Variety (Feb 1929)

Wednesday, February gO, 1929 PICTURES VARIETY TALKER PATENT WAR LOOMS HCEIIT'S DEyiCE IS BROKEN OPEN /^plifying Box in Theatre Tampered With ^ "We Find We Have to Use Brass Knuckles," Says Inventor of Indie System Perspireless Grease UFT WAR N E R TIE-UP ■Whisperings of a talker war be-^ fween film producers and the elec- trics have been In circulation in lllm and electric quarters. Charges of silent, but thorough investlga- tipna were heard. One angle has broken which threatens to split things wide open. Louis Gerard Pacent, nianUfac- turer of the so-called Warner cheaper talker, has reported to Vitaphone headquarters that the amplifying box in which were as jret unpatented secrets of his de- vice, which njade his sound 40 per eent louder th$,n any. other, had been rifled. George E. Quigley, Vitaphone head, is reported to have been in conference with the head of West fern Electrlc'8 legal department. Pacent is waiting for reports from a corps of detectives he dis patched to Buddy Saunders theatre in Brooklyn, N. T., immediately lifter the morning call that his equipment had been broken Into His one hope is that the breaking topen of the amplifier box disar- ranged wires so that his secrets are inUct. This part of the Instrument, he said, is so constructed that en- trance by a hand unfamiliar with Its operation would disrupt the wire placements. Pacent said he had heard reports that Western Electric Is giving the Saunders theatre installation of Its dual installations with Initial charges waived and only the servicing charge inade. These, also, came from In timates of Saunders. The theatre owner would say nothing except that he had been up worrying all one night. He refused to talk about his Pacent Installa- llon. He did say that he would have »'an entirely different story" to tell in "a few days." Pacent also said that he will have bomething to tell. He declared: "We came out with a low priced (equipment to do business on, the level. But we find that we must use brass knuckles. "We must be worrying our com petitors or else they must be try- ing to steal our idea. I have a lot of evidence now and they will know ■who they are dealing with when we -.-■acti-'--^- _ : . Pacent said that oh the afternoon ' before the Saunders Installation was tampered with an unknown person phoned him, warning that persons would act against his interests that night. He laughed then, but found the next morning the advice was true, he said. As for the Brooklyn exhibitor, ' Pacent said Saunders had lised the equipment for several weeks and had found it so satisfactory he had requested one for the Gotham. Pa- cent said he was unable to fill the 'order because of incoming contracts. Pacent stated that, on the day before the damage in his house, Saunders had. appeared in the fac- tory anxious to pay the installation charge. Denial was made by the Inven- tor that there was any similarity between the Saunders case and one In the Garden theatre, Princeton, N.-Jv-in~ thg^riattef ^hbuse" h'e- s careless employee dropped a part of the device which was easily re paired. Equipment in the Globe, Philadelphia, went on the blink through only a mechanical jam, he aeclared. The inventor dlsclalfned any knowledge of reports from a re- sponsible exhibitor that two Pacent •■'iglneers had informed him that Studio officials state there is a fortune awaiting the cosmetic company which first invents a grease paint which previents perspiration; . Because of the unusually: close range of the high-pow- ered lights used in talkers with the added nervous strain of dialog, the' matter of per- spiration has become a vexing problem, . sometimes necessi- tating expensive retakes. soon as a sound on film device is secured the Warners will go On their own* Early this week there were I'ike rumors from other quarters that Western would tie up with Fox in the way now existent with Vita- phone. Looking for Tie-up From quarters in the electric it has been constantly reported dur Ing the past month that Western has been closely following Pacent moves, but that no step would be made until