The Film Daily (1945)

S.l ednesday, August 15, 1945 =sb = INI' •^ DAILY !» lid Pix Economy xpeded By 1947 I (Continued from Page 2) fiong the last forms of enterprise experience adversity, and the first show recovery as the economic uation improves, it is declared. J J How quickly and to what extent ioittierican film companies can comnsate for any domestic recession J the expansion of activities in the reign markets, will, the economists (sert, determine filmland fortunes ir the balance of .1945 and throughit 1946. Five Factors Cited Some of the factors which are exacted to cause a temporary deitionary trend in box-office revlues are given as (1) production fficulties; (2) employment; (3) lortages of certain items; (4) high dees; and (5) th ediversion of oney by the public to the purchasg of the many things which have aen denied them during the war. If the 1945 and 1946 hurdles can ; surmounted, underlying condions, it is pointed out, indicate a Tong post-war economy. How inmsive and of what duration Govrnment controls prove to be will ave much influence upon the comig years. The film industry is not S likely to be affected seriously by ach controls as some other major idustries. Entertainment a "Must" Judging from past experience, the Lmerican people must have their en3rtainment, even though they are uying vacuum cleaners, refrigeraDrs, washing machines, new autolobiles, and what not, it is stated, he ability of the public to ride round in present or new cars, with ■asoline and tires again available, hould help box-offices in all sectors. Cessation of hostilities will shortly mng a "wave of public resistance to ationing and price controls, and this rould produce additional purchasng, which might or might not favor lox-offices," one official here delared. With the V-J Day news breaking, t was also stated that the reconverion pricing program would have to )e radically overhauled. Tico iVSS Trailers Clarion Victorn National Screen Service shot out to its client theaters two special trailers on the triumph over Japan. These trailers were designated VJ-No. 1 and VJ-No. 2. Both presented notes of triumph, but VJ-No. 2 also urged patrons to "celebrate in the good old American way," and added: "with respect to law and order and the protection of American property." It advised: "Don't mar the happiness of this great occasion with the un American destruction of property." This was to aid theater premises. Industry Chiefs Accept Peace Responsibiiities (Continued from Page 2) HARRY M. WARNER, president, Warner Bros.: In giving thanks for the return of peace, we can hope and pray that peoples of the world will be able to live together peacefully in the future and not be divided against each other. At Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., we are well prepared to welcome back those of our employes who have been serving with the armed forces so that we might live in safety at home. End of the war should unleash means of purchasing power which during the war have been carefully restricted and conserved. Conversion to peace-time use of many technological advances will broaden the horizon of people everywhere and will widen the scope of motion pictures. With increase of manpower, materials and equipment, we are ready to meet every increasing demand for fine motion picture entertainment and for films which will help all of us fulfill our deeds as good citizens. BARNEY BALABAN, president. Paramount Pictures: This is the day we have waited for and prayed for. Having recently returned from Europe where I saw the ravages of war, I am mindful of the problem of rehabilitation and the responsibility and opportunity that rests with those of us in the film business who have such a great medium as pictures in our hands. In the face of natural rejoicing, we can't help but be sobered by the responsibility before us. EDWARD RAFTERY, president, United Artists: We will do everything in our power to take care of returning servicemen and also not create unemployment among our present employes. We are looking forward to continued prosperity. We hope that in addition to lasting peace, amicable trade relations can be worked out, so that we can do business in the foreign markets. JAMES R. GRAINGER, president and head of world-wide distribution — Republic Pictures: On V-J Day, we of Republic rejoice with people everywhere in the complete triumph over the forces of aggression. Just as the motion picture industry cooperated to the fullest with all its resources to assure Victory, now that that victory has been won we join with the industry to assure a peace worthy of sacrifices made by our people and our allies. In the reconversion period ahead we look forward to a future bright with the promise that the motion picture through the universal language of entertainment will bring the world closer together for continuous peace and prosperity. W. RAY JOHNSTON, president of Monogram Pictures Corp.: The reconversion of the motion picture industry to a peace-time basis should bring little of dislocation which will be felt in many lines of business in the United States. Principal effect of capitulation of Japan vdll be a still further expansion of American film distribution, and the existing backlog of pictures, long ago completed, insures ample product to supply reopened markets. LEON FROMKESS, president, PRC: The end of World War II is the most glorious day in world's history and can only enhance the present rapid expansion of PRC. It will hasten the opportunity we have been waiting for to increase our production facilities and resources. The return of our men and women in the armed forces will only step up our plans for added expansion in all branches of our organization. Our natural growth will more than take care of the reabsorption of those to whom we today pay homage. JACK COHN, executive vice-president, Columbia Pictures: This is a glorious day for the cause of Freedom everywhere. But in this hour of triumph we must give the most sober thought to the responsibilities which lie ahead of us and the oncoming generations. There is room in this world for all nations to live peacefully and as good neighbors. This war has proved conclusively, as was also proved by the last war, but so recklessly disregarded, that a few recalcitrant nations cannot dominate this world. We all must work together in sincere good-will and with genuine justice. Only by this means can the world endure. PHIL REISMAN, vice-president and general manager of the RKO Radio foreign dept.: The end of the war has given us all a great lift. Imminent elimination of those burdens and restrictions which have been placed on us by our own (Continued on Page 4) Trade Prepared for Peace Changeovers (Continued from Page 2) severing of restrictions on raw stock. Foreign departments have been culling backlogs of features unreleased in Jap occupied territories, to determine which will be most acceptable for both entertainment and morale purposes, at the same time readying methods of distributing the subjects in the face of restrictions. V-J Day found the industry justifiably proud of its war record. Contributions, starting before Pearl Harbor with the formation of Motion Picture Committee Co-operating for National Defense, later the War Activities Committee Motion Picture Industry, include leadership in seven War Bond campaigns as well as participation in numerous fund raising drives for various causes. Billions of dollars were raised in the former, between direct sales by theaters and promotion of sales through other agencies, as the industry unveiled exploitation and showmanship "know how" in a series of mighty demonstrations. Beneficiaries of war-related drives include the USO, Army and Navy Emergency Relief, Red Cross, United Nations Week, Greek War Relief and the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Film men not only sold others on Bond purchases and contributions to worthy causes, but were heavy buyers and contributors ill their own right. One of the major motion picture contributions to the fighting men on foreign shores was the industry's 1(5 mm. film gift under which prints of films selected by military authorities were given for showings on the war fronts, often before films had had their U. S. runs. Over 40,000 film workers, from the ranks of production, distribution and exhibition, served in the armed services and thousands of others backed them and their fellow soldiers with yeoman work on the home front. In the cause of numerous Hollywood personalities, this backing extended to personal appearances for the entertainment of service men on all of the former fighting fronts as well as in camp and posts in the U. S. 20 Warner Features Slated for Orient At least 20 specially selected pictures have been set aside by Warners for shipment to liberated countries in the Orient as soon as facilities are reopened, Wolfe Cohen, vicepresident of Warner International, said today. Films were picked for their entertainment value as well as with consideration for the morale and readjustment needs for populations that have been Jap-dominated for years.