The Bioscope (Nov-Dec 1930)

November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 15 Douglas Murray for A.B.C. ? cc Roxy ” Ideas for Britain Douglas Murray, according to a New York message to The Bioscope, has resigned from the Roxy organisation, and will sail for London on November 21st. He is to join the A.B.C. (John Maxwell) circuit, with whom he is stated to have signed a threeyear contract. Though the nature of Mr. Murray’s duties are not revealed officially, it is understood that he will have an important position with the organisation. With Roxy (S. L. Rothafel) his position was that of production manager. Among other things, it is stated, he will take a hand in remodelling the policy of such super houses as the Regal and Dominion Theatres, at both of which it is intended to introduce stage shows on the style of those for which the Roxy Theatre, New York, is famous. That he will subsequently introduce this form of entertainment to other major halls in the circuit is to be reasonably expected. New York Sees Wide Film Reception “ Fair ” With the screening of “ Billy the Kid ” at the Capitol, New York, the public saw for the first time the effect of the wide film . The picture, which was projected on the M.-G.-M. “ Realife ” system, filled the entire proscenium opening. The results, however, have hardly been up to expectations, and box office receipts for the first week are reported as “ fair” only. So far the public has appeared apathetic to what has been heralded as a revolutionary innovation. Press critics, though praising the scenic effects obtained by the process, are very guarded in discussing its effect in more intimate dramatic episodes. The following remarks, culled from a report in the New York American, are typical: — “ The ‘ Realife ’ screen proves effective in panorama shots of the gorgeous background against which this story has been filmed. But in more intimate sequences it is distracting.” Meanwhile Fox opened to better business with “The Big Trail,” presented on “ Grandeur ” stock at the Roxy, though it is suggested that the nature of the film is a bigger factor here than the novelty of the wide film process. It is curiously significant, too, that while other producers are preparing to place wide screen films on the market, neither Fox nor M.-G.-M. has announced any further films scheduled for production on the new processes. Winfield Sheehan, in fact, is reported to have said that wide film was definitely " out ” at Fox for the present, and that Grandeur would not be used until the demand for the wide film reached a point where it warranted the added cost of its production. It is this unusual tendency to ” talk down ” the widies which encourages in some quarters the belief that Hollywood is preparing another screen surprise for Europe. B.I.F. and B.I.P. Fusion Practically Accomplished Centralisation and Colonisation in Sight ? Arrangements are almost completed for a close working arrangement amounting practically to fusion between British Instructional Films and British International. A. E. Bundy, Chairman of British Instructional Films (Proprietors), Ltd., in a statement to the company’s shareholders discloses that an important provisional agreement has now been arranged under which the productions of British Instructional will be distributed through Wardour Films. " The normal development of the scheme,” adds Mr. Bundy, " will provide for a close working arrangement between British Instructional and British International in connection with film production.’’ It is further proposed that an amalgamation of Pro Patria with British Instructional shall be arranged. Pro Patria has, since its inception, acted as the distribution unit for British Instructional productions. A detailed scheme is expected to be ready for submission to the shareholders at an early date. John Maxwell (B.I.P.) A. E. Bundy (B.I.F.) H. Bruce Woolf e Arthur Dent (B.I.F.) (Wardour) Mr. Bundy, in a statement to shareholders issued through Baker, Sutton & Co., secretaries, of Eldon Street House, Eldon Street, E.C.2, says : — " For some time past your directors, in consultation With the directors of Pro Patria Films, Ltd., have contemplated the necessity for a change in general policy to meet the situation that has been created by the supersession of the silent by the talking film and the grouping of picture theatres into circuits. " It was at first the intention of your directors to submit for the consideration of shareholders a scheme under which Pro Patria Films, Ltd., should be merged with British Instructional Films (Proprietors), Ltd., and continue as a department to rent pictures, but later developments have rendered it desirable to seek an outlet for British Instructional product through an outside organisation that could distribute more effectively and economically than would have been the case under the scheme referred to. " Friendly relationship has always existed between your company and British International Pictures, Ltd., and from time to time conferences have taken place between the directors of these companies with a view to co-operating in production and distribution. As a result of these conferences, terms of an important provisional agreement have now been arranged under Which the film productions of Pro Patria and British Instructional will be distributed through the renting subsidiary of British International Pictures, Ltd. The normal development of the scheme will provide for a close working arrangement between British Instructional Films (Proprietors), Ltd., and British International Pictures, Ltd., in connection With the production of films. “ The wisdom of such an arrangement will be readily apparent, particularly as With the success British films are now achieving it is important that consolidation of interests should be secured. The resources and exceptional facilities for the production of films by both British Instructional and British International will be more effectively and economically developed, and the already efficient and world-wide marketing channels provided by International Will be strengthened by the co-operation achieved. " It is proposed that, in effect, an amalgamation of Pro Patria Films, Ltd., With British Instructional Films (Proprietors), Ltd., shall be arranged. This matter is now receiving the consideration of your directors, and a scheme will be at an early date submitted to the shareholders for their approval. ’ ’ For editorial comment, see page 18. FILM GOLFERS’ DINNER OFF The dinner arranged under the auspices of the Film Golf Society to take place on Saturday next, November 15th, has now been postponed until the New Year, when a definite alternative date will be announced.