Motion Picture Daily (Jul-Sep 1934)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY Friday, July 6, 1934 Church Drive Continues to Upset Nation (Continued from page 6) office, its argument is bound to be most effective. A study of audiences, however, is anything but reassuring, and it requires no prophet to foretell that any picture which is questioned will be a near sellout when shown." Simultaneously, Rev. Henry Hoesman, of the Hope Lutheran Church, issued a statement along practically similar lines, although directing his attack more against Will Hays. Agrees Striking at B.O. Is the Only Way Cincinnati, July 5. — "Archbishop McNicholas has rightly seen the futility of anything short of a militant organization of those who want reform," declared Rev. Carl H. Olson, pastor of the First Universalist Church here, in a talk to his congregation on "Our Movies and Our Morals." "The Legion of Decency threatens to strike at the only heart apparent in the motion picture business — the box office. "The splendid organization of the Roman Catholic Church makes this new movement more effective than any resolution or word of protest which any other group could make. Protestant and Jewish leaders and groups have praised the venture, but they should go farther." Washington Protestants Join Catholic Movement Washington, July 5. — Support of the Legion of Decency campaign swings into line from an unsuspected quarter with the Washington diocese of the Protestant Episcopal Church declaring it would join the Catholic movement actively. Ohio Christian Endeavor Meeting Approves Drive New Philadelphia, O., July 5. — For the first time in Ohio Christian Endeavor history an appeal made by a Protestant clergyman for support of a Catholic movement was endorsed and embodied in resolutions for cleaner films adopted at the closing session here of the State Christian Endeavor convention. Resolutions carried out sentiments Substitution Chicago, July 5. — Sally Rand, whose fan dance at the Fair last year, started what became a stage vogue that grew until it fanned both coasts, made a reappearance at her old stamping ground today substituting a bubble for a fan. Blue lights helped create the illusion Sally was dancing in the bubble, when as a matter of fact, she was nestling behind it. Fair officials regarded her as "essentially covered." Fan in 1933. Bubble, no fan, in 1934. Local speculation centers around what it will be if the Fair reopens next year. of Rev. Vere W. Abbey, Christian Endeavor missionary secretary for India, Burma and Ceylon. "Movies too rotten to be shown in Ohio are shipped to India," he said, "where natives pack the theatres to see what Christian America's women look like undressed." Presbyterian Confab Endorses Film Drive Oxford, O., July 5. — Protestantism joined religious sects that have joined Roman Catholics in their campaign for "clean" motion pictures here as the 76th general assembly of the United Presbyterian Church endorsed the move shortly before adjournment. Approval of the position by the Catholic Church through its "League of Decency" followed closely similar aation by the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, other denominational meetings last week in Wooster, the east and individual expressions from Jewish leaders. See NEA Swing to Crusade Against Films Washington, July 5 — The National Education Ass'n on Friday will vote on resolutions now pending before the resolutions committee of the organization, including one holding that motion pictures are one of the most important means of education and proposing that the NEA join with other organizations in demanding a high type of picture and in the movement to clean up the screen. The resolution condemns pictures which threaten the integrity of the American home and American institutions, glorify lawlessness and contribute to child delinquency. Block booking is held in the resolution to be largely responsible for the "unsavory character" of present film entertainment and is condemned without reserve. Gets Come-Back Chance Hollywood, July 5. — Clara Kimball Young, once a big name in pictures, has been signed to a one-picture deal with options by Sol Lesser and will play the role of Chandu's sister in the serial, "The Return of Chandu," foi Principal. (Continued from page 6) did not contemplate closing and that the boycott has not had any effect on the attendance here. There has been no boycott ordered in the Catholic diocese of Wilmington such as those issued in the archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Wilmington diocese is in the Baltimore archdiocese and consequently the boycott at Philadelphia does not affect the Catholics in this city and state. Western Series Sold Bud 'n' Ben Pictures Corp. has sold its series of 12 three-reel westerns to F. C. Pictures of Buffalo for Upper New York and to Metropolitan Pictures of Seattle for Washington, Oregon and Montana. Paramount Regional On; Last of Series With talks by George Schaefer, J. J. Unger and Milt Kusell highlighting the