Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1936 5 Golder Investigation May Include MPTOA Affiliation with Producers SOURCE OF ORGANIZATION'S FUNDS EXPECTED TO BE OBJECT OF OUIZ The behind-the-scenes connections of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America with the Hays organization will probably be one of the important objects of Attorney Benjamin M. Golder's investigation of the motion picture industry, it has been learned by FILM BULLETIN. Golder, designated amicus curiae (friend of the court) by Federal Judge George A. Welsh two weeks ago to probe alleged illegal practices by major film distributors, and the judge are both said to be intensely interested in the position of the MPTOA as a reputed exhibitor body, while including in its membership those majors owning theatre chains. The source of the organization's funds may be investigated by Golder. ALLIED DIRECTORS ELECT YAMINS PRES. RESPECTED . . . Nathan Yamins is the new president of National Allied States Ass'n, having been elected by the Board of Directors meeting held in Washington last week to succeed Sidney E. Samuelson. The latter withdrew his name from the nominations because his personal business affairs prevented him from accepting a third term. Yamins, veteran Fall River, Mass. exhibitor, has been active in Allied councils for a number of years and represented the independent exhibitors on the late, unlamented Code Authority. His acumen and fairness while serving in that position won him the respect of majors and independents alike. MYERS REELECTED . . . Abraham F. Myers, chairman of the board and general counsel, was reelected, as were Herman A. Blum, treasurer, and H. M. Richey, secretary. Samuelson and Arthur B. Price, Baltimore exhibitor, were elected to the Executive committee. Price was also named eastern regional vice-president, with Walter B. Littlefield second vice-president. Aaron Saperstcin was again elected vicepresident of the west; Martin Smith of the middle states, and Harry A. Cole the south. CONVENTION TO CLEVELAND . . . The organization's annual convention will be held in Cleveland during the latter part of May. One of the most weighty and far-reaching aggendas is being arranged for the meeting and the leaders anticipate one of the largest exhibitor turnouts in the body's history. GOLDER RESTING . . . Despite trade paper reports that the attorney took a "mass of data" to his southern retreat, it is understood that he is merely resting and is doing no more than casual work in connection with the forthcoming probe. However, Mr. Golder is believed to have stopped at Department of Justice headquarters in Washington while enroute to Florida and will probably do the same when he returns at the end of his four weeks vacation. Department officials, dissatisfied with the course of the Government's unsuccessful prosecution of three of the film companies in St. Louis, are known to be keenly interested in Mr. Golder's appointment and what he might do to reveal the alleged abuses in the industry. The Philadelphia attorney will probably go through the mass of exhibitor complaints accumulated by the Department during its year-old inquiry into the film business. PETITION FOR NEW DUALS TRIAL MUST BE FILED BY SAT. REHEARING . . . Saturday is the deadline for t lie six major film companies involved in the Perelman double feature suit to file their petition tor a rehearing of the case by the U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals. According to Morris Wolf, head of the majors' counsel, this action will be taken. Legal observers hold out little hope for a favorable ruling on the motion by the Circuit Court. There is no doubt that the film companies will carry their plea to the U. S. Supreme Court in the event this move fails. JUSTICE DEP'T MAY FILE NEW ST. LOUIS SUIT WITHIN WEEK PREPARING . . . Washington, Feb. 11. — The Department of Justice has almost completed preparations for its new, broadened St. Louis case against Warner, RKO and Paramount and may file it within one week, it was learned here today. The new action, brought as a result of the dismissal, without prejudice, on January 28th of the previous equity suit at the Government's request, will include numerous executives of the three film companies, whose testimony on important conversations was barred previously for various reasons. It is believed likely that Federal Judge Joseph A. Molyneaux will sit in the newtrial. MOVING! By the time the next issue of FILM BULLETIN reaches you, we shall be located in our new headquarters at 1323 Vine Street, in Philadelphia. We hope our many friends will find their way to our third floor offices to continue those tete-a-tetes, chats, disputes, harangues or tirades we found so exhilarating and enlightening while in our old quarters.