The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

36 THE LBIOSCOPE July 15, 1931 Do Children Like “Talkies”? N.W. Branch on a Is the cinema losing its hold on juvenile patrons ? This question provided t lie nucleus of a short but interesting discussion at the monthly meeting of the North Western Branch of the C.E.A., held at the office of the Secretary, G. Dudley West, Liverpool, on Friday. The view was seriously put forward that children disliked “ talkies ” because they limited their opportunities for chatter during the show. Alderman E. Trounson, J.P., agreed the subject was worth discussing, but suggested that it be raised again at a later meeting. Councillor Walter Scott asked what were the experiences of other exhibitors on the point. He found on going round the theatres that there had been a substantial falling-off in the attendances of children ; they did not seem to want talking pictures. If that were the case, his proposal was that the Branch should ask the General Council to use their influence to secure the production of more silent films of the “ U ” class, in order to meet the difficulty. Something might be done by approaching Simon Rowson on the point. It might mean making special films for the children, but even that might be worth doing. >Ir. Saronie : Is one reason for the decline the fact that managers are not trying to get children into their theatres ? Councillor Scott : No, I think the reason i s a psychological one. When a child goes to the cinema it wants to talk, and it can’t now Silvery Side of the Slump The Chairman observed that all exhibitors were looking round for reasons why parents and children were not patronising the cinema as in days gone by, but they did not always realise that the picture theatre, despite the prevalent depression, was getting more than its share of trade compared with other businesses. There was general depression in industry all over the world, and money was not circulating as freely as it used to do, but the cinema industry was suffering only in a comparatively small degree. “ I can vouch for the fact that the majority of the children attending my theatre like ‘ talkies,’ ” declared C. W. Perry. “ Give them silent pict ures on a Saturday afternoon and they would resent them.” Councillor Scott, A. Appleton and other members agreed that children were not supporting talking picture programmes as they did silent films, even at theatres where there had been no change in prices. Councillor Scott was invited to raise the point at a subsequent meeting. “ There can be quite a useful discussion on this matter,” said the Chairman. Sunday Performanes On the question of the Sunday Performances Bill, the Chairman said the general position is marked by two things (1) The strong way in which the AttorneyGeneral is handling the Bill and resisting every amendment that might defeat its object, which is to preserve the status quo, and (2) his refusal to accept anything which will broaden the scope of the Bill. He is resisting anything which mil disturb the principle on which the Bill is based. Shortage of “ U ” Films The Chairman mentioned the possibility of a shortage of “ TJ “ films. The output during -May, he said, consisted of 27 “ A ” films and 15 “ U ” films. Anyone who wanted to retain the patronage of children would understand that instead of having the option of 42 pictures, he would have the choice on only 15. Chairman’s Cryptic Statement Replying to a question concerning the trading scheme, the Chairman said there had been no new development beyond that a sub-committee had been appointed to meet the K.R.S. There were certain propositions floating about as the result of negotiations that had been going on, and if the result was on the lines all hoped, much would have been accomplished of great value to the trade in general. “ Now you have got all the indefinite information that the Council has got,” added Alderman Trounson. “ Pending these negotiations, the whole question of trading schemes, booking schemes, etc., has been held up.” Coming Revolution in “ Talkie ” Sets The Chairman presented a report on the last meeting of the General Council, in the course of which he said it had been alleged that ext ort ionate prices were being charged for the maintenance of apparatus and the renewal of parts. Many complaints had been received from various quarters, but the general answer to these appeared to be that as exhibitors had signed the contracts, they must abide by them. A subcommittee had already had an interview with Western Electric and there was one the previous day with B.T.-H. J. R. Doyen br said he attended the meeting with the representatives of Sound Equipment. There was a discussion lasting 90 minutes on the question of service, but no conclusion seemed to have been reached. It seemed to be argued that on the general question of servicing, the company was losing money but was concerned to maintain the reputation of the B.T.-H. set. Pertinent Question They let it be understood that they could not relax anything in the matter of service costs. The offer was made to take over their service arrangements, but that was not accepted. Exhibitors were bound down by their contracts to pay £3 per week for three years and it appeared as if they would be held to that. It was pointed out to the company that when the present contracts expired, it was quite possible a large number of exhibitors would not wish to renew them. Sir. Dovener said he made the suggestion that exhibitors having dual amplifiers and motor generators should receive a fortnightly or monthly visit at reduced terms, and the company promised to look into that proposal. Menace of Obsolescence Alderman E. Trounson, in reply to Mr. Saronie said he had been astounded by some of the charges which exhibitors had had to pay for service, and that remark applied rather generally. Unusual circumstances had led many to enter into what appeared extravagant contracts and now it was impossible for some of the smaller halls to run on an economic basis. What object there could be in maintaining service charges at such a level as to leave little or no profit for the exhibitor, he could not understand ? Even the best system would be obsolete in two or three years time, and at the end of that time exhibitors would be shy of placing themselves in the hands of those who