session, the last of Paramount's two-day regionals got under way yesterday at the Waldorf Astoria. Unger presided. Product and the flexible sales policy also were discussed in a review of the national sales meet which was held recently on the coast. Today's session will be devoted to individual district meetings with Unger slated to talk to salesmen, bookers, assistant bookers and branch heads from Boston, Portland and New Haven. Kusell will gather his men from Albany, Buffalo, New Jersey, New York and Brooklyn and talk to them. About 65 are in attendance. Frankwyn Co. Adds 2 More Stage Plays Two additional legitimate productions have been added to the Frankwyn schedule for the coming season, Harold B. Franklin said yesterday. They are "Lady Jane," with Frances Starr, scheduled for a try-out opening at Hartford on Labor Day, and a musical starring Lucien Boyer, French music hall star, set to open at the Lyceum here, October 15. Charles B. Cochran, London producer, who is associated with Franklin and Arch Selwyn in the production venture, is due here next month to prepare for the openings. May Wipe Out Weak Issues on 'Changes (Continued from page 1) cities throughout the nation is anticipated here as one of the early acts of the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which Joseph P. Kennedy is chairman. The anticipated action, however, is not expected to apply particularly to the New York Stock Exchange, where restrictions have been tightened voluntarily in recent months. (Continued from page 6) pensation commensurate with the services performed by them.' "We have also offered to Cardinal Dougherty the use of 'a suitable projection room where pictures may be viewed before they are released in our theatres. This preview would enable you to prepare a "Black and White List" which could serve as further protection for your flock.' " "The Philadelphia archdiocese is the only territory in the United States where a boycott has been proclaimed against a legally conducted business which affords widespread employment and which has offered every reasonable compromise to protect the sensibilities of those sections of the public that may feel themselves to be in need of such protection," Bernhard's statement concludes. Variety Club Chatter Washington, July 5. — The first of the weekly luncheons of Tent No. 11 was held Sunday in the club headquarters in the Willard Hotel. Kings for the day were Guy Wonders and William K. Saxton. Off the main room, which is gaily decorated with paneled borders of troubadours and circus parades, is an English tap room. The ladies' reception room is white and blue. Among those attending were: Alan J. Bachrach, Samuel Beck, Caster T. Barron, Rudolph Berger, Louis Bernheimer, Herman A. Blum, Phil Bobys, Louis A. Brown, Harry S. Brown, Nat B. Browne, A. Julian Brylawski, James A. Burns, Walter E. Cersley, J. William Cleveland, George A. Crouch, Robert Etris, William C. Ewing, John E. Firnkoess, William R. Fischer, Lauritz C. Garman, George J. Gill, Nat Glasser, Robert M. Grace, Edward Jacobs, Charles Kranz, Frank LaFalce, A. E. Lichtman, Harry E. Lohmeyer, Sidney B. Lust, Joseph Makover, Hardie Meakin, Charles E. McGowan, Charles H. Olive, James A. Pratt, Orangelo J. Ratto, Daniel J. Reynolds, J. Louis Rome, James W. Root, Frank J. Skully, Robert Smeltzer, Nathan A. Stiefel, Isaac Weinberg, Harold A. Weinberger, Samuel N. Wheeler, William E. S. Wilcox, Frededick J. Thomas, Frank M. Boucher, Don Craig, Philip Ershler, and Andrew R. Kelley. The following committees have been selected by the board of governors : Finance — Sam A. Galanty, Joseph P. Morgan, and J. Louis Rome. Executive — Rudolph Berger, Harry Hunter, Sam Wheeler, Carter T. Barron, Charles Kranz. Membership — Sam Wheeler, chairman; Harry S. Brown, Herman A. Blum, A. E. Lichtman, Alan J. Bachrach, Frank Durkee, Louis Gaertner. Publicity — Harry Hunter, chairman; Hardie Meakin, Frank LaFalce, Lou Brown. Entertainment — Carter T. Barron, chairman; Guy Wonders, Isadore M. Rappaport, Leonard B. Schloss, William K. Saxton, Nathan A. Stiefel, James J. Lake. Ways and Means — A. Julian Brylawski, chairman; Robert J. Folliard, Hunter Perry, Louis Bernheimer, J. Louis Rome, Edward Jacobs, Sidney B. Lust. Transportation — Joseph P. Morgan, chairman: Charles E. McGown, Walter E. Cersley, J. William Cleveland, George A. Crouch, Joseph Makover, Charles E. Nolte. House — Rudolph Berger, chairman; Charles E. Schulman, Harry E. Lohmeyer, Robert Smeltzer, Charles Kranz, Nat Glasser, Edward Heiber. Sports — Sam A. Galanty, chairman; Hrrry S. Brown, James A. Pratt, Andrew R. Kelley, Don Craig. Six Years Later Omaha, July 5. — A small town exhibitor in Iowa, who in 1928 received a notation from the local Warner exchange that he had $3.90 credit on the books and urged him to apply it on future rentals, has just replied to the letter. He attached the faded and wrinkled letter to a fresh one, saying he wanted the money in cash since he decided to go out of business. Seeks Accord on Boycott; Delaware Talks Shutdown