The Film Daily (1935)

DAILY Friday, May 24, 1935 LAW SUIT BARRAGE PLANNED BY ALLIED (Continued from Page 1) tends to utilize legislation, screen and newspaper propaganda and to enlist the interest of civic groups in its greivances, hoping that with this combined pressure it will be able to get what it wants. The convention was in many respects a colorful one. Serious business was well broken up with many good laughs most of which afforded something for sober afterthought. In conducting the proceedings President Samuelson was a good master of ceremonies, letting everybody else talk but saving his own few and pointed remarks until the very finish. He then stated briefly that there is no exhibitor problem that adequate organization cannot cure, that a convention could only draft a platform while the real work would have to be done after going home and urged that Allied continue to build strength until it reaches the point where its officials can pick up a telephone and in a few words get the parties on the other side of the fence to come over and straighten out whatever grievance happens to exist. A highlight of the closing session, which drew the biggest turnout of the three, was the appearance of Governor Eugene Talmadge of Georgia. He attacked the NRA as favoring big interests against little fellows and then amused the gathering by telling the humorous side of a typical day in the Governor's office. Committee reports were then presented and all unanimously adopted. Reporting on the code, H. A. Cole said his committee recommended that independent exhibitors withdraw from the code and that indies who are members of code boards resign their posts unless and until the code and Code Authority are revised in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Allied board sometime ago in New Orleans. Demanding among other things equal representation of buyers and sellers on code boards. On the Chicago situation, H. M. Richej reported his committee decided that, al though the situation is said to be well in hand, cooperation should be extended to make it a national issue unless the matter is cleared up. Morris Wax of the same committee read its resolution condemning Metro's action and ordering a copy of resolution sent to Metro and the trade press as well as adapted into a trailer to acquaint the public with the situation. For the committee on anti-compulsory block booking Walter Littlefield reported two resolutions, one endorsing the Pettengill bill and directing exhibitors to communicate with congressmen and urge its passage and the second answering circulated arguments and propaganda for block booking. Abram F. Myers also was directed to send a copy ol Awarded Red Suspenders Atlanta — At the closing session of the Allied convention, Sidney E. Samuelson and Abram F. Myers were initiated into the Royal and Mystic Order of the Red Galluses by Governor Eugene Talmadge cf Georgia, who is the original member of the unique organization. Insignia is the wearing of red suspenders. The Governor showed his, then placed a pair on each of of the two new members. Allied Now Represented in 30 States Atlanta — Allied now has units in thirty states and is receiving cooperation from units in six other states, thus leaving onry 12 states in which it is not represented, according to a map of the organization's position shown at the convention yesterday by President Sidney E. Samuelson. Four additional units including North and South Carolina are expected to join within a month, he said. Cooperating states are California, Wyoming, Colorado, Connecticut, Wisconsin and Mississippi. Non-Allied states are: Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri. Arkansas, Kentucky, Virginia, North and South Carolina. Samuelson announced receipt of a telegram from Oklahoma stating an Allied unit is in formation there. Allied Sidelights GOV'T AGENTS PROBli CHICAGO SITUATION (Continued from Payc 1) ceived here by Aaron Saperstein. In bringing this before the Allied convention here, Abram F. Myers asked exhibitors to advise him if they knew of any similar situations at present or in the past which would warrant probing. By DON CARLE GILLETTE ATLANTA CONVENTION talkies made by National Screen Service were shown with the Wednesday midnight preview of "Loves of a Dictator" at Rialto. Pete Wood had to return to Ohio Wednesday night. Mary Brockett, head booker of Tony Sudekum's 60 Crescent amusement circuit houses, and Frank Merritt circuit owner of Birmingham, contributed their share of Southern hospitality. Charles Lester, southern division manager for National Screen Service, busy with a delegation from the Neiv York home office. Atlanta's movie scribes — Frank Daniel of the "Journal," Ralph Jones of the "Constitution," and Sam Luchesse and Dudley Glass of the "Georgian" — are a fine bunch of fellows. From distant San Francisco came Floyd St. John, the big indie exchange man along the Pacific coast. Harry Hecht, who has the Rialto and Palace in Passaic and the Plaza in Paterson, N. J., brought alone: the wife and two daughters. He wanted to be sure of a foursome at any time. When "Red" Kann proffered a tip to the bellhop who took up his bags, the lad said, "No, thanks. This is part of The Film Daily service." Marvin Kirsch fixed it. and also for some other business. This contingent included Lawrence M. Hartley, manager of the Photophone division; Tom Joyce, advertising manager; J. D. Cook, treasurer; Jack Dumestre, district sales manager; Neil Blount, district sales manager in Neiv Orleans; Edward Auger, assistant manager of Photophone; Mike Yahr and Charles Herbst, technical engineers; Harry Leighley, district service manager, and several others. James Clark and Clint Weyer of National