Showmen's Trade Review (Oct-Dec 1949)

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SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, November 26, 1949 13 LONDON observations by Jock MacGregor Few Hollywood pictures have justified a more brilliant premiere than that accorded MGM's "The Forsyte Saga" (released in the U. S. under the title "That Forsyte ^^^^^^^^^^ Woman"), chosen ^^I^^RHil^^H year's Royal Film Per ^^H|?^^^^H formance. Greer Garson, J^BR,—, ..^^^M Walter Pidgeon and Er ^^R^%^^^H rol Flynn, who received a HHll '^M,^^^H great hand for their screen "^^^vT^^^^HI portrayals, also pro .^^^HP^j^f^^^M vided some of the brighter ||^^H ^^^KKi moments of the stage |^^H^^^^HH presentation which is ^^^B^^^^^IB major feature ^^^^I^^^I^^B great shows. ^^^^^^^^M^^B The "live" part was on j^^^ MacGregor the long side, and rather disjointed. Several artists who are stars only in their employers' eyes could have been omitted. Memorable moments were the Rosalind Russell, Gregory Peck and Michael Wildings' cross talk act, Ann Sothern and George Murphy dancing and Jean Simmons' Cinderella. Ben Lyon was in terrific form as the compere and the artist's speech of loyalty was delivered with great sincerity by Anna Neagle. But the really great moment of these shows, seen only by the privileged few, is the presentation of the artists to the Royal Family. This year it took place in the foyer and Their Majesties and the Princesses chatted with them for nearly forty minutes with the stars delightfully surprised to learn how much they knew about their work. "That's most generous," was all I could heard Rosalind Russell reply to the Queen when she complimented her on her comedy singing on the stage and suggested she should do more of it in films. * * * Before his departure for the continent. Variety Clubs' London Tent ran a party in honor of Charles Skouras. There was a big turn-up with the American contingent strengthened by the presence of John H. Harris, George Murphy and MGM's "sales experts." Skouras, incidentally, has become an international figure and a butt for cartoonists. His hunting outfit caused a stir in conventional old England and there are some who believe he only shot lOS Hampshire pheasants because the birds, used to Mr. Rank's more conservative guests, came up for a closer look. * * * Happiest man about town is William Kupper, who is proudly showing the gold cigarette case given by his associates to mark his "30th Anniversary with 20th." * * * Since 2(H:h-Fox are to film "The Mudlark," that delightful best-seller about the little boy who all but reorganized Windsor Castle in Queen Victoria's day, the natural choice for this role would seem to be John Howard Davies, who made such a hit in "Oliver Twist." * :> Projectionist R. E. Barret of the Regal, Walham Green, loves exhibitions and was the first to arrange a display of new projection equipment in the foyer before its installation in the booth. Now with the aid of Relief Manager F. .\. Smith and Assistant Manager R. Lamb he has organized a display of studio equipment. Defend Columbia On Rental Terms Two mure defenses of ColunibiaN right to decide its rental terms for "Jolson Sings Again," were voiced this week. They came from Ellis .A.rnall, president of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers and Gunther Lessing, board chairman of the same organization. Arnall, apprised of the Theatre Owners of America position that the Columbia terms comP'^lled exhibitors to raise their rentals, asked : "If an exhibitor bougiit a top picture for only 10 per cent, would he feel that compelled him tp lower his admissions?' The SIMPP President acknowledged that he might seem prejudiced but declared that the producer was the important man in the motion picture scene, since without product the industry would be nowhere. "What we need," lie declared, "is more fair play. I mean fair play for all three branches — the exhibitor, the distributor and the producer." Cites Fox West Coast The SIMPP President indicated that theterms the exhibitor demanded were not always fair and cited an alleged situation in Fox West Coast Theatres contracts, where he said the right to pull a picture remained entirely with the exhibitor and the producer or distributor had no sayso or a control figure to protect him. SIMPP Board Chairman Gunther Lessing. asked about the "Jolson" situations, told STR : "I have not briefed the matter and do not have all the facts available, but it is my personal legal opinion, that Columbia is entirely within its legal rights. The courts have decreed, and it Inas long been th€ law of the land, that there should be no price fixing between seller and buyer. This does not mean, however, that the seller cannot ask a certain price for his product based on his costs, overhead and reasonable ])rofits. It is the same whether for wearing apparel, hot dogs, or motion pictures." Christophers Offer $10,000 for Best Script The Christophers, Catholic organization wliicli tries to interest men of ability and goodwill t" work for the solution of world problems, thi^ week announced a second prize contest which will include $10,000 for the best motion picture script. The contest, which runs from Nov. 21, 1949; through Nov. 1, 1950, also offers $5,000 for the best play script and $15,(100 for the best novel. Gillham Heads SRO Advertising and Publicity Robert Gillham, formerly eastern advertising and publicity director for Selznick Releasing Organization and Vanguard Films, this week ^tepped up to the post of national director of advertising and publicity for both companies. He succeeds Paul iMcNamara, resigned. Hire Secretary The Motion Picture Owners of St. Louis, F2astern Missouri and Southern Illinois has hired Myra Stroud, formerly with Fanchon & Marco, as full-time managing secretary. Offices are to be opened on Film Row. Camera Angles on Film Events PIONEERING LAUDED. Cecil B. DeMille flanked by Motion Picture Pioneers President Jack Cohn, left, and S. H. Fabian receiving the scroll presented to the producer at the Pioneers annual dinnar in New York. HAIL AND FAREWELL. Charles Skouras, right, was honored guest at a party hosted by the Variety Club of Great Britain in London last week, prior to his departure for the Continent following a visit to England. Above: Lou Wilson, Harry Green, George Murphy (one of the stars of the Royal Command Performance in London), Skouras. •EDUCATE, INFORM.' Declaring that films should function more "in the world of information," Dore Schary (above), MGM vice-president in charge of oroduction. told his audience at a Town Hall lecture forum last Friday (18) in New York that beyond entertainment motion pictures "have an obligation to educate and inform."