Variety (January 1953)

56 PICTUIKES Forty-seventh P^tlBTY Anniversary Wednesday, January 7, 1953 QUOTES ON THE PK BIZ > r full imiifiiiiiMMiiimiiimiiiiimiiiimiiiiiimiiiiimmiiiiiiiiiim iimniiiMiMiuimimiMEmMiimmimimnmiiimmiimtiuihit By ART ARTHUR (Exec. See., MPIC) if iiiHMtKiimiiiimimiiimiiiiiumimiimiimiiiiiiuiiiHiiiiiii?. § fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniinitntiiniiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiitimiitiiitiiiifiiiiiin Hollywood. From the scrapbook in our Mo- tion Picture Industry Library of Information: President-elect Dwight D. Eisen- hower: “Motion pictures are of the utmost importance in providing en- tertainment and building up morale . . . Let’s have more mo- tion pictures.” President Harry S. Truman : ' “I express my gratitude to the mo- tion picture industry for the ex- traordinary service it rendered.” The Pacific Stars & Stripes: “(Motion pictures are) one of the principal contributing factors to the continued high morale among UN forces . . . Perhaps the finest tribute Hollywood will ever receive came from the lips of an infantry- man: ‘When you go to the movies over here you get out of Korea for a couple of hours.’ Hollywood as a whole would be proud of tlie tribute combat soldiers pay its movies” . . . Capt. A. D. Fraser, chief of Naval Photography: “Films are our greatest morale booster.” . . . go forth and help my minister- husband.” . . . Thirteen national organizations, in presenting an Award of Merit t> the industry via Eric Johnston: “Among the 350 pictures reviewed (in 1951), we found repeated con- structive presentation of those principles and ideals which have made this a great democratic na- tion.” . . . The American Legion: “The mo- tion picture industry has fulfilled a fundamental requirement in the daily living of the citizens of this nation; its product has. been a powerful instrument in portraying the American way of life through- out the world; and as ah industry it has a demonstrated record of achievement in humanitarian and Henry Bernhardt, co-publisher patriotic .endeavor ... For these and editor-in-chief of the Stutt- reasons and for its consistent in- garter Nachrichten: “The younger terest in promoting the public wel generation of Germans likes the fare, particularly that of the mem- cultural activities of Americans bers of the United States Armed and is anxious to learn the Ameri- Forces, the movie industry is can way of life. Motion pictures hereby commended by the Amer- are principally responsible for this ican Legion.” attitude ” Gov. Dan E. Garvey, of^Arizona: Letter from the American Em- “ We » A l iz ™? bassy in Madrid : “American because of the gieat number of movies are the best propaganda the U. S.. puts out.” Visiting members of the Japa- nese Diet: “We credit Hollywood movies with a greater Americaniza- tion influence than the Occupation Army.” ciety, via a report in the L. A. Times:* “In the global struggle for the minds of men an American weapon of incalculable value fights nightly in the darkened area of the motion picture theatre. Tell- ing the story of life in a free so- ciety, U. S.-made movies comprise nearly 75% of all the feature films seen by a weekly world-wide audi- ence of more than 230,000,000 peo- ple.” • » » I HATE AUTHORS! By K, S. GINIGER (General Manager , Hawthorn Books) best friends are. country for the weekend and then 1 i. ji_ _ i < . . Some of my authors but... An author is a close relative who turns up in your office one day with a suit- case full of manuscripts in his hand and says: “You didn’t know this, but I’ve been writing for years, just for my own amusement, of course. But now, with my son in college and my daugh- I thought I Ken Giniger corp. William F. Cox, 55th Field th “ n a Set^L^hisTovel', Artillery Battalion, Korea: “The ‘The Company of Men”: “In the I reputation for living^ up^their films shot in our state . . ..I can honestly say I’ve never 'met a nicer group of people.” . . . Phoenix Gazette editorial (of a Hollywood troupe working in Phoenix); ..