Exhibitors Herald World (Oct-Dec 1930)

November 8, 1930 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD 29 Develop Films After 33 Years (Special to the Herald-World) ROCHESTER, N. Y., Nov. 6.— A photographic Elm, which was recovered at the time of the discovery of the ill-fated Andree expedition, has been developed with success by a Swedish photographer, the Eastman Kodak company has been informed by a cable dispatch. Columbia Launches Air Programs on WOR for New Picture Releases Hookup Gives Company Half Hour Program Every Monday Night (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Nov. 6.— Columbia Pictures has made arrangements with the candy concern, Chock Full o' Nuts, whereby the latter company will allow Columbia to use a portion of its time over radio station WOR in New York each week. The producing company will have a half hour between 8:30 and 9 o'clock each Monday night in which to present its pictures simultaneously with their release. Three such programs have already been given, the first on October 27, for "Rain or Shine" ; the second, "Brothers," and the most recent, "Lion and the Lamb," on November 3. Columbia's radio arrangement with the candy manufacturers will run for at least 26 weeks, it is understood. The next new pictures to be presented over the air are "Madonna of the Streets," November 10; "Tol'ble David," November 17, and "The Criminal Code," November 22. The air programs are presented each week by a professional stock company, under the direction of Harold Davis Emerson. Besides the director, the cast includes Ida Ellis, Richard Warner, Rosemary Lee, George Dalziel, Bert Childs and Teddy Busman. Incidental music is provided by a string trio. The Monday evening programs come on the air immediately prior to Weber and Fields, comedians who appear over the same station. It is believed that this will help make the Columbia programs wellknown. _ Radio versions of new Columbia productions are also to be given over 20 other stations throughout the country. These have been scheduled so that they will come either in connection with a local showing or previous to release of the film in a local territory. /. L. Warner, on Visit To New York from Coast, Extols Year's Product (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Nov. 6.— J. L. Warner, who is here on a visit from the Coast, confidentially asserted that Warner Brothers are providing the exhibitors with the best productions in the history of the company, and that even finer pictures may be expected in the future. As examples, he mentioned such pictures as "The Office Wife," "Old English," "Outward Bound," "Three Faces East," "Sinner's Holiday," "The Matrimonial Bed" and "The Doorway to Hell," which in many cases ran for extended engagements. He was most enthusiastic concerning the forthcoming pictures, among which are "Illicit," "River's End," "Fifty Million Frenchmen," "Ex-Mistress," "The Steel Highway" and "Viennese Nights." Seven Fox Houses Drop Stage Shows in Stage Hand Dispute Indicates Close Margin of Profit on Which Theatres Now Are Operating — Officials Charge Refusal to Add Personnel Was Followed by Careless Handling (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Nov. 6. — The close margin of profit on which theatres are operating at present is indicated by the decision of Fox executives to eliminate stage presentations, including vaudeville bills, in seven houses. This action was taken following a demand of the stage hands' union for two additional men at the Fox Academy of Music in New York and results in probable dismissal of 70 union musicians, 28 stage hands, and vaudeville units. Theatres involved are: Audubon and Star in Manhattan, Crotona in the Bronx, Savoy and Walker in Brooklyn, and Fox in Philadelphia. Charge Careless Handling When vaudeville was resumed at the seven houses about two weeks ago, an agreement was made between the union and the Academy of Music management calling for four men to handle stage performances. Last Friday a demand for two more was sent through, and refusal to comply resulted in careless handling of equipment, according to Fox officials. The regular two weeks' notice was given the stage hands at the seven houses. Harry Arthur, general manager of Fox Theatres Corporation, has stated definitely his intention to abandon stage performances in these houses unless the union agrees to stand by the arrangement by the end of the two weeks period. Would Cost $200 More a Week According to the wage scale under which the stage hands are employed, the average weekly salary is about $75 a man. Addition of two men at each theatre would mean a further expense of approximately $200 a week at each house, since overtime at $5 an hour occurs regularly. It is apparently impossible to make up this added cost at the box office; consequently drastic action was decided upon by the Fox executives. It is understood that union labor difficulties were responsible for the previous discontinuance of stage presentations in several Fox houses which were recently resumed. The marked reluctance of circuit operators in establishing stage performances this fall has been definitely attributed to difficulties experienced with organized stage hand labor, though other companies report no similar trouble at the present time. ber 14. The film, adapted from the stage success by Herbert Ashton, Jr., is the first of the company's de luxe "specials." Bert Lytell, who plays the dual lead in the picture, also played the part for two years on the New York and Chicago stage. Rogers Starts "Millie;' First of Four for R K O (Special to the Herald-World) HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 6.— Charles R. Rogers, independent R K O producer, this week began shooting the picture "Millie," the first of four vehicles which he will make for R K O under special contract. He has selected two of the remaining three stories, which are "Common Law" and "Dark Flame." Harry Joe Brown is associate producer. it Platinum" Purchased by James Cruze Productions (Special to the Herald-World) HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 6.— "Platinum," a new novel by Edward Dean Sullivan, and Adele Commandini, has been purchased by James Cruze Productions, it has been announced by Samuel Zirler, president and production executive. The adaptation of the story will be in the hands of Julian Josephson, who has been signed by the company. ff "Brothers" Scheduled for N. Y. Capitol November 14 (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Nov. 6.— A Columbia Pictures' feature will have its initial New York showing at the Capitol theatre for the first time when "Brothers" opens there on Novem MGM Buys Rights to "The American Tragedy (Special to the Herald-World) HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 6.— MGM has bought the rights to that famous book by Theodore Dreiser, "The American Tragedy" and are negotiating with Sergei Eisenstein to direct it, according to studio announcements. Eisenstein is reported to be in New York at the present time, but is expected out here again soon. Pathe Exchange Expands (Special to the Herald-World) CHARLOTTE, N. C, Nov. 6.— J. U. McCormick has been added to the local sales staff of the Pathe branch exchange, by H. A. Silverberg, manager. $50,000,000 in Group Insurance Is Contracted for by Loew's and MGM (Special to the Herald-World) NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 6. — $50,000,000 in group insurance for all employees of Loew's and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who are to receive units ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 based on their weekly earnings, including Loew's State in New Orleans, were contracted for this week by Nicholas M. Schenck, president, and David Bernstein, vice president, according to word received here by Rodney D. Toups, manager of Loew's. The policy provides for coverage against sickness of any nature; accidents of any type, including non-occupational accidents, and dismemberment, which may also occur while away from place of employment. This coverage ranges from $10 to $40 weekly indemnity. Double indemnity in case of accidental death is also provided. Every employee of Loew's State theatre here was signed up by Toups for the insurance.