Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Feb 1939)

26 MOTION PICTURE HERALD January 21, 1939 18 of 20 "Best Sellers" Filmed Or Considered for Production Hollywood has produced or is considering production of 18 of the 20 "best seller" books of the present day, on the basis of reader preferences revealed by a two-year study of the book tastes of "the Average American" by George Gallup's American Institute of Public Opinion. The survey avoided urban readers, generally, as not giving indicative data. "Hollywood did not create the original popularity of best selling books," said Mr. Gallup Sunday in a signed article in the New York Times; "but in giving them film treatment and a far greater audience, the movies have unquestionably added to the circulation of the books themselves." The survey listing follows, in order of preference: 1. The Bible. 11. "Les Miserables," filmed by Fox, 2. "Gone with the Wind," now being Universal, United Artists and by filmed by David Selznick. French companies. 3. "Anthony Adverse," filmed by 12. "Magnificent Obsession," filmed by Warner Brothers. Universal. 4. "The Citadel." MGM. 13. "Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Selz 5 . "How to Win Friends and Influence nick. People," now being considered as 14. "Treasure Island." MGM. film material. 15. "Count of Monte Cristo." United 6. "The Good Earth," filmed by Artists. MGM. 16. "Robinson Crusoe." Film Booking 7. "Ben-Hur." MGM. offices. 1928. 8. "Northwest Passage," being consid 17. "Ivanhoe," not filmed. ered for film production. 18. "The Green Light," filmed by War 9. "Little Women," filmed by RKO. ner Brothers. 10. "A Tale of Two Cities." MGM. 19. "David Copper field." MGM. 20. "Call of the Wild." United Artists. Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind" was shown by the survey to have been the 193 8 choice of the "Average American," and especially of women. Mr. Gallup attributed this to the publicity given by David Selznick to the casting for the book's, chief character, Scarlett O'Hara, to be enacted by Vivien Leigh. The institute director also noted that most of the books following the Bible and "Gone with the Wind" in public taste had been given screen treatment, and that even the Bible had been filmed in part many times. UA Partners Set Sliding Scale on Distribution Cost A sliding scale of distribution charges for all United Artists producers, under which pictures grossing the most would receive the lowest rates, was approved unanimously by the company's owner members just before the conclusion of their annual meeting on Wednesday in Hollywood. The plan was made retroactive for all producers, whether stockholders in the company or not, for 1938 and will apply to all present and future deals. Murray Silverstone, executive head of United Artists, told a press conference after the meeting that the plan would bring about the lowest distribution costs in the history of the company and the industry. The owner members also voted a substantial reduction of distribution costs, also retroactive, for all pictures distributed in England and Canada. Mr. Silverstone said that the amount of product for next season would be greater than that for the present year, but the full schedules of individual producers have not been set. Concerning the possibility that Selznick International will remain with United Artists, the executive said he would prefer having David Selznick make his own announcement. He added that one of the reasons for his remaining in Hollywood was to confer with John Hay Whitney, who will arrive there next week. Predicting the best year in the company's history for its 20th anniversary, Mr. Silverstone pointed out that the business sold to date for the first half of 1939 is greater than the total amount the same period last year. Alexander Korda was to leave Hollywood on Thursday for England, where he will complete "Four Feathers," after which he will return to America to produce here. Charlie Chaplin, Mr. Silverstone said, definitely will deliver "The Dictator" this year. Douglas Fairbanks will contribute two or three pictures this year and Samuel Goldwyn will contribute a substantial number. Earlier reports have said that Edward Small, Selznick International and Walter Wanger will each have six features, and Hal Roach five. The stockholders voted an extension of the release contract of Edward Small Productions to 1945 as originally scheduled. Mr. Goldwyn announced the selection of James Roosevelt, his vice-president, as his representative on the United Artists board, succeeding James Mulvey. Mr. Silverstone suggested that the partners concentrate upon product for the English-speaking countries and Latin-America. Pathe's Plan Set The new plan for realigning Pathe Film Corporation's assets was sent to preferred and common stockholders and to the Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday. Under the plan a new company, probably to be called Pathe Laboratories, Inc., will be formed, to which certain assets will be transferred. Among them are some 65,000 shares of Monogram common stock, past due notes of RKO in the amount of $248,000, and the film processing laboratories in Bound Brook, New Jersey, and New York City. In addition, $200,000 will be transferred to the new company for working capital. Within 60 days after consummation of the plan, Pathe plans to distribute 50 per cent of the new company's stock to its stockholders as a bonus and the remaining 50 per cent within the next two years. Dayton, 0., Goes Social for Shaw s Film 'Pygmalion ' by VIRGINIA D. STURM Motion Picture Editor Dayton Daily News The eyes of not only motion picture folk were on Dayton Wednesday night for the mid-western premiere of "Pygmalion," but of financial and social interests as well, for the significant idea which motivated the choice of Dayton for the event, for Dayton, average in size, normal in wealth and culture, was tagged the "typical American city." Society of the Miami Valley apparently relished the idea of a premiere in the grand manner, such as this was, for it arrived, formally attired, from Cincinnati, Columbus, Middletown, Indianapolis and many small towns, with the spectacle made more brilliant by spotlighting. Film critics were here from these cities and Cleveland, as well as Loew and MetroGoldwyn-Mayer executives. Several thou said persons crammed the street. Special promotion activities had taken interest to a high peak, and the reserved seat performance had been sold out for days. Dayton News radio, WHIO, broadcast opinions of critics from the theatre lobby. Acceptance of "Pygmalion" here was unquestioned. Everyone appeared delighted with the Shaw treatment of the mythical idea, and spontaneous applause greeted the first appearance of Leslie Howard on the screen. The cultured audience as well as the fans had flowing compliments for the production. Typically Shavian, the picture, casting and acting are excellent, entertaining, and definitely on the "must see" list. Officers Reelected Officers of the Motion Picture Associates were reelected this week, led by Jack Ellis of RKO, president. The others are: Moe Sanders, first vice-president ; Matthew Cahan, second vice-president ; Sol Trauner, treasurer; Moe Fraum, secretary; Charles Penser, financial secretary, and Louis Kutinsky, sergeant-at-arms. i Hays to Coast Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, left for the coast last Friday night, and is expected back in about three weeks.