Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1930)

34 Motion P i c t u re News October 4 , 1930 Censors in Ohio Yield to Clamor; O.K. "Big House Cincinnati — The millennium for Ohio has finally arrived. Weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, which heretofore existed throughout Ohio in general and the industry in particular, have given way to rejoicing unrestrained. The Ohio Board of Censors at Columbus, which, less than two weeks ago, handed down what appeared to be a final decision that "The Big House" would not be passed for showing in Ohio, has undergone a change of heart, and the picture was released over the official signature of John L. Clifton, chief of the board, due, as Clifton expresses himself, to the extreme pressure which has been brought to bear from various sources, particularly the press. The decision, however, is tempered with doubt as to the actual merits of the film, he said, and the board has definitely indicated that it acted under protest and contrary to its better judgment, but was influenced by insistent demand and the action of other states. In lifting the ban, Clifton let it be known that the reversal of opinion was purely the result of what appeared to be a state-wide demand for the picture, although the board still entertained doubt in the matter. Visions of packed houses at increased prices, due to advertising which the picture has_ received on account of the board's refusal to pass it, now fills the minds of Ohio exhibitors, who base their prediction on precedent, and who now hope to retrieve some of the losses which they have sustained during the ban. Was Political Issue The barring of the picture and its subsequent release brings back to memory "The Birth of a Nation," which was prohibited in Ohio several years ago by the late Governor Frank B. Willis, who subsequently released it with the result that capacity business at advanced prices continued to be the rule for many months. In that case, however, the action of the State authorities was not the basis of a serious political issue, as it has been in this instance. In announcing the decision of the board, Director Clifton issued the following statement : " 'The Big House' was presented to the Ohio Board of Censors some months ago for censoring. The picture was held up at that time on account of a doubt in the minds of the board members as to the merits of the picture. "Although that still exists to some extent, the board has come to the conclusion that, on account of what seems to be a statewide demand for this picture which has arisen, it should take into consideration the will of the people and release the picture for showing in Ohio. This is in keeping with the action in other -late-. "Therefore, the Board of Censors has reconsidered its action and has today approved 'The Big House.' " The announcement of the lifting of the ban was greeted by prolonged cheering Paramount Profits While some companies are squawking about hard times, Paramount rental grosses are running ahead of last year, the company says. For the quarter ended Sept. 27 rentals in the United States and Canada were three per cent ahead of last year. Fox 39-Week Earnings Show Large Increase Gross revenue of Fox Film for the 39 weeks ended Sept. 27 reached $34,496,124. compared with $28,553,607 for the corresponding period of 1929, according to a statement of tentative earnings submitted to stockholders this week by President Harley L. Clarke. The net before interest and Federal taxes is $12,295,160, compared with $9,149,104 for last year. After deductions for income tax reserve and interest charges, balance for common stock dividends was $10,104,194, against $8,337,196, an increase of $1,766,998. or 21 per cent. The amortization of inventory of films, including participations, increased $3,710,360. If the same rate of amortization of film cost as used in 1929 had been maintained, the net earnings would have been $2,890,692 greater. Technicolor Net Profit $942,590 for 8 Months Technicolor, Inc.. and subsidiaries for the eight months ended August 31. report net profit of $942,590 after operations, amortization and Federal and state taxes. Gross profit before amortization, etc.. was $1,849.019. Current assets totaled $1,397,396, of which cash comprised $289,387 and accounts receivable $570,880. Current liabilities aggregated $589,364, accounts payable totaling $320,861 and surplus $l,S9l',217. Total resources of the company are $7,790,071. Net of $3,186267 Shown By M-G-M for 12 Weeks Net profit of $3,186,267, before taxes, is shown in the M-G-M income account for the 12 weeks ended June 6. The gross was $4,753,433 for the period. Paramount Bonds Listed Paramount's issue of $15,000,000 in 5% per cent bonds has been admitted to listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The purpose of the issue was to finance the Comerford purchase and to reimburse the company for previous expansion. Marks Passes Dividend Chicago — Directors of Marks Bros. Theatres voted to pass the annual dividend of $2 on the preferred stock of the company due at this time. when made known at the Democratic rally at Marietta. Orators did not hesitate to announce promptly that they expected to comment plenty on the attempted suppression of the picture and its subsequent release under pressure. One Combination House Only Left In East Canada Toronto — After 16 years of operation as a combination film and vaudeville house, Loew's Friday will drop vaudeville permanently and will play first runs of M-G-M and United Artists' productions with M-G-M shorts. Manager Jules Bernstein, who has had charge of the house since its start, announced that programs would start Fridays instead of on Mondays and that the admission scale of 25-75c would remain as before, despite the dropping of the five vaudeville acts. There is now only one vaudeville house in eastern Canada, this being Shea's Hippodrome, Toronto, playing RKO Varieties. Manager Jackson dropped vaudeville from Loew's Theatre, London, Ontario, early in September, while vaudeville was discontinued at Loew's, Montreal, when the orchestra went on strike in sympathy with the musicians formerly at the Montreal Capitol. Rubin's Projection Ideas To Be Introduced Abroad Harry Rubin, director of projection for Publix, sails Friday for Europe for a trip of two or three months. He recently completed a survey of projection and the use of effects at company theatres. Rubin has devised a number of projection effects, which are being made standard in company theatres, and will extend this work to European houses operated by Publix. He was guest of his staff and friends at a gettogether Tuesday. New Sennett Series to Introduce Color Process Sennett Color is to be introduced in "The Bluffer," first of the series of Mack Sennett Brevities, new one-reel subjects to be released by Educational. Shots taken by Sennett's new submarine comedy also will feature this subject. RKO's May fair in N. Y. To Be Opened Nov. 1 Nov. 1 is to be opening date of the Mayfair, 47th St. and Broadway, which is being built by RKO on the site of the former Columbia, burlesque house. Thomas W Lamb is the architect. "Third Alarm" Lead Injured Hollywood — As the result of an explosion of a smoke pot, while making Tiffany's "The Third Alarm." Anita Louise, leading lady, and Georgie Billings, featured player, were slightly burned. The accident occurred while shooting the final scenes of the production. Chimp Series Booked Tiffany's series of talking chimp comedies has been booked for the entire New York Loew circuit, as well as the Loew Houses at Cleveland, Washington and other points.