Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1931)

April 4 , 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 41 Censor Problem in Britain Hanging Fire Temporarily {Continued from page 14) adult audiences. Other local committees are to be approached, and it is likely that in only a few cases will the decision of the censor be upheld. Now Seek Supreme Power Meanwhile a strong parliamentary committee, of which Miss Ellen Wilkinson M.P. is the organizing secretary, is pressing the government to intervene, and set up a national film censorship with supreme powers. The censors report just issued shows that 2,275 subjects — an aggregate length of 7,209,306 feet — were examined and certificated during 1930. Twelve films were totally rejected and a further 16 are held for drastic cutting before being passed. During the year exception was taken to 191 films for dii¥erent reasons a few of which were : For showing the hereafter or spirit world ; the solemnization of the Eucharist ; references to birth control ; uncivilized acts in warfare ; irreverent quotations from the Bible ; soldiers moaning and groaning in war films; British officers and soldiers in unfavorable light, and brutal attacks with broken bottles. The censor now suggests that a practice adopted by some producers, of submitting stories and scripts to him before production should be extended. But he stresses the fact that any opinion expressed as to the suitability of a scenario or subject, cannot affect the ultimate judgment of his examiners when they see the film "since so much depends upon the way in which the subject is treated." Films He Won't Pass Yet it is well known that however delicately certain subjects bearing on phases of orthodox religions are treated, the censor will not give them his blessing. Nor will he pass Soviet films, many of which have been exhibited in this country only under local license. The film industry may possibly have much to lose by the appointment of a Governmental Censorship, because political seesaws might affect the stability of the system. Therefore it is time for intense pressure to be brought from within the trade itself, to secure modification and modernization of the code at present followed. American producers can do much to secure for their British affiliates this very necessary change in policy. De Forest Suit vs. Victor In Millions Philadelphia — Hearing on the patent infringement suit, said to involve several millions of dollars, filed by De Forest Radio Co. against Radio-Victor Corp. of America on March 26th, has not been determined. Infringement of 13 patents is charged and a permanent injunction asked. picture, both quality and its Joseph O'Sullivan Screen Music In recognition of the importance of music as an element of the sound in its decorative function as an instrument of narration, MOTION PICTURE HERALD will on occasion present special discusJk. sions of musijjffl^^ cal treatments ^^^Hn^^fl^^^l in current prof^^BKg^^^^ ductions. O'S u I livan, with a background of musical and motion picture experience, will contribute a series of articles on screen music. They are to be written decidedly from the standpoint of a musician and an appreciator of music, but \n terms calculated to be clear and interesting to any showman or layman. O'Sullivan studied music under Karl Schmidt at Louisville, Ky. He became in turn a dramatic and music critic and went adventuring in musical activities in Germany. Subsequently, he became stage director for the Boston English Opera Company, touring the United States and Canada for several seasons. He later organized the Chicago English Opera Company. In 1916, in World War days, he joined the editorial staff of Mutual Film Corporation, where he had charge of musical settings. In that period he composed several numbers especially aimed at their availability in motion picture scoring, and now to be found in every music library. He also scored several notable productions. His next musical post was in charge of presentations on the Granat Circuit in Mexico, headquartering in Mexico City, with 26 houses to handle. Some seven years ago O'Sullivan took up editorial and promotional work with the Hodkinson organization and went thence to Pathe through assorted mergers. He is intimately familiar with the industry from production to exhibition. The first article from him will deal with the remarkable score and musical treatment of "Tabu," the Murnau screen legend of the South Sea. ChaHerton Deal News — Morris Sam E. Morris stated he knew nothing about Coast reports that Paramount wanted to buy Ruth Chatterton's contract with Warners. She is due to start Warner production in the fall. Wall St. Becomes Critical with Eye On Box Office (Contimied from page 9) of 1931 the $1.80 a share reported for the period last year, but the company is considered to be one of the soundest financially in the film business. Total assets rose from $236,710,407 on December 28, 1929, to $240,967,222 on March 29, 1930, and present position is reported strong. Additional Loss for Warners Warners, which for the first quarter of its fiscal year, the three months ended November 30, 1930, showed the disappointing net of $1,576,421, against $5,629,109 in the 1929 period, probably will show a further loss in its report for the second quarter, the three months ended February 28, as that period includes the year-end holiday season, but opinion is that March, April and May will show at least as good as the first quarter. Earnings of Fox for 1930 have been estimated at $5.50 a share. For the 39 weeks ended September 27, 1930, the company reported net income of $10,104,194, or $4.00 a share, against $8,337,196, or $3.30 a share in the 1929 period. The balance sheet as of June 30, 1930, showed a strong position, listing total assets of $192,524,313, against $124,243,716 on December 28, 1929, and current assets of $31,017,994, against current liabilities of $12,552,133. Among the smaller units, the reports of Consolidated Film and Trans-Lux make fairlv good comparisons. The former reported for 1930 net of $2,309,311, against $2,389,373 in 1929, while the balance sheet revealed current assets to liabilities ratio was 3 to 1. Trans-Lux earnings held up well in 1930 and the company is expected to benefit from the new chain which it is operating in conjunction with RKO. Academy Writers To Hold Meeting On Coast April 12 Hollywood — A special meeting of the writers' branch of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences on April 12, will discuss problems of screen writers, prior to a conference with producers later, as outlined recently in Motion Picture Herald. Alfred E. Cohn, chairman, in announcing the meeting, said, "In view of the transitions that have taken place, it is desirable to take inventory and analyze the situation with a view to developing successful methods and to find any improvements possible." H. J. Brown Is Made Associate Producer at RKO Pathe Plant Hollywood — Charles R. Rogers, RKO Pathe production head, has obtained Harry Joe Brown as associate producer. He recently was associated with Rogers in several production ventures.