The Film Daily (1943)

10 W DAILY Monday, May 3, 1943, Trade Agenda Up At Allied Board Meet (Continued from Page 1) tion of official films, 16 mm. and non-theatrical, and organization affairs. Board members started registering at headquarters over the weekend and all delegates are expected here by today. Marking the initial representation of the Coast group, Hugh W. Bruen and Rotus Harvey, of the Pacific Coast Conference of ITO, will attend as observers. In addition to discussing Myers' report, the board is scheduled to consider exhibitor experience under the New York decree selling provisions and arbitration. Board's stand as between amending and retaining the decree or divorcement and dissolution may be determined and formulations of recommendations, if any, to be submtited to the Attorney General is expected to wind up that part of the meeting. Under operant i n g problems, the agenda embraces a survey of manpower conditions in several territories, a review of actions ABRAM F. MYERS taken by Al lied and other interests, and discussions of possible further steps to be taken. Fuel shortage prospects for next "Winter with attendant conversion problems are to be considered. Raw stock allocations of the WPB order will be brought to the front and the Board is expected to determine whether there is any justification for the print shortage in view of the reduction in the number of features and shorts released. A report of the Caravan Committee and territorial reports as to conditions will highlight the film prices discussions. The Allied bulletin of April 8 and the use to be made of information it contained will be considered, along with the prices of re-issues. Following scheduled discussion on the distribution of official films and 16 mm. and non-theatricals, the board is expected to hear territorial reports regarding approval of revised quotas, prospects for new units in non-Allied localities and a discussion of the need for effective co-operation between units. Other matters of general interest that may be proposed by directors or observers will wind up the session. Fokine Tab for Film Houses A special one-hour version of the Fokine Ballet, with a company of 35, is in preparation for film presentation houses. Michael Kallesser has placed the Fokine Ballet under his management for a fiveyear period. mmm 0f Mm fiim "Follow the Band" with Leon Errol, Eddie Quiilan Universal 61 Mins. THIS MUSICAL SHOULD GO OVER WELL WITH FAMILY AUDIENCES; PLENTY OF ROMANCE AND COMEDY. In "Follow the Band" Universal gives further proof it has mastered the formula of turning out pleasant little comedies for the family trade. The youngsters and their parents should derive a lot of fun out of tnis modest musical. Again love, comedy and music are jumbled together into a production which, though inconsequential, reaches its goal nicely and quickly. The direction of Jean Yarbrough doesn't give the action a chance to lag in the Paul Malvern production. Musical talent is generously scattered rnrougn rhe picture. Leading the parade are Frances Langford, Kay Eberle, Skinnay ennis. Hilo Hattie, Alvino Rey and his orchestra, the King Sisters, the King's Men, the Bombardiers. These names put on a good, snappy show. Leon Errol and Eddie Quiilan carry the comedy burden. Leo Carnilo makes a hit with a comedy bit that wni have the customers in stitches. Quiilan is a country bumpkin in love wirn the farmer's daughter (Anne RooneyJ. He has a rival in Bob Mitchum. To get quiilan out ot the way Mitchum suggests io tne gals pop (Samuel S. Hinds) that the tad be sent to New York to talk the dairymen s association into taking the farmer into its membership. While he is in New York waiting to see the head of the association (Kussell Hicks) Quiilan, a trombone nut, is inveigled into joining a struggling band. His trombone work makes the band a success. Complications arise when Mary Beth Hughes tries to keep him from going back to the farm by flashing her feminine wiles. There follows a break with Miss Kooney. The girl is about to be married to Mitchum when everything is explained satisfactorily. CAST: Leon Errol, Eddie Quiilan, Mary Beth Hughes, Skinnay Ennis, Anne Rooney, Samuel S. Hinds, Ben Bartlett, Irving Bacon, Kussell Hicks, Frank Coghlan, Jr., Jean Ames, Paul Dubov, Bob Mitchum, Isabel Randolph, Leo Carrillo, Frances Langford, Kay Eberle, Hilo Hattie, Alvino Rey and orchestra, King Sisters, King's Men, Bombardiers. DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. 