The Film Daily (1940)

DAILY Friday, June 21, 194 Sales Information Bureau Authorized by Alllec Bitter Attack Made On Distrib. System of "Honorary" Sales Drives (Coutiiiiicd from Page 1) niony of exhibitors who described the multiple program status in various situations. Six Pix for a Nickel Most of the session yesterday was devoted to double and triple bills. Jack Kirsch, Illinois Allied president, explained to the assemblage that through his unit's efforts 17 independents abandoned triple features, but that B & K refused to co-operate. He told how the B & K Belmont Theater in Chicago recently showed on one bill "Rebecca," "House Across the Bay" and "Viva Cisco Kid," each of which, he said, were percentage pictures to the average independent exhibitor. Alex Schreiber, Detroit circuit exhibitor, said there were theaters in his area showing four features on week days and six features on Sunday, for which approximately 50,000 passes were given out, subject to a 5-cent service charge. This means, he said, that the theaters were showing four and six pictures for 5 cents. Sales Information Bureau Allied's board of directors yesterday was authorized to appoint a standing committee on information to keep abreast of all sales policies and practices and to disseminate legal information for the benefit of its members. At the second day's session of Allied's annual convention, delegates agreed to furnish the central bureau with all information on sales policies in localized areas as a guard against discrimination in the selling of product. It is understood that the information plan at first did not get the full endorsement of the directors and units which they represent, inasmuch as many theater owners did not want to reveal their own deals. However, under the plan the identification of persons supplying information will not be disclosed. There vdll be no assessment nor fees for the service, it was pointed out. When it was learned that these conditions would prevail, those who were holding out agreed to approve the proposal. Pledges Preparedness Support In a formal resolution. Allied pledged it~ fullest co-operation and support to the United States Government in its preparedness campaign. Personal sei'vices of the screen in carrying out the defense progi'am and in disseminating authorized information to the public were pledged Allied headquarters in Washington was designated as the agency for receiving from the Government expressions of its wishes from time to time and for conveying them to the nation's independent exhibitors. The resolution was sent to WHO'S WHO IN HOLLYWOOD • • • Introducing Interesting Personalities • • • JACK WILLIAM VOTION. Born Antwerp, Belgium, Oct. 11, 1900. At an ^ early age, an ardent movie fan with a keen desire to emulate Maurice Costello. Always intended to come to the U. S. sooner or later. When 14, the war engulfed him. Joined up and saw service in front line trenches for the duration. Was youngest soldier of all armies to go right through the war. Badly wounded and severely gassed twice, was finally disabled out of service, a physical wreck. Came to the U. S. after having graduated from the University of Brussels, receiving the equal to a B.A. and first honors in Consular and Diplomatic Science. Arrived in Hollywood to be an actor. The best he could do was to become a laborer, prop man, assistant director, assistant casting director and casting director for major studios. Went with Myron Selznick organization and was with it seven years, two of which were spent in London, where he did a brilliant job. Paramount signed him and he became head of the talent department and also associate producer on several pictures. Always had a yen to make a series of Lum and Abners. Getting no one to agree with him, he formed a partnership with Sam Coslow and made them himself. The first one is just completed for RKO release, it looks as if he were in the producing business to stay. President Roosevelt and all departments of the Government. To Fight Honorary Sales Drives Bitter resentment of company sales drives in honor of executives was expressed in a resolution. Describing these drives as "rackets," the convention resolved that exhibitors should do all in their power to resist these drives and stamp out the practice. Reports that the current convention would perfect a plan for industry ethics has not materialized as yet. Arbitration has not been mentioned. It is understood that if any fireworks or sensational developments are to come out of the convention, they must come today, otherwise, the conclave will go down on the records as a routine affair despite the serious problems confronting the industry. On the other hand, it is said that the