The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

14 THE NATIONAL MIRROR RKO-Radio, Wilcox Make Big Production Alliance T wo to Four Pictures Scheduled Annually A most far-reaching motion picture alliance was revealed last week with the announcement that George J. Schaefer, president, RKO Radio Pictures; Herbert Wilcox, noted British producer, have reached an agreement for the joint production of two to four important pictures yearly. A new company will be formed called Imperator-Radio Pictures Limited, will be operated by Herbert Wilcox, RKO. An international market is the goal of the Anglo-American alliance, with Wilcox and RKO Radio officials consolidating personal, physical resources to produce important films for world-wide consumption. Both the Hollywood studios of RKO, the Wilcox studio in London will be utilized, with famous stars from both sides of the Atlantic appearing in the pictures. Under the new arrangement, American film stars will be sent to England to appear in films to be produced by Wilcox, released to the world market by RKO Radio Pictures. Similarly, leading English actors, actresses, will come to Hollywood, where guided by RKO producers, directors, they will work with American stars, well-known supporting players. That the newly created international partnership between Herbert Wilcox, noted British producer, RKO would be of immeasurable value to both the American, British motion picture industry, American exhibitors was voiced by Wilcox, Ned E. Depinet, RKO vice-president, during a press luncheon held in New York City. Said Depinet: "Today American exhibitors are about to realize that they should, must recognize the fine pictures coming from England. With the exhibitors’ help, effort, showmanship, our people will see English made films, particularly since they’re in our own language. We of the English tongue should stick together, especially since we see what’s going on in the world today.” Claiming that the quota act has practically killed the film industry in England, Herbert Wilcox hailed his alliance with RKO as a "beacon of light” in a comparatively extinct British industry. Asserting that W. G. van Schmus, director, Radio City Music Hall, is the "best friend British films ever had,” Wilcox pointed to the apathy on the part of the average exhibitor to pioneer in the presentation of new faces, despite a proven liking for the English product by the American public. He continued: "It (the partnership) will have a far-reach MORE IN CONSTANT USE THAN ALL OTHER SAFETY DEVICES COMBINED . . . ing effect for the whole English movie industry. It will enable the industry to get better support from banks, financial institutions which had previously shunned it.” Wilcox’s final statement was that the English made films will act as a stimulant to the production of finer pictures here as the result of a healthy, friendly competition afforded by the alliance. Anna Neagle, star of "60 Glorious Years,” thanked the members of the press for their cooperation. Others attending the luncheon were S. Barret McCormick, advertising, publicity chief for RKO; William Hamilton, the board of directors; W. G. van Schmus, RKO foreign manager, Phil Reisman; publicist Rutgers Neilson; G. H. Middleton, British vice-consul. Depinet Looks Forward to “Gunga Din” Bookings RKO Exec Thinks Shore Will Reach New Peak With the entire organization geared to establish a new record, Ned Depinet, RKO vice-president in charge of distribution, this week indicated he believed that "Gunga Din,” forthcoming spectacle, would mean new selling marks for the company. RKO’S Ned Depinet . . in conference with himself Interviewed at the recent Variety Club banquet in Philadelphia, Depinet stated that the January release was expected to be the ace production of the company. He indicated that advance glimpses at the production showed a sensational showman’s attraction. Depinet’s appearance at the Variety affair with Henderson M. Richey, RKO exhibitor relations contact, led Ted Schlanger, Stanley-Warner zone chief for that area, to state to Richey: "This brings to mind three of the finest and most substantial and honest men in the industry, George J. Schaefer, Ned Depinet and Jules Levy.” Richey’s appearance was his first official entrance in the Philadelphia area. So busy is the RKO executive lately, The Exhibitor candidcameraman secured the exclusive pose above, of Depinet settling various problems by arguing with himself, a feat photographically, which may well be imagined. New WE Microphone Ready A new Western Electric microphone which gives the pickup engineer positive control over the direction of sound was announced to the trade by ERPI last week. The new instrument, known as a "cardioid directional” microphone, has been under test in several leading West Coast studios for a period of weeks, is claimed to represent a practical solution to many problems in sound pick-up that have long baffled both recording, radio engineers. The company says that the directional properties are equally good for the lowest bass, the highest overtones. Paramount Declares Dividend At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Paramount Pictures, Inc. held December 7, the regular quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share on first preferred stock and the regular quarterly dividend of 15c per share on the second preferred stock were declared. These dividends are payable on December 24, 193 8 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 1938. Government Opposes Bill The government, in filing its 3 8-page supplemental memorandum in Federal Court for the Eastern District of New York last fortnight, indicated it was opposed to giving the film industry the bill of particulars, any more definite statements in the equity action against many defendants within the business. UA Files Its Suit Answer United Artists Corporation, co-defendant in the government’s equity suit, filed a memorandum in U. S. District Court in New York City last week seeking a bill of particulars, asking that certain portions of the complaint be stricken out. Financial Notes Columbia — Amendment to its registration statement has been filed with the SEC to defer the effective date to January 3. A similar deferring amendment was filed November 2 5. Browne Resigns Post John E. Browne, president, MalcolmBrowne Pictures Corporation, last week resigned that post to enter new fields. December 21, 195 8