'China' First Newark Week 100% Above Average Without benefit of support from a stage attraction and despite air raid blackouts on two succeeding nights at the peak of evening business, Para.'s "China" hit a gross of 100 per cent above average at the Paramount, Newark, N. J., in its first week, ending Friday night, the home office reported over the week-end. It was said that the pic will just about beat the record gross rolled up by "Star Spangled Rhythm" in its first stanza; latter pic was aided by the Feb. 22 holiday. * SHORTS * "Unusual Occupations" (Number L2-4) Paramount 11 Mins. Strong on Novelty Audiences will get a big kick out of nearing via the current issue the actual voices of P. T. Barnum, Kuaoiph Valentino, Admiral Peary, ineoaore Roosevelt, and the sounding by Kenneth Landfrey on the Dugie the same call, on the same instrument, whicn sent the Light Brigade into its famous cnarge. It is all accomplished by old-time records culled, preservea and transcribed by George R. Vincent, protege of Tnomas Hidison. Other scenes are oi getting tne ciicus ready for its annual tour; tne hnng of tne traditional midday gun in Ottawa; and tne manufactures of brushes in Rio de Janeiro. "The Boy and the Wolf" M-G-M 9 mins. Good The fable of the boy who cried wolf is retold in extremely amusing fasnion in this Technicolor cartoon, the setting is Mexican. The boy, an amusing little devil, fools his dog several times. When the wolf really comes, to prey on his sheep the kid has a tough time convincing the hound of his peril. The dog is a very funny character. The subject nas been well done. "The Beach Command" (Grantland Rice Sportlight) Paramount 9 Mins. Revealing, Inspiring How thoroughly Uncle Sam has taken over for Army air training the vacation paradise of Miami beach is shown. But the impressive part of the reel is the routine which goes on to make men into airmen. They are revealed in physical upbuilding, as well as in and en route to classrooms for mental upbuilding. Commando games are practiced, there are constant drills, and all the other polishing necessary to making U. S. dyers literally "aces all." The subject is well conceived and well made, and ranks with the most attentiongetting of the veteran producer's efforts. "Romantic Nevada" (FitzPatrick Traveltalk) M-G-M 9 mins. Good Nevada gets a quick once-over in this short, which devotes most of its time to Reno, with inevitable emphasis on the city's chief industry, the severing of marital ties. Much attention is given also to the city's gambling activities. The film is in Technicolor that brings out all the beauty of the state's scenic wonders. A good booking. HCLLYWCCD DIGEST SIGNED FORREST ORR, termer, 20th-Fox. rtEED HADLEY, termer, 20th-Fox. HERBERT EVERS, termer, 20th-Fox. ■* ASSIGNMENTS ACNES CHRISTINE JOHNSTON, screen4 "Henry Aldrich's Code of Honor," ?W§> mount. SHERMAN SCOTT, untitled "Lone Rider," PRC <AY SHROCK, "Career Girls," PRC. iDCAR ULMER and CHARLES HENKEL. editors, "Tidal Wave," PRC. OLIVER DRAKE, two "Texas Rangers" pictures Alexander Stern, for PRC. CASTINGS SHEILA RYAN, "The Cirls He Left Behind,' (replacing Linda Darnell), 20th-Fox; MAMA MONTEZ, "Phantom Lady," Universal; HERBERT EVERS, "Guadalcanal Diary," 20th-Fox; J CARROLL NAISH, "Strange Music," RKO; ROBERT RYAN and GEORCE CIVOT, "Behind thf Rising Sun," RKO; KIM HUNTER, "The Seventh Victim," RKO; ERNEST TRUEX and ALAN DINEHART, "Fired Wife," Universal; JACK MARTIN, "This Land is Mine," RKO; DON DOUGLAS and CLORIA HOLDEN, "Behind thi Rising Sun," RKO; ADELE MARA, NEILA HART VI ATHENS, EDDY CHANDLER, EDDIE HALL MINA CUNARD, "Right Guy," Columbia. STORY PURCHASES KURT NEUMANN'S "Vampires of London,' Columbia. TITLE SWITCHES From1 "McLeod's Folly" to "Johnny Come Late ly,' Cagney-UA. REOPTIONED JULIAN JOHNSON, story editor, 20th-ox. RESIGNED VICTOR SAVILLE, producer, M-G-M. (effectiv. in June). SCHEDULED "Salute to a Lady," from "Truth in Demand,' producer, Robert T. Kane, 20th-Fox. "Vampires of London," writer-director, KUR1 NEUMANN; producer, SAM WHITE. RKO Mat Service Gives "Exclusives" to Dailies (Continued from Page 1) publicity head. Through the nev service, exclusive material will g< to each newspaper. First subject is "Flight to Freedom," and was sen to 150 newspapers in 85 key cities Charles Levy, head of RKO Radio'! special features department, is ii charge of mat material's prepara tion. The new service is distinct fron company's standard publicity ma mailings sent weekly to over 50( small-town newspapers under direc tion of Fred Schaefer. Saville Leaving Metro; To Produce on His Own West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAI LI Hollywood — Victor Saville, Brit ish producer and director, Frida; asked for and secured release fron his contract with Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, terminating a six-year asso ciation with the company, in orde to devote his efforts to individua production. Saville's release was ar ranged through amicable negotiz tions.