The Canadian Independent (Jan 1, 1938)

Jan. 1, 1938 THE CANADIAN wm /6SUED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ‘WR (DEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS RE ES ~ Goldwyn-Korda-U.A. | U.S. Indies To Form Deal Off . The deal whereby Samuel Goldwyn and Alexander Korda were to buy up the ‘Chaplin-FairbanksPickford holdings in United Artists was definitely called off, and the option held for the pur“chase turned in. . There was no financial hitch in this deal as the British money spoken for was ready and willing. The statement signed by Gold-wyn and Korda was to the effect that “owing to insur‘mountable tions, we have decided not to exercise our option.” The low-down in the ‘“‘in‘surmountable _ obstacles” seems to be the insistance by Mary Pickford and Douglas ‘Fairbanks that they retain the rights under their existing contract with U.A. for the release of six pictures each, either made by them or by others designated by them. Charlie Chaplin was willing to cancel all releasing privileges of cash for his stock. re MEYERS ON AIR ~ COMPETITION (Continued from Page 1) try to ascertain as far as possible the effect, if any, that these broadcasts are having on their business. If it is appreciable, it should be made the basis of. demands for adjustments on their contracts. Also, if it can be shown that these broadcasts are costing the industry money, it may be that other producers will be deferred from engaging therein. “Of course, there is no way of computing the indirect loss of the industry resulting from the diminish legal complica-— Distrib-Producing Unit Tired of the kickingaround they have been getting on subsequent dates of important product, an important group of American independents are said to be organizing their own production distribution outfit for better servicing their own theatres. In this group names as the New York, are such Brandts of operating a ‘chain of 90 houses; Martin Talheimer, of Richmond, Va., with a circuit of 30 theatres; Frank Durkee, of Baltimore, who operates 25 theatres; Al Steffes, with his 40 houses; Jensen and Von Herberg with 30; McNeil and Naify with a string of 80 in California; J. Blumenfield with 20; Eddie Ansin and Harold Stoneman who operate the Interstate Circuit on the east coast consisting of 40 theatres, and others. The theatres represented by these holdings—are——in many instances better located and equipped than the theatres of distributor-owned chains and in a position and willing to pay good prices for early releases in pictures, but are up against the situation of taking subsequent runs whether they like it or not. They have decided not to like it, and are proceeding with plans for forming their own production and distribution unit {o properly service their theatres. ed lustre of certain stars, due to their faulty performances in a new and untried medium. Turn on your radio some Thursday night, in case you don’t catch my meaning.” PATRONIZE THE ADVERTISERS WHO MAINTAIN |T. =, BETTER LIGHT means BETTER BOX OFFICE Britain Unbalanced Film Trade Bleeds Country Oliver Stanley, president of the London Board of Trade has presented figures showing that Great Britain spends $25,000,000 more annually for foreign films, than she receives from the sale of her films in the world market. Foreign distributors are taking $30,000,000 per year out of the British market in film revenues, while only $5,000,000 is received by Great Britain from her film sales abroad. This is the situation that the much-mooted Quota Bill is seeking to remedy. Lamps... used in leading SPORTS ARENAS and THEATRES throughout Canada. CANADA “Firefly” Gets Nov. Blue Ribbon Metro’s ‘The Firefly’ was awarded the Nov ember National Screen Council Blue Ribbon as the best picture for whole-family entertainment. ITALY BANS PRIZE FILM The French film “La Grande Illusion” which received one of the highest awards of merit at the Venice exposition, has been banned by the Government for Italian release. Perhaps it is the grand illusion that merit is either wanted or appreciated in the twisted world of polities TO YOU OUR VALUED FRIENDS, WE SEND A FRIENDLY THOUGHT, AND A WISH SINCERE, FOR A MOST HAPPY NEW YEAR. KAPLAN & SPRACHMAN ARCHITECTS Saat