The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

THE NATIONAL MIRROR ORGANIZATIONS Kuykendall Optimistic About Parley’s Outcome MPTOA president Ed Kuykendall last fortnight released a statement in which he declared that (1) there were many details to be cleared up with the distributors in connection with the industry parley (2) that the distributors themselves were not in accord on several of the issues (3) that he was convinced of the sincerity of the distributors’ committee in their desire to bring about a more friendly understanding at the earliest possible moment. EVENTS Permanent Press Bureau Asked in "MPAYBE” Report A permanent press relations bureau to represent the entire motion picture industry was urged in an official report from the advertising committee of the "Greatest Year” campaign made public November 18. Field experiences, press reactions in the course of the campaign are cited in support of the recommendation for the bureau transmitted to George J. Schaefer, executive chairman of the campaign committee, by Howard Dietz, chairman of the advertising committee. In the course of his report, Dietz observed that the committee steered a course which resulted in the creation of good will for the industry; this good will did not exist before this campaign; it can easily be destroyed unless an effort is made to preserve it. Emphasis on the necessity for the organization of a press bureau to carry on the work was contained in a passage of the report. That portion of the report speciallv devoted to the press relations proposal reads: "We must continually present the press with the story of motion pictures in the best light. We must not allow this story to be impaired by temporary competitive gains. When there is a dispute and when there are disagreements with the press, it is essential for the industry to open discussion and represent the best traditions of the screen to the best traditions of journalism.” "I propose a continuing organization be provided. This organization should have a paid staff which is a clearing house for the industry and which is ready to visit papers and other concerned organizations. Best would be an organization of publicity and advertising men ... a motion picture press club that would thoroughly function and have an objective. I believe that newspapers would react most favorably.” The report said further: "If we approach the future without snap judgments, but resolve that we will be scientific and check up their opinions, I think then will come the real fruit of this campaign which has been barely started, I trust.” PEOPLE Sargoy Honored In Copyright Selection Thomas E. Robertson, Chevy Chase, Maryland, chairman of the Section of Patent, Trade Mark, Copyright Law of the American Bar Association, announced last week the appointment of Edward A. Sargoy of New York City as chairman of its committee on copyright. Sargoy has been specializing in both the legal, legislative aspects of copyright law, particularly in the motion picture and musical field. In association with Gabriel L. Hess, Joseph L. Stein of New York City for the past nine years, he has been specially representing the major distributors of motion pictures in infringement matters throughout the United States arising out of unauthorized exhibitions of copyrighted motion pictures disclosed by the Copyright Protection Bureau. A. J. Van Beuren Veteran Producer , Passes Amedee J. Van Beuren, 5 8, wellknown producer of short subjects, the Frank Buck animal features, passed away last fortnight at his country home in Carmel, New York, following a heart attack. He was former president of th’ Van Beuren Motion Picture Corporation producers of the Aesop Fable, World O i Parade series, '"Bring ’Em Back Alive,” "Wild Cargo,” "Fang and Claw,” other features, shorts. EXHIBITION Yermie Stern Warns Exbibs Against rrKringle” Units The Yermie Stern Commercial Attractions last week learned the penalty for success: imitation. Accordingly the company issued a notice to exhibitors, warning them of infringing imitations, assuring them that the "Kute Kris Kringle” units are fully protected by patents, promising prosecution to infringers. DISTRIBUTION Sears Drive Again Repeated by Warners Warners indicated last week that it would again hold a Sears Drive, the third national sales push, beginning Christmas Day, running for 16 weeks ending April 16. Home office execs decided to again honor Grad Sears, with Carl Leserman as co-ordinator. Included in the drive are such pictures as "Dawn Patrol,” "Wings of the Navy,” "Crime Is a Racket,” "Going Places,” "Dark Victory,” "Oklahoma Kid,” 'Yes, My Darling Daughter,” "Blackwell’s Island.” Prizes totalling $2 5,000 will be given to the winning districts, branches. Division sales chiefs will again take to the field to direct the drive with eastern, western, central, other meetings scheduled. Reisman Says Reds May See "Snoiv White” Returning from a visit of several months in Europe, general manager Phil Reisman, RKO Radio’s foreign department, said November 16 that the company’s business abroad shows an increase over last year of 40 percent. Reisman stated that it was possible that Walt Disney’s "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” would be exhibited soon in Russia, that negotiations for that goal now are being carried on between ReginaldArmour, European manager for RKO Radio Pictures, the Russian government. Outside of Disney short subjects, only a few American-made features have been distributed in Russia under the present regime. Foreign Monogram Franchise Renewed by Pathe President W. Ray Johnston, Monogram; managing director William J. Gell, Pathe Pictures, Ltd., London, concluded ON YOUR DESK EVERY WEDNESDAY November 23, 1938