they had conclusive proof that there was a direct tie-up with the Warner brothers. Even then, it was said, no court action would ensue and that in the event of a skirmish everything would be care fully shielded from the trade. That Western has heen able to minutely examine Bristolphone and that It also had a Pacent under observation was admitted. Efforts to reach higher Westernites for a statement on any of these reports proved futile. In the Vitaphone quarters Quigley, as well, refused an Interview. Letters augmenting his equipment contracts, guaranteeing exhibitors a film attachment, have been Issued by Pacent. Th6se will be executed within the next six weeks, Pacent said. As for such a device Pacent states that two of his own em- ployees have one which he claims was patented before all others, Pacent admitted that circumstan tlally, at least, he is a Vitaphone affinity. "This unfortunate talk," he said, "has probably started because of my long acquaintance with .Mr Quigley. Certainly I see him, and quite often. Yes, I have been an electrical expert for Vitaphone. I know that everything seems to as^ sociate us, but it is not so." Pacent said that only 101 of his 340 theatre Installation contracts are for Stanley theatres. Par. Far Enough Ahead To Slow Up tin M<^ I . Los Angeles, Feb; 19. With only one unit working at Paramount, and product well ahead of schedule, a general cuirtallment of. production looks to be Irievitablo at this plant until May.l. By that time next season's pt-oduct will be de- cided upon, iilus more facilities for making sound pictures. It is understood Paramount will not make moire than 52 pictures for the 1929-30 pirogram, a reduction of 18 from last year'^ layoiit. A report that the Paramount Long Island studios will go all short has been denied on the eastern end; It is possible Maurice Chevalier may make hlg next full-length picture in New'York; Academy Awards Talent Credit for Vic Shapiro with Fox VIc Shapiro, late publicity and advertising head for United Artists, leaves New York early next month for the Coast and Fox. Shapiro, goes to Hollywood with W. R. Sheehan his direct superior, to become a studio executive. He is currently snatching an Atlantic City rest prior to <his western mi- gration. FOUE F. N. DIRECTORS Los Angeles, Feb. 19, On the eve of his departure for New York Jack Warner added four more directors to the First National roster; Reginald Barker who is leaving T. S. after two years; John Griffith Wray, William Beaudlneand Irvin Willatt, husband of Billle Dove, also under contract to the company. Option was taken up on services of Mervyn Le Roy, who will begin direction, immediately of "Little Johnny Jones." 32 TRUNKS Los Angeles, Feb. 19. Countess Rina De Llgurlo, Ital- ian screen star, is In Hollywood She makes no statement regard ing an American film engagement, byt^just In case she brought along 5^ wai^robe' tr^Rs^'^ " MORE THIRD DIMENSION L. A. Demonstration of $250 Projec- tion Device Deemed Satisfactory Los Ajigeles, Feb. 19. Don Foster, optical expert, is demonstrating a device for projec tlon machines to give sepfiratioii of objects, rounding of figures (third dimensiort, depth), absence of dis tortloh when viewed from the side, and to give these front side seats the same value as the remainder of the house. . Device was shown In; a small downtown store with screen about three and a half by five feet, being used. Only adverse criticism by pro- ducing representatives was that the star, used as subject, seemed too fat. Foster suggested this might be accounted for by. the fact of being accustomed to flat photography. A Variety reporter, purpoiaelj placed his chair at a pronounced angle from the small screen but failed to note ahy distortion. Sep- aration of objects and , the round- ness of human figures, the unusual distlnctneigs of persons. In closeups and seml-ploseups, were definite. Foster said the device for the pro Jection niachine, which pending re ceipt of patents he declined to show, was a simple one about four by six inches and was Interposed In the light ray just behind the film. Tha:t