Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1952)

Sews anil Opinion (Continued fiom Page 24) Mutual decision in view of "supervening changes of both law and fact" to :^ivc the motion picture the constitutional protection now accorded the press. The MPAA's Eric Johnston hailed "this oportunity to have the highest court in the land rule om the constitutionality of motion picture censorship. Every one of us has a stake in the outcome of the 'Pinky' case," he added. "We know it's a basic and abiding truth that no one medium of expression can have its freedom chipped away without endangering all others ... I am hopeful that out of the 'Pinky' case can come a clear-cut decision by the Supreme Court which will rout out fiim censorship wherever it exists and which will establish for all time the principal ot freedom of the screen as a constitutional right — sacred along with freedom of speech and freedom of the press." MPAA'S JOHNSTON Hopeful Warners Moves To Retire Large Block Of Common Stock Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. advised its stockholders that the corporation had appropriated §10,000,000 to cover the purchase of some 750,000 shares of common stock outstanding for cancellation and retirement. Approximately 200,000 shares will come from Harry H., Albert and Jack L. Warner, it was revealed as the corporation invited sealed tenders of stock at prices not exceeding $15 per share. Deadline for the stock tenders was set at 3 p.m. on April 4, and it was noted that all stockholders of record on March 3, 1952, will receive the dividend payable April 4, whether or not they tender stock. Xo tenders in excess of '515 per share will be accepted, it was said, and all tenders are irrevocable. The 200,000 shares to be offered by the brothers Warner will reduce their aggregate holdings from 1,124,298 shares to 924,298, but their holdings percentage-wise will remain as before — approximately 25 per cent. UPT Theatre TV Loss Set At $125,000 In 4-Year Period Some 105 theatre telecasts in ten United Paramount Theatres over the past four years has averaged better than $1000 less per program. The figure, set upwards of $125,000 in direct losses (not including cost of the TV equipment and regular operating expenses), was revealed by UPT secretarytreasurer Robert H. O'Brien before the Federal Communications Commission, Considering the experimental nature of the telecasts and the concentration of costs due to the dearth of theatres with TV equipment, it was noted, the figure was not too startling. In addition to the losses, close to a quarter million dollars had been spent for the purchase and installation of the equipment in the nine mid-western UPT theatres. The Xew York Paramount does not own its equipment; it receives its TV service from Paramount Pictures on a regular rate card basis. David Wallerstein, Balaban & Katz vicepresident, dubbed the TV experiments by the UPT subsidiary in Chicago a costly proposition, so much so, in fact, that the chain has halted further installations in any of its houses. They will, however, continue with experimental telecasts in those theatres already equipped, he added. Court Grants UPT Extension, Denies U. S. Ban on 'Move-ups' United Paramount Theatres won an 18month extetision of the time required by the Federal Court for divestiture of the remaining 184 theatres in which UPT has an interest. Although the Statutory Court ruling was termed a "compromise", the word was hardly suitable since none of the Government's objections were sustained, while UPT was granted all but six months of the twoyear postponement it has requested. Under the ruling, the circuit must rid itself of one-third of its holdings each six months — the first by Sept. 3, 1952; two-thirds by March 3, 1953, and the balance by Sept. 3, 1953. The Justice Department's charge that GRIPES LIKE GRAPES TOA's grass roots gripes were coming in bunches. The first regional grievance panel heard seven complaints and founnd them all worthy of further investigation. Held at the Piedmont Hotel in Atlanta before a four-man committee, some 36 exhibitors heard the septet of complaints: another batch of 25 were due to be presented at the next meeting of the Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee exhibitors on April 13th. UPT had advanced playing position at some "i it> theatres ami the Government's request for an injunction against this practice for the next five years was denied, albeit "without prejudice" leaving the way open for further action 'jy the Government. UPT attorney George B. Gallants' contention that such a move would require an amendment to the decree was upheld by the Court. TOA Research Unit Seeks 'Clearing House' For New Ideas TOA's Scientific Research Committee, with Charles Skouras at the helm, got busy on plans to srt up its all-industry research institute in cooperation with distributors, producers, and other exhibitor organizations. The idea, approved by the TOA board, is to TOA'S WOLFSON .V Seatter-Shot Approach establish an "industry clearing houuse" for testing, dc. eloping and proving new ideas. In announcing the Committee appointments, TO \ head Michell Wolfson stressed the need for a coordinated scientific effort to develop movie potentialities. "We cannot have a scatter-shot approach to the problem of third dimension, theatre television, audience tastes and exploitation techniques. We need an industry clearing house for testing new ideas— we need an industry laboratory where the best scientific brains can help us keep pac with developments in this electronic age — we need an industry proving ground for merchandising and housekeeping techniques." Wolfson also announced that the Arbitration Committee will be ready to play an active part "in the industry-negotiations which we hope will develop shortly to bring about a sound arbitration system." Commenting on the size of the 17-man board headed by Si Fabian, Wolfson said he 'Wanted ti to be representative of all areas of thinking and all types of exhibitor operators.', MARCH 24. 1952 25