Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

6 INDEPENDENT EXHIBITOR FILM BULLETIN PATHE TO PRODUCE-DISTRIBUTE, FORM NEW COMPANY, ABSORB FIRST DIVISION EXPECTED . . . The long expected move by Pathe to reenter the production and distribution fields took definite form last week with the announcement that the company was organizing Premier Film Attractions, a new corporation, which will start production this summer and absorb First Division Exchanges for distribution. Through First International Corporation, Pathe has controlled about 80 percent of First Division for the past year or so. First International will be absorbed by Premier along with FD, according to the plans. Pathe's laboratory interests and the company's holdings in the Du Pont Film Manufacturing Co. are not to be included in the Premier setup. Rumors that Time Magazine will distribute "March of Time" through the Pathe unit has been denied by both RKO and officials of Time, who stated that the releasing deal with RKO extends for another year from August. However, the March of Time people are known to have a financial interest in First Division and this will probably bring them in to the Premier organization in some way. MAY MAKE 26-30 . . . Premier Film Attraction has set a tentative schedule of 26 to 3 0 features, in addition to a series of westerns for the 1936-37 season, it is reported. Releasing deals are also pending with Alliance (B.I. P.) for continuation of the arrangement by which FD is distributing that company's films in this country this season. Details have not worked out as to what Harry Thomas' capacity will be with the new organization. There have been reports that the First Division president is considering an advantageous new connection, but nothing definite could be learned of its nature. GB Sets Joseph Conrad Story for Sylvia Sidney GB has added the work of another worldfamous author to its production list, Joseph Conrad's novel, "The Secret Agent," having been purchased for a film to be known as "Sabotage." Sylvia Sidney will be starred. This story deals with the sabotage activities of an underworld criminal in London. Among the other famous authors whose stories will be screened by GB are Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Wallace, Sir H. Rider Haggard, Rafael Sabatini, Gene Markey, Jocelyn Lee Flardy, and Francois de Croisset. Dwight Taylor, Hollywood scenarist, has been signed by GB, and sails shortly for England. MAY IS HIS MONTH! First Division Exchanges throughout the country are out to make May bring the biggest month's business in the company's history as a tribute to Harry Thomas, president of the independent firm. "May Is Harry Thomas Month" and exhibitors everywhere are urged to give their local FD exchange every available playdate from the 1st to 31st. Edw. Corcoran Dies Edward Corcoran, former Paramount exploiteer, who had handled the motion picture exhibit on Steel Pier, Atlantic City, for a number of years, died suddenly Sunday from a heart attack while on his way East from Hollywood. Stricken on the train near Syracuse, Kansas, his body was brought on to Atlantic City, where the burial will take place Monday. Corcoran staged last year's Variety Club Pageant and was coming East to make preparations for the affair this Fall. NEW TEMPLE FILM OKED FOR RELEASE COURT REVERSES STAND . . . Shirley Temple's latest picture, "Captain January," faced a long siege on 20th Century-Fox's shelf when Judge Swan in U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals (N. Y.) reversed a District Court decision Monday and granted L. C. Page & Co., publishers of the book, a temporary injunction restraining the film company from releasing the picture pending an accounting of royalties claimed by Page Co. However, the Court reversed its stand Tuesday and a stay of the injunction ruling was allowed 20th Century-Fox, permitting immediate release of the film. Numerous dates had already been set in theatres throughout the country. COST NO EXCUSE . . . In its decision the Court pointed out that the producer was warned in advance that use of the story would violate the publisher's and author's copyright. In answer to the film company's plea to allow the release of the picture on the grounds that a large sum had been spent on the picture and that a full accounting would be made later to the complainant, Judge Swan declared, "A willful infringer should not by the extent of his investment be allowed to gain immunity from the injunctive remedy." Attorneys for the producer will file for a writ of certiorari with the U. S. Supreme Court. Bernerd Denies Jessie Matthews Loan Arrangement Reports concerning the loan of Jessie Matthews, GB star, to any other motion picture company, are without foundation, according to a statement issued today by Jeffrey Bernerd. Miss Matthews is under an exclusive long-term contract to Gaumont British, and starts work immediately on a new picture, Bernerd said. This is tentatively titled, "Paris Love Song," and will have a music score written by Gordon and Revel, ace song-writing team. Miss Matthew's most recently completed picture for GB is "It's Love Again," scheduled for early release. SEND IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FOR FILM BULLETIN NOW!