Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1934 - Aug 1935)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1935 3 CODE AUTHORITY QUESTIONS IMPARTIAL MEMBERS ON FAIRNESS OF BOARDS AND EQUITY OF CODE Allied Also Sends Questionnaire to Independent Exhibitors On Same Issue In an apparent attempt to prepare itself for any contingency such as a Congressional investigation of the motion picture code, the Code Authority has tent out a questionnaire to all impartial members of the boards throughout the nation. The replies are intended to be included in a report on the code's achievements for the year which is now being readied by John C. Finn, secretary of Campi. The eight questions which the Governmentappointed men are required to answer follow : 1. Are the members of your local code board sincere in their determinations and is the individual fair in reaching conclusions or is he swayed by the group he represents? 2. What change in group representation or membership of your local board could you suggest. 3. Can you suggest any improvement in the rules of procedure issued by the Code Authority? 4. Can you enumerate any unfair trade practices or provisions which should be added to the Code? 5. Can you suggest any unfair trade practices or provisions which should be eliminated from the code? 6. How can appeals to the Code Authority be reduced in number without unfairness to any complainant or respondent ? 7. Within your experience and observation has the motion picture industry since the adoption of the code been benefitted or retarded? What makes you think so? 8. What should be done about clearance and zoning schedules? All:ed States Association terms the questionnaire "the feverish efforts being made in anticipation of the inevitable investigation of the scandalous Code situation." In a bulletin to all units, Allied also puts a series of queries, designed to ascertain the fairness of the code and the boards from the independent exhibitors' viewpoint. These questions are : 1. Were the independent exhibitors in your territory consulted and did they have any part in the selection of these so-called "impartial" men? 2. Were they, so far as you know, recommended by the distributors or affiliated chain interests ? 3. Have these "impartial" men really been impartial ? 4. If not, cite concrete examples. 5. Have the boards themselves been impartial? 6. Have they settled effectively and satisfactorily any major problems in your territory? 8. Have you made suggestions for changes either to the Code Authority or NRA and what response have you received? All'ed is leading the fight of independent exh'bilors to either alter the code and make it more cqu'tablc or to bring about its complete elimination. This organization has already interested members of Congre;s in the plight of the independent theatre owr.er under the provisions and requ'rements of the industry's code, and has hroinht to light the many unfair advantages held by the producers under its terms. The local independents are expected to 'cd their support to Allicd's campaign. The IEPA w'll probably take up the nucstion at the next meeting and it is not unlikely that they will respond to the Allied questionnaire, citing cases of bias on the part of the local boards. Judge Welsh Busy; Dual Bill Decision Delayed Queries about the decision in the Harry Perelman double feature case continue to flood the FILM BULLETIN office, but it is impossible to state exactly when the announcement will be forthcoming. Judge Goorge A. Welsh, who heard the case, has been sitting on the Criminal Court bench since he relumed from a short vacation in Bermuda. While it is believed that the jurist's ruling is ready, he has had no opportunity to put it into final form due to his daily sitting in the Conshohocken mail robbery case. There is much reason to presume that the decision will be ready before the end of this week, perhaps within a day or two. Campi Defers Decision on Phila. Premium Ban Appeal But They Again Co Thru Motions of Solving Clearance Schedule NEW YORK— The Code Authority at its regular meeting last Friday, postponed rendering a final ruling on the appeal against the ban on premiums in the Philadelphia territory. This appeal was carried to the New York board with the charge that certain affiliated theatres were listed as independents in the vote on premiums. It was also disclosed that several theatres which were not operating had been included among those opposing dishware. No Clearance Schedule Yet As has become curtomary, the Code Authority again failed to reach a decision on a standard clearance schedule. The Los Angeles plan, based on admission prices, was attacked by the producers' repreientatives on the Authority, of which there were seven out of a total of eight men present. The producers insisted that they must not be deprived of their right to sell protection. They declared that they must have their choice in selling to whomever they wish, as long as they can secure the price they want. It was also contended that if they have to sell all similarly priced houses the same availability, they will be forced to make many additional prints at a considerable cost. Exhibitors no longer regard the Code Authority's maneuvers to unearth a clearance schedule with any degree of seriousness. The efforts of all independent exhibitor groups is being directed toward an elimination of Campi and the Code it so diligently pursues. SHORT SUBJECTS By BREVITY Looking at those attractive sunny South travel sections in the Sunday papers, with all this snow and cold around, finally "got" Ben Golder. The IEPA prexy skipped off for Florida Saturday afternoon. He'll be gone about two weeks. $ % $ Dave Barrist is due in from Mexico this Saturday. Why anybody should care to return from below the Rio Grande in this weather is beyond this frozen collym. Confirmation of L. Howell Davis, the new Pennsylvania cenor chief, was reported held up by a political tiff involving Richard Beamish, the Pinchot independent who went Democratic. 'Twas said that the Republicans demanded that if the Governor wanted Beamish he wouldn't get Davis. However, we understand it has all been cleared up and the censor head will be confirmed. * * * Ben Shindler, of Wilmington, was in town last week to attend the IEPA meeting. He was one of the front line opponents of Sunday movies in the discussion on that question. (Continued on Page Four) Harry La Vine Leaving U. A. To Head Gold Medal Exch. "Always An Independent At Heart", Says Popular Film Man; Assumes Hew Post on Monday A change which has occasioned no little surprise in Philadelphia film circles has* one of the best liked major film salesmen voluntarily quitting a position he has held for the past eight years to join an independent exchange. Harry LaVine, personable and capable city salesman for United Artists, terminates his connection with the company he has reprerented here for so long to assume the managership of Gold Medal Film Company, independent exchange now operated by Mrs. J. C. Lucchese. Always one of the most popular major film men in the city, Harry has established an enviable record of achievement with United Artists. He had often expressed a hankering to get into the independent field because he felt that he would be happier. "I have always been an independent at heart," he declared yesterday. "I am leaving United Artists with the best feelings imaginable, but I honestly bel:eve that I am making a connection in which I shall be happier. The independent exhibitors may rely upon me for cooperation and fair play during my association with Gold Medal." Mrs. J. C. Lucchese, president of the exchange, stated that in seeking the available man most suited for the job, she had become convinced, upon investigation, that "Harry LaVine is that man." LaVine steps into his new position next Monday and his host of friends are wishing him much success.