. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. CO., INC. INSURANCE • Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York 3720 W. 6th St., Los Angeles : v * mm Wm These were the first people in the World to see Ads like this are appearing in 58 National Magazines and 93 Sunday Newspaper Supplements totaling 185,761,000 circulation. Thursday, March 15, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 6 Legislatures Quit, Adverse Bill in 1 Washington, March 14. — Six state legislatures have now adjourned, with only minor damage to the industry, ac- cording to Jack Bryson, leg- islative representative here of the Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America. The six are: Indiana, Mon- tana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Geor- gia. The only bill enacted adverse to the industry was in Georgia, where a three per cent sales tax was passed. DuMont-FCC {Continued from page 1) if the Commission should decide Para- mount did not control DuMont it would not have to pass on the stock transfer. DuMont said it had filed the trans- fer application only under protest be- cause the FCC ordered it, and that it stuck to its contention that Para- mount did not control its operations. It said Paramount through its owner- ship of the Class B common stock had a negative control in that it could block certain things desired by the Class A stockholders, but that it did not exert positive control. It said the business of the corporation was con- trolled by the board of directors, and that the Class A stockholders elected a majority of the board and the Para- mount interests elected only three of the eight directors. The FCC's stand has created severe hardship for DuMont and should be resolved, the company declared. It pointed out that because of the anti- trust taint of Paramount, DuMont's TV licenses have been put on a tem- porary basis ; that plans for the devel- opment of the DuMont TV network into a nationwide system have been handicapped by the uncertainty over the future status of DuMont stations ; that DuMont as a manufacturer is em- barrassed in its contracts with the U. S. Government because of the anti-trust status of Paramount ; and that DuMont has been prevented from joining other stations in transmitting from the Empire State Building, New York. FCC Report (Continued from page 1) channels would undoubtedly be con- tiguous to the proposed 42 channels, and that no matter how these were added on, they could not stretch to the frequencies being requested for theatre television. Meanwhile, the Commission was ex- pected to issue shortly a new plan for city-by-city allocation of TV channels. Officials said this new plan might contain some surprises, includ- ing considerably fewer channels for some large cities than now pro- grammed. Hearings on this allocation plan will probably go on for several months. Ratify COMPO (Continued from page 1) Association, New York Independent Theatre Owners Association, Variety Clubs, the Motion Picture Industry Council and the trade press. Addi- tionally, several TOA regionals have notified COMPO of ratification. Hodgson on Theatre TV (Continued from page 1) by the use of the equipment that thea- tre TV is a public service, the chances of obtaining favorable FCC action will be increased. Hodgson said that 20th Century- Fox's interest in the Swiss Eidophor theatre television system had caused a number of exhibitors planning installa- tions to hold back pending its develop- ment to a commercial basis. He ex- pressed doubt as to the wisdom of this hesitation, pointing out that 20th-Fox has given the Swiss interests 18 months to produce a working model. By that time, if the emergency situa- tion continues, material shortages might keep it off the market, he ex- plained. Hodgson, who viewed the Eidophor system in 1948, said he personally doubted that a model suitable for the average theatre projection room and capable of reproducing color would be forthcoming in that time. Eidophor is not new, he said, pointing out that a U. S. patent was applied for in 1940. As for color, Hodgson said that the present Paramount theatre TV equip- ment is readily adapted to projecting color. Asked if Paramount planned to meet RCA's recent cut in equipment price, Hodgson said that the present rate of production does not warrant a similar move. He added that in his opinion the Paramount equipment, which records the telecast on film in a matter of seconds before projection, would give a greater return to the cir- cuit operator through the use of film in other theatres or in repeat per- formances. As an example of its selec- tivity, he said the current Senate crime hearings could be picked up while the theatre's feature is showing, edited and presented in more concise form at the feature's "break." Turning to the question of an FCC license, Hodgson said he would like to see a group of theatres in a metro- politan area obtain permission to use multiple-theatre broadcasts. With the program emanating from a central point the group could have the oppor- tunity to experiment with program- ming designed for theatres exclusively. United Paramount Theatres has three more Paramount theatre TV sets on order now, Hodgson said. Their disposition is up to UPT, he said. At present, five sets are in use, in Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, To- ronto and New York. UPT's Tivoli in Chicago is using RCA equipment, in line with a company policy to try other equipment. Drive-in Openings (Continued from page 1) hoping for a. break in the weather and are anxious to get their theatres into operation and to let the public know they are on the scene Two more Chicago area drive-ins, the Starlite and the Double Drive-in will open Friday. This brings the number of drive-ins opening Friday to five, the other three being the Drive-in, the Harlem, and the Twin Open Air. Two drive-ins will present "Sep- tember Affair," two "The Enforcer," both in their first subsequent runs, while the other will show "Sugarfoot," which will be in its second week of subsequent run. Contract for DeVry (Continued from page 1) Armed Forces unification program which was started in 1945 as a peace- time project. The new projectors, which are known as JAN (Joint- Army-Navy), "will replace all other sound equipment now in use," accord- ing- to the company, referring, pre- sumably, to Armed Forces sound equipment. DeVry stated that projection equip- ment has been developed to such a point that it is no longer difficult to show motion pictures on the vibrating deck of a destroyer at sea or a jungle steaming with humidity. NPA Limit (Continued from page 1) er must apply to the National Produc- tion Authority for an exception to the M-4 order if it should become appar- ent that costs will exceed the small- job exemption of $5,000 on a construc- tion project that was started with the expectation that costs would run be- low that figure. Construction must be halted until the National Production Authority has acted, the agency stated in its release. Review Board to Meet The National Board of Review of Motion Pictures will hold its 42nd an- niversary conference on April 5-6 at the McAlpin Hotel here, it was an- nounced. Universal (Continued from page 1) not yet available for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, it is esti- mated that the company will show a profit for the quarter greater than a year ago. Final figures are expected to be released shortly. Universal on Tuesday reported to the Securities and Exchange in Wash- ington that its total worldwide con- solidated gross sales for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 27, 1951, was $12,723,150. This figure compares with $12,442,000 grossed for the corresponding period of last year, marking a rise of $281,- 150. The company files reports of this nature with the SEC every quarterly period. British Festival (Continued from page 1) "Festival film," titled "The Magic Box," was launched last year and is now in production at Elstree but -will not be ready for screening until Sep- tember, when most of the Festival visitors will have departed. The film is based on the life story of William Friese-Greene, claimed by sOme to be the inventor of cinematography. Rob- ert Donat plays the lead and every British star of note has at least a two- line "bit" part. BFI Designated The BFI was designated by the government to handle film industry representation at the Festival. The industry now is proposing to hold its own mammoth exhibition in mid-sum- mer in the West End. ^ry Important RjblicatbnS AVer/ important picture1. Very Important personality/ THE «yffATINO SEASON A Paramount Picture " is the funniest film in '51!" — Film Daily as Mother of the Groom 66 i is another 1951 boxoffice Marie Dressier!" — The Exhibitor I MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 52 NEW YORK, U. S. A., FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1951 TEN CENTS Plans for NY Exposition Move Ahead Meeting Here Voices Approval of Fall Show Approval of plans for an indus- try exposition to be held at the Grand Central Palace here next fall were voiced at a meeting- of New York exhibitors and other industry figures held at the Paramount board room yesterday morning. Another meeting is expected to be held in the near future for further discussion on the exposition and on the compre- hensive public relations cam- paign long in the process of formation by a committee head- ed by Fred J. Schwartz, Cen- tury circuit executive. The exposition is only a phase of the overall drive envisaged by the committee, which would run for at least a year and draw in all branches of the industry. Suggestions for the year-long cam- paign, still to be acted on by the (Continued on page 3) Committees Named By Carolina Unit Charlotte, March 15. — S. Fuller Sams, Jr., of Statesville, N. C, spokesman for the Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina, reports the appointment of the following eight committees to serve the organization in 1951: Membership Committee: W. H. Hendrix, Jr., Reidsville ; W. J. P. Earnhardt, Edenton, Harold Armi- stead, Easley ; Robert Saunders, Max Reinhardt, and Robert Saxton, all of Charlotte. Screening Committee: H. F. (Continued on page 3) Says TV Tax Would Slice Sales 40% Washington, March 15. — The Treasury's proposal to raise the man- ufacturer's excise tax on televesion sets from 10 per cent to 25 per cent will cut back sales 40 per cent or $600,000,000 a year, the House Ways and Means Committee was told today. Robert C. Sprague, president of the Radio-Television Manufacturers As- sociation, said this estimate was based on a study made for his group by a (Continued on page 4) Lip p er t Financial Unit Pays Dividend Hollywood, March 15.— The Motion Picture Financial Corp. organized a year ago by Robert L. Lippert for the purpose of financing a group of Lippert Productions, today declared its first dividend. The corporation is said to have netted a 10 per cent profit before taxes. The com- pany's statement said that at the present rate, earnings in- dicate a profit which will double by October. U. S. to Hike Film Buying Washington, March 15. — The U. S. Defense Department will use well over three times as much raw stock this year as last year. While the Department will not re- lease exact figures on its consumption, an official declared that the April- through-October film buying this year will be about three times as great as buying in all 1950. He pointed out, however, that practically all defense buying of raw stock is concentrated in this period. The bulk of the raw stock will come from Eastman Kodak, with about 2,000,000 feet coming from Du- pont. If the demand increases, the department may start buying from Ansco, it was stated. Stockholders Okay Loew's Stock Options Stockholders of Loew's, Inc., yes- terday reelected 11 directors and voted approval of a stock option plan which provides for six key executives to buy a total of 250,000 treasury-held shares. Earnings of Loew's have de- clined in the immediate past period, the stockholders were told by J. Robert Rubin, coun- sel and vice-president who pre- sided; and will be below the 97 cents per share reported a year ago. Following the annual meeting, held at the home office, the directors met and reelected company officers. The only change was the election of Charles H. Phelan as an assistant treasurer, succeeding R. Lazarus. The directors also amended the stock option plan at the suggestion (Continued on page 4) Goldstein Forming Buying Organization Gloversville, N. Y., March 15. — Louis Goldstein, who resigned recently as film buyer for the Schine Circuit after an association of 18 years, is establishing a film buying and book- ing organization to serve independent and drive-in exhibitors in New York State. QP Showmen's Awards to Chas. Doctor. J. P. Harrison Charles Doctor, operating the Capi- tol Theatre for Famous Players Canadian Corp., at Vancouver, British Colum- bia, and J. P. Harrison, man- aging the Campus Thea- tre for Inter- state Circuit, at Denton, Texas, have been named the two top showmen and the winners of the two equal Grand Awards in the 17th an- nual Q u i g 1 e y Showmanship competition conducted by Motion Picture Heraltfs Mana- gers' Round Table. Charles Doctor Kershi S. Cambata, owner of the Eros Theatre at Bombay, In- dia, is the win- ner of the Over- seas Grand Award. The judges, consisting of top executives o f home office ad- vertising, pub- licity and ex- ploitation de- pa rt ments, chose the . 1950 Grand Award winners from more than 70 outstanding campaigns selected as final contestants from among the thousands submitted to Managers (Continued on page 4) Sees National Gains in L. A. Protest Move U. S. Could Set Pattern Of Correction: Corwin Sherrill Corwin, Southern Cali- fornia Theatre Owners Association board member, said here yesterday that he is confident the basis on which the Department of Justice might recommend a correction of Los Angeles area trade practices could serve as a pattern for the rest of the country. Since entry of the final decree in the industry anti-trust suit, Corwin said, the 21-day first-run houses in Los Angeles have been confronted with a chaotic trade practice situa- tion. It would be to the distributors' advantage in terms of revenue, as well as to the exhibitors, if the govern- ment lends itself to the correction of conditions in the Los Angeles area, he maintained. SCTOA's case against existing trade practices in the area will be taken to Department of Justice offi- cials in Washington April 3. SCTOA (Continued on page 4) Title Bout on TV Didn't Hurt B. O. Chicago, March 15. — Last night's N. B. A. welterweight title bout here between Charlie Fusari and Johnny Bratton, offered on both television and radio, had no significant effect on either local theatre attendance or on orders for film programs in the Phonevision test under way here. Both exhibitors and Phonevision officials re- ported business "normal" for the night. On the night of the Ray Robinson- Jake LaMotta fight a month ago only four Phonevision film programs were (Continued on page 4) J. P. Harrison ' Golden Gloves' on VideoRlm Test Pittsburgh, March 15. — Exclusive Pittsburgh-area television rights to the annual New York Golden Gloves final prizefight contests have been ob- tained for the Shea Circuit-General Precision Laboratory theatre premiere test of GP's new Videofilm wide- screen telecasts, scheduled for the eve- ning of March 21 at Shea's Fulton Theatre here. James Walsh, Shea's Fulton house (Continued on page 4) Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 16, 1951 Personal Mention EMANUEL D. SILVERSTONE, vice-president of 20th Century- Fox International and Inter- American Corp., is due to return here on Tues- day from a six-week's business tour abroad. Abner Sideman, circulation mana- ger of Cowles Magazines, will lecture on "Circulation Promotion" on Mon- day at New York's New School for Social Research. • Pan Berman, M-G-M producer, is due to leave Hollywood on March 26 for New York en route to England and Italv. Harold Wirthwein, Western sales manager for Monogram and Allied Artists, has arrived here from Holly- wood. Hal Marshall, Paramount's Wash- ington, D. C, field representative, be- came the father of a son on Wednes- day, the Marshall's third child. • Milton J. Salzburg, head of Cor- nell Film Productions, left here yes- terday for Syracuse to select produc- tion location cites. • Jules Lapidus, Warner's Eastern and Canadian division sales manager, is in Washington today, returning to New York over the weekend. • Lou J. Kaufman, Warner's home office theatre executive has left New York for Florida and will return early in April. • Ned Clarke, Latin-American divi- sion manager for RKO Pictures, is due, to leave here at the weekend for a business trip to Mexico. • Charles Levy, Eastern publicity manager for Walt Disney Produc- tions, is scheduled to return here to- day from Cleveland. • Gene Katz of M-G-M's print de- partment will leave here today for a Miami vacation. Columbus Tilts Prices Columbus, O., March IS. — Down- town first-run theatres have raised their Monday-through-Friday evening adult admissions to 70 cents, from 64 cents. The Saturday, Sunday and holiday admission of 70 cents remains unchanged. FRENCH STRIKE RECIPROCITY NOTE FOR U.S. NEGOTIATIONS Flick Sees Need For State Censors Paris, March 14 (By Air Mail).— The pending Franco-American film pact negotiations are likely to follow the pattern of the recent Franco- British talks, according to observers here. It was decided at the Franco-Brit- ish meetings that when and if the British chose to "push" French films, France would be willing to grant an extra dubbing visa in return for each French film booked into a British cir- cuit. Contact made thus far between American film industry representatives in Paris and the French Producers' Syndicate has not made much head- way. The Americans have suggested that most of the difficult ground will have been covered to the satisfaction of both sides when the official talks open. However, one Syndicate official has said that the demands of the Ameri- cans are "out of the question." He added that "Freedom is fine when the contestants are equal. The kind of freedom the Americans want is like matching a flyweight against a heavy- weight." He said that French theatremen do not want more American films. Ameri- can representatives here, however, take a contrary view. Close 4 Ohio Theatres Cleveland1, March 15. — Four thea- tres in this state have been closed, in- cluding the Nixon, at Akron ; Allen, Toledo ; Dresden, Dresden, and the Rex at Dillonvale. Two More Awards to 'All About Eve9 Hollywood, March 15. — The Screen Directors Guild has chosen Joseph L. Mankiewicz as the winner of the guild's quarterly award for 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "All About Eve." 'Eve' Wins Page One Award Twentieth Century-Fox's "All About Eve" has been awarded the annual "Page One" citation for distinguished achievement in the field of motion pictures by the Newspaper Guild of New York. The award will be pre- sented to the company at the annual Page One Ball at the Hotel Astor on-April 13. 'Good* Americanism Cited by Freeman Hollywood, March 15. — "Our in- dustry doesn't want anyone who isn't a good American," Y. Frank Free- man, Association of Motion Picture Producers board chairman, declared in response to the tributes extended him last night. The occasion was the testimonial dinner tendered him at the Beverly Hills Hotel, attended by state, civic and industry leaders. Freeman, said in part, "I found this industry, city and state had heart. I found friends in all creeds and all walks of life. This is a great industry. . . ." Special 'Sun' Screening A special screening of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Follow the Sun," will be held here at the company's home of- fice on Monday for members of the Sports Broadcasters Association. Those expected to attend include Mel Allen, Ted Husing, Red Barber and Bill Stern. A luncheon will follow the screening. Ohio Drive-in Opens Canton, O., March 15.— Mid-City Drive-in on route No. 62 at Harris- burg, owned by Irving and Jerome Reinhart of Canton, is the first drive- in to open in this area. Set 'Nightingale' "The Emperor's Nightingale," Eng- lish-language version of a Czecho- slovakia color feature employing stringless puppets, has been completed and is being; readied for its American premiere, William L. Snyder, presi- dent of Rembrandt Films, has an- nounced. The film's English narra- tion was written by Phyllis McGinley. 16mm. Firms Warned Of an Imposter Sargoy and Stein, copyright in- fringement attorneys for distributors, yesterday warned 16mm. film compa- nies that "a person posing as a priest has been reported as having acquired 16mm. prints from established dealers in this city for the claimed purpose of giving exhibitions before religious youth organizations, and then disap- pearing with the prints. "Subsequent inquiry at a religious institution with which the youth or- ganization was supposedly connected, established that there was no such actual youth organization and no knowledge of the booking," said Sar- goy and Stein. The matter has been turned over to the police. Albany, March 15. — The Produc- tion Code has done a "tremendous amount of good in making more ac- ceptable films" but there is "a whole area in which they never come near where groups and organizations like ours do most serviceable work," Dr. Hugh L. Flick, director of the Mo- tion Picture Division of the State Education Department, claimed in a talk on "Censorship" before the Lou- donville PTA today. The state code "is a detailed docu- ment laying down, almost word for word, what can be shown on the screen," he said, adding "one criti- cism raised of this type of regulation is that it gives a producer a ready made pattern, which he can work around in his script." Dr. Flick continued : "The motion picture industry says some 90 per cent of the films shown in the United States have Production Code seals. That undoubtedly is true, but over 40 per cent which the Motion Picture Division processed last year did not have the code seal. A quarter of our films are produced outside the United States. It is obvious that the motion picture industry has found it impos- sible wholly to control the industry. There are a great many independent producers and a great many films made without the code seal." S chary Cites Film Editors Function Hollywood, March 15. — The im- portance of film cutting departments was stressed by Dore Schary, produc- tion vice-president of M-G-M, in a speech last night at the first annual dinner of the newly-formed American Cinema Editors organization. Film editors, said Schary, can ma- terially improve product by eliminat- ing cliches of every kind wherever encountered. Problems in 14 Lands Discussed by MPEA Current distribution problems in 14 countries were discussed here yester- day at a meeting of the board of the Motion Picture Export Association, at which John G. McCarthy, MPEA vice-president, presided. The meeting adopted a resolution expressing the board's regret at the death recently of Jacob Segal, vice- president and treasurer of Columbia International. Heyn Quits Macfadden Ernest V. Heyn, vice-president and editor-in-chief of Macfadden Publica- tions, has resigned, to become effective on April 24. Heyn joined the company in 1934, became editor of Photoplay, Radio Mirror, and later of Liberty. He became editor-in-chief of all Mac- fadden magazines in May, 1948. Legion Reviews Nine; Two in Class 'B' The National Legion of Decency has reviewed nine additional films, two of which were put in "Class B," and the remainder, in "Class A." Those in "Class B" include "House on Telegraph Hill," 20th Century- Fox, and "Inside Straight," M-G-M. Classified "Class A, section one" were : "Navy Bound," Monogram; "Silver Citv "Bonanza," Republic, and "Stage to Tuscon," Columbia. Under "section two, Class A," were : "Cuban Fireball," Republic, "The Fat Man," Universal- International, "Lullaby of Broadway," Warner, and "Oh ! Susanna," Repub- lic. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center FRED AST AJ RE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW record week! BO"*- A Columbia Picture MOTION PICTURE Sundays and holidays New York." Martin Quigley, _ James P. Cunning-ham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke^, Advertising Manager; Gus^H. Editor. Chicago Bureau, London Bureau, 4 Golden Published daily, except Saturdays. Quigpubco, dy, Secretary; C. ure News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; (jus il. rausei, rroauctio.. . N^tirmal Press Club Washington, D. , 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J A P^^^^Vnu^^Num^m,^ n Sq.. London Wl; Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address "Quigpubco, London, Other Qu gley ™^,on^ ™ Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion /«^«pAta»j^ ^^IS^^^W class matter Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and *U toreign, single oV Friday, March 16, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Short Subject "Flight Plan For Freedom" (March of Time — 20th Century-Fox) In "Flight Plan for Freedom," March of Time takes the onlooker along on a simulated Inter-Continental bombing mission of a giant B-36, representative of the work of the Stra- tegic Air Command of the U. S. Air Force. After preliminary glimpses of bases in Nebraska, Texas and Britain, the camera records for what is said to be the first time the activities with- in a B-36, including the easy efficiency of the crew and how its members work, eat and relax on a 9,000 mile "dry-run" mission. Running time 19 minutes. Adjustment Boosts Mono. '50 Loss Hollywood, March 15. — An adjust- ment said to increase Monogram's "consolidated loss for the year ended July 1 from $263,342 to $663,342," was made known today in a letter to stock- holders by president Steve Broidy. The letter conveyed the revision of the company's annual report for 1950 at the request of the Securities and Exchange Commission. It stated that the special amortization of $400,000 has been provided for two films being distributed by United Artists, which adjustment boosted the consolidated loss by that amount and the deficit account from $704,826 to $1,104,826. The inventory of release produc- tions, the letter stated, is reduced from $2,953,269 to $2,553,269. The net profit for 26 weeks ended Dec. 13 was given as $163,312. Blumberg in Rome On 6 Weeks' Tour Rome, March 15— N. J. Blumberg, president of Universal Pictures, ac- companied by Mrs. Blumberg, has ar- rived here from New York on the first stop of a six weeks business tour which will also take him to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels where he will hold meetings with the company's foreign distribution representatives. Blumberg is due to return to New York late in April. Conspiracy Suit Filed A $150,000 damage action, charg- ing conspiracy, was filed in New York Federal Court yesterday against Al Young, owner of Duart Film Labora- tories, and Columbia Pictures, by Jacob J. Milstein. The plaintiff al- leges that the defendants induced him to release Young from a 1949 agree- ment under which Milstein was to be- come Duart sales manager and pur- chase part of the company. Comment on the action was de- clined yesterday by a Duart execu- tive. Studio Wages Down Hollywood, March 15. — Studio crafts workers' average weekly earn- ings were $102.98 in January, which compares with $105.02 in December and with $94.32 in January last year, according to the latest monthly re- port of the California Department of Industrial Relations. Review Tarzan's Peril (Sol Lesser — RKO Pictures) TARZAN again swings through the jungle, dives into rivers and combats his enemies, human and animal, with the athletic abandon that has cap- tivated youthful audiences for many a year. The current Tarzan is Lex Barker, and in physique and agility he is a match for his predecessors, just as this Sol Lesser production equals his others as solid box-office fare for juvenile patrons. The screenplay by Samuel Newman and Francis Swann does not depart from the tested formula originally devised by Edgar Rice Burroughs and the direction by Byron Haskin cleverly uses authentic African footage to good advantage. This time gun-runners trying to foment strife between two tribes give Barker and his simian pal, Cheta, trouble. When two white men are killed by villain George Macready, Barker leaves his wife, Virginia Huston, in their jungle hut and sets out to foil the gun-runners. The ensuing events give rise to plenty of action, with the apeman finally victorious. The story enables the screening of a number of excellent native dance sequences and makes full use of pictures of African animals in their native habitat. Aiding Macready in the "heavy" role are Douglas Fowley and Glenn Anders. Dorothy Dandridge plays a pretty native queen, with Frederick O'Neal an unsuccessful suitor. Others in the cast are Alan Napier, Edward Ashely and Walter Kingsford. ' Running time, 79 minutes. General audience classification. March release. Vaughan O'Brien Coast Production Steady; 22 in Work Hollywood, March 15. — The total number of pictures in production has dropped only one, to 23. Six new pictures were started while seven were completed. Started were : "Savage Drums," Lippert ; "Casa Manana" (Lindsley Parsons Productions), Monogram; "Havana Rose," "Secrets of Monte Carlo," "South of Caliente" and "A Lady Possessed" (Portland Produc- tions), Republic. Completed were : "Little Big Horn," Lippert ; "The Law and Lady Lover- ly," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ; "Million Dollar Pursuit," Republic : "The Se- cret of Convict Lake" and "The Frog- men," 20th Century-Fox ; "I Was a Communist for the FBI" and "Tomor- row Is Another Diy," Warners. UPT Declares Dividend A dividend of 50 cents per share on the common stock of United Para- mount Theatres payable on April 20 to holders of record on March 30, was announced here by Leonard H. Gol- denson, UPT president. Committees Named (Continued from page 1) Kincey, Charlotte ; Ben L. Strozier, Rock Hill ; H. H. Everett, F. H. Bed- dingfield, and Harry Pickett, all of Charlotte; George D. Carpenter, Valdese. Drive-In Committee: Hugh Sykes, Jr., Charlotte; Jack Biggart, Lancaster; Robert Jeffress, Charlotte; Irwin Rourk, Wilming- ton; Howard McNally, Fayetteville; C. B. Hayworth of Pink Hill. Film Rentals Committee: H. D. Hearn, Charlotte; S. T. Stoker, Thomas- ville; Ernest Stellings, Charlotte; Howard Anderson of Mullins. 16 mm Committee: Roy Row, Burgaw; Roy L. Smart, Charlotte; Roy L. Champion, Wilson. Insurance Committee: E. J. Haley, Raleigh; J. F. White, Jr., Charlotte; J. B. Harvey, Clover; Robert E. Bryan, Rock Hill; Warren Irvin. Columbia; J. C. Long, Charleston; H. E. Buchanan of Henderson- ville. South Carolina Legislative Commit- tee: Warren Irvin, Columbia; Robert E. Bryant, Rock Hill; J. C. Long, Charleston; Ben L. Strozier. Rock Hill; J. B. Harvey, Clover; R. L. Wilburn, Buffalo. North Carolina Legislative Commit- tee: H. E Buchanan, Hendersonville ; T. A. Little, Charlotte; Worth Stewart. Char- lotte; Roy Rowe, Burgaw.; Harry Cooke, Mt. Olive. Gerard, Simonelli To Product Confabs Phil Gerard, Universal's Eastern publicity manager, will leave New York on Sunday for Hollywood where he will be joined by Charles Simonelli, in charge of national exploitation who will arrive from Texas, for a week of conferences with studio executives on promotion plans. The promotion meetings at the stu- dio will follow the series of meetings between East and West Coast execu- tives held during the past week-and-a- half on releasing plans for the com- ing months. These meetings will con- clude today with Alfred E. Daff, director of world sales, and C. J. Feldman, domestic sales manager, due to return to New York on Monday. N. Y. Exposition (Continued from page 1) committee and the metropolitan ex- hibitors it represents, include a full- scale advertising and promotional drive, selection by the New York Film Critics' Circle of a "Picture of the Month," a cooperative television show, the use of stars in personal appearances and many others. Officers and committees tentatively agreed upon as being necessary to carry out the exposition were as fol- lows : Honorary chairman, executive chairman, committees on finance and budget, exhibits, construction and decorations, advertising and publicity, liaison with studios, special features, space allocation, concessions, service, advisory, program, auditing, legal and' production. Those attending the meeting were Schwartz, who acted as chairman ; Sam and Harold Rinzler, Emanuel Frisch, Oscar A. Doob, Sam Rosen, Si Fabian, Ed Rugoff, Max Cohen, Barret McCormick, Andy Smith, Howard Dietz, Wilbur Snaper, Irving Dollinger, Harry Goldberg, Harry Brandt, Arthur L. Mayer, John Phil- lips, Solomon Strausberg, David T. Katz, Philip Gerard, Edward Dow- den, Ernest Emerling, Benjamin Field- ing, Russell V. Downing, Herb Gold- en, Sterling Silliphant, Robert J. Rubin, Madeline White, Walter Brecher, Steve Edwards, Bob Fer- guson, Sol A. Schwartz, Robert W. Coyne. Coming Events March 19-27 — Eagle Lion Classics divisional sales meetings at the home office. March 21 — Atlantic Coast section of Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers meeting, Wilkie Memorial Building, New York. March 21 — Metropolitan Motion1 Picture Theatres Association meeting, St. Moritz Hotel, New York. March 22 — Ascap announcement of annual board of directors election results. March 25-27 — Theatre Owners of Oklahoma annual convention, Biltmore Hotel, Oklahoma City. March 26 — Motion Picture Associa- tion of America annual meeting. March 27 — Ascap annual meeting, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York. March 28 — United Jewish Appeal executive committee of the amusement division meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 28 — Cinema Stamp Collec- tors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 29 — Academy of Motion Pic- ture Arts and Sciences 23rd an- nual presentation of awards, RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. April 4-6 — Theatre Owners of America board of directors meet- ing, Hotel Mayflower, Washing- ton. April 5-6 — National Board of Re- view of Motion Pictures annual conference, Hotel McAlpin, New York. April 10-11 — Allied-Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa-Nebras- ka annual convention, Savery Hotel, Des Moines. Kronenberg Signs Deal With Discina Arnold Jacobs, general sales man- ager for Discina International, has consummated a deal with Robert I. Kronenberg, head of Manhattan Films International Corp. Los Angeles, to represent Discina product in the West. The deal involves "Manon," which is now being shown in Los Angeles, among others. Daylight and Overnight 1 DC-6 Mainline! 300s W, HRS.ONESTOP to I LOS ANGELES I Leaves at noon, arrives 8:30 pm ffl United's overnight flight to I Los Angeles leaves at 9 pm; j arrives the next morning. UNITED AIR LINES 4 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Friday, March 16, 1951 Loew's Sets Excess Profits Tax Floor On the basis of the present Federal tax laws, Loew's Inc., will be liable for excess profits tax payments when earnings surpass $1.80 per share of common stock. The estimate was made yesterday by J. Robert Rubin in reply to a stockholder's question at the company's annual meet- ing. Okay Loew's Stock Option (Continued from page 1) L. A. Protest (Continued from page 1) representatives will be in Washing- ton then for the April 4 board meet- ing of the Theatre Owners of Amer- ica, of which SCTOA is an affiliate. Gael Sullivan, TOA executive direc- tor, as well as representatives of the Coast unit will confer with Depart- ment officials. Simultaneous bookings on a broad scale and widespread price-cutting have contributed to the destruction of closed zoning in the Los Angeles area so that the 21 -day clearance to which the first-runs lay claim is now no more than a "technical" clearance, Corwin said. "If both distribution and ex- hibition will recognize the vast advantages and resultant gains inherent in arbitration," he said, "the Los Angeles prob- lems can be solved." He said he hoped the Department of Justice could "see its way clear" to encourage arbitration of the Los Angeles "chaos." Under the simultaneous bookings setup applying to the L. A. first-runs at present, pictures are not given a chance to play themselves out for all they are worth in terms of revenue, Corwin said. Hence, he added, were the situation corrected the distribu- tors would stand to increase their "take" on individual pictures. So convinced is the SCTOA mem- bership that trade practices are re- sponsible primarily for current poor business conditions in L. A. that the subjects of television and Phonevision weren't even broached during the re- cent four-hour meeting of the SCTOA board, Corwin said. And he empha- sized that the organization will de- vote itself wholly to seeking trade practices improvements, even to the extent of excluding consideration of virtually all other matters such as ratification of the changes slated in the governing structure of the Coun- cil of Motion Picture Organizations. Corwin, who will remain here through the weekend before returning to the Coast, came to New York to set distribution arrangements for the film "The Man from Planet X," which he acquired recently. of the Treasury Department by delet- ing the provision that would permit the executives to borrow from the company the money to exercise the op- tions. The option price, originally set at $16t7b per share, was to be changed to 95 per cent of yesterday's stock quotation, if the figure was higher, also a Treasury suggestion. The stock closed at 17 yesterday, or Y% less than the quotation on which the original figure was based. Some Opposition A number of stockholders took the ■ floor at the meeting to oppose the op- tion plan, but the changes above, as announced by Rubin, removed the basic objections of most. Other speakers, in- cluding director F. Joseph Holleran, National City Bank vice-president, favored the option as a means of re- taining key personnel described as be- ing vital to the company's continued success. The following received the options, to be exercised within the next six years: Dore Schary, 100,000 shares; Arthur M. Loew, 40,000 shares, and Benjamin Thau, Joseph R. Vogel, Charles C. Moskowitz and Louis K. Sidney, 27,500 shares each. With the exception of Loew, who heads Loew's International, they are all vice-presi- dents. Rubin's report to the stock- holders stressed the company's earnings record during the 27 years since its founding. He said there has never been a year of unprofitable operation and that during that time Loew's has earned over $239,- 000,000, after taxes. Among factors which adversely af- fected the company's earnings during this past 16-week period, Rubin men- tioned the destruction of WMGM's broadcasting tower in the November, 1950, hurricane, reduced theatre at- tendance, and the inability to convert into dollars about $1,000,000 in Italian lira. On the positive side, Rubin pointed to the continued good position of op- erations abroad, the opening of four new theatres in Egypt and Australia, and to prospects for the best year to date for M-G-M Records, Inc., a sub- sidiary. Rubin said that theatre busi- ness could be expected to pick up as defense mobilization is speeded. On the basis of the experience during World War II, attendance would increase as more soldiers and their families were shifted about the country, and receipts would be higher in places of defense in- dustry, he said. Loew's is going ahead to meet pro- visions of the anti-trust decision, Ru- bin said, but negotiations with the Department of Justice for a consent decree are just starting. Directors reelected at the meeting were Rubin, Holleran, Moskowitz, Vogel, Leopold Friedman, Eugene W. Leake, William A. Parker, William F. Rodgers, Nicholas M. Schenck, David Warfield and Henry Rogers Winthrop. QP Awards (Continued from page 1) Television Tax (Continued from page 1) Diamond to Film Abroad The cooperation of the British gov- ernment will be sought by David Dia- mond, producer of Allied Artists' forthcoming 'Women of Britain," who sailed from New York on Wednesday for London. Variety Fete Tomorrow Albany, N. Y., March 15.— The annual Variety Club dinner-dance will be held here tomorrow at the Ten Eyck Hotel. Leo Rosen is chief barker. Round Table during the year. The annual judging took place at the Wal- dorf Astoria Hotel here this week, followed by a luncheon at which Mar- tin Quigley introduced Elmer Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest Theatres, who was guest speaker. After citing Motion Picture Her- ald and the Quigley Awards for "increasing showmanship values on the exhibition level," Rhoden de- clared that all sectors of the industry must concentrate on devising new methods of "packaging" and present- ing their story to the public, and that the industry, while it is doing a good job individually in each of its three main branches, needs a "spokesman at the top industry level." Doctor's Grand Award covers thea- tre situations where the manager has had the assistance of a circuit or home office staff in promoting product, while Harrison's Award is for _ those situations where the manager is en- tirely on his own in his showmanship merchandising efforts. FTC Okays RTMA Bid for Trade Meet Washington, March 15. — The Fed- eral Trade Commission has advised the Radio-Television Manufacturers Association that its request for a trade practice conference of the television receiver manufacturing industry has been granted. The date and the place of the hear- ing will be scheduled by the Commis- sion after it receives recommendations from the Association. firm of consulting economists. He and other witnesses testified in oppo- sition to the Treasury plan. Sprague stressed the "essential" character of radio and television, and said use of critical materials should be controlled through direct allocation and limitation orders and not taxes. Ralph W. Hardy, spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters, argued that radio and television are communications media like newspapers and magazines, and should not be taxed. James B. Conkling, president of Columbia Records, opposed the Treas- ury's recommendation to boost the excise on phonograph records from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. He warned the impact of higher excises "will be keenly felt" in reduced sales or sharply curtailed profits. D. of J. 'Request' Aids Phonevision Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer product being used on the Phonevision test in Chicago was supplied "at the request of the Department of Jus- tice," J. Robert Rubin told Loew's stockholders yester- day. Rubin said that Phone- vision's future cannot be ac- curately gauged yet by the results of the test. In addi- tion, he reminded, Phone- vision still has to receive FCC approval for commercial operation. Radio, Film Panels Aid US Propaganda Washington, March 15. — The State Department today named a 13- member panel of radio executives to help guide operations of its overseas radio propaganda program, and prom- ised to name shortly a similar panel from the film industry to work on the motion picture program. The radio group is headed by Justin Miller, president of the National As- sociation of Broadcasters, and includes CBS board chairman William S. Paley, NBC executive vice-president Charles Denny, ABC board chairman Edward Noble, Mutual board chair- man Theodore S. Streibert, and others. Videofilm Test (Continued from page 1) manager, will be in charge of the theatre's participation in the test, which will start on the Fulton's screen at 10 P.M. and will run until mid- night. Regular theatre admission prices will prevail. Attending the pre- miere from New York will be Shea executives Gerald Shea, Ray Smith and Andrew Grainger. GPL's equipment photographs, de- velops and projects the television sig- nals on 16mm. film to the full-size theatre screen within 60 seconds after it is received, it was explained here today by Richard Armfield, GPL ex- ecutive. Armfield stated that the Videofilm system consists of a combination re- ceiver, camera, and rapid-speed proc- essor, running in conjunction with what is described as the first "profes- sional 16mm. projector ever built." The 16mm. system, according to Arm- field, will cut operating costs to one- fourth of comparable 35mm. equip- ment. Offers Phila. Theatre Philadelphia, March 15. — A. M. Ellis Theatres Co. has closed the Southern Theatre on Broad St. here and is offering it for sale. Ellis's nearby Dante Theatre will continue in operation. Set "GI" Studio Tours Hollywood, March 15. — Fr.ed S. Meyer, chairman of the Association of Motion Picture Producers' military affairs committee, has announced that arrangements have been completed for studio tours for servicemen who apply to the area USO. Procedure will be the same as that which prevailed dur- ing World War II. Title Bout on TV (Continued from page 1) ordered, compared with the "normal" 25 to 40 orders for a weekday night from the 300 test families. Observers were a little puzzled over the failure of last night's free telecast and broadcast of the fight to cut into commercial entertainment re- ceipts. The commonest explanation was that most fight fans were expect- ing an easy, early victory for Bratton, and few had anticipated the spirited battle that it turned out to be. The night's experience, nevertheless, was one of the few instances in this area to date of the box-office being unaffected by a free telecast of a ma- jor sporting event. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 53 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1951 TEN CENTS SalesmenOpen New Pay Pact Meetings Here Begin Today One Week of Negotiations for Raises Negotiations for new union con- tracts to cover the country's 1,000 film salesmen will begin here today between distributors and the Colos- seum of Motion Picture Salesmen. Increases in wages and on-the-road expense allowances will be demanded by the union. That union representatives were less than willing to come to New York for the negotia- tions was indicated in a letter which David Beznor, Colosseum general counsel, of Milwaukee, sent to Bernard Goodman, chairman of the Industry Ne- gotiat'ng Committee. "We feel," Beznor wrote, "that a meeting should be held more appro- priately and conveniently at some (Continued on page 4) ELC Sales Meeting Starts Here Today Eight days of conferences to be at- tended by Eagle Lion Classics top ex- ecutives and field sales personnel at- tending in territorial groups, will open at the home office here this morning. Product policy and show- manship promotion will be concen- trated today and tomorrow on the confabs for the Eastern division, with the Midwestern division attending on (Continued on page 4) PCCITO Convention Set for July 16-19 San Francisco, March 18. — Annual convention of the Pacific Coast Conference of Independent Theatre Owners will be held July 16-19 at Del- mar, Gal., Rotus Harvey, pres- ident, announced. Convention headquarters will be at the Delmar Turf and Surf Club. Harvey urged exhibitors to bring their families, includ- ing the children, promising provisions to assure a family vacation. Harvey's announce- ment came shortly after PCCITO ratified the new COMPO set-up. Ontario Admissions Expected to Rise Toronto, March 18. — An up- ward revision in admission prices in Ontario is expected after April 1 when the reduc- tion of the provincial amuse- ment tax from 15 to 12'/2 per cent becomes effective. Theatre scales have been static for a long time under an agreement with the On- tario government to maintain prices in passing on to the- atres the ticket-tax reduction from 20 to 15 per cent, per- mitted some time ago, but the pact expires March 31 and an upward trend is now in prospect, it is intimated. See No Ticket Tax Hike Bid by U. S. Washington, March 18. — Key Administaration officials on Capitol Hill are predicting that the admis- sion tax will not be mentioned when Secretary of the Treasury Sny- der appears before the House Ways and Means committee on April 2 to outline the Administration's new tax plans. In fact, some Republicans and Democrats believe Secretary Snyder will not ask for any additional taxes over the $10,- 155,000,000 he requested in Feb- ruary. The Administration is on record for a pay-as-you-go tax policy, and this could mean that Snyder would have to find an additional $6,000,000,- 000 of new taxes to fully balance the (Continued on page 4) Jurisdictional Tilt To Supreme Court Washington, March 18. ■ — Eight major distributors, Interstate Circuit, Inc., and Texas Consolidated Theatres, Inc. have told the U. S. Supreme Court that Federal District Courts do have the power to transfer cases to other districts for the convenience of the parties involved and witnesses. In a brief filed here, they urged the high court to turn down an appeal by Tivoli Realty, Inc., and I. B. Adelman. Tivoli and Adelman operate theatres in Dallas and Houston, respectively, but brought anti-trust suits against the distributors and the two circuits in Delaware. The distributors and the circuits moved to transfer the cases to Texas, but Tivoli and Adelman (Continued on page 4) 16 Col. Films In 6 Months Columbia will open a three-day sales meeting at the Hotel Warwick, New York, today. A. Montague, general sales manager, will preside. Attend- ing will be the company's division managers, several branch managers, home office sales executives and top sales personnel. High on the agenda will be a dis- cussion of sales and liquidation plans for 16 productions, seven in color, to be released by the company in the coming six months. Also scheduled for discussion is a detailed examination of sales condi- tions in the various territories. Among the productions to be dis- cussed are: "Born Yesterday," Judy Holliday-William Holden-Broderick Crawford starrer ; "Valentino," Tech- nicolor Edward Small production (Continued on page 2) Bollengier Elected Treasurer of U.A. Albert E. Bollengier has been elected treasurer of United Artists, it was announced here at the weekend by Arthur B. Krim, president. Bollengier suc- ceeds H. J. Muller, who was named comp- troller and who in that post will continue with the duties he had in the past. A certified public account- ant whose entire professional ca- reer has been devoted to mo- tion picture fi- nances, Bollengier resigned as secre- (Continued on page 4) Albert E. Bollengier O'Dwyer Probe Film Free at Theatres Today's hearings in New York of the Senate Crime Investigating Com- mittee, currently a top news event, will be shown complete in Century's Marine and Queens theatres to audi- ences admitted free of charge. The two theatres and Fabian's Fox in Brooklyn screened TV excerpts of the hearings during the past week. Century decided, in view of the pub- lic interest, to screen the whole pro- ceedings today when former Mayor William O'Dwyer is scheduled to ap- pear. Fabian's Fox will continue to (Continued on page 4) Kramer Makes Deal With Columbia Contract Calls for SO Films Over 5 Years Hollywood, March 18. — An agreement under which Stanley Kramer Co. will deliver 30 films to Columbia during the next five years was finalized at the weekend with the signing of contracts covering an ex- penditure of $25,000,000. Columbia president, Harry Cohn, in announcing the con- summation of long pending negotiations, said, "This is the most important deal we have ever made." Kramer's company, he continued, which moves intact to Columbia, comes to us with 12 properties, worth more than $3,000,000, already purchased and in preparation. The same production methods which (Continued on page 2) Judge Pecora Joins Schwartz & Frohlich Ferdinand Pecora, former New York State Supreme Court Justice, has been named counsel to the industry law firm of Schwartz and Frohlich. The appointment is effective today. Pecora was chief assistant to the Federal District Attorney in New York for 11 years. Subsequently, he was counsel to the U. S. Senate Com- mittee on Banking and Currency and (Continued on page 4) Maryland Owners Elect Garman, Nolte Baltimore, March 18.— The Motion Picture Theatre Own- ers of Maryland, at its an- nual meeting here, elected Lauritz Garman, president ; C. Elmer Nolte, Jr., vice- president; Jacob Levin, trea- surer, and Mrs. Helen Dier- ing, secretary. Directors include: Louis Gaertner, Leon Bach, Isador M. Rappaport, Meyer Leven- thal, Oscar B. Coblentz, Jr., William C. Allen, L. E. Green, Frank A. Hornig, Jr., J. L. Whittle, J. Robert Gruver and Milton Schwaber. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 19, 1951 Personal Mention JOHN JOSEPH, M-G-M publicity «J head in the East, is due back from the Coast today. • E. K. O'Shea, Jr.; a Marine lieu- tenant, is now in Korea, while James H. O'Shea, a former Air Force cap- tain and fighter pilot, has been recalled to active duty. Both are sons of E. K. O'Shea, vice-president of Paramount Film Distributing Corp. • James M. Connolly, Boston branch manager for 20th Century-Fox, ad- dressed students of Wellesley College on the subject, "Do Motion Pictures Inform as Well as Entertain?" • Ben Goetz, in charge of M-G-M production in England, and his wife are due to arrive here from the Coast Friday to sail on March 27 on the S.S. America for London. Allan Stearns, promotion director of Dell Publications, will address a class in the New School here to- night on magazine publicity and pro- motion. Oscar Morgan, general sales man- ager of Paramount short subjects and; newsreel, is scheduled to leave here today for New Orleans. Robert Weitman, vice-president of United Paramount Theatres, is set to return to his desk here today follow- ing a siege of the flu. Richard Brooks, M-G-M director, is due to arrive here from the Coast to leave tomorrow on the «S"..S\ Queen Elisabeth for Europe. Jack Broder, chairman and presi- dent of Realart Pictures, Inc., is slated to arrive here today from Los An- geles. • Ted R. Gamble,' head of Gamble Enterprises, is slated to be in Wash- ington today from New York. Ed Barison, president of Cinema Distributors, is due to leave here today for the Coast. * • Bill Kaplan, M-G-M unit man- ager, is due to arrive fiere today from the Coast en route to Rome. • Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of America executive director, is in Washington today from New York: • | Harry M. Popkin, independent pro*- ducer, has returned to Hollywood from New York. i Sondergaard to Cite Fifth Amendment Hollywood, March 18.