Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

UA Finds Gov’t Bill Vague; Will Request More Detail U. K. Trade Looks For Tax Relief New York — The industry in England is looking forward to a general revision of the taxes placed on the imports of films, reports Herman Wobber. who recently returned on the Queen Mary. A further checkup reveals that taxes have already been modified on legitimate stage entertainment and there is a general feeling that the burden will be made easier for the industry. It is claimed the film business is paying more than its share to help England rearm. Foreign Outlook Is Far More Cheering New York — Returning with a cheerful impression of conditions abroad, Herman Wobber, general sales manager of 20th Century-Pox, is inclined to be slightly less optimistic over the domestic scene. He estimates receipts are 20 per cent off. “We are, however, looking forward to a good year,” he adds. Wobber, who made his first trip abroad in 12 years to attend his company’s overseas meetings in Paris and London, thinks this on the foreign outlook: “They are all optimistic over the coming year and worried less about war than we are.” Highlighting developments abroad, according to Wobber, is the company’s reentry into Spain to resume operations there. He says Walter J. Hutchinson, head of foreign distribution, already has assigned men to their Spanish posts. On the subject of television, which he had a chance to observe in England, Wobber sees no reason to get excited over it as a competitive factor. “Sales managers in England are not worried over it,” he asserts. “I think television is still in its early and primitive stages and needs a tremendous amount of money for development.” Morris Agency Discussing Film Deal for Lauder New York — The William Morris office is dickering a picture deal for Harry Lauder, 66-year-old Scotch comedian, who last appeared here under their auspices in 1935. Samuel Goldwyn is interested, as is Warner. Lauder completed his first picture as a quota film for Fox in England last year. Asking price on his services is reported at $250,000 per picture. Loach Replaces Stewart On Monogram Board New York — T. P. Loach is now a member of the Monogram board of directors, replacing William Rhinelander Stewart, resigned. Loach is vice-president and treasurer of Pathe, Inc. Appointment of Harry M. Iverson as comptroller, succeeding Ben Agren, also received official approval. New York — Because of the vagueness of the government’s bill of particulars, attorneys for UA are expected to move shortly for a more definite account of its socalled “arbitrary and unreasonable” selling methods. In answer to the government’s charge “UA and its agents have refused to license many pictures distributed unless the independent exhibitor agrees to license said pictures upon a percentage of the gross boxoffice business” and that “exhibitors are forced to accept those terms if they wish to stay in business,” executives for the distributing company declare anywhere from 50 per cent and up of its accounts buy on flat rentals. While it is true, it is further said, that in many instances percentages are demanded, it is impossible to get any kind of a deal but flat rentals in the smaller and less important houses, of which there are many on the books of UA. It is also stated in numerous cases where percentage pictures have been sold and have not gone over so well at the boxoffice, adjustments have been made. Major Depositions Start In La Crosse Suit New York — Depositions of Paramount, UA and 20th Century-Fox executives in connection with the $1,050,000 anti-trust suit of La Crosse Theatres, La Crosse, Wis., were started here Wednesday. The suit was filed July 14, 1938, against Paramount, with 20th-Fox, UA, Welworth Theatres of Wisconsin, Minnesota Amusement Co. of Minneapolis and Ed Rubin as co-defendants. Joseph Finley, Paramount attorney in Wisconsin, accompanied by Harold Wilkie, representing Welworth Theatres and Minnesota Amusements, and Leon Foley, counsel for UA and 20th-Fox, arrived here early in the week to sit in on the hearings. O'Toole Finally Takes Stand in M&R Action Boston — Tim O'Toole, former local branch manager for Columbia and now exchange head for the company in New Haven, testified during the week in the Morse & Rothenberg anti-trust suit against the major companies. Depositions by George S. Ryan, attorney for the plaintiffs, from Neil F. Agnew, general sales manager, and J. J. Unger, eastern division manager for Paramount, made it impossible for O’Toole to go on last week. May Strike for Particulars In Miami Trust Action Miami— A further bill of particulars is expected to be sought by major companies defending the anti-trust action filed by Herman Weingarten of the Cameo and Surf. It is understood distributors are not satisfied with the bill ordered by Judge John W. Holland and will seek additional particulars in order to prepare a proper defense. Paramount Enterprises and Wometco are also defendants. But Schaefer Arrived by Plane — — Metropolitan Photos Reception committee meeting the 20 th Century and, thought the committee, George J. Schaefer, RKO president, who flew in from Chicago, eastbound from Hollywood, the night before. However, Ralph Doyle, RKO’s Australian representative, was aboard. The group shows Rutgers Neilson of RKO ; Arthur W. Kelly of UA; Bill Ornstein of Boxoffice; Jack Lewis of RKO; Harry M. Goetz, RKO producer, and, back to camera, Dave Golding, Boxoffice reporter. Kelly was meeting E. T. Carr, co-managing director for UA in London, who was aboard as was Charles Munro of Hoyts circuit in Australia. Goetz met Mrs. Ben Goetz, his sister-in-law, and her son. Mort Blumenstock and Karl Macdonald of Warner were present to welcome Hal B. Wallis and his wife, Louise Fazenda. They ducked the camera. BOXOFFICE :: May 27, 1939 22-C