Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1952)

tttpttfjers Log tea i Choice To Negotiate Arbitration Plan With I \ In It G roups If and when the major distributors take up the proposal by Allied States Association for an industry arbitration system, it is regarded as a good bet that Metro's vice-president William F. Rodgers will be asked to undertake the negotiations on behalf of the film companies. While Rodgers' name has not entered into any of the discussions, as far as FILM BULLETIN could learn, his past record in the field of exhibitor relations and his leadership in "unity" movements makes him a logical choice to coordinate and harmonize the arbitration programs of the two big exhibitor organizations, Allied and TOA. Rodgers, who recently stepped down from his general sales managership to act solely Allied Arbitration Plan To Distribs, "Others" Invited Wisely leaving the door open for modifications of its all-inclusive arbitration proposals, the Allied States Association board of directors voted to present the detailed I conciliation plan offered by its board chairman and general counsel, A. F. Myers, to the distributors and to invite them and "other industry elements" to participate in negotiations toward establishment of an industry-wide arbitration system. Wilbur Snaper, New Jersey Allied head, was named by the Board to succeed Trueman T. Renibusch, as president of National Allied. The directorate heard Myers, in his annual report (highlights of Mr. Myers Report on Page 7), blast sales malpractices that had followed the COMPO campaign and had resulted in "jacking up film prices, spread competitive bidding and control admission prices." Put on the pan also were theatreman Charles P. Skouras, producer Cecil B. DeMille and the Motion Picture Ass'n of America. Skouras and DeMille were charged with aiding the industry's detractors, while the MPAA was criticized for jeopardizing exhibitors' chances for exclusive TV channels by intervening in the FCC hearings. The arbitration proposals were by far the most intensive and all-inclusive ever presented by an exhibitor organization. Myers called for a simple and inexpensive organization, with an arbitration tribunal, to be administered by a local committee, to be established in each film exchange center, to serve without compensation. Myers also felt that any board that contained industry representatives, should include a "neutral" arbitrator. An appeals board would also be established. Myers noted that where several distributors are involved and are represented by in an advisory capacity might find such a project an intriguing challenge worthy of his talents as a mediator. He occupies a preeminent position in the regard of exhibitors of every stripe, as well as among distribution executives. In view of the complex nature of the various arbitration proposals that will have to BULLETIN Vol. 20, No. 3 February 11. 1952 NEWS anil OPINION v WILBUR SNAPER New Allied Prexy counsel, a single attorney should handle their joint case since past experience has shown that an exhibitor's counsel is often overpowered by the battery of high-powered lawyers brought in by the film companies. Film rentals was included in the "controversies proposed for arbitration." Another proposal suggested that cash damages be awarded for claims that arbitration tribunals find are warranted. This would eliminate much costly litigation, it was said, in an (Continued on Page 12) be considered, the machinery for sifting and correlating the ideas will, of necessity, have to be undertaken by a small group of men — perhaps one or two from each of the exhibitor groups and one who can speak, at least preliminarily, for the distributors. A machinery with too many cogs would probably lead to wreckage of the whole idea. Rodgers is currently sojourning in Florida. He suffers from an asthmatic condition which was principally responsible for his decision to take a less active role in Metro's affairs. However, he is in good physical shape otherwise and might consider the accomplishment of a practical, all-inclusive industry arbitration system the crowning achievement of an outstanding career in the industry. TOA Board Takes Action On Beefs, Arbitration, Taxes Characterized by executive director Gael Sullivan as its most successful meeting since inception, Theatre Owners of America's mid-winter board sessions were undoubtedly one of the most all-inclusive in the organization's history. It probed more deeply than ever into trade malpractices, tossed around the arbitration hot potato, called for a renewed drive against discriminatory taxes, proposed an institution to develop new ideas for production, distribution and exhibition, covered theatre television and the campaign for industry TV channels. Taking its most mliitant attitude yet on grievances, the board directed president Mitchell Wolfson to appoint a committee to examine all trade practice beefs by members and to bring their findings to the attention of the distributors. If no satisfaction can be obtained from the latter, the complaints will be presented to the Department of Justice. On arbitration, the board reaffirmed its previous stand on the dire need for such a system, but deliberately refrained from specific mention of what should be included, apparently to forestall any conflict that might endanger the likelihood of a joint arbitration meeting with the distributors and the other exhibitor organization leaders. The condition placed by the film companies on the approval of any successful arbitration system requires all of exhibition to be represented. As recommended by the TOA board, the arbitration proposals are in general form and are open to suggestion by any other groups in the industry. Noting that because of the discriminatory taxes, many of the smaller theatres were paying taxes on losses, Sullivan called for a renewed campaign against the burdensome Federal, state and local levies on movie (Continued on Page 12) FEBRUARY, 11, 1952 i