Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1938)

AUGUST 27th, 193 The Inside on (he Important Studios' Activities COLUMBIA This outfit continues to lag far behind the other majors. Only two films are working here currently, "Thoroughbred" (Edith Fellowes) and "In Old Arizona," a Larry Darmour Western. Gordon Elliot tops the cast, replacing Jack Luden. Other than these there appears to be nothing of importance on the company's production schedule for the next few weeks. . . . Top roles in Columbia's production of the "Blondie" comic strip may go to Stuart Erwin and Una Merkel. Contracts are expected to be signed this week. Frank Strayer will direct under the supervision of Robert Sparks, who replaces Sam Marx. Marx, in the future, will devote full time to his duties as head of the story department. . . . Frank Capra's next picture may not be the Dietrich opus after all. Present plans call for him to take the production reigns on a sequel to "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town," which would again co-star Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur. GRAND NATIONAL The production burden on this lot is again being maintained by Fine Arts, which is now shooting "Cipher Bureau." . . . Most interest here is centered in Educational's acquisition of G-N. The deal has been worked out to everyone's satisfaction. As we go to press the terms of the merger agreement will be submitted to Federal Judge William P. James for approval. Upon his decision hinges the future of Grand National. E. W. Hammons will be president and controlling factor. Ed Alperson will handle distribution. This will satisfy Hammons' old urge to get into feature production. METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER Only one new production started on this lot within the past fourteen days. It is "The Shining Hour," Frank Borzage production starring Joan Crawford. This, incidentally, is the actress' first camera appearance in almost a year. . . . Reason for the lull at this plant may be attributed to the temporary postponement of two Metro pictures scheduled for production at this time. "Idiot's Delight," the antiwar story, is awaiting script approval from Rome. "Northwest Passage" cannot be filmed until spring, when it is presumed atmospheric conditions will be more favorable to the proposed location scenes. . . . This studio is definitely going after the "bread and butter" series market. In the planning stage are two groups of pictures, one starring Lew Ayres in the title role of stories based on the "Dr. Kildaire" yarns by Max Brand. The other is a series of action melodramas with comedy to star Dennis O'Keefe. Harry Rapf, who discovered the young actor, is working with Edward Selznick on the first story. . . . What with "Alexander's Ragtime Band" piling up sensational grosses throughout the country, Hollywood is on the lookout for other Broadway personalities whose talents or life stories might be blended into a picture. Metro is reported dicker ing with George M. Cohan to appear in a story based on his impressive career. Cohan is slightly sour on Hollywood, but an idea like this might change his mind. MONOGRAM Activity is slow at this studio and news at a premium. . . . Last picture to be filmed was "Wanted By the Police," starring Frankie Darro. Next on the schedule is "Mr. Wong, Detective," first of the Boris Karloff series. . . . This outfit's plan to produce in England, reported in this department a few issues back, is being ironed out. Final decision will probably be made to the Board of Directors late in September. PARAMOUNT With ten features at work this company remains the busiest lot in town. Five new films were started during the past two weeks. They are the new "Bulldog Drummond" feature, "King of Chinatown," "Say It In French," "Disbarred" and "Frontiersman." . . . "Disbarred" is an attempt to put Gail Patrick into the big time bracket. A beautiful woman and fine actress, it took an appearance in another studio's picture to convince Paramount executives they were overlooking a good bet. . . . Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland, who a few years ago formed one of the top comedy teams in pictures, may return to this lot as the top players in a series of "Mr. and Mrs." comedies. Peter Milne has checked in to write the first screen play. If it jells as expected, further stories will be filmed. . . Gladys Swarthout's finale under her Par contract will be a $200,000 programmer. Of this sum the warbler's salary will amount to approximately $60,000. Apparently the film day of operatic songbirds is over — for the present, at least. PROGRESSIVE Like most of Hollywood these days, this outfit is as dead ast last week's newspaper. ... A couple of writers have been called in to do some script polishing, but otherwise there is no indication that actual production will begin in the very near future. . . . Ben Judell's most desperate need is a guaranteed release. Until that is established, it would be foolish for him to pour any money into "projection room" pictures. REPUBLIC This studio has two pictures shooting, "Down in Arkansas" and "Night Hawk." . . . The most interesting item from this lot is the report that Herbert Yates will increase all film budgets from 10', to 15',. This has come about because of the increase in theatre outlets which the company has negotiated within the past year. Much credit for this is due James R. Grainger, who in the last few months has been instrumental in selling Republic product to approximately 300 houses which heretofore were closed (Continued on next page)