Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1938)

14 %<kpeudent ixhibitom FILM BULLETIN mm mm mm am mi) BY H ANN A Ending one of Ihe most intriguing personality searches in Hollywood history, Sidney Toler has been selected to succeed the late Warner Oland in the title role of 20th CenturyFox's Charlie Chan series. Although one of the first players suggested for the part, it was not until producer Sol Wurtzel caught his rushes in Up the River that the actor was asked to make a test. Not only does Toler have the physical attributes associated with the Oriental sleuth, but his effortless and smooth acting fit perfectly the Chan characterization. Toler is one of those fine supporting actors — so good we usually take him for granted. He achieved great distinction as a member of the great David Belasco's group of players. He appeared in such stage successes as Lulu Belle, Kiki, The Dove and many others. He is also known as the author of the hit play Belle of Richmond. Toler made his film debut in 1929 in Madame X, from which he emerged as one of the most consistently sought after feature players in the film colony. He will be seen shortly in Mysterious Rider and Up the River. The 19 point program presented by the Screen Actors Guild to the Hollywood agents is spurring one of the most bitter industry battles ever waged in the film village. The conditions demanded by the Guild are such that most agents feel they could not remain profitably in business. On the other hand, the Guild feels that not all the agents are doing right by its actor members. Latest plan in the heated negotiations is a scheme of self-regulation to be affected by the agents themselves. NOMINATED FOR BETTER ROLES GLORIA HOLDEN Where Ernst Lubitsch would release the first of his contemplated independent productions has been a matter of considerable conjecture in local film circles. Both United Artists and RKO are interested in the project, with the latter appearing to have the upper hand in present negotiations. Nat Deverich, representing Myron Selznick, is currently in New York conferring with Ned Depinet on a deal which would give RKO not only the release of this Lubitsch production, but future enterprises sponsored by Selznick. Intermezzo, reported to be one of the finest motion pictures ever made in Europe, has been purchased by Selznick International from a Swedish company, for production of an American version. This will be the first picture to be handled by Merritl Hulburd at Selznick. Hulburd joins the company November 1 as an associate producer. Intermezzo tells the story of the love triangle involving a famous Gloria Holden was brought to Hollywood from the New York stage by Universal. This studio cast her in the title role of "Daughter of Frankenstein." Since her departure from Universal, Miss Holden has been seen in "The Life Of Zola," "Test Pilot" and, more recently, "Girls School." In each she has had exceptionally fine, but subordinate, roles — made memorable by the depth of characterization which makes her work stand out. She may not be the star type — but Gloria Holden has talent too valuable to be submerged in "bits." musician, his wife and his beautiful girl accompanist. One of the most important story buys of the season was culminated recently when Edward Small Productions announced acquisition of screen rights to Howard Spring's best selling novel, My Son, My Son! Published by the Viking Press, the book has enjoyed a phenomenal sale and currently tops the list of the best sellers, exceeding the 5,000 mark weekly. $50,000 is reported to have been paid by Small for the screen rights to the novel. Work of transforming it into a screenplay will be started immediately. The latest addition to the stunts evolved by Paramount for its exploitation of Men with Wings will be to sponsor a trans-continental flight to be made by air mail pilot Jack Knight. Knight will fly in a 20 year old plane, taking off immediately following one of the Men with Wings broadcasts on which he will be guest of honor. Coast reports have it that there will shortly be a far reaching upheaval in the Hays office. It is understood that top executives of the major studios who comprise the organization are peeved at the alleged ineffectual handling by the MPPDA of the government monopoly case and other issues which have made the past 12 months so troublesome for the Big Eight. Labor contact Pat Casey is most prominently mentioned for the axe. BITS . . . Early invasion of major studio by the new Dunning three-color film process has become a practical certainty with the revelation that two majors are already drafting blue prints. . . . Hockey stars of U. S. C. and Loyola will appear in Metro's Ice Follies. . . . Universal's publicity department is being revamped. Latest additions being Line Quarberg and Dan Thomas. Both are top men. . . . Gypsy Rose Lee's vaudeville unit opens in San Francisco. . . . Why did the local trades print that item about Anna Sten's G-N picture being held up because of lack of studio space? Lot is one of the biggest and best equipped in town. . . . H. V. Kaltenborn whose war commentating deserves some sort of medal will script a book titled I Broadcast the Crisis. Wonder why one of the newsreel companies don't grab him for foreign affairs commentary. . . . Million Dollar Productions is starting another Negro feature titled Gang Smasher. Nina Mae McKinney stars. . . . Pinky Tomlin is another addition to the personal appearance ranks. . . . Mild flu epidemic struck most severely at 20th Century-Fox, where recent weeks have seen two directors and several players bedded.