Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

April ,\\ 1039 SHOW M !<: N ' S T \i i\ \ ) V. R V. V w Page 3 The Editorial Page The Neely Bill Battle Charlie Pettijohn, of the Hays office, threw a nearbombshell into the Committee hearings on the Neely Bill when he offered the proponents of the bill a proposition giving exhibitors a right to select or reject pictures. While those who flatly rejected this proposition may have a right to be suspicious about any such offer, the fact remains that a possible solution from within the industry should call for at least an investigation of its sincerity and possibilities. It shouldn't be turned down with quite so much emphasis. Anyway it clears up one point beyond argument. The proponents of the bill are out to get Federal regulation of the industry regardless of whether the industry or the exhibitors will benefit from such regulation. The mere fact that they flatly rejected so unusual an offer without making any attempt to see whether it might solve the present problem, is ample indication of how futile any attempt for regulation from within the industry is going to be. On the other hand it likewise indicates that the major companies, acting through the Hays office, are willing and anxious to meet the other side half way in an effort to restore harmony and avoid Federal legislation. AAA Another Bad Practice Years ago we sounded a warning to salesmen and exhibitors alike against the signing of contract forms in blank. It may flatter one or the other that they trust each other implicitly but too often a difference of opinion arises which results in much bad feeling all around. We have evidence of this before us in the form of three separate kicks hinging on the understanding that led up tp the signing in blank. When a deal is worked out it should be set forth clearly on the regular contract forms and carefully read by both the exhibitor and the salesman and then, if found correct, signed. By so doing they will avoid calling each other bad names and implying that someone put something over on them. A A A U Reports Progress A chat with Sales Manager WiUiam Scully reveals that UniversaFs march of progress continues unabated and with indications of a still greater run of product than that which it has been delivering. The combination of its perfect production and sales set-up is having the desired results. The terrific increase in revenue registered by the company during the first year of its present administration is ample testimony that its heads know what they are doing and that its success came about not from luck but because of efficient hau' dling and planning by the organisation and its leaders. Exhibitors, too, have contributed to this success by their willingness to play ball with the new company and pay a decent price for good product. They can go still further by taking a liberal attitude on their buys for next year with this company. A A A Question of Ownership At regular intervals someone or other is supposed to be a partner in STR. Recently several were mentioned in the periodical round of rumors. Just to keep the records straight, we again go on record by stating emphatically and definitely that there are NO partners in STR. It is owned one hundred per cent exclusively by its editor and publisher and there never have been, nor are there now any partnerships, division of ownership or entanglements of any kind involved. We hope this answers the latest flock of rumors. A A A UA's Strong Front From Murray Silverstone we learn the inside details of the new United Artists set-up of producers and truthfully speaking it indicates a powerful front for UA. The wide variety of producers, as well as their number, will definitely insure the steady flow of quality product. They are, particularly, to be congratulated on bringing into the fold producers Hke David Loew, Sol Lesser, Ernst Lubitsch and a continuation of the Sehnick contract. These, together with the group formerly delivering pictures for UA distribution, adds up to a powerful set-up and what looks like a strong box-office batting order for the company. On the question of UA's participation in the trade practice reforms, Silverstone made it clear that UA did NOT withdraw. It was never a part of it because most of the points of the trade reform draft did not apply to UA due to its method of distribution and the individual seUing of pictures. However, Mr. Silverstone tells us with emphasis, that his company will always be a constructive force in any trade pact; which, in itself, is a good sign since all the companies will have to participate in the trade practices in order to insure its success. —"CHICK" LEWIS