Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1952)

^\r€>$vs and Opinion (Continued from Page 11) Memphis and New Haven territories are set. The schedule came simultaneously with the assumption of Lou Smith as executive secretary of COMPO'S MOVIETIME USA, offices in Hollywood. The Theatre Equipment Dealers Association (TEDA) accepted the invitation issued at the meeting to become a member. The Theatre Equipment and Supplies Dealers Ass'n (TESMA), which also received a bid at the confab, is expected to follow suit. The financing formula was set up in this manner: For conventional theatres, 500 seats or less, $10 per year; up to 750 seats, $15 a year; 1000-seaters, $25; to 2500 seats, $50; above 2500, $100. For drive-ins: up to 300car capacity, $10; up to 500-car, $15; 600-car, $25; over 600, $50. Since distribution is to match the exhibition payments, some $400,000 was expected to be raised in dues. Headed by Trueman T. Kembusch, the financing committee recommended that a local committee of exhibitors be named in each area to prod the collections. Any hardship cases or "inequitable" payments would be adjusted, it was assured. Named as co-chairmen of the Admissions Tax committee were Texas' Bob O'Donnell and Col. H. A. Cole, who will spearhead the exploratory discussions into the advisability of an industry campaign against the 20 per cent levy. The national committee will include several regional chairmen as well as six members each from Allied and TOA, and two each from ITOA and MMPTA of New York. Allied's A. F. Myers and TOA's Herman Levy will act as committee counsel. The meeting also voted that the new COMPO executive vice-president be delegated to represent the all-industry organizations during the forthcoming FCC hearings on theatre television channels. House Committee Divided On Hollywood Red Charges As a united industry front massed behind the strongly worded resolution by the Council of Motion Picture Organizations against the House Un-American Committee charges of Hollywood's laxity in dealing with movies' Communists, repercussions were heard within the Committee itself. At least two members, Rep. Francis Walter (D., Pa.) and Rep. Morgan M. Moulder (D., Mo.), revealed that they had disputed the fairness of the committee's charges against Hollywood. Chairman John S. Wood (D., Ga.), too, evidenced that he had not ( hanged his mind since he issued a Itatement for the record last Spring that Hollywood was going to "great expense" to rid itself of Red influence. Although Wood refused comment on the COMPO resolution, he indicated his belief that the matter would be reconsidered and a revised report may be issued. SPYROS P. SKOURAS His Decision Was Awaited Disney Disdains Video, To Produce For Theatres Only Roy Disney's hands were encased in the velvet gloves he extended to theatremen as he renounced the "piddling" income from television in favor of theatre exhibition. Just the hint of hard knuckles underneath was apparent when he chided the exhibitors for their reluctance to pay enough for quality pictures to keep producers happy, and for dissipation of good product in an attempt to maintain high grosses. Aside from these little swipes, the president of Walt Disney Productions, Inc. had some happy tidings for theatremen who fear the inroads TV may make into the flow of product theatres will receive. An acknowledged plum for video showings, the Disney films will remain off the TV channels, except for clips to exploit theatre exhibition, The decision, Disney said, was taken after an intensive survey to examine possible revenue from TV showings. The findings were that the TV market offered a mere trickle of revenue compared with what the nation's theatres has to offer. "Theatrical distribution is the only answer," Disney concluded. FCC HEARINGS NOW IN MAY Federal Communications Commission hearings on theatre television and allocation of channels was again postponed from March 10 to May 5. The long list of industry witnesses due to testify, now topping three score, weren't exactly happy about the delay. Many of them, including the top executives in distribution and exhibition, had specifically made arrangements to be on hand for the hearings twice. Now they'll have to clear the May 5 — and thereafter — time. U-l, Decca Deal Hinges On Stockholders, Rank Actions Although Universal Pictures advised Securities & Exchange Commission last w that Decca Records, Inc., was the cl stockholder in Universal with a 27 per c interest, the problem of actual control : remained largely in the rumor mill. It i previously known that Decca's acquisitioi Universal stock gave the former the larf. individual bloc, but two big questions mained: (1) would the stockholder's m> ing, yet to be held since the Decca purch, approve the merger plan, (2) could J. Art Rank marshal enough shares, along with 14 per cent, to either squash the merge should he so desire — or still maintain a c trolling interest in the corporation. The merger plan itself has not been cided upon, although the SEC was infor by Universal that "the desirability of bining the business of the two compai through the acquisition of Decca's asset being studied." "Pinky" Case Given MPAA Backing In High Court Appea The U. S. Supreme Court test of censorship assumed new proportions w the Motion Picture Association of Ante decided to lend legal aid to East Texas Tl tres, owner of the Paramount in Marsl Tex., where the "Pinky" case origina MPAA attorney Phillip O'Brien was scl uled to join Robert L. Park, attorney for chain, in presenting an order to the 1 Court of Appeals. The "Pinky" case bolsters the indu position taken for "The Miracle." Legal feel that between the two, the argum necessary for a clear-cut Supreme C ruling on the constitutionality of film ce ship can be amply presented. Paramount KTLA-TV Has 500-Film Pact, FCC Hears The curtain went up on the third a the FCC-Paramount hearings last week the question of Paramount Pictures' q fication to be a television licensee segu the examining of United Paramount 1 ires' qualifications to hold a TV license, initial premise in the hearings revolve ar whether or not Paramount controls the Mont TV Laboratories. Klaus Landsberg, general manage Paramount's TV outlet KTLA, testified week that the station had a contract ( Dec. 29) for 500 to 600 features and shor a cost of approximately a half million do or an average of less than $1,000 per filr (Continued on Pag 14 FILM, BULLE1