Variety (Dec 1939)

12 •VARIETY'S' LONDON OFFICE R Et. Mutdn'ii riHce, Triifalirar iSquar* INTERNATIONAL fcble Addrttm TARIKTT, I«NI>«N TcUphons Temple Dor SC41-S042^ New Aussie Pix Tax Hits U.S. Firms Severely; $500,000 Annual Yield Seen Sydney, Dec. 3. Federal government has imposed e lax of one pence (1 l/3c at cur- rent rate ot exchange; formerly 2c) per lineal loot on negatives printed in Australia, formerly duty free. It applies to all foreign companies. It also has "hiked the tax on positive films brought into the country and ready for exhibition,- from four pence to five pence, for all foreign firms. New duty is expected to yield $500,000 annually. Local .laboratory and newsreel executives, who would be among those most affected, say the new tax sounds the death knell of industry here. Hard hit would be most U. S. major distributors, which would be taxed on 12 pence dupli- cates here by each company for every pie. The Motion Piclvire Distributors' Association is appealing to secure a reduction in the duties. Another Handicap Foreign department executives in New York regard the new fees as simply another handicap to main- taining present foreign income. Preliminary estimates show the new duties would add $460,000 to the cost of doing business annually in Australia for the 10 American com- —pawte5~Tir ost active in -tFi at t errf-- tory. Several foreign officials compare the new duties to the excise tax pro- posed, but defeated, in Great Britain early this year. Increase on posi- tive film tax would hit U. S. dis- tributors only on color prints be- cause on other pictures only nega- tives are shipped in, with 12 copies taken from them. Thus the great- est damage would be done via the tax on printing of such black-and- white features. Figured that the duty would be about $1,200 per fea- fure. The single positive usually shipped In on each feature is held in bond for special showings and never re- leased. Consequently, no tax would be applicable to this type of print. Unless there is considerable re- vision of the new rate, or complete elimination of the duty, it's pre- dicted that U. S. distributors would heavily reduce the number of fea- tures shipped to Australia. Minor productions would be held in the U. S., only the sure boxoffice hits being sent Down Under. This is ex- pected to push the decline ot double biHnirAustralian-territory: New money restrictions, effective last Oct. 17, have been placed in op- eration by Greece, according to word just received by Ne v York home, offices.—Whilp nirrency- restrictions Invasion of Finland, Good Market, New Blow to U. S. Films LIMIT 'OZ' KID AUD Britain Holds Fable May Terrify Children; Adults Must Accompany London, Dec. S. Although 'Wizard of Oz' (M-G) was taken from the fable long popu- lar with juvenile readers, film has been okayed for children in England only if they're accompanied by adults. Limited certificate was given be- cause reviewing board held the film contained scenes that might frighten juveniles. GREECE IN MORE DRASTIC COIN CURBS on a modified scale were in effect in that country previously, new law is more drastic. Not only does the latest statute restrict the amount of rental coin which can be exported to the U. S, to $750 per picture, but it stipulates that this amount must be divided into installments spread over a 10- month period starting April 1, 1940. Law also permits the shipping to America of rental coin only covering the cost of prints on newsreels and shorts. It further provides that the only money allowed immediately out of the country can cover merely the cost of the print in question. Bal- ance is to be handled in bi-monthly installments starting April 1 next. Invasion of Finland by the Soviet Is regarded by American film com- panies as an additional blow to the diminishing foreign market. Whether Russia wins or not, regular distri bution promises to be disrupted for the next six months or longer. If Stalin raiders conquer the Finns It will mean another market handed over to the Red film monopoly, with American product treated the same as in the Soviet, which furnishes no revenue to U. S. distributors except- ing on single-product deals about once every seven years. Finland Is rated as a good market for American pictures considering that the total population is only around 4,000,000. Several foreign de- partment executives of U. S. com- panies claim that it has proven as fruitful as that of several South American countries. Press tor Jap Pact American distributors will press from now until the end of 1939 for a new picture-coin pact with Japan, with indications that approximately $920,000 of U. S. film money will be tied up in Japanese territory by Jan. 1. Distribs are still hopeful of obtaining some agreement favorably comparable to the one secured late m 1938r wheTreby" the~ release"" of rental coin would be tied up with the Nippon import ot a stipulated number of features. Under the 1938 pact, about $960,-' 000 was released for deposit in a San Francisco bank to be held in escrow there for three years in American dollars) and approximate- ly 200 features were thus permitted into Japan for distribution early this year. 6 P.M. Cinema Closing Abolished in Britain London, Dec. 9. The home secretary has abolished the 6 p.m. cinema closing and all West End theati'es may take turns remaining open until 11 p.m., sub- ject to police regulations. Legit attractions will stagger their openings for shows nightly so they will not evacuate their audiences si- multaneously. Urge Sunday Pix For Canadians In N.B. During War St John, N. B., Dec. 3, A movement is afoot by naval, army and air force leaders that has as its objective the opening of pic- ture theatres on Sundays in cities of St. John and Halifax and tlie town of