Variety (Mar 1936)

VARIETY FICI C * Wednesday; March 4, 1936 Much Litigation—-Par Tops , with Legal Rows Over* West, Qietrich,: .Raft and McMuiray^Warn^rs'i Cagney and Dvorak—Metro Also—Heavy Losses Hollywood,. Last' te\y months has been open season for quarrels between studios nd their stars. Currently * there re dozen pPutihg sessions In which stars "£n'd producers., are... making' , faces at each other for some reason. •Paramount has.been toughest hit through'" the Mae West, Marlene ■ Dietrich, George Raft'and Fred Mc~ Murray rifts, La West doesn't like the way the studio handled lier and her last effort, 'Klondike Annie.' Miss Dietrich walked out on 1 Loved •tt .Soldier,' feeling that the assign- merit'.to play a chambermaid lacked sufficient glamor. George Raft ■claimed Carole-Lombard was trying to out^'smart him by insisting on her "f avis' cameraman oh their next pic- ture, 'The Princess ComesAcross,' so he walked.- ' Pair had- several tiffs during their iagf picture, •'Rtfmba,' "which probably had more to do with Raft's walking than the selection of the lehser. Fred McMurray, Assigned to Teplace Raft, didn't show ufr to start the picture, came several days later ' with a demand for a salary boost from his- contracted $40ft.' Studio gave hinva reported jump. tp. $1,000, so he went back to -work. Raft likewise kissed and made up ' with Pair this past week and goes back on salary March 23. Sulking at Warners At Warners, James. Cagney' and Ann Dvorak didn't talk-to the studio and Cag'ney's suit is still pending. - Miss Dvorak, claimed that the studio -suspended her because she Was unable to work due to 111 health, but she has since won and lost a point in her claims. Cagney made a contract with >Warners, for 20. plc-i-' tures In five. years. He has com- pleted that number of pictures in four years,-feels that the contract Is finished, has an offer to dp a single picture from 20th-Fox for $120,000. Studio wants to hold; him. to the period stipulated In the contract. Myrna- Loy has patched up her difficulties with Metro-and returned to work, but she was'out for several months. Clifton Webb was brought here by the same studio, remained here for. seven months, and finally quit .when ;his --temperament :didn't Jibe,' with' that of Joan Crawford as to' how they should .work in 'Ele- gance/ Miss Crawford; too, felt that the picture was not for her talents so the studio, with around $400,000 invested", pleased itsstar by relieve lng her ot the assignment. Par's Sour Break Warners got-a? break in that there wasn't any financial, investment in Cagney or Dvorak ^pictures when •stars-.took" their -;walk. However, Paramount got .the short end of its quartet of recalcitrant artists. Mae (West's picture is reported to^have cost close to $500,000 over its sched- uled $800,000 budget; the Marlene Dietrich stroll from 1 Loved a -Soldier' has studio holding tfie bag for $800,000 . on->pre-production and three -weeks* %?qbk on the picture. The combined j^tft-McMurray inci- dent was a " bargain, relatively, studio getting out of that for around $i 00,000. Meanw ile It's a holiday in Dixie for the barristers. Disliking part assigned him in 'Murder in the Big House,' Lyle Talbot refused it, arid has been tem- porarily suspended without pay, awaiting next assignment at War- ners. Dick Purccll replaced. No Line Forming Culver City, March 3. ill Grady, Metro caster, is staging widespread hunt for j male lead in 'Speed,' auto rac- i lng yarn. . j Wanted a new fabe, typically j' American, with; nervA looks', i and ability to act and drive i racing car. 1 WB REMAKING HAWK'; ROGERS NIXES'OPERA' Hollywood, March. 3.' Warners has decided to remake. 'The Sea Hawk' as a follow Up tio 'Captain- Blood' on a. heayy budget. Harry Joe BroWn, who' held* i'eln on. 'Blood', will produce. ~ Errol; .Fly.ni) draws the starring, role.. TSkbatinC ■■ sea jhaeller ' v being adapted "by tJelme'r Daves. • Universal studio execs and Charles JR. Rogers, representing, the tpwdin-Rogers* Byndlcate are duel- ing-over remake'bf 'Phantom of the Opera.' Studio wants to do it over again but Rogers is- determined that it has seen'its day. Silent version was made by U in 1925 v Further ob- jection is that picture, to be done right, would have to carry a budget of around $1,000,000 and that it pre- sents too much, of a gamble with public reception doubtful. Rhodes Goes Straight Hollywood, March 3. In giving Erik Rhodes si ing lead opposite fiarriet Hilliard in her first featured picture, 'Twinkle; Twinkle,' RKO:-Radio will separate the comic from his dialect. Rhodes long has yenned for straight role, with opportunity to warble. ' Leigh Jason will direct. ANN DVORAK WINS AND LOSES IN WB ACTION , Hollywood, March 3. Ann Dvorak both won and lost in her suit against Warners. Court held her contract was not breached by the studio, but also awarded the actress '$7,000 accruing since Janu- ary. Court maintained that sufficient evidence was shown proving Miss Dvorak was in no 'physical con- dition to