— Ac- tress Gale Sondergaard, one of those subpoenaed by the House Committee on Un-Am- erican Activities, has issued a statement here saying that she will invoke the Fifth Amendment at the Commit- tee hearings scheduled to start Wednesday in Washing- ton. She further stated that she would ask the Screen Actors Guild for protection against blacklisting. Averts Mexican Strike ' Mexico City, March 18— A strike has been averted in 27 theatres in the towns of Chihuahua State on the U.S; border, Chihuahua City, the capital, Ciudad Juarez, opposite El Paso. Texas, and Hidalgo del Parral, a min4 ing center. Exhibitors allowed theiij staffs a 10-to-20 per cent pay hike. in Brief . Waycross, Georgia, has won the "Queen City for A Day" world premiere celebration for the new Robert Stillman film, "Queen for a Day," on April 14, it was announced by Max E. Youngstein, United Artists advertising and publicity vice-presi- dent. • The Canadian premiere of Para- mount's Technicolor production of "Quebec" will be held in that city on March 30 at the Capitol Theatre it was announced at the weekend. : Chicago, March 18. — While return- ing home at the weekend from a meet- ing at which he was reelected presi- dent of Allied- Theatres of Illinois, Jack Kirsch was held up, beaten by three gunmen, and robbed. Kirsch said the. bandits entered his car when he stopped for a traffic sig- nal at Wabash and Roosevelt, a block away from Allied's headquarters. One of the gunmen took the wheel and drove north on Wabash Ave. When Kirsch attempted to escape at Mon- roe Street, the bandits pistol-whipped- him. • Baltimore, March 18. — The Hippo- drome Theatre here, operated by Isa- dor. M. Rappaport, has booked "The Outlaw for its first Baltimore show- ings, opening on March 24. Kramer Deal (Continued from page 1) Several Promoted By Loew's in N. Y. Loew's Theatres has made the fol- lowing managerial ^promotions in its; Metropolitan New York divisions : Joseph McCoy, former assistant manager at the Victoria, becomes acting manager of Loew's 116th Street ; Robert Camman has been pro- moted from assistant at the Paradise to acting manager of Lowe's Kameo, succeeding Mrs. Dorothy' Solomon, who has been transferred txvLoew's 46th Street as manager. Edward Schwartz has beefi trans- ferred from the 1 16th Street to Loew's Broadway as manager, suc- ceeding Helen Lupo who will go to the Sheriadn. Morris Tanney, mana- ger of Loew's 46th Street, is trans- ferred to the Alpine. Douglas Helge- son, manager of the Sheridan, has resigned. enabled Kramer to turn out "Cham- pion," "Home of The Brave," and "Cyrano de Bergerac," will continue under the new set-up, a spokesman explained. With Columbia assuming complete responsibility for financing and sharing in profits, pictures will be produced at the rate of six annually, it was announced. Kramer Statement Kramer said, "Our operation will be the same as in the past," basing its striking power on new ideas plus thorough preparation and rehearsal. Nowhere in the industry have we en- countered executives so alert to the box-office challenge of today as we find in Columbia." Kramer's organization is headed by Sam Katz, board chairman ; George Glass, vice-president and exploitation chief ; and Carl Foreman, writer. Kramer production department heads will continue in their present capacity. Kramer's production slate is beaded by three Broadway successes, "Death of a Salesman," "Happy Time," and "Member of the Wedding." 16 Col. Films (Continued from page 1) starring Eleanor Parker and Anthony Dexter. Also, "The Brave Bulls," Robert Rossen's adaptation of the Tom Lee novel; Sidney Buchman's production, "Saturday's Hero," starring John Derek and Donna Reed; the Santana Humphrey Bogart "starrer, "Sir- occo," co- staring Marta Toren and Lee J. Cobb; "The Whistle at Eaton Falls," star- ring Lloyd Bridges and Dorothy Gish, pro- duced by Louis deRochemont and directed by Robert Siodmak; "Her First Romance," starring Margaret O'Brien; "Santa Fe," in Technicolor, starring Randolph Scott; "Two of a Kind," starring Edmond O'Brien, Liza- beth Scott and Terry Moore; "Never Trust a Gambler," starring Dane Clark, Cathy O'Donnell and Tom Drake; "Pickup," star- ring Beverly Michaels, Hugo Haas, Allan Nixon and Howland Chamberlin; "Lorna Doone," Edward Small Technicolor version of the Blackmore classic, starring Barbara Hale and Richard Greene; "Sunny Side of the Street." Supercinecolor musical; "Re- member That Face," starring Broderick Crawford; "The Texas Rangers," Super- cinecolor Edward Small production starring George Montgomery and Gale Storm; "Hurricane Island" and "When the Red- skins Rode," two Supercinecolor produc- tions starring John Hall. Present at the meetings from the home office, in addition to Montague, will be: Rube Jackter. Louis Astor, Louis Weinberg, Irving Wormser, George Josephs, Maurice Grad, H. C. Kaufman, Joseph Freiberg, Seth Raisler, Harry Kosiner, Irving Sher- man, Sydney Singerman, William Brennan and Irving Moross. Those attending from the field include: Nat Cohn, Sam Galanty, Carl Shalit, H. E. Weiner, I. H. Rogovin, B. C. Marcus, R. J. Ingram, Jack Underwood, L. E* Tillman, Wayne Ball, Ben Lourie and Harvey Har- nick. Pine-Thomas Set Two In Color for Payne Hollywood, March 18. — Producers Bill Pine and Bill Thomas have set two forthcoming productions for John Payne. The first, which will start on July 6, will be "The Lumberjack and the Lady," in Technicolor. The sec- ond will be "Carib Gold," to be di- rected by Edward Ludwig. It also will be in Technicolor, and has a Sept. 3 starting date. Both will be released by Paramount. Newsreel Parade A LARGE, amount of current ■SI newsreel footage is devoted to the Kefauver Senate hearings in Nezv York. Other items include flashes from Korea, the first Eskimo Nun, and sports. Complete contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 23— Senate crime probe in New York. United States takes part in British air maneuvers. First Eskimo takes veil in Northern Canada. Canadian ice show. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 257— Senate crime probe in New York. Frank Costello and Virginia Hill Hauser testify. British - U. S. in joint air maneuvers. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 60^-Trieste's future is spotlighted. New method for treating coronary thrombosis. Frostbite casualties in Korea. First Eskimo nun takes vow. Kefauver crime hearings. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 11-B— Sen- ate crime probe. Student riots in Japan. Korea: crossing the Han. Sports world: celebrities play golf. UNIVERSAL NEWSi No. 439- Senate crime probe hearings in New York. At the front in Korea. Sport news: flashes, basketball for kiddies. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 62— Ke- fauver crime probe in New York. Korea: UN troops in drive. Korea war dead started home. Eskimo Nun takes vows. Base- ball: "Happy" Chandler out. Must Bid in Field; Gamble Declares "Pictures are bid for and bought in the field now and that's where the exhibitor has to be these days," Ted R. Gamble, head of Gamble Enter- prises, said on his return here from the Coast Friday, preparatory to clos- ing his New York offices. Gamble recently sold his half inter- est in four of Indianapolis' five first- run theatres and transferred his head- quarters from New York to Milwau- kee, where his most important opera- tions now are. "When we first moved to New York from the Pacific Northwest," Gamble said, "our intention was to expand in the Eastern territory. Accordingly, we established headquarters here. That was before competitive bidding. It is no longer practicable to buy for wide- ly separated theatres from New York. Exhibitors need to be on the scene now that pictures are bought and sold locally." Legion Official Denies Attack on 'Fox* Chicago, March 18. — The Ameri- can Legion's Chipilly Post Com- mander, James W. Hilton, flatly, de- nies that his post had authorized pub- lished reports implying boycott action against "The Desert Fox," 20th Cen- tury-Fox's forthcoming production concerning the late German Field Marshal Irwin Rommel. The denial was carried in a public letter to Harry G. Green, of Chicago, who issued the recent public blast against the film. The post commander cautioned against pre-judging the film, and stated that Green's attitude did not reflect the views of the post. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary : James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus-H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten. National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion "Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office; at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Paramount has it for you in April! Action and romance to bring the crowds to "is handsome" reports Motion Picture Daily and worthy , of his famous name — as Mark, the boy with a hero's courage. is "outstanding" says Variety, as La Fleur, the woman who set a century aflame . . . Btfrlc rugged and romantic, is the rebel leader in scenes of "large scale military 1H action" says Film Daily . . . Barbara Rush Paramount's tovely star of tomorrow plays the girl who loved a soldier . . . with John Hoyt • Arnold Moss • and introducing NIKKI DUVAL • Directed by George Templeton 'Written and Produced by Alan LeMay CIr. ^jtf area's " Herald Paramount's Big Shows In Color By Technicolor, Currently Include: Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah" "Branded" and "The Great Missouri Raid" 4 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 19, 1951 Bollengier (Continued from page 1) tary-treasurer of Hal Roach Studios in Hollywood to join UA. The new UA treasurer arrived here at the weekend from Hollywood to take over as UA's chief fiscal officer. He will supervise all liaison for UA with banks and producers on financial matters, operate as chief statistical control officer and direct home office and branch operations, procurement and personnel relations. Negotiations with unions will be in his province also. Bollengier Background Bollengier was treasurer of Eagle Lion Films in 1949 when Krim was president of that company. Now 38 years of age, he entered the industry in 1935 with Price, Waterhouse and Co., where he specialized in film ac- counts. Muller, who joined UA in 192/, will continue to devote full time to the maintenance of the company's books and records, and to the receipt and disbursement of funds, it was reported. ELC Sales Meeting (Continued from page 1) Wednesday and Thursday, the South- ern division on hand on Friday and Saturday and the Western division concluding the series next Tudesday and Wednesday. Among those from the field who will, attend the meeting today and to- morrow are : Clayton Eastman? East- ern division manager -, George Wald- man,1 New York Metropolitan district manager; John McKenna, New York branch manager; Harry Segal, Bos- ton branch manager ; Robert Richard- son, Cleveland manager ; Albert Glaub- jnger, Cincinnati manager ; Max Cohen, Washington manager, Sanford Gottlieb, Philadelphia; Arthur Levy, Pittsburgh; M. A. Brown, Buffalo, and Frank Fisher, general manager of Eagle Lion Films of Canada, Ltd. Company executives who will ad- dress the meetings include : William C. Millen, Jr., president; B. G. Kranze, vice-president in charge of distribut- tioii ; Milton E. Cohen, general sales manager ; Howard LeSieur, director of advertising, publicity and exploita- tion; David Melamed, treasurer; Jo- seph Sugar, assistant to Kranze, and Charles Amory, head of ELC's spe- cial "art" film sales unit. Reviews O'Dwyer Probe Film (Continued from. page 1) show portions of the hearing. Public interest in the hearings, avail able on home television receivers, was high all through last week. Century announced that its telecast will begin at the Marine and Queens at 10:00 A.M. today and run until the conclusion for the day. The regu lar film show will follow. Ampa Trade Press 'Salute' March 28 The Associated Motion Picture Ad vertisers will salute the trade press at a testimonial luncheon on Wednesday March 28, Harry McWillams, AMPA president has announced. The luncheon will be held at the Hotel Piccadilly. The chairman and key speaker will be named shortly. "Follow the Sun" (20th Century-Fox) THE American success story is clothed in the game of golf in "Follow the Sun," a film biography of Ben Hogan, one of the country's sport kings. A warmly human account of a man's tenacious dedication to becoming a champion in the game he loved, this is equally the story of a wife's loyalty and devotion. Ben and Valerie Hogan come to the screen in the persons of Glenn Ford and Anne Baxter as a very likeable American couple whose adventures across the fairways of the land should excite the sympathy and amusement of audiences of all kinds and classifications. From every stand- point— story, acting, direction, pace and production values — "Follow the Sun" is a dandy job and appears to be headed for fine going at the box-office. This is the story of real courage. Hogan would not let even the crippling effects of a horrible automobile accident deprive him of his championship status. The sports pages of the nation told that story not so long ago, and it is told again here in graphic and touching passages under the knowing direction of Sidney Lanfield. The golfer's caddie-to-champion rise is recited by Miss Baxter. They met as youngsters in Fort Worth, married not many years later and took to the highways and "followed the sun" so he could compete in tournament after tournament. He only began to achieve money prizes after their savings were gone. Then his rise to the peak was_ swift. His single-mindedness, however, came at the price of unpopularity with the gallery and the press. But the automobile accident marked a turning point in his life insofar, as getting along with people was concerned. He genuinely appreciated their sympathy and encouragement, and when he is nosed out for the title by Sam Snead, sports reporter Grantland Rice reminds the audience that Hogan's "legs just couldn't carry his heart." His victory lay however in the knowledge that the gallery finally was "with him." Dennis O'Keefe measures up well to the sturdy role of a happy-go-lucky type of champion and Ford's best friend. The sharp contrast in their natures is always evident. Also good is June Havoc as O.'Keefe's spouse and friend of Miss Baxter. Other players include Larry Keating, Roland Winters and Nana Bryant and golfers Snead, James Demaret and Cary Middlecoff. Samuel G. Engel produced. Frederick Hazfitt Brenriah's screenplay was based on his own article in The Reader's Digest. Running time, 93 minutes. General audience classification. For April re- lease. Charles L. Franke Wages The Scarf (Gloria Film — -United Artists) A MYSTERY DRAMA has been coated with psychological touches to make some highly interesting fare in "The Scarf." The story concerns an alleged murderer's escape from an insane asylum and his subsequent efforts to shake off a mental fog that enveloped him in order to determine whether he really committed the murder. There is a quality of tense expectancy to the story and it develops with considerable interest. Within a modest production framework a very capable job of film making has been done. Opening on a brisk note the film depicts John Ireland's wild escape from the asylum. He staggers through the night and finally collapses near the turkey farm of James Barton, a curious, bewhiskered hermit rancher. After some bad starts, the two men take a liking to each other _ and Ireland winds up working on the ranch. Prodding Ireland obsessively is the need to find out if he really is a killer. He had been convicted of the murder of a young woman found strangled near his unconscious body. Driving to town one day, he gives a lift to Mercedes McCambridge, a cynical tough-talking singing waitress of dubious character. He discovers her wearing a scarf which is identical with the one used to strangle the other girl, and slowly portions of memory return. Ireland proceeds to the office of Emlyn Williams, a psychiatrist friend, who was present at the murder scene, but who was strangely alien afterward. Williams convinces Ireland he com- mitted the murder and by adding a touch of treachery has Ireland back in the hands of the law. Meanwhile a prison psychiatrist becomes suspicious of William's behavior. Aided by Barton, Miss McCambridge and the scarf, the institution's psychia- trist sets a ruse which explodes William's composure and proves him the real killer. A good set of performances is turned in by the cast which helps greatly to gloss over some rather facile developments in the screenplay by E. A. Dupont. A Gloria Film Production, presented by Joseph Justman,_ it was produced by I. G. Goldsmith who also did the original story with E. A. Rolfe. Dupont directed and achieved a fine sense of realism, especially in the location shots in Los Angeles and a small town. Anthony Z. Landi was associate producer. Running time, 93 minutes. Adult audience classification. Release date, Aprjl 6_ Mandel Herbstman (Continued from page 1) Lauds U. S. Stars for Conduct in Uruguay American film company participa- tion in the Uruguayan Film Festival and "the exemplary comportment of the Hollywood stars who attended it "were highly commended by • Edward G. Miller, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State, in a letter sent to John G. Mc- Carthy, Motion Picture Association of America vice-president in charge of international affairs. Extra Dividend from Zenith; Sales Rise Chicago, March 18. — Zenith Radio Corp., directors have declared a 50 cent extra dividend on its capital stock in addition to the regular 50 cent quar- terly payment. Last October the com- "pany also voted a 50 cent extra, the first in many years. E. F. McDonald, Jr., president of Zenith, said shipments for the March quarter are running ahead of 1950. place other than New York City. We are, however, making arrangements to meet with you in New York on March 19 and plan to spend all of our time to negotiate an agreement." Beznor informed the distributor group that if an agreement has not been reached within a week, "we will request that the site for negotiations be removed to some place other than New York City." Basic proposals for increases have been delivered to the distributors. They were made, Beznor stated, "after an analysis of the current con- dition of the companies involved, the economies of the industry and the minimum needs of your salesmen." It is expected that the com- panies will offer at the nego- tiations data concerning the economic problems facing the industry. The Colosseum, ac- cording to its general counsel, will provide "cost of living data and expenditures made by the salesmen on behalf of the com- panies." Pecora Joins (Continued from page 1) in that capacity directed the commit- tee's investigation of banking prac- tices and operations in the early 1930's. He served as a state Supreme Court Justice for 16 years, resigning last fall to become the Democratic candi- date for Mayor of New York. In his new position with Schwartz and Frohlich he will be available to other lawyers for appellate and trial work. The Schwartz and Frohlich law firm was founded by the late Nathan Bur- kan. The senior partners are Charles Schwartz and Louis D. Frohlich. The firm is counsel to Columbia Pic- tures, ASCAP, Fabian Enterprises and numerous other show business companies and personalities. It was counsel for the late Al Jolson and has represented United Artists, Charles Chaplin, Sir Alexander Korda, Skouras Theatres and others. Admission Tax (Continued from page 1) 1952 budget. But observers pointed out that he can take the line that spending will not be as high as an- ticipated, that revenue will be a lot higher and that the $10,155,000,000 will be enough for now. Committee Chairman Doughton has scheduled executive sessions to start April 3. Jurisdictional Tilt (Continued from page 1) argued that five of the distributors could not be served in Texas, and Tudge Rodney ruled that he did not have the authority to decide whether the cases should be transferred. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Rodney could consider this ques- tion, and Tivoli and Adelman appealed to the Supreme Court. Eldorado Gets 'Treason' Eldorado Distribution Corp., of which Nat Liebeskind is president, has acquired the Cuban rights of "Guilty of Treason." The film will be re- leased there shortly. VOL. 69. NO. 54 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 1951 AIR MAIL EDITION TEN CENTS O'Dwyer Stars On 5 Theatre TV Screens Marine, Queens Carry Full Day's Hearings .As the Senate Crime Investigat- ing Committee's hearings at the Federal Building here reached a climax with the appearance yester- day of former Mayor O'Dwyer, two more theatres, the New York Para- mount and Fabian's Palace in Albany, screened excerpts of the testimony on their theatre TV screens. Century circuit's Marine in Brook- lyn and Queens in Queens, which last week screened spots of the hearing, yesterday opened their doors at 9 :45 A.M. and admitted audiences free of charge to a full day's performance of the hearings. Fabian's Brooklyn Fox, which also has been screening excerpts at the "break" between features in the afternoon, yesterday gave an obvisouly enthusiastic audience more than a full hour, from 11 A.M. to shortly after noon. It was described as the biggest hit yet on television. {Continued on page 5) Para. 'Edits Senate Show The televised hearings of the Senate Crime Investigating Committee shown on the screen at the New York Para- mount yesterday were the "highlights" of the actual testimony, edited from more complete coverage, it was point- ed out yesterday by a Paramount spokesman. Paramount's theatre TV system records the telecast images on film which is then projected. Thus the testimony of Ambassador O'Dwyer, presented at the theatre from 12:15 P.M. to 12:30 P.M., represented a {Continued on page 5) Senate Probe Show Hits N. Y. Grosses The Senate crime committee's free show here on television is providing hefty daytime competition for local theatres, even Broadway's first-runs, and this week's grosses have suffered somewhat as a result. Public interest reached its peak yesterday but, with the hearings closing today and the Lenten season ending Saturday, an up- surge at the box-offices is expected. The best showing is at the Music {Continued on page 5) Smith Lists 20 from 20th For 6 Months Twenty productions will be re- leased by 20th Century-Fox in the next six months, it was announced here yesterday by Andy W. Smith, Jr., sales vice-president. Five of the films will be in Tech- nicolor and one in Supercinecolor. Two of the pictures will be "outside" independent productions. Included in this line-up of spring and summer releases is Darryl F. Za- nuck's personal production, "David and Bathsheba," in Technicolor, star- ring Gregory Peck and Susan Hay- ward, and directed by Henry King. "David and Bathsheba" will play its first engagements in late August. Released this month are : "Bird of Paradise," Technicolor film starring Louis Jordan, Debra Paget and Jeff Chandler, and directed by Delmer Daves for associate producer Harmon Jones ; "The Sword of Monte Cristo," an Edward L. Alperson Supercine- {Continued on page 6; Chicago Business Shows Upswing Chicago, March 19. — The Lenten season has been keeping Chicago box- office receipts down, although business over the past weekend reached closer to normal than it has in a month. The biggest thing in the Loop was a combination of "Call Me Mister" and Dick Contino in person at the Chicago. B. and K. officials are ex- pecting a $50,000 opening week which would be the best at this house in about six weeks. The Oriental did {Continued on page 5) Colosseum Bids for 10%— Plus Boost Wage increases extending beyond the 10 per cent hike allowed generally by the Economic Stabilization Admin- istration were proposed yesterday for the country's 1,000 film salesmen by their union, the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America. Colosseum negotiators met at the Hotel Astor here with the Industry Negotiating Committee headed by Bernard Goodman of Warner -Bro- thers. The two groups are expected to meet daily throughout this week, and if an agreement is not reached by Saturday another city will be se- lected as a negotiations site.. David Beznor, Colosseum general {Continued on page 5) MYERS TO NY FOR ARBITRATION MEET Fears Slow-Down Of COMPO Okays By TOA Units Washington, March 19. — Gael Sullivan, executive director of The- atre Owners of America, said here today that he feared the action of the Southern California Theatre Own- ers Association in deferring approval of the new governing structure for COMPO would slow down still fur- ther ratifications by other TOA units as yet uncommitted. Some nine out of TOA's 28 re- gionals have ratified so far. When the COMPO directors voted the change a few months ago after TOA had voiced objection to the existing set-up, it was expected that virtually all TOA units would have ratified by this time. "A lot have been on the fence and {Continued on page 6) MacMiHen, Kranze Address ELC Meet William C. MacMillen, Jr., presi- dent of Eagle Lion Classics ; Bernard G. Kranze, distribution vice-presi- dent ; Milton E. Cohen, general sales manager ; David Malamed, treasurer, and Joseph Sugar, assistant to Kranze, yesterday addressed the first days' meeting of the two-day sales confer- ence for the Eastern division being held in New York. Sales policy on new product and current product and its liquidation {Continued cn page 5) Skouras Deposition Off Until April Spyros P. Skouras' deposition in the Samuel Goldwyn Productions anti- trust suit brought against Fox West Coast and others, tentatively set for today, has been postponed. The time and place will be arranged by mutual agreement between Joseph Alioto, Goldwyn attorney, and the 20th Cen- tury-Fox president. Both Charles P. Skouras, National Theatres president, and George P. Skouras, president of United Artists Theatres Circuit, have given deposi- tions, as have other Fox West Coast executives. It is expected that Spyros Skouras will give his pre-trial testi- money during April, either here or on the Coast. Expected Here in About 10 Days to Confer With Distribution Attorneys Abram F. Myers, general coun- sel of Allied States Association, is expected to be in New York from Washington in about 10 days, per- haps sooner, to meet with distribution attorneys individually for an "explora- tion" of possibilities in connection with the proposal that the industry adopt a system of aribitration. Myers wrote recently to the presidents of the distribution companies indicating that he would be glad to discuss the subject. He was authorized to enter into the discussions by the Allied board meeting in Washington last month. Some months ago distribution presi- dents, sales chiefs and attorneys for the film companies met in New York with officials of the Theatre Owners of America to decide whether it {Continued on page 6) HOLLYWOOD, March 19. — Paramount studio and home office publicity - adver- tising departments will function as a single unit in close adherence to a promotional pattern work- ed out during the past five days, Jerry Pickman, the company's acting na- tional director of adver- tising-publicity told the press today. WASHINGTON, March 19. — Intensive consent decree negotiations byLoew's got under way here today, with Justice Department representatives confer- ring with Loew's offi- cials Nicholas Schenck, J. Robert Rubin and Ben- jamin Melniker. Justice officials said that de- cree talks would be "fair- ly frequent" from now on.' 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 20, 1951 U. K. Theatre Tax Cut Unlikely: Eady London, March 19.— British exhibi- tors can expect no reduction of the entertainment tax this year, Sir Wil- frid Eady, second secretary to the Treasury, told exhibitor representa- tives who discussed the subject with him here. Though he offered no encourage- ment, stating that the government is looking for sources of increased rev- enue for the rearmament program, Sir Wilfrid promised to see Cinematog- raph Exhibitors Association leaders again before the Treasury presents its new budget on April 10. Harry Mears, new CEA president, said he would continue his campaign for a tax reduction for small exhibi- tors. He is preparing a proposal which would reduce the tax on the cheapest admissions and increase it on the highest, thus giving relief to the small theatre while maintaining the proportion paid to the Treasury. Personal Mention SPYROS P. Century-Fox turned to New SKOURAS, 20th president, has re- York from the Coast. Ask US Decree Ban For Private Suits Washington, March 19. — Eight major distributors told a U. S. Dis- trict Court here today that the vari- ous court judgments and decrees growing out of the government anti- trust suit should not be admitted as evidence in any private anti-trust suit brought against them by exhibitors un- less the decrees had an absolutely di- rect bearing on the facts in the pri- vate suit. They took this stand in filing a lengthy opinion requested by Judge Tamm on the grounds for their mo tion to strike from the record in an anti-trust case brought against them by Leonard Lea, of Danville, Va., all reference 1o the government suit and the decrees that grew out of it The distributor motion said all these references are "immaterial to the is- sues involved and contain scandalous, impertinent and prejudicial material.'- Mort Freedgood, Paramount pub- licist, will have another book pub- lished, "The Man in Question," by Doubleday later this year under his pen name of John Godey. • Leo Wilder, Warner Brothers' publicist here, and Mrs. Wilder an- nounce the birth of a boy, Robert Mi- chael, their second child, on Friday at the French Hospital. • Robert Goelet, producer, J. Fe- febre, of 20th Century-Fox, and Mrs. Fefebre are to leave here today aboard the S.S. Queen Elizabeth for Europe. Cliff Geissman, Oakland, Cal., district manager for Blumenfeld The- atres, announces his resignation effec- tive April 4. H. M. Rickey, assistant to Wil- liam F. Rodgers of M-G-M, returned here yesterday from a Florida vaca- tion. Al Lichtman, 20th Century-Fox vice-president, is due here today from the Coast. JOSEPH HAZEN, president of Hal Wallis Productions, headed for Florida for a two-week vacation fol- lowing his return here at the weekend from the Coast. Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell, producers, Kenneth Har- greaves, director of 2'0th Century-Fox Film Co., Ltd., and P. F. Leahy, producer for Walt Disney, arrived here yesterday from Europe aboard the S.S. Queen Elisabeth. • Carroll Puctato, Realart's general manager in charge of exchange oper- ations, has returned from a two week tour of Midwest exchanges. • Emanuel Silverstone, 20th Cen- tury-Fox foreign executive, is due to arrive here today from South Africa. Sidney Kramer, short subjects sales manager for RKO Pictures, is slated to leave here today for At- lanta. Montague Salmon, managing di- rector of the Rivoli, has returned here from a Hollywood vacation. • Halsey Raines of M-G-M's home office publicity department returned here yesterday from Washington. FCC to Witness Skiatron Tests Brookside Lawyers Get $150,000 Fee Kansas City, March 19. — A fee of $150,000 to the three lawyers who rep- resented the Brookside Theatre Corp. in its damage suit against nine film companies was awarded by Federal Judge Richard M. Duncan here. The lawyers, William G. Boatright, Arthur C. Popham, Sr., and Nick C. Spanos, had asked for $250,000, plus expenses. 'Red' Hearing One Day Only in March Washington, March 19.— Present plans for the House Un-American Activities Committee's hearings on Hollywood call for hearings Wednes- day, at which the committee will try to hear four witnesses, and then ad- journ until early April. Chairman Wood (D., Ga.) said it was likely the committee would try to develop information about contribu- tions by film industry workers to Communist organizations and also "quite conceivable" that questioning- would turn to whether the screen had been used for Communist propaganda. "But we're not trying to smear any- body or any group," he declared. End Tenn. Rental Tax Nashville, March 19. — The state legislature has passed an act relieving film rentals of the two per cent sales tax which has been paid for the past four years. Proponents of the meas- ure based their release claims on the fact that rentals were already paying the state's gross receipts tax. Steiner Returns to Independent Filming Joseph Steiner has resigned from the managership of Walter Reade's Park Avenue Theatre here and wili re-enter independent production, through the newly-formed Joseph Steiner Enterprises, Inc. Steiner reported yesterday that he has signed Maxie (Slapsie) Rosen- bloom to an exclusive management contract for motion pictures. AFL Janitors Strike on Coast San Francisco, March 19. — AFL janitors have called a strike against 21 San Francisco theatres and 65 others elsewhere in Northern California, but temporarily postponed a threatened walkout in the Fox West Coast chain and several other major houses. There was the possibility that picketed thea- tres would have to cancel shows be- cause projectionists and other em- polyes would honor the janitors' picket lines. George Hardy, international vice- president of the Building Employees Union, was to meet with George Bower, general manager of FWC, to- day regarding an agreement. Similar arrangements were made with other exempted houses. The Federal Communications Com- mission will arrive in New York this morning, to view a demonstration of Subscriber- Vision, the television sys- tem developed by Skiatron Electronics and Television Corp., New York. The FCC will get its first view of the pay-as-you-see system at the WOR-TV transmitter at North Ber- gen, N. J., from which experimental broadcasts of Subscriber- Vision have- been issuing for the past few months with FCC authorization. The Com- mission will witness a closed-circuit demonstration at the transmitter from 11 to 11 :30 A.M. Following the showing, the Commis- sion will visit the Skiatron labora- tories, here to see an over-the-air broadcast of Subscriber-Vision orig- inating from WOR-TV, and which may be seen simultaneously by TV viewers within 60 miles of the WOR- TV transmitter, from 2:30 to 3:00 P.M. At the Skiatron laboratories mem- bers of the Commission will test the operation of Skiatron's decoders with the use of perforated punch-cards, which, it is said, clear up the scram- bled image without intervening tele- phone connections. Subject to FCC approval, subscrib- ers to the system would pay for the decoding cards, which would be changed periodically. Their subscrip- tions would allow them to view a group of special programs which would not be available to TV set owners who were not paid subscrib- ers. Color TV Tops IRE Convention Color television is dominating the 40th annual convention of the Institute of Radio Engineers, which opened here yesterday, with more than a third of the 32 papers to be delivered deal- ing with the subject. The convention, with an exhibit at Grand Central Palace, will run for four days, concluding Thursday. Busi- ness meetings and discussion of papers are being held at the Waldorf-Astoria. Westrex Sells to U. S. The U. S. Signal Corps has ac- quired 14 Western Electric-type 235D newsreel recording systems from the Westrex Corp., New York. Vidicam Demonstration Vidicam Pictures Corp., television film producers, will hold a press con- ference and reception here tomorrow to demonstrate its facilities and dis- cuss the Vidicam system of making- pictures. Vidicam, with Larry Gordon as president and Alfred Justin as ex- ecutive vice-president, is a successor to Television Features, Inc. Canadian MPDA Reelects Lightstone Toronto, March 19. — Gordon Light- stone, general manager of Canadian Paramount Pictures, has again been reelected president of the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Associa- tion. Harvey Harnick, sales manager of Columbia Pictures of Canada, was named vice-president for the next 12 months. Censors for Knox County Knoxville, Tenn., March 19. — A board of censorship for Knox County, outside of Knoxville, is authorized in a measure passed by the state legisla- ture. Complaints against the showing of certain films by drive-ins outside the city are blamed for the new restric- tions. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center FRED ASTAIRE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW Paramount presents , BOB HOPE /T^uv°N MAXV^-NOIM-IWQVEIlf Moi*BHtte ;n damon runYon-sUugo WINTERHALTER Hit \ HIS 0«CHSST«« " LEMON DROP KID MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Fditor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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 Kauri, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady. Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Buruup, Manager: Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept, 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y-, under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Damon Runyon's THE LEMON DROP KID PAR AMOUNT'S BOXOFFICE SPRING f*. Watch spring grosses spring up and up, as these four start heading the best boxoffice news from now thru May — and beyond. "The Mating Season" is the springtime's most talked-about comedy (what they're talking about most is Thelma Ritter as Mother of the Groom). And "Samson and Delilah," now in general release, continues to be The Greatest Grosser of Our Time. Hope's new show, "The Lemon Drop Kid," is funnier Runyon than "Sorrowful Jones." And Ladd, hotter than his own gun since "Branded," is due soon as a U. S. Mail crime fighter in "Appointment With Danger." All these in Paramount's boxoffice spring . . . followed by a succession of ticket- selling merchandise scheduled for release right thru your Paramount summer. // it's a Paramount picture, it's the best show in town . 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 20, 1951 National Pre-Selling SPECIAL pressbooks issued by Mutual Broadcasting System in its 544-station tieup for "The 13th Letter" with 20th Century-Fox, and a similar device issued by National Bis- cuit Co., to its 3.500 fieldmen in a tieup for Columbia's "Lorna Doone are indicative of the kind of pre-selling aids which penetrate into other lines for the benefit of the film industry. The exploitation kits are patterned after motion picture practice and are based on showmanship, thus making- cooperation with theatre managers at the point of sale the logical and prac- tical thing to do. • Universal has mobilized a special exploitation force of 20 fieldmen to help promote the initial openings of Bill Mauldin's "Up Front" which will have its world premiere at Loew's State Theatre in New York next Saturday, and is set to open in more than 500 situations during April. Assignments include Bob Ungerfield in Cincinnati and In- dianapolis; Dave Polland in Balti- more and Washington; J-uhan Bowes, Dallas; Ed Holland, Omaha and Des Moines; Duke Hickey, Pittsburgh; John McGrail, New England; Bob Kaufman, St. Louis; Ben Katz, Chicago, and Cliff Brown in San Francisco. Special assign- ments go to Bob Wile, "Bucky" Harris, Bill Slater and others of the home office staff • Edward Alper son's "The Sword of Monte Cristo," "which will be released this month by 20th Century-Fox, is being boosted by 12,000,000 teen-agers in a tieup with .the "Y-Teen" Clubs of America, who have hundreds \ of local units throughout the country, under the wing of the Parent-Teach crs Association, Chambers of Com merce and civic groups, assuring pub- licity for the film with schools, libra- ries and youth groups from Coast to Coast. Film Ads Draw Fire of British Censors; Clean-Up Is Asked by Ad-Publicity Men London, March 19.— The trade here has been asked by A. T. L. Watkins, secretary of the British Board of Films Censors, to clean up certain allegedly undesirable posters. At a meeting with advertising-publicity men he produced ex- amples of what he termed offensive advertising that had provoked newspaper and child-welfare societies' criticism. Watkins said the trade did itself no good in descending to such advertising methods. Some of the matter objected to came from the U. S. and, it is understood, the British Censor's Board has been in touch with the Production Code Administration concerning it. The ad-pub- licity men will discuss the subject with their companies and it will be taken up also by the Censorship Consultative Committee, on which all sections of the industry are represented. Most of the posters objected to showed sordid or brutal scenes and characters. Nezv Yorkers will have an oppor- tunity to enter "The Lemon Drop Kid" guessing contest and help the Damon Runyan Cancer Fund when the picture opens at the Paramount theatre on Broadzvay tomorrow. The old guessing game is dressed up; this time it is how many lemon drops are contained in a giant Easter Egg. The picture will receive Coronet maga- zine's accolade in May as "The Best Picture of the Month." A mutually- beneficial tieup with Royal Deserts for "Lemon Drop Kid" mil begin on March 24 over four ' major netzvorks In addition, spots will be used on 154 network stations, with a total of about 4,000 breaks for the promotion. A special "Bird of Paradise" news- reel has been made by 20th-Fox- Movietone and will be available to hundreds of leading stores which are introducing fashions and merchandise based on the picture's promotion. The film, which runs five minutes and is offered in 16mm for use away from the theatre, features models wearing the 23 fashion creations inspired by the film, with a commentary by Vyvyan Donner, fashion director for Movietone News. In addition, the regular thea- tre edition of the newsreel will carry a generous clip of the fashion promo- tion of thousands of theatres. • The Fuller Brush Co., through more than 15,000 dealers, is adding another 15,000,000 copies of its pro- motional circular for "Fuller Brush Girl" to the printed matter which its salesmen have already distrib- uted. This raises the total to more than 66,000,000 pieces of advertising which the door-to-door canvassers have distributed since the picture's release. With coverage extending into a majority of homes in all of the 48 states, the film is expected to enjoy a much greater than aver- age number of bookngs, especially in small towns, due to the satura- tion promotion and cooperation of the Fuller company. Warner Brothers and Columbia Records have arranged one of the most complete promotional tieups in recent years for the benefit of the new Technicolor musical, "Lul- laby of Broadway." Promotion on a saturation basis from Coast to Coast will reach all Columbia deal- ers with special screenings for the music trade in every major town. Warner's entire disc jockey list will be supplied with the title tune, and Warner's field exploitation staff will distribute special material to effect cooperation with theatre managers at the point of sale. Columbia is printing 36 by 36 blowups for win- dow and floor displays, as well as miniature cut-outs for counters, booths and music outlets. • National Screen Service offers something nezv in framed "Display- azvays"—a group of five differently framed and showmanized displays, caL culated to "turn people into patrons." Attractive frames hold standard NSS advertising forms, with a place for theatre and pi ay dates, for use in shozv- zvindozvs, on store counters and in hotel lobbies and transportation ter- minals. An innovation is "azvay_ from the theatre" shozwnanship that is ex- pected to pay off at the box office. * The musical score from "Alice in Wonderland" was heard for the first time Sunday evening over the CBS radio and television networks. By special arrangement with Walt Disney, song hits from the film will be featured on the Carnation show over 165 CBS stations and the facil- ities of the Canadian Broadcasting System. Making its television bow the same night, the score was tele- cast on the Fred Waring show over the entire CBS-TV network. Walt Disney appeared in person and in- troduced Kathy Beaumont, the "voice" of Alice in the picture. Fred Waring's setting for the pro- duction included backgrounds de- signed by Mary Blair, one of the top Disney artists.— Walter Brooks British Film Loan Leads to Charges London, March 19.— J. H. Lawrie, head of the government's Film Finance Corp., is being charged by Northern exhibitors : with attempting to dictate public film tastes. The government corporation made a loan of, £60,000 to John Blakeley' s Mancunian Film Corp., which pro- duces low-cost, robust comedies pop- ular with Northern exhibitors but which are not shown, in the South of England. Blakeley said the govern- ment corporation has demanded full repayment of the £30,000 outstanding on the loan, or the appointment of re- ceivers. Lawrie is credited with hav- ing said that if he had known the kind of pictures Blakeley makes he would not have made the advance to him. RKO to Stress Three Exploitation Films Three "exploitation specials" set by RKO Radio for release one each in April, May, and June will be given extensive campaigns based on maxi- mum use of publicity, advertising, and local showmanship, it was announced here yesterday by Robert Mochrie, sales vice-president. The campaigns, which will be co- ordinated by S. Barret McCormick, director of advertising ; Terry Turner, exploitation director, and Don Prince, Eastern publicity director, will cover Howard Hawks' "The Thing," to be released in April ; "Tokyo File 212,'' which was produced in Japan, to be released in May, and "Jungle Head- quarters," produced by Sol Lesser, which will be released in June. First Exchange in Columbus in 15 Years - Columbus, O., March 19. — The first film exchange to operate here in 15 years has been opened by Lee J. Hofheimer and Al Sugarman, of H. and S. Theatres, operating the World, Avondale, Little, Indianola and Cham- pion., The firm, which has the Cen- tral Ohio rights to Realart reissues, has teen named the Motion Picture Sales Organization. The last exchange here was Para- mount's, which was absorbed by the Cleveland and Cincinnati branches. Asks Relief from Photographic Excise Washington, March 19. — E. S. Lindfors, vice-president of Bell and Howell Co., has asked the House Ways and Means Committee for -more equitable tax treatment for photo- graphic manufacturers. Speaking on behalf of the National Association of Photographic Manu- facturers, Lindfors stressed the role of the industry in the defense pro- gram. He recalled that the Commit- tee had received proposals from other witnesses for a broad manufacturers or retail sales tax, and said that if the Committee adopted such a scheme, it should reduce the 25 per cent photo- graphic tax to the rate levied in the broad tax. Mayor Revokes Bingo Licenses in Cleveland Cleveland, March 19. — Mayor Burke has ordered the 39 city bingo licenses revoked and operations dis- continued, following the Ohio Su- preme Court's decision upholding the illegality ruling of two lower courts. However, because the suit was not heard by the State Supreme Court on its merit, the decision effects only the Eighth Appellate District (Cuyahoga County). Holt to Film in Colorado Salt Lake City, March 19. — Holly- wood Producer Nat Holt, his associ- ate, Harry Templeton, and Harry Davis, Liaison representative in pro- duction, were here to discuss plans for making "Royal Gorge," based on the history of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The picture will be made at the Royal Gorge in Colorado. Delays Drive-in Bow Chicago, March 19. — The Double Drive-in, scheduled to open last_ Fri- day along with four other Chicago area outdoor theatres, has postponed its opening until a later date. Illinois Drive-in Suit Settled, Dismissed Chicago, March 19— Federal Judge Michael Igoe today dismissed the Grays Lake Outdoor Theatre case against major distributors, Balaban and Katz, Great States Theatres and A. J. B. Theatres on agreement by both sides. The settlement terms were not announced. The case has been in and out of the courts many times since it was filed on May 26, 1949. The plaintiffs claimed the defend- ants conspired to keep first-run prod- uct out of its drive-in in the Wau- kegan area. Since the case was filed, the drive-in has been getting product one week after it leaves Waukegan. Sue Over Coast Property Los Angeles, March 19. — Fox West Coast and 20th Century-Fox have been named defendants in a suit filed in U. S. District Court here by Selma Steiner, owner of the Larch- mont Theatre, who charges that Fox West Coast and other defendants vio- lated anti-trust laws by obtaining a long-term lease on the Larchmont run- ning to 1962, at "a grossly inequitable low rental." Special 'Arms' Bow Washington, March 19.— A spe- cial 'showing of Marrii of Time's "Modern Arms and Free Men," will be held Wednesday for top govern- ment officials and the press at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. Sponsored by the Committee on the Present Danger, the showing will also be attended by Richard de Rochemont. March of Time producer ; D. Y. Brad- shaw, associate producer, and Phil Williams and Marjorie Harker, MOT. Tuesday, March 20, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 N.Y. Grosses (Continued from page 1) Hall, where a second week of "Royal Wedding" and Leon Leonidoff 's Easter stage show is expected to almost match the first week's take of $143,000. $140,000 is the estimate, a splendid figure. The Roxy brought in "Bird of Paradise" for its Easter bill, with Tony Martin, and the first week looks like a pleasant $82,000 gross. Another opener, "Inside Straight," at the Capi- tol, is having a good first week, with about $38,000. Banner business is still being- chalked up at the Strand where "Storm Warning," with Josephine Baker on the stage, is expected to top $50,000 for the third consecutive week. The bill will be held over Easter weekend, with "Lullaby of Broadway" opening there on Monday. "Molly," at the Paramount, is hold- ing up fairly well, with $45,000 ex- pected in a second week, following a mild first week's gross of $50,000. "The Lemon Drop Kid," with Billy Eckstine on stage, will open there tomorrow. The only new pictures at straight film-policy houses are "Gambling- House," which looks like a satisfac- tory first week's gross of $15,000 at the Mayfair, and "The Groom Wore Spurs" at the Criterion, where a mild $15,000 is estimated for a 10- day run. The picture will bow out there on Thursday to make way for a special Easter film, "The Prince of Peace." At the Astor, "14 Hours" is ex- pected to take in a healthy $20,000 for its second week ; the first week missed its estimated $25,000 by about $3,000. "Born Yesterday" at the Victoria is expected to take in about $18,000, ex cellent for a 13th week. "Tomahawk" is winding up a good five-week run at Loew's State with about $14,000 due for the final stanza "Up Front" will open there on Satur day. At the Rivoli, "The 13th Letter' will close on Friday after a modest four-week stand ; about $9,000 is due in the last week. "Rawhide" will open there on Saturday. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is beginning to limp at the Globe with under $10,000 due for a fourth week, but it will hold. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is still strong at the Bijou, with about $7,500 due for the 19th week of a two-a-day run. "Trio" at the Sutton will take in about $4,000 in its 24th week; good enough considering the length of the run. Review "Golden Salamander" Chicago Business (Continued from page 1) well with "Royal Wedding" and a stage show, while "Born Yesterday," "Cyrano De Bergerac," "Three Guys Named Mike," "The Mudlark" and "Bitter Rice" all did nicely. The surprise box-office performance was a revival of "Dodge City" and "Virginia City" at the United Artists ; the pair did exceptionally good busi- ness. The four drive-in theatres which opened on Friday all reported good business. Ralph Smitha, Essaness gen- eral manager, said the circuit was "very well pleased" with attendance at the Harlem Avenue Drive-in. On Friday and Saturday nights all 1,100 auto spaces were filled. Sunday busi- ness fell off considerably, however, because of cold weather. The other three drive-ins which also (Rank — Eagle Lion- Classics) LIKE most British pictures "Golden Salamander" is deft in characterization and leisurely in pace. Shot on location in North Africa, the film has some excellent camerawork and local color. Otherwise it is a mystery melo- drama cut from a standard stencil. The story has Trevor Howard, a British archaeologist, sent to North Africa to supervise a collection of salvaged antiques. En route he chances to witness a gun-running incident outside the village of his destination. At first Howard' chooses to ignore the incident and safely mind his own business. However the activities of the illegal gun smugglers soon affect Howard. Drawing- guidance from an inscription at the base of an antique salamander — "Not by ignoring evil does one overcome it, but by going out to meet it." — Howard sets out to overcome the evil. There follow a series of incidents in which Howard is captured by the gang, escapes, and has a long and nerve-wracking flight to freedom. There is a quality of pristine charm to Anouk as the girl who becomes involved, romantically and adventurously, with Howard's melodramatic ex- periences. As the mastermind of evil who finally gets his due, Herbert Lorn plays his role with suavity. Howard, in the focal role, is a persuasive per- former. A J. Arthur Rank film, it was produced by Alexander Galperson and directed by Ronald Neame, from the screenplay by Lesley Storm, Victor Canning and Neame. ... .r Runnino- time, 94 minutes. General audience classification. March release. Mandel Heebstman O'Dwyer Stars (Continued from page 1) RKO's Fordham in the Bronx had scheduled a showing yesterday, but technical difficulties made it impos- sible. Fabian's Palace showed ex- cerpts, with the telecast sent to Al- bany over telephone wires. Century hailed its free show at the Marine and Queens a huge success, with the two large crowds attentive and orderly. Favorable comment on theatre TV as compared to home sets was the rule, a spokesman said. At the Queens, a neighborhood diner co- operated by serving coffee and sand- wiches, "on the house," during the noon recess. Century will repeat its all-day, free- of-charge showing of the hearings again today, but the other theatres have not definitely scheduled the tele- casts. The importance of today's hearings will determine whether or not excerpts will be shown, it was, said. If interest warrants, the RKO Fordham will also put its theatre TV equipment to work, a spokesman said. Para. 