Dartmouth. Such to prevail only until the troops arc demobilized after the current war. Keeping the theatres open on Sun- days would solve a vital problem for the heads ot the war services. This is the provision ot moral en- tertainment and diversion for the uniformed men when they are not on duty. Complaints have formed a deluge tha t the soldiers, s ailors and American Film Cos. Revamping Plans For British Prod, to Meet Quota Stay RUSS FILMS' DOWNBEAT Anyihinr Smackinir of Vodka Not Very Popular Now airmen are proving easy victims of the operators and inmates of ques- tionable houses and bootlegging dives, through lack of decent enter- tainment, this being particularly ap- plicable, to Sundays. In Halifax, a wartime base for the British, Cana- dian and French navies, the problem ha been a very disturbing one. Spe- cifically, for the women and girls, who are keeping indoors after dark. The city is flooded with sailors from the three navies, in addition to plenty of soldiers and airmen. It is pro- posed that the film houses be opened from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., as a remedy fo" the situation on Sundays. In St. John the atmosphere Is chiefly that of the soldiery, although there are also airmen and sailors. Including not only the naval men, but the crews of the trans-Atlantic merchant vessels ^which have St. John as their home port in America during the winter season, and Mon- treal in the summer. London Play N. G. London, Dec. 9. !Giving. _theJ£ide_Ay«y,L which. opened Thursday (1) at St. Martin's theatre, is an anemic farce with much dialog and an empty plot. It's rated little chance of success. AUSSIE NITERIES DO OK BIZ DESPITE WAR Columbia Backs French Pic; Duvivier Directs Paris, Nov. 25. "Like Father, Like Son,' feature which Julien Duvivier will direct, goes before the cameras about Dec. 10, with Columbia underwriting. Cast includes Jean Gabin, Raimu, Louis Jouvet, Gaby Morley, Fran- -coise Rossay, Pierre Blancher and Michele Morgan. Story traces a French family through three generations, .showing them on eve of three wars, 1870,1914 and 1939. Sydney, Nov. 14. War has made very little differ- ence to Australian night life. Night clubs, hotels and dancehalls continue to secure patronage without any re- strictions, unlike curbs in other Brit- ish possessions close to the war zone. The liquor law is still very strict. Six p.m. is the deadline for its sale, but anyone can order the stuff for delivery to any night club for party purposes prior to this time and con- sume until any hour. Princes, Romanos and the Troca- dero arc the leaders in local night life, with the two former bidding mostly for society play. Bands em- ployed include The Weintraubs, Bert Howell and Bob Lyon and his Sere- nade in Blue. Understood that plans are afoot to introduce additional ace clubs around the city early in 1940. With huge wool and wheat pro- ceeds flowing in here from the Brit- ish Government, and with other coin on tap from secondary products, more hefty night life trade is antici- pated shortly. Mex Production Up Mexico City, Dec. 5. Pic production has taken an up ward swing here after a long lull. Six' features are in the making for release early next year. Film Cycles .Continued from page 1. the legit had gained considerable animosity from Catholic groups through its characterization ot the Virgin Mary. Par, intending to re- write it completely, fears the Cath- olic onus may unjustly attach itself to the screen version if it is known that 'Portrait' is the basis for the story. Incidentally, 'Queens* is evidence of a recent trend in Hollywood to- ward religious films. Decision to purchase it was preceded by 20th- Fox's buy of 'The Great Command ' ment' for a remake. Pic was rC' cently made by Cathedral Films (indie) and Fox hired the latter's whole production staff when it de^ cided on the picture. Other religious stories on which deals are now pending are 'Father Malachy's Miracle,' which RKO is interested in getting, and 'First Le gion,' another for 20lh-Fox. Story editors have also been instructed to watch for others. Same cause that is making Holly, wood demand frothy comedies is seen by editors behind the religious trend. With the world in such a tumultous state people not only want escapist stuff, but also something to peg their faith on, it is reasoned. 'Queen,' which was produced by Cheryl Crawford in association with Day Tuttle and Richard Skinner, was an artistic success in New York but lost considerable coin. Inasmuch as there was little film interest in it aside from DeMille's, and a complete rewrite job is needed. Par is under- stood to have paid the very modest sum. of $10,000 for the play. 'Amkino might as well fold up and go home.' That was the comment Monday (4) ot a leading exhibitor of foreign films in New York. Amkino is Soviet-controlled distrib of Russian pix in America. Grosses on the Russ films in this country fell off precipitately following the Soviet- Reich pact in September, but dropped to virtually zero after the invasion ot Finland last weekend. It is estimated that there wjer* at one time approximately 500 theatres in the United States that occasionally played Russian films. There were more than 100 in New York alone. This dropped to between five and 10 in September and is expected to fall off still more when current com- mitments are exhausted. PAR. ACT TO RESUME PROD. JNiNGLANILJ Paramount Is going ahead with plans to produce pictures in Great Britain, seeking reasonable es.sur- ance that there will be no inter- ruptions to production there, ac- cording to David E. Rose, Par's managing director in Great Britain, who arrived in New York from Lon- doy yesterday (Tuesday). Rose will discuss production plans with home office officials during his stay in the