The Film Daily (1939)

10 m p p rg i J iSr 1 1 i 5 t 2H W ft/JH u TUP DAILY Monday, October 9, 1939 BRIT. FILM INDUSTRY RETURNING TO NORMAL {Continued from Page 1) culties — such as re-arrangement of programs to bring the releases into line — but these have all been straightened out. British Trade Co-operating One thing about it, the distributor and exhibitor are working well together, because each know they are dependent upon the other, so there's no opposition from either source. Taken by and large, the public have accepted even "scratch" programs, although not keen on old films — but even re-issues are better than nothing at all. Things have adjusted themselves as regards reopening of offices in and around Wardour St. Sales forces have returned — -they ought never to have gone away, for that matter — and the business of buying and selling is going on. Trade shows have re-started, which further helps the exhibitor back to a sense of normality. The black-out is pretty tiresome, but you get used to anything, and although people very naturally are not visiting the kinemas at night in such numbers as before the outbreak of war, at the same time the little matter of street lighting being extinguished isn't going to stand in the way of the majority. Production is the only thing that seems a little stagnant; although there's some activity, it's nothing like it should be. The Government is anxious there shall be no hold-up and British films will be made in increasing quantities, but they appear a trifle slow in giving a pronouncement on the Films Act. Stories are going around that it's to be suspended, but you can take it definitely, this won't be the case. But it would look a great deal more convincing if the Board of Trade themselves said so. Early Decision Promised As a result of pressure from the producers, Oliver Stanley, the president of the Board of Trade, has just written saying he is bearing the matter in mind and will give a decision at the earliest possible moment, which again dosen't seem to get anybody anywhere. Although we are getting nearer to "business as usual," a lot of hectic work has been going on behind the scenes. There's the question of transport, for instance — for as you know, petrol is rationed in this country. Fortunately, however, the industry has good contacts with the Government, and the powers that be have been most sympathetic, and have undoubtedly gone out of their c STORKS! A Quota for War Films . . . too many hold several dangers (Continued from Page 1) from the movie-going public. And in this instance, that adverse reaction reasonably may be expected early. For this country today is peace-minded, not war-minded. o MOST emphatically, it is good business for the American film industry to see that it remains so. It cannot be reiterated too frequently that the continued development, prosperity and freedom of action of all arms of the industry are predicated upon a peaceful United States. In voluntarily limiting the number of war dramas, both those stemming from yesterday and today, the industry might take a leaf from radio's book. Radio quickly determined that its early flood of war news was driving away rather than attracting listeners. Accordingly, it estblished its own "quota," restricting war news largely to the conventional newscast periods. The lesson is equally applicable to films, with radio the purveyor of entertainment to the masses. Finally, let those who feel that war dramas will find a ready market overseas in those countries now under arms mull over what Ernest W. Fredman, of London's Daily Film Renter, says: IF Hollywood is wise, it will concentrate on films that are definitely of a light theme and so do something to cheer the people up instead of making their burdens heavier to bear. Solemn, dreary and portentous subjects should be taboo. "What the world — or rather, this country — wants today is humor — make them laugh and they'll crowd in, for they're not going into the kinemas to cry. So America can play its part by giving us pictures we can sit back and enjoy — and forget the war." "Forget the war" — it sounds like a good slogan in more ways than one. But if you must give 'em war pictures, remember "Shoulder Arms." Chicago — Bill Crouch, local representative of Motion Picture Daily, is the dad of an 8-pound son, born at the St. Luke Hospital. way to help the trade. All the same, transport is admittedly quite a problem. Then there are deputations and meetings two or three times a day on some matter or another which has to be settled and straightened out — but the straightening out continues, and, as I say, things are a great deal better than one could have expected in one's wildest dreams. Pix Supply Biggest Worry The only big thing, in fact, that worries the trade at this moment is the supply of pictures. Stories reach us that Hollywood may cut down on production — which may or may not be so — but, if Hollywood is wise, it will concentrate on films that are definitely of a light theme and so do something to cheer the people up instead