Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1934 - Aug 1935)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8th, 1935 3 CAST YOUR VOTE ON SUNDAY MOVIES Atlantic City Indie Obtains Injunction Against Warner Bros. Waxman Civen Court Order Halting Showing of Picture at Earle ATLANTIC CITY, Jan. 7— The battle between a local independent exhibitor and Warner Bros.' Theatres flared anew here last Friday when Harry Waxman, operator of the Hollywood and Astor Theatres, obtained a temporary injunction against Warners' Earle compelling the circuit house to discontinue the showing of a Warner Picture, on which Waxman claimed he is entitled to a prior run. The Astor and Hollywood contracts for Warner Pictures specify certain theatres which are to play ahead of them, but the Earle, which was recently opened after being closed for many years, is not included among those Waxman 's houses are to follow. Despite the independent's contract, the film company allowed their own house the prior booking on "The Secret Bride" and Waxman immediately appealed his case to Vice-Chancellor Davis, of Woodbury, N. J., who ordered the Earle not to show the picture at another performance. The theatre was forced to hastily book another film for Friday evening's show. Waxman is expected to proceed with a suit against Warner Pictures and their theatre affiliate. The present fight received its impetus when Waxman opened his beautiful Hollywood Theatre with stage attractions in addition to pictures. Warners made plans to reopen the Earle with the identical policy, but first they had sought to make a deal with Waxman to eliminate vaudeville at his theatre. The independent dropped stage attractions for several weeks and the Warner house remained closed. Waxman apparently found, however, that he must have vaudeville and resumed his original policy, whereupon the circuit promptly lit up the Earle. Exhibitors, Film Men At Lucchese Funeral Many Pay Homage to the Veteran Exchangeman Who Died Dec. 30th The motion picture industry last Wednesday morning paid its last respects to one of its most highly respected members when Tony Lucchese was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery. The services for the veteran independent exchangeman, who passed away on Sunday, December 30th after an extended illness, were held at St. Helena Church, and was attended by a large group of people prominent in the exhibition, production and distribution branches of the business. Among the well-known men present were Herman Gluckman, Ben Amsterdam, Jim Clark, Morris Wax, Leonard Schlesinger, Earl Sweigert, Bill Mansell, Joe Engel, Jack Greenberg, Frank Fogel, Sam Hyman, Pop Korson, Ed Boreth, Oscar Neufeld and Bill Bethel. The entire personnel of As reported in last week's issue of FILM BULLETIN, the question of Sunday movies in Pennsylvania is virtually certain of coming before the present session of the State Legislature. The preferences of the theatre owners in this district will play an important part in the final vote of the legislators. Below is printed a ballot which you are to fill out and mail to this publication. Mark an (X) ACTORS LASH MAJOR PRODUCERS FOR LOW WAGES AND ETHICS Report of N R A Committee Shows Players Receive Only 1 3-5th Cents of Boxoffice Dollar HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 6— In a statement as bold as it is enlightening, the five actors who had been appointed to plan a code of fair play between film producers and players under the NRA upbraided the movie executives for paying low wages and practicing low business ethics. The committee consisted of Robert Montgomery, Claude King, Kenneth Thomson, Ralph Morgan and Richard Tucker. Excluding Montgomery, whose name appears as a surprise on this state Gold Medal Exchange, of course, were also there. The offices were closed on Wednesday until afternoon. Due to New Year's Day intervening, many friends of the dead film man did not know of his death and of the funeral arrangements. When the news spread, countless messages of condolence addressed to the widow poured into the Lucchese home. Tony's wide circle of friends spread from coast to coast and his passim; stirred deep regret throughout the entire industry. on the first line of the first question if you DO want Sunday moveis. If you are OPPOSED to open Sundays, mark an (X) on the second line. If you desire to make any special remarks, write them in the space below the two questions. Mark your ballot NOW and mail or deliver it immediately to The Editor, FILM BULLETIN, 1313 Vine Street, Philadelphia, Pa. It is IMPORTANT that you register your choice, since your own business is vitally concerned. ment, the men are comparatively little known to movie audiences. Ralph Morgan is being seen in numerous independent films and occasionally in majors, while the others usually are cast in "bit" roles. Actors Get Little One of the most amazing points in the report is the declaration that, despite all the high salaries paid to stars, the portion of total film receipts received by all the players, aside from extras, is only one and three-fifths cents of each dollar. It says that about 80 per cent of Hollywood's actors are barely able to exist under present conditions. In a listing of players' salaries for 1933, the report shows that 71 per cent earned from less than $1000 to $5000 per year; 12 per cent earned from $5000 to $10,000; 4 per cent earned over $50,000 yearly. It was pointed out that the average star has a very brief career at the top of the heap. "If one takes a glance at any group of extras today, he will find many of the stars of yesterday," the report stated. Disparage Producer's Role The actors deprecate the importance of the executives in the actual production of films, stating that they contribute nothing to the art. "There is apparently no penalty for failure for a motion picture executive. With few exceptions they have never contributed anything to the actual making of pictures or to the advance of the art." In contrast to the wages paid the actors are quoted salaries of some of Hollywood's leading executives, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per week, not including bonuses. BALLOT The question is : DO YOU WANT SUNDAY MOVIES IN PENNSYLVANIA? I DO want Sunday Movies □ Mark an x in the box I do NOT want Sunday Movies Q beside your answer REMARKS NAME ... THEATRE CITY .... Mail This Ballot to Editor, FILM BULLETIN, 1313 VINE STREET, PHILA., PA. LAST ITM ^he Season's NoC£iL» DINNER-DANCE „ SHOW ™m* accepted after Thurs. BROADWOOD HOTEL p'"„t" SUNDAY EVENING, JANUARY 13 CYent!