Canadian Film Weekly (Dec 22, 1948)

Christmas Number CANADIAN FILM WEEKLY Page 13 1943 —J. ARTHUR RANK — 1948 standing individuals and in dividualists the activities of one man are attracting major attention, exciting the curiosity of all and causing nervousness in many quarters about his future intentions. He is a Britisher named J. Arthur Rank. Rank’s name keeps popping up in the American trade journal headlines and his moves, real, projected and rumored, win. ample space even in these days of paper rationing. Seemingly impossible schemes of a worldwide nature take on a credibility in people’s minds when Rank’s name ig attached to them in every unauthorized way. The dreams that are credited to him are causing nightmares in competitive quarters. Who is Joseph Arthur Rank? Rank was born in Hull, England in 1888, educated at Cambridge and came to prominence as head of a great flour milling concern. A staunch Methodist, he entered the film trade with the purest motives, founding the Religious Film Society. From that he stepped into the commercial field. How powerful is he in the motion picture industry? The man who seven years ago was unheard of in the motion picture field acquired control of Gaumont-British in 1942 and is also chairman of Odeon Theatres, Ltd., of Britain. Together these companies give him control of 600 Old Country theatres. He is reported to control something like 1,000 of Britain’s 4,500 motion picture houses and to have the sav on three-quarters of the A playing time there. Not only does Rank dominate British exhibition but he is a leading figure in distribution and production. He controls the leading studios and his exchanges distribute much of the British and some of the American product. It is known that he is a heavy stockholder in Universal, one of his companies handling its distribution in England. Every new shift of the British industry seems to leave Rank in a better position. American companies are his associates and competitors at the same time. His holdings are so great now that legislative bodies have asked that he consult them before undertaking further expansion. What does Rank want? At this time Rank’s chief development on a worldwide scale has to do with distribution. He wants more playing time everywhere for British films—particularly in the USA. This is to make I: AN industry of many out ‘In the Coming Battle of MOTION PICTURE IMPERIALISMS A Powerful Figure Looms’ That was the title of a prophetic article about J. Arthur Rank which appeared in the Canadian Film Weekly, Christmas number, 1943. At that time many Americans weren’t sure Rank was serious and others in the industry hadn’t given him a thought. Prior to that date the Canadian Film Weekly reported his activities regularly, thus giving an indication of things to come in the motion picture world. Today the Rank interests control seven studios, 561 theatres in Britain, 115 in Australia, 175 in Canada, 130 in South Africa, 143 in New Zealand and over 100 in other countries. They also book the screen fare into hundreds of theatres in different countries through national booking services. Their distribution facilities are global, as are other departments of the industry, such as equipment, and they are among the television leaders. Read the article again — and ponder on what the shape of things may be five years from now. British production on an increased scale practicable. Rank makes his own films for his own theatres. “We cannot, on the British market alone, recoup our costs of production,” he told the press recently. ‘Therefore, without a world market, we shall be strangled.” What does Rank propose to do about it? Rank has called on USA interests for co-operation in finding greater playing time. “They may wish to impose conditions on me that I cannot accept,” he said. “In that case, instead of friendly competition, it will be more of a battle. If a fight were forced on me I am ready and in a position to fight back with or without collaborating with Hollywood. I think I can build up a world market for British films inside foum years of peace.” Rank denied that he was seeking a monopoly of the British or world film market. He feels that his and other producers’ films are not getting a fair chance abroad. The British film is a civilizing influence that must exert its effect. Rank recently organized the Commonwealth Film Corporation, with himself as chairman, for the universal distribution of British films. There are signs that some understanding may be reached between the British and Americans, for Rank said a while ago that. he may confine his activities to Europe. If such films do not receive their due he may open exchanges in the USA at a cost, it is estimated, of $30,000,000. And he is being taken seriously. Until now any dealings with Rank by USA companies were handled by representatives. Now the top men consult with him in _ person. American film leaders are beginning to air a more liberal attitude in their statements about British films. American film rentals from Great Britain are estimated at $80,000,000 and this figure is expected to jump to $150,000,000 after the war. Outside theatre holdings in Britain reach a tremendous figure and American investors may have to meet Rank’'s request to stave off the battle that may jeopardize them. Rank’s ideas about the American market apply to the rest of the motion picture world. He has been reported making bids for Canadian, South African and other Empire circuits. American companies own large circuits in the Empire and other countries. Rank is resolved, if necessary, to win them for British trade. Empire preference may operate in his behalf. He is determined to sell films or show them or both. He knows the failings of British films up to now and he has plans for including as many popular ingredients as the American ones have. This, when exhibition ovitlets fall to him, will enable him to retain them. Every motion picture company is eyeing the post-war world for by J. ARTHUR RANK possible expansion. Circuits are being acquired quietly, real estate is being bought for theatre and distribution sites. It is agreed everywhere that the war will be followed by the growth of the.motion picture and its newest developments on a vast scale. If working arrangements are not reached now a great battle of motion picture imperialisms looms. Americans know it. They are increasing their English production and it is thought that they will invest $50,000,000 in it when the war is over. The result may be that everybody will be battling in everybody’s back yard. Rank may find himself in preduction on this side. And Hollywood is worried. Some film executives have mentioned that the State Department may be asked to speak for the protection of the USA worldwide industry, considering that British plans for expansion are being supported by the London Board of Trade. “If some of the British films made during the past year under unfavorable conditions may be considered samples of how British technique of film production is progressing,” said Nathan D. Golden, chief of the motion picture unit of the USA Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, “then the British bid fair to become our greatest competitors in the film markets of the world.” The British lost their dominance of the motion picture when the first World War diverted their energies. They may recapture it after the second World War. If they do J. A. Rank will be chiefly responsible, a oe