Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1952)

REPORT FROM THE STUDIOS Jerry Wald's appointment this month as vice-president and executive producer of Columbia Pictures Corp. can very well be the vital coj; in the company's studio set-up that will bring it right in line with the top production companies. Reliable sources tell FILM BULLETIN that Wald, before signjing the long-term contract, demanded the JERRY WALD Vital Cog ght to bargain for strictly top flight proprties and talent in executing future producon. In order to acquire the talent he wants, is believed that Wald will initiate profitirticipation deals, similar to those which -I has been negotiating with such outanding success. Already, talks have started |ith James Stewart to star in "Wood lawk," which producer Vincent Sherman ill roll next month. | In addition to his supervisory duties at e studio, Wald will personally produce ie of Columbia's top productions annually, which he will have a financial participa>n as added compensation. o 0 Paramount is launching its most ambitious ogram of overseas production during 1953, |th a total of five films set for shooting road. Two and possibly three others are pected to be added to this line-up, before 2 end of the year. William Dietcrle has pt been set to direct Irving Asher's Tech•olor production, "Elephant's Walk" in ylon, starting early in February. Others Iw set for foreign filming are: "Legend of j: Incas," Mel Epstein Technicolor pro• ction to be lensed in Peru; a pair of I >eph Sistrom productions, "Wings Across lp Sea," to be made entirely in Britain ling a Technicolor commitment, and I ersian Gulf," to be filmed in the actual locale; and "Rhapsody," a Bernard Smith production to be directed by Charles Yidor on location in Zurich, Switzerland. 0 0 Republic is in the midst of establishing a record high in fall production, with four pictures rolling over a six week period. This is in addition to "South of San Antone" (Rod Cameron-Arlene Wheclan), which has been shooting since mid-October. The November starters are: "The Woman They Almost Lynched," which producer-director Allan Dwan placed before the cameras on November 5; "Spoilers of the Pacific," which John Auer has been directing since November 14; and "One For the Road," a William Seiter production set for November 28. "Sea of Lost Ships," producer Joseph Kane's drama about the U. S. Coast Guard, is set for a December 15 start. <0 0 United Artists' president Arthur Krim, during a recent visit to Hollywood, revealed that his company is now concentrating on its 1954 program, having already amassed a record backlog, sufficient to carry the slate through 1953. He pointed out that his company is liquidating films faster than ever before, "High Noon", for instance, piled up a $2,000,000 gross during the first 14 weeks in release. "The African Queen," which has now been playing for 34 weeks, has racked up a total of $3,500,000. Largely on the success of these two pictures, Krim expects his company to gross betwen 50 and 60 per cent more this year than they did in 1951. UA will maintain a releasing schedule of three-pictures-per-month during 1953, with additional extras expected to be added from time to time. Of the total of 36 to 40 films for the year, Edward Small will contribute 12 — three of which are already completed. O 0 With an even half-dozen features awaiting release, and three more being edited, Lippert Productions' slate will get a big boost during November and December, with the start of four new films. Robert L. Lippert, the releasing company's president, says this stepped-up production will be maintained in the months ahead, in order to meet the quota of 20 releases annually, which he has promised to deliver to his new franchise holders. "Cairo" (George Raft), which Ray Enright will direct, and "Spaceways" (Howard DuffEva Batrok), get underway this month. December starters will be: "Project X," produced and directed by Arthur Hilton, and "Hangtown," to be produced by a former exhibitor, Matt Freed. Features ready for release are: "Scotland Yard Inspector," "Tromba, the Tiger Man," "Mr. Walkie-Talkie," and a re-release combination, "Great White Hunter" and "Captain Kidd." iir Hcllifuccd flctefock STAR BRIGHT KEITH ANDES Keith Andes appears to be one of the best bets for top stardom during the coming year. The 32-year-old actor has already scored an impressive hit in Wald-Krasna's "Clash By Night," and appears to be headed for even greater recognition in his currentlyfilming "Split Second." Actually, this is not Andes' first hitch in Hollywood. During the war he played an important role in the famed Army Air Force show, "Winged Victory," and as a result of that appearance, was signed to a motion picture contract by David O. Selznick. This contract materialized into a long period of waiting, broken by only one brief picture role. That was in "The Farmer's Daughter," with Loretta Young and Joseph Cotton. Following that, Andes went east and made a name for himself on the Broadway musical stage. After a national road tour and a New York success opposite Ann Jeffreys in "Kiss Me Kate" he was signed to his second film contract — this time with RKO. Andes possesses a resonant baritone singing voice which marks him as a definite possibility for Hollywood musicals. Currently, MGM is negotiating for a loan-out on his services from RKO to play a starring role in the movie version of "Kiss Me Kate." However, he has proved that he also possesses acting talent which should make for a well-rounded career. That added boost exhibitors can give in spotlighting a new star could pay off hand somely with a personality like Keith Andes. FILM BULLETIN November 17. 1952 Page 9