The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

SPECIAL FEATURES 29 METRO HAILS DEVELOPMENT OF PAST YEAR ( Editor's Note — From Metro-Gold, wyn-Mayer last week came an announcement of what the company has done in the year passed. Because it offers a com prehensile of the organization’s development , it is herewith reprinted for the record as the company’s announcement. ) FROM EVERY STANDPOINT, 193 8 may be hailed as one of the most brilliant years in the history of Metro-Gold wynMayer. Gigantic strides forward are noted in every phase of production, and continued maintenance of the high standard which has been synonymous with the company is promised in the partial roster of films scheduled for release during 193 9. Uniting the talent of a large staff of established stars, directors, writers, feature players and technical experts and production executives, M-G-M contributed an unprecedented succession of meritorious pictures — a list unequalled by any other company for box-ofhee power, diversity and all-around talent. Here arc just a few examples: "Marie Antoinette,” "Boys Town,” "The Great Waltz,” "A Christmas Carol,” "Sweethearts,” "Yellow Jack,” "Of Human Hearts,” "Love Finds Andy Hardy,” and "A Yank at Oxford” and "The Citadel,” first two British-made films on M-G-M’s extensive English production program. New Stars AS USUAL, M-G-M brought forward a number of new stars. Stardom was the reward for Mickey Rooney, Hedy Lamarr, Judy Garland and Miliza Korjus, all of them from feature player ranks at Culver City. Numerous supporting players, some of them making their first screen appearances during 193 8, gained prestige ranked only by the studio’s stars through their work during the year. Among these are Lew Ayers, Florence Rice, Walter Pidgeon, Lana Turner, Rita Johnson, Lynne Carver, and such 193 8 newcomers as Anthony Allan, Jo Ann Sayers, Alan Curtis, Ruth Hussey, Betty Jaynes, Truman Bradley, Ann Morriss and young Terry Kilburn. An outstanding achievement in production was the development of English films, planned late in 1937 but actually realized in 193 8 with the completion and release of "A Yank at Oxford,” followed by "The Citadel.” The studio sent stars and directors to England for both pictures. Robert Donat was signed to a long-term contract and recently started work in "Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” at the Denham studios. Sound Development IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD, the Douglas Shearer "anti-flutter” sound projection device was perfected and adopted as standard practice. By eliminating the "jerk” of sprockets and sprocket holes in films, projectors today are able to pass film sound track past the actuating light valve at a constant and regular speed, removing the last vestige of "flutter” from sound in theatres. Development of large chambers for recording large orchestras obtained the "auditorium” effect in sound. First used in "The Great Waltz” for a 100-piece orchestra, separate sections recorded on nine different tracks were balanced together to obtain this new effect. In photography, the studio developed color harmony principles, and adapted pastel shades (as used in cartoons) to real-life photography. This was first employed in "Sweethearts,” and again in "Wizard of Oz,” now in production. Development of new silent arc lamps made possible interior photography in Technicolor regardless of the nature of the set. First evidence of this will be seen in "Wizard of Oz.” Tints/ too A FORMULA by which various tints can be used in the John Nickolaus "Sepia Platinum” toning process for release prints was developed. New silent "wind machines” were invented, making possible wind effects on sound stage with dialogue recorded simultaneously, saving much time and involved manipulation. In make-up. Jack Dawn is credited with a new principle by which a stout actor can be photographed to appear cadaverous, if necessary. This ability to alter the apparent structure of a face is considered the most important invention since make-up first was used on the screen. First example of this is with Reginald Owen as Scrooge in "Christmas Carol.” Micrometer indicators on camera cranes were developed to permit minute exactness in a series of scenes filmed with this effect. Building Spurt DURING THE YEAR, M-G-M executed the greatest building program of any studio. Result was a new administration building which now houses all executives, directors and writers in one structure; the completion of six of the largest and most modern sound stages in Hollywood; a new special effects building; a color film laboratory; an additional dressing-room building; new, increased air conditioning and generating structure, and new quarters for several other depart( Continued on page 30) HAPPY NEW YEAR AND LET’S MEAN IT ( Editor’s Note — C. C. Petti john, counsel for the MPPDA, the Flays organization, offers his annual New Year’s message to the trade with a decidedly optimistic note. His spirit is to he praised, regardless of whether the reader may or may not agree with him.) WE in motion picture business, like everybody else, have been wishing "peace on earth, good will toward men” and now wish for everybody "a happy and prosperous 1939.” I wonder to how many of us it has occurred that we cannot have one wish without the other. We are engaged in a wonderful business that has been good to all of us. Ninety-nine percent of us would not be happy in any other business. If we are fair, we all know that Hollywood is doing its best to give us good merchandise for 1939. We know that nobody out there is deliberately trying to make a box office or an artistic failure. During the past few months we all know that representatives of the distribution and exhibition branches of our business have sincerely and earnestly worked their hearts out in an honest effort to eliminate friction and misunderstanding. I have not been a party in those negotiations, but I truly believe that every man participating in them was striving for what he thought was right and helpful to the whole industry and destructive to nobody. Neither side in any negotiation evers gets 100% of what is wanted, and of course nobody was so foolish as to believe that one side would get 99% and the other side 1 '/, from those negotiations. Greatest Stride NET RESULT in my opinion has been the greatest stride forward in the right direction that these two branches of the industry have ever taken. As I see the situation, the door has not been closed to anybody to ask for or to strive for further understandings fair to all parties concerned. Here we are on the threshold of a new year with many well intentioned people not fully comprehending the language which expresses this constructive step. Such language can easily be clarified, so that everybody in the business may clearly understand it. I have great faith in the integrity of the men on both sides of the fence who have traveled so (Conti iiiieil on page 30) January 4, 19)9 TRI