The Film Daily (1948)

rr Wte Friday, March 12, 194? U.K. 75% Tax Killed; Films Back lo England (Continued from Page 6) It was anybody's guess last night as to when the first new film shipments to Britain would start, but there was reason to believe that the companies were prepared to swing into action as soon as the formalities had been complied with. It was learned that Eagle Lion now has eight features in England in bond. Master prints were sent in with British labs, turning out prints required for the European market. It was assumed that the Eagle Lion octet would be among the first, probably the first, "new" pix to reach the British market. That there would be a scramble for prime British playing time by American distributors was expected as a matter of course. Preparations and procedure for imminent resumption of film shipments were the subject of many conferences held by the foreign departments of the major companies here yesterday. Officials were in serious huddles practically all day. When and how many films, accumulated since the boycott was imposed last August, would be shipped could not be ascertained. It is speculated that a stopgap supply of prints of films released by the various companies from August onward would be shipped as soon as the green light signal was flashed. Local maritime shipping agencies stated they had instructions not to divulge any information. It was indicated when stockpile product was en route or about to be shipped, originating companies would make an announcement to that effect. The Johnston-Wilson accord will be ratified this morning at a press conference at the Board of Trade. AGREEMENT COMMENTS (Conlinued from Page 1) resulted in a more equitable remittance arrangements, we are all happy that the cause of discord has been dissipated." • DAVID 0. SELZNICK: "Eric Johnston and James Mulvey have informed us that we are indebted to Ambassador Douglas who has performed an outstanding service for the motion picture industry, and everyone in it, fnm the grips on the Hollywood stages to rhe producers and theater owners. "The industry should never forget that the British have extended themselves at a time when they are fighting an economic struggle for their very existence. "It is my hope that the industry will demonstrate in the future, even more than in Iht past, its eagerness to show its appreciation, and its awareness of the importance to every American of the well-being of the British commonwealth of nations. It is obvious that the statement will redound to the benefit of not only the American film industry but also of British films; and this is as it should be, since Britain is entitled to a fair share of the playing time of the screens of America." • BARNEY BALABAN: "I am delighted that the impasse has been broken and that the British Government has recognized the validity of Mr. Johnston's argument that the J industry could not live under the tax as imposed. We have for some time recog j nized that England, our largest foreign customer, has an acute dollar problem. The industry at the present time faces the problem of high operating costs, aggravated by 4 9 decline in world film rentals. The effect of this has been to wipe out practically all its world-wide production and distribution profits. The compromise will cause a further reduction in the flow of dollars of somewhere between $20,000,000 and $30,000,000 annually. Since this new arrangement does not go into effect until June 14, the American producing and distributing industry has that time within which to effect further reductions in production and other operating costs. The period ahead is on: that will tax the ingenuity of everyone engaged in the production and distribution of motion pictures, the quality of which must be maintained and I believe will be. Now that the British tax difficulties have been settled and we can look forward to an income from our principal customer in the foreign market, we can all settle down to the job of getting our house in order." Highlights of the Anglo-American Pact 'Continued from Page 3) musical rights, radio, foi ■tnd, pro fin FHIL REISMAN: news." 'Very happy to read the SIR ALEXANDER KORDA: "Will be good for the British and good for Americans. I expect exhibitors will be particularly happy." • MICHAEL BALCON: "Wonderful solution." • TOM O'BRIEN: "Wilson and Johnston are to be congratulated. It is a victory for common sense. British production and exhibition industries are saved from inevitable shipwreck. I am now a happy man." • W. R. FULLER: "Very good settlement. Our Government has done very well indeed. Result will be received with greatest gratification by every exhibitor in the country." 1947 erling area fil ^j i; neial parti. , t ,,, and positive printi n. with BOT agreeing of raw stock for this advertising ibroad. without regard ihii-mI payments foi idio recordings on disc ■e. with Britain agreen from Exchange Con rum Hit Sorrell's Charges of Prejudice in Pix Strike payments for persona] services in area: for establishment or mainof pension funds for employes of nt or Associated companies: to incompanies in sterling area: in payBritish faxes by N. T. or Associated es: sterling urea advertising: payi sterling area agencies of American, reign publications for advertising, in as latter are permitted to aecepl payments for costumes, properties trht and shipping charges payable in rea : cable charges. layments to effect internal adjustong Agreement companies: payment Mortimer Says "It's Wonderful. Charlie Says "It's Great." REPUBLIC'S EflSTEfi SURPRISE (Continued from Page 1) South Dakota, and that he has an honorary membership card in IATSE given him 10 years ago by the IATSE local in Wichita. He represented Wichita in Congress at that time. But, he said he had so informed counsel for all the interested parties before the argument in the case, and that they had waived any objection. Houston said he was certain Abraham Isserman, counsel for CSU, had been present — or that Isserman was advised and given a chance to protest. As for the statement by CSU head Herb Sorrell that Houston had reversed his decision at the eleventh hour to permit strikers to vote in the board's election, Houston said there were important questions of law involved. He did not deny Sorrell's statement, but said he is anxious to study the record. Gerard Reilly, former NLRB member accused by Sorrell of being prejudiced toward the producer camp, was not in Washington for comment. Producer Counsel Maurice Benjamin wired the committee a denial of the Sorrell charge that he had reported to producers the case was fixed, and State Senator Jack Tenney of California urged the committee to cite Sorrell to a grand jury for perjury. Tenney said he wants to testify, apparently on Sorrell's alleged Communist membership, and Chairman Kearns said he may be heard at will. Carpenters' counsel Zach Lamar Cobb was on the stand yesterday, and Producer Counsel Burton Zorn will be heard today. IATSE Prexy Richard F. Walsh is slated for Tuesday. corporations, including dividends: acquisition of British films in doMar area: amounts due Piitish artists, producers, directors, technicians and others employed by N. Y. companies in any part of the world: acquisition, redemption or retirement of stocks, etc. of N. Y. Agreement or Associated companies held by British subjects. Also, payments to Associated companies as allowed under Permitted Uses: payments to indie American producers whose films are distributed by N. Y., Associated, or Agreement companies as permitted by the agreement: security, deposit or collateral payments for loans by N. Y.. Agreement or Associated companies, within sterling area. Also, payment to promote and encourage merchandise exports from the D. K. and sterling areas to dollar markets, under conditions approved by Treasury and BOT. Linet to Lecture Henry A. Linet Eastern advertisingmanager for Universal-Int'l, will be a guest lecturer at the American Theater Wing's Screen Seminar Wednesday evening. Linet's subject is "Motion Picture Advertising." SICK LIST GEORGE ARCHIBALD, managing director of Independent Producers, Ltd., one of the J. Arthur Rank production companies, is in the Doctors Hospital, New York, with virus pneumonia. His condition is reported favorable. Archibald was stricken in Philadelphia, where he had gone with Fred Meyers, Eastern division manager. Universal Film Exchanges, for distribution discussions. •IOGIJ pUg