The Bioscope (Nov-Dec 1930)

14 THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 Britain After Foreign Markets Big '‘Co-operative” Scheme in Hand F.B.I. Committee Considers Hayden’s Plan Is the British Film Production Industry at last awakening to the fact that the mainspring of Hollywood’s superior distribution organisation is publicity ? Two weeks ago “ The Bioscope ” published exclusively a page article advocating the establishment of a Central British Film Publicity Bureau. The idea was supported by Sydney Hayden, of Kinemas, Ltd., of South Africa, and its principle was approved by the Premiers of Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland. The Bioscope ” is now informed that a Sub-Committee of the F.B.I. Films Group is now formulating plans which, while incorporating this idea of a central publicity bureau, will, if carried through, go much further towards advancing the cause of British films in Foreign and Dominion markets. The plan at present under consideration is, roughly, to form a separate organisation, allied to the F.B.I., embracing all the individual British producing concerns. This organisation would enjoy complete independence from the F.B.I. and would not lead to the demobilisation of the existing Film Group. “ The Bioscope” further understands that the Committee considering the matter has invited M. Neville Kearney, of the Film Industries Department, F.B.I., to associate himself with the practical operation of the scheme. Mr. Kearney is not yet prepared to state whether or not he will accept. It is understood that plans at present afoot may lead to the formation of a Cooperative Foreign Distribution Organisation for British Films. The whole idea should awaken the keenest interest and win the complete approval not only of the British trade, but of the British public also. This follows the completely successful British Films Gala arranged by the F.B.I. and held at the Victoria Theatre last Wednes day, when Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald said, " What we have seen to-night shows George W. Pearson, chairman of Audible Filmcraft, Ltd., announces that in accordance with a statement which he made at a trade luncheon given by his company recently, Audible Filmcraft have already taken over five theatres and have entered into commitments in respect of four others. It Will be remembered that Mr. Pearson announced that Audible Filmcraft had entered into arrangements with an important syndicate which would acquire theatres on the company’s behalf. " We have since been thoroughly into the matter,” said Mr. Pearson to The Bioscope yesterday, "and have decided to acquire the theatres in our own name and with our that the British Film Industry has not only come to stay, but that it has conquered the technique of production. I have never seen better pictures in my life and I congratulate with all my heart the producers and all connected with them.’’ The question now is how long before the trade so conquers the technique of salesmanship ar to extract a similar admission from the millions overseas who still believe — as they have been taught by publicity to believe — that British Films is a term synonymous with Bad Films ? own capital. I am not at liberty to tell you exactly how we have acquired and are acquiring these theatres, but I can tell you that we have something more substantial than options on them. Among the theatres already taken over are the Piccadilly Circus Cinema Theatre in Great Windmill Street, the Capitol, Winchmore Hill, and the Lyceum, Newport. In regard to the Windmill Street hall, which at present seats 300, We have decided to close this for the whole of December and to carry out extensive alterations, bringing the furnishing and decorations completely up-to-date and instilling additional seating, increasing the capacity to 450, and wiring the theatre with British Acoustics reproduction system. The object We have in view is to arrange fortnightly runs of such British films of good quality as have for various reasons been unable to secure West End first runs at combine-owned houses. The theatre will be used in the mornings for trade and private shows, and the private •theatre at the Audible Filmcraft headquarters, 155, Oxford Street, Will be closed to make room for necessary extensions to staff offices.” Gus Schlesinger in London Kaufman and Mayo Too Gus Schlesinger, Continental sales manager for Warner Bros, and First National, is spending a few days in London, in company With Phil Kaufman, also of the Continental staff. Mr. Schlesinger has come over on one of his periodic visits, his purpose. The Bioscope is informed, being nothing more exciting than to view a number of films which Would not, in the ordinary run, reach Germany. Another Warner executive also in London is Archie Mayo, a producer from Burbank, who is over here, The Bioscope understands, on a holiday trip. Mr. Mayo has directed a number of notable pictures for Warner Bros., his most recent being " The Doorway To Hell.” Since he did not direct Warner’s recently banned story of heaven — “ Outward Bound ”• — -it cannot have been an association of ideas Which led him here to recuperate after getting through the " doorway of hell.” Ex-Minister of Health FOR London C.E.A. Dinner December 9th, The Annual Dinner of the London and Home Counties Branch of the C.E.A. will be held at the Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, December 9th. The Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain, M.P., will be the guest of honour, and others will include W. J. Womersley, M.P., Jas. Welsh, M.P., Miss Rosamund Smith. Clyde T. Wilson and Bertram Mills of the L. C.C. Theatres and Music Halls Committee, G. W. F. Bates and M. J. Cogswell of the Music and Dancing Licensing Committee, Surrey County Council, the Mayor and Chief Constable of Southend, and the President of the C.E.A. J. C. Graham, president of the K. R.S., has intimated that he regrets he cannot accept as he will be out of the country. Tickets obtainable from the secretary, Arthur Taylor, at Broadmead House, Panton Street, S.W., price £2 10s. double, £1 7s. 6d. single (exclusive of wines, but including buffet). Dinner and speeches 7 — 10 p.m. Dancing 10 p.m. — 2 a.m. Audible Filmcraft’s Theatres c< Several Acquired,” Announces G. W. Pearson Geo. W. Pearson Gus Schlesinger