Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1936 7 PHILA. IMPTO HITS RKO PRODUCT, ASKS TERMS BE REDUCED FIRST MEETING . . . Sparks flew Tuesday at the first general meeting of the recently organized Independent MPTO of Philadelphia when RKO was accused of having failed completely to live up to its pre-season selling promises and a demand for adjustment of their terms made upon the film company. The action, taking final form in a resolution presented by David Barrist, alleged that "of the 16 pictures so far released, only one, 'Top Hat' measures up" to the representations made in RKO's trade journal advertising, its advance literature and the assurances of its sales representatives when the 193 5-36 product was being sold. The resolution states, therefore, that "RKO be requested to revise the terms of existing contracts where such revision is justified as a matter of honest and fair merchandising." SEND COPY TO JUDGE . . . It was further resolved that copies of the resolution be sent to Federal Judge George A. Welsh and Benjamin M. Golder, the latter recently appointed by the jurist to be special investigator of various phases of the industry, "as an instance of the evil of blind selling." The meeting of the group, which is a merger of the majority of former members of the old MPTO and the IEPA, was attended by approximately 8 0 exhibitors. In the absence of president Charles Segall, who is recuperating from illness in Florida, Morris Wax occupied the chair. $15,000 BUDGET . . . A budget plan requiring $ 1 5,000 yearly, was accepted by the body. This provides $5,000 for counsel; $3 5 00 business manager; $1500 secretary; $2 5 00 operating expenses, and $2 5 00 reserve for any additional litigation. The entire sum is to be underwritten by a group of 20 to 3 0 men, while other DROP IN TO SEE US • • • at our new headquarters National Theatre Supply 1225 VINE STREET, Phila.. Pa. MAJORS WATCHING CONGRESS CHAIN STORE BILL; FEAR IT MAY AFFECT THEM PROTECTS INDIES . . . Major film executives are said to be closely following the course of the chain store bill recently introduced in the Senate by Senator Robinson of Arkansas. Their interest is attributed to the fear that the measure may be amended in some way to include the motion picture industry. The Robinson Bill seeks to amend the members will pay ten cents per seat yearly dues. Harry Fried warned the members that unless they support the organization, which is only interested in protecting their investments they may find themselves without any theatres to protect. Harry A. Goren was appointed special field contact man to interest upstate exhibitors in the organization's work. REPORT THALBERG SET TO OUIT M-G-M DISSATISFIED . . . New York. — It was reliably reported here yesterday (Tuesday) that Irving Thalberg is almost irreconcilably determined to sever his production connections with MetroGoldwyn-Mayer. It has been rumored often in recent months that the prominent producer has been discontented with his position and it is known that officials of the company have been striving by every means to satisfy his demands. However, FILM BULLETIN has learned that some high M-G-M executives are despairing of reaching an accord with Thalberg and the split in the long association may be announced any day. (In the registration report filed by Loew's, Inc. with the SEC last week, it was revealed that Thalberg was given an option to purchase up to 100,000 shares of unissued common stock over a period of five years at an average price of approximately $3 5 per share. Other concessions as to authority, selection of his own pictures, stars, etc. are known to have been granted him.) G-B Holds Novel 'Rhodes' Preview At Miami Beach Miami Beach, Florida. — A. P. Waxman, G-B's demon publicity doctor, engineered one of the slickest preview stunts here Monday night with an invitation showing ol "Rhodes, the Diamond Master" at the new Lincoln Theatre. Large gathering of circuit and independent theatremen were present, including Nathan Yamins, Charles Segall, Col. W. S. Butterfield, Eddie AlperSOn, Albert Warner, Claude Ezell, Harry Brandt and Aaron Saperstein. anti-trust laws to protect independent merchants by "suppressing more effectually discrimination between customers of the same seller not supported by sound economic differences in their business position or in the cost of servicing them." As the means for accomplishing this end, the amendment would make it unlawful for firms to discriminate in their prices between purchasers of similar goods. The bill has won the unanimous approval of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and stands a good chance of enactment during the present session of Congress. It is based on the results of an inquiry of chain store practices conducted by the Federal Trade Commission and the American Retail Federation. Bennett, Karloff Sail To Make G-B Pictures New York. — Constance Bennett sailed last Wednesday and Boris Karloff left today, both bound for the G-B studios to appear in features for the English company. ERVING theatre needs with a knowI ledge of theatre business. E SSISTING theatre owners with a staff of trained clerks and office files. No missouts. |REEING theatre owners of the worry that they may have forgotten part of their show. FFICIENTLY operating the largest film delivery service in the world. lAKING CARE of every possible need in the delivery of film IELDING the epitome of safety. service and efficiency at a minimum cost. H ORLACHE Delivery Service R INC. PHILADELPHIA 1228 Vine St. BALTIMORE 206 N. Bond St. WASHINGTON NEW YORK 1 03 1 3rd St., N. W. 518 W. 48th St. M. Lawrence Daily, Not.irv Public, Phila.