Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1940)

Gov't, Majors Reach Accord on Queries New York — After a meeting which lasted three days, the department of justice and major company counsel reached an agreement, which they hope this time will be final, on interrogatories served by the majors. The agreement has been submitted by William P. Farnsworth, assistant to Williams, and by major counsel to their superiors for approval. The government’s objections were not so much to the 360 questions asked by the companies, but the fact each question had the equivalent to four sub-sections making the number of questions to be answered in excess of 1,300. The agreement reached is the maximum the government is willing to answer and the minimum the defendants will accept. Both sides, however, admit they overlap, thus it is hoped no further delays will be necessary. Time for Columbia to appear in court to object to the questions of the government has been extended to February 9. The government has until the middle of the week to object to the defendant’s questions, but should a further discussion be necessary, the time will be extended. Hecht and Jessel Deal Set With Columbia New York — Ben Hecht and Georgie Jessel have set a three-picture releasing deal with Columbia. Irving Trust will finance the pictures, the first of which is an original by Hecht, “Before I Die,” now in preparation at the Biograph Studios here. Negotiations between Columbia and Christopher Dunphy and Marion Gering, who are planning to produce “Bricks Without Straw” at the Eastern Studios in Astoria, have been dropped. Erin Go Bragh in B'nai B'rith Time Hollywood — Pat O'Brien, Frank McHugh and possibly James Cagney — all good Irishmen — are going to celebrate St. Patrick's Eve by appearing in the annual B'nai B'rith benefit at a Wilshire Boulevard Theatre March 16. In accepting invitations to appear the Warner stars revealed they are honorary members of the Jewish order. Injunction Against Schine Theatre Building Denied Buffalo — The Schine circuit won first round in the government’s anti-trust suit when Federal Judge John Knight handed down a decision denying an injunction against acquiring and building new theatres. At the hearings on the motion some months ago, counsel for Schine argued several deals had been in negotiation and important to the operations of the chain. In addition, the judge granted defendant counsel 22 demands in a bill of particulars. The typewritten decision runs 18 pages and has been submitted separately to Schwartz & Frohlich, counsel for Columbia, which has been defending the case individually. The judge also indicated trial would get under way within the near future, but this is held unlikely in legal circles. Newsreel Exchange Hit By Cameramen s Union New York — Officials of Cameramen’s Local 644, IATSE, have succeeded in eliminating the exchange of newsreel coverage by the five companies. New contract stipulates the cameraman gets paid if duplication occurs. Exemptions are provided for special events, such as covering a presidential trip where one crew only is permitted. Crichton " and Then Three More — Paramount’s first British picture since the war will be “ The Admirable Crichton,” once before made by Cecil B. DeMille. David E. Rose, second from the left, will produce it and three others which include ‘‘What Ho,” probably starring Madeleine Carroll; “Knights of the Round Table,” and a story based on the life of Barney Barnato, the “diamond king.” Aboard the Washington to signalize his departure are Mrs. Rose, who remained behind; Barney Balaban, president, and Stanton Griffis, chairman of the executive committee of Paramount. An Imposing Reunion Of "Fighting 69th" New York — Reunion of the old 69th Regiment at the Waldorf Wednesday night where “The Fighting 69th” will be shown promises to be an imposing affair with a number of men distinguished in civil and official life attending. Simultaneously, the Rainbow Division will hold reunion dinners in 40 cities throughout the country. In Chicago, Mayor Edward J. Kelly has designated Wednesday as “Rainbow Day” and will be honor guest at the Windy City regimental affair. The picture will be shown at all dinners. Highlights of the local affair will be carried over Station WJZ and the Blue network of the National Broadcasting Co. Col. John J. Mangan, who now commands the regiment, and Brig. Gen. Alexander E. Anderson, of the New York National Guard, are sponsoring. Guests of honor will include Major General Frank McCoy, former commander of the U. S. Second Corps Area; Major General William N. Haskell; Leo T. McCauley, Irish Consul General; Col. William J. Donovan, wartime commander of the regiment; Raymond J. Kelly, national commander of the American Legion; Jack L. Warner; James Cagney; Pat O’Brien; Bernard Gimbel; Martin Conboy; Col. Charles Burleigh; Jeremiah T. Mahoney; Commander Charles Hahn; Brigadier General R. B. Delacour, Adjutant-General of Connecticut; Captain William B. Gibbon; Judge Cornelius F. Collins; General William J. Costigan, and the Rev. John P. Boland. Twenty Hollywood correspondents are leaving Tuesday in a specially chartered plane to attend the dinner here. Among the writers are Fred Othman, United Press; Hub Keavy, Associated Press; Harold Heffernan and Sheila Graham, North American Newspaper Alliance; Sidney Skolsky, New York Post columnist; James Starr, Los Angeles Herald-Express; Harry Friedman and Ralph Jordan, International News; Paul Harrison, NEA; Billy Wilkerson, Hollywood Reporter; Arthur Unger, Variety; Harry Mines, Los Angeles Daily News; Harry Crocker, King Features syndicate; E. V. Durling, Hearst syndicate, and Dick Pollard, Life. Van Schmus in Hollywood Checking Up on Product Hollywood — W. G. Van Schmus, managing director of the Radio City Music Hall, is here for a check on forthcoming product. He expects to remain about a month. Van Schmus, who is also a member of the RKO board of directors, will sit in on studio conferences with George J. Schaefer, president, due in Monday. Five UA Exchanges Wind Up Stern Drive Feb. 17 New York — UA exchanges in New York, Boston, New Haven, Philadelphia and Washington participating in the Charles Stern testimonial drive, will conclude the seven-week campaign February 17. Stern is district manager for the five branches. 30-B BOXOFFICE :: January 20, 1940