The Film Daily (1940)

Cf *A DAILY Thursday, June 27, 1940 Republic Bookings Said 40% Ahead (Continued from Paije 1) commenced in mid-April, almost coincident with the launching of the company's first regional in San Francisco. Solid confidence is apparent in the Republic camp as a result of the organization's accelerated policy of making extra-budget attractions. Acceding to the request of exhibitors, especially those in the top stands, Republic, which announced eight Gene Autry vehicles for 194041, will make two of this group in full-fledged form for the "A" houses. Jack Moffitt, well-known to the trade through his association with the Kansas City Star, is scripting both of the big Autry films, which will be released under the respective titles, "Melody Ranch" and "Down Mexico Way." Both of these titles, it is cited, have definite pre-sale value, — the former holds public attention because of the radio program, and the latter because of its lyrical identification with the composition "South of the Border." Chaplin Would Impound "The Dictator" Stills (Coiitiuucd from Page 1) allegedly in the possession of Life Magazine. The suit brought against Time, Inc., publisher of Life; Henry Luce, president; Roy E. Larsen, editor; John Shaw Billings and Charles D. Jackson, charges the defendants with surreptitiously obtaining the stills and having printed a picture of Chaplin, uniformed as "'The Dictator." Federal Judge John C. Knox has issued a temporary injunction against Life Magazine. Springfield's Council Blocks Park-in Move Springfield, Mass. — Establishment of an open-air park-in theater at Loon Pond has been blocked by the City Council. A change of zone from Residence B to Business A, sought by Archer W. Davis of Longmeadow, owner of Joyland, was turned down. French Film to Premiere "Thunder Over Paris," French film with English titles, starring Eric von Stroheim, premieres at the Apollo, 42nd St., today. Use Singles in Four Chi. ''^Arty^^ Houses Chicago — Four "arty" theaters here are now using single feature programs. They are the Esquire of the H & E Balaban circuit, the Essex Theater, recently modernized, the Cinema Theater of the Stern circuit and the World Playhouse, in the Loop, under Vicedomi management. WHO'S WHO IN HOLLYWOOD H • • hifrodnciug hiferesfhtg Personalifies • • • ARRY GREY. Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., on April 1, 1905. Attended Manual Art High School and New York University. Worked for Irving Berlin and others as a pianist in the music publishing business for three years. Left the publishers to accompany Maurice Chevalier, Harry Fox, and other vaudeville headliners. When vaudeville gave up the ghost went to work for the American and Brunswick Recording Cos. Was active in radio during this period. Left the position of Managing Director for Brunswick to go with Republic Pictures as head of the Music Department in 1935. Was appointed associate producer on Gene Autry films in 1937. In 1938, took over production of the "Three Mesquiteers" series. Is now producing for Republic, handling various assignments including many of their major releases. 4A Calls Burlesque Actor Buffalo Summer Stock Strike to Aid Theater Crafts Cutting Into Film Biz (Couti)iued from Page 1) a walkout to several crafts having contract troubles with three burlesque houses. The passing of the resolution by the AAAA instructing this move is the first instance where the actors' organizations have gone to bat for other crafts to the extent of being willing to strike if necessary. The three theaters are the Republic, the Eltinge and the Gaiety. The mass huddle of all theatrical crafts at the AAAA office yesterday had top representatives from every theatrical union in the field and all unions directly connected with the theatrical biz, including a strong deputation from the lA. Presence of the lA execs, was further evidence that the crafts and actors' unions have buried the hatchet and are striving for the closest co-operation. If terms aren't reached with the three theaters by next Thursday a walkout of the actors has been ordered, which would be simultaneous with similar action by the crafts involved in the contract disputes. GWTW July Withdrawal Decision Not Definite (Continued from Page 1) the present price policy, W. F. Rodgers, Metro sales head, said yesterday. However, he stated, the decision is not as yet final. Rodgers declared no policy had been considered for the picture's second release, adding that tests undoubtedly would be made of