The Film Daily (1942)

Tfflt; Thursday, December 17, 1942 Th< CRITICS of the nation are now voting for The Ten Best F F F PICTURES OF 1942 and ILMDOM'S AMOUS IVES In the Annual Poll conducted by The Film Daily Dulce et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori Northampton, Mass. — First film industryite here to be killed in action in World War II is William PW. Puchalski, former as^ sistant manager of the local X Plaza. Puchalski, who was inducted into the Army in March, died in action in the Pacific on Nov. 21, the War Dept. has advised his parents. Holiday "Big" Pix Short, Circuits Find (Continued from Page 1) for release after the holidays or later in the new year. It may be, the bookers say, that the distribs. anticipate a product shortage in general and that they want to have sufficient top pictures on hand when they are needed most. Cut in raw stock plus the possible curtailment of production due to ramifications of the wage ceiling are expected to be factors holding down the overall program of the eight major companies to a maximum of 250 pictures next year. Rathvon Named Chairman Of Red Cross Fund Drive N. Peter Eathvon, president of EKO Corp., has been appointed chairman of the motion picture industry division for the 1943 Red Cross War Fund of New York City, which will begin operations on March 1. This appointment was made by Eugene W. Stetson, chairman of the Commerce and Industry Committee of Red Cross War Fund. De Gaulle Asks Screening Of 'Casablanca' in London A cabled request for a special London showing of "Casablanca" was received yesterday by Warners from Gen. Charles De Gaulle, leader of the Fighting French Forces who are interested in co-operating in wide distribution of the picture throughout unoccupied French possessions. N. J. Allied Luncheon Monday A Christmas buffet luncheon meeting of New Jersey Allied members is scheduled for Monday at the organization's headquarters in the Sardi Bldg. Topics for discussion include national Allied's caravan activities, the United Nations campaign, carbon conservation, product survey, fuel and Victory shorts. Harry Cohn Hit by Auto West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — President Harry Cohn of Columbia suffered slight shock and bruises when struck by an automobile on Hollywood Boulevard. Special Allotments Of Film for Reels T^E (Continued from Page 1) not suffered heavily thus far, there has been some fear that the further cut in stock to producers might mean a curtailment in either the number of newsreel prints, newsreel coverage or the reel length. Harold Hopper, chief of WJ motion picture branch, told THE Film Daily it is quite likely that the OWI and other Government agencies are extremely anxious that there be no curtailment in newsreel service. Hopper indicated that the order due this week-end would not make specific provision for newsreels, but hinted that producers have been asked to agree to earmark the film. Hopper said also that the cut in film production announced yesterday is not likely to have any great effect upon future allotments to the industry. Others in Washington fear that increasing Government demands for film will force further cuts in the industry allotments, pointing out that the industry cut for the coming quarter is 25 per cent, while the production cut announced yesterday for 35 mm. film is 24 per cent. They are certain that increasing Government demands from this decreased production will necessitate a further cut in commercial allotments. On the other hand, one official pointed out that since the production cut announced yesterday was on the basis of 1941 production its effect will be slight because production was already down. The WPB claims that amateurs — using both still and motion picture cameras — will be most affected, and that the supply of 35 mm. film will be affected only slightly. Newspapers, magazines and studio photographers will be most heavily hit among the professionals. WLB Okays Pay Tilt For Earle Theater's Line Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — An increase of $7.50 per week was allowed the Earle Theater Roxyettes, F & M troupe appearing at the Earle all yearround, the War Labor Board announced. The increase, bringing the weekly salary to $42.50, was requested several weeks ago by Fan-chon & Marco and the Earle Theater, since the working hours for the girls have risen about 30 perj cent in recent months. Van Dyke Joins CIAA Staff Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILYl Washington — Willard Van Dyke, prominent documentary producer, has joined the staff of the co-ordinator of Inter-American Affairs, with j headquarters at the Museum of Modern Art, in New York. Van Dyke has already made one film for CIAA, producing "The Silent War" in South America to show the fight against yellow fever.