American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1941)

Miller Wins Preview Poll The critics participating in the Hollywood Reporter's Preview Poll pronounced twentieth CenturyFox's "Tobacco Road," photographed by Arthur Miller, A.S.C., the outstanding photographic achievement among the films picviewed during February. Second place went to Victor Milner, A.S.C., for his camera treatment of Paramount's "The Lady Eve," with third place going to William Daniels, A.S.C., for Universal's "Back Street." The contest was again a virtual photofinish, especially as regards the runner-up positions. But one vote separated Milner and Daniels in determining the final showing. A*S*C* on Parade You can't keep a good man down! The big news-story of the month is Paramount's decision to elevate Ted Tetzlaff, A.S.C., to Director. Ted's richly-deserved promotion came as a surprise even to his closest associates — not that they doubt his qualifications, but that they had never heard him express a deside to direct, and assumed he was satisfied to remain as one of Paramount's ace Directors of Photography. His first assignment will be "World Premiere," the top-budget production of the Sol Siegel unit.. Congratulations, Ted! • The other day on the "Billy the Kid" set at MGM, someone made a crack to us about never printing his name in this department. We won't say who it was — but his name begins with S. Quite an alliterative troupe, that, by the way, what with Director of Photography Len Smith, A.S.C., technicolor ditto Billy Skall, A.S.C., and Operative Cinematographer Charles Salerno, all trying to beat the Hughes-Toland version of the same story to release! • Looks as though Warner Bros, are trying to corner the market on outstanding production and aerial cinematographers for their Technicolored "Dive Bomber." They've signed Bert Glannon, A.S.C., as Director of Photography, and inked both Elmer Dyer, A.S.C., and Charles Marshall, A.S.C., to insure top-flight airflight air-shots. • Peverell Marley, A.S.C., celebrates an anniverstary with completion of Twentieth Century-Fox's "Miami." It's his 75th production as Director of Photography. In addition to being a good cinematographer, he must be a good one to work with, for five members of his crew, including Lee Crawford, Irving Rosenberg, Billy Abbott, Al Thayer and Eddie Pelzolt, have been with him continuously since 1924. • March seems to have been a bad month along Gower St. Down at RKO, Men-it t ]{. Gerstad, A.S.C., yielded to the flu for three days while Harry Wild, A.S.C, batted for him on "Tom, Dick and Harry." Up at the other end of the street, at Columbia, Al Siegler, A.S.C., did the same thing, and Henry Sharp, A.S.C., kept "Senate Page Boys" rolling. • George Barnes, A.S.C., draws the assignment to photograph Alexander Korda's "Illusions." • Add defense notes: Universal's Johnny Fulton, A.S.C, is down in San Diego making backgrounds for the coming Abbott-Costello laugh-fest, "You're In the Navy Now." And John, you know, is a leftenant in the Navy Air Reserve. • J. Arthur Ball, A.S.C., reports an inaccuracy in last month's story about Ray Rennahan, A.S.C. Arthur rises to remind us that he and A.S.C.-Prexy John Arnold also had a hand in photographing "Toll of the Sea," 'way back when Technicolor was a two-color pup. We're sorry! • Charles Lang, A.S.C, gets the assignment to film "Nothing But the Truth" for Paramount. • If you read last month's review of Ted Sparkuhl's film "The Hard-boiled Canary," don't be misled. Paramount suddenly decided they had a good picture on their hands, and are releasing it under the original title, "There's Magic in Music." • Max Fabian just finished "Watchdog of a Nation," Carey Wilson miniature for MGM. • Art Lloyd, A.S.C, — where's that picture of Butch ? • George Meehan, A.S.C, filming "The Officer and the Lady" for Columbia. • Earnest Haller, A.S.C, directs the photography of Warner Bros.' "Manpower." • John Alton, A.S.C, takes time out from his "Dr. Christian" duties to film "Forced Landing" for Paramount's two Bills — Pine and Thomas. • Dewey Wrigley, A.S.C, off to Miami for backgrounds of Paramount's "Nothing But the Truth." • Joe August, A.S.C, draws the plum of lensing William Dieterle's first RKO production, "A Certain Mr. Scratch." • Oliver T. Marsh, A.S.C, is assigned to photograph MGM's latest remake of "Smilin' Through." We can't recall any film which, through successive remakes, has had the attention of greater photographic talent. As we recall it. Guotano Gaudio, A.S.C, did one version with Norma Talmadge, and Wm. Danit-k. A.S.C, one or two more with Norma Shearer. With Ollie added to this ag j gregation, it makes an uncommonly tinguished camera crew! • Strange, what California does to people. Back before the industry moved i west, all the boys were angling for as j signments to Florida location-trips about this time of year. But here's Eddie Linden, A.S.C, doing just the reverse We hear he actually declined an offer to do a picture in Florida. California Chamber of Commerce please note! • We can thank columnist Jimmie Fiddler for a new twist on the old argument over the merits of black-and-\ and color movies — and one which g a national break in the Fiddler column to two A.S.C. members. It appears, so he says, that monochrome adherent Leon Shamroy, A.S.C, and Technicolorist Ka_\ Rennahan, A.S.C, were arguing the matter on the "Great American Broadcast" set. Finally Leon, to prove his point, had Alice Faye parade past a group of extras, then asked them what j color were her eyes. Not a one could ! tell. "There, that proves my point that color isn't important!" exulted Shamroy "Not a bit," replied the quick-witted Rennahan, "just look at her costume!'' Fred Mayer, A.S.C. The camera profession suffered a in the sudden passing of Fred Mayer, A.S.C, on March 7th. A long-time mem-f ber of the American Society of Cine-' matographers. and associated with the, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio at the i time of his death, Mayer is survived' by his mother and a sister. To their the A.S.C. and its members extend their' most sincere sympathy. Fred Mayer be missed by all who knew and worked' with him. Herman A. De Vry As we go to press we are saddened by a message informing us that Dr. Herman A. De Vry, pioneer designer of cinemachinery and one of the truly "grand old men" of the industry, pa away suddenly on Sunday, March Dr. De Vry's connection with the industry began in 1913, and among his achievements may be listed the invention of the suitcase-type 35mm. portable projector, pioneering in the building of both* 35mm. and lt'.mm. sound projectors, audi the development of the famous 35mm. hand-camera which hears his name. To his son. William C. De Vry, and t associates at the De Vry Corporation,! our heartfelt sympathy. 166 April, 1941 American Cinematograph kk j