The Film Daily (1945)

Thursday, September 27, 1945 •^ DAILY Hammons Elected Ross Federal Prexy (Continued from Page 1) )oai:d, was announced yesterday folowing' the inking of the contract in Chicago on Monday. Hammons, a reteran of the motion picture industry and former president of Educaal Pictures Corp., assumes the post on -Monday. Sweeping changes in the present nethods of checking percentage picures are expected under the new loss Federal setup. New formulas ire being developed in co-operation rith exhibitor associations and disributors, with a complete detailed tudy being made of the entire Ross i'ederal plan under Hammons' peronal direction. Hammons said yeserday an important announcement vould be made within the next 10 lays relative to the new policies of loss Federal. Because of his extensive knowledge of the 16mm. field, Hammons will serve as an advisor to the new division of the company which will specialize in distribution of 16mm. productions for national advertisers. Ross Federal, it was said, will not act as distributors of any films that will compete with theaters. Shortly after Oct. 1, "92nd Street" Tops All Opening Days at Roxy Tom Connors, vice-president in charge of distribution of 20th Century-Fox, yesterday announced that on a comparative basis of box office figures "The House on 92nd Street" topped all opening day records at the Roxy Theater by four o'clock yesterday afternoon. The picture opened to unprecedented crowds as compared with the same opening hours. "The House on 92nd Street" is one of the hit pictures included in the Tom Connors drive. the 31 branches will be equipped with RCA and Ampro 16mm. projectors. Among the first 16mm. subjects are two releases made for the Conference of Christians and Jews. Test showings have been conducted in Philadelphia and the pictures will be shown in other key cities. Other Duties for Ross In announcing Hammons' election to the presidency, Harry Ross said that Hammons had been elected with full powers to conduct the general direction of the company, thus relieving Ross from the many duties now facing the organization during the post-war period. "I feel," Ross said, "that most of my time should be spent in the field with the branch managers and at least six months will be needed to Bebe Daniels to Produce Four Comedies for Roach West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Bebe Daniels has been signed by Hal Roach to produce a series of four comedies for him. The streamlined offerings will vary in length from 40 to 60 minutes. Miss Daniels will not appear in her productions. Roach plans to offer 12 comedies annually and will sign producers in addition to Miss Daniels. Brennon Recovering from Illness Charlotte — R. F. Brennan, RKO branch manager, is recovering from an illness at the Tryon Hospital. make extended visits to each branch." Hammons said that his election to the presidency of Ross Federal was an opportunity to deliver to the industry a clarification of the intent and objectives of checking percentage pictures. A pioneer in production, Hammons entered the industry with the aim of making pictures for educational pui'poses. He later branched out into the theatrical phase of the business, becoming a leader in short subject production with his own system of exchanges. Hammons was a founder of the MPPDA and is a member of its board of directors. Murphy, Taylor Form Non-Theatrical Co. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Murphy and Taylor Co. has been formed by Gene Murphy and Sam Taylor for development, promotion, production and publicizing of non-theatrical films. Murphy was formerly associated with several studios in executive and publicity capacities, while Taylor was most recently radio contact for Warners prior to which he was expert consultant on Army training films for the War Department. Ben Hersh, president of RCM Productions announced that the new partnership will be affiliated with his company in commercial work and that Murphy and Taylor will make their pictures in association with ROM at the California studios. Brandt Emcees at Rally Judge Jonah Goldstein, Liberal Party candidate for Mayor of New York, gave his first major speech of the campaign at a rally in Madison Sq. Garden last night which featured stars of the entertainment world in a program arranged by Harry Brandt who emceed. My business is being funny... and everything's going to be fine for all of us now that I'm making two-reel comedies for Columbia! 99 The first is i^, pmm (READY FOR BOOKING NOW) Which proves again that THE FUNNIEST SHORTS OF ALL COME FROM COLUMBIA!