'Edits' (Continued from page 1) Canadian Board Gets Budget Hike Ottawa, March 19. — The Cana- dian government has revealed in Parliament that estimated expendi- tures for the National Film Board in 1951-52 will reach $2,602,666, com- pared with $2,295,141 in 1950-51. However, the budget for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., which has juris- diction over television, will be cut to $1,928,600, against $3,292,361 in 1950- 51. The appropriation vote for Canadian Broadcasting gives rise to the belief that Parliament has clamped down on the government radio agency for TV development because of defense re- quirements. Broun Tops Film Unit Myron L. Broun, vice-president of The Demby Co., will head the newly- created motion picture department of that New York agency. opened on Friday did not do as well as the Harlem, but they did better business than anticipated considering the weather and the early seasonal openings. condensation of considerable previ- ous testimony, it was said. Similarly, the two excerpts shown last night were edited to bring out the high- lights of the day's hearings. In order to prepare the 45 minutes of theatre televised hearings shown, approximately three times that length of time was actually picked up by the theatre equipment, the spokesman said. Other theatres in the Metropolitan area televising the hearings are equipped with RCA "instantaneous" equipment and that part of the hear- ings actually on the air while the the- atre program is on is used. Para- mount feels that its intermediate sys- tem allows a selectivity in the choice of material through editing that en- ables the theatre to miss the routine parts of the proceedings. Yesterday's noon theatre telecast was praised by Robert Shapiro, Para- mount Theatre manager, for its "spon- taneity." "Our audiences always re- spond warmly to theatre television because of its dramatic freshness," he said. ELC Meeting (Continued from page 1) were the topics discussed by these executives. The Midwestern division will have its turn to meet here tomorrow and Thursday, the Southern division will be on hand on Friday and Saturday, and the Western division will have its sessions next Tuesday and Wed- nesday. $18,830 for 'Dimes' Atlanta, March 19. — William Jen- kins, Georgia Theatre Co. president, has turned over $18,830 to the Georgia Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The amount represents audience collections by the- atres in the area in the 1951 "March of Dimes" drive. Arthur Producing Shorts George K. Arthur is producing a series of five short features here for theatrical release. The first of these is "Goodbye My Love." It was shot on location at Nassau in the Bahamas. 'Alice' on Television In Black-and-W hite Sunday night's first telecast of scenes from Walt Disney's forthcoming Technicolor pro- duction of "Alice in Wonder- land," on Fred Waring's top- spot General Electric program over CBS, gave an ideal exam- ple of the marked technical dif- ference between the TV screen and the theatre screen as pur- veyors of motion picture enter- tainment to the public. Waring's highly-esteemed mu- sical organization gave a splen- did rendition of several high- lights from the score of Dis- ney's production, but the car- toon sequences in black-and- white which accompanied them pointed acutely to the technical limitation of television's pub- lic film presentations in the present state of that media in its bid for public attention. A Disney spectacle in black-and- white on television's screen is mighty flat when compared with a Disney spectacle in color on a theatre screen. J. P. C. Legion Reviews 8; One Listed Class 'C Eight additional films have been reviewed by the National Legion of Decency, which placed one in Class C, two in Class B, and the remainder in Class A. "The Lovers of Verona," (French), Souvaine Selective Picture, Inc. was condemned. Those in Class B include "M," Columbia, and "Smuggler's Island,'' Universal-International. Those in Class A, section two, include "Cavalry Scout," Monogram ; "I Can Get It for You Wholesale," 20th Cen- tury-Fox, "Soldiers Three," M-G-M, and "Tales of Hoffman," (British), London Film Product, Inc. "Sons of New Mexico," Columbia, was given a Class A, section one, classification. Salesmen's Union (Continued from page 1) counsel, declined to say how much above the ESA-allowed 10 per cent the union is seeking. He explained, however, that it will be necessary for the distributors and the union to ap- peal jointly to ESA for the additional percentage if there is agreement be- tween both sides on that point. He said an increased on-the-road expense allowance also has been proposed by the Colosseum. Others in the Industry Negotiating Committee are Clarence Hill, 20th- Fox ; Henry Kaufman, Columbia ; Charles O'Brien, Loew's; Joseph Mc- Mahon, Republic ; A. A. Shubart, RKO ; Tom Murray, Universal ; Ar- thur Israel, Paramount. Colosseum negotiators include Harris B. Winn, union president ; N. Provencher, sec- retary, and the following district representatives : Floyd Klingensmith. Eastern ; Grady James, Southern ; Reville Kniffin, Western ; Paul Fine, Central, and Harold Zeltner, Midwest. Paul A. Vogt, 54 Buffalo, March 19.— Paul A. Vogt, 54, secretary-treasurer of Local No. 10, IATSE, and a staff member at Shea's Buffalo, died in the Veterans Hospital here r.fter an illness of seven weeks. 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 20, 1951 Myers on Arbitration (Continued from page 1) 20th-Fox (Continued from page 1) color production, starring George Montgomery and Paula Corday and directed by Maurice Geraghty; "Lucky Nick Cain," a Kaydor produc- tion starring George Raft and Coleen Gray and directed by Joe Newman, and "Of Men and Music," concert film produced by Rudolph Polk and Bernard Luber, directed by Irving' Reis, and featuring Jascha Heifetz, Artur Rubinstein, Jan Peerce, Nadine Conner, Dimitri Mitropoulos and the New York Philharmonic. Slated to go to theatres in April are : "You're in the Navy Now," star- ring Gary Cooper and Jane Greer, directed by Henry Hathaway and pro- duced by Fred Kohlmar ; "I Can Get It for You Wholesale," starring Su- san Hayward, Dan Dailey and George Sanders, and directed by Michael Gordon for producer Sol C. Siegel, and "Follow the Sun," starring Glenn Ford and Anne Baxter, directed by Sidney Lanfield and produced by Sam- uel G. Engel. May releases are: "Fourteen Hours," directed by Henry Hathaway for producer Sol C. Siegel, with Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart and Bar- bara Bel Geddes ; "Rawhide," star- ring Tyrone Power and Susan Hay- ward, directed by Henry Hathaway and produced by Samuel G. Engel, and "On the Riviera," Technicolor mu- sical starring Danny Kaye, Gene Tier- ney and Corinne Calvet, and directed by Walter Lang for producer Sol C. Siegel. June Releases June releases include : "Half An- gel," in Technicolor, co-starring Jo- seph Cotten and Loretta Young, di- rected by Richard Sale and produced by Julian Blaustein ; "House on Tele- graph Hill," which stars Richard Basehart, Valentina Cortesa and Wil- liam Lundigan, was directed by Rob- ert Wise for producer Robert Bass- ler, and "Just One More Chance," starring Paul Douglas, Linda Darnell and Joan Bennett, directed by Joe Newman and produced by Julian Blaustein. For release in July are : "Will You Love Me in December?", produced by Lamar Trotti and directed by Harmon Jones, with Monty Woolley, Thelma Ritter, David Wayne and Jean Peters ; "No Highway," starring James Stew- art and Marlene Dietrich, directed by Henry Koster for producer Louis D. Lighton, and "The Frogmen," starring Richard Widmark, Dana An- drews and Gary Merrill, directed by Lloyd Bacon and produced by Samuel G. Engel. In August will be "The Secret of Convict Lake," which stars Glenn Ford, Gene Tierney, Zachary Scott and Ethel Barrymore, directed by Mi- chael Gordon for producer Frank Ro- senberg ; "Take Care of My Little Girl," Technicolor film directed by Jean Negulesco, produced by Julian Blaustein and starring Jeanne Crain, and "Decision Before Dawn," direct- ed by Anatole Litvak and produced by Litvak and Frank McCarthy, with Richard Basehart, Gary Merrill, Oskar Werner and Hildegarde Neff starred. William Wilson Elected Ottawa, March 19. — William H. Wilson has been elected president of the Edmonton Theatres Association in Alberta. would be advisable to hold an all- industry conference at which it could be determined whether or not a sys- tem of arbitration might work. After conferring they decided it was desir- able to continue taking steps toward the establishment of such a system. The distribution heads could not en- visage a successful effort, however, without Allied's participation. That meeting selected William F. Rodgers, M-G-M distribution vice- president, to act as a go-between in an endeavor to bring Allied into a conference on arbitration. It is ex- pected that Myers will determine from the discussions which he will hold in New York whether it would be ad- visable for Allied to sit in on any such conference. It is regarded as doubtful that a conference on arbitra- tion would be called if Allied should indicate it would not participate in a meeting of that sort. Hence, whether or not an all-industry conference will be called hinges directly on the result of the forthcoming meetings between Myers and the attorneys for the com- panies. Some company attorneys are said to see advantages in an all-industry system of arbitration. Others are known to be opposed to the establish- ment of such a system. Myers has been an outspoken disparager of sys- tems of arbitration as such. Ever since their meeting with dis- tribution executives, TOA officials have sought to take the TOA label off the proposal in behalf of an arbi- tration system. They have indicated they believe the proposal should rightfully be identified as coming from "exhibition" and not from any single exhibitor organization. Other exhibitor organizations have campaigned in behalf of arbitration, among them the Pacific Coast Con- ference of Independent Theatre Own- ers and the New York Independent Theatre Owners Association. Myers will report on his New York meetings to the Allied board at a meeting scheduled for May 13-14 in Kansas City. Arbitration System High On TOA Board Meeting Agenda Washington, March 19. — "Every- thing possible to work up some sort of industry arbitration system" will head the agenda for the April 4 board meeting of Theatre Owners of Amer- ica, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive di- rector, reported here today. He is expected to return to his New York headquarters by Thursday. Other agenda items, Sullivan said,, will include formal ratification of the new Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations set-up ; acceptance by TOA of COMPO's exhibitor semi- nars in Hollywood ; discussion of plans for the TOA convention in New York in the fall ; the proposal for a motion picture industry exposition in Grand Central Palace, New York, and the ruling of the Bureau of Internal Rev- enue on drive-in admissions. To Meet on Rentals Columbus, O., March 19. — Ohio ex- hibitors have been urged to attend a protest luncheon-meeting at which "high rentals" for films will be No. 1 on the agenda. The meeting is sched- uled for Thursday, March 29, at the I Deshler-Wallick Hotel. Theatres Picketed for 'High' Admissions Cincinnati, March 19. — Protesting high admission prices charged by theatres in Morgantown, W. Va., students of West Virginia University have inaugurated a "Don't Go to the Theatre Week." Sup- ported by student boycott of theatres, it is charged that admissions are higher than in other communities of com- parable size, and are "beyond the normal means of the aver- age student." Students have been picketing the theatres. WEJVS in Brief . . - PHONEVISION and its possible application to Canadian television is the subject of conferences now be- ing held in Chicago between E. F. McDonald, Jr., president of Zenith Radio Corp., R. H. Cairns, broadcast engineer from the telecommunications division of the Canadian Department of Transport, and Andre Ouimet, Ca- nadian Broadcasting's assistant direc- tor of television for Montreal. • Albany, N. Y., March 19.— Harry Goldberg, director of advertising and exploitation for Warner The- atres, will address a meeting of Warner Upstate managers in Syra- cuse on Wednesday. Zone manager Charles A. Smakwitz will preside. • New Orleans, March 19. — An order temporarily halting the opening of a motion picture theatre on 2201 Hibernia Street due to a dispute over a building permit has been issued by Judge Walter B. Hamlin. • Hollywood, March 19. — Eddie Bracken, who stars in RKO Pictures' "Two Tickets to Broadway," will start immediate construction of a televi- sion studio with two sound stages to house his expanding Bracken Produc- tions, television program producers, it was announced. • Minneapolis, March 19. ■ — Th>? board of directors of North Central Allied, will meet here tomorrow to discuss plans for the association's an- nual spring convention. The date was set to enable out-of-town board mem- bers to engage in a double bill pro- gram, the board meeting and dedica tion ceremonies of the local Variety Heart Hospital. Atlanta, March 19. — Producers were urged to film more pictures in Georgia in a resolution adopted by the Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia at their annual meeting here last week. • Philadelphia, March 19. — A spe- cial edition of the "Queen for a Day" radio show will be part of the enter- tainment planned for the convention of International Variety Clubs, May 8-12, Victor H. Blanc, general chair- man, announces. Coming Events March 20-21 — Columbia sales meet- ings, Hotel Warwick, New York. March 20-27 — Eagle Lion Classics divisional sales meetings at the home office, New York. March 21 — Atlantic Coast section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers meet- ing, Wilkie Memorial Building, New York. March 21 — Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Association meeting, St. Moritz Hotel, New York. March 22 — Ascap announcement of annual board of directors election results. March 25-27 — Theatre Owners of Oklahoma annual convention, Biltmore Hotel, Oklahoma City. March 26 — Motion Picture Associa- tion of America, annual meeting, March 27 — Ascap annual meeting, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York. March 28 — United Jewish Appeal executive committee of the amusement division meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 28 — Associated Motion Pic- ture Advertisers trade press tes- timonial luncheon, Hotel Pic- cadilly, New York. March 28 — Cinema Stamp Collec- tors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 29 — Academy of Motion Pic- ture Arts and Sciences 23rd an- nual presentation of awards, RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. April 4-6 — Theatre Owners of America board of directors meet- ing, Hotel Mayflower, Washing- ton. April 5-6 — National Board of Re- view of Motion Pictures annual conference, Hotel McAlpin, New York. April 10-11 — Allied-Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa-Nebras- ka annual convention, Savery Hotel, Des Moines. Gophers Oppose TV Sports Legislation St. Paul, March 19. — University of Minnesota officials have asked the senate university committee to reject a resolution asking that university ath- letic events be televised. Asserting that attendance at athletic events in areas where they are tele- vised has dropped 50 per cent, uni- versity officials urged the legislators to "leave us alone, and we will work out this problem ourselves." SCTOA & COMPO (Continued from page 1) the California action will keep them from ratifying now," Sullivan said. "Not one single person in the Cali- fornia unit was for COMPO and I had to plead with them to get them to defer action instead of voting it down." On April 3, in accordance with ar- rangements made here by Sullivan, a committee of SCTOA will meet with Assistant Attorney General Graham Morison to discuss a proposed hew zoning and clearance schedule for the Los Angeles area along with the es- tablishment of an arbitration system there. Sut&, it must be 3 Catyarim-apprvYed ™ 11 ' « • -«« ..•.-^»^.,v,,„... «r«m«*fe Happy movie fans jam the parking lots, buses and trolleys when the latest Companion -approved movie comes to town— and that's why the movie-makers have invested more money in the Companion during the past five years than in any other monthly magazine*. * Except of course the fan magazines! Royal Weddinx"^ "Teresa"-. J"* *ETR°-GCHDWyN_, MAYER MAYER THE CROWELL-COLLIER PUBLISHING COMPANY, 640 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 19, N. Y. AVERAGE CIRCULATION: MORE THAN 4,000,000 fiRST TJMB [AROUMO! The Most Honored Picture BEST FILM of the YEAR!' -H. Y. Film Critics -nominated for Academy Award -Cleveland Film Critics San Francisco Film Critics -H. Y. Newspaper Guild -London Daily Telegraph -Saturday Review of Literature -A. P. Hollywood Correspondents Poll -CBS Public Poll OI "BEST AI'kc" THELMA RHIEB „ MtWiW , „ n. am c«. Bette DAVIS Anne BAXTER George SANDERS Celeste HOLM Thelma R1TTER 2& ii> n// : flfifffU icoHicn - mil/ U,e, Bring it back for Greater Business! "EVE" IS THE HOTTEST DATE AROUND! CENTURY-FOX VOL. 69. NO. 54 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 1951 TEN CENTS O'Dwyer Stars On 5 Theatre TV Screens Marine, Queens Carry Full Day's Hearings As the Senate Crime Investigat- ing Committee's hearings at the Federal Building here reached a climax with the appearance yester- day of former Mayor O'Dwyer, two more theatres, the New York Para- mount and Fabian's Palace in Albany, screened excerpts of the testimony on their theatre TV screens. Century circuit's Marine in Brook- lyn and Queens in Queens, which last week screened spots of the hearing, yesterday opened their doors at 9 :4S A.M. and admitted audiences free of charge to a full day's performance of the hearings. Fabian's Brooklyn Fox, which also has been screening excerpts at the "break" between features in the afternoon, yesterday gave an obvisouly enthusiastic audience more than a full hour, from 11 A.M. to shortly after noon. It was described as the biggest hit yet on television. (Continued on page 5) Para. 'Edits Senate Show The televised hearings of the Senate Crime Investigating Committee shown on the screen at the New York Para- mount yesterday- were the "highlights" of the actual testimony, edited from more complete coverage, it was point- ed out yesterday by a Paramount spokesman. Paramount's theatre TV system records the telecast images on film which is then projected. Thus the testimony of Ambassador O'Dwyer, presented at the theatre from 12:15 P.M. to 12:30 P.M., represented a (Continued on page 5) Senate Probe Show Hits N. Y. Grosses The Senate crime committee's free show here on television is providing hefty daytime competition for local theatres, even Broadway's first-runs, and this week's grosses have suffered somewhat as a result. Public interest reached its peak yesterday but, with the hearings closing today and the Lenten season ending Saturday, an up- surge at the box-offices is expected. The best showing is at the Music (Continued on page 5) Smith Lists 20 from 20th For 6 Months Twenty productions will be re- leased by 20th Century-Fox in the next six months, it was announced here yesterday by Andy W. Smith, Jr., sales vice-president. Five of the films will be in Tech- nicolor and one in Supercinecolor. Two of the pictures will be "outside" independent productions. Included in this line-up of spring and summer releases is Darryl F. Za- nuck's personal production, "David and Bathsheba," in Technicolor, star- ring Gregory Peck and Susan Hay- ward, and directed by Henry King. "David and Bathsheba" will play its first engagements in late August. Released this month are : "Bird of Paradise," Technicolor film starring Louis Jordan, Debra Paget and Jeff Chandler, and directed by Delmer Daves for associate producer Harmon Jones ; "The Sword of Monte Cristo," an Edward L. Alperson Supercine- (Continued on page 6} Chicago Business Shows Upswing Chicago, March 19. — The Lenten season has been keeping Chicago box- office receipts down, although business over the past weekend reached closer to normal than it has in a month. The biggest thing in the Loop was a combination of "Call Me Mister" and Dick Contino in person at the Chicago. B. and K. officials are ex- pecting a $50,000 opening week which would be the best at this house in about six weeks. The Oriental did (Continued on page 5) Colosseum Bids for 10%— Plus Boost Wage increases extending beyond the 10 per cent hike allowed generally by the Economic Stabilization Admin- istration were proposed yesterday for the country's 1,000 film salesmen by their union, the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America. Colosseum negotiators met at the Hotel Astor here with the Industry Negotiating Committee headed by Bernard Goodman of Warner Bro- thers. The two groups are expected to meet daily throughout this week, and if an agreement is not reached by Saturday another city will be se- lected as a negotiations site. David Beznor, Colosseum general (Continued on page 5) MYERS TO NY FOR ARBITRATION MEET Fears Slow -Down Of COMPO Okays By TO A Units Washington, March 19, — Gael Sullivan, executive director of The- atre Owners of America, said here today that he feared the action of the Southern California Theatre Own- ers Association in deferring approval of the new governing structure for COMPO would slow down still fur- ther ratifications by other TOA units as yet uncommitted. Some nine out of TOA's 28 re- gionals have ratified so far. When the COMPO directors voted the change a few months ago after TOA had voiced objection to the existing set-up, it was expected that virtually all TOA units would have ratified by this time. "A lot have been on the fence and (Continued on page 6) MacMillen, Kranze Address ELC Meet William C. MacMillen, Jr., presi- dent of Eagle Lion Classics ; Bernard G. Kranze, distribution vice-presi- dent ; Milton E. Cohen, general sales manager ; David Malamed, treasurer, and Joseph Sugar, assistant to Kranze. yesterday addressed the first days' meeting of the two-day sales confer- ence for the Eastern division being- held in New York. Sales policy on new product and current product and its liquidation (Continued on page 5) Skouras Deposition Off Until April Spyros P. Skouras' deposition in the Samuel Goldwyn Productions anti- trust suit brought against Fox West Coast and others, tentatively set for today, has been postponed. The time and place will be arranged by mutual agreement between Joseph Alioto, Goldwyn attorney, and the 20th Cen- tury-Fox president. Both Charles P. Skouras. National Theatres president, and George P. Skouras, president of United Artists Theatres Circuit, have given deoosi- tions, as have other Fox West Coast executives. It is expected that Spyros Skouras will give his pre-trial testi- money during April, either here or on the Coast. Expected Here in About 10 Days to Confer With Distribution Attorneys Abram F. Myers, general coun- sel of Allied States Association, is expected to be in New York from Washington in about 10' days, per- haps sooner, to meet with distribution attorneys individually for an "explora- tion" of possibilities in connection with the proposal that the industry adopt a system of aribitration. Myers wrote recently to the presidents of the distribution companies indicating that he would be glad to discuss the subject. He was authorized to enter into the discussions by the Allied board meeting in Washington last month. Some months ago distribution presi- dents, sales chiefs and attorneys for the film companies met in New York with officials of the Theatre Owners of America to decide whether it (Continued on page 6) Para. Remaps Ad Operation Hollywood, March 19. — The Para- mount studio and home office pub- licity-advertising departments will function as a single unit in close ad- herence to a promotional pattern worked out during the past five days, Jerry Pickman, acting national direc- tor of advertising-publicity, told the press at the studio today. Voicing optimism regarding box- office conditions and prospects, Pick- man said, "Our problems are not dif- ferent than they ever were. Television, our figures show, does not account (Continued on page 4) Loew's, U. S. Decree Talks Intensified Washington, March 19. — Intensive consent decree negotiations by Loew's got under way here today, with three top company officials conferring with Justice Department representatives. The three were : Nicholas Schenck, J. Robert Rubin and Benjamin Melniker. Justice officials said it was possible that another session might be held later in the week, and that talks would be "fairly frequent" from now on. (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 20, 1951 U. K. Theatre Tax Cut Unlikely: Eady London, March 19.— British exhibi- tors can expect no reduction of the entertainment tax this year, Sir Wil- frid Eady, second secretary to the Treasury, told exhibitor representa- tives who discussed the subject with him here. Though he offered no encourage- ment, stating that the government is looking for sources of increased rev- enue for the rearmament program, Sir Wilfrid promised to see Cinematog- raph Exhibitors Association leaders again before the Treasury presents its new budget on April 10. Harry Mears, new CEA president, said he would continue his campaign for a tax reduction for small exhibi- tors. He is preparing a proposal which would reduce the tax on the cheapest admissions and increase it on the highest, thus giving relief to the small theatre while maintaining the proportion paid to the Treasury. Personal Mention Ask US Decree Ban For Private Suits Washington, March 19. — Eight major distributors told a U. S. Dis- trict Court here today that the vari- ous court judgments and decrees growing out of the government anti- trust suit should not be admitted as evidence in any private anti-trust suit brought against them by exhibitors un- less the decrees had an absolutely di- rect bearing on the facts in the pri- vate suit. They took this stand in filing a lengthy opinion requested by Judge Tamm on the grounds for their mo- tion to strike from the record in an anti-trust case brought against them by Leonard Lea, of Danville, Va., all reference to the government suit and the decrees that grew out of it. The distributor motion said all these references are "immaterial to the is- sues involved and contain scandalous, impertinent and prejudicial material.'' SPYROS P. SKOURAS, 20th Century-Fox president, has re- turned to New York from the Coast. • Mort Freedgood, Paramount pub- licist, will have another book pub- lished, "The Man in Question," by Doubleday later this year under his pen name of John Godey. • Leo Wilder, Warner Brothers' publicist here, and Mrs. Wilder an- nounce the birth of a boy, Robert Mi- chael, their second child, on Friday at the French Hospital. • Robert Goelet, producer, J. Fe- febke, of 20th Century-Fox, and Mrs. Fefebre are to leave here today aboard the S.S. Queen Elisabeth for Europe. • Cliff Geissman, Oakland, Cal., district manager for Blumenfeld The- atres, announces his resignation effec- tive April 4. H. M. Richey, assistant to Wil- liam F. Rodgers of M-G-M, returned here yesterday from a Florida vaca- tion. Al Lichtman, 20th Century-Fox vice-president, is due here today from the Coast. Brookside Lawyers Get $150,000 Fee Kansas City, March 19. — A fee of $150,000 to the three lawyers who rep- resented the Brookside Theatre Corp, in its damage suit against nine film companies was awarded by Federal Judge Richard M. Duncan here. The lawyers, William G. Boatright, Arthur C. Popham, Sr., and Nick C Spanos, had asked for $250,000, plus expenses. 1 OSEPH HAZEN, president of Hal »J Wallis Productions, headed for Florida for a two-week vacation fol- lowing his return here at the weekend from the Coast. Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell, producers, Kenneth Har- greaves, director of 2'0th Century-Fox Film Co., Ltd., and P. F. Leahy, producer for Walt Disney, arrived here yesterday from Europe aboard the Queen Elisabeth. • Carroll Puctato, Realart's general manager in charge of exchange oper- ations, has returned from a two week tour of Midwest exchanges. • Emanuel Silverstone, 20th Cen- tury-Fox foreign executive, is due to arrive here today from South Africa. • Sidney Kramer, short subjects sales manager for RKO Pictures, is slated to leave here today for At- lanta. • Montague Salmon, managing di- rector of the Rivoli, has returned here from a Hollywood vacation. • Halsey Raines of M-G-M's home office publicity department returned here yesterday from Washington. FCC to Witness Skiatron Tests End Tenn. Rental Tax Nashville, March 19. — The state legislature has passed an act relieving film rentals of the two per cent sales tax which has been paid for the past four years. Proponents of the meas- ure based their release claims on the fact that rentals were already paying the state's gross receipts tax. Westrex Sells to U. S. The U. S. Signal Corps has ac- quired 14 Western Electric-type 235D newsreel recording systems from the Westrex Corp., New York. 'Red9 Hearing One Day Only in March Washington, March 19. — Present plans for the House Un-American Activities Committee's hearings on Hollywood, call for hearings Wednes- day, at which the committee will try- to hear four witnesses, and then ad- journ until early April. Chairman Wood (D., Ga.) said it was likely the committee would try to develop information about contribu- tions by film industry workers to Communist organizations and also "quite conceivable" that questioning- would turn to whether the screen had been used for Communist propaganda. "But we're not trying to smear any- body or any group," he declared. Steiner Returns to Independent Filming Joseph Steiner has resigned from the managership of Walter Reade's Park Avenue Theatre here and wili re-enter independent production, through the newly-formed Joseph Steiner Enterprises, Inc. Steiner reported yesterday that he has signed Maxie (Slapsie) Rosen- bloom to an exclusive management contract for motion pictures. Vidicam Demonstration Vidicam Pictures Corp., television film producers, will hold a press .con- ference and reception here tomorrow to demonstrate its facilities and dis- cuss the Vidicam system of making- pictures. Vidicam, with Larry Gordon as president and Alfred Justin as ex- ecutive vice-president, is a successor to Television Features, Inc. AFL Janitors Strike on Coast San Francisco, March 19. — AFL janitors have called a strike against 21 San Francisco theatres and 65 others elsewhere in Northern California, but temporarily postponed a threatened walkout in the Fox West Coast chain and several other major houses. There was the possibility that picketed thea- tres would have to cancel shows be- cause projectionists and other em- polyes would honor the janitors' picket lines. George Hardy, international vice- president of the Building Employees Union, was to meet with George Bower, general manager of FWC, to- day regarding an agreement. Similar arrangements were made with other exempted houses. The Federal Communications Com- mission will arrive in New York this morning, to view a demonstration of Subscriber-Vision, the television sys- tem developed by Skiatron Electronics and Television Corp., New York. The FCC will get its first view of the pay-as-you-see system at the WOR-TV transmitter at North Ber- gen, N. J., from which experimental broadcasts of Subscriber- Vision have been issuing for the past few months with FCC authorization. The Com- mission will witness a closed-circuit demonstration at the transmitter from 11 to 11 :30 A.M. Following the showing, the Commis- sion will visit the Skiatron labora- tories, here to see an over-the-air broadcast of Subscriber-Vision orig- inating from WOR-TV, and which may be seen simultaneously by TV viewers within 60 miles of the WOR- TV transmitter, from 2:30 to 3:00 P.M. At the Skiatron laboratories mem- bers of the Commission will test the operation of Skiatron's decoders with the use of perforated punch-cards, which, it is said, clear up the scram- bled image without intervening tele- phone connections. Subject to FCC approval, subscrib- ers to the system would pay for the decoding cards, which would be changed periodically. Their subscrip- tions would allow them to view a group of special programs which would not be available to TV set owners who were not paid subscrib- ers. Color TV Tops IRE Convention Color television is dominating the 40th annual convention of the Institute of Radio Engineers, which opened here yesterday, with more than a third of the 32 papers to be delivered deal- ing with the subject. The convention, with an exhibit at Grand Central Palace, will run for four days, concluding Thursday. Busi- ness meetings and discussion of papers are being held at the Waldorf-Astoria. Canadian MPDA Reelects Lightstone Toronto, March 19. — Gordon Light- stone, general manager of Canadian Paramount Pictures, has again been reelected president of the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Associa- tion. Harvey Harnick, sales manager of Columbia Pictures of Canada, was named vice-president for the next 12 months. Censors for Knox County Knoxville, Tenn., March 19. — A board of censorship for Knox County, outside of Knoxville, is authorized in a measure passed by the state legisla- ture. Complaints against the showing of certain films by drive-ins outside the city are blamed for the new restric- tions. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center FRED ASTA1RE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW Paramount presents BOB HOPE IN PERSON^ -~ BIUV ECKSTINE LEMON DROP KID HIS OKCMESrSA AW CHORUS Midnigh! Feot Ntghrl, MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club^ Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Damon Runyon's THE LEMON DROP KID ALAN LADD PAR AMOUNT'S BOXOFFICE SPRING 7.. Watch spring grosses spring up and up, as these four start heading the best boxoffice news from now thru May — and beyond. "The Mating Season" is the springtime's most talked-about comedy (what they're talking about most is Thelma Ritter as Mother of the Groom). And "Samson and Delilah," now in general release, continues to be The Greatest Grosser of Our Time. Hope's new show, "The Lemon Drop Kid," is funnier Runyon than "Sorrowful Jones." And Ladd, hotter than his own gun since "Branded," is due soon as a U. S. Mail crime fighter in "Appointment With Danger." All these in Paramount's boxoffice spring . . . followed by a succession of ticket- selling merchandise scheduled for release right thru your Paramount summer. // it's a Paramount picture, it's the best show in town . Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 20, 1951 National Pre-Selling SPECIAL pressbooks issued by Mutual Broadcasting System m its 544-station tieup for "The 13th Letter" with 20th Century-Fox, and a similar device issued by National Bis- cuit Co., to its 3.S00 fieldmen in a tieup for Columbia's "Lorna Doone are indicative of the kind of pre-sellmg aids which penetrate into other lines for the benefit of the film industry. The exploitation kits are patterned after motion picture practice and are based on showmanship, thus making- cooperation with theatre managers at the point of sale the logical and prac- tical thing to do. • Universal has mobilized a special exploitation force of 20 fieldmen to help promote the initial openings of Bill Mauldin's "Up Front" which will have its world premiere at Loew's State Theatre in New York next Saturday, and is set to open in more than 500 situations during April. Assignments include Bob Ungerfield in Cincinnati and In- dianapolis; Dave Polland in Balti- more and Washington; Julian Bowes, Dallas; Ed Holland, Omaha and Des Moines; Duke Hickey, Pittsburgh; John McGrail, New England; Bob Kaufman, St. Louis; Ben Katz, Chicago, and Cliff Brown in San Francisco. Special assign- ments go to Bob Wile, "Bucky" Harris, Bill Slater and others of the home office staff. • Edward Alperson's "The Sword of Monte Cristo," which will be released this month bv 20th Century-Fox, is being boosted by 12,000,000 teen-agers in a tieup zvith the "Y-Teen" Clubs of America, who have hundreds of local units throughout the country, under the wing of the Parent-Teach- ers Association, Chambers of Com- merce and civic groups, assuring pub- licity for the film with schools, libra- ries and youth groups from Coast to Coast. • A special "Bird of Paradise" news- reel has been made by 20th-Fox- Movietone and will be available to hundreds of leading stores which are introducing fashions and merchandise based on the picture's promotion. The film, which runs five minutes and is offered in 16mm for use away from the theatre, features models wearing the 23 fashion creations inspired by the film, with a commentary by Vyvyan Donner, fashion director for Movietone News. In addition, the regular thea- tre edition of the newsreel will carry a generous clip of the fashion promo- tion of thousands of theatres. • The Fuller Brush Co., through more than 15,000 dealers, is adding another 15,000,000 copies of its pro- motional circular for "Fuller Brush Girl" to the printed matter which its salesmen have already distrib- uted. This raises the total to more than 66,000,000 pieces of advertising which the door-to-door canvassers have distributed since the picture's release. With coverage extending into a majority of homes in all of the 48 states, the film is expected to enjoy a much greater than aver- age number of bookngs, especially in small towns, due to the satura- tion promotion and cooperation of the Fuller company. — Walter Brooks Film Ads Draw Fire of British Censors; Clean-Up Is Asked by Ad-Publicity Men London, March 19.— The trade here has been asked by A. T. L. Watkins, secretary of the British Board of Films Censors, to clean up certain allegedly undesirable posters. At a meeting with advertising-publicity men he produced ex- amples of what he termed offensive advertising that had provoked newspaper and child-welfare societies' criticism. Watkins said the trade did itself no good in descending to such advertising methods. Some of the matter objected to came from the U. S. and, it is understood, the British Censor's Board has been in touch with the Production Code Administration concerning it. The ad-pub- licity men will discuss the subject with their companies and it will be taken up also by the Censorship Consultative Committee, on which all sections of the industry are represented. Most of the posters objected to showed sordid or brutal scenes and characters. Para. Remaps (Continued from page 1) for more than a two per cent of de- cline in attendance. But new condi- tions require new concepts in our advertising and publicity approach to the public. I have no secret formula for making our pictures earn more dollars, and we shall use the same tools show business has always used, but we will try to sharpen them as much as we, can and devise new methods for utilizing them." Pickman continued, "We think it is not enough to just get player names or picture titles into public print. Although that is important, it is more important to use them in news stories that transmit to readers the excitement that sets in at the studio when a pic- ture begins shooting, and builds, or should build, steadily until the picture reaches the public. It is our present audience, and not some lost audience we used to have, that we need to serve fully and faithfully. . We shall plan our campaigns with that objec- tive, trying always to make known every genuine reason why the public should want to see our pictures. We shall use every operational trick _ in our bag, apply every legitimate gim- mick, but we shall . not misrepresent or double cross our public. Working as one, the home office and studio de- partments will coordinate every effort as part of an over-all whole with the utmost striking power." Saturation promotion, coupled with area-saturation bookings, has been ex- tremely successful in an early trial, Pickman said, and will be continued on an expanded scale. He intends to spend one-third of his time in New York, one-third in the field, one-third here. He flies back to New York tomorrow night. GPL Videofilm Bows At Fulton Theatre RKO to Stress Three Exploitation Films Three "exploitation specials" set by RKO Radio for release one each in April, May, and June will be given extensive campaigns based on maxi- mum use of publicity, advertising, and i ocal showmanship, it was announced ! here yesterday by. Robert Mochrie, sales vice-president. The campaigns, which will be co- ordinated by S. Barret McCormick, director of advertising ; Terry Turner, exploitation director, and Don Prince, Eastern publicity director, will cover Howard Hawks' "The Thing," to be released in April; "Tokyo File 212,3 which was produced in Japan, to be; released in May, and "Jungle Head- quarters," produced by Sol Lesser, which will be released in June. Pittsburgh, March 19. — What is claimed to be the brightest, biggest 16 mm. picture every projected on a mo- tion picture screen was produced here tonight at the world premiere of Gen- eral Precision Laboratory's videofilm theatre television system at the Fulton Theatre, key house of the Shea cir cuit. GPL equipment receives, photo- graphs, develops, and projects the filmed television image to the regular motion picture screen. The continu ous process, using economical 16 mm. film, is completed within 60 seconds from the TV action to screen projec- tion. A near capacity Lenten audience, despite bad weather, witnessed the finals of the Golden Gloves tourna ment telecast by a special installed co axial cable direct from New York's Madison Square Garden. Last minute arrangements succeeded in bringing to the premiere an eye witness TV view of the special meet ing of the Senate Crime Investigating Committee. The fifteen minute crime feature preceded the climax of the boxing tourney. Special out-of-town visitors to the premiere included : Gerald Shea, An- drew Grainger and Carroll Lawler of the Shea circuit ; Nathan Halpern theatre television consultant ; J. Ra- binovitz, United Paramount The- atres ; and Blair Foulds of GPL. Loew's, U. S. Talk (Continued from page 1) Meanwhile, it was reported that at- torneys for 20th Century-Fox had ar- rived here in hopes of winding up their negotiations with the Department. The 20th-Fox attorneys were slated to talk with Justice officials tomorrow. Passes 'Booth' Bill Albany, N. Y., March 19. — A bill authorizing the New York State Board of Standards and Appeals to establish minimum booth standards in promotion of health was passed today by the state senate. The assembly did not act on a companion measure, both of which had been opposed by theatre spokesmen. William Benton, Saratoga Exhibitor Albany, N. Y., March 19.— Word was received here that William E. Benton, president of Benton Theatres, Saratoga, died suddenly in Miami Beach this morning. An exhibitor for more than 30 years, Benton had not been in the best of health for two years, but was at his desk before leaving for the South. He held extensive business interests in Saratoga. He was chairman of the Republican county committee, and was a personal friend of Governor Dewey. His son, James E., Jr., has been associated with him in theatre operations since coming out of the ser- vice. Benton was also well known for his Catholic philanthropies. British Film Loan Leads to Charges London, March 19. — J. H. Lawrie head of the government's Film Finance Corp., is being charged by Northern exhibitors with attempting to dictate public film tastes. The government corporation made a loan of £60,000 to John Blakeley's Mancunian Film Corp., which pro- duces low-cost, robust comedies pop- ular with Northern exhibitors but which are not shown in the South of England. Blakeley said the govern- ment corporation has demanded full repayment of the £30,000 outstanding on the loan, or the appointment of re- ceivers. Lawrie is credited with hav- ing said that if he had known the kind of pictures Blakeley makes he would not have made the advance to him. Illinois Drive-in Suit Settled, Dismissed Chicago, March 19. — Federal Judge Michael Igoe today dismissed the Grays Lake Outdoor Theatre case against major distributors, Balaban and Katz, Great States Theatres and A. J. B. Theatres on agreement by both sides. The settlement terms were not announced. The case has been in. and out of the courts many times since it was filed on May 26, 1949. The plaintiffs claimed the defend- ants conspired to keep first-run prod- uct out of its drive-in in the Wau- kegan area. Since the case was filed, the drive-in has been getting product one week after it leaves Waukegan. Delays Drive-in Bow Chicago, March 19. — The Double Drive-in, scheduled to open last Fri- day along with four other Chicago area outdoor theatres, has postponed its opening until a later date. Sue Over Coast Property Los Angeles, March 19. — Fox. West Coast and, 20th Century-Fox have been named defendants in a suit, filed in U. S. District Court here by: Selma Steiner, owner of the Larch- mont Theatre, who charges that Fox. West Coast and other defendants vio- lated anti-trust laws by obtaining a long-term lease on the Larchmont run- ning to 1962, at "a grossly inequitable low rental." Special 'Arms' Bow Washington, March 19.— A spe- cial showing of March of Time's "Modern Arms and Free Men," will be held Wednesday for top govern- ment officials and the press at the Carnegie Institution of Washington., Sponsored by the Committee on the j Present Danger, the showing will also. I be attended by Richard de Rochemont. i March of Time producer ; D. Y. Brad- * shaw, associate producer, and Phil; Williams and Marjorie Harker, MOT.y i Tuesday, March 20, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 Review "Golden Salamander" (Rank — Eagle Lion Classics) LIKE most British pictures "Golden Salamander" is deft in characterization and leisurely in pace. Shot on location in North Africa, the film has some excellent camerawork and local color. Otherwise it is a mystery melo- drama cut from a standard stencil. The story has Trevor Howard, a British archaeologist, sent to North Africa to supervise a collection of salvaged antiques. En route he chances to witness a gun-running incident outside the village of his destination. At first Howard chooses to ignore the incident and safely mind his own business. However the activities of the illegal gun smugglers soon affect Howard. Drawing- guidance from an inscription at the base of an antique salamander — "Not by ignoring evil does one overcome it, but by going out to meet it." — Howard sets out to overcome the evil. There follow a series of incidents in which Howard is captured by the gang, escapes, and has a long and nerve-wracking flight to freedom. There is a quality of pristine charm to Anouk as the girl who becomes involved, romantically and adventurously, with Howard's melodramatic ex- periences. As the mastermind of evil who finally gets his due, Herbert Lorn plays his role with suavity. Howard, in the focal role, is a persuasive per- former. A J. Arthur Rank film, it was produced by Alexander Galperson and directed by Ronald Neame, from the screenplay by Lesley Storm, Victor Canning and Neame. Running time, 94 minutes. General audience classification. March release. Mandel Herbstman INLY. Grosses (Continued from page 1) Hall, where a second week of "Royal Wedding" and Leon Leonidoff 's Easter stage show is expected to almost match .the first week's take of $143,000. $140,000 is the estimate, a splendid figure. The Roxy brought in "Bird of Paradise" for its Easter bill, with Tony Martin, and the first week looks like a pleasant $82,000 gross. Another opener, "Inside Straight," at the Capi- tol, is having a good first week, with about $38,000. Banner business is still being- chalked up at the Strand where "Storm Warning," with Josephine Baker on the stage, is expected to top $50,000 for the third consecutive week. The bill will be held over Easter weekend, with "Lullaby of Broadway" opening there on Monday. "Molly," at the Paramount, is hold- ing up fairly well, with $45,000 ex- pected in a second week, following a mild first week's gross of $50,000. "The Lemon Drop Kid," with Billy Eckstine on stage, will open there tomorrow. The only new pictures at straight film-policy houses are "Gambling House," which looks like a satisfac- tory first week's gross of $15,000 at the Mayfair, and "The Groom Wore Spurs" at the Criterion, where a mild $15,000 is estimated for a 10- day run. The picture will bow out there on Thursday to make way for a special Easter film, "The Prince of Peace." At the Astor, "14 Hours" is ex- pected to take in a healthy $20,000 for its second week ; the first week missed its estimated $25,000 by about $3,000. "Born Yesterday" at the Victoria is expected to take in about $18,000, ex- cellent for a 13th week. "Tomahawk" is winding up a good five-week run at Loew's State with about $14,000 due for the final stanza. "Up Front" will open there on Satur- day. At the Rivoli, "The 13th Letter" will close on Friday after a modest four-week stand ; about $9,000 is due in the last week. "Rawhide" will open there on Saturday. "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is beginning to limp at the Globe with under $10,000 due for a fourth week, but it will hold. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is still strong at the Bijou, with about $7,500 due for the 19th week of a two-a-day run. "Trio" at the Sutton will take in about $4,000 in its 24th week; good enough considering the length of the run. Chicago Business (Continued from page 1) well with "Royal Wedding" and a stage show, while "Born Yesterday," "Cyrano De Bergerac," "Three Guys Named Mike," "The Mudlark" and "Bitter Rice" all did nicely. The surprise box-office performance was a revival of "Dodge City" and "Virginia City" at the United Artists ; the pair did exceptionally good busi- ness. The four drive-in theatres which opened on Friday all reported good business. Ralph Smitha, Essaness gen- eral manager, said the circuit was "very well pleased" with attendance at the Harlem Avenue Drive-in. On Friday and Saturday nights all 1,100 auto spaces were filled. Sunday busi- ness fell off considerably, however, because of cold weather. The other three drive-ins which also O'Dwyer Stars (Continued from page 1) RKO's Fordham in the Bronx had scheduled a showing yesterday, but technical difficulties made it impos- sible. Fabian's Palace showed ex- cerpts, with the telecast sent to Al- bany over telephone wires. Century hailed its free show at the Marine and Queens a huge success, with the two large crowds attentive and orderly. Favorable comment on theatre TV as compared to home sets was the rule, a spokesman said. At the Queens, a neighborhood diner co- operated by serving coffee and sand- wiches, "on the house," during the noon recess. Century will repeat its all-day, free- of-charge showing of the hearings again today, but the other theatres have not definitely scheduled the tele- casts. The importance of today's hearings will determine whether or not excerpts will be shown, it was, said. If interest warrants, the RKO Fordham will also put its theatre TV equipment to work, a spokesman said. Canadian Board Gets Budget Hike Ottawa, March 19. — The Cana- dian government has revealed in Parliament that estimated expendi- tures for the National Film Board in 1951-52 will reach $2,602,666, com- pared with $2,295,141 in 1950-51. However, the budget for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., which has juris- diction over television, will be cut to $1,928,600, against $3,292,361 in 1950- 51. The appropriation vote for Canadian Broadcasting- gives rise to the belief that Parliament has clamped down on the government radio agency for TV development because of defense re- quirements. Broun Tops Film Unit Myron L. Broun, vice-president of The Demby Co., will head the newly- created motion picture department of that New York agency. opened on Friday did not do as well as the Harlem, but they did better business than anticipated considering the weather and the early seasonal openings. Para. 'Edits' (Continued from page 1) condensation of considerable previ- ous testimony, it was said. Similarly, the two excerpts shown last night were edited to bring out the high- lights of the day's hearings. In order to prepare the 45 minutes of theatre televised hearings shown, approximately three times that length of time was actually picked up by the theatre equipment, the spokesman said. Other theatres in the Metropolitan area televising the hearings are equipped with RCA "instantaneous" equipment and that part of the hear- ings actually on the air while the the- atre program is on is used. Para- mount feels that its intermediate sys- tem allows a selectivity in the choice of material through editing that en- ables the theatre to miss the routine parts of the proceedings. Yesterday's noon theatre telecast was praised by Robert Shapiro, Para- mount Theatre manager, for its "spon- taneity." "Our audiences always re- spond warmly to theatre television because of its dramatic freshness," he said. ELC Meeting (Continued from page 1) were the topics discussed by these executives. The Midwestern division will have its turn to meet here tomorrow and Thursday, the Southern division will be on hand on Friday and Saturday, and the Western division will have its sessions next Tuesday and Wed- nesday. $18,830 for 'Dimes' _ Atlanta, _ March 19. — William Jen- kins, Georgia Theatre Co. president, has turned over $18,830 to the Georgia Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The amount represents audience collections by the- atres in the area in the 1951 "March of Dimes" drive. Arthur Producing Shorts George K. Arthur is producing a series of five short features here for theatrical release. The first of these is "Goodbye My Love." It was shot on location at Nassau in the Bahamas. 'Alice' on Television In Black-and-White Sunday night's first telecast of scenes from Walt Disney's forthcoming Technicolor pro- duction of "Alice in Wonder- land," on Fred Waring's top- spot General Electric program over CBS, gave an ideal exam- ple of the marked technical dif- ference between the TV screen and the theatre screen as pur- veyors of motion picture enter- tainment to the public. Waring's highly-esteemed mu- sical organization gave a splen- did rendition of several high- lights from the score of Dis- ney's production, but the car- toon sequences in black-and- white which accompanied them pointed acutely to the technical limitation of television's pub- lic film presentations in the present state of that media in its bid for public attention. A Disney spectacle in black-and- white on television's screen is mighty flat when compared with a Disney spectacle in color on a theatre screen. J. P. C. Legion Reviews 8; One Listed Class 'C Eight additional films have been reviewed by the National Legion of Decency, which placed one in Class C, two in Class B, and the remainder in Class A. "The Lovers of Verona," (French), Souvaine Selective Picture, Inc. was condemned. Those in Class B include "M," Columbia, and "Smuggler's Island,'' Universal-International. Those in Class A, section two, include "Cavalry Scout," Monogram ; "I Can Get It for You Wholesale," 20th Cen- tury-Fox, "Soldiers Three," M-G-M, and "Tales of Hoffman," (British), London Film Product, Inc. "Sorts of New Mexico," Columbia, was given a Class A, section one, classification. Salesmen's Union (Continued from page 1) counsel, declined to say how much above the ESA-allowed 10 per cent the union is seeking. He explained, however, that it will be necessary for the distributors and the union to ap- peal jointly to ESA for the additional percentage if there is agreement be- tween both sides on that point. He said an increased on-the-road expense allowance also has been proposed by the Colosseum. Others in the Industry Negotiating Committee are Clarence Hill, 20th- Fox ; Henry Kaufman, Columbia ; Charles O'Brien, Loew's; Joseph Mc- Mahon, Republic ; A. A. Shubart, RKO ; Tom Murray, Universal ; Ar- thur Israel, Paramount. Colosseum negotiators include Harris B. Winn, union president ; N. Provencher, sec- retary, and the following district representatives : Floyd Klingensmith. Eastern ; Grady James, Southern ; Reville Kniifin, Western ; Paul Fine, Central, and Harold Zeltner, Midwest. Paul A. Vogt, 54 Buffalo, March 19. — Paul A. Vogt, 54, secretary-treasurer of Local No. 10, IATSE, and a staff member at Shea's Buffalo, died in the Veterans Hospital here after an illness of seven weeks. 