The Film Daily (1930)

THE THE NEWSPAPER OF FILM DOM AMD WEEKLY FILM DIGEST VOL. LII No. 58 Sunday, June 8, 1930 Price 25 Cents Crescent Amusement Co. Negotiating for Merger quickTction is sought on vestal bill Income From Copyrights Is Taxable, Court Rules Educational's Suit Over Franchise Levy is Dismissed Income derived by a corporation solely from copyrights granted by the U. S. on motion pictures was properly included in computing the New York franchise tax, the District Court for Southern New York has held in dismissing the action brought by Educational against the state for an injunction to prevent the collection of that part of the franchise tax (.Continued on Page 9) KANSAS-MISSOURI EXHIBS MEET IN TOPEKA JUNE 24 Topeka, Kan.— M.P.T.O. of Kansas and Western Missouri, of which R. R. Biechele is president, will meet lure June 24 and 25. In addition to the election of officers and discussion of contracts, protection, Sunday shows, overage and other problems, a revision of the constitution will be submitted by a committee consisting of C. L. McVey, E. E. Sprague. C. R. Wilson. A. F. Baker and L. J. McCarthy. Star System Permanent; Says Marcus Talkers are not likely to cause any lessening of interest in stars as far as the public is concerned, according to Lee Marcus, executive vice president of RKO. He says: "There always will be players who appeal more than others, and as long as there is this personal appeal there will be stars." PUBL1X AND R. & R. PLAN TEXAS EXPANSION Henry King Will Direct Will Rogers' "Lightnin' " West Const Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Henry King, who was supposed to have been signed by Universal, lias been placed on a long-term contract by Winfield Sheehan and his first assignment under the Fox banner will be to direct Will Rogers in "Lightnin'". adapted from the John Golden stage hit. Here's an Idea Tolley, N. D. — Merchants of this town have bought the only local picture house and are operating it as a means of entertaining their customers. By so doing, the business men have provided a magnet that is drawing folks from miles around to do their shopping here. Dallas — With five new theater projects already lined up, Publix and R. & R. are understood to have big expansion plans in view for Texas. A large first-run house for Dallas is among the undertakings contemplated by Publix. The same circuit proposes to build a house in Amarillo, a fast growing center, and one in Oak Cliff, leading suburb of Dallas. R. & R. already has awarded the contract for a theater in Palestine, to be ready in September, and wrecking of old buildings now is under way for the R. & R. house to be build in Oak Cliff. Plans are understood to be almost finished for a 900-seat theater to be erected in Lubbock by Mrs. G. T. Scales and associates, who already have arranged a lease, according to reports current here. CANAVAN AGAIN HEADS UNION Hollywood — William F. Canavan, despite his expected refusal, has been re-elected president of the I. A. T.S.I'.. Other appointments were Fred J. Dempsey, general secretary-treasurer; Harry Kujuse, assistant to presi West (oust Bureau. THE FILM DAILY dent; William 1). Lang, adjustment and claims director; Will Covert, William Elliott, Cleve Keck. John I' Nick, William J. Harrer and Joe C Campbell, members of the board of directors. Reciest O^der to Rush Copyright Measure Through Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Headed by Representative Vestal of Indiana, Chairman, members of the House Patents Committee today appeared before the Rules Committee to request an orler to bring before the House of Representatives the Vestal Copyright Bill, carrying divisibility provisions arH compulsory music licensing. The purpose of the effort is to bring the bill before the House in order that it may be passed before the end of the session, so as to bring it promptly before the Senate next session, in order that the United States may join the International (Continued on Page 9) One of Big Circuits to Get Crescent Houses in South Nashville, Tenn. — Merger of tinCrescent Amusement Co. with one of the big national circuits is expect ed to take place shortly, it is learned following the return of Tony Sudekum president, who has been in Xew York for conferences. Whether Publix, Warner or R-K-O will get the houses has not yet been disclosed. Sudekum says negotiations have not yet reached the announcement stage. Crescent Amusement dates back to 1911 and now has 10 theaters in Nashville besides a big string throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. The organization also is affiliated with the Cumberland Theaters. In the deal now pen tin financial consideration is reported to be around $3,000.omo SIOUX CITY FORMS GROUP TO FURTHER ETHICS CODE Sioux City, la.— A review board of 19, including 10 women and nine men, three of them ministers, has been created by the citv council on suggestion of the Mayor for the purpose of co-operating m observance of the 1 la\ s ethics code and to act as "censor and advisor" on films and other amusements. The board will serve theater managers in previewing productions upon invitation, and will advise city administrations in dealing with complaints against shows, besides serving as a clearing house for theater disputes. Hollywood Textbook London (By Cable)— As a result of British youngsters getting much of their knowledge of the world from pictures made in Hollywood, and with such a preponderance of American war films, kids here are beginning to ask if England took part in the war, said Sir James Parr, high commissioner for New Zealand, at a meeting of the British Empire Film Institute.