The Film Daily (1940)

Monday, December 30, 1940 Box Office Will Hold Whip Hand in New Year Studied Attempts to Give Public Exactly What It Wants in Films Forecast (Continued from Page 1) its revenue from overseas still furper diminished as the totalitarian ~\r machine over-ran much of Europe, struck savagely at the British Isles. And with the advent of 1941, there is the fresh problem — or indeed a full series of problems — stemming from the decree which materially alters long-established industry practices. With pictures to be sold in maximum blocks of five, and then only regionally after trade showings upon completion, it should be obvious that I the key to the situation is held by Hollywood. The immediate question is, can Hollywood turn the trick? Careful analysis brings assurance that it can and will. 1940 Forecast Was Fulfilled Hollywood thus far has an admirable score. The forecast of a year I ago has been substantially fulfilled. There have been no dramatic curtailment in production, no shortage of pictures, no mass retrenchment. But there has been a general emphasis upon Grade A entertainment, witness the larger number of top quality pictures, and elimination of production extravagances. The result is reflected in the improved financial position of many of the leading companies, disclosed by their earnings reports, and accomplished in the very face of the loss of foreign revenue. And as defense expenditures influence the domestic scene during 1941, there is the virtual guarantee that increased theater attendance — estimates of 5 to 10 per cent are made — will further strengthen the industry. As to general effect of the consent decree upon production in 1941, it is readily apparent that Hollywood will be increasingly sensitive to public entertainment wants. There will be studied attempts to give the movie-going public exactly what it wants ; producer whims will do a fadeout. In other words, the box-office will hold the whip hand. Is this, then, to be interpreted as meaning a blow to film artistry? Emphatically, No! For it is a mat;er of industry record that the boxjffice successes of the year, by and arge, have been the better pictures. ; The trend is too pronounced to doubt ts permanence. ! The consent decree, of course, is j mtting the producers on their toes. They are seeking to bolster their i flayer lists and casts. It is underitood that M-G-M, which heretofore j las been chary in the matter of exI shanging players with other studios, las lifted the bars in a desire to line xp the best possible casts for its )roduct. Twentieth Century-Fox is idding to its player roster, while virtually all other studios are also on Mass. Legislature to Get Bill Requiring Theaters to Close With National Anthem Boston — Topping the legislative calendar, the very first bill in all probability to be introduced in the Massachusetts General Court when it convenes the first week in January will be a bill compelling all theaters to close each performance with the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner." Admitting the patriotic motive and agreeing entirely with that phase of it, many of the exhibitors are fighting the bill strenuously on the grounds that in the past when this has been done there have been immediate complaints of pickpockets working under the screen of the patriotic fervor or of articles being lost as patrons arose quickly to their feet. Light Comedies, Musicals Are Expected to Head List Of 1941's Big Productions the prowl for future star material. The decree further will also result in the studios lifting the padlock on the purse-strings when pictures warrant added sequences. Longer shooting schedules need not surprise. 1941 Production Outlook But what of the complexion of 1941 production? This: Hollywood observers believe that light comedies and musical comedies, minus too costly sets and production numbers, plus melodrama, will constitute a heavy share of the new year's film menu. They further feel that there will be a drop in the number of screen biographies and that only historical subjects that provide backgrounds for much action will be used. Problem and propaganda pictures do not loom large in the offing. However, there will be a sizable group of service pictures, including a half dozen comedies inspired by the draft. Virtually all studios will contribute to this cycle. Due to the success of current "glorified westerns," big action films are certain to be continued. In the musical comedy field, Paramount is banking heavily on "Love Thy Neighbor," with Jack Benny, Fred Allen and Mary Martin; "The Road to Zanzibar," with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope; "Second Chorus," produced by Boris Morros, and having a cast including Fred Astaire, Paulette Goddard and Artie Shaw. "Ziegfeld Girl" will be one of M-G-M's important releases, while RKO is expecting much from "No, No, Nanette," produced by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle. Twentieth Century-Fox, already taking bows for "Tin Pan Alley," now has "The Road to Rio" in production. The Deanna Durbins lead the parade of Universal musicals. United Artists' musical comedies include "Road Show," made by Hal Roach, and "Pot o' Gold," to be produced by James Roosevelt's Globe. Republic is releasing "Melody Ranch," which carries an extra budget and has a cast headed by Gene Autry, with Jimmy Durante and Ann Miller in support. More Overseas Talent The war having brought European production to an all-time low, leading producers, directors, actors and technicians have hurried here from England and the Continent. Albert Basserman, considered Germany's leading stage actor for several years, conquered a strange language and American audiences with his work in many American-made pictures. Ernest Lubitsch gave Felix Bressart his "break" in "Ninotchka," and Bressart has been really busy since. Alexander Granach, another import, also made quite an impression in the picture. Curt Bois, known as "the Eddie Cantor of Berlin," keeps busy, attracting much attention in Columbia's "Lady in Question." S. Z. Sakal, a character comedian, has appeared in several Universal pictures, as well as in "My Love Came Back," for Warner Bros. Lionel Royce, Ernest Deutsch and Ludwig Stoessel are character actors who are kept busy. RKO has imported Michele Morgan, the French actress, and has also brought Signe Hasso from Sweden. The studio is also expecting much from Alberto Vila, a South American actor, who makes his bow in "They Met in Argentina." Carmen Miranda, who registered strongly in "Down Argentine Way," for 20th Century-Fox, is now working in "The Road to Rio," at the same studio. RKO will groom Desi Arnaz, the Cuban, who appeared in "Too Many Girls." Charles Laughton returned from England and is busy at RKO. Conrad Veidt also came back from England and has been working at M-G-M. Korda, Pommer Both Active Alexander Korda and Erich Pommer, who have produced here before, are again active in Hollywood. Korda directed and produced "Lady Hamilton" for United Artists while Pommer is producing for RKO. Dr. William Szekely will produce "New Wine," in association with Korda, for United Artists. The Hakim Brothers, four in number, who produced in France, are here and are making production (Continued on Page 8) ww+*' ^ r.o TO WAR . . GO TO WAR . . . AND THE WAR GOES NUTS! BOOBS IN ARMS A COLUMBIA SHORTSUBJECT PRESENTATION . — NOW BOOKING!