U. S. and will spend Christmas with his family, probably in N. Y. He plans returning to England early next month. He indicated that the British are anxious to go ahead with production because they don't want to lo.se the present gains ob- tained through the new quota law. Rose told officials that British film people were doing everything possible to continue production, but thus far it was a question of being assured a steady availability of tech- nicians, facilities and talent Mull Balcon, Savillc For TVPG3rifish~ Post In lining up its facilities to resume picture-making in England under the quota law, Metro is reported considering both Michael Balcon and Victor Saville for the British pro- duction job. Former did 'Yank At Oxford' in England for Metro while Saville produced 'Goodbye Mr. Chips.' There also Is a possibility that Ben Goetz, formerly studio man- ager and producer in England for Metro, might be pressed into serv- ice. He now is recuperating from a stomach ailment in New York. Paris in Wartime Paris, Nov. 25. Charles Trenet, the 'singing fool,' and his military theatrical group which travel by air and are known as the ,'Alr Theatre,' did a charity affair in Marseilles Nov. 19. Group, which includes Raimu, CharpinI, Germaine Sablon, Jo Bouillon, Ali- bert, Noel Noel 'and Andres Oleo, will then return to the front to en- tertain the mobilized. Mitty Goldin has announced a marching war-song contest, with two prizes, 10,000 and 5,000 francs, re- spectively. ABC music-hall public will be final arbiter after six judges pick four best songs. Songs will be done by French warblers at ABC's next revue and two songs getting most applause will win the prizes. CRAIG TOPS N. Z. GROUP Auckland, N. Z., Dec. 9. Stanley Craig, Paramounfs gen- eral manager in New Zealand, has been elected president of the Film Exchange Associalipn in New Zeal- and for the fourth successive year. He's the only one to have held the office for more than one year. Continuance of the Brili.sh quota law in England until next March, decided on last week, is bringing a revamp . of American procUiclion plans in Great Britain. Many ma- jors were hopeful that the quota act would be repealed or at least dras- tically modified. Failure to do either now is forcing perhaps five out ot the eight majors to realign their production setups on the British Isles. Reported that five or six U. S. majors have quota films yet to be made before the second year of the Quota Act runs out March 31. American distributors in Engl.nnd will put their frozen film rental money to work via quota produc- tion. Estimated now that smaller majors will have around $1,500,000 while bigger distributors will have approximately $3,000,000 frozen an- nually in England as a result of the British government ruling. Prefer Costly Pix U. S. companies would prefer making quality pictures co.sting $500,000 or more because of triple- credits to be obtained under the quota law and also because of the nominally better prospect of world revenue to be obtained on such films. Until there is more definite as- surance that production schedules will not be interrupted in England, U. S. producers doubtlessly will be -force d tu limi t-theii^b udnt'ls. t ip- — companies have indicated they want to go ahead with any costly pictures if the outlay would be booi:'lcd be- cause, of delays caused by fnllur. to get sufficient players, technicians, etc., or by bombing raids. This makes 'B' pictures costing $ns.000 to. $200,000, most likely, to be produced, not only from now until April, but also after that if the quota law re- mains as Is. Uncertainty of getting back costs in the European markets because ot the war militates against costly films. Theatres Seek British Tllma Several companies are obtaining facts and figures on probable costs, for British film-making. They should know more definitely what produc- tions are to be turned out within the next two weeks. Another angle which most likely will attract interest to 'B' films Is that British theatres will be clam- oring for a certain amount ot all- British pictures. And these would fill In most localities. Virtually all financing for British production has been by U. S. companies in the last IS months. Ch ief differe nce b e tween peace- time production on one side and th* wartime currency restrictions and the quota on the other is that U. S. film companies would produce on their own or directly supervise all production, thus putting money frozen in England to work In hopes ot getting some coin out of the country. France Bans 58 Films For Duration of War; Gay Pix Encouraged Paris, Nov. 25. Fifty-eight pix, many ranking as the best French b.o. succe.s.ses of last season, have been banned for the duration of the war. The war censors have taken Ihem out of circulation for variou.s rea- sons. Since the start of the war the watchword is light, gay films and morose, tragic subjects are taboo. Some films have been banned be- cause they made light of the military forces and favored by the enemy. The list is headed by Jean Cabin's two big hits of last season, 'La Bete Humaine' and 'Quai des Brumes.' War picts include 'Alcrle en Medi- teranee,' 'Rappel Immediat,' 'Palrou- ille a I'Aube,' 'Paix Sur Ic Rhln," 'Trois Artillerurs a I'Opera' and the comedy, 'Ignace.' Others include 'Lcs Bas-Fond.s', 'Le Dernlere Tournant', 'Hotel du Nord', 'La Maison du Maltai.s', 'Le Beau Gras', 'Le Train de 8 Heures 47', 'Ameck' and 'Club de Femnits'. Also on the list are the American 'AH Quiet on the Western Front' and German pic 'Fraulein Doklor.' During the first two months of the war, regional censorships were imposed but such abuses ensued Ihsit orders have been given to the dillii - ent prefects to pass all pix <il;::.v<-<' by the central censorship In P.iris.