Variety (Mar 1939)

4 VARIETY PICTURES Wednesday* March 15, 1939 ' Lefty and Fandy to Take In World's Fair. If Abner Doeai't Lose Roll By Joe Laurie, Jr. Coolacres, Cal., March 14. . Dear Jo«: Well, Me, Junior, Aggie and her know-lt-all brother Abner are all set to start for the New York World's Fair next week. We were going to go to the Frisco Fair, but Abner talked us out of it He claims he knows Grover Whaleu personally and that he owes him plenty of favors and that we will be taken care of when we get there. I don't know if he's, telling the truth or not, but he's one of those guys that can lie and you Icnow he's lying and yet you kinda believe him. He's got the same kind of gift as a film salesman has. Anyway the gypsy in me and Aggie is getting the best of Us and we're kinda rarin' to go. I guess it's the old trouper blood in us that gets a.flowin' round springtime. I was down to the depot the other day to pick up my 'can of grief when one of the fast trains uent by, and its whistle sounded like an overture to me, and when I got a peek at the dining car with the waiters all in white standing 'round, and the conductors with their gold braid and the folks sitting on the obser- vation platform, it all kinda put a big.lump of hankerin' to travel in my throat Although we ain't going by train, I think the trip by car will be better because I'll have a chance to stop off at a lot of towns on o'ur way and get to talking to my fellow exhibitors and see ho\y they run things and maybe get a few good tips on how to make the red in my books look a little paler. Abner's Tip Backfires And talking about tips, Abner got a hot tip on the Santa Anita Handicap. He said he knew the jockey and the owner and it was in the bag. Well if it was it Avasn't in our bag.' I told Aggie I just bet a deuce, biit I really lost a double sawbuck, of which Abner is supposed to owe me half—-that is one thing I can rely on him doing, that is owing me. He is one of those guys that waits for the bank to close when he wants to cash a check. Any- way, I found out what Santa Anita means in English, 'You can't take it with you.' Monday was the last day of the meeting and Aggie sez it's the last chance bookkeepers and cashiers have to make their books balance. I played Shirley Temple in 'The UtUe Princess' last week and boy did she pack the house. She is still the' queen of the mortgage lifters; she makes 'em come in and cry and when the exhibitor reads the statements he laughs, so everybody is satisfied. The only trouble with playing a Temple picture is that after it leaves your house looks like the grandstand of a baseball field in winter. Aggie was telling me that when' she visited a friend of ours at the local hospital she saw a poster hanging up in the Maternity Ward saying 'Moving pictures are your best entertainment' The guy that put it there sure had a sense of htrnior. 'Who do you think won the $50 prize on the Movie Quiz in our town? Yop, you gues.scd it the banker. Aggie was sure disappointed as she was all set for the ijrand prize, now she will have to be reset Aggie's broQier has a great idea for a new thing in hot dog rolls. He is going to put a groove around It so the mustard don't run out over your clothes. He has declared me in for 50% of it which means I'll have to put up all the dough. He certainly has a lot of ideas, but no free ones. I got it all set for Vie to run the tiieatre while I'm gone on a percentage of the profits. He is a young feller and believes there are profits in the picture business. If there is It must be In the X-ray end of the picture business. That's about all for now. Looking forward to seeing you in New York soon. I see by the papers that Frank Fay is now trying to bring vaude- ville back. I think the only guys to bring vaudeville back are the pawn- brokers, because they've got everything the vaudevillians used to have, sez Your Pal, Le]tv. P. S.—Pat O'Brien sez: 'One place there la a lot of Idle talk la In an unemployment agency.' lA Coast Local Gains bjnnction Vs. Browne and All Natl Otficers Hollywood, March 14, Federal Judge William P. James last night (Monday) granted an In- junction on behalf of Jeff Kybre, for himself and in a representative ca- pacity in behalf of the membership of Hollywood and Culver City Local 37 of the International Alliance ot Theatrical Stage Employees, against George. E. Browne, Harold B. Smith, C P. Cregan, the lATSE and all Its officers, including Browne, president; John P. Nick, Richard F. Walsh, Har- land Holmden, James J. Brennan and Roger M. Kennedy, aU vice-presi- dents; Louis Krause, general secre- tary-treasurer; John Gattelee, Frank Strickland, John Duval and 20 John .Does. It restrains them temporarily and orders them to show cause why they should not be enjoined and restrained from taking possession of any pa- pers, records, flies, funds, premises or personal property in possession of - Local 37. Injunction also enjoins the de- fendants from destroying, transfer- ring, concealing or tampering in any nianner whatsoever with the books, records, accounts or property of the local. In addition it enjoins them from molesting, intlmida*.ing, inter' lerlng with the plaintiff or any mem bers or officers of Local 37, and from endeavoring or attempting, under claim of authority, to take oyer the affairs of the membership