The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

THE EXHIBITOR 11 Coast Unions Set Deadline for Increase November 20 Given as Last Day Hollywood — Following a meeting last week, the AF of L studio union issued an ultimatum that unless a 10 percent wage increase in the present base rate of pay were given by 2.30 P. M. November 20, a strike would follow. First reaction of the producers was tlat the demands were out of all reason, and that more time was needed. They said no further increases were possible. The unions ask the 10 percent increase for those who had not received it to be retroactive to August 12. The producers said that the matter would be presented to the home offices in New York City for further action. It seemed probable that a walkout of projectionists might follow if a strike were called. Para Arranges Georgia Jaunt Albany, Georgia — The attention of the whole south was focused on Albany last week when newspapermen and film exhibitors gathered to spend a day with a Paramount unit on location here filming “The Biscuit Eater.” Film exhibitors from 10 southern states were invited to the location by Y. Frank Freeman, Jr., assistant to Jack Moss, who is producing “The Biscuit Eater,” and southern newspapermen were invited by the Albany Herald. In addition eight syndicate writers flew from New York City to Albany to cover the affair for the newspapers of the nation. Goldwyn, Arizona, is Born Hollywood — Samuel Goldwyn, last week had a town named after him. Goldwyn, Arizona, will be a motion picture set for the filming of historical Western pictures. It is a duplicate of the early-day Langtry, Texas, and was built on the desert, 35 miles from Tucson. The town received official status by a proclamation of Governor Robert T. Jones of Arizona and by a resolution voted by the Tucson County Board of Supervisors. No Hays Okay for "Hitler” New York City — Although “Hitler — Beast of Berlin” opened last week end at the local Globe as “Beasts of Berlin,” it was reported, that no Hays seal had been given for the picture or would be given until the title is changed nationally. The picture has been passed in Pennsylvania under the old title, in this state under the new; had been barred in Providence, Rhode Island, and Virginia, and had played Washington, D. C. WB Shorts Nearly Completed Hollywood — Warners will complete production of its entire 1939-40 short subject and featurette program by January 1 under a schedule that calls for the filming of six more films during the balance of November and December, according to word received last fortnight from the West Coast studio. Census Bureau Lists Points for Amusements Information Garnered Will Aid Trade Washington — Movie houses and other amusement places throughout the United States will be called upon shortly to furnish the United States Census Bureau with facts and figures relative to their operations in 1939, it was announced last week. Reports are required in connection with the nationwide Census of Business to be taken under the Sixteenth Decennial Census in 1940. Beginning in January, census enumerators will deliver their appropriate questionnaire “schedules” in person and will then stand by to assist in filling out the forms. The theatre schedule carries five basic inquiries on (1) description of establishment, seating capacity, date established, etc.; (2) kind of business; (3) total receipts from admissions and other sources of gross income; (4) employment and payroll figures; and (5) extent of self-employment. An accurate and comprehensive picture of the American movie theatre field as it is today will follow when these forms have been combined at Washington, tabulated, and. analyzed. Statistics released in the final census reports will be of value to chain or individual theatre operators. For instance, a study of general business conditions in a given town, its population, average family income, etc., will help in deciding on proposed new units. The same figures would also indicate whether or not established theatres are “getting their share of the business.” The latest national figures of interest to the movie exhibitor were gathered in 1935. Of the 38,000 places of amusement enumerated, movie houses (12,024) made up 31.9 percent. Movie receipts, however, accounted for over 27 percent of total national receipts (nearly $700,000,000), nearly 60 percent of the total amusement employees (157,789), and over 64 percent of the national amusement payroll ($159,641,000). The original census was authorized in the Constitution. The supporting Acts ol Congress that require decennial census reports now work both ways however, in that besides making reporting mandatory, they protect individuals and concerns by making their reports confidential. Census employees are sworn to secrecy, and Census statements cannot be seen by any other government or private agency or person. Nor can the information in them be used for taxation, regulation, legal action, or anything of the kind. Two Directors Pass Hollywood — Death of two directors last week was mourned by the trade. George Nicholls, Jr., 42, plunged to his death when his automobile crashed down a mountainside, while Lois Weber, one of the first women film directors, passed away at the age of 56. She had not been active in recent years. Number 58 of a Series: MORRIS SAFFNER Owner of 4 Rhode Island Theatres "I have found the many exclusive EXHIBITOR services of great benefit in my buying and booking. They are most accurate and I highly recommend them to my fellow exhibitors.” Nearly every Exhibitor reads THE EXHIBITOR! ' AN INVITATION Throughout 19J9, expressions of praise, comment, criticism or suggestion from our many Exhibitor Friends will be carried in similar . form in every issue. W,e welcome the expression of every reader and will use them in the order in which they are. received. November 22, 1939