The Film Daily (1939)

Wednesday, August 16, 1939 W DAILY Both AAAA, AFA Claim A F of L Decision as Victory k j ■ M 4 A's Board Will Meet Here Today to Consider Course of Action (Continued from Page 1) days and (6) authorized a committee of 10 to conduct AFA affairs in the f intpHm. NT ^reen Predicts Acceptance William Green, A F of L prexy, stated the recommendations and orders were based upon a series of conferences held here between representatives of the various groups. He stated, "I assume all concerned will accept them." Green quoted George President Roosevelt, in a letter read at the State Federation of Labor convention here yesterday, pointedly said, "If leaders of organized labor can make and keep the peace between various opinions and factions, it will vastly increase the prestige of labor with the country and prevent the reaction which otherwise is bound to injure the workers themselves." E. Browne, IATSE prexy, as saying he would abide by the decision. When asked what action would be taken if the 4 A's did not accept Green replied, "We have means of dealing with such a situation." He added in reply to a question that Ralph Whitehead, executive secretary of the AFA, would be given no special privileges in the new setup and that he would have to take his chances at re-election. Whitehead retains his title, but has no say until the new elections are held. These are ordered within 90 days. Kenneth Thomson, AAAA and SAG exec, speaking for the 4 A's said: "The decision of the Executive Council represents a victory for the 4 A's. The three points awarded to us in the decision are: "1. The IATSE is instructed to withdraw the charter issued to the AFA. "2. The jurisdiction of the 4 A's over performers in the field of entertainment and amusement is recognized and the IATSE has no jurisdiction over such field. "3. The legal right of the 4 A's to expel the AFA was recognized. This upholds our action in expelling the AFA. May Accept or Reject . . . Thomson "As far as the recommendations of the council are concerned they are not binding upon us in any way. We may reject them or accept them as we see fit. Upon our return, we will 'Oomph* vs. 'Oomph' Albany — It's "oomph" vs. "oomph" here this week as two Warner houses, Strand and the Ritz, play Ann Sheridan vehicles. "Angels Wash Their Faces" is at the Strand, "Winter Carnival" at the Ritz. Andy Roy (Strand) and Bob Rosenthal (Ritz) are aligning the advertising campaigns to get a cross-fire reaction at both houses. Last time stunt was worked was in the late Jean Harlow's hey-day and resulted in exceptional grosses. AFA Execs. See Decision as a Victory; Won't Accept Whitehead, Says Thomson Atlantic City — Reactions of key figures in the AAAA-IATSE controversy to the A F of L Executive Council solution follow: Sophie Tucker, AFA prexy: "We are all delighted; it is a clear cut victory for us." Ralph Whitehead, AFA executive secretary: "The decision was a perfect vindication. We will all go in for re-election and there is little doubt that the same officers will be in existence after elections." Kenneth Thomson, AAAA-SAG exec: "We will not under any circumstances see Whitehead back as an officer. We do not agree to his reinstatement, even without power." submit the recommendations of the Council to the Inter-national Board of the 4 A's and will make our decision known to the A F of L Council in due course. "Until we have had an opportunity to study the recommendations we cannot say whether we, of the 4 A's committee, will recommend the recommendations to the International Board. Pending the 4 A's decision upon the recommendations of the American Federation of Labor's Executive Council the organization of the American Guild of Variety Artists will continue as before, strengthened, of course, by the decision of the A F of L, Executive Council as to jurisdiction over all performers in the entertainment and amusement world." The 4A's Executive Board will meet in New York today, it was announced. The A F of L decision and recommendations were as follows: "1 — The AAAA is an affiliated international union, chartered by the A F of L and as such is entitled to enjoy all the rights and privileges accorded any other national and international union. "2— The jurisdiction of the AAAA as heretofore defined by convention action and decisions of the Executive Council is reaffirmed, that is, that this organization has jurisdiction over all performers in the amusement and entertainment world. Penalty Held Unduly Severe "3 — Without passing judgment upon charges or counter charges involved and trial had, and while the revocation of the charter of the AFA was within the authority of the AAAA, in our judgment this penalty was unduly severe in that it penalized thousands of members of the actors' profession for an alleged offense we believe might have been adjusted without inflicting harm on any officer or member. "It is