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 20, 1951 20th-Fox {Continued from page 1) color production, starring George Montgomery and Paula Corday and directed by Maurice Geraghty ; "Lucky Nick Cain," a Kaydor produc- tion starring George Raft and Coleen Gray and directed by Joe Newman, and "Of Men and Music," concert film produced by Rudolph Polk and Bernard Luber, directed by Irving Reis, and featuring Jascha Heifetz, Artur Rubinstein, Jan Peerce, Nadine Conner, Dimitri Mitropoulos and the New York Philharmonic. Slated to go to theatres in April are : "You're in the Navy Now," star- ring Gary Cooper and Jane Greer, directed by Henry Hathaway and pro- duced by Fred Kohlmar ; "I Can Get It for You Wholesale," starring Su- san Hayward, Dan Dailey and George Sanders, and directed by Michael Gordon for producer Sol C. Siegel, and "Follow the Sun," starring Glenn Ford and Anne Baxter, directed by Sidney Lanfield and produced by Sam- uel G. Engel. May releases are: "Fourteen Hours," directed by Henry Hathaway for producer Sol C. Siegel, with Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart and Bar- bara Bel Geddes ; "Rawhide," star- ring Tyrone Power and Susan Hay- ward, directed by Henry Hathaway and produced by Samuel G. Engel, and "On the Riviera," Technicolor mu- sical starring Danny Kaye, Gene Tier- ney and Corinne Calvet, and directed by Walter Lang for producer Sol C Siegel. June Releases June releases include : "Half An- gel," in Technicolor, co-starring Jo- seph Cotten and Loretta Young, di- rected by Richard Sale and produced by Julian Blaustein ; "House on Tele- graph Hill," which stars Richard Basehart, Valentina Cortesa and Wil liam Lundigan, was directed by Rob- ert Wise for producer Robert Bass ler, and "Just One More Chance,' starring Paul Douglas, Linda Darnell and Joan Bennett, directed by Joe Newman and produced by Julian Blaustein. For release in July are : "Will You Love Me in December?", produced by Lamar Trotti and directed by Harmon Jones, with Monty Woolley, Thelma Ritter, David Wayne and Jean Peters ; "No Highway," starring James Stew- art and Marlene Dietrich, directed by Henry Koster for producer Louis D. Lighten, and "The Frogmen," starring Richard Widmark, Dana An- drews and Gary Merrill, directed by Lloyd Bacon and produced by Samuel G. Engel. In August will be "The Secret of Convict Lake," which stars Glenn Ford, Gene Tierney, Zachary Scott and Ethel Barrymore, directed by Mi- chael Gordon for producer Frank Ro- senberg; "Take Care of My Little Girl," Technicolor film directed by Jean Negulesco, produced by Julian Blaustein and starring Jeanne Crain, and "Decision Before Dawn," direct- ed by Anatole Litvak and produced by Litvak and Frank McCarthy, with Richard Basehart, Gary Merrill, Oskar Werner and Hildegarde Neff starred. Myers on Arbitration {Continued from page 1) would be advisable to hold an all- ndustry conference at which it could be determined whether or not a sys- tem of arbitration might work. After conferring they decided it was desir- able to continue taking steps toward the establishment of such a system. The distribution heads could not en- visage a successful effort, however, without Allied's participation. That meeting selected William F. Rodgers, M-G-M distribution vice- president, to act as a go-between in an endeavor to bring Allied into a conference on arbitration. It is ex- pected that Myers will determine from the discussions which he will hold in New York whether it would be ad- visable for Allied to sit in on any such conference. It is regarded as doubtful that a conference on arbitra- tion would be called if Allied should indicate it would not participate in a meeting of that sort. Hence, whether or not an all-industry conference will be called hinges directly on the result of the forthcoming meetings between Myers and the attorneys for the com- panies. Some company attorneys are said to see advantages in an all-industry system of arbitration. Others are known to be opposed to the establish- ment of such a system. Myers has been an outspoken disparager of sys- tems of arbitration as such. Ever since their meeting with dis- tribution executives, TOA officials have sought to take the TOA label off the proposal in behalf of an arbi- tration system. They have indicated they believe the proposal should rightfully be identified as coming from "exhibition" and not from any single exhibitor organization. Other exhibitor organizations have campaigned in behalf of arbitration, among them the Pacific Coast Con- ference of Independent Theatre Own- ers and the New York Independent Theatre Owners Association. Myers will report on his New York meetings to the Allied board at a meeting scheduled for May 13-14 in Kansas City. Theatres Picketed for 'High' Admissions Cincinnati, March 19. — Protesting high admission prices charged by theatres in Morgantown, W. Va., students of West Virginia University have inaugurated a "Don't Go to the Theatre Week." Sup- ported by student boycott of theatres, it is charged that admissions are higher than in other communities of com- parable size, and are "beyond the normal means of the aver- age student." Students have been picketing the theatres. WEWS in Brief . William Wilson Elected Ottawa, March 19. — William H Wilson has been elected president of the Edmonton Theatres Association in Alberta. Arbitration System High On TOA Board Meeting Agenda Washington, March 19.— "Every- thing possible to work up some sort of industry arbitration system" will head the agenda for the April 4 board meeting of Theatre Owners of Amer- ica, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive di- rector, reported here today. He is expected to return to his New York headquarters by Thursday. Other agenda items, Sullivan said, will include formal ratification of the new Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations set-up; acceptance by TOA of COMPO's exhibitor semi- nars in Hollywood ; discussion of plans for the TOA convention in New York in the fall ; the proposal for a motion picture industry exposition in Grand Central Palace, New York, and the ruling of the Bureau of Internal Rev- enue on drive-in admissions. To Meet on Rentals Columbus, O., March 19. — Ohio ex- hibitors have been urged to attend a protest luncheon-meeting at which "high rentals" for films will be No. 1 on the agenda. The meeting is sched- uled for Thursday, March 29, at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel. PHONEVISION and its possible application to Canadian television is the subject of conferences now be- ing held in Chicago between E. F. McDonald, Jr., president of Zenith Radio Corp., R. H. Cairns, broadcast engineer from the telecommunications division of the Canadian Department of Transport, and Andre Ouimet, Ca- nadian Broadcasting's assistant direc- tor of television for Montreal. • Albany, N. Y., March 19.— Harry Goldberg, director of advertising and exploitation for Warner The- atres, will address a meeting of Warner Upstate managers in Syra cuse on Wednesday. Zone manager Charles A. Smakwitz will preside. • New Orleans, March 19. — An order temporarily halting the opening of a motion picture theatre on 2201 Hibernia Street due to a dispute over a building permit has been issued by Judge Walter B. Hamlin. • Hollywood, March 19. — Eddie Bracken, who stars in RKO Pictures "Two Tickets to Broadway," will start immediate construction of a televi sion studio with two sound stages to house his expanding Bracken Produc- tions, television . program producers it was announced. • Minneapolis, March 19. — Th> board of directors of North Central Allied, will meet here tomorrow to discuss plans for the association's an nual spring convention. The date was set to enable out-of-town board mem bers to engage in a double bill pro gram, the board meeting and dedica tion ceremonies of the local Variety Heart Hospital. • Atlanta, March 19. — Producers were urged to film more pictures Georgia in a resolution adopted by the Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia at their annual meeting here last week. • Philadelphia, March 19. — A spe cial edition of the "Queen for a Day' radio show will be part of the enter tainment planned for the convention of International Variety Clubs, May 8-12, Victor H. Blanc, general chair man, announces. Coming Events March 20-21 — Columbia sales meet- ings, Hotel Warwick, New York. March 20-27 — Eagle Lion Classics divisional sales meetings at the home office, New York. March 21 — Atlantic Coast section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers meet- ing, Wilkie Memorial Building, New York. March 21 — Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Association meeting, St. Moritz Hotel, New York. March 22 — Ascap announcement of annual board of directors election results. March 25-27 — Theatre Owners of Oklahoma annual convention, Biltmore Hotel, Oklahoma City. March 26 — Motion Picture Associa- tion of America, annual meeting. March 27 — Ascap annual meeting, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York. March 28 — United Jewish Appeal executive committee of the amusement division meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 28 — Associated Motion Pic- ture Advertisers trade press tes- timonial luncheon, Hotel Pic- cadilly, New York. March 28 — Cinema Stamp Collec- tors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 29 — Academy of Motion Pic- ture Arts and Sciences 23rd an- nual presentation of awards, RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. April 4-6 — Theatre Owners of America board of directors meet- ing, Hotel Mayflower, Washing- ton. April 5-6 — National Board of Re- view of Motion Pictures annual conference, Hotel McAlpin, New York. April 10-11 — Allied-Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa-Nebras- ka annual convention, Savery Hotel, Des Moines. Gophers Oppose TV Sports Legislation St. Paul, March 19.— University of Minnesota officials have asked the senate university committee to reject a resolution asking that university ath- letic events be televised. Asserting that attendance at athletic events in areas where they are tele- vised has dropped 50 per cent, uni- versity officials urged the legislators to "leave us alone, and we will work out this problem ourselves." SCTOA & COMPO {Continued from page 1) the California action will keep them from ratifying now," Sullivan said. "Not one single person in the Cali- fornia unit was for COMPO and I had to plead with them to get them to defer action instead of voting it down." On April 3, in accordance with ar- rangements made here by Sullivan,_ a committee of SCTOA will meet with Assistant Attorney General Graham Morison to discuss a proposed new zoning and clearance schedule for the Los Angeles area along with the es- tablishment of an arbitration system there. $ut&, \t must be a Happy movie fans jam the parking lots, buses and trolleys when the latest Companion -approved movie comes to town— and that's why the movie-makers have invested more money in the COMPANION during the past five years than in any other monthly magazine*. * Except of course the fan magazines! 7? Urren*ly advertised- l t0** Kidding . MET«°SOloWyn MErRo-GotDvvyN MErftO-GolDvVYN. MAYER MAYER MAYER y p e» e> o> m» «y THE CROWELL-COLLIER PUBLISHING COMPANY, 640 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 19, N.Y. AVERAGE CIRCULATION: MORE THAN 4,000,000 BI66BR THM THe . The Most Honored Picture "BEST FILM of the YEAR!" -H. Y. Film Critics -nominated for Academy Award -Cleveland Film Critics San Francisco Film Critics -N. Y. Hewspaper Guild -London Daily Telegraph -Saturday Review of Literature -A. P. Hollywood Correspondents Poll -CBS Public Poll „ TODAY ONLY— Come as early as 4 P.M. and see 2 features "ALL ABOUT EVE" and "U.S.S. TEAKETTLE" IAST Feature -as am e«- 10:10 P.M. Jon/gftf last Feature _\ at I0.J5P.M. ^PHILADELPHIA \ \ WMM MMAWf everyone mntst0 Anne BAXTER George SANDERS Celeste HOLM -filing Actress" Ihelma RfTTEft all about eve" Bene ur>~ Anne BAXTER George SANDERS Celeste HOLM Thelma RITTER illlaliomlW i/ a all \ about women - owl \ then- men! wm mm**** 8/7/?g it hack for Greater Business! "EVE" IS THE HOTTEST OATE AROUND! CENTURY-FOX MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 55 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 1951 TEN CENTS SIMPP Quits NY Quarters By April 30 Retaining Coast Office; Board Meets Next Week The Society of Independent Mo- tion Picture Producers will close its New York office on April 30 with the expiration on that date of the lease to its quarters in the Inter- national Building, Rockefeller Center. SIMPP began a policy of retrench- ment about a year ago when inde- pendent production was at an ebb stage. Last summer it dispensed with the services of its general counsel, Robert J. Rubin, now an executive at Paramount. The Society is financed by percentage contributions by mem- bers on the basis of the distribution gross of their product. The Society will continue to main- tain its principal offices in Beverly Hills, Cal. Ellis G. Arnall, SIMPP president, who this week is in At- lanta, will be on the Coast next week for meetings with the Society's board. The meetings are expected to deter- mine the extent to which it will be (Continued on page 15) SAG Defines 'Red' Policy Hollywood, March 20. — The first official declaration of policy with re- spect to the new House Un-American Activities Committee hearings by any ranking Hollywood organization was made today by the Screen Actors Guild. 'The declaration, which condemned the "Communist Party conspiracy" and cautioned against the "smearing (Continued on page 3) Sears Drive Plans Advanced by U. A. United Artists' advertising and sales departments are well along in their efforts to launch the "Grad Sears Drive" on April 1, in honor of the company's vice-president. William Heineman, vice-president in charge of distribution, has announced that $10,000 will be distributed among winning branches in the drive, with a first prize of $2,500. Sears in a letter to branch and (Continued on page 15) Italy's 7,800 Theatres Grossed Upwards of $88,000,000, Says U. S. Washington, March 20. — Box-office receipts in Italy last year totaled between $88,000,000 and $93,000,000, including a government excise tax of about 30 per cent, the U. S. Department of Com- merce reported here today. Other figures on the Italian film situation released by the De- partment, headed by Nathan D. Golden, were these: There were about 7,800 theatres with regular commercial showings, with a seating capacity of about 3,500,000; approximately 105 full-length feature films were produced in Italy last year, compared with 95 in 1949 and 50 in 1948; about 440 foreign features were imported, of which 333 were passed by the censors, including 286 U. S. films, 20 French, and 18 British. 2.2 Cents of Average US Dollar Spent for Films Chart New 'Cyrano' Release Setup Soon Stanley Kramer Productions in about two weeks will make two deci- sions with respect to distribution ac- tivities surrounding "Cyrano de Ber- gerac." One will be arrangements for releasing the film generally now that it has just about completed the major portion of its road-show sched- ule, and the other will involve release of the picture in England, France and Germany. George J. Schaefer, president of Stanley Kramer Distributing Corp. and general sales manager of Kramer Productions, reported this here yester- day, indicating that he will leave for Europe in approximately two weeks to arrange for distribution of "Cyrano" in the three countries. United Artists is releasing the film in. the U. S. but has not yet been granted overseas re- leasing rights. Whether "Cyrano" will go directly from road-showing into general re- lease, or whether there will be a time lapse between the use of the two re- leasing methods, is a point which will have to be decided, Schaefer indicated. The fact that the Stanley Kramer Co., the Kramer partnership with Sam (Continued on page 15) Skiatron Seeks FCC Okay for N. Y. Test The Federal Communications Com- mission had its first view of Skiatron's "Subscriber-Vision" yesterday and the company announced that it will_a.sk for FCC permission to conduct a test in the New York area similar to the test being conducted by Phonevision in Chicago. The Commission witnessed a closed- (Continued on page 15) Washington, March 20. — The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has decided that more of the average large-city family's spending dollar goes for film admissions than formerly, even though movie-going accounts for a smaller percentage of the total be- ing spent for recreation. The Bureau has just finished a pre- liminary revision of the "weight" to be assigned to various items in its consumers' price index, which is sup- posed to show the spending pattern for commodities and services in the 34 largest cities of the U. S. This is the first revision since the index was set up in the early 1930's. In the old index, based on 1934-36 spending habits, film admissions ac- counted for 1 .7 cents out of the spend- ing $1, and about three-fifths of the total spent for recreation and reading, which was put at 2.9 cents out of the dollar. The new weighting, based on 1947- 49 spending habits, increases the amount of the dollar spent on films to 2.2 cents, but the total for the reading-recreation group has been raised to 5.8 cents out of each dollar, so that movie-going now accounts for only about 40 per cent of the spend- ing in this group, against a former 60 per cent. A final revision is due next year, based on a wide survey now under (Continued on page 15) 'Teresa' Drive to Honor Arthur Loew In celebration of Arthur M. Loew's 30th year in the industry, M-G-M's domestic and international distribu- tion departments will ioin in the pro- motion of "Teresa," which Loew pro- duced in New York and Italy. Morton A. Spring, Loew's Inter- national first vice-president, announced that a feature of the overseas promo- (Continued on page 15) Reach Near Agreement on 20th Decree Expected To Be Ready For Court Early April Washington, March 20. — Top officials of the Justice Department and 20th Century-Fox reached all- but-final agreement today on the proposed consent decree. They said, however, that it would probably be early April before it was finally approved and ready for presentation to the New York Statutory Court. Fox West Coast Theatres president Charles Skouras and aides, John Ber- tero and John Lavery met with assist- ant attorney-general H. Graham Mori- son in one long session and then with Justice attorney Philip Marcus in an- other session. Morison said that the conferees were "in the process of get- ting the final terms," and that "we're pretty well at the end of the row." A Fox spokesman said that while "we're not washed up completely yet, the end is definitely in sight now." The Fox officials were slated to re- (Continued on page 15) To Air Allied Bidding Plan Washington, March 20. — Allied States Association general counsel Abram F. Myers said today when he takes up arbitration with distributors, he will also take up Allied's proposals for changing the competitive bidding provisions of the New York decrees and any other proposals Allied has to make. While Myers refused to confirm re- (Continued on page 15) LeSieur to Address ELC Meeting Today Howard LeSieur, Eagle Lion Clas- sics advertising-publicity director, will join with other company home office executives in addressing today the second in a series of two-day regional sales meetings in New York. The current meeting is for Midwestern di- vision branch managers. It follows a two-day meeting here for Eastern division managers. Also scheduled to address today's (Continued on page 15) 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 21, 1951 Stronger Anti-trust Bill Is Up Again Washington, March 20— A House Judiciary Sub-commit- tee started Congressional wheels grinding today on a bill to boost the maximum fine for anti-trust law viola- tions from $5,000 to $50,000, re- porting the bill to the full House committee. The House during the last Congress passed such a bill, but the Senate did not act. The measure would not make any change in the one-year maximum jail sentence. Personal Mention j. A. MCCARTHY, Universal Pictures Southern and Canadian sales manager, is in Charlotte today and will visit Atlanta next. F. Says 'Tales' Gives Opera New Scope Techniques evolved in the produc- tion of "Tales of Hoffman" will for the first time permit the full utiliza- tion of the screen's potential in pre- senting opera, Emeric Pressburger said here yesterday. Pressburger, who with Michael Powell produced and directed "Tales" and "Red Shoes," is here from Lon- don for the picture's world premiere at the Metropoiltan Opera House and the beginning of its run, on April 4, at the Bijou. Powell is due to arrive here tomorrow. With Pressburger at a press inter- view yesterday was Hein Heckroth, designer of both "Tales" and "Red Shoes." In producing "Tales," the sound track of the Hoffman opera was re- corded first and the picture then shot to fit the music. Only two players, both Americans, performed for both sound-track and film. This procedure freed the camera from the restriction of the sound stage, Pressburger said, and gave the possibility of movement and scope never before obtained in a screen version of an opera, he added. The future plans of the Pressburger- Powell team depend upon the recep- tion of "Tales," Pressburger said. If it is a success, they will consider an- other operatic-ballet film, such as Richard Strauss' "Salome," for which Sir Alexander Korda holds an option. If not, then plans for a straight drama, a war story titled "111 Met by Moon- light," will go ahead. Pressburger said he will be here for both openings of "Tales" and will visit Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington where Lopert Films, the U. S. distributor, has scheduled pre-release engagements. The film will go into national release on a roadshow policy in the fall. Pressburger and Heckroth will leave here on April 6 for England. Pandro Berman, M-G-M produc- er, is slated to arrive here from the Coast on March 29 and is due to sail on the following day for London and Rome. • Richard Brooks, director, and William Kaplan, unit manager for M-G-M, left here yesterday for Lon- don and Italy. • Harold Wirthwein, Western sales manager for Allied Artists and Mono- gram, has returned to the Hollywood studio from San Francisco. • Jules Levey, independent producer, is vacationing in Florida from New York. JULES LAPIDUS, Warner's East- ern and Canadian division sales manager, will visit Pittsburgh and Cleveland this week. • Saul Milwall, veteran 20th Cen- tury-Fox cameraman, is vacationing at Miami Beach with his wife and son, Harold. • Milton Gordon, vice-president of Walter Heller and Co., has left Chi- cago for the Coast. • Morris Mechanic, owner of the New Theatre, Baltimore, is in New York for several days. H. S. Con roy, owner of the Moon Theatre, Gibbons, Neb., heads the 1951 Buffalo County polio drive. • Arthur Davis has left here for Kalamazoo, Detroit and Chicago. Newsreel Parade in HE Senate crime probe eruption Canty, Kreisler to Crime Probe Again Address Nat' I Board Among industry executives who will address the annual conference of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, on April 5 at New York s Hotel McAlpin, will be George R. Canty, speaking on the subject, "American Pictures Abroad"; Ber- nard Kreisler, discussing "Foreign Pictures in America," and Arthur L. Mayer, whose subject will be, "Good People and Bad Pictures." On April 6, delegates will be guests of 20th Century-Fox at its home of- fice, where they will participate in a roundtable on community film activi- ties, after which they will witness three films in third dimension and a preview of a new 20th-Fox production. Music Hall Slates Extra Easter Shows To accommodate holiday audiences, Radio City Music Hall here will have extra performances of its Easter show beginning and running through Easter week. The schedule of early morning door openings follows: Friday, 8:15; Sat- urday, 8:30; Monday through next Friday, March 30, 7:45; Saturday, March 31, 8:30. Sells Two Theatres New Orleans, March .20. — Para- mount Gulf Theatres has disposed of the Capitol, Monroe, to Jackson and Deas, Inc., which will assume opera- tions effective April 1. The Empire, in Mobile, has been sold to the Gid- dens and Rester circuit of that city, also effective April 1. Okla. Senate Drops TV Football Bill Oklahoma City, March 20.— The Oklahoma Senate has shelved legisla- tion forcing "live" telecasts of Uni- versity of Oklahoma football games. The action was taken against the bill after a "Big Seven" conference announcement that the Oklahoma Sooners would have all games can- celled if telecasts of games were or- dered. Cooperative in Buffalo Cleveland, March 20. — Co-opera- tive Theatres, Ohio, buying-booking group organized some 12 years ago by Milton A. Mooney, is opening _ a branch office in Buffalo, with Bill Twiggim, formerly of Warner Bro- thers, in charge. On N. Y. Screens Theatre audiences yesterday con- tinued to see the Senate Crime Inves- tigating Committee's hearings, in whole or part, on the screens of five theatres in Metropolitan New York. Century circuit's Queens and Marine theatres again telecast the whole day's proceeding to audiences admitted free, while the New York Paramount and Fabian's Brooklyn Fox continued to show parts of the probe. RKO's Fordham in the Bronx joined in, with an hours' showing in the afternoon. The hearings are scheduled to con- clude early this afternoon and the managements at the various theatres did not know at a late hour last night if the proceedings would be put on their screens today. Crime Probe Hits Boston Box-Office Boston, March 20. — The televising of the current Senate crime probe was blamed today for the drop in atten- dance at Boston and suburban the- atres, according to a check. Two Boston TV stations carried the show all day and both reported that they received hundreds of tele- phone calls demanding that the crime probe be given top priority in pro- gramming. Shapiro to Europe To Acquire Product Irvin Shapiro, president of Stan- dard Television Corp., will leave here on the SS. Queen Elisabeth for a tour of Europe to acquire additional pic- tures for Standard. Shapiro has made an arrangement with Unity Television Corp. to book Standard's pictures through the new- ly-organized central booking offices of Unity. Nezv York and a volcanic eruption in Japan highlight the cur- rent newsreels. Other items include reports from Korea, sports and fashion. Complete contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 24^-Senate crime probe in New York. "Bird of Para- dise" fashions. Japanese volcano goes on a rampage. Alpine avalanche buries town. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 258— O'Dwyer faces Senate crime probers. First Eskimo nun. Informal Mr. Truman. Volcano erup- tion in Japan. Avalanche plays havoc m Austria. PARAMOUNT NEW, No. 61— Basketball tournament. Flow of arms continues under Atlantic Pact. Latest swim suits. Keeps leopard as a house pet. Senate crime prob- ers. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 12-A— Senate crime probers. Puerto Rican regiment pre- pares for attack in Korea. France displays arms. French wounded return from Korea. Track meet. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 440— Senate crime hearings. Volcano erupts in Japan. Mud in Korea. Realistic combat training. Sport flashes: National Invitation Basketball Tourney. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. SJ— Sen- ate crime investigation. Korea veterans re- turn home. Volcano erupts in Japan. Elliot Roosevelt weds again. Barbara Hutton splits again. Styles. Basketball. 'Rehabilitation' Cuts JapaneseAttendance Washington, March 20. — Film at- tendance in Japan dropped from 620,- 000,000 in 1949 to 540,000,000 last year, despite an increase in the num- ber of theatres and domestic films pro- duced, the U. S. Commerce Depart- ment reported here today. The drop was attributable to the "rehabilitation of other amusements," quoting the Japanese Cinema Produc- ers Association. Japanese films in- creased from 38 in 1945 to 156 in 1949 and 216 in 1950 ; foreign pictures im- ported jumped from zero in 1945 to 151 in 1949 and 180 in 1950; the num- ber of theatres went to 2,380 and 2,410, respectively, and attendance in- creased from 600,000,000 in 1947 to a high of 660,000,000 in 1948, then dropping in 1949 and 1950. Goldstone-Berkson Deal Harry Goldstone of Famous Pic- tures, New York, has concluded a deal with Jack Berkson of Screencraft for three former Paramount releases, "Forced Landing," "Flying Blind" and "Power Dive." Golding to Texas For 'Sun' Opening Southwestern wire service represen- tatives, sports writers and corre- spondents of key papers will converge on Fort Worth for the world pre- miere on Friday of 20th Century- Fox's "Follow the Sun." David Golding, publicity manager for 20th, left New York yesterday for Fort Worth to handle arrange- ments for the three-theatre opening at the Worth, Hollywood and Palace theatres. The premiere will salute Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hogan. Others who will be on hand for the premiere include Glenn Ford, Dennis O'Keefe, members of the sporting world, and Governor Allan Shivers of Texas, who will head the civic contingent. MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye Consulting Editor. P«bhshed da. ly except S. t»rdays. Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20. N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-310O Cable addre < , Q'^P 'bc°- New York." Martin Quigley, President-. Red Kann. Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President : Theo. J. Sullivan. Vice -President and Treasurer . T eo L B ^ ady Secretary . James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Bmlding. » am ^ Weaver. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-.' with laughter! / MAXIE ROSENBLOOM & MAX BAER in "SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM' with JACKIE COOGAN • FUZZY KNIGHT • HILLARY BROOK Screenplay by Eddie Forman and Dean Riesner from An Original Story by Eddie Forman Directed by SAM NEWFIELD • Produced by WALLY KLINE Released through Eagle Lion \ Some pictures thrill you..% This one' II kill you., with laughter/% Released through \^ Eagle Lion Col. Ad Mat 102 — 40 lines 2 Col. Ad Mat 202—150 lines a quo ( a gal or a rope he's a dope] MAXIE ROSENBLOOM nd MAX BAER in "SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM" Released ihrough EaglE LioJi wsmm I Col. Ad Mat 101 — 15 lines 2 Col. Ad Mat 201—98 lines Page Six SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM" Eagle Lion Section "SKIP ALONG ROSENBLOOM" The Cast Skipcdong Rosenbloom . "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom Butcher Baer Max Baer Buck James Jackie Coogan Sneaky Pete Fuzzy Knight Square Deal Sal Hillary Brook Caroline Jacqueline Fontaine The Credits Wally Kline Enterprises Inc. presents "Skipalong Rosenbloom", co-starring Maxie Rosenbloom and Max Baer. Screen play by Dean Reisner and Eddie Forman. Produced by Wally Kline. Directed by Sam Newfield. An Eagle Lion Classics release. The Story The town of Buttonhole Bend is in the clutches of the Butcher Baer gang who have killed every sheriff and robbed every bank in the territory. Brains of the gang is Square Deal Sal. Skipalong Rosenbloom comes to town and is tricked into becoming sheriff. He falls in love with Miss Caro- line, the village schoolmarm. Skipalong finally corners Butcher Baer in Square Deal Sal's saloon, beats him up and corrals the gang. He then leaves Miss Caroline and rides off into the sunset in quest of new adventures. Rosenbloom, Baer Fight Over Billing "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom and Max Baer would be one of the greatest nightclub comedy acts in show business save for one un- fortunate difficulty — they keep breaking the act up because they can't decide who should get top billing. The pair of former champion boxers have now transferred their clowning to the screen in "Skip- along Rosenbloom," a hilarious satire on the conventional Holly- wood Western which opens .... at the Theatre. Producer Wally Kline found that their feud had come along to Hollywood with them when he started work on "Skipalong Ros- enbloom." 'Skipalong' Battle Uses Ex-Champs When two ex-champions of the world tangle in a barroom brawl with no holds barred the goings- on should be plenty exciting — and they were even though the brawl was staged as a climax to a mo- tion picture. The motion picture is "Skipa- long Rosenbloom," opening at the Theatre, a spoof of Hollywood's standard Western plot and the fighters are Maxie Rosenbloom and Max Baer, who co-star in the Wally Kline production for Eagle Lion Classics release. Result of the scrap is some of the most exciting footage ever filmed according to Director Sam Newfield. Mat 1A Still SR-55 "Slaps;e" Maxie Rosenbloom is the hero of the comedy Western, "Skipalong Rosenbloom," which opens at the Theatre. Mat IB Still SR-41 Max Baer co-stars with Maxie Rosenbloom in "Skipalong Rosen- bloom," which opens at the Theatre. Western Movies Spoofed In 'Skipalong Rosenbloom' All the hokum and "corn" which have marked the screen Western since the early silent days are present in "Skipalong Rosenbloom," co-starring Maxie Rosenbloom and Max Baer, which opens at the Theatre — but this time it's all done for laughs. Producer Wally Kline, who made the picture for Eagle Lion Classics release, screened more than 40 old Westerns along with Dean Reisner and Eddie Forman who wrote "Skipalong Rosenbloom." From these they have distilled dozens of standbys of Western producers and kidded them. In "Skipalong Rosenbloom" are the historic line "we'll cut 'em off at Eagle Rock," the gun battle where thousands of rounds and rounds are fired and no one gets hurt, the torrid chase, etc., etc. "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom, for whom the picture is titled, plays a cowboy called back to town to help his old uncle resist the crooked gang which is taking up a mortgage on the uncle's land which includes an old gold mine. He is drafted by a crooked judge into becoming the sheriff of the town. No local men will take the job because "Butcher Baer" and his gang have wiped out scores of previous lawmakers. Max Baer is the "Butcher" and S quare- Shooter A unique "prop" — a revolver which is actually a "square- j shooter" is used in "Skipalong Rosenbloom," burlesque on West- ern films co-starring Maxie Rosen- bloom and Max Baer, which opens at the Thea- tre. Instead of being designed in the conventional round shape, the barrell of "Square-shootin' Sher- iff" Rosenbloom's gun is a per- fect square. Hillary Brook plays the lady sa- loon keeper who is the "brains" of the mob. Rosenbloom follows a gopher and discovers the lost mine. He is captured by the gang and tied up in a room filled with gunpow- der. "Butcher Baer" laughs fiend- ishly as he lights a slow fuse and leaves the mine. But Rosenbloom escapes and corners the "Butcher" in the saloon which sets the stage for the film's climactic fisticuffs. Ros- enbloom gives up his girl to an upright local citizen, played by erstwhile child star Jackie Coogan and rides off to new adventures. Sam Newfield directed. Champs ! "Skipalong Rosenbloom" should be a championship picture. For Max Baer and Maxie Rosenbloom are the co- stars of this comedy burl- esque of the standard Hol- lywood Western which opens at the Theatre. Baer is a former heavy- weight champion of the world and Rosenbloom was light heavyweight champion of the world for five years. The pair tangle in a bar- room brawl as the climax of the picture. Eagle Lion Section "SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM" Page Seven OSTEIN ca,t£ YOU SAV § ORDER ALL ACCESSORIES INCLUDING SET OF EI6HT 11x14 LOBBIES FROM NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE MAXft . - ■ THltt SOME PMU&S TORllt YStKi..,nMS OttB WftU. x U.Wtt...W(tW [§■»'- '• MAXIE ROSENBLOOM „ MAX BAER „ SKIPALONG ROSENBIOWT MAXIE ROSENBLOOM » MAX BAER .SKIPALONG ROSENBLOOM ONE-SHEET I 't years' Copy- ghl I 551 V Wutlri ™w*b«..„,(1,:" ■ '--■- ...,.<.,„. ' .~-,t««r^ "KIT C4 Wednesday, March 21, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 15 Reviews "I Was an American Spy" (Allied Artists) Hollywood, March 20 AN ESPIONAGE drama, "I Was an American Spy" concerns an Ameri- can woman who rendered invaluable service to her country in Manila during the Japanese occupation. Reader's Digest publication of the factual story appears to be the most reliable angle for exploitation. Produced by David Diamond, the film features Ann Dvorak as the heroine, with Gene ("Steel Helmet") Evans also on hand. The production is documentary only at the beginning when General Mark Clark authenticates Claire Phillips' adventures and achievements, and at the end, when she is presented with a medal by a Presidential decree. Be- tween these points it is handled fiction-fashion, not expertly enough to seem slick, and often ineptly enough to discount its factualistic impact. Possibly its authenticity will make up for shortcomings which would condemn a purely fictional picture to mild acceptances in most situations. Miss Dvorak, a cafe entertainer in Manila, marries a soldier on the day after Pearl Harbor, and when he is killed by Japanese, she returns to her calling as a means of obtaining and transmitting to American Guerrillas in the hills information, supplies and services which the underground employs in its aid to Allied Forces. The picture shows chiefly her narrow escapes from detection, and finally her exposure, arrest and conviction. Rescue forces arrive two years later. Douglas Kennedy, Richard Loo, Philip Ahn, Leon Lontoc and Marya Marco provide the principal support. Lesley Selander directed from a screenplay by Sam Roeca, who may have been handicapped by having too much factual material to work with. Ben Schwald was associate producer. Running time, 85 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, April 15. "Silver City Bonanza" (Republic ) ALL of the necessary ingredients that make up a superior Western are present in "Silver City Bonanza." Associate producer Melville Tucker and director George Blair have made the most of the several situa- tions involving a pretty girl, some cute children, intelligent animals, hard- riding cowboys and secret treasure, all written into Bob Williams' script. Songs by Rex Allen and a dance number by Buddy Ebsen and young Alix Ebsen liven up the action still further. Rex Allen and his buddy dancer Buddy Ebsen, are hunting the murderer of Ebsen's blind brother when they come upon a lady in distress, in the person of Mary Ellen Kay. A gang of range hoodlums are trying to drive Miss Kay and her young brother and sister from her ranch. Allen and Ebsen agree to help fight off the bandits, and they soon discover that Miss Kay's enemies not only are the murderers of Ebsen's brother, but they are also seeking a treasure of Spanish silver buried in a lake on Miss Kay's ranch centuries ago. Allen and Ebsen trap the gang and their deep-sea diver as they are about to steal the treasure. With the help of Duke, a photogenic dog, Allen and his sidekick soundly trounce the badmen. Miss Kay gets the treasure, and, possibly, hero Rex Allen. Running time, 67 minutes. General audience classification. March release. Encounters New TV Film Hazard Boston, March 20.— George Cukor, Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon are here shoot- ing exteriors for their forth- coming picture, "Years Ago," which will star Spencer Tracy. Cukor said filming will re- quire a lot of planning and "we will have to bend the cameras a lot to avoid get- ting television aerials on the rooftops into our back- grounds." The story takes place in 1914. SIMPP (Continued from page 1) necessary for Arnall to spend time on the Coast in view of the abandon- ment of the New York office. His private law office is in Atlanta. Repre- sentatives here of SIMPP members discounted any suggestion that Arnall would not continue actively in SIMPP affairs. At the forthcoming meetings on the Coast the board also will take formal action on the ratification of the new organizational set-up for the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, of which SIMPP is a charter member. During Arnall's absence from New- York, William B. Levy of the Walt Disney organization and a member of the Society's executive distribution committee, will represent SIMPP in the Italo-x\merican film talks sched- uled for March 28-April 5 here. Although the lease on the New York office will expire April 30, little activity will take place there from April 1 until that time. Arnall's sec- retary at that location will leave April 1. ELC Meeting (Continued from page 1) meeting are: William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president ; Bernard G. Krauze, distribution vice-president ; Milton E. Cohen, general sales man- ager ; David Melamed, treasurer ; Jo- seph Sugar, assistant to Kranze, and Charles Amory, head of the company's special "art" film sales unit. Kranze will preside. Among managers who will attend are : Edward Heiber, Midwestern di- vision manager ; Harry Goldman, Chi- cago branch ; Eugene Tunick, Indian- apolis branch ; Joseph Imhof, Mil- waukee ; Abbott Swartz, Minneapolis ; James Velde, Detroit ; Carl Olson, Des Moines ; Bernard McCarthy, Kansas City ; Fenton Lee, St. Louis. 'Loew Drive' (Continued from page 1) tion will be a competition among vari- ous territories for the best national campaign on the film. William F. Rodgers, sales vice- president of Loew's Inc., has called upon the domestic field forces to coor- dinate and intensify their sales efforts on behalf of "Teresa." Film Expenditure (Continued from page 1) way, it was said. The interim weight- ing is based on a sampling in seven cities. One new factor in the new index not included at all in the old one is spending for television, put at 0.9 cents out of each dollar. 20th-Fox Decree (Continued from page 1) turn to the Coast late tonight or to- morrow morning, and will probably return here again next week or early the week after for the final sessions. Winnipeg Board Elects Winnipeg, March 20. — The Winni- peg Film Board has elected the fol- lowing officers for 1951 : S. Gunn, president ; S. James, vice-president ; F. Davis, secretary, S. Pearlman, fire marshal ; A. G. Levy, deputy. AMP A, 'Tribune' Guests Members of the Associated Motion Picture Advertisers, at the invitation of the New York Herald Tribune, will tour the newspaper's plant next Tuesday, following a cocktail party at the Tribune's dining room, Harry K. Mc Williams, AM PA president, an- nounces. Trade Paper Salute April 12 The luncheon salute to film trade paper publishers, originally planned for March 28, has been postponed un- til April 12. Luncheon chairman Si Seadler's forthcoming trip to the Coast with William Rodgers, M-G-M distribution vice-president, who is scheduled to be the main speaker at the luncheon, caused the change in the date. 'Cyrano' Release (Continued from page 1) Katz, has closed a, deal with Columbia for the release of 16 pictures, has not nor is it expected to affect Schaefer's status with Kramer Productions and Kramer Distributing Corp. Moreover, Myer Beck is expected to continue as Eastern advertising-publicity di- rector and vice-president, respectively, of those two companies, the Columbia deal notwithstanding. New Mexican TV Station Mexico City, March 20.— Installa- tion has been advanced here of what is claimed to be Latin America's largest television station, XEW-TV, to be owned by Emilio Azcarraga, ex- hibitor and radio station operator. It will have a 500-foot tower and an- tenna and a five kwt. General Electric transmitter. Allied Bidding Plan (Continued from page 1) ports that he would go to New York shortly to discuss arbitration, he did say that "I don't go up (to New York) on just one special project. If I went up, I would want to discuss every proposition in my basket." Distribution Officials Distribution officials in New York said Monday that Myers had written recently that he would be glad to discuss arbitration in accordance with the authorization given him by Al- lied's board, and that a meeting with distribution attorneys was expected to be set within the next 10 days. There have been some rumors that Allied fears distributors will try to swap an agreement on changes sought by Allied in the competitive bidding provisions for an agreement by Allied to enter into an arbitration system. Skiatron Airs (Continued from page 1) circuit demonstration at the WOR-TV transmitter in North Bergen, N. J., yesterday morning and then went to Skiatron's laboratory here to view an over-the-air demonstration on WOR-TV. The telecast was alter- nately "scrambled" and clear, with a decoder at the laboratory able to clear the program by inserting a punched card into the decoder. Meanwhile, the press watched the same telecast at the Hotel Pierre, but as no decoder was used on the re- ceiver the telecast was scrambled at the transmitter. An announcer ex- plained how "Subscriber- Vision" works and then demonstrated the scrambled image in a sequence of golfing in- struction and in a short film. Only the image was scrambled but a Skia- tron spokesman said the sound could also be distorted. It was pointed out that the Skia- tron's system of pay-as-you-see tele- vision does not need the cooperation of the telephone company to clear its signal and that the decoding device, a punched card such as used in office tabulating machines, could be used to collect data as well as fees (for the programs. Skiatron's sopkesman would ven- ture no prediction as to the cost of the decoder, the fees to be charged or the division of profits from any film or stage play telecast. These questions await action by the FCC in first authorizing a test and then au- thorizing the use of the system on a commercial basis, he said. Sears Drive Plans (Continued from page 1) district managers urged an all-out ef- fort stating, "I am more interested in the success and future of United Art- ists than I have ever been in my 10 years of association with company." Meanwhile, UA's advertising de- partment under Max Youngstein, vice- president and national director of ad- vertising-publicity, and Francis Wini- kus, ad manager, have prepared spe- cial promotional material which is al- ready in all UA branches around the country. The drive will extend for nine weeks, winding' up on June 2. Canada will have its own drive with proportionate prizes. H.E. Balaban House Shut Detroit, March 20.— The 3,700- seat Downtown Theatre has been closed "temporarily." The Down- town is run by H. E. Balaban of Chicago who also operates the first- run 1,800-seat Adams Theatre here. FIVE distinctly DIFFERENT FRAMED and Showmanized patron-provoking DISPLAY AW AY styles . . . that go out and sell your attractions from Store Windows and Counters . . . Hotel Lobbies and Terminals . . . wherever there are PEOPLE who should be coming to your theatre! Colorful DISPLAY AW AYS in beautiful, specially- built FRAMES! An innovation in away-from- theatre showmanship . . . that will pay off at the BOX OFFICE! • See them at your nearest N.S.S. exchange or ask your N.S.S. salesman. to BOXOFF!CEis#^ as good as your A showmanship! MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 56 NEW YORK, U. S. A., THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 1951 TEN CENTS Asks Industry Service Basis For Seniority Blanket Pension Plan Is Envisaged for Workers The extent to which film industry labor shifts from company to com- pany is such that there is a strong need for all-embracing pension and welfare plans tied to a principle of industry seniority as contrasted _ with the practice of observing^ seniority rights as existing only within individ- ual companies. This proposal comes from John J. Francavilla, president of the IATSE Laboratory Tech- nicians Local No. 702 of the East, along with the disclosure that the unit will have pension and welfare possibilities in mind when negotiations for new con- tracts are begun here in mid- April. The local's existing two- year contracts will expire on June 19. Francavilla pointed out that some companies, such as Loew's and RKO, (Continued on page 4) 10 Films on Warner Meeting Agenda Ben Kalmenson, Warner Brothers' vice-president in charge of distribu- tion, will preside over a two-day meet- ing of the company's district mana- gers to be held in the home office on Wednesday and Thursday, March 28- 29. Purpose of the meeting is to dis- cuss plans for 10 Warner releases for the spring and summer months. (Continued on page 4) Realart Meeting on Product and Policy Realart Pictures is currently hold- ing a series of meetings here, to run through tomorrow, for its home office executives and distribution franchise holders from the field. On the agenda are general approaches to sales, prod- uct and advertising policy and proce- dure. Attending the meetings are the fol- lowing: Jack Broder, Realart presi- dent and board chairman; Budd Rog- ers, vice-president in charge of sales and distribution ; Carroll Puciato, gen- eral manager in charge of exchange operations ; William Schulman, direc- tor of advertising and publicity ; Al (Continued on page 2) MMPTA the 9th to Okay COMPO Plan The Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Association yesterday became the ninth of the Council of Motion Pic- ture Organizations' charter members to ratify the new governing structure for the all-industry agency. Edward N. Rugoff, MMPTA president, announced the ratification following an MMPTA board meeting here. Only the The- atre Owners of America out of the 10 COMPO charter members has yet to formal- ly ratify. The Society of In- dependent Motion Picture Producers acted yesterday. Meyers Heads U. A. New York District Fred Meyers has been named United Artists New York- Metropolitan dis- trict manager and circuit sales head, by William J. Heineman, UA's dis- tribution vice- president. Mey- ers will assume his new post on Monday. Meyers, a vet- eran film ex- ecutive, joins United Artists after 20 years in the business, associated pri- marily with RKO Theatres and Universal- is nterna- tional. He en- tered the indus- try in 1929 with RKO Theatres, where in 1938 he became general man- ager of the RKO Film Booking Corp. and chief buyer for the RKO theatre circuit. In 1941, he moved over to Universal-International as Eastern sales manager. Fred Meyers Capra, Paramount Sever Contract Hollywood, March 21. — Frank Capra and Paramount have agreed to a cancellation of his producer-direc- tor contract, effective on the comple- tion of the editing of the Bing Crosby starrer, "Here Comes the Groom." The Capra contract with Paramount was entered into when Liberty Pic- tures, in which Capra was a partner with George Stevens, William Wyler and Sam Briskin, joined Paramount in 1949. It had one more picture to go. Revenue on Upturn For ELC, Meeting Told by MacMillen Pointing out that Eagle Lion Class- ics' records show a significant upturn in revenue in recent months, William C. MacMillen, Jr., company president, yesterday told a meeting here of Mid- western division branch managers that the product line-up for the fu- ture indicates that favorable returns will continue for ELC. MacMillen outlined for the meeting the pictures which the company will release through the summer and into the fall. Bernard G. Kranze, distribu- tion vice-president, presented an anal- ysis of product which will be handled from March through June. Current sales and distribution problems per- taining to current releases were ex- plained by Milton E. Cohen, general sales manager. Other speakers yester- day included Howard LeSieur, adver- tising-publicity director. The Midwestern division meeting will continue through today and to- morrow the Southern unit meets. $14i-Million Take For 'Delilah': Para. Paramount predicts a worldwide gross "well over" $14,500,000 from Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and De- lilah," based on income "currently rolling in from abroad," the company disclosed here yesterday. Grosses abroad "have ranged from 200 to 300 per cent of average wher- ever the picture has been shown so far in Europe, Asia and the Far East, Latin America and the West Indies," according to Paramount officials. "On this side of the Atlantic and North of the Rio Grande, the film is expected to rank as one of the top money-makers of all time," Para- mount said. Kan.-Mo. Assn. Sets Meet for April 25 Kansas City, March 21. — The board of directors of the Kansas- Missouri Theatre Association today set April 25 for the one-day spring meeting of the association at Kansas City. Edward Kidwell, Lawrence, Kansas, was designated chairman of the convention committee. The program will be primarily for conventional theatre operators, a drive-in conference having been held recently, but drive-in exhibitors will attend. Director R. R. Biechele, of Consolidated Agencies, Inc., and vice- president C. E. Cook, Maryville, Mo., will attend the TOA meeting in Washington on April 4-6. 