of the local and interfere with transactions of its business. The order likewise enjoins and restrains . the lATSE, during pend ence of the action, from attempting to hold any hearings other than in a court of competent jurisdiction, concerning the rights,' duties, privl le^es, authority and power of duly elected officers of Local 37, who are John W. Carpenter, president; Wal' ter H. Grady, vice-chairman of the board of governors; Guy H. Cooper, recording secretary, and Ed Helm, financial secretary and treasurer. Defendants are also restrained from taking any action or proceedings, other than in a court of. competent jurisdiction, which.will tend .to Im- pair, impede or interfere with the rights and privileges of the member- ship of Local 37 from performing their work. Complaint on which the injunction is granted states that the controversy in the action involves in excess of $5,000 and concerns the constitutional and fundamental rights of citizens ot California, circumvent- ing proceedings pending before the NLRB, and that the suit it not a collusive one to confer on the court jurisdiction in the case over which it would not otherwise have cog- nizance. Amended FetlUon Amended petition to charges filed lasl November against the lATSE were being prepared today (Tues.) for the presentation to the NLRB by Attorney A. Brigham Rose for Jefif Kibre of Technicians local. Al- legation is that a fake emergency is being created in affairs of union which is to be used as a basis for International union to resume dicta- torship control. Also charged peti- tions are being circulated in studios by gang bosses to discredit officials of lA and asking international to tal:e charge ot local. - A conspiracy is alleged under way to destroy autonomy given studio locals by lA and reinstate 2% as- sessment. Board of governors of laOcal 37 suspended Lew Blix, busi- nix agent; Harold Roddan, Thomas Moore, members, but were rein- stated by international. 'BABY' OKAY WB Geta Nod on Former 'Lite BectDS* Hollywood, March 14. Warners got the green light from the Hays office on 'Give Me a Baby.' Film, previously made by the stu- dio under the title 'Life Begins,' was barred in England and Australia. Hayaites imposed certain restrictions. mNOUT AS DlSTRlB HEAD IN AUSSIE Sydney, March 14. Sir Victor Wilson, head ot the Mo- tion Picture Distributors Association in Australia, quits in June after 13 years of service. No explanation was given as to why he was stepping down. Studio Contracts Hollywood, March 14. W. P. Lipscomb inked new icrlpt- Ing deal at Universal. Warners lifted Robert Buckner's writer option. Charles R. Rogers banded moppet contracts to Joyce Arleen Novotny, seven; Jacqueline Zoria Ossko, nine, and Maude Tyler Sperl, five. Metro hoisted Virginia Weldler's player ticket John Langan inked new dialog di- rector contract at Warners. Frederick Jackson inked to one- year writing pact by Edward Small. 20th-Fox lifted Doris. Bowdon's player option. Metro renewed Greer Garson's acting contract Sam Messenheimer's composer op- tion picked up by Metro. Warners handed new designer pact to Paul Shoup. Metro hoisted Betty Jaynes' play- er option. Columbia picked up Rita Hay- worth's option. John Payne inked new actor pact with Warners. . Winston Miller signed as scrlpter at Selznick-International. Metro renewed Lynn Carver's player contract Kay Griffith's player option picked up by.20th-Fox. Universal signed Sandra Henville, 11 months old. Warners renewed Terry Morse's director ticket Richard Wallace pacted as pro- ducer-director at Universal. No explanation was officially forthcoming In New York as to why Sir Victor Wilson was leaving as head of the Australian Motion Pic- ture Distributors Assn. However, recent laws enacted in New South Wales, aimed at distributors for the benefit of exhibitors, - admittedly have not pleased American company homeoffices and it's believed that a more vigorous executive was thought necessary for the post. Stokowsld to Score Disney Pic in Pfailtf, Reticent About Garbo Philadelphia, March 14. Leopold Stokowski arrived in Philly from Hollywood last week to conduct the Philly Orch in a series of concerts and to use it for scoring the Walt Disney cartoon, "The Sor- cerer's Apprentice.' Maestro said he expected Disney here this week. Basement of the Academy of Mu- sic, where the orch plays, has been converted into a huge sound studio. Equipment insured at $150,000, and shipped from the Coast has been in- stalled. Stokowski said he would appear in another picture. He refused to name the film, or with whom he'll play. Podiumist also revealed that he will lead a symph orch. in Greta Garbo's hometown — Stockholm, Sweden—in May. Last May he was a guest at Miss Garbo's home there. Asked if Garbo would be there for his symph concerts this year, he dropped his voice to a whisper isind said, 'I never discuss personal things.' Jason Set as Lasky Xareer' Pilot at RKO Hollywood, March 14. Leigh Jason gets the directing job on RKO's 'Career,' film version of the Jesse L Losky air show, 'Gate- way to Hollywood.' Finals next Sunday (19) will de- cide winning youngsters lo be fea- tured with Anne Shirley. . Metro's Backlot Parge FLEISCHER HAS '(MIVER'SET TOGO Having laid out the picture. Includ- ing drawings and a musical score, latter prepared