Variety (December 1954)

22 PICTURES W r e<Ine&<lay, December 8, 1954 Releases Few and Far Between, So Each RKO Picture Gets Full Super-Epic Ballyhoo Treatment Limit a company to only a fow pictures and the selling job on tliose few could well be unusually intense. RKO, for instance. Rarely has the entire sales struc- ture of a major company been called unon to concentrate on such a limited amount of product. The result so far has been that each of the few and far between pix on the RKO roster is given the atten- tion normally reserved for a super epic. Distribution execs at one rival company said this week they’ve seen evidence of this in RKO’s handling of the "Pinocchio” reis- sue, “Carnival SLory,” "French Line’’ and “Susan Slept Here/’ One observer termed as “highly spirited” the sales job on these en tries. Now RKO has set a series of four sales meetings to be attended by all key personnel for the pur- pose of mapping plans for only two films, "Underwater!” and "The Americano.” Regional conclaves of this type normally give atten- tion to six and more new produc- tions. First session is set for Dec.* 9-11 In Hollywood with western division manager J. H. MacIntyre presid- ing. Attending will be James R. Grainger, president; C. J. Tevlin, studio operations v.p.; James Wil- lin'-on, editorial head; Perry Lie- ber, ad-pub director, and district and branch managers in the west- , ern territory. N. Y. and Chicago meetings will be held simultaneously Dec? 13-15. Walter Branson, global sales chief, presides in Gotham. Sam Gore- lick, midwest district chief, han- dles the gavel in Chi. Grainger also will attend the Chi conference and the fourth, one to be held in New Orleans Dec. 16-18. Branson will preside at this final meet. Beware New Liberty Columbus, Dec. Ohio exhibitors, suddenly freed of censorship restraints after 41 years, were warned in this week’s bulletin of'.the '+■ Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio to guard their new freedom jealously and to be- ware of unw holesome*pictures. “Indubitably, some quickie producers trying to make a fast buck,” says ITO, "will attempt to flood the state with burlesque pictures, peep shows, sex films and what-not. Screen every picture of this type before you buy it.” 'She Wolf Street Bally Stirs Teacup Tempest In Censorious Memphis Memphis, Dec. 7. Memphis police got into t^jis town’s contagious “banning fever” when they put the clampers on a truck driver for “advertising in Memphis streets a picture which is banned here.” The truck and driver were making the rounds of Memphis streets with billboard signs on each side hypoing "The She Wolf” now playing in West Memphis, Ark., haven for all Memphis censored films. Police Chief J. C. MacDonald stated “I don’t think it proper to have a truck running up and down our main streets displaying ad- vertisements of a half-nude girl, especially when the ad is of a pic- ture banned in Memphis.” Bob Kilgore, manager of the Sunset Drive-In theatre at West Memphis, about 10 miles from downtown Memphis, said "the city license bureau told us we could operate the truck even after the driver was stopped twice by police yesterday. There’s a matter of free speech involved here and we ll fight this.” There were no actual arrests made. Rival ‘Hansel & Crete!’ Hits Television Market Opposite RKO Puppets Appearance on the television market of a color, live-action “Han- sel & Gr^tel” for Christmas sale at a time whgn RKO’s puppet version of the fairy tale is just beginning to move into the neighborhood film houses has disturbed the motion picture company to the point of ex- ploring possible legal action. Otto Austin, president of Austin Pro- ductions of Lima, O.. which pro- duced the televersion in the mid- west two years ago, last week charged that RKO had brought “pressure” on Major Television Productions, which is distributing the film, but so fir as could be de- termined, no pressuie has actually been exerted. RKO, however, is admittedly not happy about the situation. Austin’s version, which employs midwestern actors from stock and little theatres and has an original musical score, has been playing in schools, museums and at private showings since. Story is public domain, and the differences in mu- sic and processes apparently leaves i RKO without legal recourse in the ' conflict FCC Isn’t Hurried By Zenith’s Tail Pepper, Rembusch Tells Exhibs Don’t look for a snap judgment by the Federal Communications Commission concerning Zenith’s pitch for authority to engage in toll television, advises Trueman T. Rembusch, co-chairman of the film industry’s Joint Committee on Toll TV. “f am informed by coun- sel,” stated Rembusch, "Zenith’s, action is not unusual in FCC con- tests. However, such moves are seldom if ever successful, particu- larly where complex questions as to legality and good engineering practice are involved as is the case in toll tv.” Joint Committee is looking to balk any coinbox video attempts on the grounds that this commercial adaptation of free home tv raises an assortment of Constitutional questions and would tend to de- stroy the theatre business. Rembusch, in a statement is- sued from his Franklin, Ind., head- quarters, said there are so many matters of a legalistic and prac- tical nature to