'Reds' Did Not Try to Slant Films: Parks Was Communist in Early '40's but Quit, He Says Washington, March 21. — Ad- mitting that he had been a Com- munist Party member in the early 1940's, actor Larry Parks told the House Un-American Activities Com- mittee today that he knew of no at- tempt by the Communist Party to in- fluence writers and actors to slant mo- tion pictures. In response to questioning by Rep. Walter (D., Pa.), Parks said that neither he nor any- one he knew was ever at any time instructed to "influence the thinking of the American people," and told Walter that "if you go to the movies at all I think it's almost evident that this was not done." Parks was the opening witness in a series of hearings which, committee counsel Frank Tavenner said, "is de- signed to accomplish the same results (Continued on page 5) Industry Tribute To Walsh April 10 A dinner honoring Richard Walsh, president of the IATSE, will be held by leaders of the industry at the 21 Club here on Tuesday, April 10. Sponsored by the distribution com- panies' general sales managers' com- mittee, the dinner-tribute to Walsh "is for his inspiring work on behalf of the Will Rogers Memorial Hos- pital of which he is a vice-president and member of the board of directors," said A. Montague, chairman of the (Continued on page 2) SIMPP Ok's Compo; To Retain NY Office Hollywood, March 21. — The ex- ecutive committee of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers today ratified the new top-level set-up proposed for the Council of Motion Picture Producers and denied reports that it would close its New York office. Gunther Lessing presided at the meeting in the' absence of SIMPP president Ellis G. Arnall. Reports (Continued on page 2) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 22, 1951 Personal Mention Upstate Meets to Aid 'Rogers' Drive Two more field meeting's, one in Al- bany and the other in Buffalo, will be held on behalf of the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital fund raising cam- paign next week, it was announced here by Nicholas J. Matsoukas, cam- paign director. The Albany meeting, arranged by D. R. Houlihan of 20th Century-Fox, Charles Smakwitz of Warner Broth- ers, and S. Ullman of Fabian The- atres, will be held on Monday night. Matsoukas will go to Albany to ad- dress the meeting and, at the same time he will show "The Germ and I," a Will Rogers Memorial Hospital 11-minute short depicting the work of the hospital. The second field conference, to be held in Buffalo, on Wednesday, will be held under the chairmanship of Elmer Lux, general manager of Darnell Theatres. Tax Bill Awaits Dewey's Action Albany, N. Y., March 21. — Gov- ernor Dewey has before him a meas- ure suspending until July 1, 1962, the time when cities of less than 25,000 population may impose an admission tax. The bill is favored by the film industry. Schilz Joins NPA as Small Business Aide Washington, March 21. — Harold Schilz, Washington attorney who has handled many cases in the film indus- try, is on leave from the law firm of Clagett and Schilz to serve with the National Production Authority as an adviser on small business-men's prob- lems. Krim Will See the Press The plans and program of United Artists will be explained to the trade press tomorrow by Arthur B. Krim, company president, in his first meet- ing with reporters en masse since he became UA's chief executive last Feb. 20. 'Universe' to Open Today Bert Lahr, Joyce Matthews and "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom will make personal appearances at the New York Palace Theatre today in con- nection with the opening of Eagle Lion Classics' "Mr. Universe." 'Tales' Set in Chicago Chicago, March 21. — "Tales of Hoffman," distributed in the U. S. by Lopert Films Distributing Co., headed by Ilya Lopert, will have its two-a- day, reserved seat engagement here at Lopert's Ziegfeld Theatre, starting April 17. Hope Aids Cancer Drive Bob Hope, star of Paramount's "The Lemon Drop Kid," will head a special talent show at the New York Paramount Theatre on April 18 in behalf of the Damon Runyon Cancer Fund. SID BLUMENTOCK, advertising manager of Paramount, was feted by office associates at a luncheon at Toots Shor's here yesterday on the occasion of his birthday. • Irving Blumberg, assistant direc- tor for Warner Theatres, Philadelphia, and Mrs. Blumberg announce the birth of a daughter, their first child, at Women's Homeopathic Hospital in that city. • Basil T. Wedmore, recording en- gineer of Western Electric Co., Ltd., London, for over 20 years, has ar- rived here to take up new duties as commercial recording engineer with Westrex Corp. • Dick Pitts, editorial director of the Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations, will address the sociology class of Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., today. • Ben Goetz, M-G-M production head in England, is due to arrive here tomorrow from the Coast before sail- ing next Tuesday for London. • Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of America executive director, will re- turn to New York today from Wash- ington. • Jack A. Simons, formerly mana- ger of Loew's Poli, Hartford, is now managing the Barry Theatre, Pitts- burgh, Pa. • Al Schuman, general manager of Hartford Theatres, and Mrs. Schu- man are back in Hartford from Miami Beach. • Phil Gravitz, M-G-M New Haven manager, was here yesterday for home office conferences. 50 Technical Reports For SMPTE Meet Industrial, medical, and military ap- plications of motion pictures and tele- vision, as well as their more familar uses for entertainment, will be ex- plored in more than 50 technical re- ports on new equipment and tech- niques to be presented at the 69th semi-annual convention of the Society of Motion Picture and Television En- gineers, to be held at the Hotel Stat- ler, New York, from April 30 to May 4. William C. Kunzmann is convention vice-president of the So- ciety. Realart Meeting (Continued from page 1) Broder, coordinator of sales and ad- vertising; Si Lipson, secretary and treasurer ; and the following franchise holders : John Mangham, Atlanta ; Don Swartz, Minneapolis, Milwaukee ; Jack Zide, Detroit; Bernie Milk, Washington ; Harold Schwartz, Dal- las ; J. D. Jernigan, Memphis ; Max Roth, Chicago ; George Phillips, St. Louis ; Nelson Wax, Philadelphia ; Joe Felder, and Moe Kerman, New York ; Joe Levine, Boston ; Manny Stutz, Cleveland. MAX E. YOUNGSTEIN, adver- tising-publicity vice-president of United Artists, celebrated a birthday yesterday. o John E. Carrier, associate of Ted Malone in radio and television, and son of C. Edward Carrier of Holly- wood Enterprises, here, will be mar- ried on March 31 to Gloria Sea- brook at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church at Riverdale, N. Y. • Joseph Smith, special representa- tive for Robert Lippert, was in At- lanta recently to visit the Lippert branch. Nelson Towler, Lippert's Atlanta manager, has returned there after visiting Lippert's Memphis of- fice. • George Breakston and C. Ray Stahl, producers, have gone to Wash- ington from New York to arrange passports for their unit personnel to return to Japan. • Sal Adorno, general manager of Adorno-Middletown Theatres, Mid- dletown, Conn., and Mrs. Adorno have returned from a vacation at West Palm Beach, Fla. • Frank Collins, general manager of Chakeres Theatres, Inc., Spring- field, O., visited Louisville, Ky., re- cently. • John K. Hilliard, chief engineer of Altec Lansing Corp., has arrived here from Hollywood. • Ford Tracey, executive director of the Ohio Theatre, Louisville, has re- turned there from a Florida vacation. • Tony Laurie, Columbia booker in Cleveland, has joined the Prudential Life Insurance Co. there. Device Knocks Out Radio Commercials A device to eliminate commercials automatically at the receiver and a new portable television camera and transmitting unit, designed to be oper- ated in the field by one man, were among the innovations introduced here yesterday at the Institute of Radio Engineers' convention. RCA devel- oped the 53-pound TV unit and Dr. R. Clark Jones of Polaroid Corp. in- vented the former. Robert C. Sprague, president of the Radio-Television Manufacturers As- sociation, was the principal speaker at the annual IRE banquet last night at the Waldorf-Astoria. The convention and exhibit concludes today. Refuses to Curb Drive-ins Boston, March 21. — The Joint Leg- islative Committee on Mercantile Af- fairs has disapproved a bill that would restrict the building of drive-in the- atres within 2,000 feet of a church or school. Boston, March 21.— The 1951 Greater Boston drive-in theatre season will get under way with the reopening of the Natick Drive-in on Sunday. Paramount Palsy Production Ready Paramount has completed a short Technicolor film, "The House on Any Street," starring Cecil B. DeMille, to be shown in theatres throughout the country in connection with the an- nual drive of the United Cerebral Palsy Associations which will start in April. DeMille appears in the film and serves as commentator. Also appear- ing are Paramount players Joan Tay- lor, Mary Murphy and Michael More- house, and five children from the Or- thopedic Hospital, where part of the production was filmed. Forms TV National Booking Agency Unity Television Corp. has been organized to serve as a national book- ing organization for producers and owners of motion picture television rights, it was announced yesterday by Arche Mayers, president of the new company. The new TV organization, with ex- ecutive offices here in the Paramount Building, has appointed Robert Worm- houdt national sales director and Con- nie Lazar as national program direc- tor. Wormhoudt was formerly sales manager of Standard Television Corp. and Lazar was formerly television di- rector of Film Equities Corp. Sid Weiner, formerly with Films Interna- tional, was named TV booker. Tribute to Walsh (Continued from page 1) sales mangers committee. . Robert O'Donnell, of Dallas, presi- dent of the Memorial Hospital, will be toastmaster at the dinner. Also attending will be company presidents and executives of theatre circuits in the New York Metropolitan area. The committee in charge of the tes- timonial dinner consists of Montague, as chairman ; George Dembow, Na- tional Screen Service ; Charles Feld- man, Universal-International Pictures ; Morey Goldstein, Monogram Pictures ; James Grainger, Republic ; William Heineman, United Artists ; Ben Kal- menson, Warner Brothers Pictures; Bernard Kranze, Eagle Lion Film Classics ; Robert Mochrie, RKO Pic- tures ; William F. Rodgers and Charles Reagan, M-G-M ; Al Schwal- berg, Paramount, and Andy W. Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox. SIMPP Okays Compo (Continued from page 1) stemming from a SIMPP spokesman in the East that the organization would vacate its quarters in the Inter- national Building, Rockefeller Cen- ter on April 30, with the expiration of the lease, were denied. The com- mittee said, in part, "Now more than ever before a vigorous fighting or- ganization is necessary to preserve the rights of independent producers and we will continue with all facili- ties necessary to continue this work both in Hollywood and New York." MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting Editor. Published daily, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Companv, 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca- Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies. 10c. The ghowmans son9' ALSO STARRING DIRECTED BY PRODUCED 6V S.ZSAKALL* BILLY DE WOLFE*GLADYS GE0RGE*DAVI0 BUTLER*WILLIAM JACOBS Written by EARL BALDWIN Musical Direction by Ray Heindort IH.lliiJ A NEW SELLING IDEA!( The day you open becomes J ON THE AIR// IN THE PAPERS !/ IN THE STORES'7/ IN THE NEWSREELS" For your opening-day a merry box-office sendoff that makes a gala plus for your campaign. Watch the way it works at the Palace, •X Cincinnati March 28/ X 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 22, 1951 -Million 1-Year Rise in Canada's Theatre Receipts Ottawa, March 21. — A rise of $9,- 000,000 in motion picture theatre re- ceipts in a single year is reported for Canada. Latest annual report issued by the Canadian government discloses that in 1949 gross theatre receipts in- creased to $78,559,779, compared with $69,657,248 in the previous year and $62,865,279 in the year before, not in- cluding amusement taxes. The report says Canadian theatres numbered 2,200 in 1949, with 324 new theatres, 12 theatres re-opened and 86 theatres closed, involving a net change of a gain of 250 from the pre- vious year. With an increase in the number of theatres, the seating ca- pacity in nine provinces rose six per cent from 930,491 seats in 1948 to 988,893 in 1949, Newfoundland figures being included for the first time in 1949 and bringing the capacity to 1,004,849 for all of Canada. Theatre Attendance Attendance at theatres continued to rise, too, but to a lesser extent than receipts. Paid admissions in 1949 numbered 230,333,513 in the nine provinces, 3.5 per cent higher than 1948 admissions which totaled 222,- 459,224, Newfoundland theatres ac- counting for an additional 2,655,032 admissions. The increase in admis- sions did not keep pace with the in- crease in the number of seats available, with the result that the average ca- pacity utilized amounted to 30.7 per cent of the potential capacity of 757,- 750,803 in 1949, compared with 32.8 per cent in 1948. Taxes collected by theatres de- clined from $13,626,188 to $12,616,789 in 1949. Taxes in 1949 did not in elude the Federal amusement tax for the first full year. The average ad mission price without taxes rose from 31.3 cents in 1948 to 33.7 cents in 1949. Motion picture theatres provided employment in 1949 for 15,533 per sons, of whom 1,800 were proprietors or family members. Paid employes including executives of incorporated companies, numbered 13,733 and drew salaries and wages amounting to $14, 590.459 during the year. Additional Data Of the total number of theatres, 1,238 were open for a full week, 256 others had performances on from three to five days per week, while the re maining 706 were in operation only one or two days weekly. Almost 30 per cent of all theatres were units of chain organizations which operated four or more theatres and over one-fifth of all theatres were in the "20-theatres-and-over" class Chain theatres accounted for 70 per cent of receipts and 68 per cent of admissions. The per capita expenditure on mo tion picture entertainment in Canada amounted to $6.89 in 1949, an in crease of six per cent over 1948 when Canadians spent an average of $6.50 per person on film attendance Biggest average film spenders were in Ontario with $8.94 in 1949 and in other provinces: British Columbia, $8.59; Alberta, $6.77; Manitoba, $6.20; Quebec, $5.74; Nova Scotia, $5.38; Saskatchewan, $4.67; New Brunswick, $4.44 ; Prince Edward Is- land, $3.82; Newfoundland, $2.69. Reviews Pensions "Kon-Tiki" (Sol Lesser Productions — RKO Pictures) A BOOK that has been well established on best-seller lists for some time now is brought to the screen, title unchanged, as a documentary rich in adventure and information. The wide attention given the book should be reflected in what this picture earns, providing of course the exhibitor exerts adequate effort in the direction of exploitation. Reciting the_ almost un- believable experiences of six men on a raft in that region of pristine beauty called the Polynesian Islands, this is the sort of film that lends itself well to the exercise of imagination in behalf of theatre-front exploitation. "Kon-Tiki" is the name of a wooden raft used by six Scandinavian scientists headed by Thor Heyerdahl, to make their 101-day journey from South America to the Polynesian Islands. The purpose of the expedition was to prove Heyerdahl's theory that the islands were populated from the East — or Peru, to be specific — rather than from the West as has been the theory. Heyerdahl then decided to make a study of the wind and tide in the Pacific, and by simulating conditions as closely as possible to those he theorized the natives traveled under, set out on the voyage. The camera — using motion pictures and some stills — takes the audience through the preparations for the voyage, the sendoff, and the adventures encountered while the men were at sea. It goes without saying that this material is exciting. Ben Grauer's com mentary and the beginning of the picture is intelligently handled. The narra- tion is taken over later by Heyerdahl himself who describes the conditions the men lived under, how they correlated the scientific data, their encounters with whales and sharks and other beasts of the deep, and finally the destruc- tion of their craft as they land on one of the islands. The only fault to be found is that technically the camera work leaves much to be desired. However, when it is realized the conditions under which the film was made, audiences will no doubt take this as adding to the realism and overall effect. The picture was produced by Olle Nordemar with in cidental music provided by Sune Waldimir. Participating in the expedition were Heyerdahl, Knut Haugland, Erik Hesselberg, Torstein Raaby, Herman Watzinger and Bengt Danielson. Running time, 72 minutes. General audience classification. For Apri release. "Insurance Investigator yy (Republic Pictures) THE tale implied by the title of this production has been told before. The net results are sufficiently suspenseful in this instance to hold a fair amount of interest as it unreels the old "crime does not pay" lesson from a double-indemnity insurance payoff racket. William Lackey was associate producer, George Blair directed, and Gertrude Walker wrote the screenplay from an original story by herself and Beth Brown. The story becomes activated when the partner of John Eldredge dies an apparently accidental death, with Eldredge named beneficiary of the double- indemnity policy. Since this is the fourth such death in the San Mario. Cal., area, the insurance company becomes suspicious and assigns Richard Denning to investigate. The partner's daughter, Audrey Long, cooperates in the investigation. Denning joins Eldredge' s firm as a salesman, and soon starts closing the trap on the guilty Eldredge when gamblers behind the insurance racket kill the latter, making his death appear to be a suicide, this, of course, to protect themselves. Denning finally gets definite evidence on the gang after they kill another man for his insurance. Kidnapped by the mob, Denning is rescued by police after a wild chase and running gun battle In the end, investigator Denning gets the culprits, and the attractive Miss Long, as well. Others in the cast are: Hillary Brooke, Reed Hadley, Jonathan Hale. Roy Bancroft, Wilson Wood, William Tannen, Phillip Pine, Crane Whitley Ruth Lee, Patricia Knox, M'liss McClure and Maurice Samuels. Running time, 60 minutes. General audience classification. Release date March 23. "Footlight Varieties" (RKO Pictures) VAUDEVILLE has slowly been returning to some theatres and now RKO in films has done something about its return in "Footlight Varieties," a spirited revue that has entertainment for everyone, as well as good name value for the marquee, including Jack Parr, the Sportsmen quartet, Red Buttons, Leon Errol, Frankie Carle the Harmonicats, and others. George Bilson produced and Hal Yates directed. The Leon Errol screenplay was written by Yates and Felix Adler. Jack Parr is a Master-of-Ceremonies, over smooth comedy, music and dancing. Particularly noteworthy are a comic monologue by Buttons, a madcap rhumba by Parr and Grace Romanos and a burlesque of television by Weegee's trick photography. Running time, 61 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. Technicolor Dividend The board of directors of Techni- color, Inc., have declared a dividend of 50 cents per share, payable on April 16 to stockholders of record on March 30. Services at Theatre Oklahoma City, March 21. — The Criterion Theatre here, under the aus pices of the Oklahoma City Council of Churches, is holding daily Holy Week services for downtown workers (Continued from page 1) have pension or welfare programs, while others have none or only have group life insurance plans. It is not uncommon, he said, to find one com- pany luring to its fold the workers of another. Thus, there are a number of instances where a worker has devoted a full 25 or 30 years to the industry but may have no more than five or 10 years continuous service with a single company by the time he reaches_ the age of 65, Francavilla explained. Under present company-operated pen- ion plans, he reminded, such a worker is not entitled to retirement benefits, his service to the industry notwith- standing. The Local 702 president said he hoped there could be worked out soon an industry-wide plan under which either the various union locals or the companies, or both jointly, would col- lectively support a pension program. Recently, IATSE New York Projec- tionists Local No. 306 succeeded in negotiating a union-management pen- sion-welfare plan covering the larger theatre circuits here. Francavilla deplored the rise in the cost-of-living since 1949 and that seemed to indicate that the local would ask for pay increases at the forth- coming negotiations. Warner Meeting (Continued from page 1) Among the productions to be dis- cussed are: "Only the Valiant," star- ring Gregory Peck; "I Was a Com- munist for the FBI," starring Frank Lovejoy; "Goodbye, My Fancy," Joan Crawford, Robert Young and Frank Lovejoy; "Along the Great Divide," Kirk Douglas and Virginia Mayo; "Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison," David Brian and Steve Cochran; "Strangers On a Train," Alfred Hitchcock production, starring Farley Granger, Ruth Roman and Robert Walker ; "Fort Worth," in Techni- color, starring Randolph Scott, Phyllis Thaxter and David Brian ; "Captain Horatio Hornblower," in Technicolor, starring Gregory Peck and Virginia M.ayo; "Jim Thorp — All American," starring Burt Lancaster, and "Street- car Named Desire," starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. District managers who will attend the confabs will be Norman J. Ayers, Eastern; Robert Smeltzer, Mid- Atlan- tic; Harry Seed, Midwest; Hall Walsh, Prairie; W. O. Williamson, Jr., Atlanta ; Doak Roberts, South- western ; Henry Herbel, West Coast, and Haskell Masters, Canada. Home office executives who will at- tend include Albert Warner, Samuel Schneider, Mort Blumenstock, Nor- man H. Moray, Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, Jack Kirby, Ed Hinchy, I. F. Dolid, Bernard Goodman and Robert McGuire. A 'Day' for Doris Day And Warner's 'Lullaby' Cincinnati, March 21. — Warner's Doris Day will be honored with a special "Doris Day Day" here, her home town, on Wednesday, March 28, on the opening of Warner's Techni- color production of "Lullaby of Broadway," in which she co-stars with Gene Nelson, at RKO's Palace Thea- tre. Coverage of the day's events in- clude the cooperation of newsreels, radio, television and newspapers, which have already begun heralding the planned activities. Thursday, March 22, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 Television Will Close Half of Detroit's Theatres, Exhibitor Says at Tax Hearing Detroit, March 21. — Television may force half of Detroit's 181 motion picture theatres to close within two years, a theatre owner told the Detroit Common Council yesterday. Irving Goldberg, a partner in Community Theatres and speak- ing for a group of theatre owners, estimated that TV already had cut into film attendance in Detroit and nationally by 50 per cent. Goldberg also revealed the owners' private rating of current TV shows as to their effect on film business. "When there's a prize-fight our attendance falls off," he said. "When Milton Berle is on, it falls off a little more and when Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis are on we really are in trouble. The Kefauver crime hearings have been murder." Goldberg and other theatre owners were protesting high tax assessments before the Council. The assessors, however, contended that theatres are still showing a good profit. 'RecT Hearings (Continued from page 1) for the entertainment field as for labor and others — to ascertain the extent of past and present Communism in the field." The committee hoped, he said, that anyone who had made the mis- take of being a Communist in the past "would have sufficient courage and loyalty to make a complete disclosure of all Communist activity." Parks admitted he had been a Com- munist Party member from 1941 to 1944 or 1945 ■ but declared he now regarded the movement as "subversive" and that he would defend the U. S. if it were attacked by Russia. Two other witnesses — Gale Sonder- gaard and Howard Da Silva — refused to answer committee questions as to whether they were now or ever had been Communist Party members and questions on their affiliations with a long list of organizations and asso- ciations. Both declined in all cases on the grounds it would incriminate them. They were on the stand only briefly. By their action, the two opened the way for possible contempt citation by the com- mittee and also action by the industry to bar them from fur- ther employment. After today's session, the commit- tee recessed its hearings until April 10. It said it would announce in about a week the witnesses slated for then. About 30 other film and radio work- ers are under committee subpoena. Much of today's session was taken up by quiet sparring between Parks and the committee as to whether the actor should name persons he knew as members of his Hollywood Com- munist cell. Parks said his reluctance to do so, was based on his belief that such an act would be unjustified, that the committee already had any names he could give, and that these people were misguided like himself and had long since left the party. As part of his unwillingness to give names of Communists with whom he had associated in Hollywood, Parks explained his feeling that to do so would be unfair to "a great industry." To do so at this particular time, he continued, "would be like taking pot shots at a wounded animal." He said that the industry was not in as good shape financially as it had been and that "it has an important job to do." "It calls attention to certain evils as well as entertains," he said and pointed out that "when the country needed help the industry was always in the forefront." Asked by the committee if the Communist Party hadn't attempted to set up a "hard core" of actors and writers in Hollywood to slant pictures, Parks firmly denied any knowl- edge of such an effort. He also pointed out to the committee that it would be impossible to carry out such a program. "As an actor it's impossible to do this," he said, explaining that an actor has to follow the script which is given to him. And scripts, he said, pass through too many hands to be open to such influence. At the close of today's session, however, the committee went into ex- ecutive session, and according to a committee member, Parks gave them four or five names. None of these names were new to the committee, the member said, but the committee ap- preciated the actor's cooperation. Speaking before a crowded room, although in the absence of newsreel and television cameras, Parks said he had joined the party because of "youthful idealism" but that his in- terest "petered out" and he left the party in 1944 or 1945. He called himself a "bad Communist" stating he had attended very few meetings. Committee questioning brought out the fact that all members of the cell he joined were actors, but he denied that Hollywood actors or writers belonged to any particular group within the Communist Party. Parks said he would not apologize for what he termed a youthful "mis- take in judgment," but said he doubted he would now be allowed to continue his film career. "As an actor," he declared, "my activity is dependent on the public. To be called before the committee at its request carries a certain inference and innuendo that I am not loyal to this country. This is not true. But the inference and innuendo are there." MPAA Officials Refuse Comment on Parks' Future Washington, March 21. — Officials of the Motion Picture Association of America would not comment to- day on Larry Parks' prediction that his appearance meant the end of his Hollywood career. Nor would they indicate anything as to the industry future of Gale Sondergaard and Howard Da Silva. The best specula- tion has been that witnesses refusing to cooperate with the committee would be barred from further employment, while those who aided the investiga- tion would continue with the industry. 2 Congressmen Hope Industry Will Not 'Retaliate' Against Parks Washington, March 21. — At least two members of the House Un-Amer- ican Activities Committee expressed the hope late today that the industry would not "retaliate" against Larry Parks. After listening to Parks in both open and executive sessions, one com- mittee member said he felt the over- all effect of Parks testimony was helpful to the committee. Another member said his opinion of Parks had gone up greatly and "I hope he has the best box-office he ever had." Les Hafner Files Les Hafner, discharged on Jan. 10 as president and a director of the-pro- duction firm, Motion Picture Stages, has filed in New York Supreme Court against the company, its directors and stockholders, a $44,650 damage claim under an employment contract dated Nov. 4, 1949. St, John's-Ky. Playoff Theatre-TV 'Scoop' A lbany, N. Y., March 21. — In line with Fabian Theatres' policy of bring- ing to the screen of the P'alace The- atre here exclusive telecasts of sport- ing events, the house will televise tomorrow evening at regular admis- sion prices the Eastern final of the NCAA basketball tournament in New York. The game will be between St. John's and Kentucky at Madison Square Garden. The regular film show will be on the same program. Saul Ullman, upstate division man- ager of Fabian, said tomorrow night's telecast at the theatre will be exclusive to the extent that even home television sets will not carry the game. This was the case also when the theatre a few weeks ago carried on its TV screen the Siena-Georgetown game from Washington. Theatres Skip Final Senate Hearing The final day's hearing of the Sen- ate Crime Investigating Committee was not carried on the screen of any TV-equipped theatre in New York yesterday. The hearing, scheduled to close at two P.M., actually ran into the afternoon, but theatre managers had felt that a short session did not warrant using their equipment. The investigation provided theatre TV with its most widespread use to date. Three local theatres, Century's Marine and Queens, and Fabian's Brooklyn Fox televised the event from its inception a week ago Mon- day, with the two Century houses giv- ing the full proceedings on Monday and Tuesday to audiences admitted free of charge. On Monday the New York Para- mount and Fabian's Palace in Albany joined in and yesterday RKO's Ford- ham picked up excerpts, thus putting to use ever}' theatre TV set installed in this area. Audience reaction was re- ported as very favorable in all spots. Century, especially, feels that its the- atre TV equipment is now well-estab- lished in the public mind in each the- atre's neighborhood. JDA to Meet Today The executive committee of the Joint Defense Appeal of the Ameri- can Jewish Committee and the Anti- Defamation League of B'nai B'rith will meet here today at the Hotel As- tor, it was announced by Herman Robbins, general chairman of the amusement division of the JDA. "i as long as THE THING is at large! Ads like this are appearing in 58 National Magazines and 93 Sunday Newspaper Supplements totaling 185,761,000 circulation. "VICTORY CARBONS are back to conserve copper for defense i^H^I. ■ ■■■■ A National emergency has been declared. Onr country is in grave danger. National Carbon Division is helping to con- serve vitally-needed copper for use in defense ... by putting a thinner coating on the following sizes of projector carbons: i ■" "SUPREX" Positive ' "SUPREX" Positive 77ie terms "National", "Orotip" and "Suprtw" are registered trade-marks of NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY Division of UNION CARBIDE AND CARBON CORPORATION 30 East 42nd Street, New York 17. N. Y. District Sales Offices: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco In Canada: National Carbon Limited, Toronto 4 8 mm x 14' 8 mm x 12' 7 mm x 9" "OROTIP" "C" Negative 7 mm x 14" "SUPREX" Positive 7 mm x 12" "SUPREX" Positive 6 mm x 9" "OROTIP" "C" Negative The above carbons will be called "Victory Carbons" and will operate at the reduced currents shown: Maximum 65 amperes — 8 mm "SUPREX" Positives 7 mm "OROTIP" "C" Negative Maximum 45 amperes-7 mm "SUPREX" Positives 6 mm "OROTIP" " Negative There will be enough carbons to go around. The only change will be in the thickness of the copper coating. "Victory Carbons" aren't new. They helped us in the last war. They are helping us now to prepare for the next one, if it comes. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69, NO. 57 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1951 TEN CENTS Fall Hearings On Theatre TV Forecast FCC Action on Channel Allocations Clears Way Washington, March 22. — The Federal Communications Commis- sion will probably hold this fall its long-awaited hearings on assigning special frequencies for theatre tele- vision, according to Marcus Cohn, television counsel for the Theatre Owners of America. Cohn made the prediction after the Commission an- nounced a completely new blue- print for the future of tele- vision broadcasting. The Com- mission announced proposals to: Consider steps to lift on a limited scale the television station freeze ; Allocate either 65 or 70 new UHF channels for telecasting, rather than the 42 proposed two years ago ; Spread out the present VHF chan- nels by cutting down on the number of these channels in most Metropolitan {Continued on page 3) TV 4Hoop' Playoff PacksPalaceTheatre Albany, N. Y., March 22.— A ca- pacity crowd filled Fabian's Palace Theatre here tonight to watch an exclusive telecast of the Eastern final of the NCAA basketball tournament in New York's Madison Square Gar- den where St. John's was pitted against Kentucky. Despite such adverse conditions as Holy Thursday, the fact that neither team was local, and that the theatre telecast occurred in the post-basketball season, the drawing power of the {Continued on page 31 Third ELC Sales Meeting on Today The third in a series of Eagle Lion Classics two-day regional sales meet- ings will begin here today when the Southern division branch managers convene at the ELC home office. Among those who will attend are : Take Lutzer, Dallas branch manager ; Grover Parsons, Atlanta branch manager ; George Pabst. New Or- leans manager ; Jack Frye, Char- {Continued on page 4) SIMPPPlans Office In Washington As Well As New York The Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers' about face on its decision to close its New York office was underlined yesterday by an an- nouncement from Ellis G. Arnall, SIMPP president, that increased rather than decreased Society activity is planned. In Atlanta, Arnall said SIMPP's decision now is to establish an office in Washington as well as to retain both its New York and Beverly Hills, Cal., quarters. In a statement issued by the SIMPP New York office earlier this week, it was announced that the Society "will not renew the lease to its New York offices . . . when it expires April 30. The Society will continue to maintain its principal offices in Beverly Hills, California." Arnall, who was in communication by telephone Wednesday night with SIMPP officials on the Coast, yester- day reported that while a New York office will be retained, it will consist of only part of the present space. Arnall does not have a contract with SIMPP, but is elected along with {Continued on page 4) Lichtman Accepts Four 'Eve* Awards The annual awards made by the Foreign Language Press Film Critics Circle were presented over WNYC yesterday. Al Lichtman, 20th Century- Fox vice-president, accepted the awards made to "All About Eve" as the best film of the year, to Darryl F. Zanuck as the producer of the year {Continued on page 4) 'U's' Quarter Net Totals $107,130 Universal Pictures and sub- s:diary companies report for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 17, 1951, a net profit of $107,130 after provision of $55,000 for Federal income taxes. This compares with a net profit of $12,924 for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. 'U9 Reelects N.J.Blumberg The board of directors of Universal Pictures Co., Inc., meeting in New York yesterday, reelected N. J. Blum- berg president and chairman of the executive com- mittee. The four other members of the executive committee re- elected were Daniel M. Sheaffer, vice- chairman ; Rob- ert S. Benjamin, Preston Davie and Leon Gold- berg. Other officers reelected in- cluded Gold- berg, vice-presi- David A. Lipton, vice-president ; Edward Muhl, vice- president ; John J. O'Connor, vice- president ; Adolph Schimel, vice-presi- {Continued on page 4) N. J. Blumberg dent and treasurer ; MPIC Supports 'Red' Probe; Parks May Miss Col. Role Hollywood, March 22. — The Mo- tion Picture Industry Council last night went on record as firmly sup- porting the House Un-American Ac- tivities Committee investigating Com- munism in Hollywood and pledged its "strength and support to any legally- constituted body that has as its objec- tive the exposure and destruction of the International Communist Party conspiracy." In a statement issued following the meeting, which ran until nearly mid- night, the MPIC also said, "To those men and women of this industry who are former members of the Commun- ist Party, or any other subversive or Communist - controlled organization, {Continued on page 4) Hollywood, March 22. — Larry Parks, who was withdrawn from Norma Productions' forthcoming film "Small Wonder," three weeks ago when it appeared the House Un- American Activities Committee's hearings would require his absence from Hollywood, will be paid his con- tract salary due him for the film but will not be required to appear in it. This was revealed today by Colum- bia Pictures, which had assigned Parks to Norma Productions under the actor's contract calling for one film annually. The contract further stipulates that the studio will provide Parks with a role each year by March 27 or pay him the specified amount {Continued on page 4) Myers Opens Arbitration Parleys Here Also Hands Distributors Allied Bidding Proposals Abram F. Myers, Allied States; Association general counsel, ar- rived in New York yesterday from Washington to take up with dis- tribution executives a number of trade practices problems and proposals. Among the subjects of dis- cussion are: (1) Allied's pro- posals for changing the com- petitive bidding provisions of the New York decreees, and.; (2), the possibility of an indus- try-wide arbitration system. Scheduled to meet with representa- tives of distribution companies in- dividually, Myers' current visit here will encompass two days. The results of the conferences will be presented to the Allied board when it meets in Kansas City in May. It is held likely that before Myers prepares a report for the board he will hold with distribution executives {Continued on page 4) New Ansco Color in M-G-M Production Hollywood, March 22. — Following 10 years of cooperative experimenta- tion and development by M-G-M and Ansco, announcement was made here today by E. J. Mannix, studio gen- eral manager, that "The North Coun- try," starring Stewart Granger and Wendell Corey, has been selected as the first motion picture to be filmed in the new Ansco Color. "Tests conducted in the past two years have achieved in every respect the highest standards of bo'th color {Continued on page 2) RKO Starting 7 In Next 30 Days Hollywood, March 22. — Within the next 30 days seven features will go before cameras at the RKO studios, representing the greatest activity at the Gower Street plant since Howard Hughes assumed the post of manag- ing director of production. This week two have been given the kick-off signal. The first was "Be- have Yourself," initial Jerry Wald- {Continued on page 4) Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 23, 1951 Luncheon to Climax Drive for JDA The amusement division of the Joint Defense Appeal campaign of Greater New York will climax its efforts in behalf of the drive with an industry- wide luncheon set for April 19 at the Hotel Astor, it was announced yesterday following a meeting of the division's executive committee. The luncheon chairman is Max Cohen, president of Cinema Circuit. George Dembow, of National Screen Service, presided at yesterday's meeting be- cause of the illness of division chair- man Herman Robbins. Those attend- ing saw a new eight-minute film de- scribing the work of the American Jewish Committee and the Anti- Defamation League. Entitled "You Are the Target" and narrated by Ken Roberts, the film was produced by National Screen. Other speakers were Lou Novins, Paramount Pictures ; Harry Brandt, chairman of the New York JDA campaign cabinet; A. Montague, of Columbia Pictures ; Samuel Schneider, of Warners and associate chairman of the JDA amusement division. Present in addition to the speakers and Cohen, were Mel Allen, Mel Gold, Harry Goldberg, Si Fabian, William German, Leonard Goldenson, Monroe Goodman, William Heineman, Sid Kassel, Marty Levine, Charles E, Lewis, Al Lichtman, Jack Mills, Bert Nayfack, Milton Rackmil, Samuel Rinzler, Jack Rochelle, Sam Rosen, Herman Schleier, Fred J. Schwartz, Sheldon Smerling, Allen Smith, Charles Stern, Sol Straussberg, Mor- ton Sunshine, Bill White and David Weinstock. Personal Mention KENNETH N. HARGREAVES, 20th Century-Fox secretary and director in London, is slated to leave here today for Coral Gables, Fla., where he will vacation before return- ing to England. • Jerry Pickman, acting advertising- publicity director for Paramount, ex- tended his studio visit and now is expected back in New York on Mon- day. • Arthur M. Brilant, RKO pub- licist, will leave here today for Wilm- ington, N. C, where he will be a judge in the annual Azalea Festival. • Foster M. Blake, Universal West- ern sales manager, left here yesterday for Los Angeles. Balaban, Goldwyn Aid Israel Bond Sales Members of the motion picture in- dustry will aid the forthcoming $500,- 000,000 bond issue to be floated in the U. S. by the government of Israel, it was announced here. New Ansco Color (Continued from page 1) and economy, which were the aims of the original single-film color pro- ject," according to the studio. These tests were made under the direction of J. M. Nickolaus, M-G-M superin- tendent of photography; John Arnold, head of the camera department, and a staff of Ansco technicians. Mannix pointed out that the new Ansco Color can be used in any stan- dard black-and-white camera, and is then processed in the studio labora- tory with essentially the same facility as black-and-white film. This makes possible many time-saving steps in the handling, developing and screening of daily rushes, he said. WILLIAM B. ZOELLNER, head of M-G-M's short subject and newsreel sales, is due to return here tomorrow from a two-week tour of Midwest branches. Sherrill Corwin, West Coast cir- cuit owner, is scheduled to return to Los Angeles tomorrow from New York. David Snaper, Snaper circuit ex- ecutive, returned to New York yes- terday after spending a month in Hot Springs, Ark. • Joseph H. Westreich, assistant to Joe Hummel, vice-president of War- ners International, is due here by plane from Paris tomorrow. Overflow Crowds at 3 'Sun' Bows Seen Fort Worth, March 22. — This Texas city is ready to give a hero's welcome tomorrow to the boy who came from the wrong side of the rail- road tracks — Ben Hogan — as the In- terstate Circuit announced expecta- tions of overflow crowds at the Worth, Hollywood and Palace theatres' world premiere of 20th Century-Fox's "Fol- low the Sun." "Cowtowners" will be wearing "Ben Hogan Day" tags, issued by the Chamber of Commerce, in honor _ of the officially proclaimed celebration by Mayor Edgar Deen. A real Texas salute is being prepared for the arrival of Glenn Ford, who portrays Hogan in the film, Dennis O'Keefe, producer Samuel G. Engel, and golf star Jimmy Demaret, who also appears in the film. Cancer Show on April 8 Bob Hope, star of Paramount's "The Lemon Drop Kid" will head a special talent show at the New York Paramount Theatre in behalf of the Damon Runyon Cancer Fund, on April 8, and not on April 18 as inad- vertently stated here yesterday. Berkson Closes Deals For Reissue Product The closing of several deals for feature reissues was announced by Jack Berkson of Screencraft Pictures. He recently acquired three Richard Arlen films, "Power Dive," "Forced Landing" and "Flying Blind" from Irving Farber and Eddie Ruff of As- sociated Pictures, Boston, for New England. Harry Gibbs of Connecticut Film Distributors, New Haven, also closed deals on the three reissues for the New Haven territory. Others with whom deals were concluded in- clude : Max Shulgold, Crown Pictures, Pittsburgh; Bernie Rubin, Imperial Pictures, Cleveland, and Famous Pic- tures, New York. Zanuck Due Monday From Foreign Tour Darryl F. Zanuck, vice-president in charge of production for 20th Century Fox, will arrive in New York from Europe by plane on Monday after an inspection tour of films which the company is producing in England and on the Continent. Zanuck, who will fly to the Coast on Tuesday, supervised the final edit- ing of "No Highway" in England and "Decision Before Dawn" in Germany ; and checked on preparations for "House on the Square" in England. Says Uruguay Trip Created Good Will Hollywood, March 22. — The recent Hollywood star junket to Uruguay's First International Film Festival at Punte del Este was an important fac- tor in cementing Hollywood public relations with Latin America, accord- ing to Edward Schellhorn, Paramount studio foreign department head, who returned this week after shepherding the troupe. Schellhorn said that on the basis of Latin American reaction this was the most successful foreign personnel appearance trip for a Hollywood troupe. It covered the largest distance for such junkets, a total of 17,000 air miles from Hollywood. 'April Show Shower' Stressed Upstate Albany, N. Y., March 22.— Harry Goldberg, advertising and exploitation director for Warner theatres, at a meeting of upstate Warner managers in Syracuse, called for plans for an "April Shower of Showmanship." Goldberg discussed product and a coordination of effort by which "the return of people to motion pictures can be accelerated." Goldberg and zone manager Charles A. Smakwitz stressed the concentra- tion on activities which make film houses a center of community life. Zone exploitation director Gerald At- kin will go into the field to outline, with each manager, his all-over pro- motional plan for April. O'Shea's Son Wounded U. S. Marine Lieutenant E. K. O'Shea, Jr., son of Paramount's dis- tribution vice-president, was severely wounded from mortar fire behind the North Korean lines, according to word received here by the family. Lt. O'Shea was rescued by helicopter. His brother, James H., former Air Force captain and jet pilot, was recently re called to active duty. 30% Quota Accepted By Commons, Wilson London, March 22. — The British Films Council's rec- ommendation that the U. K. film quota remain at 30 per cent for first features and 25 per cent for supporting pro- grams for the year starting Oct. 1, has been accepted by the House of Commons and Board of Trade president, Harold Wilson. Name Ronge, Jones To WB Posts Abroad Harry H. Ronge has been appointed Warner manager in Bogota, Colombia, Wolfe Cohen, president of Warner International, announced yesterday. In addition, Cohen announced the appointment of Samuel Jones as the company's manager in Djarkarta. Would Rescind Deal A declaratory judgment rescinding an agreement between Filippo del Guidice, Italian distributor, and two foreign corporations for the U. S. dis- tribution of "Prima Communione" and Beaute du Diablo," two European films, will be asked of the New York Supreme Court here next week. The plaintiffs wish to withdraw from a deal by which del Guidice was to arrange for the licensing, distribution and exploitation of the two pictures. The two companies are Univercia Productions and Franco-London Film. MacMillen Press Meet William C. MacMillen, Jr., presi dent of Eagle Lion Classics, will hold a general press conference in New York today to set forth the company's plans and prospects. Fire Destroys Theatre Atlanta, March 22. — The Lyric Theatre at Sumter, S. C, was de- stroyed by fire, but will be rebuilt. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center FRED ASTAJRE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture plus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW Paramount presents BOB HOPE in DAMON RUNYON'S The LEMON DROP KID N person" BIUY ECKSTINE MM (INS- Mill! EV1KTES HUGO WINTERHALTER, HIS ORCHESTRA ■* AND CHORUS Midnight Feoluft Nighrlf record week! B<>R*V A Columbia Picture MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley. Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane Editor; Terry Ra^saye Consulting Editor. Published dai ly S^ays, Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc.. 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20 N. Y. Telephone Circle ^ur£^oadTdr|^jy 92£$£? New York." Martin Quigley, President- Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr., Vice-President; Theo. J- Sullivan, Vice-President and Tre surer .^o L Brady, Sectary James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fause , Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vme Bmldmg, WM arr < ^ Weaver_, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street. Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J A. ^*«^^^^^^^?X^J*^ London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl; Hope Burnup. Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, JQu.gpubco, London Qu gley P uWications^ Motion Picture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign, single copies. lUc. Friday, March 23, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 Reviews "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm" (Universal-International) Hollywood, March 22 UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL'S latest Marjorie Main-Percy_ Kil- bride comedy kept Ritz Theatre patrons shuttling happily between giggles and guffaws at a preview performance in which it followed "Bedtime for Bonzo" on the screen. With all of the 15 Kettle Kids present and accounted for, the new comedy, directed by Edward Sedgwick from a screenplay by Jack Henley, reaps the full benefit of its stars' rich characterizations and uses slapstick sparingly but effectively in pointing up the story. The picture figures to equal or top the business done by its predecessors. The story opens with Tom Kettle's wife leaving the Kettles' new home- stead for the hospital to bear his parents' first grandchild. Pa Kettle mis- takingly believes it is Ma Kettle who is going to give birth, and this error is worked for big laugh returns. Dissension descends on the family when Tom's wife's stuffy parents, played by Ray Collins and Barbara Brown, move in and install a registered nurse to enforce hygienic regulations on the Kettle brood. The Kettles move temporarily to their old, ramshackle farm house, where Pa Kettle, digging a well, becomes radioactive, with the result that everybody believes uranium has been discovered on the premises. When this situation has been fully utilized for laugh purposes, the story returns to the baby theme as the mother-in-law attempts to take the baby back East with her on a train. The Kettles pursue the train in a jouncing jalopy, retrieve the baby and win the mother-in-law over to their ways. Meg Randall, Emory Parnell, Peter Leeds, Teddy Hart and Oliver Blake are others in the well chosen cast. Running time, 80 minutes. General audience classification. For April re- lease. William R. Weaver "The Painted Hills" (M etro-Goldwyn-Mayer) THE PLOT of this latest in the Lassie series is woven around frontier days, gold mining and man's lust for the shiny metal. A standard story framework of villainy and retribution provides the background for the hand- some and educated canine. In Technicolor, the production is one of general appeal, but, quite naturally, it will hold special delight for the youngsters. Paul Kelly plays the part of a grizzled prospector and master of the devoted collie. One day he strikes gold and goes to town jubilantly to so inform his partner. He learns, however, that his partner, the father of young- Gary Gray, has died. After some varied interludes, Kelly is back at the mine again, and with him this time is young Gray and Lin Taylor, Kelly's new partner. Taylor's greed for gold grows — until finally he pushes Kelly from a cliff to his death. Lassie almost instinctively suspects Taylor of the treachery, and the latter attempts to poison the animal. Lassie keeps up a nightly vigil outside Taylor's cabin, haunting him with a continuous wail. Finally, Taylor, nearly out of his mind with guilt and sleeplessness, pursues the dog with a gun, only to be backed off the side of a mountain to a retributive death. As the curtain descends, Lassie becomes Gray's pet and companion. The screenplay, by True Boardman, is an adequate job, although it is far from imaginative. Harold F. Kress directed and Chester M. Franklin produced. Running time, 68 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, May 4. Mandel Herbstman "Saddle Legion" (RKO Pictures) HP IM HOLT and his range-riding pal, Richard Martin, again star in this latest of a series of Westerns produced by Herman Schlom and directed by Lesley Selander. It is a good example of a modest program action film, proceeding briskly through its routine paces but with able camera work, experienced direction and competent performances making the most of its footage. Dorothy Malone as a frontier doctor and Movita Castaneda as a Mexican cantina entertainer provide feminine charm and a touch of song and dance. It will fit those situations for which it is aimed. The story, written by Ed Earl Repp, has Holt and Martin tangling with a gang of crooks from across the border. Robert Livingston poses as a cattle inspector and condemns a herd of cattle as diseased. Actually, the crooks, headed by Mauritz Hugo, intend to steal the animals. The plot is full of holes but it does provide ample scope for the riding, shooting and fighting needed to satisfy Western fans. Holt, as usual, succeeds in foiling the plot, while Martin's escapades provide comic relief. Others in the cast are James Rush, Cliff Clark, George Lewis. Stanley Andrews, Dick Foot and Bob Wilke. Running time, 61 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. Vaughan O'Brien Theatre TV (Continued from page 1) areas and reassuring them in more rural areas ; Assign on a definite city-by-city basis 52 of the UHF channels to aug- ment the present 12 VHF channels ; Reserve indefinitely one channel in some 200 towns for non-commercial educational use exclusively. The FCC action does not di- rectly affect theatre television —in fact the Commission spe- cifically noted this would be the subject of a separate hear- ing later. Cohn said he felt certain the fact that the Commission went out of its way to mention this meant it would move on to the theatre TV hearing as soon as hearings on the city-by- city allocation plan are over. These will start on May 23 and will prob- ably end in late summer, clearing the way for the theatre TV hearings in the fall, he stated. Some TV experts here felt that to- day's FCC action does weigh the scales against Allied States Associa- tion's plan to get frequencies for theatre television from the VHF band. It is considered doubtful that the Commission would reallocate these VHF channels now and then consider a proposal in another year or so to take some of these channels away. The frequencies asked by the The- atre Owners of America, 20th Cen- tury-Fox, Paramount and other in- dustry groups have been at the top end of the ultra-high frequencies, far above the frequencies acted upon to- day. The Commission said its new plan would provide for nearly 2,000 UHF and VHF stations in more than 2,000 communities. Minn. Sports TV Bill Is Killed St. Paul, March 22. — Legislation which would have required Univer- sity of Minnesota home athletic con- tests to be made available for tele- vision, contrary to a Big 10 Athletic Association regulation for this year, was killed by the senate university committee. Oklahoma legislators killed a simi- lar measure earlier. Mrs. Sigmund Vermes Cleveland, March 22. — Mrs. Sig- mund Vermes, wife of one of this city's pioneer exhibitors, died in St. Petersburg, Fla., where she and her husband were spending the winter, ac- cording to word received here. Her two sons, Ted and Albert, own and operate a circuit here. James Walling ford, 65 Buffalo, March 22. — James A. Wallingford, 65, one of Buffalo's first theatre owners, is dead. He was a member of Tent No. 7, Variety Club of Buffalo. Survivors are the widow and a son, James H. Weiss Heads Salesmen Cleveland, March 22. — Harry Weiss, Eagle Lion Classics salesman here, has been elected president of the Cleveland Salesmen's Club, succeeding Sam Lichter of 20th Century- Fox. 3 Trailers for 'Caruso' Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer will produce three different trailers for "The Great Caruso," which stars Mario Lanza. The first trailer will be used in thea- tres four weeks in advance of _ the opening of the Technicolor musical, the second trailer will be used two weeks prior to the opening, and the last, seven days before. The first two are to be "teasers," while the third, which is to run a week ahead of the playdate, will be the regular trailer. Sanders in MGM Deal Hollywood, March 22. — George Sanders has been signed by M-G-M on a three-picture deal, the first of which will be the top role in "The Light Touch," to be partially filmed in Italy shortly with Pier Angeli as co-star. Miss Angeli will arrive in New York on April 2 en route to her native Italy. Sanders will then appear in the role of Brian Bois-Gilbert in "Ivanhoe." His third Metro film will be announced later. Sees 90% of TV Programs on Film More than 90 per cent of television programs will be on" film within five years, it was predicted yesterday by Larry Gordon, president of Vidicam Pictures, at a press reception at the company's new studio here. Gordon said that the trend towards film, started in the production of com- mercials and now moving into the pro- gram field, will continue. He pointed out that Vidicam's facilities which, he said, include the use of the largest independent sound stage in the East and the use of Vidicam's new filming process, will enable the company to keep abreast of developments. Among those present at the recep- tion were Alfred Justin, executive vice-president; Otto Sutter, vice- president ; Ben Parker, head of pro- duction, and Sidney Zucker, director of photography. TV Crime Show Hits Cincinnati Take Cincinnati, March 22. — Telecasts of the Senate crime probe seriously affected theatre business here, some of which was reportedly off as much as 50 per cent. The traditional Holy Week slump is considered compara- tively negligible, it was said. Phone vision Lists Final Week's Films Chicago, March 22. — Feature films to be shown during the 13th and final week of the 90-day Phonevision test include : "The Big Clock," produced by Paramount in 1948; "Flight Lieu- tenant," Columbia, 1942; "Hazard," Paramount, 1948 : "Destroyer," Co- lumbia, 1943, and "The Hucksters, M-G-M, 1947. ABC Reports Net Income of $84,605 American Broadcasting and sub- sidiaries report a net income of $84,- 605 after Federal taxes, for the year ended Dec. 31, 1950. This compares with a net loss of $519,085 for 1949 after a reduction of $327,000 for re- covery of Federal income taxes under the carry-back provisions of the In- ternal Revenue Code. 