Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1962)

7he Longest Day' (20th-Fox) Voted November Blue Ribbon Award By VELMA WEST SYKES ^ARRYL ZANUCK’S “The Longest Day” (20th-Fox), spectacular film version of DDay invasion in World War II, has been voted the November Boxoffice Blue Ribbon Avi^ard by members of the National Screen Council. This is the first war picture to win the Award since “Counterfeit Traitor” won in May. However, families are probably affected more by war than any other group so it is understandable that NSC members would feel that it is suitable entertainment for a family group — a film based on the various phases of war activities. “The Longest Day” has so many stars in both production and acting fields that only part of them are listed on this page. Boxoffice’s review in the issue of October 15 said in part: “Eighteen years after D-Day in June 1944, Darryl F. Zanuck brings forth the greatest, most realistically harrowing and most technically authentic picture of World War II — a film certain to stand the test of time as the best of its kind. With a starstudded cast of Hollywood names, plus outstanding actors from England, France and Gei-many, the picture should be a boxoffice hit . . .” To date reports from key cities where it is playing first-run engagements show a boxoffice score of 251 per cent of average business. Comments from NSC members, written on their ballots, included these about “The Longest Day”: Elasy Choice This Month A good ballot this month but “The Longest Day” is an easy choice. Here is an excellent film account of one of history’s most important days. It is educational, engrossing, suspenseful and authentic, and there is much in it for every member of the family to learn and think about. Dari-yl F. Zanuck is to be further commended for casting strictly according to nationality all the players in the film and using the original languages with subtitles. This gave it an added touch of authenticity and international impact. “The Longest Day” may well be the most important family film of this year. — Dr. James K. Loutzenhiser, U.S. Public Health Service, Kansas City. To keep America from getting soft, all Americans — especially yoimg ones — should see this picture to realize how we earned our freedom, done by one who was there, Darryl Zanuck. — Mrs. J. J. Cowan, Knoxville BFC . . . “The Longest Day” is the best war movie ever made. — Herb Kelly, Miami News. So authentic it is almost real. Actors are outstanding, especially John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. This is a fine picture for entire family entertainment. — Mrs. John Schaler, Indianapolis NSC Council . . . An outstanding picture portraying the decisions and sacrifices made during this historical event. — Mrs. J. G. Prutton, Cleveland MPC. Everyone in the world should see “The Longest Day.” — Anna Belle Miller, WOMPI, Denver . . . History that must not be forgotten, so that it may never be repeated, is told in “The Longest Day.” — Howard Pearson, Deseret News, Salt Lake City. Darryl F. Zanuck’s star-studded motion picture, “The Longest Day,” is a distinguished cinematic achievement depicting the Normandy invasion. It is superb entertainment for everyone.— Virginia Rollwage Collier, president MP & TV Council of D.C., Washington . . . One of the truly great pictures that will stand the test of time. The singing stars add a lighter note, which was welcomed. — Mrs. Claude Franklin, Indianapolis NSC Group. This is to be considered family fare inasmuch as every member of the family should be exposed to it. — Tom Peck, Charleston Evening Post . . . This is one of the greatest. — A. B. Covey, Alabama TOA ... A splendid picture that should be an Award winner. — Mrs. Leslie T. Barco, Greater St. Louis BFC. Not just a man’s picture, not just a woman’s picture, not just a child’s picture— it’s a picture for the whole family, the whole world. — Kaspar Monahan, Pittsburgh Press. iiiiimiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii JANINE BOITARD (IRINA DEMICH) OF THE FRENCH RESISTANCE, DIVERTS GERMAN OFFICERS TO HIDE ALLIES INVADING ON THE BEACHES WAS A RUGGED TASK FOR EVEN PRACTICE-SEASONED TROOPS IN BAD WEATHER DEATH AND DESTRUCTION. AS SHOWN HERE. GIVES AN UNFORGETTABLE PICTURE OF WHAT WAR IS LIKE llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll This award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of out standng merit and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio and TV film commentators, representatives of better films councils, civic, educational and exhibitor organizations. American Cast Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Richard Beymer, Red Buttons, John Crawford, Mark Damon, Ray Dantori, Fabian, Mel Ferrer, Henry Fonda, Steve Forrest, Henry Grace, Jeffrey Hunter, Alexander Knox, Dewey Martin, Roddy McDowall, Sal Mineo, Robert Mitchum, Edmond O'Brien, Ron Randell, Robert Ryan, Tommy Sands, Rod Steiger, Nicholas Stuart, Tom Tryon, Robert Wagner, John Wayne, Stuart Whitman. British Cost Patrick Barr, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, Leo Genn, John Gregson, Jack Hedley, Donald Houston, Peter Lawford, Michael Medwin, Kenneth More, Leslie Phillips, Trevor Reid, John Robinson, Norman Rossington, Richard Todd. French Cast Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Bouvil, Irina Demich, Fernand Ledoux, Christian Marquand, Madeleine Renaud, Georges Riviere, Jean Servais, Georges Wilson. German Cast Hans Christian Blech, Wolfgang Buttner, Peter Van Eyck, Gerd Froebe, Paul Hartmann, Werner Hinz, Curt Jurgens, Wolfgang Luckschy, Karl Meisel, Richard Munch, Wolfgang Preiss, Heinz Reincke, Ernest Schroeder, Heinz Spitzner. Production Staff British exterior episodes directed by Ken Annakin. American exterior episodes directed by Andrew Marton. German episodes directed by Bernhard Wicki. Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck; associate producer and coordinator of battle episodes; Elmo Williams. Screenplay by Cornelius Ryan based on his book. Additional episodes written by Romain Gary, James Jones, David Pursall, Jack Seddon. Musical score composed and conducted by Maurice Jarre. Thematic music by Paul Anka. Arrangement by Mitch Miller. Directors of photography, Jean Bourgoin, Pierre Levent, Henri Persin, Walter Wottitz. Editor, Samuel E. Beetley. Special effects, Karl Baumgartner, Karl Heimer, Augie Lohman, Robert MacDonald, Alex Weldon. Dialog director, Mickey Knox. Technical advisers, Maurice Chauvet, Gilbert Delamare.