The Film Daily (1944)

&t DAILY Friday, March 10, 1944 British Industry Hails Spyros Skouras {Continued from Page 1) get together to produce an adequate supply of films, not only for the United States and England, but for the entire world. Rank in an extremely complimentary speech stressed the cordial relations established between the 20thFox president and himself. There was no indication of the outcome of the talks that have been in progress between Rank and Skouras, but observers were convinced that some arrangement is in prospect if not already certain. Capt. Sidney Clift, new president of the CEA, and Maj. R. P. Baker, president of the KRS, who also spoke, praised Skouras highly. Twentieth-Fox's chief executive in his reply advised British producers to make quality pictures and a smaller number if necessary. Referring to the competitive aspect, he pointed out that the eight majors in the United States were highly competitive. "No Bar Against British Pix" "There is no bar against British films in America," Skouras emphasized, adding that the U. S. industry was wholly sympathetic in its attitude. However, he asserted, the solution of the British problem lay in the hands of the British industry. "I urge you," declared Skouras, "to unite all your production interests that you may share in the markets of the world." The American executive was tendered an ovation as he took his chair at the conclusion of his remarks. "Nothing but good can result from the visit of Skouras," Rank asserted in bringing the luncheon to a close. "Are These Our Children?" As April Release by RKO West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Lincoln Quarberg, special public relation representative for RKO-Radio, has returned from Washington, where he made arrangements there for the presentation of Ruth Clifton, 18, originator of the Moline Plan, at the White House. Miss Clifton, the nation's number one teen-age authority on war-time youth problems, and technical advisor on the Val Lewton movie, "Are These Our Children?" met Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, and the capitol's correspondents, addressed meeting of Washington Club Women, and testified before the U. S. Senate Sub-Committee probing juvenile delinquency. "Are These Our Children?" probably under another title because of its similarity of Monogram's current release, "Where Are Your Children?" will be given its nation-wide release during April. Miss Clifton under present plans will tour the country in conjunction with key city premieres, lecturing on her theory reviews of ncio turns "Shine on. Harvest Moon" with Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan Warner 112 Mins. LAVISH MUSICAL IS JAMMED WITH POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT; KEYED FOR SUBSTANTIAL GROSSES. In "Shine on, Harvest Moon" Warners has delivered another of its entertainmentloaded musicals aimed squarely at the box office. In this instance the studio has built the show around the characters of Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth, two topliners of the golden days of American vaudeville. The oldsters will be doubly served by this film, which takes its name from the famous Norworth tune. Doubly served because to them the production will stir memories of a lusty and full-flavored period of American life. They will throb to the sound of tunes associated with their youth, not the least of which, of course, is "Shine on, Harvest Moon," the number one tune of the film. Added to the BayesNorworth tunes of yesteryear are a number of warm songs of a popular nature composed by the songwriting teams of Cliff Friend and Charles Tobias and M. K. Jerome and Kim Gannon. Plenty of color, life and gayety have been brought to this story of the noted duo of show business — a story that is told with romantic fervor and with strong regard for comedy. The musical content is irresistible, with several of the tunes inspiring fine production numbers, the most expansive being that accorded the title song in an impressive Technicolor sequence that brings the picture to a stunning close. The picture doesn't go extensively into the lives of Miss Bayes and Norworth. The screenplay, a commendable job by Sam Hellman, Richard Weil, Francis Swann and James Kern, is concerned principally with their romance, their teaming as a husbandand-wife act, and their ups and downs in their struggle to hit the big time. All the heartaches, all the joys of their devoted partnership are included in the story. The picture ended in a burst of happiness with their triumph in the "Ziegfeld Follies." Produced in fine fashion by William Jacobs, the offering was directed skillfully by David Butler. Contributing to the success of the film are the camera work of Arthur Edeson, the art direction of Charles Novi and the musical direction of Leo F. Forbstein. The production has a first-rate cast. Ann Sheridan and Dennis Morgan act and sing attractively as the Bayes-Norworth combination. Irene Manning contributes good singing and acting as Miss Sheridan's professional and romantic rival. Jack Carson, S. Z. Sakall and Marie Wilson take care of the comedy nicely. Robert Shayne attracts attention as the villain who threatens the happiness of Miss Sheridan and Morgan by applying the blacklist against them. CAST: Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Irene