Variety (December 1954)

20 PICTURES t^GSUfy Wednesday, December 8, 1954 ■ ■ . . . ■ - " — Picture Cresses Stockholders in DCA For the purpose of increasing the supply of product, the oper- ators of 35 circuits have invested varying amounts (minimum of $5,000) in Distributors Corp. of America. Starting out with a capitalization of $ 1 , 000 , 000 , the outfit has as its purpose the financing of indie pictures and the distribution of same on a competitive basis, that is, with the exhibitor stockholders not given any pre-emptive rights to the DCA lineup. These are the DCA owners: N. Y.—Harry Brandt, Leo Brecher, Harold Eskin, Fred J. Schwartz, Solomon M. Strausberg, Joseph Seider, Samuel Rinzler, Walter Reade Jr., Herman Becker, Spyros S. Skouras, Joseph Springer, Percival E. Furber. Also Sam Pi- nanski and Arthur Lockwood, both Boston; Frank Walker-J. J. O’Leary (both Comerford-Publix), Scranton; Jay Emanuel, Phila- delphia. Also, Morry Miller, Passaic, N. J.; Charles Moses, Staten Island; J. Myer Schine, Gloversville; Paul Engler, Birmingham; D. Irving Long, Louisville; M. A. Lightman, Memphis; E. D. Martin, Atlanta; Morton Thalhimer, Richmond; Max Baum, Montgomery; Arthur Steele, Jacksonville; Alfred and Milton Starr, Nashville; Mitchell Wolfson, Miami. Also, Harry Arthur, St. Louis; Myron Blank, Des Moines; Julius Gordon, Beaumont, Tex.; George Kerasotes, Springfield, 111.; Joseph Rosenfield, Spokane; Will Conner, Seattle, and L. A. Starsmore, Colorado Springs. Theatres represented by the foregoing are located in nearly all 48 states. The stockholders will meet shortly after Jan. 1 to name a DCA board of directors. BALTIMORE (Continued from page 9) Montana” (RKO) (2d wk), dull $2,500. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 35-75- $1.25)—“Barefoot Contessa” <UA) (4th wk). Good $6,500 after $8,000 in third. Playhouse (Schwaber) (420; 50- —“Rear Window” (Par) (7th wk'. Oke $3,500. Last week, $3 800 Stanley (WB* (3,200; 30-$l)— "Drum Beat” (WB> (2d wk). Drab $6,600 after $11,500 opener. Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-80) —“Phffft” (Col) (2d wk). Potent $ 9,000 following $ 12,000 opener. ‘Duel’ Hep 14G, Toronto; ‘Xmas’ Fancy 14JG, 5th Toronto,' Dec. 7. "Duel in Jungle” looks top new- comer. Neither “Ring of Fear” and "This Is My Love,” are doing w'ell. "Glenn Miller Story” back at pop prices looks okay. Hefty holdovers are “Last Time I Saw Paris” in second stanza and "White Christ- mas” in fifth, latter being best grosser in city. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 698: 694; 40-70)—“Duel in Jungle” (WB) and “Two Guns and Badge” (AA). Neat $14,000. Last week. "Gambler Natchez” (20th) and "Silent Raid- ers” (Hep), $14 500. Ellington, University (FP) (1,080; 1.558; 60-$ 1) — "This Is Love” (RKO). Light $8,000. Last week, "Black Widow” (20th) (3d wk). same. Hyland (Rank) (1,354; 00-80)— "Father Brown. Detective” (Col) (3d wk). Okay $5,500. Last week, $7,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l) — "White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk). Still fancy at $14,000. Last week. $17,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2.090; 60-$l)— "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Hotsy $Hj,000. Last week, $17,000. Odeon (Rank) (2.380; 75-$ 1)— "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (3d wk). lien $10,000. Last week, $12,000. Shea’s (FP) (2.386; 75-SI) — "Ring of Fear” (VVB *. Sad $9,000. Last week. "Rear Window” (Par) (4th wk). $8,000. Uptown (Loew) (2.745; 60-80)— "Glenn Miller Story” (U) (reissue). Oke $ 10 , 000 , first time at pop prices. Last week. "Beau Brum- mell” (M-G) (2d wk), $7,000. SAN FRANCISCO (Continued from page 8 ) (2d wk). Okay $13,000 or near. Last week, $21,000. Paramount (Par) <2.646; 90-SI) —“Phffft” (Col) and "Black Da- kotas” (Col) (2d wk). Oke $12,000. Last week, $20,000. St. Francis (Par) (1.400; $1- $1.25) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). So-so $8,500. Last week. $9,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) <1.458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” (Indie) (49th wk'. Fine $17.- 000 or close. Last week, $24,000. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207: 90-$ 1.25 1 — "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (4th wk). Good $8 000, and staying. Last week. $8,400. Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) — "Dr. JekyU, Mr. Hyde” and "Woman’s Face” (reissues' (2d wk). Good $3,000. Last week. $3,000. Larkin (Rosener) (400: $ 1 '— "Bread. Love, Dreams” (IFE' ( 5 th wk». Okay $2,800. Last week, $3 000. Bridge (Schwartz - Reade) (399; $1-$1.20)—"High and Dry” <U) <5th wk>. This week ending todav (Wed.) looks oke $2,500. Fourth was $2,800. "Trouble in Glen” (Rep) in next. Clay (Rosener) (400; $1)—“Mo- ment of Truth” tlhdie). Good $4,000. Last week, “Hollv and Ivy” (Indie) (4th wk', $2,000. Vogue <S. F. Theatres) 377; $D— "Ugctsu” (Indie) (3d wk). Fine $4,000. Last week, $ 5 , 000 . Pittsburgh Reciprocity Pittsburgh. Dec. 7. Stanley Theatre here, unit of Stanley Warner, has booked its first Metro release in years, "Athe- na,” as the result of an unusual programming situation. A short time ago, Stanley, tied up with a long run of Warners’ "A Star Is Born,’’relinquished its hold on “White Christmas” so the Penn Theatre could play the Paramount musical. The Penn, in turn, has now yielded "Athena” to the Stan- ley ‘Over Africa’ NSH 7& Det.; ‘Drum’ 14G, ‘Paris’ 10G, Both Fine in 2d Detroit, Dec. 7. Only one newcorper downtown this week and biz ia slower as a result. Other downbeat ■ factors are Xmas shopping and the cold. The newcomer, "Fire Over Africa” shapes slow at the Broadway-Capi- tol. "Carmen Jones” at Fok, "Bare- foot Contessa” at Michigan, and "Drum Beat” at Palms, all in sec- ond weeks, looks okay. "A Star Is *Born” in 10th round at the Madi- son is holding well. "Desiree* also is nice in third round at the United Artists. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- $1.25)—"Carmen Jones” (20th) (2d wk). Good $24,000. Last week, $39,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 80-$l)—“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d wk). Oke $16,000. Last week, $24,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$D— "Drum Beat” (WBPand "Ricochet Romance” (U) (2d wk). Stout $14,-] 000. Last week, $27,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; $1.25-$1.50) —‘‘Star Is Born” (WB) (10th wk). Twinkling $8,000. Last week, $9,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3.500; 80-Sl)—“Fire Over Africa” (Col) and "They Rode West” (Col). Poor $7,500. Last week, "Private Hell 36” (Indie) and “Deadly Game” (AA), $14,000. United Artists (UA) (1,938; $1- $1.25)—“Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). Nice $10,500. Last week, $15,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 80-$l)— "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d iwk). Fine $10,000. Last week, $ 12 , 200 . Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65'—"Cine- rama” (Indie) (90th wk). Oke $12,- 000. Last week, $11,800. Foreign Envy m Continued from page 3 —— at the rate of about 1 % each year. It’s now at an average 40% to 42%. No Return Courtesy! Reaction is twofold. Foreign producers ask why, if Hollywood is so successful abroad, it doesn’t do more to help foreign films gain entrance to the U. S. market. Sec- ondly, when they hear of impor- tant American pix recouping their investment in the U. S. alone, they start figuring on restrictions. The U. S. distribs don’t like to see the domestic earning power of their films publicized for the sim- ple reason that this implants in the mind of foreign observers the —erroneous—idea that most films get their money back from the American theatres. This immediately has a bearing on the outlook of foreign tax as- sessors. They figure it this way: If the Americans are in the clear on their films in the U. S. alone, all their foreign income must be pure profit, i.e., taxable to the hilt. This is, of course, argued by the American outfits which point to the fact that the vast majority of money-pix still depend heavily on the foreign revenue. There has been something of a reversal of this pattern at 20th-Fox with its initial Cinemascope releases which have been high grossers, partly due to the attractions of the new' medium. There have been.^f^late, a num- ber of tax threats' abroad, the latest being Germany whieU is di$ cussing a "release” tax to be Im- posed on all films shown there. However, the local producers would be aided by the revenue whereas the Americans would be left out in the cold. In Italy, a Motion Picture Export Assn, com- mittee is currently negotiating an Italian demand for a change in the computation of taxable income of U. S. distribs. In France, an 8 ' 2 % "turnover” tax on U. S. earnings and remittances is pending. In the U. S., distribs with fat bank balances are beginning to run into the inevitable exhib argu- ment: If you can show such large profits, why not go easier on ren- tals terms and help us make a bet- ter living? Beefs come mostly from the smaller accounts. Lat- ter are frankly impressed by earn- ing statements such as the latest one from 20th-Fox which showed a J trip'" • ’'I in the net for the first j Tom Rogers Exits Metro After 22 Years; Eyes TV Tom Rogers, for 22 years with the Loew-Metro organization, has decided to make his sabbatical from Loew’s permanent and will probably wind up in television. He was