“Phoenix found;,...jthe movie people charming folks. A welcome awaits the return of any of them. They established a movies, and I have heard many a commitments, formed, friends by high officer say it, are the morale morality you^novT their clean behavior and 2° od of the troops in Korea ... We had that’s something they’ve got in habits, and made an altogether ex- incoming rounds within 200 yards and there wasn’t one guy that would leave the movie.” . . . Capt. James Altieri„ via Army Informa- tion Digest: “(Motion pictures) constitute an important and far America.” U. S. Department of Commerce Report: “Graphically, the Ameri- can film has been illustrating the American way of life and unques- tionably has been a potent force in reaching medium for sustaining helping to arrest the inroads of broad public understanding ol the Army’s activities Hollywood totalitarianism’ Irving Brown,, European repre- cellent impression. Irvin S. Cobb: “If it be true that, when the final curtain goes up on eternity, all men must ap- proach the gates bearing in their arms that which they have given in life. “Then the people of show busi- ness will march in the procession carrying in their arms the pure films have stimulated recruiting, ‘iTtive for the American Federa- helped build morale and dissemi- ti f T a bor- “American motion pearl of tears, the gold of laughter nated essential information to the L p * lirP e are a vital and indisDensa- and the diamonds of the stardust public. The prestige of the United R 7 f o *ce i„ sDieamna Tncrican “'ey spread on what otherwise States Army Forces has been en- ahr „f rt .. S might have been a mighty dreary hanced . . . An important contri- Mrs Dean Gran Edwards Chair- bution is being made toward wider ^ understanding of our Armed jr e( j era ti on 0 f Women’s Clubs Forces mission in defense of free- „ Last year j was a meraber of the dom * ! World Cooperation Tour of the General Federation of Women’s world. “And I’m sure that when all at last stand before the final stage door, the keeper will say: ‘Open— let my children in.’ | S oldiers in Greasepaint Lt~Gcn. Albert C. Wedemeyer: Clubs, visiting seven countries of “The traveling entertainers do Europe.’ I came home very well more than any one thing to lift the satisfied with the job which our morale of^ervicemen and to make American pictures are doing* in in- them remember they’re not forgot- terpreting democracy to the rest of ten.” ' the world . . . You have shown Col. Joseph F. Goetz, USAF: democracy to the other nations as “Servicemen all over the world got it really is. a terrific morale hypo as a result of the visits and entertainment.” Senator Homer Ferguson: “En- tertainment for our military per- sonnel takes first rank in building fine morale among our troops . . I heard many soldiers highly praise these great Americano and express their gratitude for the pleasure they brought . . .” ■ \ Public Service Governor Edward Am of Kan - Trade Envoys -For U.S. 1 Herbert Hoover (in introducing L. B. Mayer to President Coolidge, while Hoover was Secretary of Commerce in Coolidge’s cabinet): “Mr. President, our commerce used to follow the ships carrying the American flag into foreign ports. Today it follows our motion pic- tures.” The late Damon Runyon gave us Allied States Proxy's Views On State of Pix Biz By WILBUR SNAPER (President, Allied States Assn.) TV’s impact upon motion picture industry has been a great one. However, I believe it has affected the lesser pictures, those that might be termed A minus or B’s. another observation: “We some- As to territories being affected, ob- sas: “When there is a disaster or times wonder how we ever got viously the greater the TV satura- catastrophe of any kind, the spot- along without the motion picture. ti 0 n, the greater the effect, light focuses on the stricken local- This is the greatest form of enter- The tax situation, cost of living, ity, but as the immediate danger tainment in this world. It is a boon installment buying and general is removed and the work of relief to humanity. No other medium af- consumer spending have taken gets und way, then Hollywood be- fords as much mental and even their toll of boxoffice receipts. Bnt comes the first city in the land. The physical relaxation to as many peo- there little doubt that opnnlp do motion picture industry always pie . .. The person who derides the have monev in their Dockets as helps.” motion picture or views it with con- “hown by the percentage bfspend- Margaret Bean Spokesman-Re- descension is a fool. Nothing more ing on candy per admission, and view, Spokane, Wash.: “No indus- important has ever been de- try in the world does as much for vised, civic, charitable and patriotic proj ects as the men and women who America, Catholic magazine, in entertain us on the ^screen and «p ar i s Letter”: “This country behind the footlights . . - And, (p rance ) seems to be awakening via those very wonderful institu- from a long ni g htm are of anti- tions, the Hollywood Coordinating c i er i ca ii sm . . , one reason for the ~ —.. Committee and the Variety Clubs, difference has been the importa- achieved in a simple manner within we could quote guests bj'the score tion of . a cer t a i n type of American the economic range of all theatres, in behalf oi tne Red cross, tne fn m Not a few priest-characters, .. There is little doubt in my mind Community