The Film Daily (1947)

Cf 8* DAIiV Wednesday, April 9, 194'/ 20»h-Para. Form Int'l 16MM. Disfrib, Co. (Continued from Page 1) story to the effect that such a project was in discussion stages. The new outfit will be equally owned by the two companies. Silverstone will assume the presidency in addition to his duties as home office rep. of 20th-Fox Int'l. Daniel Frankel has been engaged as general manager. In taking the new post, Frankel will resien as vice-president of Four Continent Films, distributing agency for British product in the U. S. Prior to Four Continent, Frankel was foreign manager for Pathe Int'l Corp. Corporation will acquire distribution rights in foreign countries, other than Canada, to narrow gauge films of both its stockholding companies. Complete libraries of both companies will be available. Under a proposed arrangement, the new corporation will also handle dubbed and superimposed versions from both companies. A series of shorts, "The World Today," now in production by Boris Vermont, will figure in the deal. Still under discussion are final details which will be announced later. The corporate name will also be set soon. Silverstone stated he was particularly enthusiastic about the possibilities of these sub-standard width films since they make feasible the use of portable apparatus, thus making it possible, through American films to bring America — her ideals, standards of living and products — to many people who have had no knowledge or conception of them. Several of Majors Likely To Take Bids Despite Stay (Continued from Page 1) system in collusion with one another might result in accusations of violation of the Sherman Act, as pointed out in the arguments of the American Theaters Association at the recent hearings before Justice Reed. Action in concert, however, is completely ruled out as a possibility by executives here and seems likely that competitive bidding will be applied only in specific situations where a shortage of product or other unusual conditions seem to justify opening pictures to bids. SICK LIST 3 ARTHUR D. KNAPP, dean of the 20thFox sales force in Detroit, has returned to his home after a year's sojourn in Florida, convalescing following a heart attack. WILSON ELLIOTT, former assistant manager of the Fox Theater, Detroit, to Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital for a back operation for injuries received in a para chut§^jjjmp while in the Air Corps. CEA Moves to Combat Sign Licensing Bill London (By Air Mail) — A deputation to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning is under consideration by CEA in a move to combat provisions of the new planning bill bringing external advertisements under license control. Bill would provide for a license application every time a change in an advertisement is made but CEA will seek to have a general license made available. UA Sets Deals With Coslow, Small, Gross (Continued from 'Page 1) in 18 months, Young to star in both, opposite femme star as yet unnamed; 3) with Ed Gross and a group of associates who will produce a $2, United artists is now operating some five film theaters, it was disclosed here yesterday by Mary Pickford. Miss Pickford did not identify the houses and cities in which they are located. 000,000 all-starrer based on "Mrs. Mike," Literary Guild selection for March and Readers Digest selection for July. Mary Pickford, co-owner with Charles Chaplin of UA, said following the board meeting that there had been no discussion at the session of a successor to Edward Raftery as president. Raftery for some time has expressed a desire to return to his law practice. Miss Pickford said that return to UA in an executive capacity of Arthur W. Kelly was also not on yesterday's agenda. She pointed out that Kelly at the present time was concentrating on distribution plans for the new Chaplin pix, and that what title and duties would fall to Kelly on joining UA had not been set. The UA co-owner confirmed that Grad Sears, UA world-wide sales chief, had suggested that he be relieved of general foreign supervision in the event that fitted in with a UA revamping. The matter rested there at present, it was indicated. Miss Pickford will remain in New York for two weeks on corporate matters and her own future production plans. 5 Majors File Answers In D'Arcy Trust Suit St. Louis — Separate answers in the $600,000 anti-trust damage action filed by Martin W. D'Arcy, one-time lessee of the Shubert Theater, against Fanchon & Marco and various distributors and individuals, have been filed by Columbia, Warners, Universal, RKO and United Artists. All denied any basis for the contentions of the plaintiff. Monogram was granted until April 25 to file its answer. New GUT Shares to Finance Expansion Sydney (By Air Mail) — Greater Union Theaters is implementing its expansion program with the creation of 1,000,000 preference shares, half of which will be subscribed by the holding companies in proportion to their present holdings of ordinary shares. Remaining 500,000 shares are to be held in reserve with the first right to apply for them to be in favor of the Rank British group. With brokerage and underwriting costs eliminated with an understanding that shares are to be paid for in full on application, the full £500,000 will be available for expansion. Holding companies eligible to purchase the new issue include Wests, Spencers, Greater J. D. Williams and Amalgamated Pictures. GUT recently increased its interest in South Australian theaters by purchasing a substantial interest in Glenelg Theaters which operates two houses. Paid up capital of Glenelg is £29,634. Extension of Greater Union Theatres distribution franchise for Columbia product for an additional seven years, was announced by Norman Rydge. Present agreement has been in existence for seven years. 1,500 LatinAmerican House Gain in 5 Years Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Latin American markets for United States films are "plainly becoming larger," Nathan D. Golden, Department of Commerce pix chief, said yesterday in reporting increase of more than 1,500 theaters in countries below the Rio Grande during the last five years. "The broad situation may justly be called encouraging," Golden said. "Markets for United States films are plainly becoming larger. More equipment will be demanded. Receptivity to American goods of every sort should be appreciably stimulated." N. J. Tax Bill Fight To Be Pressed in Senate (Continued from Page 1) will apply the legislation only to the larger cities within the four New Jersey counties bordering the Atlantic Ocean, officials of the Allied Theater Owners of New Jersey and the Federation of New Jersey Theater Owners revealed that they would carry their fight against the bill to the Senate. Municipalities embraced by the bill as it now reads include Atlantic City, Ocean City, Wildwood, Asbury Park and Cape May, but the theater owners are determined to battle the issue to a complete victory. Both organizations are wiring members to contact their senators with an expression of opposition and a request for an open hearing. THEY'LL RUN THEY'LL WALK THEY'LL EVEN 31* rfi see Released thru (^ II