Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS !F I L M BULLETIN5 ALLIED CLEVELAND CONVENTION opening address was conciliatory out the olive branch to the producers and urged round table conferences between Allied and the "real men" in the majors' ranks, not their underlings. If the two factions could meet "on common ground," stated the president, "I am certain our major problems can be solved." Only if such efforts prove a failure should Allied resort to legal and legislative means, he said in closing. MYERS DISPUTES . . . Yamins' address left the conventioneers and trade paper reporters glancing at each other in wonderment. Was this to mean the inauguration of a new policy by Allied? A short time later, when Abram F. Myers, general counsel and chief proponent of the body's aggressive legal and legislative policy, took the rostrum such conjectures were dispelled. On three distinct occasions in the past, Allied had sought by the "round table" theory to correct the evils practiced against independent exhibitors by the majors, he stated, but no good had resulted from the conferences. The organization had shown its "good faith," but it was the "utter and complete failure" of such attempts to negotiate with the producer-distributors that convinced Allied leaders that conferences were "futile and productive of no good." The able veteran attorney cautioned the assemblage against being led again into a "relinquishment" of the aggressive policies that have established Allied as the champion of independents' rights. ACCORD . . . After Myers had concluded, Yamins spoke again in the interest of clearing up any doubts as might exist that Allied leaders were in accord on the organization's method of procedure and objectives. He declared himself in complete agreement with the counsellor's remarks and ready to carry on (Continued from page 5) It held the established policies as a loyal member. Again, however, he expressed the hope that the producers' minds are "big enough" to recognize that Allied is entitled to full recognition and their cooperation, and that it will fight for what it regards as justice for the nation's independent theatre owners. HUGE SUCCESS . . . Both the business and social activities of the convention were handled with a finesse seldom equalled at affairs of this type. The sessions opened and closed very close to scheduled times. The entertainment at the two dinners was of the best and throughout there was evidence of shrewd and careful management that reflected credit on H. M. Richey, M. B. Horwitz and their committees. The speakers included Russell Hardy; George W. Weeks of G-B; Ray Tesch, of the Wisconsin unit; Daniel Bertrand, author of the NRA report on the film industry; Edward Golden, general sales manager of Chesterfield-Invincible; P. S. Harrison of Harrison's Reports; Yamins, Myers, Steffes and Richey. ALLIED CONVENTION BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS (Continued from page J) penses. Bills outlawing affiliated theatres to be introduced into state Legislatures and national Congress. Russell Hardy's Address Chief of Government counsel in the St. Louis case advised convention that while it is not illegal for producers to operate theatres he believes laws could be enacted to make it illegal and vouches for constitutionality of such statutes. Refers Hays organization as an "irresistible economic force" that can overwhelm any factor in the industry "unless the strong arm of the FILM BULLETIN FIRST Copies of FILM BULLETIN were airmailed to the Allied Convention in Cleveland and were distributed before any of the other trade papers were on the spot. The other boys, namely, Red Kann of M. P. Daily, Arthur Eddy of Film Daily, Chick Lewis of Showmen's, and Gene Rich of Boxofficc, carried worried expressions until copies of their sheets arrived. Of course, it might have been an epidemic of indigestion! Government protects them against oppression" (applause). Ask Hays' Ouster Resolution, offered by Steffes and passed to accompaniment of ear-splitting applause and shouts, urges stockholders, trustees and creditors of major producing companies to oust Will H. Hays, who "has accomplished nothing toward bringing about harmony and cooperation between the different branches of the motion picture industry." Tiff on Policy Apparent disagreement between old Allied leaders, headed by Myers, Steffes, Samuelson, et al., and Yamins on question of whether organization should fight or negotiate, dissipated by Yamins' statement that he is ready to follow Myers' judgment on policy. Opinion prevails that producers have opportunity to make overtures through Allied president if they wish, but exhibitors group will not take initiative. Urges Playdate Bills Ray Tesch recounted maneuvers to bring about enactment of Ohio and Wisconsin laws to make compulsory preferred playing time illegal. Urged other units to introduce similar bills in their state Legislatures. CAUGHT BY THE CAMERA AT THE ALLIED CONVENTION /.<•// to right: Dr. C. £. Herman of Pittsburgh; Russell Hardy, Assistant U. S. Attorney General; Edward Ansin and Phil Smith of Boston; Sidney E. Samuclson of New Jersey; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Newbury; Fred Herrington of Pittsburgh.