The Independent Film Journal (1944)

^ ms ass DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY Vol. 13, No. 1 LIEUT. LIONEL TOLL, EDITOR (On leave to the Army) R. W. Baremore, Associate Editor Herman Schleier, Business Manager January 8, 1944 ( Continued from cover ) ment seeking people of their only means of enjoyment and recreation. That is why we say; explain all this to your patrons, tell them it will mean double the amount of tax they now pay and suggest they write their Congressman. Set up a table in the lobby, with a girl attendant if possible, have plenty of pencils on hand and a supply of post cards addressed to your Congressman with the reverse side reading: I am opposed to the proposed increase in the Federal Admissions Tax on Theatre Tickets, as well as to any Type of Sales Tax. Name Street .... — City State Of course you’ll pay the postage. Above the table have a well lettered card reading: “If you don’t want your admission tax raised fill in one of these cards. We’ll mail it for you.” As a matter of record The Independent had a comprehensive, nationwide plan worked out and all ready to set in motion whereby Congress would have been deluged with protests on this discriminatory tax. Yes, this publication had spent money and was ready and willing to spend much more to bring this plan to a successful conclusion. Owing to elements over which we have no control it was necessary to discard most of the plan. This was most unfortunate. Had the plan been carried to a successful conclusion it undoubtedly would have had great influence in Washington. But that doesn’t stop independent theatre owners or their patrons from making such protests and if enough of them are made it cannot but have considerable influence when the proposal is up for debate. So let’s go to it with boundless energy. Every exhibitor who takes an active part in this campaign is not only helping himself but brother exhibitors as well. Do your full share. And if there is any additional data you need write, wire or phone The Independent and you’ll get it pronto. Congratulations, Ray Almost thirty years ago to the day, W. Ray Johnston began his career in the motion picture business. He’s been going great guns ever since and has built up a reputation as a square shooter and gentleman that both he and this business of ours may well be proud of. In his early days Ray was a reporter, a training that has stood him in good stead throughout the years. His initial connection with the films was in the production of “The Million Dollar Mystery” and much later, in 1924, he organized and became president of Rayart Pictures. Now he is President of Monogram Pictures an organization that is turning out most commendable product and giving the exhibitor a fair deal. We almost forgot to mention the most important sequence in Ray’s life. Once upon a time he was an actor! Honest. With Thanhouser in the old silent days. Ray has a print to prove it. He retitles it every once in a while. Latest is, “Passions Slave.” It’s shown at all Monogram conventions. It is only fitting that the industry congratulate W. Ray Johnston at this time and we do so most sincerely. ★ ★ ★ Thank you, Mr. Rodgers In a letter sent to trade paper editors this week William F. Rodgers, MGM’s distribution head, had the following to say: “The occasion of my retiring as chairman of distribution of the War Activities Committee of the motion picture industry affords me this opportunity of saying thanks for the many cooperations the trade press has given in the carrying on of this work. “The improvement in the distribution of war films, a record of which the industry may well be proud, the showings of war bond premieres, and the various drives would not have been possible had it not been for the fulsomeness of the cooperation and the desired publicity and intelligent reporting of these activities. “A continuance of such cooperation on the part of all elements of the industry, and particularly on the part of the trade press will mean much to the motion picture’s war effort.” .. THE INDEPENDENT. Editorial Offices: Hotel Astor, Times Square, New York. Telephone, Circle 6-6460. Holly wood Bureau: Shelly Ford, 3457 Greenfield Avenue [Palm Station], Los Angeles, Telephone, Ardmore 8-9319; Washington, D. C. Bureau: Will Sheridan, 841 Longfellow St.; Chicago Bureau: Stanley S. Jacobs, 100 No. La Salle St.