The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

24 THE BIOSCOPE August 26, 1931 Teddington StudiosforWarner Two-Year Contract for British Productions Successful West End Play Purchased The Bioscope ” is able to announce exclusively that Warner Brothers, concerning whose plans for British film production Jack Warner and Max Milder will make a detailed statement later this week, have secured the sole use of the newly-equipped Teddington Studios owned by the Henry Edwards Company, for a period of two years with an option to renew. This studio comprises two full-sized working stages equipped with R.C.A. recorders and the latest cameras and lighting. The two stages can, if desired, be thrown into one large one capable of accommodating huge spectacular sets. The first British picture scheduled by Warner Brothers will be based on a highly successful stage play which recently concluded a long run at a West End theatre. Osso To| Commence British Production Preliminaries Arranged at Elstree (From Our French Correspondent, Georges Clarriere.) The general annual meeting of collaborators in the Societe des Films Osso took place last week at M. Adolphe Osso’s home at Le Vesinet, near Paris. A banquet was also given and about a hundred guests were present, including the president of the Chambre Syndicale, Charles Delac. The Osso concern has made remarkable progress during the last 12 months and is proof of the valuable experience of M. Osso, who was, for several years, head of Paramount in Paris, and who has had considerable experience in America. Apart from internal affairs, which were briefly discussed at the meeting, the question of foreign business was mentioned. A few weeks ago, Adolphe Osso was in London, where he made arrangements for the distribution of “ Un Soir de Rafle,” which film, though entirely in French, will be as easily understood in England as is " Le Million.” M. Osso completed preliminary arrangements for the production of Englishspeaking versions of his biggest French successes at Elstree. With the exception of the Etablissements Jacques Haik, no other serious French effort has been made, since the coming of talking films, to co-operate with British production firms and studios. Olympia to Remain Last week’s news about Olympia, on which doubts were thrown, has to be rectified. The Etablissements Jacques Haik has a 24 years’ lease of that part of the premises which forms the hall and its offices, and although the bank, Societe Generate, has taken up its option on the buildings lining the Boulevard des Capucines, the Olympia Cinema will be undisturbed. * * * Carmine Gallone is now directing " Le Chant du Marin ” for Osso, with Albert Prejean featuring. He will sing in French, English and German. * * * Paul Fejos, well known in American studios as scenarist and director, has been engaged by the Etablissements BraunbergerRichebe to direct " The Opportunist,” based on the novel by Felicien Champsaur. One of Fejos’s last films was the French version of M.-G.-M.'s “ Big House.” * * * All the rumours about Charlie Chaplin settling on the Riviera are blown away by the official news that Chaplin, as the result of conferences with Arthur Kelly, of United Artists, will shortly return to Hollywood. Chaplin will probably have the assistance of Harry d’Abbadie d’Arrast for the direction of a special subject. * * * Carl Laemmle has invited the French producer Rene Clair, of “ Sous les Toits de Paris ” and " Le Million ” fame, to go to Hollywood and direct for Universal. Clair, however, is under contract to the Tobis French company. “Tarzan” for Van Dyke W. S. Van Dyke, who recently signed a new contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is preparing to start work on " Tarzan of the Apes,” from the story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The well-known director of " Trader Horn ” recently completed the direction of " Guilty Hands.” His contract renewal followed the preview of this production. Eugene Zukor Coming Paramount Theatre Construction Chief Eugene Zukor, in charge of the Paramount theatre construction department, who sails on the Europa to-day (Wednesday) for this country, is expected to arrive in London on August 31st in connection with the opening of Paramount’s new super theatre at Newcastle on September 7th. While here he will look into certain details regarding the new Paramount Theatre now approaching completion at Leeds and which is expected to be opened about February. Mr. Zukor is accompanied by Mr. Morris Greenburg, of the theatre construction department. Warners Start Shorter Release Policy Pre-Release Seasons Taking Second Place (By The Bioscope American Representative, Ernest Rovelstad) British exhibitors who at present identify themselves with the London C.E.A. agitation for earlier release of films after trade show, and correspondingly shorter prerelease seasons, will be interested to learn that speedier release is planned by Warner Brothers for next season. J. L. Warner, in charge of production, points out the danger of a change of fashion while a production is being held up, and this appears to be one reason for the decision. But the company policy also is stated to call for general release of pictures throughout the country rather than a delaying in favour of pre-release runs. In British circles the attitude may be construed as an indication that provincial release is now recognised as of primary consideration in the revenue game. Racy, sophisticated pictures are now being frowned upon, and there will be less dialogue in order to allow for more action. * * * Fox and R.K.O. Radio already have decided upon these policies, and more companies are to follow, according to reports from the West Coast. Fox, in addition, has voted thumbs down on gangster pictures, and a smaller number of productions of that type is the prospect. Results obtained in “ Smart Women,” in which the amount of dialogue was reduced, brought the decision from Radio executives to adopt a plan of two-thirds action and one-third dialogue in productions. Eugene Zukor