Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1938)

AUGUST 1 3th, 1938 15 Studio Size-Up s (Continued from page 8) in his financing. . . . Murray Silverstone, who came to Hollywood recently for the express purpose of persuading Selznick to continue his UA releasing arrangement, returned to New York without accomplishing his purpose. Since Selznick has two pictures to deliver before December 1, neither the producer nor Whitney is inclined to discuss the issue at this time. UNIVERSAL Production is gradually on the upswing here, with four features currently at work. Two were started within the past week. One is a Bob Baker western. The other is "The Comet" (William Gargan.) ... In about a week or ten days this company is expected to be well in its stride for the extensive program it has mapped out for itself during the next three months. . . . An interesting and excellent policy which Blumberg and Work are pursuing until U has again found its creative legs is to bring in as many important outside players as possible to lend marquee value to the top product. Andrea Leeds and Joel McCrea, both Goldwyn contractees, are currently emoting in "Youth Takes A Fling." Constance Bennett has been borrowed from Hal Roach for the leading role opposite newcomer Vincent Price in "Service De Luxe." Charles Ruggles and W. C. Fields have both been signed to two picture contracts. In addition to these already negotiated deals, Universal has available to it three leading men from Metro. This was arranged when that studio purchased "Madame Curie" from U. This plan will go a long way in accomplishing U's immediate purpose which is to turn out a better grade of boxoffice picture than has been forthcoming from the company in the past two years. Development of new talent, however profitable in the long run, is a long and tedious practice and of no value at the moment. . . . Reports that Whitney would buy in here were officially denied to FB this week. In view of the fresh financing which has just been arranged through New York banks, the pos sibility that such a deal may be negotiated is not to be considered for the time being, at least. WARNERS With ten features going, this studio hits a new production record for the year. Recently begun were "Curtain Call," "Torchy Gets Her Man," "Going Places," and the remake of "Dawn Patrol." The programmers shooting at the moment evidence boxoffice possibilities. "Blackwell's Island" features John Garfield, who Warners firmly believe will be a new star with the release of "Four Daughters." "Heart of the North" is an outdoor technicolor feature. "Curtain Call" has Kay Francis for the marquee. "Torchy Gets Her Man" reunites Glenda Farrell and Barton MacLane in a new chapter of this popular series. . . . Failing to secure Douglas Corrigan for "Dawn Patrol," this outfit will do the next best thing — a story on the cockeyed flight. Titled "Dublin By Mistake," it will concern an aviatrix who will probably be played by Kay Francis. . . . Mark Hellmger, of all people, has had his writing contract torn up and has now become a full fledged producer of important WB pictures. It is reported that Hellinger displayed such an amazing aptitude for production routine that Jack Warner decided to make him one. His first assignment will be "Hell's Kitchen" from a story by Crane Wilbur to feature Humphrey Bogart. . . . This department is continually fascinated by Warners unerring ability to cash it on whatever is occupying the public's attention at the moment. A new wrinkle to this is the studio's attempt to create interest of its own making. Rights to Jerome Odium's new novel, "Dust Be My Destiny," have just been purchased by the company. At WB's discretion, it will run as a serial, subsequently will be printed as a book. During this time Warners will make the film version. And, then, when the book is at the height of its popularity, the picture will be released. (Simple, isn't it, Mr. Selznick!) Even if the book's a flop, it's still an A-l idea. EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRODUCTION CAN BE FOUND IN FILM BULLETIN'S PRODUCTION SECTION