Chests of America, the a por trayed in ‘The Bells of St. that day-and-date dating of films Mary’s,’ Going My Way,’ ‘The in many theatres in one area hurts Fugitive’ have met with great criti- the boxoffice in that it may very cal success ana have won wide well keep people out of theatres, popular acclaim. French films The remedy runs parallel, with the have followed this lead.” cause. National policies ° on sales Mrs. Jesse M. Bader, National have brought this about to a great Chairman, Protestant Motion Pic- extent and the sooner the realiza- ture Council: “Redent pictures tion by distribution that the theatre around religion have been effec- cannot be sold by a blanket policy, tive. It should interest you, as the sooner there will be less print well as those ‘ primarily concerned difficulties as well as day-and-date with religion, that in the 335 pic- runs. tures previewed by our reviewers Large screen TV will no doubt last year, we counted 61. pictures be a tremendous attraction in con* which contained prayers. I want junction with the motion picture, you to know that all of us con- As to too many’theatres being cerned with religion appreciated in operation and further closings, this.” ... I feel that the economics of our Mrs. Elvie Johnston, in letter to industry will solve this question. Detroit Times: “The motion pic- Double features are like ciga- ture, Td Climb the Highest 'rjets—a nasty habit, but how mhny Mountain,’ helped me to solve a people can break away? difficult problem . . . This picture As to the changes in admission ter getting older, could use some extra money. And you came to my mind first thing.” An author is a night*club owner who always gave you a good table until one day he sent you his auto- biography and you sent it back with a note advising him, as a friend, to forget the idea. Now they double the cover charge when you come in. An author is a man you and your wife used to enjoy playing bridge with. Then, five years ago, you gave him $1.00 advance for a book, the manuscript of which he hasn’t yet turned in. Now, when you or your wife call him to get together for an evening, he’s tiut or just about to catch a plane for Tim- buctoo. An author is a man who has your home telephone number and uses it to call you while you’re dressing for dinner on a Saturday night to tell you that he’s been spending the day in New York making the rounds of the bookshops. He can’t find his book in Brentano’s, Scrib- ner’s, or Macy’s and will you please do something about it right away please. An author is a good-looking woman to whom you gave double your usual advance and royalties because she melted you away en- tirely. Then you get a letter from her lawyer oy agent "saying that she prefers toj have all business transacted by them because she feels so helpless when she’s deal- ing with money. An author is. a professor who knew you at college and comes in to ask why you can’t spend as much money to make his “Audiographic Studies of Ectomorphic Personali- ties” a bestseller as you did to push the last Rosamond Marshall novel. Because, after all, everyone, but everyone, either is an ecto- morph or isn’t one. An author is the high-powered | advertising executive who has writ- ten a book on adventures among the butterflies and offers to pro- vide for you an advertising cam- paign at least equal to that last big campaign he did for Luckies and only at half the cost. An author is a long-lost friend who turns up one day, invites you and your wife to his place in the spends the whole weekend reading you his first novel out loud. b An author is the writer you’ve nursed along from the first failure to his latest great bestseller who comes to you and says: “I appre- ciate all you’ve done for me and I want to do something for you. My agent has found another publisher who’ll give me 10 percent more of the book club income and I want to give you a chance to meet their offer.” An author is the bestselling woman novelist who, regularly, every two years, makes sure that word gets into the grapevine that she’s quarreled with her publisher. So you, and every other publisher in his right mind, fly a' thousand miles to see her and make her an offer. She listens attentively and then, two weeks later, writes a letter to you and the others, say- ing that ishe’s changed her mind and will stay where she is. An author is someone who'writes a book you’re ashamed to publish, but, for some reason or other, you’re committed to publish it and must do so. He insists on dedicating it to you. An author is the visitor to your office who invariably chooses to drop in at noon to talk over his latest idea and, after 10 minutes, to ask: “By the way, what are you doing for lunch?” He