the longtime New York contact for Metro’s Hollywood per- sonalities, but started with Loew’s State, Cleveland, about the same time that MCA prexy Lew Wasser- man dittoed at* the next-door RKO Palace there. Rogers has been on leave since August, because of illness, but now, fully recovered, he wants a more regular schedule, especially since his marriage to couturier Ceil Chapman. Briefs From the Lots » Hollywood, Dec. 7. George Marshall signed to di- rect "The Second Greatest Sex” for producer Albert J. Cohen at U . . . Gene Reynolds, former mop- pet, plays a jet pilot in Warners’ "The McConnell Story” . . . Ray June is the new cameraman on Danny Kaye’s “The Court Jester” at Paramount, replacing Ray Ren- nahan who is ill . . . Joan Collins in from London to start her seven- year contract at 20th-Fox . . . U bought "Dead Man Pass.” Sateve- post tale by Peter Dawson, and as- signed Howard Christie as pro- ducer . . . National Legion of De- cency handed a “B” rating to "So This Is Paris” for "suggestive dancing,” and to "Track of the Cat” for "suggestive dialog” . . . Tomy Noonan turned down an ap- pearance at the Mocambo for a role in "Violent Saturday” at 20th-Fox. Metro signed John Kerr for his screen debut in "The Cobweb.” which Vincente Minnelli will di- rect for producer John House- man . . . Andrew Marton obtained release from his director contract at Metro and acquired screen rights to a French novel. "The Gangsters” . . . Abe Steinberg started his 30th year at 20th-Fox with a new seven-year pact as as- sistant production manager . . . Three young NY actors, Paul Ma- zurski, Dan Terranova and Ralph Campos will play juvenile delin- ouents in Metro’s "Blackboard Jungle” . . . Cubby Broccoli leaves after Christmas for Nairobi with a second unit to shoot backgrounds for "Safari” . . . Sarah Selby will play June Allyson’s mother in “The McConnell Story” at War- ners . . . Robert Aldrich signed Maxine Cooper and Mara McAfee for roles in "Kiss Me Deadly.” Marjorie Hellen’s minor con- tract with 20th-Fox approved by Superior Court . . . Pine-Thomas "Hell’s Island” as the final tag on "Love Is a Weapon.” . . . Montie Crooks up for a role in Soldier of Fortune” at 20th-Fox . . . Herman Wepper named production execu- tive on "Canada’s Great Manhunt,” co-produced by Sam BischofT and Dave Diamond for UA release . . . Robert Ellis drew a role in War- ners’ "The McConnell Story” . . . Republic assigned R. G. Spring- steen to direct “I Cover the Water- front.” with William J. Sullivan as associate producer . . . William and Edward Nassour will film their United Artists release, "The Beast of Hollow Mountain.” in Cinema- scope .. . . W; Lee Wilder will pro- duce and direct his indie, "Captain Thunder,” in Haiti . . . Edward Muhl appointed Jess Kimmel di- rector of U’s school of motion pic- ture drama . . . Hugo Haas signed Cleo Moore and John Agar as top- pers in his indie, "No Tomorrow.” ^j) ; PHILADELPHIA (Continued from page 9) (6th wk). Good $11 t 000. Last week, $14,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 75- $1.49)—"White Christmas” (Par) (6th wk). Big $18,000. Last week, $30,000. Stanley (SW) (2.900; 74-$1.30)— "Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk). Solid $19,000. big Saturday helping. Last week, $27,000. Stanton (SW) (1.473; 50-99)— "Fire Over Africa” (Col) and "Miss Robin Crusoe” (20th). Dull $6,500. Last week. "3 Hours to Kill” (Col) and "Black Dakotas” (Col), $8,500. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 80-$1.50) —“Sabrina” (Par) 1 7th wk). Fine $5,500. Last week, $7,300. Viking (Sley) (1.000; 75-$1.30)— "Athena” (M-G) (3d wk). Trim $8,000. Last week. $9,000. Trans-Lux World T-L) (604; 99- $1.50)—"Suddenly” 'UA) (8th wk). Off to okay $3,500. Last week, $4,800. CONFER WITH LINDBERGH Hayward to Have Two Films In Work at Same Time Hollywood, Dec. 7. Leland Hayward and Billy Wil- der will meet with Charles Lind- bergh this month on plans for filmization of the aviator’s book "Spirit of St. Louis.” Hayward plans to launch "Spirit” simultaneously with "Point of No Return” around May. Makelim Plan Continued from page 3 purpose. It was the impetus for other new producer-distributors to get started.” Fact that many exhibitors have signed firm contracts with Makelim guaranteeing to play all 12 pictures appears of little concern to theatre- men. They feel the risk is all on his side. Suppose exhibs decide not to play Makelim’s films, it’s noted, "he can’t sue everybody and make a profit.” Since the announcement of the plan on April 6 , there’s been a rapid turnover in Makelim’s top echelon staffers. Three different men have held the post of sales manager, Sam Nathanson, John Wolfberg, and as of just now, Herb Kaufman. Hy Daab, veteran industry