The Film Daily (1939)

s Monday, September 11, 1939 m> DAILY MAY REOPEN RKO'S STOCK UNDERWRITING ;:.: (Continued from Page 1) stock is caused by a fluctuating and unstable stock market arising from the European war situation, Special Mas' j1 George W. Alger stated on Fri\[P that hearings would be postponed for another two weeks to a month. Informed sources expressed the opinion Friday that the entire question of the flotation of stock may be reopened when Federal Judge William Bondy reeturns in the near future from his vacation, but it was not believed that any concrete action would be taken until the Stock Market reaches a normal level. Para. Sales Execs. Meet With Agnew in Chicago (Continued from Page 1) ecutives present at the Blackstone Hotel here on Saturday and yesterday. Here in addition to Agnew were J. J. Under, Eastern Division manager; Charles Reagan, Western Division manager; Oscar Morgan, Southern Division manager; G. B. J. Frawley and Alec Moss from the home office, district managers M. S. Kusell, Harry Goldstein, William Erbb, Allen Usher, Ralph Libeau, G. A. Smith, H. F. Wilkes and Hugh Braly and M. A. Milligan, Canadian general sales manager. Following the sales discussions, the delegates attended a special screening of the four big Para, attractions; "Rulers of the Sea," "Disputed Passage," "Honeymoon in Bali" and "Seventeen." Davenport House, Dark Six Years, to Reopen Davenport, la. — The Columbia, closed for six years, is being remodeled by Tri-States into a modern 800 seater and is scheduled to open in November. "Ultimatum" for World American premiere of "Ultimatum," starring Erich von Stroheim, has been set for the World Theater. Oliver Unger, sales manager of J. H. Hoffberg, distributors of the film, set the deal with Gilbert Josephson, manager of the theater. Picture opens shortly. Barcelona Plans Another Baton Rouge, La. — Joe Barcelona, exhibitor who operates several neighborhood houses in this capital city of Louisiana, is ready to go ahead with another. The new house is to be called the Avalon and will seat about 700. Garver House to Gregory Terre Haute, Ind. — The Gregory Circuit acquired the Orpheum Theater here from Ross Garver. House will close for three weeks for repairs and remodeling. reviews of ncuj faims * SHORTS * "The Story That Couldn't Be Printed" (Passing Parade) M-G-M 11 mins. Fine Patriotic Reel The dramatic story of how the foundation for freedom of the press was laid in America. Back in early Colonial days, a printer named Zanger exposed the rascality of an official who was misappropriating public funds. A friend of his, John Alexander, undertook to secure positive proof so that the other could print the facts. Zanger was jailed. At the trial, Andrew Hamilton, the great lawyer and statesman, walked into the courtroom and announced that he was there to defend the prisoner. His plea was so eloquent that the jurors were swept off their feet and brought in the verdict of innocent, thus securing freedom of the press in this nation. Directed by Joe Newman. "One Against the World" M-G-M 11 mins. Excellent Medical Drama The dramatic story of Dr. Ephraim MacDowell, who is hailed in surgical history as the first doctor to perform a major operation on a human being. On Christmas Day in 1809 in a small American town, Jane Crawford lay dying, an operation her only hope. The doctor started operating as a bigoted mob outside threatened to break in and lynch him. As they throw a rope over a tree, ready to lynch the "murderer with a knife," the husband of the sick woman comes to the door and announces dramatically that the operation has proved successful. Directed by Fred Zinnemann. "Rhumba Rhythm" (A Miniature) M-G-M 10 mins. Good Hollywood Fun A couple of young girls, film fans, visit Hollywood and crash the exclusive La Conga in order to get a close-up view of the picture greats. There is a rhumba contest scheduled, and two male partners ask the girls to team up for the prize. They both are declared winners, and the silver cup is given to the girls. But they get an awful shock when their pai'tners present their cards and bill as professional instructors. The girls are Helen Treen and Sally Paine. George Murphy acts as the contest judge. Directed by Sammy Lee. Produced by Louis Lewyn. "Take A Cue" (Pete