Exhibitors Herald World (Oct-Dec 1930)

32 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD November 1, 1930 . , .*» PANORAMIC VIEW (ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE) OF THOSE AT S M P E CONVENTION IN NEW YORK Need of Amazing Versatility Met by Industry's Leaders, Says Hays Tells Millions of Radio Listeners He Knows of No Other Field Demanding More Ability or Greater Responsibility (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 30. — Amazing versatility in leadership was the foremost requirement for the development of the motion picture industry and those requirements have been fulfilled, Will H. Hays, president of the MPPDA, told millions of Americans over the Columbia Broadcasting system. tiTN no other industry," he said, "net Will H. Hays he said, "need business leaders be at one and the same time technicians, artists, dramatists, showmen, sociologists, financiers and business operators. In no other industry must leaders combine such depth of human interest, such insight into the human heart, such tremendous human sympathy with the foresight, tenacity, sound judgment and other qualities needed in business." Hays deviated long enough in his discussion of the film industry to comment upon general conditions. "It would be absurd," he declared, "to underrate the difficulties and distress of the deflation period from which we are now passing. But it would be equally absurd to give way to unfounded pessimism. Our whole history proves that we have the courage to face conditions, and that we have the means to correct them when necessary. We have been suffering from the financial distempers that came after the catastrophe of a World war, but I believe we are gathering momentum for an upward swing that will lead world recovery. Pays Tribute to Pioneers "American prosperity will arise, not pale and wan, from the sickbed of wasting remedies. It will return strong and vigorous, I am confident, without a record of doles, without pauperization, and without onerous taxation." Hays' subject was "Forging an Industry Out of Shadows and Sound," and in his talk he paid tribute to the courage, the genius and the enterprise of the pioneers who had led and were still leading in the develop ment of the motion picture industry. "Behind the screen," he said, "are stories of industrial achievement that match the stories of Aladdin's lamp." Led by Vision of New Art "There are stories of business men who saw infinitely beyond their stores or shops or factories, to the rise of a new art," he said. "There are stories of industrial leadership, guided by the same vision which furnished light to the inventor or to the artists. There are stories of daring and sacrifice, of men who have staked their fortunes on their faith in a new industry and have triumphed over great odds. "They are self-made men, nearly all of them. I say this with pride in the vision of industrial achievement. "I do not know of any other industry which demands of its leaders more ability or greater responsibility." 44 State Legislatures to Tackle Bills Affecting Theatres Early in 1931 (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 30.— Legislation affecting motion picture theatres is expected to be considered by legislatures in 44 states at sessions beginning just after New Year. Taxation will be the principal objective of the solons. Serkowich Resigns as Editor of Publix Organ (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 30.— Ben Serkowich, one of the livest exploitation men in motion pictures, has resigned as editor of Publix Opinion, the Publix theatre house organ, to devote himself to another enterprise. His new connection will be announced soon. Delayed Strike Is Certain If Parleys Fail, Union States Five Circuits Involved in New Yorh Dispute Over Number of Musicians Employed (Special to the Herald-World) NEWARK, Oct. 30.— Operators and stage hands in theatres here who were supposed to have walked out last Tuesday in sympathy with musicians, will definitely take such action November 2, if settlement of the controversy is not reached by that date. It is understood that the New York union headquarters suggested the delay because of negotiations now in progress. An official of the Newark musicians' local No. 16, however, stated that officers of his organization have not been called into conference by the theatre operators. Circuits involved are Warner Brothers, Loew, R K O, Fox and Independent Newark Theatres. Warner operates 26 houses in the city and is attempting to employ only 15 musicians in all houses. The union insists on the continuance of last year's agreement, which provided for the employment of 109 musicians in the houses of all circuits involved. Union officials state walkout by operators and stage hands, if carried through, should bring about settlement of the strike situation within a short time. Louisiana Buys Film NEW ORLEANS. — A duplicate of the film on Louisiana's wild life, produced last summer by Alfred M. Bailey and other members of the Chicago Academy of Science expedition, has been purchased by the state conservation department and will be released as part of its educational program. 2 Men to Face Charges In $1800 Alamo Robbery (Special to the Herald-World) INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 30.— Roy Bartlett, 40 years old, and Henry Maddux, 22, alleged confessed bandits, have been returned here from St. Louis to face robbery charges in connection with the $1,800 holdup of the Alamo theatre here. The men admit, according to Detective Tutt, of kidnapping MauriceMagers, manager of the Alamo, forcing him to open the safe and then leaving him bound and gagged in a room on the second floor of the theatre.