'Hoop' TV (Continued from page 1) game, according to Saul Ullman, Up- state division manager, was extraor- dinary. The reception was excellent and a good picture was thrown on the screen. The regular film show was on the same program and regular admission prices were charged. Nate Halpern, Fabian Theatres television consultant who was at the theatre, spoke enthusiastically about the event. "We now have consider- able evidence that basketball events can have both a local and national interest and there must be hundreds of communities across the country where basketball games on theatre TV would provide strong box-office business at theatres." Tonight's game was the Palace's second televised basketball event. The other was the Siena-Georgetown game from Washington, involving a local team. 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 23, 1951 MPIC— 'Reds' (Continued from page 1) and who openly admit such member- ship or association, and who conclu- sively prove that they have repudiated forever that relationship, the MPIC offers its commendation and encour- agement." The statement also said, "The MPIC would be derelict if it did not point out that the public has been given an exaggerated and distorted impression of the degree of this in- filtration. The MPIC hopes that all members of this industry who have been subpoenaed will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It deplores those who stand on Constitutional privilege to hide that truth, or those who refuse to recognize the authority of Congress." Although the statement did not spe- cifically so state, it is believed to be MPIC's opinion that industry mem- bers who testify to a former Commun- ist affiliation should be regarded as being on even terms with others as concerns eligibilty for employment. Persons who attended last night's meeting say that appeared to be the concensus. Larry Parks (Continued from page 1) as salary. A studio spokesman said no further policy regarding Parks has been formulated, and indicated that no offer to recast him in "Small Wonder," or assign him to another film will be made in the five days remaining for such action. Columbia president, Harry Cohn, absent from Hollywood, was not available for comment. Parks Gives Names of More Than Dozen Hollywood 'Reds' Washington, March 22. — Actor Larry Parks gave the House Un- American Activities Committee in executive session the names of more than a dozen Hollvwood workers who are or have been Communists, a Com- mittee member declared. He said they included several "big names" and several not already known to the Committee as Communists. Meanwhile. Rep. Velde of Illinois, top-ranking Republican on the Com- mittee, commended Parks for his "re- freshing" testimony. "His courage in admitting he had been a member of the Communist Party, although he knew it would bring unfavorable pub- licity to him, is to be admired," Velde declared in a speech on the House floor. "His willingness to cooperate with the Un-American Activities Committee shows he is a loyal and true American." The Republican said Parks was a "great actor, one of the outstanding entertainers of our age," and that he looked forward to Parks' next production. As for Howard DaSilva and Gale Sondergaard, Velde said, "They ab- solutely refused to cooperate with the Committee, and I shall ask that both of these witnesses be cited for con- tempt." Meanwhile, in another case that might have a bearing on the contempt status of witnesses refusing to coop- erate with the Un-American Activities Committee during the coming hear- ings. District Court Judge T. Alan Goldsborough cleared Frederick Van- National Theatres Has a 6 -Point Program for Defense Emergency Los Angeles, March 22. — The managements and staffs of National Theatres' 450 houses operating in 19 states in the West and Mid- west, and headed by Charles P. Skouras, are working with city, state and national defense authorities through the company's own six-point emergency program, to be applied as follows: 1. To stand ready to offer full cooperation in local activities in behalf of defense measures when called upon by civic and state officials. 2. To make such theatres as are structurally suitable, available for emergency shelters and first-aid stations. 3. To make theatres available to official groups holding defense meetings during non-operating hours. 4. To cooperate with civil defense officials in disseminating pub- lic information through presentation of official motion pictures and announcements. 5. To train all theatre personnel in first-aid procedure. 6. To aid the Red Cross Blood Bank, the USO, Community Chest, U. S. Savings Bond sales and related events. Third ELC Sales (Continued from page 1) lotte ; William Lewis, Memphis ; Claude York, Oklahoma City. The meeting will be presided over by B. G. Kranze, distribution vice- president, and Milton E. Cohen, gen- eral sales manager. Among those who will address the managers will be: William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president; Howard LeSieur, director of advertising-publicity ; David Mela- med, treasurer ; Joseph Sugar, assist- ant to Kranze, and Charles Amory, head of ELC's special "art" film sales unit. Murray Kaplan Heads ELC Contract Department Murray Kaplan has been named manager of the Eagle Lion Classics contract department, it was announced here yesterday by B. G. Kranze, sales vice-president. He succeeds Joseph Sugar, who recently became assistant to Kranze. Kaplan entered the industry in 1935 and, was a booker for Warner, Mono- gram and United Artists. In 1944, he joined International Pictures as assistant manager of the contract de- partment, joining Eagle Lion in 1947 and assuming a similar post, which he has held until his present promo- tion. RKO Starting 7 (Continued from page 1) Weiner Joins ELC as Coast Public Relations Director Hollywood, March 22. — Willard Weiner, former New York newspaper man, novelist and magazine writer, today assumed the duties of public relations director and Coast liaison for Eagle Lion Classics. Reelects Blumberg (Continued from page 1) dent, general counsel and secretary ; Eugene F. Walsh, comptroller, as- sistant secretary and assistant treas- urer ; George Douglas, assistant treas- urer, and Morris Davis, Percy Guth and Anthony Petti, assistant secre- taries. derbilt Field of a 32-count contempt indictment. He said Field had prop- erly claimed his Constitutional priv- ilege against possible self-incrimina- tion when he refused to answer questions put to him bv the Tydings Committee concerning his knowledge of Communist individuals and organi- zations. Norman Krasna production, starring Farley Granger and Shelley Winters, with George Beck directing and Stan- ley Rubin as associate producer. The second was "The Half Breed," in Technicolor, starring Robert Young, Janis Carter, and Jack Buetel, di- rected by Edward Ludwig, ' for pro- ducer Irving Starr. Next will be "The Blue Veil," sec- ond Wald-Krasna production, starring Jane Wyman, with Curtis Bernhardt directing, scheduled to start on Mon- day. The same day, will also launch "The Las Vegas Story," starring Victor Mature and Jane Russell, with Robert Stevenson directing for pro- ducer Robert Sparks. April Schedule On April 2, Edmund Grainger, who recently completed "Flying Leather- necks," will start "The Racket" with John Cromwell directing a cast headed by Robert Mitchum, Lizabeth Scott, and Robert Ryan. Also scheduled for the first week in April are "High Frontier," which H. C. Potter will direct for producer Robert Sparks, and "The Return of Zorro," to be produced by Irving Starr with George Dolenz in the title role. These two, as well as "The Half Breed" and "The Las Vegas Story," are on executive producer Samuel Bischoff's slate. An eighth top-budget feature may also get under way within the 30 days if casting is completed on Gabriel Pascal's production of George Bernard Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion." Already set for top roles are Jean Simmons, Alan Young, George San- ders, Robert Newton and James Donald. Simpp Plans (Continued from page 1) other officers from year to year. He said yesterday that elections will be held again next June and that he has every desire to continue active in SIMPP affairs. He is a former gov- ernor of Georgia. The SIMPP president said he may not go to Hollywood next week for meetings with the Society board as originally planned, now that the deci- sion has been made to retain the New York address. If he should postpone the trip, he said, he will join William B. Levy of the Walt Disney organiza- tion in representing the Society in the Italo-American film talks scheduled for March 28-April 5 here. Levy is a member of the Society's executive dis- tribution committee. The Italo-Ameri- can talks will be participated in also by representatives of the Motion Pic- ture Association of America. It still was not clear yesterday just how the Eastern and Western ends of SIMPP got their wires crossed in announcing the closing of the New York office one day and its retention the following day. Best guess in the trade is that the SIMPP executive committee on the Coast underwent a change of view when it saw the clos- ing announcement in print. Retrench- ment has been in order for SIMPP since last summer and the announce- ment of the New York office closing caused less surprise than did the later decision to retain it. Rene Clair Will Direct 'Pilate's Wife' for RKO Hollywood, March 22. — Howard Hughes announces that he has secured Clare Booth Luce's story. "Pilate's Wife," and the services of Rene Clair to direct it. This will be a Wald- Krasna production to be distributed through RKO Pictures. Clair will leave Paris on the 5". 5". lie de France on April 10, arriving in Hollywood on April 23. On April 7 Mrs. Luce will speak at Notre Dame University and will then proceed to Hollywood, arriving on April 16. She is now engaged in further research on this project. She will do the screenplay from her own material. Critics Award (Continued from page 1) and to Joseph L. Mankiewicz, best director and also writer of the best screenplay. Cited as the best actor and actress were Jose Ferrer and Gloria Swan- son. Sigmund Gottlober, the Circle's executive secretary, made the presen- tations. 'Winslow Boy' Award Accepted By Amory in Behalf of ELC Charles Amory, head of Eagle Lion Classics' "art" films sales unit, yes- terday received on behalf of the com- pany the Foreign Language Press Film Critics award to "The Winslow Boy" for the "best British film of 1950." The award was presented by Sigmund Gottlober, executive direc- tor of the Foreign Language Press Circle, at ceremonies broadcast from Station WNYC here. The picture was produced by Alexander Korda for ELC release. Myers Opens (Continued from page 1) more than two days of conferences in all. Earlier this week he was expected to be here for the meetings "in about 10 days, perhaps sooner." The fact that he arrived "sooner," would indi- cate that he foresees a need for meet- ings that will consume several days all told, it was said. The discussions which the Allied counsel will have with distribution executives and attorneys on the pro- posals for the establishment of an industry-wide arbitration system will be "preparatory" talks in that they will explore possibilities and will not result in Allied's making an imme- diate decision on whether or not it will participate in an all-industry con- ference on arbitration. FIRST IN FILM NEWS MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 58 NEW YORK, U. S. A., MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1951 TEN CENTS 1950-51 Will Be ELC's 1st 'Profit' Year MacMillen Says Return To Production Is Goal Eagle Lion Classics' current fis- cal year ending- June 12 will show a net profit of approximately $200,000 and will be the first year in the history of the company to show a profit, which, if main- tained, will per- mit ELC to re- sume produc- tion on its own. William C. MacMillen, Jr. ELC president, at a press in- terview on Fri- day reported the company's gains and set forth plans for devel- opment of new selling techniques. The plans include a new advertis- ing formula, the adoption of direct mail promotion, a revision of press (Continued on page 3) W. C. MacMillen RKO Houses To Get TV The first theatre-size television sys- tem in Washington will be installed at RKO Keith's Theatre there, it was announced here at the weekend by William W. Howard, RKO Theatres vice-president, and Barton Kreuzer, general product manager of the RCA engineering department. Work on the system, which will be the first in any RKO theatre outside of New York will start April 2 and complete opera- (Continued on page 2) Hanson, Stern, Corwin and Leavitt To Meet D. of J. on SCTOA Program Los Angeles, March 25.— The board of directors of the Southern California Theatre Owners Association has named Al Hanson, chairman, Ezra E. Stern, legal counsel, and Sherrill Corwin and B. J. Leavitt as a committee to meet with H. Graham Morison, Assistant U. S. Attorney General of the Anti-Trust Division of the Department of Justice, in Washington, on April 3, for con- ferences on a proposed new system of clearance, zoning and arbi- tration for the Southern California area. Gael Sullivan and Her- man Levy of the Theatre Owners of America will meet the SCTOA committee on its arrival in Washington. Corwin, SCTOA board member, visiting New York last week, stated that the basis on which the Justice Department might rec- ommend a correction of Los Angeles area trade practices could serve as a pattern for the rest of the country. More Arbitration Meetings Due for Allied, Companies Levy to Address Okla. Meet Today Oklahoma City, March 25. — The annual convention of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma will open to- morrow at the Hotel Biltmore fol- lowing today's meeting of directors. First order of business tomorrow is a report of the officers, headed by Morris Loewenstein, president, and (Continued on page 2) B'way Good Friday Grosses Hit A Peak Good Friday, traditionally a quiet day at the box-office, this year saw long lines form- ing in front of most Broad- way first-runs. Good business was reported by all major showcases. A sparkling spring day and the beginning of the school spring holiday spurred at- tendance. Another reason may have been that the public, wearied of watching the Ke- fauver hearings on home tel- evision, returned to motion pictures en masse. 3 -Theatre Premiere For 'Follow Sun' Ft. Worth, March 25. — A crowd of more than 10,000 jammed into the roped-off downtown area here for the world premiere of 20th Century-Fox's "Follow the Sun," forcing Interstate circuit officials to use a third theatre, the Palace, in addition to the Worth and Hollywood, to accommodate those seeking admission Friday night. Ben Hogan, this city's No. 1 sports citizen, whose life and dramatic come- back in golf following grave injuries are depicted in the film, joined a Hollywood contingent in personal ap- pearances at the three theatres. With him were Glenn Ford, star of the picture ; Sam Engel, producer, and Mrs. Engel, Dennis O'Keefe and others. R. J. O'Donnell of Interstate acted as master-of-ceremonies for the affair. Abram F. Myers, Allied States As- sociation general counsel, said on Fri- day following two days of meetings here with distribution executives that further exploration of the trade topics discussed will follow at a later date. He returned to Washington late Fri- day. The Allied attorney said the talks here on Allied's proposals for chang- ing the competitive bidding provisions of the_ New York decrees and on the possibility of an industry-wide arbi- tration system were with a few com- panies, more specifically those com- panies which heretofore have shown the greatest interest in both topics. He declined to identify otherwise those with whom he met. With respect to the possibilities for an arbitration system, Myers observed that there "are a thousand questions relating to scope, awards, etc.," that remain to be answered. "Therefore," he said, "it's hard for anyone to say whether they are 'for' or 'against' the establishment of a system." Myers Warns on Sales 'Hardships' Washington, March 25. — Allied States Association today warned dis- tributors to "re-examine their present selling policies so as to abate existing hardships," or face "an epidemic of protest meetings the like of which was never seen before." Allied general counsel Abram F. Myers said that complaints against distributors are reaching him "in in- creasing number and violence." These complaints, he said, declare that dis- tributors are demanding higher ren- tals and harsher terms despite a con- tinuing decline in receipts. 20 From U.A. This Year; 24 'A's Next Year Krim Gives Report on Progress to Date, Plans United Artists will release 20 pic- tures from now to the end of the year and, beginning next January, plans to have a schedule of 24 "A" releases for 1952, Arthur B. Krim, president, told the trade press on Friday in the first of a series of "prog- ress reports" which he plans to make at reg- ular intervals in the future. U. A. previ- ously had an- nounced 10 fea- tures for re- lease at 10-day intervals start- ing next week and running into June. An additional four or . five pictures will be ready for announcement with- in the next four weeks and five or (Continued on page 2) Arthur Krim 3 Yrs. to Put U.A. in Black The Arthur Krim-Robert Benja- min-Matthew Fox combine has three years in which to put United Artists on a profit-earning basis and thereby acquire ownership of 50 per cent of the company's outstanding stock, Krim told a trade press conference on Fri- day. Ownership of the stock may be ac- quired at any earlier period this year, (Continued on page 2) Offer TV Trailers On 14 Para. Films Hollywood, March 25.— Trailers on 14 Paramount pictures to date are now available for television promotion, it has been announced by Jerry Pick- man, head of national advertising, pub- licity and exploitation. Pickman has returned to New York following conferences with studio offi- cials which instituted a more closely- (Continued on page 3) 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 26, 1951 Personal Mention JOSEPH I. BREEN, Production Code administrator, will arrive here from the Coast today to attend the Motion Picture Association's an- nual meeting tomorrow. • Maurice Silverstein, Loew's In- ternational's regional director for Latin America, has returned here from Central and South America. • Oscar Morgan, general sales mana- ger of short subjects and Paramount News, is slated to return here today from New Orleans. • Rube Jackter, assistant general sales manager of Columbia, left here over the weekend for Miami. • G. L. Carrington, president of the Altec companies, has returned to the Coast from New York. Radio -TV's 'Michael' Awards to Aid UCPA Second annual "Michael Awards Dinner" of the Academy of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences, the broadcasting industry's counterpart of Hollywood's "Oscar," will be held in the Hotel Waldorf Astoria here on May 7. Proceeds will be donated this year to the United Cerebral Palsy Associations' May campaign. Leonard Goldenson, president of United Para- mount Theatres, is president of the UCPA. Krim-U.A. {Continued from page 1) Levy to Address (Continued from page 1) the nomination of new officers. Herman Levy, Theatre Owners of America general counsel, will be the principal luncheon speaker tomorrow and other guests, which will include Henderson Richey and Leon J. Bam- berger from New York, are expected to address the afternoon session. On Tuesday, the luncheon speaker will be Robert W. Coyne, special counsel for the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. RKO Houses (Continued from page 1) tion is scheduled to go into effect on May 1. Howard said the installation of this RCA instantaneous direct projection theatre-television system at RKO Keith's marks the first step in a plan to install similar units in other RKO theatres throughout the country. The first and at present the only installa- tion at a RKO theatre is now operat- ing at Fordham, New York. Al Daff Re-elected Alfred E. Daff was re-elected a vice-president of Universal at the meeting last Thursday of the com- pany's board. This fact was omitted inadvertently from the report in Motion Picture Daily on Friday of the re-election of company officers. six additional releases will be an- nounced in six to eight weeks, Krim said. A deal was set on Friday for U. A. release this year of Sherrill Corwin's "Man From Planet X." Matthew J. Fox, partner with Krim and Robert Benjamin in the new U. A. management, will accompany Krim to the Coast in a week or 10 days to line up the balance of the , product for this year and to set dis- tribution deals with top producers, stars and writers for next year's all-" A" release schedule. The 1952 schedule of two pictures a month will start off on Jan. 5 with the Katharine Hepburn starrer, "Afri- can Queen," to be followed in late January by Stanley Kramer's "High Noon," his last under his U. A. deal before starting his new production deal with Columbia. February is expected to lead off with the Bette Davis-Gary Merrill starrer, "Anoth- er Man's Poison," to be produced in England by Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Daniel Angel. The company's aim is to return to a program of ex- clusively top product, starting Jan. 1, 1952, in the tradition of the original United Artists, Krim said. Background of Deal It required "serious thinking" be- fore the Krim-Benjamin-Fox group decided to go through with a deal to take over U. A. management last month, Krim related, because the company had been permitted to recede to the brink of brankruptcy. Messages of encouragement from all sides of the industry convinced the group that there was a genuine wish for U. A. to survive and be continued. Addi- tional evidence of support from all categories of exhibitors in all parts of the country, and from the trade press, Krim said, helped the trio decide on going forward with the deal. Those manifestations of friendship, he said, have continued since and have constituted the new management's "biggest thrill" to date. Krim said on taking over U. A. a little over a month ago, prob- lems and plans for dealing with them were divided into two phases: the first, to stem the severe losses the company was sustaining and, second, to build solid plans for the future. Progress on both phases already has been made, he reported. The tide of losses has been stemmed and a slight increase in earnings has set in, entirely through the efforts of the sales department in getting extra liqui- dation of product already in release. Further improvement is expected with- in the next three or four weeks as new product goes into release and the Gradwell Sears sales drive gets roll- ing. "We are quite satisfied and expect a healthy, upward climb for the rest of the year," Krim said. United Artists will remain a dis- tributing company, he said, but has a $2,000,000 fund with Walter Heller and Co., Chicago factors, for financing producers. U. A. will expect a profit participation in pictures thus financed, he said. Current plans are for the Resume Colosseum Talks on April 9 Negotiations held in New York last week between dis- tributors and the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen were recessed on Friday and will resume in Chicago on April 9, David Beznor, Colos- seum attorney reported as he departed for his Milwaukee headquarters at the weekend. The salesmen's union is seeking to include more than a 10 per cent wage increase for the country's 1,000 film salesmen in new contracts which are scheduled to go in- to effect in mid-April. Newsreel Parade company to participate in the financ- ing of the Kramer, Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn pictures for next year. Additional financing for pro- ducers, the total amount on a condi- tional basis and from sources other than the Heller company, is available also, Krim said. The company regards a dis- tribution fee of 30 per cent as "fair" for good pictures, but has no policy at present with regard to such fees, he re- vealed. The rate will vary ac- cording to individual picture deals and may be "more or less" but, he observed, "We need a fair rate in order to exist." Neither Fox nor Benjamin will be officers of the company. Fox has been engaged on domestic sales prob- lems up to now and, as a consultant to Krim, will aid in closing product deals hereafter. Among the deals to be taken up on the Coast soon is one for U. A. distribution of Harry Pop- kin's "The Well." Benjamin, also a consultant to Krim, will fill in for the latter at the home office while Krim is on the Coast. No long-term loans have been made or sought yet with banks, Krim said, although several have "expressed in- terest in aiding the company." "Our first aim before approaching banks is to have some performance to show to them," he remarked. 'Cyrano' Ticket-sale Starts Reserved seats have gone on sale for all future performances of Stanley Kramer's United Artists production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" at the box-of fice of New York's Golden Theatre, where the film will be presented be- ginning April 4, in a continuation of its current run at the Bijou, which began last November. At the Golden, "Cyrano de Bergerac" will continue to be shown on a twice-daily reserved seat basis. Rejects Drive-in Bill Boston, March 25. — The Massachu setts House of Representatives has ac cepted the adverse report of the Joint Legislative Committee on Mercantile Affairs and rejected House Bill 172 which would prohibit the granting of licenses for drive-in theatres within 2,000 feet of a place of worship1, hos pital, public or parochial school. Sen ate action is due this week. rT~1HE Kefauver Crime Committee -* hearing in New York took the spotlight in the current newsreels. Other items include Alger Hiss going to jail, fighting in Korea, and sports. Complete contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 25— Senate crime inquiry ends. President Truman plays host on vacation. Alger Hiss begins prison sentence. New Litter-Lift for wounded. Nine sets of twins in Army battery. Fashion show. UN on way to 38th parallel. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 259-Sensa- tion winds up New York hearing's in Senate crime probe. Alger Hiss begins five-year prison term. Army twin trouble: nine sets of 'em. Seoul recaptured without a battle. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 62— Uncle Sam's arsenal to defend peace. Airlift brings Iraq Jews to Israel. First U. S. visit by President Auriol of France. Curtain falls on crime probe in New York. Sports: Gol- den Gloves. TELENEWS DIGEST, No. 12-B— Final day of Kefauver Crime Committee in New York. Korea: return to Seoul. France: transport strike. Inter- American confer- ences. Civil defense in New York. Spring is here. Sports world: Olympic ski trails. UNIVERSAL NEWS, No. 441— Spotlight on crime: Kefauver Committee hearings in New York. Nine sets of twins in Army unit- News flashes from the world of sports: Golden Gloves boxing. WARNER PATHE NEWS, No. 64-Ke- fauver crime probe in New York. Korea: UN forces take Seoul. Iraq: Israel airlift brings refugees home. Alger Hiss appeal lost; goes to jail. News from the world of sports: Golden Gloves. 3 Yrs. to Put (Continued from page 1) next year or in 1953 during which U. A.'s operations are in the black again. Krim said the outstanding stock involved is 16,000 shares. An addition- al 4,000 shares is authorized and, pre- sumably, held in the company's treas- ury. The 8,000-share block, which Krim said his group had bought for a "nominal" price, is in escrow with the Chemical Bank and Trust Co. here, deliverable to the group when U. A. is in the black. The agreement actually sets a two- year initial period in which to achieve profitable operations but an extension for a third year is "practically auto- matic," if needed, Krim said.. During the period in which the stock remains in escrow, voting rights are vested in the Krim group's three members of the five-member U. A. voting trust, assuring the group of continuous management control. Krim said that in addition to $1,- 250,000 which the deal required his group to provide "to get pictures into release," $500,000 has been obtained on a long-term basis to finance op- erations. Max Kravetz, former U. A, tary, who claims sole rights Paul McNutt group's earlier to purchase 8,000 shares of stock, has indicated he may to legal action based on his Asked for comment on that, said : "I don't know what that's all about." secre- to the option U. A. resort claim. Krim Goldwyn Buys 'Pastime' Hollywood, March 25. — Samuel Goldwyn has purchased "That Great American Pastime," MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley Editor-m-Chief and Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Editor; Terry Ramsaye, Consulting 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, Vice-President and Treasurer; Leo J. Brady, Secretary; iai^leS r-t Lunnln?ham. -News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine Building, William R. Weaver, Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSal e Street Urben Farley, Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J. A. Otten, National Press Club, Washington, D. C. London Bureau 4 Golden bq^ London Wl; Hope Burnup Manager; Peter Bumup, Editor; cable address. "Quigpubco, London." Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac; Fame. Entered as second- class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Monday, March 26, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 3 JVEWS in Brief . . . Interstate Circuit of Texas, which cancelled bookings for "Oliver Twist" when the picture was first refused a Production Code seal, has booked the film again now that a seal has been granted in view of cuts which were recommended by the MPAA's board. This was reported on Friday by William C. MacMillen, Jr., ELC president, who said the film will have its American premiere in April, prob- ably in Houston. • London, March 25.— William M. Levy, who joined Columbia Pictures International last year as the com- pany's supervisor for Northern Europe, working under Lacy Kast- ner, has been appointed personal assistant to Max Thorpe, managing director for Columbia here. • Wichita, March 25. — A bill to abolish the Kansas state motion pic- ture review board, the state censor board, has been killed in a committee of the Kansas Legislature. • "Odette," a Lopert Films Distrib- uting Corp. release, will have an "Am- bassadors' Invitational Preview" to- night at the Park Avenue Theatre. Scheduled to attend are top-ranking officials of the British and French diplomatic corps. Probers Agree, No 'Red9 Slant in Films _ Washington, March 25. — As inves- tigators and lawyers for the House Un-American Activities Committee settled down for two weeks of prepa- ration for the reopening of the Holly- wood hearings on April 10, several members expressed the view that there is no evidence that films have carried Communist propaganda. "I have always said that I did not feel this was the case," one key Democrat on the Committee stated, "and certainly Parks did not tell us anything to change my mind." Rep. Potter (R., Mich.) said, "Larry Parks told us he didn't think movies could be slanted and I believe he's right." Columbia Stands By Pact Columbia Pictures denied here on Friday published reports that it had cancelled its one picture a year con- tract with Larry Parks. The pact remains in force and preparations for a film starring Parks are going ahead, the statement said. Para. TV Trailers (Continued from page 1) knit coordination of East and West Coast ad-publicity departments. In cooperation with National Screen, Paramount is making available a package of four specially-made trailers for use on local TV stations. These consist of two one-minute spots and two station-break spots. The package is available on the fol- lowing pictures : "Sunset Boulevard," "Fancy Pants," "Union Station," "Copper Canyon," "Dark City," "Tri- poli," "Let's Dance," "Mr. Music," "At War With the Army," "Septem- ber Affair," "The Mating Season," "Samson and Delilah," "Molly" and "The Lemon Drop Kid." MacMillen Reports Gains (Continued from page 1) books, a central billing arrangement with International Business Machine Corp., a possible further reduction in the number of exchanges and the sim- plification of exhibitor contracts. Tied into the overall program will be a move to secure higher distribu- tion fees through the exercise of a sliding scale formula. At present the company's fee averages 30 per cent, MacMillen said. The company will, in the future, bear a share of an in- creased cooperative advertising budget if the producer will share the in- creased cost by allowing a higher dis- tribution fee and if the exhibitor will either share equally in the increased expenditure or allow the company bet- ter rental terms. The $200,000 profit this year, Mac- Millen said, compares with an $800,- 000 loss for the preceding 18 months. He noted that during 1950-51 when the box-office generally was off 15-20 per cent, ELC's gross was up 15 per cent and totalled approximately $18,- 000,000 world-wide. The gross for the previous fiscal year was around $16,- 000,000. It was this increase in gross plus a slashing of costs by 25-30- per cent that enabled the company to come through with a profit this year. MacMillen pointed out that he has discovered that only 20 per cent of all pictures turned out by the industry make money. However, he added, a large part of the remaining 80 per cent "don't lose much, and many break even." While the profit this year is not enough to start the company back in production, MacMillen said, a con- tinuance of the trend certainly would. The ELC studios are being "retained looking to that day and, meanwhile, are brining in rental revenue. By eliminating the Albany, Omaha and New Haven exchanges the com- pany saved $100,000 this year, Mac- Millen reported. About seven clerical workers have been dropped in a "test" exchange in consequence of the intro- duction of the central billing system, and even in the New York office where the billing is performed two clerks have been eliminated. He ad- mitted that throughout the company substantial eliminations have been made among all "non-selling" person- nel and executives. A test of the increased dis- tribution fees-and-rentals for- mula is expected to be applied to two or three producers with whom the company now is ne- gotiating and with some 12 to 20 theatres. "It is surprising," MacMillen observed, "how little increase in rental is needed to increase the cooperative ad- vertising to the point where that will produce a substantial increase in income." If the experiment works among these theatres, MacMillen said, "I think all will go for it." The company, which provides 50 to 60 per cent "first money" to finance producers who release through it, has a highly favorable standing with the banks from which it borrows, Mac- Millen said. He said the company can provide a guarantee on loans up to $1,000,000 and is paying off its borrowings for production on time at six per cent interest. MacMillen termed "ridiculous" sal- aries of $100,000 and higher that some industry executives receive. He added that on the other hand executives' salaries at ELC are so low compara- tively that "to tell what they are would embarrass some of the execu- tives." In broad terms, he said, the com- pany proposes to overcome the gen- eral threat of shrinking industry in- come by developing more aggres- sively the new selling techniques and improving the existing ones. Further, "we propose to overcome increasing costs by operating more economically the means of distribution." Brochure Prepared _ MacMillen has expanded upon these aims in a 12-page brochure which he has prepared for independent pro- ducers. He admitted that as a dis- tributor of independently-produced films, ELC's problems have been in- tensified by the resurgence of United Artists. But, he added, ELC's advan- tage is_ that from the producers' stand- point its financing terms are "better than UA's." ELC has found, he said, that "for every producer who pulls out a new one comes in." The company is now set to put on the market "A" product featuring top stars, but will keep itself supplied with sufficient "B" pictures to fulfill the demand, he said. He noted that the company's biggest grossers in the past have been exploitation films, and therefore it will continue to favor such product. 24 Directors Are Elected by Ascap ASCAP members have elected for two-year terms the following 24 to the board of directors : Writer members in the popular-pro- duction field : Stanley Adams, Fred E. Ahlert, Gene Buck, Paul Cunning- ham, Oscar Hammerstein 2nd, Otto A. Harbach, Edgar Leslie, George W. Meyer and Jack Yellen. In the stan- dard writer group John Tasker How- ard, A. Walter Kramer and Deems Taylor were elected. Publisher directors elected in the popular-production group were: Louis Bernstein, Saul H. Bourne, Irving Caesar, Max Dreyfus, Bernard Good- win, Jack Mills, Abe Olman, J. J. Robbins and Herman Starr. Publisher directors elected in the standard group were : Frank H. Connor, Donald Gray and Gustave Schirmer. Ray Henderson, for many years a member of the board, declined the nomination this year. 500 Dates for 'Fron? Universal - International's "Up Front" had its world premiere at Loew's State Theatre here on Sat- urday, launching more than 500 dates set for this final week of March and the early weeks of April. Rosenberg ELC Representative The appointment of Daniel Rosen- berg as traveling field representative for Eagle Lion Classics has been an- nounced by D. J. Melamed, ELC treasurer. Rosenberg was formerly ELC's Kansas City cashier. f if »"-" ! U V \ . \ Ki*7'i;i9i JOSEPH JUSTMAN o'rtenn JOHN IRELAND ■ MERCEDES McCAMBRIDGE ■ EMLYN WILLIAMS in "THE SCARF" co-stirring JAMES BARTON wild Lloyd Cough ■ Basil Ruysdaei Divid vioiir. ■ Harry Shannon ■ * gloria cilm production ■ Directed t>y E. K DUPONT Produced o) I G GOLDSMITH ■ Screenplay by L A Duponl Irom a star) by i G Goldsmith ind £ A Roltt Associate Producer Anthony Z landi - Released thru United Artists BRILLIANT!" is the word from Daily Variety on 'THE SCARF!" (^KTMAS' ObMES "MCB THIS and Hopes' your Springtime ...r „ , , .j Come on with Brainy Baxter, Bob s gin. ,ft bri «ie -ri i f «v laughs tnai j me ^suMng Editor ^^Jf^™^^^, Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefeller Center, New York 20 N Y. ™eohone Uicle Measurer: Leo J. Brady, Secretary; New York." Martin Ouigley, President: Red Kann, Vice-President; Martin Quigley, Jr. Vice -President; Theo. J. Sullivan, \ ice-P resident and ireas u"[^° J * Weaver, James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; (Jus H. Fause 1, Production Manager. Hollywood Buieau, Yucca . Vme Wa h?„gton, D. C. Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street Urben Farley. Advertising Representative FT 6,30* *• Was Won, ^j^^^*^^ . Motion Picture London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl: Hope Burnup Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address O^"^-*™ Fame. Entered as second- Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald , International Motion ^ Amerfcai and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. class matter, Sept. 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates .per. year, $6 m the Americas and 41/ toreign, B FACTS ABOUT M-G-M's "ROYAL WEDDING" BY AIRMAIL! [The data on this page was telephoned to M. P. Daily at press deadline. It was set up at the press and rushed into the airmail service. ) First 80 dates top M-C-M's Biggest Technicolor Musicals including famed Three Little Words' i and "Summer Stock" imagine this at Radio City Music Hall! 1st Week terrific! 2nd Week beats the first! 3d Week tops them both! M-C-M "THE BEST IN MUSICALS" 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 27, 1951 National Pre-Selling CECIL B. DeMILLE is starred in a short Technicolor film which he recently completed for Paramount to be shown in theatres throughout the country in connection with the annual drive of the United Cerebral Palsy Associations, which will start in April. The picture is entitled "The House on Any Street," and DeMille appears in the film and serves as commentator, with a cast of young Paramount play- ers and children from the Orthopedic Hospital, where some of the scenes were shot. Leonard Goldenson, presi- dent of United Paramount Theatres, is president of the UCPA, and Bob Hope is national drive chairman. • Bill Farrell, singing star of M-G-M records, is profiled in the April Seventeen. The article, titled "Young New Voice" tells of his rise to fame from high school vocaliz- ing. An illustrated double-page in the same issue features the 18-year old French dancing star, who tells how she came to be chosen by Gene Kelly as his leading lady in the forthcoming "An American in Paris." MGM's Technicolor musical, "Royal Wedding" is named "Picture of the Month" by the magazine. • Woman's Home Companion for April, due on nezvsstands, has a tivo- column story on the different charac- terisations of "Alice in W onderland" — including the original little girl who inspired Lewis Carroll's famaus book. Under the title, "Do You Know Your Alice," four pictures and captions ask one to identify the real Alice Liddell, the historic drawing of "Alice" by John Tenniel, Walt Disney's cartoon character and a photo of Kathy Beau- mont, who is the "voice" of "Alice" in the new motion picture. • Waycross, Georgia, wins the world premiere showing of "Queen for a Day" in a contest between 540 cities, conducted by producer Robert Still- man over Mutual Broadcasting. April 14 will be the lucky day, and Southern hospitality will be pushed to new heights to prove how popular this pro- motion idea turned out to be. The entire city is involved, and the contest to determine the "Queen" will be held in Waycross Stadium, seating 10,000, or more than half the population. The climatic event will be a grand ball in honor of the winning- "Queen" with the whole town invited. The picture has been named by the General Fed- eration of Women's Clubs as "one of the best ever seen," by Mrs. Harry Lilly, national chairman. • An all-out promotion and exploita- ation campaign for "The Scarf" was kicked off with the arrival in New- York of Mercedes McCambridge, star of the film, for a two-week round of intensive publicity efforts under the direction of Max E. Youngstein, vice- president and director of national ad- vertising for United Artists. James Barton will also participate in a series of personal appearances, with the star appearing on various radio and tele- vision shows, and for the entire round of newspaper, magazine and fan .in- terviews. Youngstein's staff, under Fransic Winikus, ad manager, and Al Tamarin, publicity manager, have de- vised a hard-hitting campaign based on the sensational theme of the pic- ture. Review 39 Go for Broke (M etro-G oldwyn-M oyer) DORE SCHARY, who turned out an outstanding war production in "Battleground," repeats the performance in "Go for Broke." The picture recounts the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated fighting units of World War II, which was composed of Americans of Japanese ancestry. All were volunteers from the Continental U. S. and Hawaii. The curiously catching title, "Go for Broke," derives from Hawaiian dice-shooting slang for "shoot the works!" which was their battle cry. Van Johnson is the only major marquee name in the virtually all-male cast. Gianna Canale, as a soldier-bewitched Italian lass, shares a brief interlude of passing amour with Johnson. As for performances, they are all convincing and top-notch. The picture is one of seize and scope, constituting 92 minutes of undiluted entertainment. Whether the picture will stimulate_ the box-office popularity it merits is a question that can not be answered with certainty in these days of renewed wartime anxieties. The story opens with Johnson, fresh out of OCS, assigned to the newly- activated 442nd. The idea of being assigned to a platoon of Japanese-Americans is distasteful to him and he is not very subtle in disguising his feelings. Attempts to get a transfer are unavailing so Johnson releases his frustrations in strict disciplinary measures for the hard-pressed platoon. The unit goes overseas, and gradually, under fierce baptisms of fire, Johnson begins to feel a close bond with his men. By the time the finale rolls around Johnson is aware of the monstrousness of prejudice and its affront to the fraternity ' of man. Robert Pirosh, who directed and wrote the screenplay, has injected a vivid sense of documentary realism into the combat scenes. The regiment's relentless drives to battlefield glory, now a matter of recorded history, are recreated with power and imagination. Sub-plots and comic incidents weave in and out of the film to add to its imposing stature. Schary has done it again. Running time, 92 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, May 25. Mandel Herbstman Contests are emerging as key promotion items for the exploita- tion of Columbia's "Valentino," fol- lowing the success of this policy in key situations. Edward Harri- son, manager of the Bijou Theatre, Springfield, Mass., concentrated on radio programs and hotel and night club tie-ups. Nate Wise, publicist for RKO Theatres in Cincinnati, promoted two top daily newspaper contests. A pre-selling campaign is being worked out in Portland, Ore., in which a contest is built around nightly tango sessions, tied in with night clubs and newspapers. • An intensive three weeks schedule of radio and TV guest appearances for 20th Century-Fox's "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" is now being com- pleted by Sam Jaffe, who is featured in the film. The actor has been sched- uled on the Wayne Howell shozv (NBC), with Jane Pickens (NBC), Johnny Olsen's Luncheon1 Club (ABC), Nancy Craig (ABC), Strike It Rich (CBS), Bill Leonard (CBS), Luncheon at- Sardi's, (WOR), Mar- garet. Arlen (CBS-TV), Buddy Rog- ers (WOR), Barbara Wells (WOR- TV), Gloria Swanson (WOR), and Poole's Paradise (WOR). A special fashion show with Jaffe as commentator will also herald the :.pi z 3 < < o z o 2 2 6 z CO UJ CO 2 o o LU U. tct ui« - om Is uj E- Ex o„t0 g-gg "-on — »- aw° - Dot °< p o 2~ XUJ.e « H . 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S„E tc£^r 1- uj| I o < rt OE3 w < <==ar~ <=- • "=;^otcE^K» jBS ifip^ f z|-Si| o i-saS =i-.|i« uj=-.fiw w m ca P3 1C; * £s.5l? zo S £ c'!? to01 C.S I E*°„SZ<^^SE! - - olfiK -J. □ ; Ttc< 1 Xuj oto - 8 2 c- PS « £3 a cs "TaS S < llfil U-CD-; |_ O BOS WZ> Cl c S 1:6- Ifi E co d 0 CC IaJ Z. I - — c w -tX *- 1- ® f£> 00 IT) 5- d 00 § 00 < * < SCOOP! Available! A Full Length News Feature The Kefauver CRIME INVESTIGATION Filmed in Action, by Movietone News Cameramen A GREAT PUBLIC SERVICE THAT ONLY THE EXHIBITOR CAN PERFORM FOR HIS COMMUNITY Bringing a Close-Up View of The INVESTIGATORS The WITNESSES Sen* Estes Kefauver Frank Costello Sen* Charles W. Tobey Ambassador O'Dwyer Sen* Herbert R. O'Conor Anastasia Sen, Lester C* Hunt Virginia Hill Hauser Sen* Alexander Wiley Frank Erickson Chief Counsel, Rudolph Halley Jacob (Greasy Thumb) Guzik and others- GRATIS 1-SHEET AVAILABLE Telephone — Wire your 20th Century -Fox Exchange NOW! VOL. 69, NO. 59 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1951 TEN CENTS Film Kefauver Hearings As Full Feature 20th-Fox Rushes Prints For Release Today An hour-long feature film of the Kefauver Senate Crime Investigat- ing Committee's hearings held in New York and Washington, as compiled and edited by Movietone News, will be released today to thea- tres throughout the country by 20th Century-Fox. Distribution will be through regular newsreel channels in order to enable exhibitors to obtain the film in the minimum time, according to Peter Leva- thes, 20th-Fox short subjects sales manager. Senator Estes Kefauver, chairman of the committee, opens the film with a brief introduction and concludes with a summation that makes a strong appeal for citizens to combat crime. (.Continued on page 6) Italians Due Today To Analyze Market Three leading figures of the Italian film industry will arrive in New York today aboard the S. S. Queen Mary to survey various aspects of the American market in connection with Italian films. They are : Dr. Eitel Monaco, president of the National As- sociation of Italian Motion Picture and Allied Industries (ANICA) ; Italo Gemini, president of the Italian Film Exhibitors Association ; and Dr. Francesco Penotti, president of the Italian Film Distributors Association. A fourth representative, Dr. Renato Gualino, who preceded the group to New York, flew back to Rome over the weekend on urgent business. Dr. Gualino, president of the Italian Film producers Association, will rejoin his (Continued on page 6) Answers Due Soon On Allied Bid Plan Washington, March 26. — Abram F. Myers, general counsel of Allied States Association, disclosed today that he discussed both arbitration and competitive bidding with officials of Loew's and Paramount Pictures dur- ing his recent New York trip. Myers indicated the arbitration problems would take considerable dis- (.Continued on page 4) Easter Grosses at TV. Y. First Runs Top 1950; Records Set Ascap Annual Meet To Hear Report On Producer Talks A report on Ascap's progress in the negotiations with Hollywood pro- ducers for performing rights and fees in connection with the use of music in films is due to be made today by Otto A. Harbach, Society president, at the organization's annual meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here. Harbach will report on a number of other subjects as well. A report prepared by Louis Bernstein, Ascap treasurer, is also scheduled to be de- livered to the membership. Following the general meeting, the annual membership dinner will be held in the grand ballroom of the hotel. Among members of the Society who will be heard from during the banquet will be Sigmund Romberg, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Durante, Igor Gorin and Eubie Blake. IL S. Aiding British In Sulphur Crisis London, March 26. — Film labora- tories here estimate that a critical period will be reached within three weeks with respect to supplies of sul- phur for film processing purposes, un- less relief is obtained before then. The United States is making an im- mediate allocation to Britain of 19,000 tons of sulphur but warns that this may possibly be taken out of British allocations during the remainder of the year. The sulphur supply of British industry is at a seriously low level and film laboratories are hoping for a fav- orable position on the lists of priority users being prepared bv the British (Continued on page 6) Canada Tightens Steel for Theatres Ottawa, March 26.