Illusion of depth can be con- trolled by lenses to any desired de- gree is another claim. Camera design will be ready In four months, Foster said. Manufac- ture of the lenses presents no prob- lems, he declared,, as any of the larger American optical housefl can niake them. \ . Leo D. Jacoby, assoclalted with Foster, said the cost of the projec- tion machine attachment, which will be installed under license, would not exceed $250, and that the com- pany would be ready for production and distribution before summer. . Horsey Stuff Radio Pictures' (RKQ) has sold five prontos ^yhich figured in bid company's (FBO) plains features. To work in the slg- nificance of the "sale that Hi Brown has sounded the death khell of westerns for, his film intei'ests'. new. high brow pol- icy, Sam Warsawaky Was as-, signed by Publicity Director Daab to try his hahd at what was figured Wo^ copy for the dallies. Sam. built like a prize fighter and devotiee of sport news, sighed with relief. He had just finished researching into the perfumes-stars-use r e quest from a high brow fan mag, Figuring that , a, human inter- est angle would help along the space, iSam. set to work trying to make the horses- pull a la- ment. He could see working in Bill LeBaroh's name from this angle and also the ichance .of tying in. Brown's great affec- tion for horses ; through his long association with the leather Industry. . Sana's . only acquaintance with horses was on a hobby long ago. H® figured that horises played as important parts lii old sales policies as some of the humans, particularly the extras. Advised to go through Grimm's Fairy Tales for horse laughs that would register logically, Sam was finally sold on the wheels - of- progress . angle just knocking poor horsey out of the picture. Much de liberation figured that the best break would be obtained by di- rect contact and letting the 1^ sobbies use their imagination Nontia Talmadge Turns *Sign*for 'SmUing Thru' Los Angeles, FO'h. 19. .Norma.. Talmafgo. refuses to play in screen version of "The Sign on the Door." Instead, she will star in a talking version of "Smilin' Thru," which she made several years ago. An all-star cast will be selected for "Sign on the Door," now being prepared, for George Fitzmaurice to direct. U. A.*S PRESS EEAnGNMENT Cr^pieted lineup In the newly realigned press department : of United Artists has Bruce Gallup director of advertising and public- ity,, succeeding VIc Shapiro and Warren Nolan continuing In regu- lar berth doubling up on foreign publicity formerly handled by Char ley Meyer. Fred Schacfcr Is exploitation man While Edward Plnney handles the press books. .-^.I^EE. AIR..RII)ES. Complete cast of "Studio Murder Mystery," Par.: Frederic March, Florence Eldrldge, Warner Oland, Neil Hamilton, Doris Hill, Guy Oliver, Gardner James, Eugene Pal- lette, Lane Chandler, and Donald Mackenzie. ^ Carroll Nye added to "Madame as X," M-G. Los Angeles, Feb, 19. Anticipating considerable flying to be done in the "Collegian" se ries, Universal, ia staking George Lewis and Eddie Phillips, featured players, to a complete course in aviation. Boys are compelled to spend their spare hours on the flying field iti preparation for the next' picture. F. GaDagher Burned Alive Los Angeles, Feb. 19. Frank Gallagher, 27, formerly as- slstaht director to Frank Lloyd, was burned to death in a gas tank explosion Feb. 17. The car In which he was riding coined with another and overturned. Pugilistic Shorts Max Schlemlng, German con- tender for the heavyweight crown, made a short last wieek for War- ners. Joe Jaacobj, his manager, had to do the spiel as Max's Eng- lish is still Imperfect. Max went through setting up ex- ercises, shadow boxing, etc. It's the first pugilistic short except Jack MoAuliffe on Fox Movietone. Members of the Academy of Mo- tloh Picture Arts and Sciences unanimously agreed on the follow- ing , Academy awards for merlto- rious achievements in pictures pub- licly released during the year , end- ed August i, 1928:-. . , Emll Jahnings, first award for his performances in "The Way of All Flesh" and "The Last