several policies to determine the best one. Disney-Benchley Talk Deal Hollywood — Walt Disney and Robert Benchley are discussing the possibility of Disney producing a combination live action and animation Technicolor feature with Benchley starred and playing the role of a new befuddled employe wandering around Disney's new studio. Hensley Faces Operation Huntington, W. Va. — Gene Hensley, Black Diamond Theater Circuit, is entering the hospital for an operation. Buffalo — The Roadside Players, in their second summer season at Athol Springs, nine miles southwest, are taking bites from city audiences, about 500 of an evening. Concentrating on stage comedies — age no consideration and broadness a decided virtue — they have topped their previous opening weeks. In a couple of weeks, another summer theater, Green Lakes Gardens, fourteen miles away, in Orchard Park, will resume operations for the eighth season. An open air house, operated by the Studio School of the Theater, it differs from the Roadside, which w^orks on a community basis. Incidentally the Roadside has imported itself a Holly^vood actor-director, Edward Woods, to stage its shows. "Buddy" Moran to Manage Rep. Des Moines Exchange Oklahoma City, Okla. — F. R. "Buddy" Moran, for the past four years office manager and booker for the Oklahoma City exchange operated by Sol Davis, franchise holder here, July 1 becomes manager of the Des Moines branch of Republic which recently changed from a franchise situation to a company-operated exchange. Moran is succeeded here at Republic by Fred Lawrence, for the past seven years booker for Bader Busby, Little Rock, Ark., franchise holder, which franchise was recently taken over by the Arthur Bromberg interests. Named to Censor Board Portland, Ore. — Appointment of Mrs. Herbert Sichel, as a member of the Portland Municipal Motion Picture Censor Board, is announced by Mayor Joseph K. Carson. "Horizon" Back to Globe "Lost Horizon," Columbia's Frank Capra production will re-open Saturday at the Globe, the Broadway house at which it had its world premiere. ncLLrwecD =^ By RALPH WILK -^ —HOLLYWOOD ^^OLUMBIA has purchased the screen ^^ rights to "Penny Serenade," a y -^ novel which will shortly appear in M(a;]( Magazine. Cary Grant will probably api/car as the star, and George Stevens will act as Producer-Director. The story, by Martha Cheavens, is a romantic marital drama. • • nOBERT Z. LEONARD will direct "Third '^ Finger, Left Hand," starring Myrna Loy, which John H. Considine will produce for Metro. An early start is expected. • • pAUL JONES, Paramount producer, now ' joins the ranks of Hollywood film folk who own private airplanes. He has just taken delivery on a new Stearman cabin job, and made its initial flight to Seattle where he carried a print of his latest production, "Untamed," for preview there. • • \A/ARNER execs, have decided definitely '"to roadshow "The Sea Hawk." Present plans call for "The Sea Hawk," in which Errol Flynn is starred, to follow ATAHT into the Carthay Circle, probably late in August. Pix also will have a two-a-day New York engagement during August. • • CLARENCE BROWN will spend several days in San Francisco spotting new talent which he hopes to use in his next directorial assignment at Metro, the film as yet untitled. Some of the talent Brown will be looking at are now performers at the Frisco Fair. • • p ITA JOHNSON, now working in "The '^ Golden Fleecing" opposite Lew Ayres, has signed a new long-term contract with Metro. • • ^^SA MASSEN, Danish actress who ap^^ peared in "Honeymoon in Bali," has been borrowed by Warners from Walter Wanger for a leading role in "Honeymoon For Three." Charlie Ruggles also has been signed. • • ONE of America's larger soap and shampoo manufacturers is negotiating with Charlie Ruggles for the use of his pet monkey, "Schlemiel," in a series of twelve one-reelers, advertising a variety of products. "Schlemiel" will star in the films. • • GEORGE MURPHY is building a sun house adjoining his Escondido ranch home, which will be constructed entirely of a new type glass brick that diffuses the natural sunlight so that only the ultra-violet rays penetrate. Even the floor of the unusual building will be composed of these glass bricks. • • IlkyjlSS Wheelwright Dicovers America," '"' original screen story by Leonard Spiegelgass, has been purchased by Warner Bros, and Leonard Hoffman and Jack \ Lucas have been assigned to do a screen: treatment. • • WILLIAM STUCKY has signed a contract as a junior writer at Metro.