status of the Government suit and the indefinite outcome of the Neely bill are factors holding back official action by Allied, due to the swift changes in conditions. Casanave on Accessories Charley Casanave spoke to the delegates yesterday on behalf of Advertising Accessories, Inc., telling them the centralization of standard accessories was inevitable. He got a great hand from the audience. This is the first convention since the founding of Allied at which Al Steffes did not attend, because of his recent illness. However, the convention passed a resolution extending everybody's best wishes and thanking him for his past activities. Allied boys who appeared before Congressional activities were thanked in the form of a special resolution. Included in the resolution was a blast at those who allegedly attempted to "smear" Allied leaders for their efforts in the organization's behalf. William F. Rodgers, Metro general sales manager, arrived yester Monogram Raises Six Pix to Peak Budgets iContiitued from Page 1) of the 10 will be made in natural color, it was stated. Johnston said that the decision was made possible by the fact that Mono.'s income has been and is derived chiefly from the U. S. market. Now in the special class, as a result of the shift, are: "The Ape," from the stage play by Adam Hull Shirk; "Under Northern Lights" with music by Charles Wakefield Cadman; "Freckles Comes Home" by Gene Stratton-Porter; "Hoosier Schooldays"; "Gypsy Cavalier" in color; "Sign of the Wolf" and "Trail of the Yukon" by Jack London; "Her Father's Daughter" by Gene Stratton-Porter; "Black Stallion" and Leona Dalrymple's "College Sweetheart," both in color. "Rip Van Winkle," previously announced as a special, vnW be made in September for Christmas release, Johnston asserted. No cast has, as yet, been signed. Building In Andalusia Andalusia, Ala.— A $50,000 1,200seat theater is under construction here to take the place of the Paramount, destroyed by fire in early spring. R. E. Martin and Mrs. E. D. Studstill, owners. day morning but did not make an appearance at the convention. He is slated to talk today. Deep appreciation for Jack Kirsch's work in putting over the convention was expressed in a resolution yesterday. Last night's festivities included a party at the Chez Paree. HCLLTWeCD '^^^ By RALPH Wlk^' -.-^^ — HOLLYWOO' THROUGH with a featured role in Wai ner's "No Time For Comedy," Charii Ruggles is now discussing a new deal wit Paramount studios for a series of comediei in which he is to be starred, or co-starrec depending on decisions. • • /^ENE RAYMOND, who composed tw ^^ songs while away from picture wor in the last year, expects to hear this mort from his music publishers as to their po tentialities as song hits. Their titles ar "I Would Slumber" and "Release." Raymond is now at the RKO Radio studi at work on "Cross Country Romance" i which he is co-starred with Wendy Barrie • • CLMO K. LINCOLN, the screen's firs ^ Tarzan, has been given a good part i: Warner Bros.' "Flowing Gold." Now 5C Lincoln has enrolled in the Maurice Koslof school of drama, and is studying diction. • • CDDIE ALBERT has taken up the study » ^ Spanish, preparatory to making extendet trips into the interior of. Mexico and Cen tral America in furtherance of his studie. of ancient Americana. Albert has long been interested in the culture of early inhabitant; of this hemisphere. ^ • • "QUIETLY My Captain Waits," epio ^+^ length novel by Evelyn Eaton pur chased from galley proofs by Warner Brosi several months ago, is being put on th« stands by Harper Bros, next week. • • pRNEST TRUEX, currently appearing ^ RKO Radio's "Dance, Girl, Dance," th week received notice from George Harri New York producer, that Truex is wanti for the lead opposite Helen Broderick the new Moss Hart-George Kaufman pi going into the Music Box. Truex, who hi starred and played leads on Broadway fl the past thirty years, accepted the offer an will leave as soon as he finishes his filni assignment. • • /^NE of the most unusual gifts sent anj ^^ actor is one George Murphy just re^ ceived from a fan in Brazil. It is a pair a% jade cuff links and shirt studs, each shapedj into a miniature dancing pump. The fan,] Enrico Marthies, wrote that Murphy wasj his favorite dancing actor. • • I OUISE CAMPBELL, who plays one of the( '" supporting roles in RKO Radio's "Annei of Windy Poplars," which co-stars Annej Shirley and James Ellison, plans to spend the summer at Skowhegan, Me., where she will co-star with Vincent Price in stock withj the Lakewood Players. En route Miss Campbell will make a guest appearance in her home town, Ivory-i ton. Conn. • • ^HARLES TEDFORD is writing "The ^^ World Master," an original screen play, for Warners.