Film Carriers have a nifty display booth that is attracting plenty of attention. Dave Barrist at the opening session suggested that the convention entertain only one resolution. You guessed it — a resolution against resolutions. Walter B. Littlefield said he came down to Atlanta primarily to play golf. And he came all the way from New England for it. However, he was among the winners of prizes. Others who walked off with cups were: R. P. Davis, R. S. Stuart, S. R. Reams, R. L. Nowell, R. D. Betikoper, F. C. Lydon, G. Fitton and A. C. Bromberg. Fred G. Weiss, who has the only independent house in Savannah, was telling about it. There was quite a bunch of RCA boys on hand for the convention, Then there was amplification of the speeches through an RCA public address system. And Prexy Sid Samuelson looked very Hollywoodish with a lapel mike pinned on him. Through courtesy of RCA the opening; convention session was preceded by a musical overture, stirring enough to put the boys on their toes. A demagog, Dave Barrist and some exhibs think, is something that liquor is poured out of. the resolution to Congressman P ttengill with an expression of thanks. Colonel Sam H. Borisky, spe; ng for the committee on political activitic suggested giving support to only the "right" men for public office so that independents would boassured of fair courts of appeal for their grievances. Borisky also urged censoring of newsreels to eliminate matter unfavorable to indies and said that national Allied headquarters should issue advice in this respect as well as on judicious use of the screen to further the interests of indies. Appointment of a traveling representative to advise state members on their privileges and t report conditions around the country to Allied Headquarters likewise was suggested by Borisky. Restriction of non-theatrical showings and i complete ban on free shows was recom mended in the non-theatrical committee re port submitted by Richey. Serving of on< theatrical account causes others to spHni up, he said, resulting in much competition with theaters. Aid of distributors in policinr non-theatrical and free showings also was urged. C. II. Olive, for the committee on sale? policy, said a conference had been sought with major executives on coming product but they replied it would be impracticable to meet until after the sales conventions Olive proposed a committee comprising himself. Morris Wax. William Davis. L. D Toel. Frank Hornig. Julius Charnow, Bil' Smalley. Walter Littlefield and A. E. Lichtnian to carry this out. He also recommended each territory to work out zoning plans an' to get a newspaperman to aid them in campaigning via the press, screen and courts. Aaron Saperstein. of the committee or complaints similar to the Cole situation, said lice i Indie Theaters to Aid Allied's War Chest Fund (Continued from Page 1) pieman, Texas exhibitor, who on the previous day convulsed the convention with the story of his court troubles. Yesterday Stoeppleman, a second Will Rogers, made himself the leading light of the convention by offering this fund idea and telling a few more stories. The fund will be handled by the Allied executive committee, including Samuelson, Yamins, Branch and Myers, exofficio. Frels Filing Two Suits Atlanta — Two new suits against affiliated circuits charging monopolistic practices will be filed by Rubin Frels, Texas theater operator, on his return home from the Allied convention, he stated yesterday. similar cases had been heard Wednesday night, including a number where exhibitors are required to pay $15 or more weekly as a "booking fee" or they can't get product. No resolution was offered by this committee which, instead, recommended the cases be turned over to the Allied executive committee for advice on legal rights. Abram F. Myers, of the committee on legal angles, suggested filing about 100 scattered lawsuits against distributors after first consulting with Allied counsel on the proper court and best procedure for filing such suits. He said that by picking the strongest cases and timing these suits right the distributors could be quickly brought to time. Frank McWilliams, of the committee o individual exhibitor grievances, said the onl members who appeared before his group was Rubin Frels whose case parallels that of of Colonel Cole and will be taken to Wash ington. Miscellaneous resolutions submitted by Martin G. Smith, included giving no more advice to independent units not affiliated with Allied but urging them to join the national body ; thanks to RCA Photophone; cooperation with Alexander Film on advertising films; thanks to supply dealers having displays at convention and to advertisers in program; thanks to National Screen Service for it^ sound studio, also to the press, to Mrs. Alonzo Richardson, Mayor Key, Governor Talmadge, Colonel Borisky, Mrs. Fay Ellis, Ike Katz, N. H. Waters, National Film Carriers and to Nathan Yamins for his work as a member of the code authority. A standing committee will be appointed to studv insurance rates. Col. Cole also made an additional report endorsing the testimony and recommendations of Myers at the Senate NRA hearing. Anthony Beck, editor of the "Michigan Catholic." said a few words about the legion of decency activ: ties in Detroit. Finally a vote of appreciation was extended Samuelson for his splendid work. The convention wound up last night with a dinner-dance at East Lake Country Club, a majority of the gang staying over for it 1 11 'S ■i Australia Approves Stand Atlanta — An international aspect was given the Allied convention by receipt of greetings from an organization cf independent exhibitors of Australia endorsing the American unit's stand on block booking and other matters.