Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

.If^ril 15. 1939 SHOWMEN'S TRADE R V I K W Page 3 The Editorial Page Neely Bill Hearings No one reading the statements made before the Committee can help but agree that the arguments advanced by Sidney Kent, William Rodgers and George Schaefer were far more substantial and convincing than those advanced by the supporters of the Bill. Unfortunately, the vast majority of independent exhibitors who are supposed to derive so much benefit from the passage of the Bill cannot journey to Washington to express themselves. Thus far only Allied and a group of organi2,ations with no investment or important connection in the exhibition field, have been speaking on behalf of the measure. It is no secret that the Neely Bill has been used and abused for purposes far and beyond the relief the Bill is supposed to bring. As a matter of fact its proponents and their dubious army of supporters appear to be waging a battle against the industry rather than on behalf of a piece of legislation. But then Allied stated distinctly, at one of its conventions, that it was out to give the majors all the grief it could via legislation and lawsuits. Overlooking the fact that in so doing it may be kicking its members in the shins. Just in case you missed it on previous occasions may we reiterate that in our opinion the Neely Bill is NOT good legislation for our industry and is apt to cause much havoc in the distributing system in many ways not the least being the basic cost of film rental to the independent exhibitor. And if the proponents want to accuse us of being subsidized because we say this then tell 'em to go ahead. A A A Trade Pact Progresses Discussion of the Neely Bill always brings us to the Trade Pact Draft. And indications thus far on the latest draft show far more satisfaction on the part of exhibitors than with the earlier ones. It certainly approaches something really resembling a desire to eliminate the troublesome practices of the industry insofar as it affects the exhibitor and distributor and give definite encouragement that further negotiations will ultimately bring about a complete elimination of any practices that might be construed as unfair to either side of the argument. STR is convinced that the draft in its present form should be accepted with the provision that negotiations are to continue on those portions of the draft which are not entirely satisfactory until an understanding, agreeable to the exhibitors, is reached. No one in his right mind can claim that real concessions haven't been made by the distributors. But we must not lose sight of the fact that the evils developed over a long period of years and cannot be eradicated or adjusted overnight. AAA A Motion Picture Exposition We rather like the idea of a Motion Picture Exposition as will be ofi^ered in conjunction with the New York AUied's Convention. If memory serves us correctly there were several such Expositions about 25 years ago. All the producers, distributors, equipment manufacturers and dealers participated and as we recall, the public flocked to them by the thousands. One was held in the old Madison Square Garden and the others in Grand Central Palace. As a means of promoting public goodwill and a closer understanding of the industry, an Exposition could be arranged for every key city in the United States. This, in conjunction with an intelligent advertising campaign, could do wonders for the industry both in cementing a better understanding as well as stimulating interest in the nation's theatres where the pictures play. We hope the New York Exposition will point the way for this suggestion. A A A New STR Service Commencing in this issue, STR will convey weekly a digest of production and product information which should be important to theatremen everywhere. Each week you will be able to know exactly what pictures are in production or in process of editing and thereby be in a position to anticipate forthcoming product. This is especially important for theatres, both circuit and independent, who must anticipate their future bookings far in advance. As in all other STR service departments, this one also was suggested by theatremen. And, as in the past, it is just a matter of time before you will find this idea imitated or duplicated by the other weekly trade journals. If additional information is desired or the presentation of this material is not exactly as you want it, please let us know so that we can bring it to its greatest efficiency in the shortest possible time. —"CHICK" LEWIS