The Film Daily (1934)

: Um4 Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper OF Motion Pictures Now Sixteen Years Old VOL. LXV. NO. 128 NEW yOCI\, SATLCDAy, JUNE 2, 1934 <5 CENTS Jos. Schenck to Outline U. A. Lineup of About 30 BOARDSTOT ALLOWEDTO ALTER B.T PRICES S. R. Kent Attacks Cut-Rate and Nuisance" Theaters More Protection Urged for "A" Houses — Pledges Clean Films Cut-rate and "nuisance" theaters tare the target of a verbal barrage Kred by Sidney R. Kent in speakkig before the delegates to the Fox invention at the Waldorf-Astoria -esterday. Kent stated that greater Irotection should be given both highlass films and first-run theaters in ■espect to the "around the corner {Continued on Page i) EDUCAT'L STARTING L 1 Work on EducationaFs new pro;ram will start by July 1, with first iroduction work getting under way n the east, E. W. Hammons said 'esterday in addressing the sales onvention of Fox Film, which disributes the Educational product in ;he U. S. The same production hiefs, E. H. Allen on the coast and U Christie in the east, will be in {Continued on Page 2) W. G. Smith and C. C. Burr Will Film "Crime Clues" Wra. G. Smith, who arrived in 'lew York several weeks ago from he coast, has obtained the rights o "Crime Clues," the Manhunt My«ery series broadcast over WJZ, ind will film them in feature form n the coast in association with C. ). Burr. Release arrangements have lot yet been set. Exploitation will )e tied in with the broadcasts, vhich are to continue. New Australian Studio Sydney — Following close on the formation of Anglo-Australian Films, Ltd., which plans reciprocal production. National Studios, Ltd., has been created to establish a studio for all independent production. Backers are Sir Hugh Denison, Australian newspaper magnate, and Sir James Murdcck. local business man. Entire Equity Slate is Re-elected Entire slate of Actors' Equity Ass'n was re-elected at the annual meeting yesterday. Personnel includes Frank Gil. more, president; Arthur Byron, Florence Reed, George Fawcett, Harley Sadler, vice-presidents; Charles Dow Clark, recording secretary; Paul Du.lzell, executive secretary-treasurer; Paul N. Turner, counsel. BOARDS CAN'T STOP BUILDING OF HOUSES Under the code, local grievance boards do not have the right to prevent building of theaters in opposition to established houses, the Code Authority ruled yesterday in unanimously dismissing a complaint filed by the Gwynn, Baltimore, against the Forest, operated by Frank H. (Continued on Page 2) Foreign Business Better, Joseph Hummel Reports Film business in foreign countries is generally better compared with last year, and audiences abroad strongly prefer American product, says Joseph Hummel, general foreign sales manager for WarnerFirst National, on his return from a nine-month trip that included England, France, Italy, Egypt, Ara (Lontinucd on Page ^.) ASSESSMENTS PA BY 5,519 E A total of 5,519 exhibitors have paid code assessments amounting to $57,051 as of May 29, it was stated at the Code Authority office yesterday. As 7,800 exhibitors signed assent?, more than half have settled their accounts. Mayiair Schedules 12 For 1934-35 Season With a program devoted exclusively to action pictures, Mayfair is planning to make 12 features for release in 1934-35. No Westerns will be included in the list. The company has completed six of its current program of 12 features and expects to finish the entire schedule by Aug. 15, when work begins on the 1934-35 product. United Artists Sales Confab Under Way Today in Chicago Chicago — A program of approximately 30 features, plus the Walt Disney cartoons, is expected to be announced by Joseph M. Schenck for 1934-35 release by United Artists, which starts its three-day convention today at the Drake Hotel. Major block will be made by 20th Century, providing a dozen or so, with others from Samuel Goldwyn, Reliance, and London Films. Schenck leaves the coast today by plane for Chicago and will outline the product at tomorrow's session. First day's confab, with more than 50 branch managers attending, will be devoted to a review of the current season's work and other matters by Al Liehtman, vice-president and general manager of distribution. General conditions, admission prices and double features also are slated for discussion, after which there will be talks by Hal Home on exploitation and showmanship, and by Harry L. Gold on sales. Tomorrow, after the product announcement, Liehtman will conduct a discussion of the new program, followed by a discussion of exhibitor needs as interpreted by the (Continued on Page 2) Admission Scale Specified in Contract Must Stay, Code Auth'y Rules Local grievance boards have no authority to disturb admission prices specified in film contracts, the Code Authority has decided in reversing a ruling of the Charlotte board in the case of L. C. Sipe's Criterion, Anderson, S. C, vs. Strand, operated by Palmetto Theater Co., controlled by Robert Wilby and H. F. Kincey. The local board ruled that Sipe could reduce his admission scale on Fridays and Saturdays from 15 to 10 cents contrary to his contracts with distributors, in order to more fairly compete with the Strand, which charges (Continued on Page 3) MODIFY FWG EDICT; GIVES UP 13 FILMS The Code Authority yesterday modified the Los Angeles grievance board decision in the. overbuying case of the Garfield, Alhambra, Cal., vs. Fox West Coast and Principal Theaters. Distributors were instructed to give the Garfield 13 (Continued on Page i) Precedents Are Expected From Buffalo Test Case Buffalo — Enforcement of the local grievance board order against Edwin Wick of the Majestic, instructing exchanges to deny him product because of failure to com (Continued on Page 3) Lew Cody Mourned West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Film colony was saddened yesterday on learning of the death of Lew Cody, one of the Host popular of film stars, who succumbed to a heart attack while asleep Thursday night. Between his screen and stage activities, Cody had developed a wide following. Funeral services will be held this afternoon.