of making their burden heavier to bear. Solemn, dreary and portentous subjects should be taboo. What the world — or rather, this country — wants today is humor — make them laugh and they'll crowd in, for they're not going into the kinemas to cry So American can play its part by giving us pictures we can sit back and enjoy — and forget the war! Biz Drop Due to European War Falls Below Estimate The European War has not inflicted the financial loss on American film companies that had been anticipated, especially in regard to business in England, an executive of a leading major said over the week-end. His company, as well as the others, he declared, were receiving money for their pictures from Britain, although estimating that business was 25 to 30 p.c. below normal. Normal business is being carried on with the Scandinavian countries and several other nations not engaged in the war, he said. Industry Leaders Hear Hays Laud Carl Laemmle (Continued from Pane 1) Synagogue Friday night. Rabbi Nathan Stern officiated. "No assets ever paid better dividends," added the MPPDA prexy, who described Laemmle as a person who "inspired affection and had men's admiration and respect." In his eulogy, Hays said: "In his loyalty to the land of his adoption, in his appreciation of the opportunity and benefits it had given him, in his belief in its ideals and its way of life, he was a true American. "It was fitting that the company he founded should have been named 'Universal' for he grouped under the title of friends all classes, races and creeds. "Carl Laemmle's services to the motion picture industry were great. Alwavs he fought for what he believed to be right, and kept his word and his honor untarnished. He gave more than he asked. Now he has left 'the friends of his ase to reioin the companions of his youth.' He has started for a land we do not know, but we do know that he will find friends there. In his long journey from life until death he never travelled anywhere without making or finding a friend. "Carl Laemmle had and deserved the deep warm affection of all who knew him. He was a little man who was big enough to fill our hearts." Rabbi Stern, who was Rabbi of the Synagogue when Laemmle joined, who confirmed Carl Laemmle, Jr., and buried Mrs. Laemmle, paid a glowing tribute to Laemmle. "He may have been small in stature, but he was big in spirit," he said. "He left a sanctuary of appreciation." The committee in charge of the memorial service sat in the first two rows of the synagogue, which was BROADWAY FILM BIZ CONTINUES TO CLIMB (Continued from Page 1) the country's box-office during the first few days of war is lifting. Smash openings were the order of the day in three Broadway houses last week, with good busines^ reported at others where picturesv^'/'re holding over. "Intermezzo" had a near-record paid attendance total for the first four days at the Music Hall after "Nurse Edith Cavell" finished its second week. "Intermezzo's" opening was said by UA to have been the biggest of any Selznick pix there with one exception, and that opened at holiday prices on Thanksgiving Day. Another United Artists release, "Eternally Yours," had an equally strong opening at the Roxy. At the Strand, Warners started "Dust Be My Destiny" with Ann Sheridan making a personal appearance and Ted Weems' ork on the stage and opening day business and week-end business nudged all-time records. Tickets went on sale at 8 a.m. Friday and by 9:30, one hour after the feature went on, there was standing room only. Patrons waited on line for two hours before getting into the house, with the line at its peak, stretching around the Forty-eighth St. corner to Eighth "Honeymoon In Bali" continued strong at the Paramount in its second week and will go one more before it leaves the house. "The Real Glory" continued at the Rivoli with no slip in attendance figures in its fourth week, and other houses in New York reported good business during the week, above what has been done recently in almost every case. Nebraska Files Ascap Brief; Asks Injunction Dismissal (Continued from Page 1} unconstitutional, has filed briefs, consisting of 86 pages of findings, analysis and conclusions drawn from the evidence, with the three-judge Federal Court. The State contended that the maximum penalties of $5,000 fines per violation, plus a year's imprisonment on conviction, was not too severe for breaking the Anti-Ascap law. Holtz also asked that Ascap's bill for an injunction be dismissed, that a permanent injunction be denied, and the society be declared unlawful and monopolistic, with no right to do business in the State. packed to overflowing with the friends and former employes of Carl Laemmle. The committee included, Jack Cohn, chairman, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Robbins, Jules Levy, Ned E. Depinet, Leo Abrams, Peter Seibel, Hal Hode M. M. Van Praag, Charles Paine, Albert Cookman, Sam Sedran and Sidney Singerman. A delegation of 15 members of the Pacific Lodge of Masons, headed by Worshipful Master Harry Grupe, attended.