Smith Specialty) M-G-M 9 mins. Expert Billiards A remarkable exhibition of billiards by the champion, Charles Peterson. He starts off with the the elementary shots, and then works into a series of brilliant plays, one more magical than the other. His amazing trick shots will leave the audience gasping. Directed by Felix Feist. Pete Smith gives his usual crisp narration. Pete has a stooge making some shots against the champ to score the guffaws. "The Bookworm" (M-G-M Cartoon) M-G-M 9 mins. Fine Fantasy A melodrama enacted in the library, with the various fictional characters coming to life. "Macbeth" starts it when the three witches brewing a devil's potion require a worm. The "Raven" is assigned to get the worm. He goes in search of a bookworn, and the chase is on. The chase calls into activity such characters as Paul Revere, King Arthur, the modern Gang Busters, who finally save the poor bookworm from going into the witches' brew. "Betrayal" at Little Carnegie "Betrayal," film portrayal of the life of Catherine the Great, will have its U. S. premiere at the Little Carnegie Theater Friday. Based on the novel, "The Princess Tarakanova," by G. P. Danilevski, pix is released by World Pictures Corp. Daly Reopening the Lily Plainfield, Conn. — Michael Daly, operator of the Capitol and Victory, Lowell, and the Daly, Hartford, reopened his newly-acquired Lilv Theater here Friday on a six day a week schedule, with Edward Sokolowsky, formerly of the Capitol, Lowell, as manager. Kathryn Kidder Rites Held Funeral services were held in New York Friday for Kathryn Kidder, 71, veteran actress and wife of Dr. Louis K. Anspacher. Linda Hill In P.A.'s Linda Lee Hill has completed a week of personal appearances at the Academy Theater in Lebanon, Pa., in conjunction with the film, "Lure of Hollywood," in which she is starred. Pix was made by Allied Productions of Philadelphia, and p.a. tour is scheduled throughout Pennsylvania theaters. New O. C. Suburban House Oklahoma City — Another new suburban theater is under contemplated construction in Oklahoma City. Building is being planned by H. C. Keaton, owner of the Keaton Ice Co. There are no other houses within a mile of the location at present. LITTLE f ROm LOTS By RALPH WTLK HOLLYWOOD New Linda Ware Vehicle £HARLES R. ROGERS has set a new picture for Linda Ware, who appeared in the "Star Maker." It will be titled "A Glimpse of Heaven," story by William Pierce and Mildred Barish. Start New Holt Picture The Larry Darmour-Jack Holt production, "Illicit Cargo," to be released by Columbia, is under way. Cast includes Jack Holt, Irene Ware, Eduardo Cianelli, Harry Carey. Director will be Lewis D. Collins. Stanley on "Flying Deuces" Fred Stanley will handle future publicity on the Boris Morros production, "The Flying Deuces," under supervision of Perry Lieber, publicity director, at RKO. Lyrics by William Le Baron Going back to his first love, song writing, which originally brought him into the business of making entertainment, William LeBaron, production head of Paramount studios, has contributed the lyrics for most of the top songs in "Victor Herbert," now being produced at LeBaron's plant. LeBaron has for long been an admirer of Victor Herbert, and had at one time contemplated writing an extensive biography of the great American composer. T T T New Pact for Priscilla Lane Following her performance in "Four Wives," Warner Bros, has awarded a new term contract to Priscilla Lane. New deal becomes effective in two weeks. Metro Retains Cummings Jack Cummings signed a new contract as producer at Metro. T T T London Play for Robinson? Warners is rushing preparations on "Footsteps in the Dark" as a possible vehicle for Edward G. Robinson, who returns to Hollywood in a few days from New York and a vacation in Europe. Decision on the picture will be reached following the star's return to the Burbank studio. "Footsteps in the Dark" is based upon a London stage success of last season. Pagnol Cancels N. Y. Trip The French Cinema Center has received a cable from Andre Boisson, general manager of Les Films Marcel Pagnol in Paris, stating that Marcel Pagnol will be unable to come to the U. S. as planned to aid in the proceedings now under way to have the New York censor ban on "Harvest" lifted. Pagnol has joined his regiment.