The Canadian Motion Picture Exhibitor (Oct 1, 1941)

October Ist., 1941. Allied Nixes New Group Idea The idea of an all-industry meeting of producers, distributors and exhibitors, the first since 1927, caused considerable friction and an unusual situation when it was proposed by the Board of Directors of the Allied exhibitors to the convention in Philadelphia. The general body turned it down. The directors then resigned as a body. Temporary peace was establishwhen the convention agreed to let the issue be settled by plebiscite within ten days of adjournment. Regional directors were confident that their members would endorse the plan. The convention vote was close. Nathan Yamins, a former president, led the opposition and ‘claimed that the plan would have the effect of selling out to the producers. He contended that differences between both sides of the industry could be settled without such a scheme. The man behind the idea is Abram F. Myers, chairman and counsel of the Allied States Association. “It is perfectly clear,” said Myers, ‘‘that unless the industry can organize for its own protection, it is in for a long siege of unfair and discriminatory taxation. Hollywood’s. dollar-marked publicity has made the industry a shining target. Many legislators harbor the notion that a tax on admission, or a tax on film rentals, is a tax on Hollywood. Because of his .unfortunate publicity representatives of the affiliated interests are not always the most effective agents in combatting taxation.” “The legislators are moved more by the protests of their voting constituents than by the pleas of professional lobbyists. But this vast influence must be marshaled to be put to the best use. The exhibitors must be organized for instant action when called upon by some central body representing the industry as a whole.” Columbia Champs Columbia’s softball team, led by Manager Leonard Bernstien, defeated Morrie Rittenberg’s Independent Spitfires in a sudden death game for the title in the Film Exchange League. The score was 238-3. Spitfires won the first series and Columbia the second. Wanted Powers 6B Arc Lamps in reasonably good condition. BOX 14—THE EXHIBITOR a a ee dh ee nw — SSH The Exhibitor Picture Pickups By TAP KEYES The American Senate Committee investigation of propaganda pictures has caused the film makers to go over the whole business. According to a Hollywood despatch, anti-Nazi films, as such, were box-office flops and therefore missed in their intention. Not until the romantic angles shared the story with the message did the patrons go for them. From then on they have been distinctly successful and the public is demanding more of the blend. Norma Shearer’s “Escape” mixed truth with fiction and caused the change in public attitude. Romance, excitement and a realistic background became the rule. So did good business. “Man Hunt,” “Foreign Correspondent,” “Underground,” “Night Train” and any number of others with the right ingredients made the exhibitor happy and somewhat proud for helping the cause of freedom. Before Hollywood learned the formula, which the English knew all along, things were so bad that Sam Goldwyn took a loss and gave up his plans to make “The Refugee.” Box-office blowouts of an anti-Nazi nature up to then were “Pastor Hall,” which drew but $85,000 during its American showing; “Confessions of a Nazi Spy,” which just about broke even in the $500,000 it cost. “The Mortal Storm,” “Four Sons” and “I Married a Nazi.” Anyhow, Hollywood had learned the obvious fact that romance and uncertainty are the main principles of the drama, no matter what the message. And the addition of easily-recognized truth makes an unbeatable combination. The public acceptance of the latter side is the best answer the dangerously-silly investigation can have. % * * * % E. V. Durling, the syndicate columnist, breaks down, according to occupation, the girls’ most popular star: “Gary Cooper is said to be the co-eds’ favorite film star. Stenographers’ favorite is Clark Gable. Manicurists favor Tyrone Power. Restaurant cashiers and salesgirls like Robert Taylor best. Chorus girls, hat-check girls and usherettes prefer Cesar Romero. Waitresses favor Spencer Tracy. Nurses sigh over Herbert Marshall. Switchboard operators are fond of Nelson Eddy, Young married women usually admire James Stewart. Older married women have no preference, they just say they miss Rudolph Valentino.” Donald Duck, Popeye and Charlie McCarthy must feel like wallflowers. * * ok * co A press release in connection with Universal’s “The Americanos” claims that one of the extras is a descendent of Jean Valjean. Take it easy, boys. Victor Hugo’s character was strictly fictional . . . And here goes another legend: “The Woman in Black,” who won much press space annually. for laying flowers on Valentino’s grave, is a phony. She was hired by the cemetery. Russia just paid Chaplin $75,000 for “The Dictator.” The Russians are also making films under fire, having just delivered two features to British distribs. But Soviet film fare is still taboo here . . . Doormen at the Orpheum, Spokane, are very happy that “Charley’s Aunt” has packed up after a three-week stay. The poor guys had to wear black silk-and-lace dresses and smoke long cigars . A Des Moines house shows one feature and an hour of shorts. * * * * co I’d bet a film salesman against a Philadelphia lawyer any day ... A hamburg stand, they say, is where a film salesman eats when he isn’t entertaining an exhibitor ... Bah: Pola Negri, upon entering the U.S., said that her first move would be to buy a farm for her pet cow, which is stranded in Vichyland ... How to beat the game: An Elmhurst, New York, theatre has this on the marquee—“This Theatre for rent on Wednesdays and Fridays for Bingo.” * * * * * Warners may make the English short, “Target for Tonight” into a full-length thriller ... A man walked into an Oklahoma station and found the telegraph operator singing and playing the guitar. He told him to go to Hollywood. He did. His name is Gene Autry. The man who advised him’ was Will Rogers ... MGM’s decision to cancel the “Mazie” series is getting opposition from fans and exhibitors Ozzie Nelson says “Sergeant York” is doing so well that they’re thinking of making him a lieutenant. Page 5 Fantasia Breaks New York Record “Fantasia,” now in its 45th week iat the Broadway Theater, has set a new all-time record for two-a-day pictures since sound’s advent in 1928. Approximately 800,000 attendance was rung up in ‘he 45 weeks. Previous long distance run mark was set at the Astor by GWTW which went 43 weeks. Silent pix run record in New York was set by “The Big Parade’”” which was the Astor’s tenant for 98 weeks. Summerville Upped W. A. Summerville, Jr., manager of the Prince of Wales Theatre in Toronto, has become General Supervisor for B & F Theatres, Ltd., an affiliate of Famous Players Canadian. He will handle 18 theatres. Summerville succeeded Jules Wolfe, who recently joined Famous Players as manager of construction and maintenance. Turcotte Stays On Montreal—J. T. Thorson, War Service Minister, announced yesterday that Edmond Turcotte, deputy director of the Reconstruction Board of Quebec, had been reappointed for another three-year term as.a director of the National Film Board.