Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1939)

NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER. (Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager) Many Join German SWG Adds to Charges Now Severance Move Confronting Producers With Committee’s of 56 completely organized in 12 cities and between 40 to 50 small communities, a formidable array of some 600 leaders in all fields of endeavor is solidly behind the declaration which seeks severance of economic relationship between this country and Germany. Organizers of the original committee here say reception to support of the declaration is “most encouraging,” particularly in that it has brought response from sections where this sort of activity has never previously taken place. In fact, they say it may be necessary to set up regional or state directors to harness the enthusiasm of signers. This idea may be tabled since it is desirous of keeping expenses down. Another thought is to set up self-enlarging and self-developing subcommittees to handle circulation of petitions. Since it is claimed that sentiment of the Committee of 56 is generally known in larger cities, the committee is especially heartened with response in smaller communities, and this phase of organization is viewed as especially important as it might bear upon the President and congress. Within the past week Committees of 56 were organized in San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Nashville, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington. In about four weeks, when it is expected complete national coverage will have been effected, all documents will be forwarded here. A Hollywood delegation will then make a final appeal in a cross-country tour, culminating with an elaborate function in Washington, when the petitions will be presented to the President and congress. Biberman Represents The Anti-Nazi League Representing the Anti-Nazi League in a trek to the Congress of the American League for Peace and Democracy in the nation’s capital was Herbert Biberman, screen viuiter and director, who was on hand to hear Sen. William H. King, of Utah, express his support of the programs outlined by the League and by the Committee of 56. Hollywood Now, official League publication, gave considerable prominence to an interview obtained from Gary Cooper, film star, upon his recent return from a European trip, during which he spent five days in Berlin. Cooper, in the interview, declared the German people as a whole were not in accord with Nazi principles, asserted they acted as though they “had a death warrant that was about ready to be signed,” and opined that the masses respect and hold the United States in awe as a land of personal liberty. The acquittal of Henry Allen, admitted anti-Semitic crusader, in superior court on charge of illegal registration and fraudulent voting, brought forth no official comment from the Anti-Nazi League or its members, although Now had previously given editorial and news coverage to the impending trial in the course of the League’s activities in uncovering Allen’s interest in disseminating anti-Semitic literature. The League also was responsible for tracing Allen’s connection with an organization known as the Militant Christian Patriots. Judge Thomas Ambrose, in his ruling, gave Allen the benefit of a “reasonable doubt” that his rights as a citizen were never restored following a prison sentence. Britain Before Munich Pact Into Celluloid The recent world crisis which, until the signing of the Munich pact, had Great Britain fortifying London against possible attack, will be the subject of a film to be produced by Charles R. Rogers imder the title “That Crucial Night.” Randall Faye, English director, will script. Historical Shorts Warner has announced plans to produce two more in its series of historical short subjects during the winter months — one based on Andrew Jackson and one on Stephen Foster, famous American composer. Charles Tedford will script, both to be filmed in Technicolor. Hike Jack Hively Jack Hively, film editor, has been boosted to a directorship at RKO Radio and, as his initial assignment, will pilot “They Made Me a Spy.” Anticipating the national labor relations board would definitely set a hearing date before the end of the week, the Screen Writers Guild has embarked on a new and active campaign in its drive for producer recognition by filing additional charges with the labor body — including 45 additional affidavits charging producers with “intimidation, coercion and other unfair practices” and attacking the validity of the working agreement now held by the Screen Playwrights. 'These developments were revealed at an SWG mass meeting at which the organization’s directorate was unanimously endorsed for its handling of the case. Other Guild activity was in the hands of the Screen Actors Guild, which confined its attentions principally to a routine weekly board meeting at which it was announced further action on the proposed agency licensing plan agreement between the SAG and the Artists Managers Guild had been deferred imtil some time in February. Press of business in connection with laimching the SAG-Motion Picture Relief Fund airshow, it was explained, brought forth the delay. The board was also informed that the SAG claims department had recovered a total of $15,208 for its members in adjusted compensations and salary losses during December, including disputed wages. The SWG, SAG and SDG have appointed representatives to participate in the selection of candidates for various Awards in the forthcoming Academy balloting and banquet. Gene Lockhart, Reginald Denny and Charles Trowbridge are the actors’ delegates: Clarence Brown, Anatole Litvak, George Marshall, Henry Hathaway and John Cromwell will sit m for the directors, and Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett and Sheridan Gibney are the SWG’s delegates. WB Assigns Keighley Warner has assigned William Keighley to direct “Each Dawn I Die,” from Jerome Odium’s novel, with James Cagney, John Garfield and Ann Sheridan heading the cast. BOXOFFICE :: January 14, 1939 H 37