The Film Daily (1937)

Intimate in Character [international in Scope Independent in Thought u'Y 29 1937 The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Now Nineteen Years Old VOL. 71. NO. 125 NEW YORK. FRIDAY, MAY 28. 1937 TEN CENTS Critics' Replies to 5th Forum Questionnaire Analyzed REPORT liDWYN-KORDAU A. DEAL NEARJLOSING Allied States Votes to Set up Film Buying Combine Yamins Names Committee to Consider Practicability of the Plan By ARTHUR W. EDDY Associate Editor of THE FILM DAILY Milwaukee — By a vote of 74 to 60, Allied yesterday decided to study a plan for setting up a national film buying combine under which participating theaters would pay three per cent of their total rentals as a fee. The proposition was submitted by the resolutions' committee through its chairman, Col. H. A. Cole of Texas. Under the proposal which is to {Continued on Page 11) HOLLYWOOD AIR TRIP FOR TOURNEY WINNER Extra! . . . Extra! . . . Some fortunate golfer competing in the 25th Annual (Silver Jubilee) FILM DAILY Golf Tournament at the Elmsford Country Club, White Plains, on June 9, will find himself turned into a literal "birdie," if he wins the very particular prize put {Continued on Page 8) 24 Executives to Speak at 20th-Fox Sales Meet West Coast Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Addresses by Joseph M. Schenck, Sidney R.'Kent, Darryl F. Zanuck, Col. Jason Joy, John D. Clark, Harry Brand, Charles E. Mc (Continued on Page 12) Would Take Over 1,500 \j Houses One Night a Week Milwaukee — A new company headed by New York interests is trying to line up 1,500 theaters under a plan to take over the houses {Continued on Page 11) in which leading U. S. newspaper critics, editors and columnists call for better story material, favor film stars on the air, assail duals, hail color and list stellar candidates. THE FILM DAILY today presents an analytical and statistical digest of the fifth annual ■ Critics' Forum. The consensus of critical opinion reflects the varied viewpoints of the reviewers, editors and columnists on representative American newspapers, both large and small, who to the number of 1,500 were invited to participate. In the verbal mirror held up to the industry by its unofficial affiliates, all branches of the spreading cinematic tree will find constructive — and honest — criticism and timely suggestions. To the critics, then, a hearty, "thank you"; to the industry, their advice. I. INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS What do you consider the most urgent need of the motion picture industry? DETTER writing and better story material are the most urgent industry needs accord*~ ing to 16 per cent of the critics. Another eight per cent believe original story material is the major requirement for better films. Thus, nearly a fourth of the film critics believe more attention of one sort or another should be given scripts. A plea for elimination of dual feature programs was next on the critics' "urgent needs'" list, with seven per cent advocating the end of this practice. Better pictures were suggested in six per cent of the answers and another six per cent favored more "A" pictures and fewer "B" films. Among other suggestions most mentioned by the critics were: Better short subjects; originality and independence; three-dimensional films; more features with color; more comedies; relaxation of censorship; elimination of Bank Night and giveaways, honest publicity; less featuring of foreign players; better sound reproduction; fewer pictures; and players with acting ability instead of just "looks." II. RADIO COMPETITION Do you believe that radio appearances of motion picture players help or hurt? "THAT radio appearances help is the opinion of 40 per cent of the critics. Eighteen * per cent think that they hurt. Program material and radio ability of the individual must be considered according to 17 per cent while eight per cent believe there is no effect from radio appearance. Some reviewers believe that radio helps the player but hurts the boxoffice or that radio help newcomers to establish themselves but hurts the already well-known players. {Continued on Page 7) Chaplin Fairbanks Pickford Have Given Option, Dr. Giannini Says By RALPH WILK West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Deal by which financial interests of Charles S. Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in United Artists would be acquired by Samuel Goldwyn and Alexander Korda was reported near the closing stage here last night. Dr. A. H. Giannini, UA president, officially announced late yesterday that Goldwyn and Korda held an option to buy, but stated that exsiting releasing contracts {Continued on Page 4) UNION DECISION LEFT TO ALLIED REGIONALS Milwaukee — Leaving the vexatious question of affiliation with either the A F of L or CIO unions up to the exhibitor or regional associations for determination, Allied, at a closed meeting yesterday in connection with its annual convention at the Hotel Pfister, decided to {Continued on Page 11) No Para. "Unfair Play" Adolph Zukor Tells Allied Milwaukee — Paramount's failure to deliver six pictures sold on its 1936-37 program is not "unfair play," declares Adolph Zukor in a message read to the Allied annual convention at the Hotel Pfister yes{Continued on Page 11) Thompson Formally Named Hays Ad. Council's Head Lester Thompson was selected yesterday as director of the Advertising Advisory Council of the Hays {Continued on Page 8)