Box office digest (Dec 1938-Dec 1939)

NATIONAL BOX OFFICE DIGEST Published By Robert E. Welsh WE NEED EACH OTHER We stated last week that it was our belief that the industry was on the edge of a boom year, and gave as our reason the fact that practically all the major factors in production and distribution were nearing a healthy stability financially. Perhaps the thought will bear elaboration: Remove the dread of over-drawn bank accounts; the operating indecision created by receivers and bank-dictated set-ups; and we have taken the first step in a new boom cycle. Put showmen on the captain’s bridge, and PICTURE WORKERS in the crew — and we ll sail pleasant seas. Those days are just over the hill in 1939. * 55. s' It is the obvious fact, but nevertheless sad one, that the company in financial straits, or in the throes of internal disorganization or dissension, is the company least able to function intelligently or efficiently. And of course, equally obvious that this is the company needing intelligence and efficiency. The process of running a successful company is no secret. Everyone knows it. In three words it is: Make good pictures.” Slightly extended it is: "Good stories, capable directors, and STARS.” So simple. Merely a question of man-power. "Get top executives who know good stories, recognize capable directing skill, tell them to buy stars.” So simple. But let’s work it backwards, from star to director, to story, to executive desk. Stars may dicker interminably for the last dollar and pound of flesh when signing a contract for their services — but all the money in the world won’t buy you a top flight star tomorrow — until you can place in evidence your ability to deliver a top flight director. And today’s top flight directors won’t sign on the dotted line just to get the feel of your cash — they must be assured your story material is right. And you can’t compete for top money novels or plays, or maintain permanent story creating organizations to tap brain power, unless you have some assurance of permanence on star and director angles. And you can’t — Oh, shucks — its a vicious circle, or a tortuous triangle, or what have you. You can’t take the first step in any intelligent direction unless your company’s financial house is in order, unless the internal set-up is such as to allow production to function with a minimum of New York interference. The right set-up can’t do it, if the bank balance is vague; money alone can’t do it if the set-up — the division of authority and responsibility — is wrong. And that is why we see prosperity ahead as we see one company after another whip its internal problems. Clear heads can function; functioning heads will result in a more even spread of star value among all companies; already ace directing ability is available for any company able to recognize it and handle it. A greater spread of star values, a greater spread of creative brain values, is the need of the industry, and, if brought about, will bring prosperity. No one, two, or three companies in this industry can hog all the strength, can afford to starve out competition — because the bigger the company the bigger its theater investment. And the bigger the theater investments — the more days there are on the booking sheets when you can be found dipping into the red ink. What value — if you have hogged ALL the box office values, and then are able to give your OWN theaters profitable box oifice product for only fifty per cent of the dates? Even if you succeeded in whole-hogging it for your own theaters, what value if ( Continued on Page 4) 1. DISTRIBUTORS M. C. M. BATTING AVERAGE FOR 41 Releases 1938 % 103 2. 20th Century-Fox 49 Releases 92 3. United Artists 15 Releases 92 4. Paramount 36 Releases ...... 88 5. Warner Brothers ... 50 Releases 86 6. R. K. O.* 38 Releases 80 7. Columbia 29 Releases 80 8. Universal . 34 Releases 77 9. Republic 25 Releases 73 10. Monogram 13 Releases 69 11. Grand National 5 Releases 66 12. Gaumont British .... 10 Releases 59 345 (*R. K. O. has 38 Releases, 80%; but including Walt Disney’s “Snow White” makes R.K.O. 39 Releases, 83%) Published weekly by National Box Office Digest. 5373 San Vicente. Los Angeles. Calif. — Phone WEbster 5373. Subscription rate. S10 per year: single copies 25c. (Branch Office. 5220 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Calif. — Phone MOrningside 114871