The Film Daily (1948)

=riday, August 27, 1948 •at' DAILY: tank and Johnston ^rep Memos to Wilson (Continued from Page 1) nd will be supplemented with a ;atement by Jock Lawrence of AR^ on the difficulties experienced 1 s g Rank's product in America. TRc~%rohnston report is seen as iiased on the talks conducted this eek with British representatives of Reports of wide differences of tpinion among U. S. company repasentatives in London on means to pproach film problems were dis (f'junted here yesterday. Observers binted out that Eric A. Johnston , , ent to England with full powers -om the MPAA company presidents, nd the reps, are employes of the jmpanies. Any differences could be itily minor, it was said, with Johnton in the position to make any "ecessary decisions. .merican companies, and on his own Jiirvey of the problems under con utiideration. Johnston had his final ■Ifbnfab with the U. S. distributors esterday morning. ,.-j At luncheon with Rank, the genj ral film situation was further disJ'assed. I Meanwhile, the Daily Express, lesji^hich on Tuesday editorially at acked Johnston, yesterday ap lauded Wilson for inviting him as house guest Sunday. In a comment ' ^itled, "Brushoff Courteous," Express ' 'alls the invitation a sensible and 'iplomatic move whereby Wilson in "^icates Britain's quota policy is not or negotiation. Story continues, 'Wilson is to be praised for his de srmination. The country is be ind him in his efforts to give Brit sh films a chance of rooting them /lelves firmly in the affections of the :c ceople." ^Minneapolis Exhibs. to letain Inactive Licenses (Continued from Page 1) perator of the Princess, plans to luild a theater on W. Lake St., while drs. Evy Engquist and Paul Mans aid they plan to move their license or the Vogue to a nearby building m W. Lake. No license was granted o the new owners of the theater tructures. Jorrection "Loves of Don Juan" is released y Superfilm and not by Siritzky, as rinted here yesterday. DEATHS HELEN LEE WORTHING, former Ziegeld Follies star, died in Los Angeles. MRS. ALBERTA GALLATIN, 87, stage tar for three decades, died in Metropolitan lospital. Funeral tomorrow. ^^JV^^ jymr -A.— ■■l;'! L-..^ ^ PHIL M. DALY Friday Fadeout • • e GEORGE ROTH, head of the recently orgomized Roycd Pictures, obtained what may turn out 10 be a highly valuable property when he acquired the U. S. and Canadian distribution rights to a new version of Robert J. Flaherty's classic production, "Nanook of the North" Narration, sound effects and music serve to tailor the film for modem audiences who are certain to find it as unique and powerful as when initially exhibited in 1922 As one oldtimer remarked leaving the Sutton the other day, "It hasn't lost a thing, it's as wonderful as it ever was." T T T • • • GOOD BET for movie companies is WJZ-TV's "Movieland Quiz" show which flashes stills and old and current films to be identified by both audience contestants and home viewers Some companies already taking advantage of the chance to ride in on free publicity for local pix openings. ... • Winners in U-I's exploitation contest on "Tap Roots" are Leon Korr of the Earle, Allentown, Pa.; Bod Sidman, Senate, Harrisburg, and Lew Black, Warner Theater, Wilmington. Five S-W Tliealers Said on tlie Maritet (Continued from Page 1) needed to purchase the theaters is said to be high. Theaters said to be on the market include the Boyd, Aldine, Mastbaum, what is left of the Earle lease, and the Victoria. Latter may be turned into a non-theater structure. If completed, sale would leave S-W with the Stanley and Stanton Theaters, both in good locations on Market St. Melbourne Bill to Permit Censoring of all Films Melbourne (By Air Mail) — In a move believed aimed at films brought into Australia through the Soviet Embassy, a new censorship bill has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament which provides for censorship for all films, whether or not an admission charge is to be made. In the past non-theatrical films have been admitted without censorship. First ECA Guarantee To MPEA in Germany (Continued from Page 1) features and 26 shorts. It is the first project sent Paul G. Hoffman, EGA administrator, for approval. Under the act exporters are guaranteed convertibility of currency earned up to the amount of investments. Sum of $10,000,000 has been set aside by EGA to cover enterprises producing and distributing informational media. Under a new foreign investment plan which will be discussed next week by the Military Government, holders of blocked funds may dispose of holdings with freedom similar to that guaranteed Germans. Hard currency investments will also be permitted with mark credits equal to 30 cents per unit. If an agreement with the, Bank of German States is reached, investors will be allowed to convert earnings back into hard currency. ITOA Confirms Appeal From ASCAP Findings (Continued from Page 1) to continue payment of ASCAP fees, Weisman unequivocally advised theater ov^mers to stop such payments. "If you must part with your good money," he said, "give it to a poor relative or give it to a worthy charity." Referring to TOA press releases and statements on the subject as a "continuous barrage of propaganda obviously designed to sabotage, undermine or destroy the morale of exhibitors," the ITOA attorney maintained that Judge Vincent Leibell's decision made it patently clear that ASCAP's collection of fees from exhibitors is illegal. He pointed out that several production companies have already evinced their acceptance of this fact by acquiring both synchronization and performing rights simultaneously. "It does not take the clairvoyance of a seventh son of a seventh son to foretell that all other producing companies will follow suit and do the same," he added. Producers will also benefit from the decision, Weisman pointed out, in that they vdll no longer have to pay "any exorbitant or monopolistically and privately fixed price for performing rights, since they will be able to purchase them in an open and free market where competition among copyright proprietors exists.'' Apprised of the Weisman monograph, Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel, issued the follov/ing statement for the organization: "We shall be glad to argue with anybody at any time the merits of the two positions with regard to payments to ASGAP at this time, under current licenses and prior to the entry of a decree by Judge Leibell. "This mudslinging at personalities by Mr. Weisman as reported from his monograph, however, does not, deserve or warrant a reply." Churubusco Exec. Promotes Video in Latin America (Continued from Page 1) late TV development in Latin America. Organization was formed at the recent conference of the Inter-American Association of Broadcasters in Buenos Aires. Republic Board Meets Today Meeting of Republic's board of directors scheduled for yesterday was postponed until today. New York Film Council Plans CityWide Confab (Continued from Page 1) be implemented by an active committee to study the licensing and censorship laws. Other points on the program include active aid to the Board of Education in its efforts to secure adequate funds for visual education in New York City schools; organization of a group of specialists to demonstrate use of films for discussion, and the drawing up of literature by the Council on such subjects as "How to use a film to stimulate discussion." Newman Feted by Eyssell Frank L. Newman, president of Evergreen State Amusement Corp., Seattle, yesterday was the luncheon guest of G. S. Eyssell, Radio City Music Hall prexy. Eyssell started in show business with Newman in Kansas City. UlEDDinG BELLS Mendes-Schindel West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Josephine Mendes, Mexican film actress, and Albert R. Schindel, have obtained a marriage license. Perry-Carrington Lincoln, 111. — G. L. Carrington, Jr., son of the Altec Service president, was married here to Harriett Clare Perry. Couple will reside in Encino, Calif.