Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1938)

%desxendettt EXHIBITORS FILM BULLETIN Size -Up s (Continued from page 7) to it. . . . That this company is determined to crack the "big time" is discernible in its budget allotment on "Wagons Westward," the life of Sam Houston, which will amount to approximately $750,000 if the desired top names can be secured. Representatives of the company are negotiating with various important players for the three key roles of Houston, Andrew Jackson and Mrs. Houston. . . . Should this film turn out as expected, it is generally believed that Republic will plunge on two other films this season. They are "Two Years Before the Mast" and "Doctors Don't Tell," both splendid properties. . . . Gene Autry's contract has been rearranged to include a salary boost. Republic will have the actor's services until 1940. . . . Roy Rogers will probably be teamed permanently with Lynn Roberts and oe billed as "The Sweethearts of the West." It's a new angle to the routine Western exploitation and might stir up some interest from the femme trade. RKO-RADIO The scheduled increase of production activity at this studio materialized in the form of only one new picture, "Annabel Takes a Tour." This is a sequel to "The Affairs of Annabel," which is the start of another hoped-for series. RKO has just purchased a couple of more stories based on the escapades of the film star and her press agent. . . . More cuts in the contract list took place here, leaving about sixteen players on the regular payroll. . . . There is talk that Lubitsch's first production under the newly formed Myron Selznick setup may be released here. . . . Otherwise RKO is the dullest spot on a Hollywood reporter's beat. 20th CENTURY-FOX Production is slow for this studio, only five pictures working at this time. However, 20th is well advanced in its schedule and can afford to relax for a time. . . . One reason for the slackening in activity is the realignment of schedules instigated by Zanuck as his first move upon returning to Hollywood. . . . Another policy being pursued by the studio head is the splitting up of the higher salaried writing teams. Zanuck has long been of the opinion that 20th Century's scripts were too expensive, so began by splicing the team of Kenyon and Arthur. The former is doing a solo job on "Hudson's Bay Company," while Arthur has been assigned the new Sonja Henie picture in collaboration with Robert Harrari. We like this move. One of Hollywood's silliest policies is the use of two, three and four high-priced writers on one script. It's wasteful and does NOT make for good screen plays! ... A report has it that execs have almost decided to abandon the Chan pictures and will concentrate instead on the Moto thrillers. Next adventure of the Japanese investigator has an extraordinary supporting cast for this type of feature. We advise Zanuck to continue the Chans. . . . Studio will continue using its Italian family in a group of sport pictures to be produced by Jerry Hoffman. UNITED ARTISTS Only new film to start production here is Wanger's "Trade Winds," co-starring Fredric March and Joan Bennett. . . . Small is still anxious to produce "Duke of West Point" but lacks a male player for the lead. . . . Hal Roach is preparing production on "Zonobia's Infidelity," originally set for Roland Young, but now being utilized as a vehicle for Oliver Hardy and his new partner Harry Langdon. Stan Laurel is definitely off the Roach payroll and unless legal proceedings say differently, he will not re turn to the lot. Roach is fed up on the comic's temperament and escapades which have constantly interfered with studio work. . . . Sam Goldwyn has also been having star trouble — with Jascha Heifetz, whom he signed to a one picture commitment. Story troubles almost ended the deal, and since a starting date was involved it seemed for a time that Goldwyn would have to pay the fiddler off. This has been settled now and I. A. R. Wylie is writing an original. Production is slated to start in the fall. Despite all this, we will take odds that Heifetz either never makes a picture for Goldwyn, or, if he does, he will not be starred! . . . On the Selznick front all is exceedingly quiet. Publiciteer Rus Birdwell criticized the press for censoring Selznick's unwillingness to start production on "Gone With the Wind" immediately. . . . Preview reports on "The Young in Heart" are glowing. The press will see it shortly. UNIVERSAL Production is moving along here with five pictures shooting at this time and others coming up at early dates. . . . Most important of the newly begun is "Service De Luxe," which introduces Vincent Price co-starred with Constance Bennett. This young man has been a stage favorite for some time and is definitely a comer. ... In accordance with this company's Metro deal mentioned on these pages last issue, Universal is about to use three of M-G-M's top male stars, Robert Montgomery, Robert Young and James Stewart. For the first two a search has been launched for story material. Stewart will probably star in the re-make of "Destry Rides Again," to be directed by Edward Sutherland. . . . James Whale is tiffing with the studio over his next picture, "The Sun Never Sets." The director is reported not to like the story, and unless this difference of opinion is straightened out shortly, Whale may leave the lot and not renew his contract, which has only four weeks to run. It is this department's opinion that U's officials should heed Whale's protest. He is one of Hollywood's most capable megaphoners, but his recent stories have been plenty poor. Another "Sinners in Paradise" would be disastrous. The studio should give Whale a break. He has and can deliver the goods. ... J. Cheever Cowdin money boss, is here for a looksee at production. He is pleased with the way things are shaping up and reports that studio's finances are in a healthy condition and should prove even better with the end of this quarter when the grosses on "Rage of Paris" and "Little Tough Guy" are tabulated. WARNER BROTHERS Production has slowed down on this lot, five pictures at work. Five were completed within the last two weeks and nine more are scheduled for filming within the next 30 days. . . . John Garfield gets his first taste of top billing in "They Made Me a Criminal," following which he is scheduled for an important role in "The Phantom Crown." This happens to be the new title for the proposed film based on the story of Maxmillian and Carlotta. Acting roles are most difficult and the studio is conducting daily tests for the various parts. Indications are that when assembled it will form one of the most pretentious collections of film talent ever seen by Hollywood. . . . "Racket Busters" again displays the Warner clairvoyance. Because of its similarity to the Dewey investigation, the film is reported to be cleaning up in first run spots. . . . Another program sneaker says the Hollywood grape vine is "Devil's Island," which casts Karloff in a sympathetic role. Bryan Foy is doing a much better job with these B pictures than he was doing a year or so ago.