The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

March 1956 CINE TECHNICIAN 37 discussion was of the highest possible standard and proved beyond a shadow of doubt, that the Rank Laboratories' approach to a new agreement is an honest one, based on the ability of the membership to improve productivity, the closer co-operation of management and technicians, the proper period of training for newcomers, etc. For obvious reasons I cannot enumerate here the various alterations our membership require incorporated into the new agreement, but given goodwill between the F.L.A. and A.C.T. and the same honest approach by both sides, there is every reason to believe that an agreement, more beneficial to both Employer and Employee, will be forthcoming — this time without the need of Ministry of Labour intervention. FILM FROM JAPAN T^ROM the grim Rashomon and *■ Cannery Boat and the serious theme of Children of Hiroshima, Japan's top class films are turning to comedy. The Diary of Umagoro's Travelling Theatre (director : Satsuo Yamamoto), one of the ten best Japanese films of last year, mixes humour in generously with some serious moments. Personal jealousies divide a travelling troupe of actors, and a lack of audiences adds to their troubles. The climax of their adventures comes in a small coalmining village, when the miners go on strike and commandeer the theatre as strike headquarters! But the Miners' Union realises that actors suffer hunger just as miners do, and so sponsors the stage performance. Heartened by their co-operation, the troupe continues on its travels. DEATH OF ERIN LINDEGAARD Christopher Brunei. OUR COVER Our cover picture is of Keiko Tsushima, the bright young actress of the troupe in " The Diary of Umagoro's Travelling Theatre ", who plays the part of showman Umagoro's daughter-in-law. All A.C.T. members will hear with deep regret of the sudden death of Erin Lindegaard in hospital a few weeks ago. ' Lindy ', as he was known to almost everyone in the industry, was one of the most prominent members of the Scenic Artists' Section, a fine artist, a striking and forthright personality and a tireless and determined fighter. The Scenic Artists in particular know how much work and energy Lindy gave to their affairs — at different times committee member, Secretary and Chairman of the branch, but he might well be remembered most for his far-seeing part in organising their branch benevolent fund — in fact it was known as the " Lindy Fund "and it is his best memorial — which has given very real and practical help to many scenic artists in times of temporary need. In the last few years Lindy had more than his fair share of bad luck. Some time ago he had a serious accident which kept him in hospital for several months. Then, barely a year after that he was seriously ill again with cardiac asthma. Last year he went to Bermuda to work and we hoped that a few months out there would finally set him up again. It was all the more of a shock, therefore, when we heard that he had returned to England suddenly and died after only a few days' illness in hospital. Lindy was a notable man, a staunch figure in any struggle and good company in better times. His going will leave a serious gap in A.C.T. BEN HEALEY A.C.T. FILMS Ralph Bond reports that a wonderful cast has been lined up for the current A.C.T. Films production The Jury. The stars are Tom Conway, Elizabeth Sellars, Eunice Gayson and Freda Jackson. Feature artistes include Victor Maddern, Raymond Huntley, Hugh Latimer, Margaretta Scott, Harold Goodwin, Bill Shine, Walter Hudd and David Home. The script calls for nearly 60 speaking parts. The Jury is based on Gerald Bullett's best-selling novel. Terence Fisher is directing, and John Gossage producing. Shooting commenced at Nettlefold Studios on March 5th with a five week schedule. Five days will be spent on an exact replica of the Old Bailey courtroom and the first day on this required the presence of some forty artistes. Expert technical advice has been obtained to secure absolute authenticity in all the Old Bailey scenes. Desmond Dickinson is lighting the film. The art director is Allan Harris, whose schedule calls for 24 sets apart from the Old Bailey. Production Manager is Fred Swann, first assistant Rene Dupont, and Peter Taylor is the Editor. Horace Beck is in charge of Publicity. INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN'S FILMS An international centre for children's films is to be opened shortly in Brussels. It will receive a grant of 5,000 dollars from UNESCO and will also have the support of the Belgian Government. The centre is being established as the result of the conference convened by UNESCO at Edinburgh during the International Film Festival in September 1955. Monsieur Jacques Toussaint, Belgian representative of the International Union of Cinema Owners at the Edinburgh conference, has been appointed Secretary-General of the new centre.