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4
INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS =FILM BULLETIN
EVENTS
ON THE
MARCH
Code on the "Pan"
Relentless opponent of the competition-crushing features of the NRA, U. S. Senator Gerald P. Nye last week started to gather data by which he hopes to prevent the extension of the Recovery Act for two more years, unless steps are taken to protect the "little fellows" in all industries.
The aggressive Senator from North Dakota turned his attention to the motion picture field and, communicating with W. D. Fulton, a representative independent exhibitor of Kansas City.
In a telegram to Mr. Fulton, Nye declared, "During the past year many have presented to me their discouraging experiences under the NRA and its codes ... I would appreciate specific information concerning the abuses which may exist."
And, in reply, the theatreman advised Senator Nye:
"The motion picture code will need drastic revision to be of any benefit to the thousands of independent theatres. In fact, it is my opinion that as actually administered it is more detrimental than helpful and unless changed will eventually strangle the small theatre man . . . until the monopolistic grip of the large producer-exhibitors is broken I will take my chances under the Sherman anti-trust laws in our Courts."
"The makeup of the Code Authority is entirely producer-controlled. The makeup of our local boards is entirely producer-controlled."
In conclusion Mr. Fulton stated: "I think any alterations of the setup should provide an equal representation between independent theatre owners on one side and the producers-distributorsexhibitors on the other."
And, say we, that's telling 'em!
* * *
Forcing Oversale of Shorts
Further evidence pours in to indicate that those few provisions of the motion picture code which are designed to give the exhibitors an ounce of protection are "overlooked" by the zealous salesmen of the major film companies.
Out in Southern California the Independent Theatre Owners' Association reveal that the producers are forcing the sale of more shorts than exhibitors are required to buy and when they refuse to play them, the exchanges deny the hapless theatremen the features they have purchased. If they do send along the features, they tack on a C. O. D. to cover the prices of the unplayed shorts.
The ITO of Southern California has its dander up and, say they, unless this matter is corrected by making all adjustments retroactive with the entire present season, "we will be compelled to take necessary action in Federal Court."
Go to it, you ITO of Southern Sunny Cal!
* * *
Big Doings in N'Orleans
Down in N'Orleans there have gathered this week many of the high moguls of the film industry. The occasion is the 15th Annual Convention of the MPTOA, presumably an organization of theatre owners, but, in reality, a puppet body in control of the major film producers.
What is the program of this pseudo-exhibitor group? Do they condemn block booking and demand its elimination? Do they fight for lower film rentals? Do they charge the industry code with crushing the small independent theatre and protecting the big fellow's interests?
Of course not. They'll hedge on every issue. They are the "good boys" of the motion picture industry. They cause their friends, the producers, no headaches like those naughty independents are wont to do. As a matter of fact, a recordbreaking number of producer-distributors will attend the convention. They'll hobnob with the "boys" and see that they don't forget themselves and pass a resolution to really take something away from the film companies.
Oh, yes, momentous events march in gay N'Orleans this week, but here's a bet that the Mardi Gras is the most important thing that happens.
* * *
An Important Zoning Rule
The Code Authority recently established a precedent, possibly by mistake, in settling a zoning dispute between two theatres owned by major film companies. This is of great importance to every exhibitor who is barred from obtaining a run prior to an affiliated theatre situated more than a mile away and having enough people to draw from.
Warners Forum Theatre and Fox's Uptown, both in Los Angeles, are located about one and one-tenth miles apart. They charge the same admission price and both require first-run product.
The local Clearance and Zoning Board ruled that they were in different zones and allowed them both first-run houses.
This decision was upheld by the Code Authority on the ground that the Forum had 11,800 people within a square mile to draw from and the Uptown had over 14,000 — enough to make both houses profitable.
This is worth looking into. How close are you situated to the chain theatre that is holding you up? Is it more than a mile away and does it have enough population around it to make it pay? If so, make them discontinue their protection.
NOW BOOKING
For the Lenten Season!
'THE CROWN OF THORNS'
4D4PTED FROM
THE LIFE OF CHRIST
A bigger boxoffice attraction this year than ever before
CAPITAL
FILM EXCHANGE
1314 VINE STREET, PHILA. Spruce 2699 Eddie Gabriel, Mgr.
PICTURESTHEATRES |
AND THINGS i
Leon Behal has sold his interest in the Apex Theatre in order to devote his entire time to Capital F.lm Exchange. The new technicolor shorts be'ng handled by Cap'.tal are going over so big that chief Eddie Gabriel requested Leon to make the move.
* * *
Penlo Theatre, Emaus, is now in the sole hands of Lew Suskin. Walt Potamkin is assisting Suskin.
* * *
Masterpiece has a grand exploitation campaign planned on "Secrets of Chinatown," which sounds like a great bet for any neighborhood hou:e.
* * *
Capital's "Passion Play" is being booked throurhout the territory for the Lenten season. The exchange's prints are being booked solid for the next month.
* * *
First Division is planning a production schedule"^ calling for from 14 to 20 pictures for next season. \
* * *
Gold Medal's next picture from Mascot is "Behind the Green Lights," a corking police story by one of the country's most famous police chiefs.
Everything in equipment
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