The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

12 HOLLYWOOD NEWSREEL * • HELLO, FOLKS! This is WARREN STOKES speaking to you from Hollywood over the JEP network. RUSSELL BIRDWELL, rated the top publicity man in these parts, is overlooking a good bet, according to present gossip about columnist ED SULLIVAN, who set the tongues of movieland wagging anent his recent outburst against the inhuman treatment of horses used in the filming of "Jesse James.” Sullivan’s Mistake • RIVAL HOLLYWOOD PRODUCERS (they do exist), are discussing pro and con, the effect on the box office of Sullivan’s lengthy discussion, with affidavits, tending to prove cruelty to the horses used in the making of this picture. In our opinion, they can cease to worry. In his haste to condemn the movie makers, the columnist made a grave mistake in more ways than one. What he probably intended to be another of his harpoons, cannot turn out to be other than a $1,000,000 exploitation campaign for the picture, due to the increased interest he has unconsciously created in the human mind, piqued by its inherent curiosity. Exhibitors Profit • WISE SHOWMEN EVERYWHERE should immediately set out to secure reprints of Sullivan’s Mistake and DARRYL ZANUCK’S answer. Knowing that Zanuck is a smart showman, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that he has already ordered blow-ups of both sides of the controversy to be distributed through the 20th Century-Fox exchanges so that the exhibitors can get underway with the most sensational lobby display created in many moons. If he hasn’t you can do it yourself. You owe this to Mr. Sullivan, if for no other reason than to show your appreciation of his interest in the industry to which he owes so much for his own existence. More Affidavits • DARRYL ZANUCK REPLIES to Mr. Sullivan with a few affidavits of his own, proving that the evidence submitted to the columnist was also submitted to the film company which refused to buy the silence of those who would harm the company; also furnishing ample proof that no intentional cruelty to animals was executed. A good newspaperman would have checked with Zanuck before he pounded out one side of the story. It is obvious that the columnist was more than anxious to throw another harpoon into this industry. That was when he made his first mistake. His biggest mistake, however, was that of furnishing a top notch publicity campaign for the picture when he intended to do just the opposite. Lure of Hollyivood • TOO MANY COLUMNISTS come to Hollywood with the idea of using their newspaper connections as a temporary step into the studios and stepping on the people in this industry when they fail to land the coveted position. Most of them use the same formula. For a limited time they hobnob with the stars, hand out a lot of printed bouquets, toss a few orchids to executive producers, and then make the final approach for the covered berth. Failure to land within the gates adds one more to the disappointed army of wouldbe authors, and one more to the army of vitriolic columnists resorting to a barrage of brickbats. Another Mistake • COLUMNIST ED SULLIVAN has, on several occasions, pointed to the trade press as a subsidized media, when it has raised its voice in defense of this industry and the unwarranted attacks of mud slinging columnists. He should know that paid advertising supports the trade press to the same extent that it supports the newspapers; and the trade press supports the industry through constructive service. By the same token, this industry and the nation’s theatremen, support the newspapers with their advertising copy. Mr. Sullivan is no exception to the rule. The motion picture industry supports Mr. Sullivan. If the theatres withdrew their advertising from the papers carrying his syndicated brickbats, the papers would soon withdraw Mr. Sullivan from their payrolls. As long as he emulates Corrigan and does the right thing by doing it wrong, however, he might yet redeem himself as a good exploiteer. Stars of Tomorrotv • JOHN PAYNE, now under contract to Warner Brothers, is another name to file with your Hollywood Newsreel record of new faces that are destined to go places and do things at your box office. In our campaign to acquaint you with these up and coming personalities, to make John Payne you more familiar with promising box office names, so that you can in turn make them more familiar to your patrons through your local publicity, thereby building your future marquee names and the future of this business, we call your attention to this talented young player. JOHN PAYNE by virtue of his ability, demonstrated in his first two pictures for Warner Brothers, "Garden of the Moon” and "Wings of the Navy,” rates this citation. He definitely belongs on your record of new names for the marquee. Push these players and push your business forward. And that puts another edition of your Hollywood Newsreel over the JEP network. This is WARREN STOKES saying, "So Long, Folks!” ADVANCE SHOTS BUCK ROGERS (Universal) — This 12-chapter serial, featuring Buster Crabbe, Constance Moore, should wow the kids with its excellent production, entertainment. GHOST TOWN RIDERS (Universal)— Bob Baker, Fay Shannon. 54m. One of the better Bob Bakers, this should please all the fans. . . . one third of a nation . . . (Paramount) — Sylvia Sidney, Lief Erickson. A natural for big cities, liberal spots, but exploitable for other locations, the FTP drama becomes a powerful picture, concerning itself with the housing problem. SECRET SERVICE IN THE AIR (Warners) — Ronald Reagan, John Litel, Rosella Town. 60m. The G-men take to the air in this Bryan Foy B production with lots of A entertainment. They Goonga Deen RKO-Radio studio executives are doing nip-ups over the local "Gunga Din” business. First week at the Pantages and Hillstreet netted $3,000 more than the gross of "My Man Godfrey,” holding previous record for the two houses. A letter from RKO-Radio’s Leon J. Bamberger in New York, reminds us that it is pronounced "Goonga Deen.” . . . Okay, Okay! . . . Business was so big at these two theatres, hundreds of prospective patrons just Goonga Deen to see the epic. Shapiro In Vic Shapiro has moved into the publicity director’s chair at Selznick International, vacated by Russell Birdwell. Birdwell resigned to organize his own publicity organization which will be operated on a national scale. Betty Is Back Betty Compson, screen star of 14 years ago, originating the role of Peter Pan on the screen, is back in Hollywood making plans to resume her movie career. Going Ritzy The Ritz Brothers are feuding with 20th C ntury-Fox and work was stopped on "The Gorilla” because they refused to work in the picture claiming it would be unfavorable to their careers. Approximately $200,000 has been invested in the story and technical equipment. Ritz Brothers are off the payroll and will be held accountable for damages resulting from their actions. Spy Working Allotted a budget of $1,000, 000-plus, "Confessions of a Nazi Spy” is now in production at Warner Brothers with a schedule calling for 5 5 days of shooting, 78 speaking parts and 83 different sets. The picture stars Edward G. Robinson. The story is based on sensational revelations by Leon G. Turrou of espionage activities in the United States. Turrou will have the role of a G-man working under Robinson. Next Case Metro’s four-reeler of the federal prison system, "They All Come Out,” may be followed by a sequel showing case histories of what happens when prisoners do come out. Stiff Competition Chatter on the 20th Century-Fox lot is on the eerie side of things. Everybody is talking about the lobby display created by Stan Myers, manager of the Pasadena, United Artists, as an advance bally for "Jesse James.” The lobby has been turned into a graveyard with replica of bandit’s grave and a huge headstone. Use your head and get a headstone pronto for your own advance bally. It is creating a lot of attention. Still Gagging The gag men have coined a new name for that much talked about dictator. They now refer to him as the Furore of Europe. February 8, 19)9