be considered in toll tv that the FCC "will not be stampeded into a snap judgment by Zenith or any other minority group seeking selfish advantages.” He also made the point that even when a decision is handed down by the FCC an appeal to the Fed- eral Courts is open to those who disagree with the ruling. “In such instance.” he notes, "it would be many years before the issue could be decided one way or another.” Eileen BARTON Latest Coral Release HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING WITHOUT LOVE nil.: Wiliam Morris Agency Kirk Douglas Marathons For TB Christmas Seals On the basis of the schedule that had been set for him, Kirk Douglas probably was the most heard per- former on radio in N. Y. yesterday (Tues.l. He did a "marathon,” ap- pearing on at least six programs to promote the sale of Christmas seals for the N. Y. Tuberculosis *nd Health Assn. The shotfs were lined up this way: Jerry Marshall WNEW, 10 a m.; Dave Garraway, WRCA (tape) 11:30 a.m.; Frank Farrell, WABC, 12:30 p.nv; Jim Coy, WRCA, 2 p.m.; Ruby Mercer. WOR, 3 p.m., and Bill Silbert, WMGM, 4 p.m. Target of Toll-TV Dream: February Round of Briefs Proponents of subscription-tv are now hoping that the Federal Communications Commission will call a “paper” hearing, involving the submission of briefs, In de- termining the pros and cons of authorizing commercial toll-tv. There are said to be indications that the Commission may speed up its sked and hold such hearings next February. jL— In bringing up to dafe its prior application for Phonevision before the FCC, Zenith last week asked for immediate authorization of the system without the necessity of a hearing. Argument here is that the Commission is within its rights to okay fee-tv as a commercial serv- ice without extensive hearings. It’s already been made clear that the Commission isn’t likely to fol- low such a course, particularly in view of the expressed opposition to pay-as-you-see from many quarters within and outside the tv industry itself. However, it’s claimed that the FCC is sympa- thetic to a “paper” hearing which would be a time saver. No Film Men at Overseas Info Conclave Clergy Figure in Schaefer’s Religioso ‘Day of Triumph* Premiere* in Tyler, Texas, Home Burg of Its Backers ‘The Student Princess* Hollywood, Dec. 7. "The Student Prince” will soon have a co-ed to keep him company, according to Fred W. Kane and Edgar M. Burlin, who have announced the for- mation of a new indie company to produce a musical feature titled, "The Student Princess.” Picture is slated for a Janu- ary start although no director or castings have been named to date. Theatre (and Navy) Vet Larry Cowen Missing; Wife Swears Warrant Troy, Dec. 7. A forgery warrant for the arrest of Larry Cowen, former manager of Proctor’s Theatre here and be- fore World War II, manager of the Grand in Albany for Fabian, was issued last week by Police Court Judge Thomas J. O’Connor, on complaint of his wife. She alleged that Cowen had forged her co-signature as co- maker on a promissory note last March, and had since defaulted on payment. Note, held by the Stratford Cred- it Corp., of Stratford, Conn., was for $413.53. Mrs. Cowen said that she did not know about the note until the credit company recently approached her for payment. In filing the complaint, Mrs. Cowen reported that her husband had been missing since Sept. 4, when he left home in suburban Melrose, for New York. Cowen, who served as a Naval intelligence officer in Albany and New York during World War II. with the rank of lieutenant commander, and who retired on pension in 1952 after 20 years of Naval Reserve service, told Mrs. Cowen that he was going to confer with S. H. Fabian. Fa >ian, head of Fabian Theatres, said Cow- en never arrived. Shortly thereafter, the Fabian or- ganization replaced him at its Troy house with Richard C. Murphy, transferred from the Plaza, Sche- nectady. Announcement wasrmade' that Cowen had been given “an in- definite leave of absence, du» to illness.” He had not been in good health for several years. The only clue to the whereabouts of Cowen. well known in New York motion picture industry and naval circles, police officials stated, has been checks cashed by him, on a local bank, in Vergennes, Vt.; Rut- land, Vt.; New York City, and Tor- renton. Conn. The last one was dated Nov. 15. Troy detectives also reported a clue from Northampton, Mass. Pioneer Credit Corp. of Troy is attempting to locate Cowen’s car for repossession. He took it with him. “Day of Triumph,” religioso pic being distributed by George J. Schaefer, was backed by a group ol Texans outside the picture business, according to Schaefer. He adds that the negative costs and print charges will total over $1,000,000. James K. Friedrich, of Century Films,, produced the fea- ture for the investors. "Triumph” is being peddled by Schaefer on the basis of a 70-30 split—the 30 to the exhibitor. Latter also is given guarantee of 10% of the gross as profit Exec is figuring on a “special treat- ment” playoff, that is, with each opening preceded by a local ex- ploitation camgaign including the recruitment of clergy. Advanced admission prices will prevail. In large measure sale of the film will he patterned after the licensing of "Martin Luther.” but whether