The Bioscope (Oct-Dec 1931)

December 9, 1931 THE BIOSCOPE 2 K.R.S. President Says “Let’s Co-operate” When Lord Mayor Nearly Wept Thomas Ormiston, M.P., On Subsidised Press Sam Eckman, junr. (President of the K.R.S.), dotted the “ i’s ” and crossed the “ t’s ” of his resent appeal for more co-operation between the various sections of the trade, in the speech he made at the 13th Annual Dinner and Ball of the North Western Branch of the C.E.A., held at Liverpool on Thursday. How a layman reacted to his plea, not for a formula, but for co-operation in a broad spirit, may be best summed up in the words of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, who, as a mere onlooker, perhaps sees more of the game than those deeply immersed in its politics : — “ I came into this room in an optimistic spirit, but Mr. Eckman nearly brought tears to my eyes,” said the Mayor. Over 200 guests sat down to dinner, over which Aid. E. Trounson, J.P., presided. Speeches were in plenty, and the most pleasing feature of them was that mere generalities were made subservient to the grim facts which to-day are staring the industry in the face. The Liverpool dinner and ball is a trade, and not merely an exhibitors’ social, and the organising arrangements are in the hands of a local joint committee of exhibitors and renters in about equal proportions ; they work together with a zeal and enthusiasm which is indicative of the latent resources of the Liverpool trade. All credit, therefore, to the committee, of which the chairman is Aid. E. Trounson, J. R. Dovener and H. D. Nisbet vice chairmen, and G. Dudley West, F.C.A., secretary. The M.C.s for the dance were H. Goodman and W. W. Jay, of the renting section. The function was graced by the presence of the chief magistrates of six towns, magistrates, chiefs of the police and leading members of the renting houses. '' Hire British and Hear British ” Proposing the toast of " The Cinema Trade,” the Mayor of Southport (W. H. Beilis) said : " This is the most colossal, the most stupendous, the most amazing industry that has crashed its force upon the civilised world, an industry that has rocked Governments and flung into the world films that have blazed like meteors across the skies.” It had become one of the most important forms of entertainment for the masses, providing employment for thousands of people and using millions of pounds of capital, but what was most pleasing was the high standard which had been reached by British films. (Hear, hear.) In this connection he was sure there could be no more popular slogan than " Hire British and hear British.” One very disturbing element in the trade was the uncertainty concerning’ Sunday cinemas, which Southport had enjoyed, at least in the centre of the town for a very long time. He personally was hopeful that this concession would in the near future be extended to cinemas on the outskirts of the Borough. The old Statute against Sunday entertainments seemed to him to be absolutely out of touch with modern feeling. Fortunately, an early decision of Parliament was anticipated and this, he hoped, would indicate a strong, clear and definite policy. Consternation in the Ranks The increase in the amount of Entertainments Tax was causing considerable consternation in the trade and was undoubtedly responsible for the difficulties of a large Sam Eckman, Junr. Aid. E. Trounson number of cinemas. There was a saturation point in all taxation, and that point would soon be reached ; indeed, it was for the Government to consider if that point had not been already reached, so far as the entertainments of the people were concerned. Touching on the question of the future of film renting, his worship said he did not know sufficient of the trade to comment on the merits of the co operative booking scheme, but of this he was certain, the future of the trade was bound up with the provision of high class entertainment at reasonable prices. To disregard those considerations would be to place the cinema industry in jeopardy. Deputation to Chancellor Mr. R. V. Crow (President of the C.E.A.) said that so far from the trade being addicted to the use of superlatives, it was most modest not only in its prices, but in the claims it made for the quality of the programmes it submitted to the public. Many of them had fought hard to make, and to get the public to appreciate, British films, which to-day had achieved the success that was visualised for them. “ This industry,” continued Mr. Crow, “ in common with all industries is suffering from what the B.B.C. announcer described as ' a deep depression over the British Isles,’ which had had a disturbing effect on the whole of the business life of the country.” What aggravated the situation in the cinema industry was the entertainments tax which, in point of fact, was a tax of something like 20 per cent, on turnover — not on profits. If the tax were continued, he could not help viewing the future with great anxiety. Reports were being received from all parts of the country showing that literally hun dreds of cinemas were unable to function because they were paying out hundreds of pounds in tax, yet making no profits. The C.E.A. was hoping that the new Chancellor of the Exchequer would receive a deputation shortly and that when the effects of the increased tax were pointed out to him he would give some alleviation and relief. Efforts were being directed to that end. Those in the industry should take their courage in both hands and break down the barriers that existed between the various sections of the trade, wipe out suspicion and jealousy and foster a spirit that would be to the advantage of all. Commonsense and goodwill could work wonders. Let s Have Showmanship Mr. Crow concluded his remarks by making a plea for a return to the showmanship, upon which the success of the cinema trade was founded. In the old days the theatre proprietor made a strong effort to establish his theatre in the good graces of the public and to make it the object of their affection. Employment of those methods to-day, he added, would lead to a greater patronage, and would enable the industry to better weather the storm. T Mr. Eckman Pleased Sam Eckman, junr. (President of the K.R.S.), also replied. He referred to his recent speech to the General Council and the comments that had been made upon it at C.E.A. branch meetings. In the main he was pleased with the reception that had been accorded his remarks, though there were a few sceptics and doubters. " Those who were present at the Council meeting knew I then spoke of co-operation. In saying that, of course, I don’t want to be misunderstood. I was speaking of cooperation in general, as opposed to any formula that may be set up by individuals or associations, no matter how well meaning they might be as a cure-all for the evils that beset the industry at the present time. I don’t believe there ever has been in this or any other industry, or in any land, a formula that will act as a panacea or palliative for all the ills that beset us.” ” That does not mean the task is hopeless ; far from it. As long as I am in office in the association I represent to-night, and even when I am out of office, I shall assist in promoting that spirit of co-operation, for only by so doing, I believe, can we hope to find a solution of our difficulties. Exhibitors know their troubles only too well, and the renters are not immune.” A Thought for the Almighty Dollar Everybody to-day knew that for every £ paid for films to the American houses, although the pound was still a pound in England, it represented only 25 per cent, of value in America, compared with two months ago. The difference had disappeared, it had evaporated, but it affected the whole of the industry because of the repercussions it set up. The troubles did not exist on one side only. By co-operation between the organisations in the trade, and everybody doing his share to bring about better conditions, he was sure that many of the evils of to-day could be overcome. He was not suggesting anything that did not exist at the present time, except better feeling. Mr. Crow and he had been working for many months and he thought with somewhat successful results, in dealing with difficulties, but no formula could please everyone. When disputes could not be settled locally they should be remitted to