report for work, which was the basis of the action. Carol Frink Suit Due Chicago, March .3. ■'. Circuit court last week named May 11 for trial of the $100,000 alienation suit of Carol Frink, legit and flicker ed of the Hearst morn- ing Herald-and-Examiner, against Helen Hayes, who now Is Mrs. Charles MacArthur. Miss Frink divorced MacArthur in 1926. Elis. Bergner's Op. London, March 3. Elisabeth Bergner underwent a serious operation here today. Necessitates an lndef postpone- ment of the new. Barrle play in which, she was to open next month. WMGER AFTER FONDA Hollywood, March 3. Walter Wanger is negotiating with Henry Fonda for lead in 'Spendthrift,' musical from Erich Hatch yarn. Al Santeli directs from George Marion, Jr's screen play. Produc- tion starts in three weeks. WILL MAHONEY The Evening News said: "The cor- diality .with which Mr. Will Ma- honey, tl>e notabje American come- dian, w'a's received when lie visited the 1 Nottingham Enipire a ' few months ago was repeated last eve- ning on appearing at the : head- of the- company in 'Radio- New York.' He- again ..impressed, the. houses; by the originality ,pf his act. , His com- edy was unfailingly resourceful, and his dancing. and playing a giant xylophone With, his feet also brought down the house." Direction WW. MORRIS AGENCY Mayfair Theatre Building New York City GUS HILL SUING U PR OVER 3 OLD SCRIPTS Gus Hill,, yeteran showman,, has brought suit for $15,000 in N. Y. supreme court against Universal Pictures and for the return of three 1 scripts, innegan's Ball', 'Irish Visi- tors.' and 'Peggy O'Neill,' which he claims the 'company is unlawfully holding. Suit became known Fri- day (28,) .when .Hill asked the Court to direct Robert Harris, Universal's eastern production manager, to sub- mit to-examination before trial and to-produce-, books, letters arid other documents relating to the scripts. Judge John E. McGeehan reserved decision. . , The defendant has entered a gen- eral denial, of Hill's claims. Jaae Manchester: Civen New Trial in Her Suit Readirig. Pa.,.March'3.. ' .Judge.Paul N. Schaeffeis in Berks Civil .Court here, granted Jane Mah- Chester, picture actress,- a new t.rla.1 of her suit against-Reading Lodge of MoPse. Miss Manchester, guest some years ag^o in;., the? hotel thfn owned by the - lodge, asks • damages, for 'injuries she suffered when scald- ed in a bath in her room. The plaintiff alleges the bath, fix- ture was defective, suddenly releas- ing scalding hot water over her, When first called.for trial the suit was' dismissed on the ground that no evldence of negligence by the. ho- tel and lodge .was shown.. GRACE MOORE FAVORS - CONCERTS' EASY SKED Since aiTiving- in New' York "for Metropolitan OperVehgageme'nt anil concert dates, Grace Moore has been complaining 'over Hollywood "fllm- chores, mentioning mostly the long-, working hours at the stiidios. Hud- dling with her concert managers, she's reported to have expressed a desire for more personal 'appear- ances for next year. She'd like- one broadcast a. week, plus two concert dates, which, would not make her over "three hour's ac- tual singing. On the Coastj she's compelled to chant ..for eight hours daily and its getting 1 her down. She closes her Vick's air series on March '9, but, reappears on radio for the General Motors'program^ on the 22d. Diva had planned to sail for her European tour soon after, but she may have to return to the Coast for retakes on her forthcom- ing Columbia picture, 'The King Steps Out.* Nelson Eddy succeeds her on Vick's. Her opera appearance Wednesday (4)" in 'La Boheme' was a sell-out being preseented under Mrs. W. R. Hearst's patronage for 'her milk fund. She repeats the same role on the 12th. Farrell Starts Sydney, Feb. 12. Charles Farrell didn't waste any time getting to work on 'The Flying Doctor' for .National. Was in ac- tion the day after arrival. Miles Manader is director. Work has been completed on 'Thoroughbred' (Cinesound) and pic Is now in the cutting room. Shoot T ing schedule ran only 36 hours over schedule. Helen Twelvetrees stars. Raft-Par Patch Dp Hollywood, March . His argument with Parartiount settled, George Raft goes,back on the studio payroll -March 23, start- ing in 'The Duchess,* night club story. Yarn is original by William R. ■Ijipman and William Wright. Leonard's Double Hosp. Hollywood, March 3. Robert Z. Leonard, Metro director, is in the Hollywood hospital with two fractured ribs as result, of a fall. He also parts with his. tonsils while in 'the hosp. MOLINA'S BAND SHORTS AT U Chicago, March 3. Universal is negotiating with the Carlos Molina band for a series of shorts. First 'Rancho Parade'. Anyway, It's Good Publicity Dr. Mudd's Two Daughters' Views Keeping 'Shark Island' to Fore POWELL-LOY'S 'LIBELED' Hollywood, March 3. 