is also the same man who, if you take him to lunch, invariably insists that each of you needs at least three mar- tinis beforehand. An author is a man who reads your name in a gossip column, clips the item and sends it to you with a note reading: “What has your publicity department done for me lately?” An author is...the way I make my living. But, nevertheless, I hate authors! My own excepted, of course. The Religious Scene also on top product;. I feel that third dimension will prove to be a great boon to the boxoffice and exhibitors will will- ingly spend the money necessary for tills attraction', just as they spent money on sound equipment. A new visual effect must be American Cancer Society, finilum r Goodwill Ambassadors Louis Sobol, King Features: “Above all, the movie has become the most effective purveyor of the American ideal, and the most sig- nificant portrayer of the American way of life.” Mohammed Ali, Ambasasdor of P;.kist::n: “I give this_citation in recognition of American~Tffms for tlirir great contribution in advanc- . ing the cause of understanding and freedom among the peoples of the world.” . . . Edward J. Barrett, while serving as \ssisU.nt Secretary of State for Puolic Affairs: “Hollywood’s films do as much to tell democracy’s story abroad as any of the nation’s agencies especially created for that purpose,” The National Geographic So- gave me new courage and faith to | prices for theatres, I don’t know force, he would be much better off how they can be increased without hurting ourselves, and our only hope is ^relief tax-wise. Competitive bidding in many sit- uations is resulting in not only higher rentals but almost confisca- tory terms. To avoid this, distrib- ution must restrain itself from in- stigating and installing biddiirg where it is not called for and ex- hibitors must refuse to bid. Divorcement of theatres has, in many instances, benefited the in- dependent theatre man. I believe that some of the better practices of pre-decree days combined with certain regulations of today would result in a happier industry. The system of arbitration in our industry is certainly a desirable operation and film rentals must have’ a space, if not within the ar- bitration drafte itself, certainly in an accompanying framework. To say yes to the justification for advanced admission priced films is daring the devil. An exhibitor, to be on the safe side, must say no or else he will find himself playing two reel comedies, at advanced prices. I don’t, believe there has been any significant improvement in product. I think many pictures are being made with an eye on the foreign market rather than the do- mestic one. If the small,, independent exhib- itor could pay more attention to operating his theatre and waste less time quibbling with the sales Censor System For N.Y. State A system of film censorship, based on voluntary submission of pix to the N.Y. state censor body, has been offered by attorney Ephraim London, pix censorship specialist, as a method to improve the state’s “archaic” statutes. View of London, whose brief and argu- ment before the U. S. Supreme Court for “The Miracle” gave films the same status as a free press, is contained in a letter to Dr. Hugh M. Flick, the N.Y. censor. Letter was prompted by Dr. Flick’s own observation that “it’s time we brought our law up-to- date.” London hopes that his plan might be forwarded by Flick - to the N.Y. State Board of Regents, parent body of the Division of Censorship, State Education Dept. It’s anticipated that the board as well as individual legislators will ask for changes in the N.Y. censor law when the new state legislature convenes shortly. Basically London’s idea calls for the submission of all pictures to the state censor body by distribs or exhibs on a voluntary rather than mandatory policy. It also sug- gests that censorship be limited solely to the questions of obscenity and indecency. Under the present censorship setup, every picture destined for showing in the state must be sub- mitted to the scissors-wielders. However, a section of the penal law provides that no picture can be prosecuted for obscenity or in- decency if approved by the censor body. London’s thinking is that a distrib or an exhib, if he wants to, may submit a picture for the cen- sor body's seal. However, if a n individual is opposed to censor- ship; he’ll be free to exhibit th e picture >*ans official sanction. Tne state, ^however, can prevent, tne distribution or exhibition ol in- decent pix, London notes, by em- ploying the police powers of tne penal law. P He admits .that the law may become coercive, with distribs ana exhibs submitting pictures to ti censors to avoid chancing a run-in with police action.