Manning, S. Z. Sakall. Marie Wilson, Robert Shayne, The Ashburns, Four Step Brothers, William Davidson, James Bush, Joseph Crehan, Betty Bryson, Don "The Monster Maker" with J. Carrol Naish and Ralph Morgan (HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW) PRC 62 Mins. HORROR FANS WILL FIND THIS ONE RIGHT DOWN THEIR CINEMATIC ALLEY. This offering should hit nicely with the horror fans. J. Carrol Naish is the chief chill-provoker, while capable Ralph Morgan is his co-star, Wanda McKay, Tala Birell and Terry Frost are among the principals. Sam Newfield turned in a good job of directing, and Sigmund Neufeld supplied satisfactory production values. Pierre Gendron and Martin Mooney fashioned the screenplay, based on Lawrence Williams original story. Robert Cline's photography is praiseworthy. Because of her resemblance to his first wife, Naish, a doctor and scientist, determines to marry Wanda, daughter of Morgan, a famous pianist. Wanda and Morgan bitterly oppose Naish's plans. After knocking Morgan unconscious, Naish gives him an injection, which causes acromegoly, a glandular ailment, which causes great enlargement of the head, thorax, hands and feet. Wanda is brought to see her father, Morgan, and is informed that if she will marry Naish, he will use a rare serum, which will restore Morgan to complete health. Morgan and Wanda's sweetheart, Terry Frost, subdue Naish, and Naish's assistant, Tala Birell, injects the serum that saves Morgan. CAST: J. Carrol Naish, Ralph Morgan, Tala Birell, Wanda McKay, Terry Frost, Glenn Strange, Alexander Pollard, Sam Flint, Ace the Dog. CREDITS: Producer, Sigmund Neufeld; Director, Sam Newfield; Author, Lawrence Williams; Screenplay, Pierre Gendron and Martin Mooney; Cameraman, Robert Cline; Art Director, Paul Palmentola; Editor, Holbrook N. Todd; Musical Score, Albert Glasser; Musical Supervisor, David Chudnow. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Praiseworthy. Veteran Manager Inducted Chicago — Harry Mintz, veteran Warner Parthenon Theater manager in Hammond, Ind., and the father of two children, was inducted into the Army. Cowan Signs Archie Stout West Coast Bureau of THE FI1M DAILY Hollywood — Archie Stout has been signed by Lester Cowan to photograph "Here Is Your War." of letting teen-age youths help themselves in the current emergency. Kramer, George Rogers, Harry Charles Johnson, Walter Pietilla. CREDITS: Producer, William Jacobs; Director, David Butler; Screenplay, Sam Hellman, Richard Weil, Francis Swann, James Kern; Based on story by Richard Wei!; Cameraman, Arthur Edeson; Art Director, Charles Novi; Film Editor, Irene Morra; Sound, Dolph Thomas, David Forrest; Set Decorator, Jack McConaghy; Special Effects, Edwin A. DuPar; Director of musical numbers, LeRoy Prinz; Songs, Cliff FriendCharles Tobias, M. K. Jerome-Kim Gannon; Musical adaptation, H. Roemheld; Musical Director, Leo F. Forbstein. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Excellent. Peskay Details Trust Suit Preliminaries 3t _ New Haven — Edward Peskay still occupied the stand yesterday the third day of the trial, of the Pickwick Theater's $5,450,000 anti-trust damage suit against the majors. Peskay testified that in Februar; 1939 an eight months' agreement was arranged with the distributors, a representative of the Department of Justice being present, whereby Portchester showings were to start the day following the conclusion of White Plains showings, with the Pickwick Theater engagement to follow the Portchester screening, limiting the Pickwick to 21 days after Stamford. In effect, stated Peskay, pictures are still not available to the Pickwick until late. Peskay detailed conversations with various executives in seeking relief from delayed showings for the Pickwick. He said he gave Austin Keough a list of pictures that had played and cleared Portchester when RKO ran the Pickwick, and that Keough and others had suggested that the Pickwick get Metro or some other major distributor to sell to the Pickwick, split week with Portchester, and his company might follow suit. Peskay then revealed a proposed deal with Loew's in December 1939 to take over operation of the Pickwick, but the deal never materialized due to the disfavor with which the Department of Justice regarded the proposed deal. He said that these negotiations were the only attempt to dissuade Pickwick from filing the present suit. Later in his testimony Peskay said that negotiations were started with Arthur W. Kelly to play "The Dictator" first-run in the territory at the Pickwick at 40 per cent terms, with a gross of $2,000, but that the deal was never confirmed. Admission as evidence of letters from Peskay in 1940 and 1941 in which this suit was threatened in a last appeal for relief, were objected to by the defendants as self-serving instruments in contemplation of this suit. RKO to Make Kenny Pic When Story is in Shape {Continued from Page 1) "as soon as the executive office considers the story in such shape that it can be properly made," it was said here yesterday by Charles W. Koerner, executive vice-president in charge of production. Koerner's statement followed publication of newspaper stories to the effect that the pic had been dropped by the studio from its schedule. , At the same time, Koerner declared that at no time did Rosalind Russell ever refuse to make the picture.