The Film Daily (1940)

rhursday, February 1, 1940 TKI «1U DAILY EDUGATION'L PICTURES FAILS, OWES $577,923 i (Continued from Page 1) Inc., on the studio located in Hollywood, estimated at $250,000. Other assets were a loan to Grand Natioii^ now also in bankruptcy, of $90,f^l, and a loan to Educational Studios, Inc., of $12,370. Remaining assets were 16 mm. prints, stock of Educational Films Corp. of America and of Educational Studios, Inc., of unknown value. The largest creditor listed in the schedules was Erpi, with a claim of $241,673, secured by a mortgage on the company's studio in Hollywood. Next largest claim is one of Lloyd Wright, as trustee in bankruptcy of Grand National Films, Inc., for '$200,000, secured by 15,000 shares of preferred and 150,000 shares of common stock of Grand National , Pictures. Other creditors are E. W. Hammons, for approximately $50,000 in salary; Jeremiah D. McGuire, for $38,409 for a lease; The National City Bank for $18,251, for liabilities of Grand National guaranteed by Educational; Snider, Duke & Landis, attorneys for $12,501, for legal fees; and Edmund V. Hally, for $6,342 for promissory notes secured by all the capital stock of Educational Films Corp. of America. Claims of a number of smaller creditors were also listed. Hammons said last night that Educational was put into voluntary bankruptcy in order to protect its creditors and preserve its interests and large cash loans to Grand National. It is understood that the action will lead to a quick reorganization of Educational and the possible resumption of short subject production. ITO of Ohio to Convene in Columbus on Feb. 28 (Continued from Page 1) will meet Tuesday to discuss arrangements. At the same time a final decision will be made on the proposed campaign to combat radio's "Pot of Gold" giveaway. Best wishes from THE FILM DAILY to the following on their birthdays: FEBRUARY 1 Clark Cable Helen Chandler Harold Rodner Franciska Caal Ernest Hilliard Cene Sheldon Marie (Pat) Donohoe Maxwell A. Silver • • • MOST oi the so-called "wiseacres" had the notion that the big b.o. "take" at the turn of the year was a flash in the pan but viewing January in retrospect the entire month, cold as it was hereabouts, was decidedly "hot" for grosses because the product was "hot" But what's a helluva lot more important than what has been happening is the immediate present and near future. • • • WITNESS Metro-Selznick's "Gone With the Wind" roaring along at the Capitol and Astor Warners' "The Fighting 69th" packing 'em in at the Strand "Grapes of Wrath" making Broadway history and profits for 2Qth-Fox and the Rivoli The Music Hall holding-over the Metro-Lubitsch lily, "The Shop Around the Corner" the Paramount understandably standing pat for a third week with "Remember the Night" Loew's Criterion going great guns with a third week of Metro's "Judge Hardy and Son" and the Rialto poised to give Universale "Green Hell" a second week an attraction which didn't seem to rate so well with local reviewers but is definitely a "type" picture having high-power b.o. advantages as a capacity first week at the Rialto roundly demonstrated • • • WITNESS, too on the roster of forthcoming attractions the group of bound to be b.o. winners ...... which hold promise of sustained "good times" for exhibs. and public alike Looming immediately for local consumption is one of 20fh-Fox' ace pictures, "Little Old New York," which moves into the Roxy tomorrow and the suspense 'mong local Film Row-ites will continue to grow more weighty until the night of Feb. 7 when Mister Walt Disney's "Pi nocchio" goes into the Center Theater for what appears to be a certain marathon run • • • OF such quality is the present and impending product that ifs a tip-off to all exhibs. who have yet to play the attractions of the b.o. joys in the offing for them and their audiences The record is clear for during the past few weeks this department has seen lines lines LINES more and longer than at any time in Broadway area history — lines which in some instances stretched clear around blocks Just how good business has been for New York's pix palaces can be gleaned from the haggard looks in the eyes of overworked ushers and noticed in the orbs of femme cashiers In fact biz has been so big that Broadway exhibition solons no longer ask each other: "How's business?" That question is currently as outmoded as a horse-car • • • OTHER keys and smaller situations are also doin' mighty well with contemporary product Opposition seems to have receded as a consequence For example, we know that out in Cleveland recently Mary (My Heart Belongs to Daddy) Martin appeared in person at the RKO Palace there The M. C. announced that Miss Martin's first pix, "The Great Victor Herbert" would open at Loew's State, next door, the following Friday! « « « » » V CONN. ALLIED AGAIN BACKS NEELY'S BILL (Continued from Page 1) business agent of Independent Exhibitors, Inc., and E. Thornton Kelly, membership campaign supervisor, were guest speakers. The resolution was adopted following two hours of heated discussion, during which members of Connecticut MPTO were invited to voice their opposition arguments. A. M. Schuman of Bridgeport, presided at the meeting. Show of hands revealed that most indies present considered the bill would not prevent purchase of more than one picture at a time. National Allied policies, and the Government anti-trust suits were also discussed. However, much pressing business was reported unfinished, and a new luncheon-meeting has been called for 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Hotel Garde. At this time, committees on legislation, dues, grievance and other projects will be appointed and a new operating machinery for the unit set in motion. Col. H. A. Cole, national Allied president, scheduled as the main speaker of the afternoon, was unable to attend. Ohio Court to Determine "Prosperity Club" Status (Continued from Page 1) suit by Prosecutor Paul T. Landis. Petition charges that Warner Bros., the defendant, has "misused a corporate franchise granted under Ohio laws by advertising and conducting a lottery or game of chance," asking that the court appoint trustees to liquidate the operating company. ST Chicago — A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Irving Joseph at the Lying In Hospital. The father is on Columbia's sales staff here. Chicago — Jim Donnelly of the Sheridan Theater, (Essaness Circuit) has a new baby daughter which arrived at the Swedish Covenant Hospital. Chicago — A seven pound baby boy born to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brown at the St. Anne's Hospital. Father is assistant manager of the B & K United Artists Theater. San Francisco — A daughter was born here on Friday, last, to Mr. and Mrs. Jack D. Marpole. The new arrival is christened Jacklyn Alma. Jack Marpole is vice-president of Ten-O-Win Amusement Co., with offices in the Kress Building here, and with National Screen Service in New York.