The Film Daily (1940)

Monday, December 30, 1940 CWfolS: 9% Daily Gross Tax in Mexico (.Continued from Page I ) learned exclusively over the weekend. The new tax results from negotiations which the Association of Mexican Exhibitors, recently organized, conducted with the Secretaria de Hacienda y Credito Publico (equivalent to the American Treasury Department) during the last two months under the aggressive leadership of its president, Mauricio de la Serna, general manager of the Teatro Alameda, Mexico's chief de luxe house. This new system of taxation is believed to prove as beneficial in the long run to the Mexican treasury as it may be to the theaters themselves, since the tax charged formerly was computed to apply arbitrarily to the grosses made over the entire year on the basis of those made during the last three months of the year. The system now in effect has given rise to the extended practice on the part of exhibitors of deliberately playing the weakest pictures during the last quarter of the year in order to lower their grosses, thus securing a low tax for the whole year. On the other hand, it occasionally has happened that some pictures were played at such a time which made big grosses, thus providing the basis for a high tax for the entire 12 months. The system has also tended to encourage graft among government inspectors. Industry Notables Will Attend Frohman Rites (Continued from Page 1) associated in Famous Players, Friday sent a message of condolence to Miss Etta Frohman, sister of the deceased. In part, it read: "His friendly co-operation and advice were of inestimable value both to Paramount and to the entire motion picture industry and continued to be so down the years. As a company we shall always remember him with respect and gratitude. Personally I grieve at losing a tried and true friend and business associate whose kindness and unstinting efforts I shall never forget." From THE FILM DAILY to John Litel Robert Mclntyre Weingarten 9 © • UNITED Artists said farewell to Lynn Farnol retiring advertising and publicity director with a cocktail party on the 12th floor offices Fiiday afternoon Not only was the entire UA gang from Murray Silverstone end Arthur Kelly down present to honor Lynn but the party attracted innumerable friends of long standing in the industry to wish him the best of luck in his future activities On behalf of his associates Monroe Greenthal who steps up from exploitation chief to succeed Farnol on Jan. 1 presented Lynn with a beautiful gold watch The simplicity of the inscription "To Lynn from UA" speaks eloquently of the friendships that have been the fruit of Farnol's service in the post he now leaves Farnol shoves off Thursday for an extended vacation Plans to visit Charleston, Miami and New Orleans ▼ ▼ T • • • CHATTER: ... • Bill Rodgers, M-G-M sales chief, is Coast-bound for a much-needed and deserved vacation But can you imagine Bill being near the Leo studio without sneaking in a little business along with his holiday? . . . • Another traveler is Lou Pollock who is at Universal City getting a look-see at new product ... • H. M. Richey hasn't been to Hollywood in seven years So he hops off about Jan. 10 to meet the boys and girls at the M-G-M studios and vice versa ... « New magazine, Hollywood Star, is being distributed through department stores on a gratis basis Macy's ordering many thousands for its customers ... • Sammy Cohen, U. A. foreign publicity head, vacationing in Florida New York Critics Vote I John Balaban Midwest Their Annual Film Awards Director for Greek Drive (Continued from Page 1) "The Baker's Wife." Best direction, John Ford for "The Grapes of Wrath" and "The Long Voyage Home." Best performance of the year by an actor, Charles Chaplin in "The Great Dictator." Best performance by an actress, Katharine Hepburn in "The Philadelphia Story." A special award was given to Walt Disney, Leopold Stokowski and their associates for "Fantasia." Twelve Elected to Board Of the M. P. Academy (Continued from Page 1) kin have been elected to the board by members of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Two More Sam Fox Music Firms Signed by Ascap Sam Fox Publishing Co. and Hollywood Songs, Inc., have signed with Ascap, it was announced Friday. This places all Sam Fox controlled catalogs at Ascap's disposal. Movietone Music Corp. had previously signed. Chicago — John Balaban has been appointed Midwest director for theater participation in the Greek relief drive. Jack Kirsch heads Allied organization relief activities. Midnight shows and direct contributions from the trade are sought. Van Nomikos went to Dayton, 0., meeting yesterday at which Spyros Skouras presided. WNEW Signs 5-Year Pact Covering Ascap Renewal WNEW on Friday formally signed a five year renewal with Ascap. Negotiations for Ascap were conducted by John G. Paine, general manager of the Society and, for WNEW by Bernice Judis, managing director. 20th-Fox Buys Stories Hollywood — Twentieth CenturyFox has bought screen rights to "I Won't Dance," by Harry Sauber; "We Go Fast" by Doug Welch, Satevepost serial; and "Green Entry," a novel by S. Ruth Howard. Ernest Lawiord, Actor, Dies Ernest E. Lawford, 70, actor, well-known on both the English American stages, died Friday at the Harkness Pavilion of the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center after a long illness. Minimum for GWTW Regardless of Runs i c ontinued from Pag\ 1 I M-G-M has announced this pri policy previously, it was thought ; some exhibitor circles that the min mum price would not be asked : subsequent-runs now charging ; low as 25 cents. A clarification i the issue was asked by several reai ers of The Film Daily. According to M-G-M executive the second release of the picture expected to play in 8,000 or 9,0( theaters, whereas the first releai was made available to only approx mately 4,800 theaters. Whethi GWTW will be withdrawn at a lat< date and, after a prescribed perio again be released has not even be* discussed by M-G-M officials, ind eating that dates in every run po sible will be sought at the annowi' ed admission price levels. Meanwhile, the general release < GWTW has been announced for Ja 17 when a series of 37 engagemen' will get under way. On that dat the picture will open in Washing ton, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Bu falo. On Jan. 24, openings ha\ been set for Nashville, Boston, Pro1 idence, Springfield, Worcester, Rocl| ester, Syracuse, Columbus, Dayto Akron, Canton, Toledo, Housto Evansville, Indianapolis, Louis ville, Kansas City, Memphis, Bridg' port, Hartford, New Haven, Wate bury, New Orleans, Harrisbur Reading, St. Louis, Baltimore, No folk, Richmond, Wilmington, Lot don, Ont., and Toronto, Ont. Lottery and Dog Racing Measures Loom in N. H. (Continued from Page 1) writer, is leading the opposition slot machine licensing. Greyhoui; racing is opposed by the "mor element" and horsemen, the lattj resenting any cutting into their jui<| melon. Rockingham Park in Salej was New England's first pari-mutu! track. Indications are that the state lo tery plan will not be so bitter fought, but it is considered doub'j ful that a lottery law will be passe Norton Has Greek Feature "Greek Today," Greek feature, being distributed by Frank Norto WEDDING BELLS West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAII Hollywood — Engagement is a nounced of Ann Nagel and Ensig John Robinson, U. S. N. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAIL Hollywood — Helen Wood and D Alfred Huenergardt will be marri< New Year's Day.