The Exhibitor (May-Aug 1948)

The Editor Speaks From time to time, film executives come out with statements that do little to in¬ spire confidence in the motion picture industry in these trying days. Therefore, when a man who really knows both the exhibition and production ends of the business says something to count¬ eract so many dis¬ turbing outbursts, it certainly bears repe¬ tition. Setting this sober¬ ing example is James Nasser, one of the nation’s leading cir¬ cuit operators. Starting out at the age of 16 as the nation’s youngest theatre man¬ ager, Nasser now heads a circuit of 138 houses in northern California, as well as the General Service Studios and Nasser Film Productions. In a recent press interview, Nasser lashed out at the industry critics with some timely and pertinent personal obser¬ vations. “Lampooning your own business is an easy way to get attention,” he said, “but a darn poor way to help the industry which is providing bread and butter, and cake and jam in some instances, for the complainants. “The fact that a ranting beef usually attracts more attention than a quiet, fav¬ orable appraisal does a lot to explain why so many movie makers get into print by sounding off against their own industry.” Nasser went on to condemn conflicting statements of so-called experts, which, as he put it, “work a severe hardship on the exhibitor, who would like to base his policy moves and decisions on ‘Straight from Hollywood’ reports.” It was heartening to hear this expert speak straight from the shoulder. Such constructive statements from such a prominent industryite will go a long way in dispelling the gloom brought on by so many thoughtless attacks. Studio Survey appears every fourth Wednesday as a regular special feature department of THE EXHIBITOR, and is devoted exclusively to the arts, people, cre¬ ative ability, and physical properties which make up the production side of the motion picture industry. Edited from the west coast, all information relating to its editorial contents should be directed to Paul Manning, 923 Alandele Avenue, Los Angeles 36, Cali¬ fornia. For all other information, address THE EX¬ HIBITOR, published weekly by Jay Emanuel Publica¬ tions, Inc. Publishing offices: 1225 Vine Street, Phila¬ delphia 7, Pennsylvania. New York Office: 1600 Broadway, New York 19, New York. Representatives may be found in every United States film center. Paul Manning, editorial director Vol. 1, No. 7 June 9, 1948 The Exhibitor Laurel Award Nominations MGM’s EASTER PARADE Starring JUDY GARLAND, FRED ASF AIRE, PETER LAWFORD, ANN MILLER Produced by Arthur Freed. Directed by Charles Walters. Original story by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Screen play by Sidney Sheldon, Frances Goodrich, and Albert Hackett. Lyrics and music by Irving Berlin. _ ■ . ■ ' ■ ' # ■ U-International’s inti ALL MY SONS Starring EDWARD G. ROBINSON BURT LANCASTER With MADY CHRISTIANS, HOWARD DUFF, LOUISA HORTON, FRANK CONROY, ARLENE FRANCIS, LLOYD GOUGH Written and produced for the screen by Chester Erskine. From the play by Arthur Miller. Directed by Irving Reis. United Artists’ FOUR FACES WEST With JOEL MeCREA, FRANCES DEE, CHARLES BICKFORD, JOSEPH CALLEIA, WILLIAM CONRAD, MARTIN GARRALAGA Produced by Enterprise Studios. A Harry Sherman Production. Directed by Allred E. Green. Screenplay by Graham Baker and Teddi Sherman. From the novel, “Paso Por Aqui,” by Eugene Manleve Rhodes. ■■■■ B THE EXHIBITOR