'Libeled Lady,' ..original by Wal-^ lace Sullivan, has been bought by Metro. It will serve as tri-starrer for William Powell, Myrna Loy and Mickey Rooney. Larry Welngarten produces. Sullavan's 'Roxana' Hollywood, March 3. Ben Markson, on leave froril Warners; has been assigned by Ed- mund Grainger to write screen play of 'Roxana,' next for Margaret Sul- lavan at Universal. Story, by Clarence Budingtoh Kelland, will be produced by Grainger. Washington, March 3. Ladles will probably get together If matter gets into court, but right now two living daughters of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, on whose life 'Prisoner of Shark Island' is basedi are at odds over merits of 20th Century-Fox's film. To offset charges of Mrs. Nettie Mudd Monroe, or Baltimore, that film doesn't do justice to her father, Ray Bell, local Loew p.a., dug up other daughter, Mrs. Albert Gardiner, of Charles County, Md., and brought her to town to voice her reaction. Latter sister was called for and delivered In private car, with Dr. Frank T. Shyne, local osteopath and ex-showmah, as personal body- guard. After seeing'film in theatre, she was ushered with son and daughter-Into office of Carter Bar- ron, local Loetv's division chief. Under direct questioning, she ad- mitted 'it was a wonderful picture.' She explained that her mother was 'a. real beauty,' but that Gloria Stuart, who portrays her on the screen, 'is about as pretty an actress as couid probably be found.' (Nettie says Gloria's looks don't do heir.mother justice.) Asked if there was anything abvut the picture that she would change if she had the chance, Mrs. Gardiner said her only objection was ragged clothes that Warner Baxter wears in prison. She added that her mother sent Dr. Mudd clothes all the time he was in prison and that he was 'immaculately dressed' during his entire stay. Threat of suit by Nettie was an exclusive ;'arn in Daily News, plastered all over city page, and was hot planted by theatre. Follow up with Mrs. Gardiner's views'g6t play in all sheets, though chiefly on drama pages. PAR PLANS U IN THE EAST Easter feature production will be started by Paramount early. in June with Oscar Serlin, present eastern casting director, heading the production outfit at the Astoria plant.... Present plans call for six tp eight features the first year. Serlin - obtain two leading players foi* each picture from the Hollywood Jlsts. but remainder. of cast will consist' of eastern stars, bhtaihed fi'bm current legit shows. However, ■ in some instances name players suited for characters will be chosen even if not appearing cur- rently on Broadway. Figure to con- siderably diminish production costs ^because of -saving on time, that player is under contract, expense, of pending .to. Coast and limited time that he's '.before camera. "Present seit-up contemplates pro- duction of only Class A pictures, with limited schedule enabling pror ducirig unit to concentrate on each' Individual feature.. CANARIES UNCERTAIN OF CHIRPING IN PH Lily Pons goes back to RKO this summer for a second picture but it's not set ' whether another opera, starj ladys Swarthout, goes back to Paramount for a third Aim this spring.. "Miss. Swarthout is in New York how after some concert tour- ing, awaiting decision as to whether she will continue with Par. Official decision not yet given, although deemed unlikely. Miss Pons sailed Saturday: C2S>) for Europe for five opera \appear- ances. Her second RKO ;fllmuBical is still .unset as to story. Diva plans to' close her Paris house and bring all of her personal effects to New York,, where she'B to reside permanently. Boles Summoned Back By mutual consent, Parampunt's booking of John JBples for a p.a. at the Chlcaeo, Chicago, week of March 13, has been cancelled to en- able the actor to return to the Coast for a picture commitment to 20th-Fox. Boles leaves for Hollywood di- rectly after completing his en- gagement at the Michigan, Detroit, where he opens Friday (6)'^ Clemens Directs 'Claws' Hollywood, March 3.. William Clemens will direct 'Case of the Velvet Claws' at Warners, starting March 26. Tom Reed, who scripted, and whose contract has expired, Is re- tained to write screen play on 'Changeling' for Harry Jo Brown production. SAILINGS March 14 (New York to London), Clifford C. Fischer, 'Folies Bergeres' Co. (Ile de France). March 4 (Paris to New York), Bob Stern, Joe Friedman, Prince Littler (lie de France). March 4 (London to New York), John C. Flinn (Aquitanla). March 4 (New York to London), Mr. and Mrs. Sam Goldwyn, Fred Kohlmar CBerengarla). March 4 (New York to Mel- bourne), Chaney and Fox, Irving Tlshman, Buster Shaver, Olive .and George Brasna (Monterey). March 1 (New York to Buenos Aires) White and Manning, Helen Justa, Etta Moten (Southern Cross). ' March 1 (New York to Los An- geles), Mr. and Mrs; Jaok Cohn (Santa' Elena). Feb. 29 (New York to Genoa), Lily Pons, Jeffrey Parsons (Conte dl Savoia). Feb. 29 (Los Angeles to Hono- lulu), Bette Davis (Mariposa)* Feb. 28 (West Indies Cruise), Frederick C. Kendall, Morula Markey, Mr. and Mrs. Bill. White (Ruth Morris), Dave Gardiner, Don Tannen, Loretta Dennlson, Martin Lovejoy Four, Ted and Pat Wing, Miss Neville, Gloria Fay, Andy Kress Orch (Lafayette).