public^, was named pub-ad chief, but exited the com- pany a week after his appointment, •without explanation. Makelim supposedly was to start production last July and have his first picture ready by mid-October of 1954. He never listed properties or stars. There were also two other announcements which never ma- terialized. Makelim said he was negotiating for the purchase of the RKO studios from Howard Hughes. There was also a report that Makelim had made a deal with MCA for its complete roster of stars to be used in the pictures, but this was later denied by the percentery. In October, Makelim said h-e would get into production "as sooii a> a complete quota of acceptable contracts is reached.” He said he needed a total of $5,117,200 in guaranteed rentals before the first picture could roll. The pacts at that time, he said, totaled a little more than $3,000,000. His goal of $5,117,200 is based on a production cost of $426,600 for each of the 12 pictures. Late in August, Makelim re- ported that Dept, of Justice ap- proval had been received for the former theatre affiliates of the divorced companies to participate in the plans. He was now aiming for 4,000 to 5,000 theatres. In September, Wolfberg said 2,000 theatres had signed and Makelim was setting his sights olf 3,000. He said he expected active production to begin in six weeks. Late in September, Wolfberg upped the total to 2,600 theatres. In October, stating that he had reached $3,000,000 of the $5,119,- 200 required, Makelim said he ex- pected to reach his goal in a month or six weeks. In the same month, it was reported that 2,700 theatres had signed for total pledges of $4,600,000. In November, the con- tracts totaled $324,650 per picture and Makelim expected to reach the $426,600 average completion neg- ative cost by the year’s end. At this point, he expected to be in production by Jan. 15. Circuits Sign Continued f: >m page 3 I ledgment of the role played by Schwartz in the DCA formation. With the financial structure thus set and a production program well underway, DCA has become the first importantly-sized film company in the industry’s modern history to be owned by a group of outstanding exhibitors. May Widen Base DCA already is contemplating a capitalization increase beyond the initial $ 1 , 000,000 "to meet increas- ing interest of exhibitors anxious to participate,” said Schwartz. He declined to break down the amounts put up by the present in- vestors. Total coin earmarked for pro- duction and distribution amounts to $12,000,000, Schwartz said. He figures it on this basis: $ 1 , 000,000 in equity; $3,000,000 from Eu- ropean co-producers (five to six DCA-backed indie pix are to be made jointly with others abroad); $4,000,000 in bank financing, banks being listed as the source of 50% of the American production coin; $ 1 , 000,000 in deferments taken by production talent; $ 2 , 000,000 via rotation of funds in individual pic- tures, and $ 1 , 000,000 in additional equity interests. That last item refers to investments in individual films by outsiders, such as Louis Wolfson, who has a $235,000 stake in “Long John Silver.” Schwartz conceded that banks usually limit production loans to films set for major company dis- tribution. But bank money will be forthcoming to DCA because of the scope of its structure, he added. DCA will license directly to a few thousand of the larger theatres which account for 75% of domestic revenue. Balance will be handled by states righters. DCA has a program of nine films lined up, tw'o of which are com- pleted, two are in production, two are now casting and three are in ! preparation. SW’s $1,770,100 _____ Continued from page 5 mortgage indebtedness except for one theatre on which there was a longterm mortgage of $1,334,000. The earnings of International Latex Corp., from the date of ac- quisition on April 30, 1954, have been included in SW’s consolidated earnings. Company, bought as part of SW’s diversification program, was acquired for $14,930,000 and financed by a six-year bank loan at 334% interest per annum. SW divested 19 theatres during the fiscal year under terms of the Government’s consent decree, leaving six additional theatres to be divested. It also notes that the company has reduced its outstanding stock by 10 % via buyups of its shares on the Stock Exchange at an aver- age cost of $14.43 per share. Dur- ing the fiscal year, the company acquired 255,800 shares of/common stock at the total cost of $3,672,000. Subsequent to the close of the fis- cal year.it bought 5,000 shares at a cost of $102,000. The book value of the common stock is $31.14 per share. The company said it would acquire additional shares of its own common stock from time to time via purchases on the Ex- change.