to-day want their pound of flesh. A member mentioned that he was bound by his contract to accept ten years’ service at £3 10s. per week unless he bought the set. The Chairman said he foresaw the time coming Congratulations to Birmingham Pleased A report on the Brighton Conference and Trade Exhibition at the meeting of the Birmingham and Midland Branch, on July 3rd, gave rise to much appreciatory comment from members, especially with respect to the trade exhibition. Oscar Deutsch (chairman) stated that Birmingham members were well represented at Brighton. The Conference was of a very pleasant and interesting character, and the Garden Party in particular w'as a very attractive affair. A speech by one of the Birmingham members in particular was very much appreciated. Comprehensive Exhibition The Trade Exliibition was particularly interesting and comprehensive of all sides of the trade, from the building of cinemas to the furniture and equipment, and the Chairman suggested that congratulations should be extended to the Exhibition Committee, to the Conference Committee and to Councillor E. E. Lyons for his hospitality. It was very interesting also to hear that the Conference next year would be held in London, and that the International Conference would be held at the same time, and he understood that the President wras ambitious to make London the film centre of the world. Percentage Booking S. K. Lewis stated that he was very interested in the papers read at the Conference, particularly in Major Gale’s comprehensive “ Systems of Film Booking.” These suggestions covered the co-operative booking scheme and administrator and booking on flat rates. Mr. Lewis states that while he w'as in favour of percentage bookings, such must be reasonable, as in many cases the minimum percentage plus shorts made it quite impossible for houses to show a profit. A long discussion arose with regard to film rentals generally and the feeling was generally expressed that the minimum percentage of 25 per cen... should in many cases be reduced even to 10 per cent., as many members were losing money at 25 per cent. Special Sub-Committee Various suggestions were made with regard to the difficulty all members w'ere experiencing, and it had been stated that the Renters were asking 50 per cent, even in Birmingham. ..... , After many suggestions w'ere made by individual members, it was resolved that a special sub-committee be appointed to consider the various suggestions and to report to a further meeting. Councillor Hewitson reported upon the General Council meeting held at Brighton, a full report of which has been carried in The Bioscope. The sub-committee dealing with the position of the small halls reported that they were keeping w'ell in touch with this matter, but were experiencing difficulties in obtaining interviews with the renters, when the bulk of machines would be superseded. Some of them, if they had their time over again, would instal one machine in place of some of the expensive sets they now had. One thing was certain and that was exhibitors would not go back to the firms that have not shown much consideration for them. A Cinema Without a Queue Attention was called to the fact that the magistrates had forbidden queues to be formed outside the new cinema in Lime Street, and it w'as feared that this might be the beginning of a movement to prevent the formation of queues at other theatres in the city. Councillor Scott said he considered the organised queue w'as much more preferable to people w'alking about the pavements. The Forum was the only theatre in the city not allowed to have queues. The Chairman said he was wondering if the situation of the Forum at the corner of twro busy streets had not caused the magistrates to impose the restriction. It did not by any means follow that similar action would be taken at any other cinema. Exhibitors' Heavy Bond Mr. Edwards asked if something could not be done to secure a reduction in the amount of guarantee required by the Customs and Excise authorities in respect of certified returns under the Entertainments Tax. The sum of £700 had been asked in respect of a hall with w'hich he w'as connected. Liverpool members w'ho had been asked to guarantee much smaller sums, agreed that this wras a case which justified representations being made to the authorities. The Secretary, G. Dudley West, promised to handle the case for Mr. Edwards. No Meeting in August Members of the North Western Branch are reminded that there will be no meetings during the month of August. The next meeting is due to take place on Friday, September 11th. Exhibition Committee With Trade’s Display and at the moment they had nothing definite to report. Warwickshire Regulations The Chairman reported the position regarding the Warwickshire Regulations, following a meeting w'hich had been held in London of certain members affected with Mr. Norman Hart. Expression of Sympathy The members desired to express their deep sympathy with Mrs. Dudley Bennett on the tragic death of her son. Tornado Relief It was resolved to approve the action of the committee in asking all members to make a collection for the Tornado Relief Fund, and the Secretary was requested to obtain a complete list of collections. Electricity Charges A member reported upon the charge made in the Stourport area for electricity, and the members were of the opinion that the charge was a reasonable one. Initialling Contracts The same member also called attention to the request made by certain renters to initial the percentage figure on the contracts, stating that other exhibitors were doing so. Members were advised to refuse such request, as it was claimed that the signature at the foot of the contract was quite sufficient. Next Meeting It was resolved that the next meeting be held the last Friday in August ; in the meantime the Emergency Committee would deal with any matters arising. January Release for “ Deadlock ” It is anticipated that " Deadlock,” the special Butcher’s Empire production, just completed at Walton-on-Thames by George King, will be trade shown some time next month. The release date has, however, been settled in advance for January 11, 1932. This course has been necessitated by the floods of inquiries which Butcher’s have received, and the difficulty of trade showing such a subject during the holiday season.