Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

10 INDEPENDENT EXHIBITOR FILM BULLETIN REVIEWS (Continued from pave 7) IN THE MAIL INDEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS Of E. Venna., S. Neiv Jersey and Del. April 27, 1936. To the Editor: This Organization would appreciate beyond measure, the courtesy of the use of your columns to bring to the attention of all exhibitors in the Philadelphia Territory particularly, the urgent need for making immediate contact by wire or letter, with the Honorable J. Burrwood Daly, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C, to request him to support the stand taken by the Allied States Association in the matter of the DUFFY COPYRIGHT BILL. Congressman Daly, a Representative in the House from Philadelphia, has been appointed a member of the Sub-Committee which will redraft the Copyright Bill. The Allied States Association has filed a memorandum with the Committee requesting favorable action on a proviso which will cure the present unjust system whereby the exhibitor pays three times for the same service, i. e., First, through Film Rentrl; Secondly, by Score Charge, and Thirdly, by the Seat-Tax paid to ASCAP. The Allied Memorandum also approves the elimination of the present PENALTY CLAUSE. Inasmuch as each individual exhibitor is directly concerned with these two amendments to the Copyright Law, he should take the time and slight effort necessary to put himself on record with Congressman Daly in support of the Allied position on the DUFFY BILL. We thank you for your cooperation in bringing this matter to the attention of the many hundreds of exhibitors served by FILM BULLETIN. Very sincerely yours, JEANNETTE WILLENSKY, Secretary. ALPERSON STEPS INTO G-N POST FRI. UNIT SETUP . . . Edward L. Alperson steps out of his post as executive buyer for National Theatres and into the presidency of newly formed Grand National Pictures this Friday, May 1st. His duties will be divided between New York and the coast, with a great deal of his first few months occupied with organizing the production setup. Present plans of the new Pathe-financed outfit are to set up a group of unit producers to produce on the company's own lot. No arrangements have been made for handling any outside product, but it is not unlikely that some tieup will be made with British International to distribute the cream of their product in this country. ALPERSON SEES STRONG LINEUP . . . Alperson told Film Bulletin this week that he expects to line up a strong production organization. "There arc plenty of out always get their man — and their gal — it follows that old pattern closely, even supplying the punch climax of a fight to the finish between two dogs. It's all pretty mild and routine stuff, except for the performances of the two canine stars, Buck and Wolf, who are much more in their element than the rest of the cast. Children will enjoy it immensely and there are probably sufficient action fans in some city naborhoods and rural sections, who like this kind of Northwest melodrama, to bring the picture fair returns in those spots. Generally, however, it will need the support of a stronger feature. The outdoor scenery is impressive in many spots. PLOT: Kelly and Kent, officers in the Northwest Mounted Police, are given the job of running down a band of fur thieves. Dinehart, the leader of the crooks, has been using Hale, Rochclle's father, in his scheme without the old man's knowledge. Rochellc aids her father's escape from the Mounties in an effort to find Dinehart to prove Hale's innocence. A romance develops between Kent and Rochelle while Kelly is out in search for her father and Dinehart. Hale locates his "partner" and is infuriated when he learns that Dinehart has been stealing and smuggling the furs. To rid himself, of Hale, Dinehart turns his dog Wolf orj him and leaves him for dead. Eventually, the Mounties gets Dinehart, and Buck rescues Kent and Rochelle from an impending attack by Wolf. AD TIPS: Sell it as thrilling red-blooded drama. Use Buck's name and picture in all copy. Recall that he is the great dog star of "Call of the Wild." Yarn is by James Oliver Curwood. L. J. standing unit producers available today, more than at any time in the past," he said, "and we are in the market for them." While the Grand National president would not name any, it is understood that he and other officials of the company have been negotiating with several prominent major studio producers, among whom is said to be Carl Laemmle, Jr., who might make three or four pictures yearly with his father's assistance. As soon as Alperson assumes his post the action will actually start at G-N headquarters. Production will probably get under way by June 1st on the lineup of 36 to 40 features for the 1936-37 season. "Not a dark house in more than 20 years of film deltvery service!" NEW JERSEY MESSENGER SERVICE Member National Film Carriers' Ass'n 25 0 N. JUNIPER STREET, PHILA. LOCust 4181 RACE 4600 THE HARVESTER BOXOFF1CE RATING DRAMA . . . Faithful picturization of famous Gene Stratton Porter novel . . . Fine performances help slow-moving, heavy story of "plain folks" . . . Won't mean much in cities, but rates • • for small towns. Republic 74 Minutes Alice Brady . . . Russell Hardie . . . Ann Rutherford . . . Joyce Compton . . . Frank Craven . . . Emma Dunn . . . Cora Sue Collins . . . Eddie Nugent . . . Directed by Joseph Santley Republic has certainly done right by this tear-jerking story of "plain folks." A really fine production, sincere, if dull, direction by Joseph Santley and finely drawn performances by the cast have been lavished on a story that hardly warrants such extravagant use of talents. Gene Stratton Porter's novel moves slowly and the film, following faithfully, fails to overcome its lethargic pace. The pace is much too slow to satisfy the average city audience and action fans certainly won't go for it. "The Harvester's" best chances rest with the rural spots, where it looks good for average business. Credit is due the cast for extracting every bit of emotional power from the written pages of the novel. Miss Brady is in her element as the ambitious, ruthless mother. Ann Rutherford turns in the best performance of her young career, winning the sympathy of even this hardened old fogey as the victim of Brady's manipulations to separate her from her sweetheart. PLOT: Hardie, a young Indiana farmer, holds a deep, but unvoiced, love for orphan Ann. Being a prosperous and clear-headed lad, Alice considers him a matrimonial "catch" for her daughter, Joyce Compton, and removes Ann from his reach. Craven, her husband, who has been removed from his farm to the real estate business by his domineering and ambitious wife, secretly opposes the forced engagement of Hardie to Joyce. Eventually, Alice discloses her sham feelings and trickery to Hardie. The tragic death of Ann's grandmother draws out Hardie's deepseated emotions and he tells of his love for her. They marry and Hardie returns to his harvesting in happiness. AD TIPS: The novel has been one of the most widely read books. If is a natural for tie-ups with book stores, libraries and reading clubs. Sell Alice Brady, who is a famous stage actress and has appeared in numerous major releases. NONNIE.