states rights deals will be set up for mass circulation hasn’t yet been decided. “Triumph,” which focuses on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, was the last film directed by Irving Pichel. He completed the job just prior to his death in Hollywood last July 13. Film premieres Dec. 17 at the Tyler Theatre, Tyler, Tex., which is the home of the backers. Schae- fer has an agreement set with In- terstate Theatres for a number of openings throughout Texas. First key city roadshow run is set for the Kirby Theatre, Houston, Dec. 24. Frank McCarthy Continued from page 3 Professors, Editors, Public Relations and Booksellers 9 w ' *v Invited to Centre for International Studies BAZAARS AND RAFFLES If y.'o of Town Petition, Issue Must Be Voted - H W "Problems of achieving an ade- quate overseas U. S. Information program” is the subject of a one- day conference being held Dec. 17 at the Center for International Studies at the Mass. Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Purpose is to help the U. S. Information Agency, which has been under criticism as to the effectiveness of its "propaganda” and which has not gotten the kind of appropria- tions it wants from Congress. Although much of the criticism of the Agency has been focused upon its motion picture production and policies, not a single film per- sonage has been invited to the con- ference in Cambridge. Full list of | participants is as follows: U. S. Information Agency Theodore C. Streibert Abbott Washburn Burnett Anderson Massachusetts Instituto Dr. Ithicl de Sola Pool Havmond Hauer Harold Isaacs Walt Kostuw Jerotn* Wtesner, Prof, of Electrical Engineering Harvard Jerome S. Bruner, Prof, of Psychology Carl J. Friedrich, Prof, of Government Paul Herzog, Associate Dean # Committee for An Adequate Overseas U. S. Information Program Edward L. Bernays. Chairman Jack Cominsky, Saturday Review Fleur Cowles. Look Magazine C. B. Larrabee, Printers’ Ink Louis M. Lyons, Curator, Nieman Foun- dation for Journalism Jean Wade Rindlaub, Vico President. BBDO E. S. Whitman. Director of Public Re- lations, United Fruit Others Ralph Bedell. South Pacific Commission Douglrs W. Bryant, American Library Association Erwin D. Canham, Christian Science Monitor Dr. Lawrence K. Frank, social phi- losopher Dan Lacy* American Book Publishers Council James Laughlin, Intercultural Publi- cations Joseph Mark. Doubleday A- Co. Dr. Mark A. May, Yale University Porter McKeever. Ford Foundation Dr. Saul K. Padover. Dean, School ol Politics, The New School Sol Stein. American Committee for Cul- tural Freedom Warren Sullivan. American Textbook Pub lishers Institute Hartford, Dec. 7. Connecticut State Legislature’s 1955 session will hear a proposal to legalize bazaars and raffles. Two Plainfield Democrats, Reps. Mop- sik and Demuth, have already filed their measure with the Secretary of State’s office. The bill calls for local option on bazaars and raffles, and stipulates that if five % of the voters of a town sign a petition for legalizing bazaars and raffles in their towns, then the legislative body of that town must vote on such a proposal within 14 days. Gov. John Lodge vetoed a simi- lar measure in the 1951 legislative session. 20th*s Stevens, Johnson Hollywood, Dec. 7. Darryl Zanuck has signed George Stevens to produce and direct two features on non-exclusive basis. Zanuck has also inked Nunnally Johnson to a new seven-year pact as writer-producer-director, be- ginning with “How to Be Very, Very Popular.” Latter is Marilyn Monroe star- rer, which starts in January. formalize in a final contract finan-' cial terms satisfactory to me. "You may use this letter on a confidential basis in connection with the planning, preparation and financing of the film.” Hemingway describes the film as one focusing on an African safari. He would be seen in the pic, would write the narrative and read it for use on the sound track. The author added: “This agree- ment and the contract that may replace it is with you personally and with your associate and/or partner Frank McCarthy.” Hem- ingway stated further that he would receive a flat sum in ad- vance of production and profits would be shared "on the basis of 50% for me and 50% to be divided ' between you and your associate Frank McCarthy as producers.” McCarthy’s announcement of the film project was followed by Rice’s denial of a deal. Lowe, a former editor of Look, as part of the Rice denial, was quoted as saying he held no option on a Hemingway pic. McCarthy now takes the position that the Rice statement makes it look as though he were trying to perpetrate a hoax upon the public and his 20th employers, Darryl F. Zanuck and Spyros P. Skouras. He says: “Upon written assurances from both Hemingway and Lowe I presented the project to my com- pany for a financing and release deal. Not only have I not pervert- ed the truth in any instance or de- tail but neither am I stupid enough to have cooked up such a hoax as Rice and Lowe have ascribed to me.” __ RADIO CITY MUSIC NALL _ Rockefeller Center “DEEP IN MY HEART" k Ofa rfem COLOR darrinq lose Mine HELEN FERRER • 0BER0N • TRAUBEL Aa A SM Picture Ml in Mufc Kars Brest CfcrfrliiK Stai* Slow KiM^UM Teresa WrighiI .WILLIAM A. WBIMAN’S ' T. I ClN PARAMOUNT •WarmbwCocom r»»» *t •M IT