our further belief that any union structure that requires actors and artists to pay initiation fees and dues to several branches of the associated actors and artists in order that members of this profession may be privileged to earn their livelihood in any or all of the several fields of entertainment and amusement, does not tend toward unity in organization, much less to the security of the individual actor, because punishment by one branch forecloses engagement in any other branch and without course of redress. It is the urgent recommendation that the AAAA give early and thoughtful consideration to amending the present arrangement and structure and relationship if further difficulties such as have developed in this instance are to be avoided. Green Lists Assurances "4 — In the interest of unity, harmony and co-operation we call upon the AAAA to reinstate the AFA, all its officers and members and withdraw the charter issued to the AGVA, thus re-establishing the status quo and under the following conditions and assurances: "A — That there be held nominations and elections of all officers and for all elective offices of the AFA within the period of 90 days, present officers to continue in the interim. "B — All members of the AFA and of AGVA are to be eligible for nomination and election and to participate in the voting. "C — Pending nominations and elections, affairs of AFA are to be conducted under the guidance and supervision of a committee of 10, made up as follows: Associated Actors and Artists — 1. Equity — 1. Chorus Equity — 1. Radio Artists — 1. Screen Actors — 1. American Federation of Actors — 2. American Federation of Labor — 3. Committee to Guide Elections "D — This committee of 10 is also to be authorized and empowered to fix the rules, regulations and conditions for the conduct of nominations and elections of officers and offices herein provided including the determining of all questions of eligibility of members to vote. "5 — We call upon the AFA immediately to withdraw all litigation now pending and likewise immediately to withdraw from the IATSE. "6 — In view of the following, the IATSE is hereby instructed to withdraw the charter issued to the AFA. "7 — We call upon all parties concerned and their interests to carry out these conclusions and decisions are presented, that is to the end that unity, that harmony and co-operation may be re-established." Max Fox Dead in Dallas Dallas — Max Fox, pioneer Dallas theater man, former owner of the Fox and Strand, is dead. Surviving are a son, Dr. A. Albert Fox of Dallas; a brother Dave Fox of Dallar; Mrs. Sara Glasman of New York, a daughter; two brothers in Poland, a sister in Poland and two sisters in France. UMPTO TO TAKE STEPS TO MEET RENTAL ISSUE Philadelphia— UMPTO proposes to take "constructive steps" to meet the situation presented by a universal demand for higher rentals on 193940 product in this territory, it is announced following a meeting of the Board of Managers. Just what those "steps" will be, however, was not disclosed. Rennselaer Mayor Vetoes Measure for Sunday Pix Albany — A strong blast at "commercializing the Sabbath day" marked executive veto of the City of Rensselaer's brand new Sunday film ordinance which was designed to permit exhibition after 2 p.m. in the day. Mayor William T. Wright penned his disapproval and sent the bill back to the Common Council, which had earlier approved it after a public hearing found but one complaint against adoption. Advocates of Sunday films will seek to override the Mayor's veto. Moss Amusement Center Includes Film Theater Pittsburgh — A new 1.000-seat theater is to be built in Brentwood, a suburb of this city, by John P. Moss, who also operates the Melrose Theater in Carrick. In addition to the theater, this project is to include bowling alleys, lodge rooms and a parking1 station, and will be called the Whitehall Amusement Center. Victor A. Rigaumont, theater designer, is the architect and construction is to begin immediately. Einfeld Due Next Week S. Charles Einfeld, Warner advertising and publicity director, arrives here next Monday from the Coast to launch advertising and exploitation campaigns on "The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex," "Dust Be My Destiny," "On Your Toes" and several pictures. Einfeld plans to stay 'here two weeks. Eagles' Helping Hand Chicago— Advent of 30,000 for Eagles convention has definitely aided Loop box-offices. No, Thanhs! ! ! Oklahoma City — One thing Is now certain— neither Stanley Draper, sec.-mgr. of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, nor Dr. J. M. Ashton, research director of the State Chamber of Commerce, wants 20th Century-Fox to make "Crapes of Wrath" in the "dust bowl." Statements were issued after announcement was made Darryl F. Zanuck would send a company to Oklahoma to film scenes in "Oklahoma's dust bowl!' for the film based on John Steinbeck's book.