— Theatre oper- ators' last hopes of some relaxation or easing of present steel controls to al- low construction of new theatres or alterations of existing theatres have been shattered by the statement of Trade Minister Howe here that more rigid restrictions will be required" ' Howe pointed out that the Canadian defense production program which this country would like to carry out this year would require approximately 5,- 500,000 tons of steel. Canada pro- (Continued on page 6) With holiday crowds jamming the Times Square area mornings, after- noons and nights, New York first-run houses are reaping an Easter box-office harvest that in many cases is running ahead of previous years and in a few instances is setting house records. Extra shows and early open- ings are the rule and up until yesterday few patrons could get in without waiting in lines that often extended for a block or more. Radio City Music Hall, with "Royal Wedding" and a Easter stage show, reports a smashing $101,000 for the weekend beginning Friday, with a take on Saturday of $30,656 repre- senting the best for any Saturday in the house's history, excluding New Year's Eve shows. With early open- ings scheduled for 7 :45 A.M. on weekdays, the picture's second week is expected to bring in $170,000, about six per cent over Easter week in 1950. Equally impressive is the first week (Continued on page 5) NSS Dallas Leads Raw Stock Savings Dallas, March 26. — The local office of National Screen Service is said to be the first in the country to reach a 100 per cent goal in the conserva- tion of raw film stock, according to Paul Short, NSS divisional manager. Following the recent announcement from Nathan D. Golden, film section chief of the National Production Au- thority, that a twenty-five per cent cut in raw film stock could be expected, National Screen immediately launched a drive to offset the anticipated drastic cut which would involve a strict limi- tation of trailer prints. "An appeal was sent out which (Continued on page 6) De Titta Heads 20th's Movietone on Coast Arthur De Titta has been appointed West Coast supervisor for 20th-Fox Movietone by Edmund Reek, produc- tion head of the newsreel organiza- tion. De Titta will succeed the late Al Brick, longtime head of the West Coast bureau. De Titta will make his headquar- ters in Los Angeles, leaving here next weekend. A 25-year veteran with Movietone, De Titta has headed the company's Washington bureau, its Pacific Coast office, and was assistant European editor. Propose Code Ban on Film 'Dope' Stories MPAA Board to Weigh Anti- Narcotics Action A proposal to repeal the 1946 amendment to the industry's Pro- duction Code which authorizes the production of films dealing with narcotics subjects is scheduled to be acted on by the Motion Picture As- sociation of America's board of direc- tors at its annual meeting here today. Another proposal scheduled for board action today would bar film references to abortion. Reconsideration by the MPAA board of the 1946 Code amendment permitting film treatment of narcotics subjects is understood to have been asked by Federal Narcotics Commis- sioner H. J. Anslinger. Drug addic- tion, particularly among American youths, and the illegal traffic in dope has increased to such an extent in (Continued cm page 6) Loew's Right to Fire Cole Upheld Washingto-n, March 26. — The United States Supreme Court today in effect upheld the right of Loew's, Inc. to fire screenwriter Lester Cole when he was charged with contempt of Congress. The high court said it would not hear Cole's appeal from a Circuit Court decision throwing out his suit for reinstatement. There was no high court opinion but merely the notation that the appeal would not be heard. Nor was there any indication of the vote on the matter — just a line that Justice Clark did not take part. The action may have considerable bearing on the policy which the studios will follow in connection with wit- nesses who refuse to cooperate with (Continued on page 4) Painters in Move To Oust Sorrell Hollywood, March 26. — Hebert K. Sorrell, business representative of Studio Painters Local No. 644, and president of the Conference of Studio Unions which conducted the 1945-46 strike against the studios, revealed re- ceipt of a notification from the Broth- erhood of Painters, Paper Hangers and Decorators of America that a (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 27, 1951 Personal Mention SILAS F. SEADLER, M-G-M ad vertising manager, leave here Friday for business. is slated to the Coast on Mary E. Christy, secretary to Uni versal-International Films' vice-presi dent Americo Aboaf, became engaged over the weekend to Joseph N. Ves- sio, of the U. S. Army. . • Sidney Box, British film producer and Tom Arnold, London theatre pro- prietor, are due to arrive here from London aboard the S. S. Queen Mary today. Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of America executive director, yesterday left here for Washington where he plans to remain until the conclusion of the TOA board meeting April 4. • Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th Century Fox studio vice-president, who re turned here from Europe yesterday will leave for the Coast by plane to day. James R. Grainger, Republic dis tribution vice-president, returned to New York yesterday from Hollywood where he conferred with Herbert J Yates, president. • Mark L. Sanders, veteran theatri cal promotion man, has resigned his post with the Dipson Theatres circuit effective April 1, to manage the Sen eca Drive-In at Geneva, N. Y. • Harold Wirthwein, Western sales manager for Allied Artists and Mono gram, has arrived in Hollywood from Salt Lake City. C. J. Latta, chief barker of the London Variety Tent, will attend Variety International's annual con vention in Philadelphia on May 9 • Morey Goldstein, Monogram and Allied Artists general sales manager, will leave here today for Gloversville and Albany, N. Y. • Ernest Ziegler of the Universal Pictures still department in New York, has been promoted to student booker in Albany. • Albert E. Bollengier, United Art- ists treasurer, is in Hollywood from New York for conferences with pro ducers. • Pete Dana, Universal Pictures Eastern sales manager, is in Wash ington from New York. E. Guy Lecory of Metrotone News is due here tomorrow from France aboard the S. S. lie de France. • Anthony Z. Landi, associate pro ducer, has arrived here from the Coast. • Fred R. Sammis has been named editor-in-chief of all Macfadden Pub lications, effective immediately. Tradewise . . . By SHERWIN KANE THE failure of Southern Cali- fornia Theatre Owners As- sociation at its recent meeting in Los Angeles to take action on (ratifying or rejecting the new organizational plan for the Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations is a disturbing symp- tom to industry members who believe that COMPO is needed urgently to cope with the public relations and related business problems of the industry. Pointing up the potential danger of SCTOA's deferment of action on COMPO, Gael Sullivan, executive director of Theatre Owners of America, said last week that it might in- fluence other TOA regional units to postpone action on COMPO also. Sullivan attended the SCTOA meeting and is credited with having done his utmost to win ratification of the new COMPO organizational plan. It is reported that had it not been for Sullivan's efforts SCTOA would have vetoed COMPO, instead of merely de- ferring action. Sherrill Corwin, one of the ranking officers of SCTOA, told this department last week that the organization is so busy cop- ing with trade practice problems in the Los Angeles area that it had no time to devote to COMPO at its recent meeting. He was unwilling to predict when action might be expected, saying that it depended on the time required to resolve the area's trade practice problems. "We are taking first things first," he said. Another theatre operator, high in the counsels of TOA and thoroughly familiar with the Southern California situa- tion, told Motion Picture Daily that SCTOA members are so antagonistic to distribu- tion in consequence of trade practice conditions in the area that they flatly refuse to sit with distributor representatives in COMPO, or to cooperate in any other joint endeavor involving distribution, until their local problems are resolved. Whatever the reasons may be for SCTOA's disdain of COMPO, the record shows that it was the first and most potent dissenter within TOA's ranks. This was publicly expressed as a grievance over lack of ade- quate local and regional repre- sentation for exhibitors on COMPO's national board, and was used to influence or strength- en the disinclination of others not to cooperate in advancing COMPO. As a result, the activation of COMPO was delayed for months at an extremely critical period in the industry's attempt to cope with its public relations and economic problems. There- after, to placate such dissidents as SCTOA, the original struc- ture of COMPO was torn apart, in order that the organization might be saved and was re-built, after much travail and loss of valuable time, to include repre- sentation for regional COMPO members, as demanded by the dissatisfied TOA units. It may be seen now, in the light of SCTOA's refusal to act on the changes made largely at its behest and for its benefit, how shallow were those stated objections at the time they were made. TOA, of course, made no claim at the time COMPO was reorganized to comply with its members' wishes that it could deliver its affiliates after their advertised objections had been met. It would seem, however, that if Sullivan's apprehension over the possibility of similar delaying tactics by other TOA units is well grounded, TOA's national administration should ascertain the facts at its Wash- ington board meeting next week, and make known the results to the industry. Too much valuable time has been lost already. COMPO and the industry should not he kept waiting longer in the hope of obtaining the aid of those not disposed to give it. • • It remains to be observed in passing that the phenomenal public interest displayed in the telecasts of the Senate's Ke- fauver crime investigating com- mittee serves to underline a message that the nation's news- paper and magazine television editors participating in the Mo- tion Picture DAiLY-Fame an- nual television polls have been emphasizing for the past two years. That is, that television's most important role is as a news medium and that its greatest po- tentialities will be realized when it brings events of wide public interest to its viewers as they happen and when they happen. The editors maintain that in other fields television is and will remain "second-rate theatre." My ers andRembusch Invited to NCA Meet Minneapolis, March 26. — North Central Allied has invited national Al- lied board chairman Abram F. Myers and national president Trueman Rem- busch to deliver the main addresses at the local unit's annual convention in Minneapolis, May 7-8. Myers was in- vited to explain the consent decrees and exhibitor rights under the Feder- al Court. Rembusch would discuss television. NCA president Ben Berger has ap- pointed Ted Mann, chairman, Martin Lebedoff, Al Lee and James Zien to assist NCA executive counsel Stan Kane with convention plans. 1 Iowa-Nebr. to Honor Berger Minneapolis, March 26. — The Iowa-Nebraska Allied unit will honor North Central Allied president Ben. Berger at a testimonial banquet in Des Moines on April 11. The testi- monial to Berger will climax a two- day convention of the Iowa-Nebraska exhibitor unit, to be held at the Sav- ery hotel, Des Moines, April 10-11. Stan Kane, NCA executive counsel, has also been invited to attend. Pittsburgh Variety Will Honor Dana Pittsburgh, March 26. — A testi- monial dinner for Pete Dana, Univer- sal-International Eastern sales mana- ger, will be given by the Pittsburgh Variety Club Tent No. 1 on April 9 in the William Penn Hotel here. Dana formerly was Universal's branch manager here. Maurice Bergman, U-I director of public relations, will be toastmaster. Mayor David L. Lawrence of Pitts- burgh will be honorary chairman, with John Walsh and Abe Weiner as co- chairman. Wally Allen is in charge of publicity and arrangements. Lust Opens 11th Theatre Washington, March 26. — Veteran Washington exhibitor Sidney Lust has opened his 11th theatre here. It is the Allen, located at a main intersection in Takoma Park, Md. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Rockefeller Center FRED ASTAJRE - JANE POWELL "ROYAL WEDDING" Color by TECHNICOLOR A Metro-Goldwyn-Moyer Picture tlus THE MUSIC HALL'S GREAT EASTER STAGE SHOW Paramount prestntt BOB HOPE Tn person^ BIUY --.«k ECKSTINE MfflWELL-NClAN'DARWEIl ( u**m-mum ,m in DAMON RUNYON'sVllOeo Hf|j|JER|/jj(TCn LEMON DROP KID WI OICHESTIA *ND CHORUS Midnight Ftalwr* MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; SherWin Kane, Editor; Terry ^^%^^^^l£f^a^^^t<^^A Sundays and holidays, by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York 20 N. Y. Telephone Circle i^J^ffJ^1^ Sectary New York." Martin Quigley, President: Red Kami, Vice-President; Martin Quigley Jr Vice-President; Theo. J. Sullivan, V"^"*?™^ James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Gus H. Fausel, Production Manager. Hollywood Bureau, Yucca-Vine BttJgW. WUham K^VV eav Editor. Chicago Bureau, 120 South LaSalle Street, Urben Farley. Advertising Representative, FI 6-3074. Washington, J A_ «e%National Pres '^.^f^^'^inri London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl: Hope Burnup. Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address "Quigpubco, London, ^^."g^^ second- Herald; Better Theatres and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald ; International Motion ^^^^l^^0^ Class matter, Sept, 21, 1958, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 m the Americas and $12 foreign, single copies, iw. FACTS ABOUT M-C-M's "ROYAL WEDDING" BY AIRMAIL! {The data on this page was telephoned to M. P. Daily at press deadline. It was set up at the press and rushed into the airmail service.) First 80 dates top M-C-M's Biggest Technicolor Musicals including famed Three Little Words and "Summer Stock" Imagine this at Radio City Music Hall! 1st Week terrific! 2nd Week beats the first! 3d Week tops them both ! M-C-M "THE BEST IN MUSICALS 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 27, 1951 National Pre-Selling CECIL B. DeMILLE is starred in a short Technicolor film which he recently completed for Paramount to be shown in theatres throughout the country in connection with the annual drive of the United Cerebral Palsy Associations, which will start in April. The picture is entitled "The House on Any Street," and DeMille appears in the film and serves as commentator, with a cast of young Paramount play- ers and children from the Orthopedic Hospital, where some of the scenes were shot. Leonard Goldenson, presi- dent of United Paramount Theatres, is president of the UCPA, and Bob Hope is national drive chairman. • Bill Farrell, singing star of M-G-M records, is profiled in the April Seventeen. The article, titled "Young New Voice" tells of his rise to fame from high school vocaliz- ing. An illustrated double-page in the same issue features the 18-year old French dancing star, who tells how she came to be chosen by Gene Kelly as his leading lady in the forthcoming "An American in Paris." MGM's Technicolor musical, "Royal Wedding" is named "Picture of the Month" by the magazine. • Woman's Home Companion for April, due on newsstands, has a two- column story on the different charac- terisations of "Alice in Wonderland" — including the original little girl who inspired Lewis Carroll's famous book. Under the title, "Do You Know Your Alice," four pictures and captions ask one to identify the real Alice Liddell, the historic drawing of "Alice" by John Tenniel, Walt Disney's cartoon character and a photo of Kathy Beau- mont, who is the "voice" of "Alice" in the new motion picture. • Waycross, Georgia, wins the world premiere showing of "Queen for a Day" in a contest between 540 cities, conducted by producer Robert Still man over Mutual Broadcasting. April 14 will be the lucky day, and Southern hospitality will be pushed to new heights to prove how popular this pro motion idea turned out to be. The entire city is involved, and the contest to determine the "Queen" will be held in Waycross Stadium, seating 10,000, or more than half the population. The climatic event will be a grand ball in honor of the winning "Queen" with the whole town invited. The picture has been named by the General Fed- eration of Women's Clubs as "one of the best ever seen," by Mrs. Harry Lilly, national chairman. • An all-out promotion and exploita- ation campaign for "The Scarf" was kicked off with the arrival in New- York of Mercedes McCambridge, star of the film, for a two-week round of intensive publicity efforts under the direction of Max E. Youngstein, vice- president and director of national ad- vertising for United Artists. James Barton will also participate in a series of personal appearances, with the star appearing on various radio and tele- vision shows, and for the entire round of newspaper, magazine and fan in- terviews. Youngstein's staff, under Fransic Winikus, ad manager, and Al Tamarin, publicity manager,_ have de- vised a hard-hitting campaign based on the sensational theme of the pic- ture. Review "Go for Broke" (Metro-Go Idwyn -Mayer) DORE SCHARY, who turned out an outstanding war production in "Battleground," repeats the performance in "Go for Broke." The picture recounts the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated fighting units of World War II, which was composed of Americans of Japanese ancestry. All were volunteers from the Continental U. S. and Hawaii. The curiously catching title, "Go for Broke," derives from Hawaiian dice-shooting slang for "shoot the works !" which was their battle cry. Van Johnson is the only major marquee name in the virtually all-male cast. Gianna Canale, as a soldier-bewitched Italian lass, shares a brief interlude of passing amour with Johnson. As for performances, they are all convincing and top-notch. The picture is one of seize and scope, constituting 92 minutes of undiluted entertainment. Whether the picture will stimulate the box-office popularity it merits is a question that can not be answered with certainty m these days of renewed wartime anxieties. The story opens with Johnson, fresh out of OCS, assigned to the newly- activated 442nd. The idea of being assigned to a platoon of Japanese-Americans is distasteful to him and he is not very subtle in disguising his feelings. Attempts to get a transfer are unavailing so Johnson releases his frustrations in strict disciplinary measures for the hard-pressed platoon. The unit goes overseas, and gradually, under fierce baptisms of fire, Johnson begins to feel a close bond with his men. By the time the finale rolls around Johnson is aware of the monstrousness of prejudice and its affront to the fraternity of man. Robert Pirosh, who directed and wrote the screenplay, has injected a vivid sense of documentary realism into the combat scenes. The regiment's relentless drives to battlefield glory, now a matter of recorded history, are recreated with power and imagination. Sub-plots and comic incidents weave in and out of the film to add to its imposing stature. Schary has done it again. Running time, 92 minutes. General audience classification. Release date, May 25. Mandel Herbstman Painters Union (Continued from page 1) trial board composed of members of its general executive board has found him guilty of "willfully and knowingly associating himself with organizations and groups which subscribe to the doctrines of the Communist Party" and has ruled that he "shall not hold nor be permitted to hold any office what- ever or the position of business repre- sentative in or with any or all locals for a period of five years." Sorrell, whose contract with Local 644 as a business agent has two years to go, said he is calling a meeting for April here to place the matter before the full membership. Sorrell, who pointed out he has sworn before a Congressional investi- gating committee that he is not and never has been a Communist, said "I have never worked for the Interna- tional, which has attempted recently to destroy our organization in order to nullify a multi-million dollar law suit involving another AFL union and mo- tion picture producers. Members of Local 644 are my employers. I shall abide by their decision concerning my future activities in their behalf, but this ruling does not affect my presi- dency of the CSU. You can say for me that the International's decision will lead to court action, and that if the Kefauver Committee gets hold of all this it will be more interesting than those peanut affairs they huddled over in New York. Can Fire Witness (Continued from page 1) the House Un-American Activities Committee during the coming hearings on alleged Communist activities in Hollywood. Cole was cited for contempt during the 1947 Un-American Activities Committee hearings when he refused to answer whether he was a Com- munist Party member. Loew's soon after suspended his employment, de- spite a contract, and Cole sued for re- instatement with back pay under the contract. Loew's argued that it could break the contract under the contract's general "morals" clause. District Judge Leon Yankwich upheld Cole, but the Circuit Court ruled for the studio, and Cole appealed to the high court. It is known that the Motion Picture Association of America and other in- dustry groups have been watching closely the outcome of the Cole ap- peal. Cole's appeal not only had a bearing on the future but also was re- garded as somewhat of a test case for some four or five other film workers suspended as a result of the 1947 hear- ings, who also had contracts. And Drive-ins They Shall Be: Allied Washington, March 26.— Al- lied States has admitted de- feat in its campaign to have drive-in theatres called "out- door theatres." Allied general counsel Abram F. Myers stated in a bulletin that the term "outdoor" was brought for- ward to emphasize the kin- ship between drive-ins and conventional theatres. "But word drive-in was too firmly established and could not be supplanted," he declared. From now on, even Allied will call 'em "drive-ins." Links Drive-ins to Industry's Future Washington, March 26. — Predict- ing that drive-in theatres will become more and more important in the set-up of the film industry, Abram F. Myers, general counsel of Allied States, de- clared that "it is inevitable that for a long time theatre construction will be largely confined to drive-ins." Myers said this would be true be- cause of scarcities of building mate- rials and building skills, if for no other reason. Morris Mechanic, owner of the New Theatre, Baltimore, staged a gala opening for "Bird of Paradise" with civic and social leaders, beau- tiful models, a special drum and bugle corps and Debra Paget's sarong, with sound trucks, kleig lights and fanfare. The fashion show and auctioning off of the sarong for the benefit of the Can- cer Fund was attended by the Gov- ernor of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore, with a host of other dignitaries. — Walter Brooks Justice Motion Today Hits Sutphen Claim The Justice Department is sched- uled to file today a motion asking the U. S. Supreme Court to affirm the action of the three- judge statutory court denying Sutphen Estates of the right to intervene to contest the War- ner consent decree. The motion, to be filed with the New York Court, declares that Sut- phen's lease on the Strand Theatre, Washington, is in no way lessened in value as a result of the consent de- cree, and that Sutphen has no stand- ing in the proceedings. It will be several weeks before the matter ac- tually reaches the Supreme Court and is acted on. Allied Bid Plan (Continued from page 1) cussion, emphasizing the "vastness" of the issues involved. He said the dis- tributors had promised to give Allied fairly soon, answers on Allied's plan to change the competitive bidding sec- tions of the Paramount decree. Myers said all discussions had been "in the most general terms — just can- vassing the edges of the situation," and that "nothing definite was agreed on or pointed up." Meetings were held with Para- mount general counsel Austin Keough and with J. Robert Rubin and Wil- liam Rodgers of Loew's, according to Myers. He said further meetings with these officials and with spokes- men for other companies would be held "in the near future, but definitely not this week." Confirms Story of Halting 'Red' Script Hollywood, March 26. — Roy Brew- er, IATSE international representa- tive and chairman of the Hollywood AFL Film Council, confirmed a story by columnist Victor Riesel to the ef- fect that Brewer was instrumental in preventing production by a major studio of a script by "a Broadway playwright with a long pro-Commie record" which attacked an important labor union and American industry. Riesel's article said studio execu- tives, when appraised of the Com- munistic nature of the script, tried to get the author and director to okay suggested revision but were unable to do so and therefore "dumped" the script. Brewer said the incident hap- pened within the "past three or four months" but declined to name the pic- ture, author, director or studio, claim- ing the matter had been handled con- fidentially. Riesel addressed today's meeting of the AFL Film Council. Tuesday, March 27, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 5 Loop Grosses Perk Up After A Lull Chicago, March 26.— Easter Weekend business in the Loop was generally excellent. After a rather slow week, business really pepped up. The biggest thing in the Loop was "Payment on Demand" at the Woods. Business was described as "sensational." "Call Me Mister" and a stage show headed by Dick Contino continued into a very strong second week at the Chicago. "Royal Wedding" and a stage show at the Ori- ental also started a hearty second week. Other houses were doing "very nicely." N. Y. Grosses (Continued from page 1) of "The Lemon Drop Kid" at the Paramount, where a resounding gross of $97,000 is expected. The biggest Easter Sunday gross in the history of the theatre is reported and hold-outs have been the rule. Billy Eckstine heads the stage bill. "Bird of Paradise" is bringing the Roxy an excellent $98,000 for its sec- ond week, which is about $15,000 over the opening week. Tony Martin is the star stage attraction. At the Strand, "Storm Warning" and Josephine Baker on stage, held over for Easter, grossed more than satisfactory, at $35,000 for the final three days ; "Lullaby of Broadway" opened there yesterday. "Inside Straight" at the Capitol failed to keep pace with the Easter boom, with a so-so $32,000 due for a second and final week. "Soldiers Three" will go in there on Thursday. 'Up Front' Tops Top grosser among the new pictures at the straight film policy houses is "Up Front" at Loew's State. It opened on Saturday and by Sunday had clicked at the turnstiles to the tune of $20,000. If attendance holds up, the first week's gross is expected to exceed $50,000, the best figure at that stand in many a month. The State is also showing "The M-G-M Story" in lieu of regular short sub- jects. "The Prince of Peace" is making the Criterion management happy with grosses that approach capacity. Fri- day's opening set an all-time single day attendance and receipts record, it is said, and the first week's total is expected to reach $45,000. Also open- ing big is "Rawhide" at the Rivoli, with $14,500 for Saturday and Sun- day ; a week's total of about $33,000 is estimated. "Born Yesterday" at the Victoria still continues to lead holdovers. The Easter upsurge is expected to lift the 14th week's gross to $26,000, a good figure for any week. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is up to $8,500 in a 20th week of its two-a-day run at the Bijou. The Astor expects $18,000 for the third week of "14 Hours" which is good business, but not up to holi- day caliber. "Gambling House" is having a mild second and final week at the Mayfair, with about $8,000 coming in; "Oh! Susanna" will open there on Satur- day. At the Globe, "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" is up a bit in its fifth week, with about $12,000 estimated. "Trio" is winding up a long and satisfactory run at the Sutton, with Theatres Lure TV-Weary New Yorkers from Homes Cosmo-Sileo Photo for MOTION PICTURE DAILY j J UNGRY for entertainment and encouraged by brisk but J~2 1 bright spring weather and school vacations, New Yorkers are turning off their television sets and are besieging Broadway first-run theatres from early morning to late at night. Above photo shows a portion of the waiting line at Radio City Music Hall, typical of the scene there from last Friday through yester- day, and expected to be repeated throughout the week. At times, the line completely encircled the block from 50th Street and Sixth Ave. to Rockefeller Plaza, north to 51st Street and then back to Sixth Ave., standing four abreast. The Music Hall program features M-G-M's "Royal Wedding" and its annual pageant on stage, "Glory of Easter," being pre- sented for the 19th consecutive year. about $4,000 estimated for the 25th week. "Of Men and Music" concluded a successful six-week run at the Park Avenue yesterday, with a $4,500 gross for the final week. "Odette" will be- gin its regular run there today, fol- lowing an invitational U. S. premiere held last night. T ckets On Sale at Paramount For Runyon Fund Benefit Tickets for the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund benefit on April 8 at the Paramount Theatre will go on sale in the lobby today. Price range is from $2 to $25, tax included, with all proceeds going to the fund. The benefit stage show will begin at 11 P.M. and will be followed by a special showing of "The Lemon Drop Kid," the current Paramount feature. Among the stars who will appear in person are Bob Hope, mas- ter of ceremonies, Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Jimmy Durante, Tallu- lah Bankhead and Ethel Merman. For the first time in theatrical his- tory, all unions involved have waived payment, and will donate their services free of charge. These unions are : AGVA; Local 802, American Feder- ation of Musicians ; Local 1, Stage- hands, IATSE; and Local 306, Mo- tion Picture Operators, IATSE. 'Rice' a Top Grosser Chicago, March 26.— "Bitter Rice," Italian import now in its 11th week at the World Playhouse, is the biggest grossing foreign language film ever to play Chicago, according to Charles Teitel, Playhouse manager. "Rice" took in $10,000 for its first week, $8,000 for its second, $7,000' for the third, and since then has been averag- ing between $3,000 and $5,000 weekly. Jap War Film Sets S. F. House Record San Francisco, March 26. — "Sui- cide Attack," an exploitation special compiled from official Japanese Army- Navy footage of the Pacific War from Pearl Harbor to the surrender, grossed $5,000 over the weekend at Sherrill Corwin's 1,000-seat Esquire here, to establish a new house record. The picture is being presented by Louis Pollock, former Universal and United Artists advertising executive, who arranged the engagement here at the suggestion of RKO Pictures offi- cials who have discussed national re- lease of the picture with Pollock. In a previous test engagement it set a five- year record at the 700-seat Cabrillo, San Diego, with a $6,000 week. 'Yesterday' Grossed Heavily in Chicago Chicago, March 26. — Columbia's "Born Yesterday" has completed a 10-week-run at the Woods, said to be the most successful engagement at that theatre in the past two years. The film grossed about $40,000 for its first week, $35,000 for its second, $22,000 for the third, and averaged between $15,000 and $20,000 weekly for the remainder of the run. The film begins its subsequent-run on April 6 when it is booked into a local record number of 30 theatres in the area. 'Cyrano' Bows in Canada Toronto, March 26. — The first film roadshow in many weeks here is the Canadian premiere of "Cyrano de Ber- gerac," which opened today at the International Cinema, the price scale $1.00 and $1.50. RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. TRADE SHOWINGS of SOL LESSER'S Presentation of KON-TIKI Mon. 4/2 8:00 P.M. ALBANY Fox Scr. Rm. 1052 Broadway ATLANTA RKO Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 10 :30 A.M 195 Luckie St., N.W. BOSTON RKO Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 10 :30 A.M 122-28 Arlington St. BUFFALO Mo. Pic. Oper. Scr. Rm. 498 Pearl St. Mon 4/2 Mon. 4/2 Mon. 4/2 CHARLOTTE Fox Scr. Rm. 308 S. Church St. CHICAGO RKO Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 1300 S. Wabash Ave. CINCINNATI RKO Scr. Rm. 12 East 6th St. CLEVELAND Fox Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 2219 Payne Ave. DALLAS Para. Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 412 South Harwood St. DENVER Para. Scr. Rm. Mon 4/2 2100 Stout St. DES MOINES Para. Scr. Rm. 1125 High St. DETROIT Blumenthals Scr. Rm. 2310 Cass Ave. Mon. 4/2 INDIANAPOLIS Fox Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 326 N. Illinois St. KANSAS CITY Para. Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 1800 Wyandotte St. LOS ANGELES RKO Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 1980 S. Vermont Ave. MEMPHIS Fox Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 151 Vance Ave. MILWAUKEE Warner Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. MINNEAPOLIS Fox Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 1015 Currie Ave. 2:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. Mon. 4/2 1:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. NEW HAVEN Fox Scr. Rm. 40 Whiting St. NEW ORLEANS Fox Scr. Rm. 200 S. Liberty St. OKLAHOMA Fox Scr. Rm. 10 North Lee St. OMAHA Fox Scr. Rm 1502 Davenport St PHILADELPHIA RKO Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 250 N. 13th St. PITTSBURGH RKO Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 1809-13 Blvd. of Allies PORTLAND Star Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 925 N.W. 19th Ave. ST. LOUIS RKO Scr. Rm. 3143 Olive St. SALT LAKE CITY Fox Scr. Rm. Mon. 4/2 216 E. 1st St. South SAN FRANCISCO RKO Scr. Rm. 251 Hyde St. SEATTLE Jewel Box Scr. Rm. 2318 2nd Ave. Mon. SIOUX FALLS Hollywood Thea. Mon. 212 N. Philips Ave. WASHINGTON Film Center Scr. Rm. Mon. 932 New Jersey Ave. Mon. 4/2 2:00 P.M. Mon. 4/2 10:30 A.M. Mon. 4/2 10:30 A.M. Mon. 4/2 1:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. Tues. 4/3 11:30 A.M. 1:30 P.M. Mon. 4/2 2:00 P.M. 4/2 4/2 2:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 4/2 2:30 P.M. Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 27, 1951 Code-'Dope' (Continued from page 1) recent years that many Federal and local law enforcement officials regard it as the nation's No. 1 crime prob- lem now. The Production Code originally placed an unqualified ban on the pres- entation of the illegal drug traffic as subject matter for films. The 1946 amendment to the Code opened the door to dope film production by elim- inating the ban and stating qualifica- tions to be observed in producing films dealing with narcotics subjects. Ac- cording to the amendment, such films should not stimulate curiosity con- cerning narcotics nor show their use or effects in detail. Federal narcotics officials and others are reportedly agreed now that any manner of presentation of the dope subject, kindles the curiosity of the susceptible. It could not be learned yesterday how MPAA board members stand on repeal of the Code Amendment per- mitting narcotics subject matter in films. Production Code administra- tor Joseph I. Breen arrived here yes- terday from the Coast, presumably for consultation with the board on the subj ect. Reelection of directors and officers of MPAA also is scheduled for today's meeting. Review "Circle of Danger" (David E. Rose — Eagle Lion Classics) THE FRESHNESS of approach of "Circle of Danger" immediately sets it far above the standard run of melodramas. Merchandise-wise, this David E, Rose presentation has a good drawing attraction, namely Ray Milland, at the head of the cast which also includes Patricia Roc and Marius Goring. The story, which has its origin in fact, opens with Milland returning to Europe from the United States to dig up information about the mysterious death of his brother while the latter was serving as a commando with the British Forces in the last war. Milland strongly suspects that it was not an enemy bullet that terminated his brother's life. In England he goes through a series of maneuvers in order to get the name of someone in the raiding party on the occasion of the death. One clue leads to another and in time Milland winds up in Scotland at the estate of Hugh Sinclair who was the major m command on the fateful day. Fortunately for those interested in romantic affairs, Milland here meets attractive Miss Roc, and interesting possibilities develop. Sinclair provides Milland with a list of men in the raiding party. There follows visit after visit in order to track down confirming information. Finally, at the end of the trail, Milland learns that it actually was Sinclair who killed his brother. Bent on retribution Milland returns to face _ Sinclair, only to learn however, that the circumstances of the death were justified, and that under similar conditions, he would have done the same thing. Although fate cheats Milland of retribution, it compensates with romance. A Coronado Production, this British-made film was produced by Joan Harrison and directed by Jacques Tourneur from the screenplay by Philip MacDonald. Running time, 86 minutes. General audience classification. For April release. M. H. Kefauver Hearings (Continued from page 1) Other committee members appear- ing are chairman, Charles W. Tobey, Herbert R. O'Conor, Lester C. Hunt, Alexander Wiley and the committee's chief counsel, Rudolph Halley. Frank Costello, whose objections kept television audiences from seeing more than his hands and shoulders during his testimony, will appear in full face in the feature, 20th-Fox said yesterday. Among the other witnesses who ap pear in the film are Virginia Hill Hauser, Ambassador William O'Dwy er, Frank Erickson, Anthony Anas- tasia, James J. Moran, John P. Crane and Jake Guzik. Process Prints Here A record number of prints are be ing processed at the company labora tories here, according to the 20th-Fox statement, and they are expected to be available from Coast to Coast by to morrow. More than 1,200 theatres have asked for the crime report, ac cording to 20th-Fox; and it is expected that the timely subject will get mass booking. The film, produced by Edmund Reek with narration interpolated by Joe King, is taken from the complete photographic record amounting to more than 100,000 feet of film. Two newsreel cameras were in operation constantly during the hearings here with the companies rotating turns and pooling the result. All the newsreels have shown ex cerpts of the hearings on their regular issues during the past two weeks but 20th-Fox is the only company to pro duce a feature-length picture from the event that has held top news attention throughout the nation. Through editing and condensation the highlights and essence of the com plete hearing has been compressed into the hour-long picture, according to Levathes. He said that only a person who had personally attended all the hearings or who had sat glued in front High Court Refuses Jurisdiction Issue Italians Due Today (Continued from page 1) colleagues here on April 2. The four-man delegation was in- vited to this country by John G. Mc- Carthy, Motion Picture Association vice-president in charge of interna- tional affairs, to make a study of the potentialities for Italian films in the J. S. as a preliminary to the negotia- tion of a new Italo-American film agreement. American film industry officials, in- luding heads of the distribution com- panies, circuit and theatre executives, and the trade press will attend an MPAA-sponsored reception in honor of the visitors on Thursday at the Radio City Music Hall studio. la. Building Code Bill Advanced Des Moines, March 26. — Iowa's House of Representatives has passed and sent to the state Senate a bill to set up a code governing construction of theatres and other buildings used by the public. Under the bill, all future construction would come under the jurisdiction of a seven-member build- ing code council, which would appoint a commissioner to administer the act. Steel for Theatres (Continued from page 1) Washington, March 26. — The U.S. Supreme Court today refused to hear an appeal from a lower court decision declaring that U.S. District Courts could in certain circumstances decide whether or not to transfer private treble-damage anti-trust suits to dis- tricts more convenient for the de- fendants. Without an opinion or an indica- tion of how the Justices voted, the Court said it would not review the so- called Tivoli case. Involved are two treble-damage suits against eight dis- tributors and the Interstate and Texas Consolidated circuits. These suits were brought in Delaware by Tivoli Realty, Inc., and I. B. Adelman. The de- fendants asked Delaware District Court Judge Rodney to transfer the case to Texas, but he ruled that five of the defendants could not be legally served in Texas and therefore he had no power to consider the defense mo- tion. The Third Circuit Court of Ap- peals overruled Rodney, declaring he could consider whether to transfer the suit so long as the five defendants agreed to allow themselves to be served in Texas — which all five said they were. Tivoli and Adelman ap- pealed to the Supreme Court. duces only about 2,800,000 tons and, if Canada is lucky, she can import an- other 1,250,000 tons. This would leave about 1,225,000 tons to be secured through curtailment of ordinary civil- ian use in the Dominion. of a TV set for the full time would get a more complete view of the pro- ceedings. Even the hypothetical full-time TV watcher would not have seen Costello's face, Levathes pointed out. He men- tioned that the Movietone presentation will offer direct comparison in visual quality and in reportorial effectiveness with television's coverage of the same event. He predicted that the film treat- ment will heighten the dramatic effect of the hearings and that, through in- telligent editing, the civic significance of the investigation will be clearer. Levathes said that his office was swamped yesterday with requests for the film as news of its release reached the various branches. He said that ex- hibitors are being asked to utilize the headlines from their own city news- papers as a promotional base in adver- tising the news feature. Canadian Film Board Will Get $300,000 Building , Ottawa, March 26— A $300,000 ap- propriation has been listed in the Ca- nadian government's estimates of ex- penditures for the construction of a building for the National Film Board in Montreal, with speculation here be- ing that this might be the start of an old rumor that some executive of- fices of the NFB may be established there. It is also believed here that, in view of a number of privately-owned stu- dios being concentrated in Montreal, motion picture production for the NFB may be undertaken in Montreal, too, this being in addition to NFB executive offices. NSS Raw Stock (Continued from page 1) brought 100 per cent cooperation from all theatre owners, operators and man- agers throughout Texas," it was said. "Pledges have been signed which will be forwarded to Golden's office. In- cluded are all circuit heads, independ- ent organizations, Theatre Owners of America and Allied, projectionist unions and film truck lines of Texas. This contribution, which is volun- tary on the. part of Texas showmen, will be effected through the immediate return of all trailers after their use which will automatically cut down the need for additional prints. Appeal Is Passed On MacArthur Case Washington, March . . 26. — The deadline for an appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court by Kass Realty Co. in the MacArthur Theatre case here has passed without an appeal. Kass had originally announced it would ask the high court to review the District Court of Appeals decision that neither Stanley Co. nor K-B Amusement Co., partners in the Mac- Arthur venture, were liable for dam- ages for failing to designate jointly a site for a second theatre to be built by Kass. Apparently the realty firm later changed its plans, and no appeal was taken. Georgia MPTOO to Meet Atlanta, March 26. — Fourth an- nual convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia will be held at the Biltmore Hotel on May 12-14-15. The organi- zation was founded here four years ago. Maine Exhibitors Oppose New Tax Augusta, Me., March 26. — Maine theatres could not survive a municipal tax of possibly 10 per cent on top of the existing 20 per cent Federal ad- mission tax, Arthur F. Tiffin, spokes- man for state theatre operators, told the legislative taxation committee here. Tiffin spoke in opposition to a bill introduced by Rep. Paul Woodworth, Fairfield Republican, which would au- thorize cities and towns to tax nu- merous transactions, occupations or personal property not subject to state taxation, including theatre admissions. UK Sulphur Crisis (Continued from page 1) Board of Trade. If their critical status is not recognized in the B. of T.'s in- ternal rationing program, some labora- tories will have to reduce their out- put, if indeed they don't close down entirely. Two American experts, Francis J. Curtis of Monsanto Chemical Co., and Edwin B. Lopkes of Blockson, are ex- aming Britain's sulphur position and will begin definite talks with the B. of T. tomorrow with respect to future U. S. allocations. j t i I- cc £!-■=« ft 111 Z & T « o ■§ j? E ° £ 111 ° < ■§ « * cc 2 "5 co o o 5 ft CD < < -s £ ■ i s < fi -a » o- co h a i- Z ZuooH ■"'Is o 8£ a" cc — — ~" _r <0-r «oo ui — • o S — =1- . Q HcO^-pSjj XUlf 3 a . C3 ^ *■ Js > • Ill ^ 1< _ " ^ ' 5° =* ° 2*. CCOL 6 |4 B£l53i K=Hl GO «au,ife • mocgi f 6 tzo^i Q o_l Is ociM cp Q" I 7' — w — « A ^ i-tn cohort ui p5 •"5 " . — >-_! |;Jo -j°ei => (Harry M. Popkln) THE SECOND WOMAN Robert Young Betsy Drak* D — 91 mln. (Ber. 1/17/61) Gloria Films — (1. G. Goldsmith) THE SCARF John Ireland Mercedes MeCam- bridge D — 93 min, (Rev. 3/19/51) (Rob't. Stillman) QUEEN FOR A DAY I> — 107 min. (Rev. 3/21/51) (Bob Roberts) HE RAN ALL THE WAY John Garfield Shelley Winters D — 77 min. (Doug. Sirk) THE FIRST LEGION Charles Boyer Lyie Bettger D — 86 min. 20TH-FOX (Feb. Releases) CALL ME MISTER (Color) Betty Grabls Dan Dailey M — 95 mln. (Rev. 1/24/51) I'D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN (Color) Susan Hayward William Lundigan D — 88 mln. (ReT. 1/12/51) THE 13th LETTER Charles Boyer Linda Darnell D — 85 mln. (Rev. 1/19/51) (Mar. Releases) SWORD OF MONTE CRISTO (Color) George Montgomery Paula Corday D— 80 mln. LUCKY NICK CAIN George Raft Coleen Gray D — 87 mln. (Rev. 2/7/51) BIRD OF PARADISE (Color) Louis Jourdan Debra Paget D — 100 min. (Rev. 3/12/51) OF MEN AND MUSIC (Concert Feature) M — 85 min. (Rev. 11/27/50) (Apr. Releases) YOU'RE IN THE NAVY NOW Gary Cooper Jane Greer CD — 93 min, (Rev. 2/23/51) 1 CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE Susan Hayward Dan Dailey D — 91 min. (Rev. 3/14/51) FOLLOW THE SUN Glenn Ford Anne Baxter D — 93 min. (Rot. 3/19/51) RKO CRY DANGER Dick Powell Rhonda Fleming D — 79 min. (ReT. 2/1/61) PAYMENT ON DEMAND Bette Davis Barry Sullivan D — 90 mln. (Rev. 2/15/51) TARZAN'S PERIL ' Lex Barker Virginia Huston T> — 79 min. (Rev. 3/16/51) THE THING Margaret Sheridan Kenneth Tobey D HARD. FAST AND BEAUTIFUL Claire Trevor Sally Forrest D KON-TIKI Thor Heyerdahl Doc — 72 min. (Rev. 3/22/51) MY FORBIDDEN PAST Ava Gardner Robert Mitchum D — 81 min. (Rev. 3/21/51) SEALED CARGO Dana Andrews Caria Balenda Claude Rains D REPUBLIC MISSING WOMEN Penny Edwards James Mllllcan D — 60 min. (Rev. 3/13/51) NIGHT RIDERS OF MONTANA Allan "Rocky" Lane 0 — 60 mln. (Rev. 3/12/51) SILVER CITY BONANZA Rex Allen O — 67 min. (Rev. 3/21/51) CUBAN FIREBALL Estelita Rodriguez Warren Douglas CD— 78 min. (Rev. 3/12/51) OH! SUSANNA (Color) Rod Cameron Adrian Booth O — 90 min. (Rev. 3/12/51) INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR Audrey Long Richard Denning D — 60 min. (Rev. 3/22/51) HEART OF THE ROCKIES Roy Rogers Penny Edwards OM THUNDER IN GOD'S COUNTRY Rex Allen Mary Ellen Kay 0—67 mln. (5052) FIGHTING COAST GUARD Brian Donlevy Ella Raines D BUCKAROO SHERIFF OF TEXAS Michael Chapin Eileen Janssen O — 60 min. (Rev. 12/21/50) PARA. (Feb. Releases) THE GREAT MISSOURI RAID (Color) Wendell Corey Macdonald Carey D — 85 mln. (Rer. 12/1/50) SEPTEMBER AFFAIR Joan Fontaine Joseph Cotton D — 104 min. (ReT. 10/11/50) (Mar. Releases) SAMSON AND DELILAH (Color) Hedy Lamarr victor Mature George Sanders D — 128 mln. (Rev. 10/21/49) THE MATING SEASON Gene Tierney John Lund Thelma Rltter C— 101 mln. (Rot. 1/10/51) THE REDHEAD AND THE COWBOY Glenn Ford Edmond O'Brien Rhonda Fleming O — 60 min. (Rev. 12/7/50) (Apr. Releases) MOLLY Gertrude Berg D— 83 min. (Rev. 11/24/50) QUEBEC (Color) Corinne Calvet Patric Knowles D— 85 min. (5017) (Rev. 2/28/51) THE LEMON DROP KID Bob Hope Marilyn Maxwell CD- — 91 min. (5018) (Rev. 3/7/51) MONO. THE VICIOUS YEARS Tommy Cook Gar Moore D — 79 mln. (Rev. 2/23/50) NAVY BOUND Tom Neal Regis Toomey D — 60 mln. (Rer. 2/20/51) MAN FROM SONORA Johnny Mack Brown O — 54 mln. GYPSY FURY Viveca Lindfors D LION HUNTERS Johnny Sheffield D (5109) CANYON RAIDERS Whip Wilson O (5151) (Allied Artists) 1 WAS AN AMERICAN SPY Ann Dvorak Gene Evans D— 85 min. (AA19) (Rev. 3/21/51) GHOST CHASERS Bowery Boys C (5112) 2 ■ CAUSE FOR ALARM Loretta Young Barry Sullivan D — 74 mln. (Rot. 1/20/51) THREE GUYS NAMED MIKE Jane Wyman Van Johnson C — 79 mln. (Rer. 2/9/51) INSIDE STRAIGHT David Brian Arlene Dahl Barry Sullivan D — 89 mln. (Rev. 3/5/51) ROYAL WEDDING (Color) Fred Astaire Jane Powell MC — 93 mln. (ReT. 2/6/51) FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND Spencer Tracy Elizabeth Taylor CD — 82 mln. (Rev. 2/21/51) SOLDIERS THREE Stewart Granger Walter Pidgeon CD — 83 min. (Rev. 3/13/51) H « c THE PAINTED HILLS (Color) Lassie Paul Kelly D — 68 min. (Rev. 3/23/51) EAGLE LION CLASSICS (Feb. Releases) THEY WERE NOT DIVIDED D— 102 mln. DERBY WINNER D THE HOODLUM THE BLUE LAMP Jack Warner Jimmy Hanley D — 84 min. (ReT. 6/1/50) MY OUTLAW BROTHER Mickey R coney Robert Preston O — 82 mln. (Rot. 2/6/51) GOLDEN SALAMANDER Trevor Howard Anouk T> — 94 mln. (Rev. 3/20/51) CIRCLE OF DANGER Ray Milland Marius Goring D SKIPAL0NG ROSENBLOOM Maxie Rosenbloom Max Baer CO — 73 min. BADMAN'S GOLD D THE LONG DARK HALL Rex Harrison Lilii Palmer D — 86 min. (Rev. 3/8/51) WHEN 1 GROW UP Robert Preston Martha Scott Bobby Driscoll D OLIVER TWIST Robert Newton Alec Guinness D VOLCANO Anna Magnani D — 110 min. 2 3 _i 8 >- < t SfS ui2 « Si* MIX sX-18 zI-S ee-e o m o is x z OK o > °J ■= S uisS rt CO j > -^o '* Hi ®— ,h C3*c H iH I^S^zS^-SSSf -j ^=*_«™z3=o»£^3£<_ : I ■ Ul> =T> H<— O ? ■ — - u. 0(0 S I O . 1—1 Li.- J1— -t^H ^fi« u.te|A« — £ * z- PS Ul^* s < , : -I ^ >< ; U 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 and Theatre Sales, each published 13 times a year as a section of Motion Picture Herald; International Motion Picture Almanac- tame. Entered as secona- class matter, Sept- 21, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3. 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, luc. mmsssL mm Tstsr awarded by the American Humane Association and the SPCA MY UNBRIDLED GRATITUDE... to the members of the Press for voting me winner of the annual Patsy Award for the Best Animal Actor of the Year" / TUC TA I l/IKI^ THE TALKING MULE Ronald Reagan, Piper Laurie and Chill Wills congratulate Francis at gala Hollywood affair Personal management, Universal-International Studios An example of exhibitor opinion— UNSOLICITED response to an editorial by Red Kann, on Eagle Lion's press book innovation in Motion Picture Daily Hare Yi 23, 1951 Tjear Hr.Kann. is a ^ne-er-tip Prf Raised for ^tion of tue ^Afor^e HlgW and TYie inauguration^ you ^J^i^itor * nour °0? tracks W ^ idea. wiXl fo^^e; snould oe ^ffonizatioB «■>• m^g idea » A9 for o^^SS t^ ft*8/ adopted oy service. adopteo. 0 neV7 service. ■Chan** for a new Sincerely, ^ Carl lUesse nn;n REX HARRISON • LILLI PALMER THIS is y0UR CAMP*IGH MAmL ADDITI0Ml COpiE$ ARt AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL NAT,0^L SCREEN SERWCf EXCHANGE "THEY'RE THE TOPS" REX LILLI HARRISON PALMER (Mr. and Mrs. Rex Harrison) T O P SON B R O A D W A Y. . . Currently co-starring in the smash- hit comedy "Bell, Book and Candle." Lilli Palmer's net- work TV show seen weekly by millions on CBS! EXPLOITATION Sell them with q city wide "-Mr. and. Mrs." campaign t h r o u gh s tores, newspapers, etc. TOPS Oh THE SCREEN • • • Co-starred in a drama crackling with suspense and written by Nun n al ly Jo h n son ! PETER CUSICK presents REX HARRISON • LILLI PALMER "THE LONG DARK HALL" with Denis O'Dea and Raymond Huntley • Screenplay by Nunnally Johnson • Directed by Anthony Bushell Reginald Beck * Produced by Peter Cusick • A Huntington Hartford Production • Released through EAGLE LfON 'Long Dark Hall' Drama Of Fight Against Fate "What is the use of truth, if it does not sound true?" asks Rex Harrison from the witness box of London's famous Central Criminal Court, in the Eagle Lion Classics release of Peter Cusick's produc- tion, "The Long Dark Hall," which is slated to open at the Theatre. In that fashion, he expresses the terrible problem which overpowers him. He admittedly has been indiscreet in his behavior, but nevertheless finds himself in a predicament quite out of proportion to his in- discretion. In "The Long Dark Hall" Rex Harrison has this challenging task of showing us how such a man reacts to such a situation. Co-Stars With Palmer For Rex Harrison this role is more than just another film. As soon as he had read Nunnally Johnson's treatment of Edgar Lustgarten's novel "One More Un- fortunate" he was determined to appear in this film which was to take him back to British studios after an absence of three years and also re-unite him on the screen with his wife, Lilli Palmer. Harrison Changes Role For 'Long Dark Hall' The role of a man accused of murder in the Peter Cusick pro- duction, "The Long Dark Hall," which will have its local debut this at the Theatre, was a new departure for Rex Harrison, who co-stars in the film with his wife, Lilli Palmer. Having specialized largely in roles of a lighter vein he had to work hard to change his style com- pletely to create this harassed character laboring under the strain of a wrong accusation and at the same time convince the audience that they were not about to see another one of those light hearted, debonair characters for which Rex Harrison is justly famous. Harrison regarded his role in "The Long Dark Hall," which is being released by Eagle Lion Classics, as a challenge and, al though he still considers light comedy to be his specialty, he felt that a change from routine would give him new vitality. He said of acting: "Getting into a rut is the greatest danger in this profes sion. One may achieve stardom with one type of role but to re tain it one has to prove one's versatility as an actor." The picture was directed by Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck. Nunnally Johnson wrote the screenplay. Rex Harrison has travelled a long way since his sensational overnight success in Terence Rat- tigan's play "French Without Tears." He has never denied that he specializes in light comedy but he is also aware of the fact that the light drawing room comedy which was so popular before the war has lost much of its appeal and that audiences, though still in search of light entertainment, are looking for something deeper and less frothy. Harrison's Henry VIII in Maxwell Anderson's play Anne of the Thousand Days," which was so successful on the Broadway stage, or his "King" in "Anna and the King of Siam" were by no means light comedy charac- ters. On the other hand, the role of Arthur Groome in "The Long Dark Hall" is no character out of history or epic novel. Every mem- ber of the audience is intimately acquainted with men of just this sort. So Rex Harrison set him- self the difficult task of bring- ing this Mr. Everybody to life on the screen. Mat 2 A Still LDH P14A Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer are back on the screen after a five-year absence, co-starring in a turbulent drama of love and mur- der, "The Long Dark Hall," which will open at the Theatre. RexHarrison,LilliPalmer Star in 'Long Dark Hall' Lovely Lilli Palmer, who is currently starring with her husband, Rex Harrison in the Broadway hit, "Bell, Book and Candle," re- turned to England recently to make a film, "The Long Dark Hall," in which she is also starred with her husband. This is their first film together in five years, the last one being "The Notorious Gentlemen." 