Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1936 S Hardy-Bertrand To Address Allied; Convention Looms As Indies' Biggest GOV'T COUNSEL AND AUTHOR OF NRA REPORT TO DISCUSS LEGAL PHASES Washington* — Announcement was made Tuesday by Abram F. Myers, counsel for Allied, that Russell Hardy, chief of Government counsel in the celebrated St. Louis case, and Dr. Daniel Bertrand, author of the NRA report advocating Federal regulation of the film industry, will address the Allied Convention in Cleveland next week. [N LIMELIGHT . . . Hardy and Bertrand have occupied the limelight in industry affairs within the past few months and their presence on the speakers' list adds considerably to the importance of the confab from independent exhibitors' viewpoint. The former is credited with withstanding the onslaught of the talented legal forces that defended Warner Bros., RKO and Paramount in the St. Louis conspiracy case and eventually forcing a settlement of the case that was considered a complete victory for the Government and Fanchon and Marco. Bertrand tossed a bombshell into the majors' camp by his final NRA report, in which he urged the appointment of an impartial Federal commission to probe all phases of the industry to set up corrective regulations and administer them. He was formerly in the amusement division of the NRA and his report indicated a keen insight into the many problems of the film industry. IMPOSING LIST . . . The imposing list of speakers named to address the convention includes, in addition to Hardy, Bertrand and Allied leaders, William F. Rodgers, sales manager of M-G-M, Edward Golden, sales manager of Chesterfield-Invincible, George W. Weeks, general sales manager of G-B and P. S. "Pete" Harrison. The convention now looms as the biggest and most vital ever held by Allied and may exceed any previous gathering of independent exhibitors. From headquarters in Cleveland comes word that the attendance will be far greater than was originally anticipated and larger quarters are being arranged in which to hold the meetings. Present also will be Paul Williams, Department of Justice agent who has recently been devoting all his time to investigating film industry activities. He is not expected to address the Convention, but will be on the spot to interview any exhibitors who have complaints to register about alleged illegal practices by the majors and affiliated circuits. LEGAL ACTION ON UNFAIR CLEARANCE ASKS PHILA. I.T.O. CONSPIRACY . . . Charg'ng that independent exhibitors are being unfairly discriminated against on clearance and run, the Board of Governors of the Phila. I.T.O. at last Friday's meeting resolved "to take the necessary legal steps" to show that a conspiracy exists between Warner Theatres and distributors. The resolution claims that the independents sought to bring about a conference on the subjects of clearance and zoning, but failed to obtain cooperation from the major distributors and the chain. Several men in the group condemned Paramount's entry into the poster renting business as a move to eventually hurt theatre owners, but no action was taken on this subject. Strong sentiment prevailed for having the unit join Allied and this topic was set for discussion at a future meeting. Members were urged to attend the Allied Convention in Cleveland next week. RESOLUTION . . . Following is the resolution on the run situation: "WHEREAS, to a large extent the existing unfair set-up of Clearance and Zoning in this territory is the root of many evils and, "WHEREAS, an earnest and sincere effort was made by this Organization to bring about a conference of all interested parties to remedy these conditions, and, "WHEREAS, we have been unable to secure the cooperation of the major companies and the affiliated theatre circuits in these efforts, and, "WHEREAS, the present set-up of Clearance and Zoning in this territory which was established by agreement between Distributors and Warner Brothers is arbitrary, unfair and discriminatory, "THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED thai we take the necessary legal steps to show that conspiracy exists in this territory to discriminate against the independent theatre owners." HOUSE GROUP OK'S PETTENGILL BILL; SYNOPSIS DROPPED BLIND SELLING STAYS . . . Washington. — The Pettengill bill to outlaw compulsory block booking, in drastically modified form, was reported favorably by the House Interstate Commerce subcommittee on Monday. The sections prohibiting "blind selling" and requiring distributors to furnish the exhibitor with "a complete and true synopsis" of each picture were deleted on the motion of Representative Peyser of New York. Another change in the measure provided for delaying the effective date of the law from the original 12 months to 18 months, thus giving the film companies additional time in which to adjust their selling methods. Chairman Pettengill was reported as expressing the opinion that the elimination of compulsory block booking will automatically adjust the faults of blind selling. rO FULL COMMITTEE . . . The bill now goes to the full House Committee, after which, if approved, it will be presented to the House for a final vote. No action has been taken as yet by the Senate sub-committee, headed by Senator Neely of West Virginia. However, the House group's move is expected to spur the upper branch committee to pass judgment on its identical measure. There still exisits an outside chance that fast action by the Senate group will bring the block booking issue before both houses prior to adjournment, which is now fixed for June 6th, but may be delayed again. Para-RKO Merger Plans Being Evolved in Secret Special to FILM BULLETIN Hollywood. — May 26. Thoroughly reliable sources advise this correspondent that plans for the forthcoming merger of Paramount and RKO are being laid behind closed doors and the two companies will be operating as one unit similar to the Warner-First National setup by next Fall. There is reason to believe that Joseph P. Kennedy will be asked to remain with Paramount, at least until the RKO deal is put through.