Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

Realistic Pictures Click, Says Hays r New York — “The increasing number of pictures produced by the industry which treat honestly and dramatically many current themes proves that there is nothing incompatible between the best interests of the boxoffice and the kind of entertainment that raises the level of audience appreciation, whatever the subject is,” states Will H. Hays in an abstract of his annual report. He sees public acceptance of pictures of “distinctive artistic, social and cultural value as well as entertainment appeal as greatly enlarging the opportunities of the screen.” And, further: “It is not so long ago that thrilling action for its own sake was considered a satisfying ‘movie;’ that the custard pie was the symbol of hilarity and amusement on the screen; that the chase was surefire entertainment technique; that boymeets-girl supplied all the drama that a motion picture audience apparently demanded ... It was inevitable that the scope of screen entertainment would be greatly enlarged with improved dramatic technique and higher standards of appreciation to a point where the screen would become more and more socially and educationally important. Actual experience has proven that artistry can treat on the screen any subject within the boundaries of good taste and sound morals under the motion picture production code.” Summarizing the impact of public opinion on films as reflected by responsible group leadership, Hays raises these points, among others: “For the proper emphasis on our own screens of the theme of Americanism ‘by pictures that present the strongest measure of hope in their portrayal of stories of success attained through initiative, through perseverance and sacrifice and through the triumph of man’s spirit over material obstacles.’ “For pictures treated with realism from life, of the problems of the average man (Continued on page 22) Major Attorney Praises Myers' Work on Pact New York — Praise for the work Abram F. Myers, Allied general counsel, has done on the trade practice draft is expressed by an attorney for one of the major companies who does not wish to be quoted. This lawyer has had a lot to do with the draft and says “Myers has been a great help and did a swell job.” The Distributors’ Drafting Committee comprised Tyree Dillard jr., of M-G-M; Felix Jenkins of 20th Century-Fox, and H. I. Levinson of Warners. At the meetings held at the Astor early this week to finalize the draft with parts of Myers’ suggestions, two members of the original drafting committee were unable to attend. Dillard was recuperating at his home in North Carolina from a recent breakdown, while Jenkins attended a directors’ meeting Tuesday afternoon and left that night for Chicago to attend the company’s annual sales convention. Allied Convention Delayed a Day New York — Confirming Boxoffice’s report of the attitude of a number of board members on the national convention dates, A1 Steffes, in charge of Allied’s pow wow, has changed the dates to June 13-15, instead of June 12-14, at the Nicollet Hotel, Minneapolis. Boxoffice on March 18 stated several board members could not leave their respective cities on Saturday, but it would be more convenient to depart Sunday. The suggestion has been taken up by Steffes and the convention date moved back a day, indicating a large attendance for the three-day sessions. Johnston. Dunlap Reject Pact Option Proposal New York — Options to extend the contracts of W. Ray Johnston, president of Monogram, and Scott R. Dunlap, vicepresident in charge of production, with an additional provision for increases in salary to $1,000 a week starting March 1, 1940, have been rejected fay the two executives, it is learned. Johnston and Dunlap turned down the offers at a recent stockholders’ meeting when it was planned to liquidate the outstanding stock options at the rate of one for five, but the liquidation plan was withdrawn, and with it the proposal to give further call on the two top executives’ services beyond the current contracts which expire April 30, next year. Republic-Hays Tie For One Film New York — At the request ol the MPPDA, ol which it is not a member. Republic has prepared for the first time a "Group Discussion Guide” devoted to photoplay appreciation among school children. The guide deals with the career of Sam Houston as he is pictured in "Man of Conquest." Selznick-UA Deal Up to 8 Pictures Hollywood — David O. Selznick’s new releasing deal with UA is reported to run up to eight pictures, starting with “Intermezzo.” The distributor expects to have three from this producer for its 1939-40 program, indicating the whole series will take two years or more before it is completed. Consummation, of course, eliminates from the ranks any chance that Selznick will swing to RKO, as has been reported from time to time since George J. Schaefer became president of that organization. Selznick holds a high regard for Schaefer as a distributor. Following “Intermezzo” will come “Rebecca” which Alfred Hitchcock will direct. Other likely properties heading for ultimate UA release include “Flashing Stream,” “Titanic,” “Ordeal” and “Freedom of the Press.” Sol Lesser has also closed with UA to deliver three a year, and perhaps more. Ernst Lubitsch will produce them and Louis Lurie, San Francisco capitalist, is prominent in the financing syndicate. Latest producer to join the company is David L. Loew who has signed a longterm arrangement under which he will deliver two the first year. He will make them on the Selznick-International lot. Edward Small is planning six for the program for the new season. These are expected to be “My Son, My Son,” “South of Pago Pago,” “Food for the Gods,” “The Life of Rudolph Valentino,” “Two Years Before the Mast” and “Quantrille, the Raider.” Lynn Farnol, director of advertising and publicity, is back in New York following a short visit here. Murray Silverstone, ranking executive of the distributing company, trailed him east by a few days. The Lubitsch deal will run five years, but will not become effective until the beginning of the year when the director will have completed a two-picture commitment for M-G-M. Sol Lesser’s contract becomes effective Sept. 1. 20 BOXOFFICE :: April 1, 1939