'Old Bailey' Trials Run of Mill to Him Feeling very much at home on the Old Bailey set during the making of Peter Cusick's film, "The Long Dark Hall," starring Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer, was Mr. Alfred W. Burt, Keeper of the Central Criminal Court. He acted as technical supervisor of the trial scenes and in that capacity helped directors Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck with advice on proper legal procedure during a murder trial. For Mr. Burt this was already his second film assignment. A few years ago he went to Hollywood to act in a similar capacity dur- ing the production of "The Para- dine Case." Although he is now able to call himself an "old" film man, Mr. Burt still can't get over the off- hand manner in which film tech- nicians climb over benches and sit the audience the full import of In the picture which is coming to the Theatre, Miss Palmer plays the role of Mary Groome, wife of a man who takes up with a chorus girl sub- sequently found murdered, a crime of which he is accused. Through all this Mary stays by his side, deeply hurt at having been deceived, yet strong in her love for him. The part gives Lilli an abundance of opportunity to display her dramatic talents in a role that is symbolic of all women who love their men, no matter what circumstances are sent by fate to try them. Wife Important Although the main interest of "The Long Dark Hall," which is being released by Eagle Lion Classics, is focused on the char- acter of Arthur Groome, played by Rex Harrison, it is the char- acter of Mary who brings home to Mat 1C Still LDH PI 2 A Arthur Groome, played by Rex Harrison, is a man accused of murder in "The Long Dark Hall," which opens at the Theatre. on the judge's table of the world famous courtroom. "It would be interesting to see them try that in the real Old Bailey," he said jokingly. "The Long Dark Hall," which is being released by Eagle Lion Classics, will be shown starting at the Theatre. the terrible situation in which the husband finds himself. The screenplay for "The Long Dark Hall" was written by Nun- nally Johnson who adapted Edgar Lustgarten's novel, "One More Unfortunate." Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck share direc- torial credits for the film which Peter Cusick produced. Eagle Lion Section LONG DARK HALL" Page Three Dawson In Villain Role Being- an actor himself, Anthony Bushell, who directed "The Long Dark Hall," which will open at the Theatre, is a very shrewd judge of actors and their potentialities, so although his casting might at times seem unconventional, his hunches usually come off. When Bushell cast Anthony Dawson as "the Man" who is in fact the murderer in "The Long Dark Hall," there were a number of raised eyebrows in the front office, be- cause Dawson had never tackled a role of that nature before. Once the first rushes of Dawson's work had been seen it became clear that the director's hunch had paid off again. From the appearance point of view Dawson as "The Man" might almost be called type casting: well over six feet tall with in- tense eyes and a mobile, expres- sive face, he gives the murderer the uncanny combination of charm and madness which Nun- nally Johnson's screenplay called for. From his own point of view, the role in "The Long Dark Hall" Dawson claims, is exactly the type he has tried to land for a long time. "The Long Dark Hall" stars Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer. Mat 2C Stills LDH-69A-70A Patricia Wayne turns, terrified to find a killer stalking in her room. Scene is from the Rex Harrison-Lillie Palmer starrer, "The Long Dark Hall," which opens at the Theatre. Famous Author Johnson Scripts 'Long Dark Hall' One of Hollywood's foremost writer-producers, Nunnally Johnson is the author of the screenplay for the first Rex Harrison-Lilli Palmer picture in five years, a drama of murder, love and decept- ion, "The Long Dark Hall," which will open at the Theatre. THE CAST Arthur Croome REX HARRISON Mary Croome LILLI PALMER The Man ANTHONY DAWSON Sir Charles Morton DENNIS O DEA Rose Mallory PATRICIA WAYNE Chief Inspector Sullivan RAYMOND HUNTLEY THE CREDITS Peter Cusick presents Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer in "The Long Dark Hall" with Denis O'Dea and Raymond Huntley. Screenplay by Nunally Johnson. Directed by Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck. Produced by Peter Cusick. A Huntington Hartford Production. Released through Eagle Lion. THE STORY (Mot for publication) When Arthur Groome's (Rex Harrison) girl friend (Patricia Wayne is murdered by a maniacal killer (Anthony Dawson), Groome is accused of the crime and stands trial. His wife (Lilli Palmer), although shaken by his unfaithfulness, stands by him and believes in his innocence. The jury finds him guilty and he is sentenced to be hanged. However, unknown to the killer, who writes an incriminating letter to Inspector Sullivan (Raymond Huntley), Groome has a stay of execution. The killer is traced through his letter and Groome is freed. Kind Killer Making a strong bid for the title of the "most understanding murderer in films" is a six foot three inches, 34 year old Anthony Dawson. In Peter Cusick's "The Long Dark Hall," which Eagle Lion Classics is releasing this at the Theatre, starring Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer, he plays the man who commits the murder for which Rex Harrison stands trial. Directors Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck were very happy about Dawson's performance which they said "gives an espe- cially spine-chilling quality to his charming approach to murder." It is entirely possible that "The Long Dark Hall" will prove the turning point in the career of this talented actor who trained race horses and studied music before he finally took up acting. Johnson, whose script so im- pressed Harrison and Palmer that they accepted the roles without a moment's hesitation, started work as a reporter on his home- town newspaper in Columbus, Georgia. After service in the first world war he went to New York where he ran a column on the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Later he worked for the New York, Herald Tribune and the Evening Post as a colunmist. He was also successful as a short story writer. Over one hun- dred of his stories appeared in the Saturday Evening Post and other famous magazines. He first entered films as a writer when he was assigned by Paramount to write "A Bedtime Story" for Maurice Chevalier. In 1933 he joined Fox Films where he wrote a succession of top- ranking pictures including "Cardi- nal Richelieu," "Thanks a Mil- lion," "Grapes of Wrath" and "Tobacco Road." By now he had abandoned fiction writing and de- voted all his time and talent to films. From 1942 onwards Nunnally Johnson produced as well as wrote for films, his successes in this field including "The Pied Piper," "The Moon is Down," "Holy Matrimony," "The Woman in the Window," and "Three Came Home." Recently he produced "The Mudlark." Busiest Lady Title Goes to Lilli Palmer One of the busiest people in the entertainment world these days is lovely Lilli Palmer who is cur- rently co-starring with her hus- band Rex Harrison in a poignant drama, "The Long Dark Hall," which will open at the Theatre. In addition to her film work, Miss Palmer has her own tele- vision show which requires many hours of rehearsal plus her role in the Broadway hit, "Bell Book and Candle," in which she also co-stars with her actor-husband. "The Long Dark Hall," which is being released by Eagle Lion Classics, tells the story of a man tried for a murder which he didn't commit. Although the murder and subsequent trial show that this respectable married man had been unfaithful, his wife (Miss Pal- mer's role) not only forgives him but is determined to prove his in- nocence. Mat 1A Still LDH-BA Lilli Palmer is cast as the wife of an unfaithful man who stands trial for murder, in the new film, "The Long Dark Hall," which opens at the Theatre. Rex Harrison co-stars. Page Four "LONG DARK HALL" Eagle Lion Section Mat 2B Still LDH-15A Lilli Palmer, whose husband is on trial for murder, is confronted by the real killer in this scene from "The Long Dark Hall," which is coming this to the Theatre. Rex Harrison is cast as her husband. Anthony Dawson plays the part of the murderer. Directs and Performs For 'Long Dark Hall' Anthony Bushell claims that he should have collected double salary for his work in the Rex Harrison-Lilli Palmer starrer, "The Long Dark Hall," which is scheduled to open at the Theatre through Eagle Lion Classics release. Not only did he serve as co-director of the picture with Reginald Beck, but he played the role of Rex Harrison's attorney when Harrison is brought to trial for the murder of a chorus girl. Bushell has appeared in many stage and film hits on both sides of the Atlantic, having come here with the British "Journey's End" company and remaining for sev- eral years. After making many films in Hollywood he returned to England where he appeared in such pictures as "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "Dark Journey." Mat IB Still LDH-P33A Patricia Wayne is featured in "The Long Dark Hall," coming to the Theatre. Olivier's Assistant While with Laurence Olivier as co-director of "Hamlet," he met and formed the partnership with Reginald Beck. It was also Beck's "Hamlet" work that inspired pro- ducer Peter Cusick to use a simi- lar co-directorial setup for "The Long Dark Hall." Reginald Beck's approach to film production is almost scien- tific. He is also second to none in his knowledge of the camera, film cutting and film editing pos- sibilities. He visualizes the pic- torial aspect of every scene, leaving his co-director free to con- centrate on the actors' perform- ances (in this case including that of the co-director!) 'Hall' Here The story of a rather staid, mar- ried man who strays from the set path of domesticity and falls in love with a chorus girl is the mov- ing tale of Peter Cusick's drama, "The jong Dark Hall." Reuniting Rex Harrison and his actress wife, Lilli Palmer on the screen, "The "-.ong Dark Hall," an Eagle Lion Classics release will open at the Theatre. Writer-producer Nunnally John- son adapted Edgar Lustgarten's novel to the screen. Anthony Bushell, who plays a featured role in the "picture co-directed with Reginald Beck. The last time Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer were co-starred in a picture was five years ago in "The Notorious Gentleman." Reunited Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer, who were last seen together on the screen five years ago in the picture "The Notorious Gentle- man," are reunited once again in Peter Cusick's drama of a man involved in murder and an indis- creet love affair, "The Long Dark Hall," which will be shown this at the Theatre. Success Although a number of British producers had tried to lure Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer to make another picture at British studios (their last was "The No- torious Gentleman," made five years ago) it was an American, Peter Cusick who succeeded in doing so. The picture, "The Long Dark Hall," which tells of a man's indiscretion and how it backfired by involving him in a murder trial, will open at the Theatre. Palmer Stars Lilli Palmer plays the role of a woman who not only forgives her husband for having been indis- creet with a chorus girl, but fights furiously to prove his innocence when he is tried for the girl's murder, in Peter Cusick's "The Long Dark Hall," which will open at the Theatre. Rex Harrison, Miss Palmer's husband off-screen, is cast as the erring spouse in the film, and this is their first co-starring picture in five years. Easy Does It Lilli Palmer's first two days of shooting for "The Long Dark Hall," in which she stars with her husband Rex Harrison which opens at the Theatre were exceedingly com- fortable ones. She spent them in bed! The scene showed Rex Harri- son's return home after he has found his girl friend murdered and all Lilli had to do was call to him from her bed. Movie Cop Has a Heart For Accused A policeman with a heart is Raymond Huntley's role in "The Long Dark Hall," Peter Cusick's drama of a man unjustly accused of murder, which will open at the Theatre. Without suggesting that the average policeman has no heart, Inspector Sullivan is un- conventional for at least one rea- son— he is not convinced that the evidence he unearths during his investigation into the murder of a chorus girl is right. It points clearly to the guilt of a man whom he does not consider "to be the type" for the crime in question. Nevertheless, clues and evidence being what they are, he has to follow the case through to its logical conclusion and make the arrest, but he is far from happy about it. Raymond Huntley has had so many distinguished performances chalked up to his credit that it would be difficult to single out any one of them as being more out- standing than the rest and it would be difficult to single any one in whatever role he is cast he is sure to play it with polish and conviction. Two of his most recent and memorable performances have been that of the bank manager in "Passport to Pimlico" and the bad-tempered tuberculosis sufferer in "Sanatorium" an episode in W. Somerset Maugham's "Trio." Starring in "The Long Dark Hall," which Eagle Lion is releas- ing, are Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer. Nunnally Johnson wrote the screenplay. Same Set When Rex Harrison made his last film in England, "Escape," he stood in the dock of the Old Bailey (Criminal Courts Build- ing), accused of murder. In "The Long Dark Hall," opening .... at the Theatre, in which he co-stars with his wife, Lilli Palmer, he again stands in the prisoner's dock of the famous court. Although the stories of the two films are entirely different, the dock was the same, being a set that has been seen in a num- ber of films. The prison garb in which Har- rison is seen in a later scene has been worn by him before also in "Escape." Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck directed "The Long Dark Hall" which Peter Cusick pro- duced. Eagle Lion Section "LONG DARK HALL" Page Five TUP. ? I K Here are some of the ways in which the Rex Harrison-Lilli Palmer (Mrs. Rex Harrison) team can be exploited locally to boost "The Long Dark Hall": STORES: Set your merchandising campaign with a single large store or with a group of stores. Start with an invitation to shop, run either as an ad, a radio announcement, a herald or a throwaway. Copy for this can read "Mr. and Mrs. Rex Harrison (Lilli Palmer) . . . stars of 'The Long Dark Hall' . . . invite Mr. and Mrs. Your Town to see the wonderful values at the Empor- • II mm. This invitation can be followed up with ads calling attention to the specific items the store or stores want to plug. These ads can all be tagged by art of Harrison and Palmer identify- ing them as husband and wife. Focus of this merchandising campaign can be matching items for "Mr. and Mrs." like sweaters, shirts, slacks, and loafers. These items are cur- rently being merchandised extensively nation- wide. Store might cap this off with a photo contest for the best looking matching outfits that any local couple have been able to purchase at store. FRONT AND LOBBY An advance 40x60 for out front can be done in script lettering and worded like an invitation from Mr. and Mrs. Rex Harrison (Lilli Palmer) to see them in "The Long Dark Hall." Special still art showing Harrison and Miss Palmer as the stars of "Bell, Book and Candle" and also illustrating Miss Palmer's television show can be sniped with playdate credits and blown up as a lobby display. Order Still LDH— Ex. 1 . FREE RADIO PLATTERS In addition to the regular FREE radio spot platter a special platter offering a five-minute inter- view with Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer with open end for playdate credits is also available. This is ideal for Hollywood commentators on local radio stations. In addition the regular FREE nine-spot radio platter includes one one-minute, one 30-second and one 1 5-second spot narrated by the Star team. The remaining six spots are loaded with S_0-C-K box-office sell. To get these platters just state how you are going to use them in a letter to Exploitation Manager, Eagle Lion, 165 W. 46th St., New York 19, N.Y. NEWSPAPERS: Try to set up a big-space feature story on "Mr. and Mrs. Celebrity Meet Mr. and Mrs. Your Town." This story would use art of Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer along with bio selected from publicity section. Alongside of this would run story of typical local couple. Switches on this idea might include series on prominent local couples with prizes to those selected as most interesting being guest tickets for "The Long Dark Hall." CONTESTS: "Mr. and Mrs." routine lends it- self to many local contests. These might include search for the handsomest young couple married locally in week before "Long Dark Hall" opens. Another contest could be worked for the most talented couple. A hunt might be instituted for the oldest married pair. All of these contests could be handled through a co-operating news- paper with stores tying in for prizes and final judging on stage during opening night of "The Long Dark Hall." All contests should be run in the name and under the sponsorship of "Mr. and Mrs. Rex Harrison (Lilli Palmer)." 4 4 4 FOR ACTION HOUSES If your situation lends itself to exploitation of the more sensational type here are some angles which can be profitably followed through. Scene Mat 2C illustrated in the publicity sec- tion of this Press Book can be spotted inside a lobby shadow box. Copy above this box can read: "A thousand men saw her that night. Any one might have done THIS in "The Long Dark Hall'." The silhouette figure of the murderer stand- ing over his victim which appears in the poster art can be adapted for lobby use. Spot a blowup of this figure in the lobby with red lights playing across it and the copy line: "He waits for women in The Long Dark Hall'." Fact that the killer in "The Long Dark Hall" uses a knife to commit his crime can be tied in with the current drive to keep knives out of the hands of young people. This can be done by securing a bunch of knives from local police de- partment and displaying them in lobby. Above display spot a copy card which reads: "These are the weapons of the killer who lurks in The Long Dark Hall.' Does your child have one? Make sure he gets rid of it before it's too late." The HUSBAND loved her so passionately he could have done it! The WIFE would do almost anyttiiri to hold her man... maybe even kil Pete' REX HARRISON ir,,h.^*in3 LILLI PALMER hadows of.-- „h DENIS npl°Y by fflss ""WK HAIL Scree nthonvb»rC0Sick ~':V.dbyPfT!R.llC,ion dotea A Hun*'119 elease d throug duct 4 Col. Ad Mat 401—620 lines PLEASE NOTE that this ad appears in less than actual size. The correct size for newspaper repro- duction is stated below the ad. Eagle Lion Section "LONG DARK HALL" Page Seven 3 Col. Ad Mat 303—396 lines PLEASE NOTE that all ads on this page appear in less than actual size. The cor- rect size for newspaper reproduction is stated below each ad. 2 Col. Ad Mat 205—392 lines Page Eight "LONG DARK HALL" Eagle Lion Section 3 Col. Ad Mat 301—324 lines with DENIS O DEA and Screenplay by i n n II p n u Directed by ANTHONY BUSHELL and REGINALD BECK • Produced by PETER CUSICK RAYMOND HUNTLEY' NUNNALLY JU II Hull 11 'A Huntington Hartford Production • Released through Eagle Lion 3 Col. Ad Mat 302—240 lines PLEASE NOTE that all ads on this page EXCEPT THE UTILITY MAT appear in less than actual size. The correct size for newspaper reproduction is stated below each ad. MAGNIFICENTLY ACTED! SURPASSING SUSPENSE! UTILITY MAT This mat, which is shown IN ACTUAL SIZE, can be used for making your own ads, for lobby displays and for special heralds. ORDER MAT 206 Eagle Lion Section "LONG DARK HALL" Page Nine ALL ADS ON THIS PAGE ARE SHOWN IN ACTUAL SIZE THE LONG DARK with DENIS O'DEA and RAYMOND HUNTLEY Screenplay by NUNN ALLY JOHNSON Directed by ANTHONY BUSHELL and REGINALD BECK Produced by PETER CUSICK Re|eosed ,nrough A Huntington Hartford Production Eagle Lion I Col. Ad Mat 105—98 lines Magnificently Acted Surpassing Suspense Peter Cusick presents REX HARRISON LILLI PALMER t^Releoied ,h|ough Eagle Lid* mmmm WOMEN! Has this happened TO YOU? YOUR HOME... your husband . . . your children ... all that you hold dear ... is suddenly threatened. YOU suspect another woman... In the long chain of events forged by passion and violence, your suspicions are confirmed as you learn what happened that night in THE LONG DARK HALL Peter Cusick presents HEX HARRISON with DENIS O'DEA and RAYMOND HUNTLEY Nufflr JOHNSON Directed by ANTHONY BUSHELL and REGINALD BECK Produced by PETER CUSICK A Huntington Hartford Production Released through Eagle Lion 2 Col. Ad Mat 201 — 196 lines 1 ITU ; » |f Two Great Stars at Their Greatest REX LILLI HARRISON PALMER THE LONG DARK HALL § ' Released through Eagle Lidn I Col. Ad Mat 102—14 lines 2 Col. Ad Mat 204—56 lines Page Ten "LONG DARK HALL" Eagle Lion Section TWO GREAT STARS AT THEIR GREATEST! 2 Col. Ad Mat 202— I 12 lines Two ^frtfr Greatest! REX HARRISON • LILLI PALMER Peter Cusick presents I r 2 Col^Ad Mat 203—28 lines Peter Cusick presents j REX HARRISON! LILLI PALMER Col. Ad Mat 103—28 lines Released through Eagle Lion I Col. Ad Mat 101—42 lines ALL ADS ON THIS PAGE ARE SHOWN IN ACTUAL SIZE surpassing suspense! ^magnificently acted! Denis O'DEA- Raymond HUNTLEY Screen play by NUN NALLY JOHNSON Directed by ANTHONY BUSHELL and REGINALD BECK Produced by PETER CUSICK A Huntington Hartford Production Released through Eagle LFdn I Col. Ad Mat 104—84 lines Eagle Lion Section "LONG DARK HALL" Page Eleven MW SHE IHRttSHtt A THOUSAND MEN SAW iEH THAT NIGHT &SY ONE Of MM MIGHT HAW DONE IT! REX RRISC LI III ALMEf THE LONG DARK HALL p T E R SIX-SHEET r>ENIS O'DEAsnxi RAYMOND HUNTIE* " NUNNALLY JOHNSON ANTHONV BUSHELl ^REGtNMtD BECK ^ * PETE* CI ONE-SHEET LOBBIES ORDER ALL ACCESSORIES INCLUDING SET OF EIGHT 11x14 LOBBIES FROM NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE yriohl 1951 by Polhe Industrie!, Inc. — Country ol Origin U.S.A. Wednesday, March 28, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 17 No More Televised Hearings: Kefauver Washington, March 27. — Today's hearings of the Sen- ate Crime Investigating Com- mittee will be the last tele- vised, according to Sen. Estes Kefauver, chairman. The rest of the hearings this week will be held behind closed doors, he said. Kefauver has been opposed to continuing the committee beyond its termination on March 30, but Sen. Charles Tobey, also a member, has advocated an extension of its life. Levy on TV (Continued from page 1) tor production to be militant in their position that television is not a suc- cessor to, nor a substitute for, motion pictures in theatres, but rather is an- other form of amusement for the American public," Levy admonished. Levy told the meeting he regretted that he was unable to report a lessen- ing in the use of competitive bidding. "As I have said on many occasions, it is economically unsound and should be employed by distribution, if at all, in those rare instances where no other method of licensing- pictures will avoid litigation. In all too many instances competitive bidding is being invoked for the purpose of obtaining increased film rental." Comments on 'Pattern' He added that the "pattern of dis- tribution seems to be that a letter from an exhibitor asking for the privilege of negotiating for a desired run is the signal for throwing the area concerned into competitive bidding." He said that position was not "justifiable." The distributors "should rather be guided by the sound principle of law enun- ciated again by the court in the Wind- sor-Walbrook case that distributors are within their rights to select their customers if they are guided by 'ordi- nary business motives,' " said Levy. The TOA attorney, reminding the meeting of TOA's efforts looking to- ward the establishment of a system of arbitration, said he was pleased to learn that Allied voted recently to explore the subject. Switch from 'Good' to 'Greater' Showmanship Cited by Bamberger Oklahoma City, March 27. — The convention here of the Theatre Own- ers of Oklahoma was reminded today in an address by Leon J. Bamberger, RKO Pictures sales promotion mana- ger, that exhibitors who last year worked harder to sell their shows and theatres were able to surmount com- petition from other forms of enter- tainment. "A large number of theatre owners," he said, "concluded that the competi- tion they were facing from numerous other amusements made it imperative to turn on the heat and switch from good showmanship to greater show- manship." WB's Harte Promoted Albany, N. Y., March 27.— Karl Harte has been promoted from head booker to salesman for Warner Brothers in the Albany exchange dis- trict. He replaces Herb Gaines, trans- ferred to Buafflo. Scores Book (Continued from page 1) pected to have the feature on from 40 to 50 screens today and with other key city exchanges ordering from 20 to 30 prints each. With the labora- tory here working around the clock, Peter Levathes, 20th-Fox short sub- ject sales manager, declined to pre- dict how many prints would eventu- ally be made. He saw 500 as a mini- mum, with a higher figure possible if public interest in the hearings, now- transferred to Washington, continues. Levathes said rental terms on the feature are being negotiated for each booking. Kefauver Witnesses Challenge Newsreel, TV, Radio Coverage Washington, March 27. — A chal- lenge to the right of newsreel cam- eras to take photographs at Congres- sional hearings was included in the protests against radio and television apparatus made by Monday night's witnesses before the Senate Crime Investigating Committee. Last night Cleveland gamblers Lou Rothkopf and Morris Kleinman re- fused to testify before the committee so long as the television, radio and newsreel equipment was present. They said the equipment violated their in- dividual privacy and invaded their constitutional rights. Most daily pa- pers played up the refusal to be tele- vised, omitting the fact that radio and newsreel rights were also at issue. Meanwhile, Senator Wiley, a mem- ber of the crime committee, introduced a resolution to have the Senate Rules Committee make a thorough study of the problems "which have arisen or which might arise in connection with past or proposed televising, or motion picture or other photographing" of proceedings before Congressional com- mittees. 'Laughs, Drama' (Continued from page 1) the Senate sub-group, opens the Mov- ietone News film with a brief and ef- fective description of the hearings' purpose. One of them is to "bring- to the public information" concerning the operations of organized crime and its links with politics — and in this the theatres which show the feature will be playing an important part. At the end of the film Kefauver urges the theatre audiences to take steps against organized crime in their own cities. From the total footage shot, said to have exceeded 100,000 feet, Louis Te- tunic has skillfully compressed the highlights into 52 minutes. Dan Doh- erty's script, narrated by Joe King, provides the commentary needed to draw the questions and answers into a cohesive whole. Star billing goes to the witnesses — Frank Costello, Ambassador William O'Dwyer, Miss Hill and others — but top performances are given by the in- vestigators. Kefauver is calm ; Sen. Charles Tobey philosophizes on the meanings of patriotism and citizenship (and clashes bitterly with O'Dwyer on his own campaign contributions) and chief counsel Rudolph Halley pur- sues his implacable questioning. Against them is shown the — eva- sive answers of the alleged under- world chiefs, the explosive replies of O'Dwyer and former Commissioner James J. Moran and the whole parade of witnesses, some reluctant, some Theatre Building Appeals Heavy Washington, March 27.— National Production Authori- ty is getting a seasonally high volume of appeals to build new theatres, NPA of- ficials said. Drive-in appeals continue especially heavy, it was said. Out of 100 appeals now pend- ing to build all types of amusement structures, 18 are for new drive-ins and 15 are for new indoor theatres or to remodel such theatres. Of- ficials said there has been no change in the standards for approving appeals. Color Video Case Under Advisement Washington, March 27. — The Su- preme Court today took under advise- ment the so-called color television case. The Court finished hearing four hours of argument on RCA's appeal from a Chicago three-judge court de- cision which upheld the Federal Com- munications Commission order approv- ing CBS color. The Court will have to hand down its decision before it quits in June, but may actually hand it down much sooner — possibly by mid- April. Nominating Group For ATS Named David Hale Halpern, president of the American Television Society, has announced the nominating committee for officers and directors for the 1951- 52 year. They are : Halsey V. Barrett, Du- mont Television Network, chairman ; Will Baltin, Screen Gems ; Norman Livingstone, W OR-TV ; George Shup- ert, Paramount Film Productions ; M. Charles Rohrabaugh, Rohrabaugh Reports ; Warren Caro, Theatre Guild ; Don McClure, McCann-Erick- son. Elections will be held in May. Ohio Drive-in Group Combats Tax Bill Columbus, O., March 27. — The taxation committee of the Ohio Drive- in Theatres Association appeared be- fore the House Taxation Committee at a hearing today as part of its "aggressive" campaign against enact- ment of the proposed township trus- tees' admissions tax levy and the pro- posal to reinstate the state three per cent admission tax. Members of the association's taxa- tion committee are : Mrs. Ethel Miles, Columbus ; Jack Armstrong, Bowling Green ; and Horace Shock, Lima. willing. The whole Edmund Reek production is charged with excitement and tension made vivid by the immedi- acy of the newsreel format. The last hearing scene is in Wash- ington, with Jacob (Greasy Thumb) Guzik steadfastly refusing to answer a single query. He is a little, gray- ing man, his eyes shielded by dark glasses. The committee orders him remanded to the custody of the Sen- ate sergeant-at-arms and the final scene, with Guzik looking up at the man who is to put him away, has the classic Hollywood touch of just retri- bution. V. O'B. Coming Events March 28 — United Jewish Appeal executive committee of the amuse- ment division meeting, Hotel As- tor, New York. March 28 — Cinema Stamp Collect- ors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. March 28-29— Warner Brothers dis- trict managers meeting, home of- fice. March 29 — Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 23rd annual presentation of awards, RKO Pantages Theatre, Holly- wood. April 4-6 — Theatre Owners of America board of directors meet- ing, Hotel Mayflower, Washing- ton. April 5-6 — National Board of Re- view of Motion Pictures annual conference, Hotel McAlpin, New York. April 10 — Industry dinner honoring Richard Walsh, IATSE presi- dent, 21 Club, New York. April 10-11 — Allied-Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa-Nebras- ka annual convention, Savery Ho- tel, Des Moines. April 11 — Cinema Stamp Collectors meeting, Hotel Astor, New York. April 17-18— Motion Picture Op- erators of the South annual meet- ing, Henry Grady Hotel, Atlanta. April 19 — Joint Defense Appeal of Greater New York, amusement division, industn'-wide luncheon, Hotel Astor, New York. Kodak Anticipates Sales Rise in 1951 Eastman Kodak expects rising sales, production, and employment in 1951 ; but because of higher taxes and costs, net earnings will probably be consid- erably lower in relation to sales. Perley S. Wilcox, board chairman, and Thomas J. Hargrave, president, give this outlook in the Kodak an- nual report now being released to stockholders. Kodak's net sales for 1950, as re- ported earlier, were $461,389,980. Con- solidated net earnings were $61,858,957. In the United States the company employed 46,400 persons at the year- end compared to 42,300 in 1949 and 49,000 in 1948, it was reported. EK production departments accounted for most of the increase. The number of people in the Rochester establishments rose about 10 percent — from 28,700 at the end of 1949 to 31,700 as 1950 closed. General Precision Profit Increases Net profit of General Precision Equipment Corp. for 1950 amounted to $871,899, after Federal income taxes of $720,000, compared with $456,485 after Federal taxes of $250,000 for 1949. This is equivalent to $1.45 per share in 1950, compared with 76 cents per share in 1949. Including a special credit item of $269,199 for adjustment to capital assets, the total profit for 1950 amounted to $1,141,098, or $1.90 per share. Sales for the year were $27,072,360 compared with $26,711,926 for the year 1949. 18 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 28, 1951 MPAA Tightens Code (Continued from page 1) MPAA Committees Set for 1951-52 Additional Metal Cuts Made by US Washington, March 27.— The government today in- creased the amount of alumi- num which producers must set aside for defense needs and took over complete allo- cation of molybdenum. Effective April 1, the Na- tional Production Authority said, producers and fabrica- tors of aluminum must set aside 15 per cent more alu- minum than they now are required, and distributors and jobbers must set aside 20 per cent more. The alloca- tion of molybdenum will start May 1, and will apply to anyone wishing to buy more than 200 pounds. Raw Stock Licenses Being Issued Freely Washington, March 27. — Exports of negative raw stock are being freely licensed to all destinations abroad ex- cept Honkong, U. S. Commerce De- partment officials said here today. They stated this proved their origi- nal contention that the recent order requiring licenses for these shipments was not designed to cut down exports but merely to allow the Federal Gov- ernment to keep an eye on how much is going where. Commerce officials said that as of the present they know of no plans on positive raw stock. O'Hara MPA V-P (Continued from page 1) vice-presidents ; Fred W. DuVall, treasurer ; Sidney Schreiber, secretary, and Stanley W eber, assistant . treas- urer. Among those attending yesterday's meeting, at which O'Hara presided, were : Barney Balaban, Theodore Black, William Clark, Earle Ham- mons, Austin Keough, W. C. Michel, Edward Morey, J. J. O'Connor, J. Robert Rubin, Abe Schneider and Sam Schneider, Breen, McCarthy, DuVall and Schreiber. drug traffic must never be presented." In September, 1946, the MPA board adopted an amendment which stated : "The illegal drug traffic must not be portrayed in such a way as to stimu- late curiosity concerning the use of, or traffic in, such drugs ; nor shall scenes be approved which show the use of illegal drugs, or their effects, in detail." The amendment opening the Code to the production of narcotics films was adopted at the behest of Colum- bia Pictures which produced "To the Ends of the Earth," a film extolling the work of the Federal Narcotics Bu- reau. As such it had the support of H. J. Anslinger, Federal Narcotics Commissioner. The Code amendment made possible several other produc- tions dealing with narcotics subjects, as Motion Picture Daily and Motion Picture Herald predicted it would in editorially criticizing the 1946 amendment. With drug traffic and drug addic- tion, particularly among the young, now recognized as one of the nation's most dangerous problems, Anslinger reportedly asked that the amendment he had previously supported be re- pealed. In an interview with Motion Picture Daily several years ago he expressed the fear that "half-baked producers" would take advantage of the Code amendment and related an instance of a dope film having been exhibited in Minneapolis which de- picted a marijuana party. Youngsters Hit Code Changes (Continued from page 1) the MPAA board's 1946 action, re- minded editorially : "Experts on the subject of drugs have counseled the industry that the visual power of the screen to suggest to the susceptible and the adventuresome is so great that any treatment of the subject, under any excuse or pretense, is dangerous in the extreme.". . . "The amendment constitutes a grave mistake." The MPAA action in 1946 brought this editorial comment in Motion Pic- ture Herald : "There is no immediate who saw it, he said, immediately went out on a hunt for marijuana for a party of their own. The Code regulation pertain- ing to suicide which reads: "Suicide, as a solution to prob- lems occurring in the develop- ment of screen drama, is to be discouraged as morally ques- tionable and as bad theatre — unless absolutely necessary for the development of the plot," was strengthened by adding "It should never be justified or glorified, or used to defeat the due procceses of law." The regulation which provides : "There must be no scene at any time showing law-enforcing officers dying at the hands of criminals" was sup- plemented by the clause, "unless such scenes are absolutely necessary to the development of the plot." To the subjects proscribed in the Production Code as being improper for commercial screen dramatization, the MPA board added those dealing with abortion. While subjects on abortion have never in effect been approved by the Production Code administra- tor, no specific reference to films of that character had been contained in the Code previously. The amended regulation now reads : "Abortion, sex hygiene and venereal diseases are not proper subjects for theatrical motion pictures." evidence of an artistic necessity or public demand for an excursion into the deliriums of drug addiction by the screen. The motion picture for more than a decade has been enjoying an extraordinary prosperity under self- imposed regulations of decency, in- cluding the anti-narcotics provision. It has no excuse of the desperations and hunger which drove it to give- aways, lotteries, double bill abuses and experiments in the Mae West cate- gory of appeal." In the issue of the Herald contain- ing that editorial were published 10 letters from prominent exhibitors and exhibitor leaders sharply criticizing the Code amendment "which opens the door to themes dealing with nar- cotics and illegal drug traffic." A. H. Blank, president of Tri-States The- atre Corp., termed the Code change "an indictment of our industry." Sim- ilar objection was recorded by J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of Famous Players Canadian Corp. ; E. C. Rho- den, president of Fox Midwest ; Abram F. Myers, board chairman and general counsel of Allied States As- sociation ; Jack Kirsch, then Allied president; Harry C. Arthur, Jr., pres- ident of Fanchon & Marco ; Mack Jackson, president of Southeastern Theatre Owners Association, and others. 'Tribune' Host to AMP A The New York Herald Tribune was host yesterday to members of the Associated Motion Picture Advertisers at a reception and tour of the news- paper plant. 'Yank' Opens Saturday "A Yank in Korea," Columbia, will have its New York premiere at the Globe Theatre on Saturday. Appointments to Motion Picture As- : ( sociation of America standing commit- ] tees made at yesterday's annual MPPA board meeting here included j the following to the executive com- mittee ; Barney Balaban, Paramount ; Nate J. Blumberg, Universal ; Steve Broidy, Allied Artists ; Jack Cohn, Columbia; Ned E. Depinet, RKO ; ( Nicholas M. Schenck, Loew's ; Sam- ^ uel Schneider, Warner Brothers ; Spy- i ros P. Skouras, 20th Century-Fox ; Herbert J. Yates, Republic. Named chairmen to other commit- tees were F. W. DuVall, finance ; 1 Cohn, membership ; Blumberg, public ' relations ; S. Barret McCormick, ad- vertising and publicity directors and the Advertising Advisory Council ; Morris Ebenstein, copyright law ; Depinet, exhibitor and community re- lations ; Roger C. Clement, foreign legal advisory ; Austin C. Keough, law ; John G. McCarthy, international division ; Ben Kalmenson, national distributors ; Edmund Reek, newsreel ; Paul Raibourn, research; John J. O'Connor, solicitations; Albert S. Howson, titles ; Leopold Friedman and Ralph Cohn, television. Stevens-Para, to Part Hollywood, March 27. — Paramount tonight announced the termination of George Stevens' producer - director contract, by mutual agreement, effec- tive on the completion of his forth- coming production, "Shane." Stevens was among the producers and execu- tives who went to Paramount when the studio absorbed Liberty Produc- tions. as due chiefly to legal fees and costs. Some $9,022,390 was distributed to Ascap members during 1950. Dur- ing 1949 the total distribution was $8,056,011. Yesterday's business session and the banquet which followed at the same I hotel in the evening were presided over by Otto Harbach, Ascap presi- dent. It was noted by Saul Bourne, | chairman of the Society's executive > committee, in his business meeting ad- jj dress that negotiations between Ascap and Hollywood producers looking to a settlement of fees for use of music in films "are progressing." Total active membership in Ascap k was reported yesterday as 2,653. Non- participating members number 141. Court Orders (Continued from page 1) compromise, holding that nothing in J the RKO consent decree provided that he must do more than trustee the stock. Whether Hughes will appeal or 5 not is not known, as Slack was not jj present when the order, signed by Federal Judges Hand, Goddard and Coxe, was handed down yesterday, j as he was ill with influenza. Other j Hughes' spokesmen were not available j here last night. 20th-Fox deadline is April 3. Stipula- tions will probably be presented to the court during the next week extend- ing both deadlines. SHERIFF'S SALE BY VIRTUE OF AN EXECUTION issued out of the City Court, New York County, in favor of H. E. R. LABORATORIES, INC. against STRACKER FILM PRODUCTIONS, INC. to me directed, I will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION for CASH ONLY, DAVID STRAUSS & CO., auctioneer, THURS., MARCH 29, 10:30 A.M., AT 203 W. 146 (BONDED FILM STORAGE CO.), N.Y. C, all the right, title and interest as provided by law STRACKER FILM PRODUCTIONS, INC. had on the 8th day of March, 1951 and/or at any time thereafter in and to the following property: Motion Pict. Sound Films MEXICO, track neg. ch. 1, 2 & 3 (2 reels ea.), main & end titles, 1 can ea.; pict. neg. ch. 1, 2 & 3 (2 reels ea.), main & end tit., 1 can ea. ; 2 prints — 2 reels each; LOST GODS, track & pict. negs., Fr., 5 reels ea. ; 5 reels positive (Fr. vers.); LOST GODS, track neg. — reel 2 and 3 ea. on 2 — 7 reels; pict. neg. — reel 3 on 2 — 6 reels; main & end tit— 2 cans ea. ; BLIZZARD ON THE EQUATOR, track & pict. negs., 3 reels ea.; 3 reels dupe negative; WILD MEN OF KALAHARI, track neg. — 5 reels, main & end tit., 1 can ea.; CULTURE OF THE PAST, track & pict. negs., 1 reel ea. ; main & end tit., 2 cans ea. ; ANIMAL CAMOUFLAGE, pict. neg. — 2 reels; main & end tit., 2 cans ea.; ALASKAN SYMPHONY, 2 main & end tit.— 1 can ea.; BREAK UP, track & pict. negs., reel #1 on 2, 6 reels each; ENGINEER BEAVER, track & pict. negs.; 1 reel ea., main & end tit., 2 cans ea. ; MONKEY FACES, track & pict. negs., 1 can ea., main & end tit., 2 cans ea. ; HELL BELOW ZERO, 3 reels lavender pos.; MANCHURIA, 2 reels pos.; UNDERSEA LIFE, 1 reel pos.; TIME FORGOTTEN VILLAGE, 1 reel pos.; ANIMAL WORLD, 1 reel pos.; BIRD ISLAND OF VERCI, 2 reels pos.; BOTTOM OF THE WORLD, 4 reels pos.; HUNGARIAN CROWN, 2 reels pic. neg.; 1 double tin track cuts & SZMERE EN — 3 rolls. JOHN J. McCLOSKEY, CITY SHERIFF; H. WILLIAM KEHL, Under Sheriff; HOWARD J. WALSH, Deputy Sheriff. Ascap 1950 Report (Continued from page 1) 20th-Fox Decree (Continued from page 1) Wednesday, March 28, 1951 Motion Picture Daily 19 Major Studios, 4IA' To Meet Tomorrow Hollywood, March 27. — Represen- tatives of IATSE studio locals will meet Thursday afternoon with major studio labor officials to seek the privi- lege of individual option on acceptance of the ten cent hourly wage increase offered a month ago by majors on a so-called "all-or-none basis." Original conferences on a wage in- crease bogged down when the locals failed to achieve unanimity with re- spect to studios' stipulation that the contract reopening date be postponed two years beyond next October if the proffered increase is accepted now. Urges Support of 'Will Rogers Drive' Albany, N. Y., March 27. — Urging industry-wide support of the five-year drive to raise $5,000,000 for the Will Rogers Hospital, at Saranac Lake, Nicholas John Matsoukas, campaign director, last night told the Variety Club here he hoped the $65,000 col- lected in the Christmas Scroll Salute would be "doubled or tripled." Saul J. Ullman, upstate general manager of Fabian Theatres, was elected permanent exhibitor chairman for the district ; Charles L. Dortic, Columbia manager, distributor chair- man. 'Tide' at Children's Fete "The Magnetic Tide," filmed in Is- rael by Mrs. Murray Silverstone, will be previewed as a feature of the first annual dinner of the Greater New York division of Children to Pales- tine to be held at the Astor Hotel here on April 4. Representing the motion picture in- dustry at the dinner will be Mary Pickford and Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox. Ohio ITO Breakfast Columbus, March 27. — The Inde- pendent Theatre Owners of Ohio will hold a biennial legislative breakfast tomorrow morning at Frecker's. ! 1 TWA = TWA TWA = TWA Effective April 6, TWA offers -weeper fem'ce ||| \ The only all-sleeper flights overnight to LONDON and PARIS non -stop from New York • For information, see your travel agent or call TWA Business Is Bright On the West Coast Hollywood, March 27.— First-run business here re- sponded sharply to the Easter influence, with "Royal Wed- ding" running about 20 per cent over average at the Egyptian and Loew's State, and "Lullaby of Broadway" doing likewise at three War- ner showcases. "The Bird of Paradise," opening in five FWC houses, was beating the recent average comfortably as the post-Easter Week got rolling. Services Tomorrow For John Truitt Kansas City, Mo., March 27. — Funeral services will be held here Thursday at the McGilley Funeral Home for John F. Truitt, 68, mana- ger since 1935 of the Electric Theatre, Kansas City, Kan. He died Monday at his home. Starting as an usher, Truitt later became a theatre operator and then went to Los Angeles where he was an assistant producer. In 1928 he re- turned to Kansas City to lease and manage theatres. He is survived by the widow. Benjamin Blotchy, Paramount Manager Benjamin R. Blotcky, Paramount's Minneapolis branch manager, died suddenly on Monday at the age of 58, the home office reported here yester- day. Surviving are the widow, Frances, a son, Robert, and a daugh- ter, Geraldine. A member of the Paramount organ- ization for 29 years, Blotcky joined the companv in 1922 as a salesman at Minneapolis. James H. Kaylor, 36 Indianapolis, March 27. — James H. Kaylor, 36, Republic film salesman here, died in Reid Memorial Hospital, Richmond, of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Surviving is the widow, Mrs. Ruth E. Kaylor, who is with Affiliated Theatres. Leo Devaney (Continued from page 1) The funeral will be held in Toronto on Friday. Devaney during his long career served in publicity, theatres and dis- tribution, starting with Shea Theatres of Buffalo and Toronto in 1912. Later he was with Fox Films and Universal in sales as branch and district mana- ger. In 1928 he was brought into New York as assistant Eastern divi- sion sales manager for Universal un- der Lou Metzger, general manager. In 1929 he became general manager in charge of RKO Theatres in Canada, which was affiliated with Famous Players, and in 1932 he was trans- ferred to the post of distribution mana- ger. Devaney is survived by Mary Camp- bell Devaney, his widow ; Mrs. Kath- arine Devaney, Toronto, his mother ; a son, Murry L. Devaney, RKO Pic- tures branch manager at Detroit ; a son, John F., of Cleveland ; a daughter, Margaret (Mrs. Leo Gosset) of To- ronto ; two brothers Harold and Al- bert of Toronto, and three sisters. Goldstein to Open Mono. Meet Here Morey Goldstein, Monogram gen- eral sales manager, will preside at an Eastern regional sales meeting to be held at the Warwick Hotel, New York, April 6-7. Monogram president Steve Broidy and vice-president Har- old J. Mirisch will arrive in New York April 2 from Hollywood and will address the meeting on the morn- ing of April 7. The home office will be represented by Edward Morey, Lloyd Lind, John J. Dervin, L. E. Goldhammer, Nate Furst and Manny Goodman. Western sales manager Harold Wirthwein and Southern sales manager James Pri- chard are due in on April 4 for pre- meeting conferences with Goldstein. Highlight of the meeting will be a discussion of the sales and merchan- dising plans for the new Allied Art- ists picture, "I Was an American Spy." The general discussion will cen- ter upon current sales and liquidation. Name Flinn (Continued from page 1) assistant to Flinn, and will also con- tinue to function as advertising man- ager as in the past. Robert J. Rhodes, a member of the publicity staff for four years, will take over the public- ity manager position vacated by Flinn. Flinn joined Lifton as his assistant and publicity manager five years ago, being chosen by Lifton from a large number of applicants on the basis of his outstanding record with Warner Brothers. Flinn's previous experience included three years in David O. Selz- nick's organization. The goodwill of the press earned during these years quickly rebounded to Monograms' benefit when Flinn joined the com- pany and Lifton promptly gave tacit indication of his appreciation by link- ing Flinn's name with his own in signatures on all press communica- tions. Flinn is the son of the late John C. Flinn, pioneer motion picture publi- cist, corporation executive, and trade and magazine writer, who died in 1946 while serving as executive secretary of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers. He was educated at UCLA and is a World War Two veteran. Name Lessing U. S. Delagate to UNESCO Hollywood, March 27. — Edward W. Barrett, assistant secretary of state for public affairs, today notified Gunther Lessing, chairman of the So- ciety of Independent Motion Picture Producers board of directors and vice- president and general counsel of Walt Disney Productions, that he has been appointed to the U. S. national com- mission for UNESCO. Lessing will attend the commission's fifth annual meeting in Washington in May. Five More Raise Prices Cleveland, March 27. — Five deluxe first-run neighborhood houses have boosted prices five cents, to 55 cents. They are the Colony, Vogue, Fair- mount, Mayland and Richmond. The Shaker will go to 55 cents next week. Cleveland, March 27. — The Her- bert Ochs-operated drive-in theatres, all located in Canada, are raising ad- missions right across the board from last season's 50 cents to 60. RKO RADIO PICTURES Inc. TRADE SHOWINGS of Winchester Pictures Corp. Presentation of HOWARD HAWKS' THE THING from Another World" ALBANY Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 1052 Broadway ATLANTA RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 195 Luckie St. N.W. BOSTON RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 122-28 Arlington St. BUFFALO Mo. Pic. Oper. Scr. Rm. 498 Pearl St. Tues. 4/3 CHARLOTTE Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 308 S. Church St. CHICAGO RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 1300 S. Wabash Ave. CINCINNATI RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 12 East 6th St. CLEVELAND Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 2219 Payne Ave. DALLAS Paramount Scr. Rm. 412 S. Harwood St. Tues. 4/3 DENVER Paramount Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 Rm. Kn Tues. 4/3 .m. Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 Tues 4/3 Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 2100 Stout St. DES MOINES Paramount Scr. 1125 High St. DETROIT Bumenthals Scr. 2310 Cass Ave. INDIANAPOLIS Fox Scr. Rm. 326 N. Illinois St. KANSAS CITY Paramount Scr. Rm. 1800 Wyandotte St. Tues. 4/3 LOS ANGELES RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 1980 S. Vermont Ave. MEMPHIS Fox Scr. Rm. 151 Vance Ave. MILWAUKEE Warner Scr. Rm. 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. MINNEAPOLIS Fox Scr. Rm. 1015 Currie Ave. NEW HAVEN Fox Scr. Rm. 40 Whiting St. NEW ORLEANS Fox Scr. Rm. 200 S. Liberty St. NEW YORK RKO Scr. Rm. 1270 Sixth Ave. Preview Rm. B — 7th fl. OKLAHOMA Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 10 North Lee St. OMAHA Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 1502 Davenport St. PHILADELPHIA RKO Scr. Rm. 250 N. 13th St. PITTSBURGH RKO Scr. Rm. 1809-13 Blvd. of Allies PORTLAND Star Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 925 N.W. 19th Ave. ST. LOUIS RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 3143 Oive St. SALT LAKE CITY Fox Scr. Rm. Tues. 216 East 1st St. South SAN FRANCISCO RKO Scr. Rm. Tues. 4/3 251 Hyde St. SEATTLE Jewel Box Scr, 2318 2nd Ave. SIOUX FALLS Hollywood Thea. 212 N. Philips Ave. Tues. 4/3 10:00 A.M WASHINGTON Film Center Scr. Rm. 932 New Jersey Ave. Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 Tues. 4/3 . 4/3 8:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 2 :30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 1 :00 P.M. 2 :30 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 2:00 P.M. 2 :00 P.M. 2 :00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 2:30 P.M. 10 :30 A.M. 1:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2 :30 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. Rm. Tues. 4/3 2:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. Left, the Bast man 16mm. Projec- tor, Model 25, brings 16mm. pro- jection to the professional level. Shown here, adapted for arc illu- mination, permanently installed alongside 35mm. equipment. Below, working parts of the film move- ment mechanism are in constant view of the operator . . . readily accessible for threading and cleaning. The Eastman 16mm. Projector, J§HhHHI Model 25, adapted / JJi * ■' . • ■ I i i L