by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, Max Fleischer will begin shooting his full-length car- toon, 'Gulliver's Travels,* the end of April or early in May. He has Im- ported 75 animators from Hollwood and estimates that shooting will be completed in October,. so that the picture may be scheduled for the Christmas release. Fleischer is turning the picture out at his new Miami studio, one of the most modern in existence and in- cluding features for sound control as well as mechanical inventions of Fleischer's. Cartoon producer is go- ing to be able to furnish stills im- mediately through a new printing process for the purpose, with result Par will have these available on the cartoon,. as with regular features, prior to completion of the finished picture. Fleischer is making 'Gulliver* In color and will also einbody In the production the third-dimensional process which he invented and on which he holds the patents. He is already going through a mass of ma- terial in search of something that will shape up for another cartoon feature next year. 'Gulliver' will probably be sold separately by Par rather than under the regular contract, with delivery during the 1939-40 season. Eve Curie to Advise M-G on Pic of Motlier Hollywood, March 14. Eve Curie is due at Metro next month to discuss the filming of the biog of her mother, who discovered radium. Greta Ciarbo is set for the name role. Charity's Pic Committee Film committee on this year's (1939) Catholic Charities drive, headed by John J. O'Connor, g.m. of RKO' The- atres, includes Harry D. Buckley, Pat Casey, H.' M. Doherty, E. C. Grainger, J. R. Grainger, Austin C. Keough, E. L. McEvoy, C. E. Mc- Carthy, Joseph McConville, C. B. McDonald, John Murphy, William J. Neary, Dennis F. O'Brien, Charles L. O'Reilly, P. A. Powers, William T. Powers, William F. Rodger.s, George J. Shaefer, William' Scully, W. G. Van Schnius arid others. Frank C. Walker; of the committee, Is ^acting as treasurer.' Hollywood, March 14. Metro Is shaking loose about 2,000 backlot workmen as a iresult of the completion of the 1938-39 production schedule. Employment was at a peak four weeks ago with 12 pictures in pro- duction. .Only three pictures -are working this week. Bader with MCA Hollywood, March 14. Dave Bader joined Music Corp. of America here yesterday (Monday) as assistant to Dave Diamond, story head. He takes with him story properties and author representation of his own recently disbanded firm. Rejuvenating 'Zorro' Hollywood, March 14. 'Mark of Zorro' is coming back as a re-make, this time at 20th-Fox, which bought the rights from Doug-- las Fairbanks several years ago. The preliminary script is com- plete. Clark Gable Divorced Las Vegas, Nov., March 14. Maria Gable was granted a di- vorce from Clark Gable here on the grounds of dcfcrtion. They were married in 1931 and parted in 1938. Property settlement h reported at $286,000. MAYER-BURSTYN GET DARRIEUX'S 1CATIA' Arthur Mayer and Joseph Bur- styn, distributors of the French film 'Ballerina,' have also acquired U. S. rights to 'Katia,* starring Danielle Darrieux and produced by E. A. Algazy. Distributors are negotiating for a Broadway run at the Astor. Connie Would Draw DiFrasso Into Suit New York supreme court justice Timothy A. Leary on Friday (10) reserved decision on an application by Constance Bennett to 'take the depositions of Countess Dorothy Di Frasso in Los Angeles. Miss Ben- nett who seeks $62,500, claims that Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the defendants, had conversed with the Countess and told her that they had a contract with Miss Bennett to do a script for her, but that they were not going through with it Actress claims to have made the agreement with the defendants In December, 1935, and paid them $2,- 500 as a retainer. She was to pay $47,500 more for the completed script The writers failed to pro- vide the script and she is suing for the $2,500, plus $60,000 for loss of time. Santley's 4th at U Hollywood, March 14, Joseph Santley is slated to pilot 'Flying Cadets,' Jackie Cooper-Fred- die Bartholomew starrer, his fourth successive directorial job at Uni- versal Shooting starts' as soon as Santley returns from a Mexican hunting trip. * RKOREORGDUE FOR OK IN TWO WEEKS Federal Judge William Bondy stated Monday (13) at an RKO hear- ing in New York that he will ap- prove confirmation of the reorgan- ization plan as soon as he pcsses on the board of directors. Bondy has taken under advisement the selec- tion of Raymond Bill, publisher, as a member of the board of directors, replacing Ferdinand Eberstadt. April 11 was set as the date for the next hearing in case anything Important which requires the court's attention should arise, but allformial matters relative to the plan have been disposed of. Bondy's formal order of confirmation should be forthcoming within a fortnight Still No V Hollywood, March 14. Barbara Stanwyck has signed for the top femme role of Lorna Moon in 'Golden Boy,' slated to go into work April 15 at Columbia with Rouben Mamoulian directing. Selection of thespian for the name role will be made later. Morris Vice Flynit - .. Hollywood, March 14. Wayne Morris takes the star role originally intended for Errol Flynn in the Jack London story, 'Burning Daylight' Flynn has four other pic- tures lined up. 'Daylight' will be made In Techni- color.