Command." Honorable mention to ^Richard Bar- thclmess for performances in "The Noose" and "The Patent Leather Kid," . Janet Gaynor, first award for her : - porformances in "Seventh Heaven," 'Sunrise" and "The Street. Angel." Honorable niehtlon to Gloria Sw.an- soh for performance . in "Sadie Thompson," and to Loiilso Dresser for: pierformance In "A Ship Comes In." Frank Borzage, first award for di- recting dramatic picture "Sevepth Heaven." Honorable mention to Herbert Brenbn for directing "Sor- rell and Son," and to King Vldor for directing "The Crowd." Lewis Milestone, first award for directing comedy picture. "The Two Arabian Knights." Honorable men- tion to , Ted Wilde for directing "Speedy." Ben Hecht, first award for writing the original story. "Underworld." Honorable mention toL^Jos Birl for writing "The Last Command." Benjamin Glazer, first award for adaptation: of "Seventh Heaven." Honorable mention to Alfred Cohn for adapting "The Jazz Singer," and to Anthony Coldewey for adapting "Glorious Betsy." Joseph Farnham, first award for title writing. Honorable mention to George Marlon, Jr., and Gerald Duffy. Charles Rosher and Karl Struss, first awards for cinematography of "Sunrise." Honorable mention to George Barnes for cinematography of "Sadie Thomp.son," "The Devil Dancer" and "Magic Flame." William C. Menzles, first award for art direction of "The Tenipest and the Dove." Honorable mention to Rochus GUese for "Sunrl.se" and H.arry Oliver for "Seventh Heaven." . Roy Pomeroy, first awisird for en- gineering effects in "Wings." Hon- orable mention to Nugent Slaughter and Ralph. Hammeras. Paramount-Famous-Lasky Cor- poration, first award for production of most outstanding picture — 'Wings." Honorable mention to FOX Company for "Seventh Heaven" and to Caddo Company for "The Racket." Fox Company, first award for pro- duction of most unique and artistic picture—"Sunrise." Honorable men- tion to Paramount for "Chang," and to M-GrM for "The Crowd." Special first award to Warner Bros, for producing "The Jazz Singer," pioneer outstanding talk- ing picture, which has revolution- ized the industry. Special first award to Charles Chaplin for acting, writing, direct- ing and producing '"rhe Circus." In .making the above awards the board felt that Warner Bros, and Charles Chaplin should be consid- ered separately from the other clas- sified achievements owing to the Uni<TUe 'fhafacter^ "of th'eir accom- pll.shments. BERNSTEIN'S $750 Los Angeles, Feb. 19.. Isadore Bernstein, BcenarLst and former general manager of the Unl versal Film Co., has sued Excellent Pictures (Burton King Productldhs) for 1750, claimed due him for Writ- ing the continuity of "One Splen- did Hour.'' Bernstein claims the defendants agreed to pay him $1,000 arid, after the work was accepted, they paid $250. The balance, he claims, they refuse to pay, though the picture is already in production. "ARIZONA'S" SEQUEL Los AngGlea, Fob. 19. Fox is going to make a sequel to "In Old Arizona" called "The Cisco Kid." Picture Is to be an all-talker f] Irected^ by-^Raoul jVAlsh..._WAMUir. Baxter will star. "Irori, Mask" at Carthay Los Angeles, Feb. If. "The Iron Mask," new Fairbanks film, follows "The Divine Lady" at the Carthay Circle March 12. This U, A. picture la.synchron ized without dialog. Winslow's Shorts rtcrbert Hall W'nslow, short story writer, is sponsoring a scries of dra- matic talking shorts now being made at the DeForest studio under the DeForest flystem of recording. Production started Monday on the first of the series entitled "On the Stroke of Twelve." Nlles Welch, Maude Malcolm and Alfred Hall are In the cast. Releasing channels hot known. DARMOUR 26 FOR RADIO Los Angeles, Feb. 19. Larry Darmour has closed a con- tract with Radio Picture to pro- duce 26 .short comedy .subjects, part sound and silent, for the 1929-30 program. "^"Diirmaur^3Trow"in3t.TVl ing-Photo*- phone (RCA) recording equipment at Cal-Art studios. F.N. 8igh« Leatriee Joy Leatrlce Joy, currently In vaude- ville, has been signed to a long term contract by First National, Miss Joy win be featured in four talkers.