The Film Daily (1930)

THE rut \lwsi \m. OF FILM DOM AIL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VCL. LIV NO. 23 NEW y©Pr, MONDAY, CCTCDCC 27. 193€ nvc CENTS \All Warner-Booked Product Must Be Sound-on-Disc SHAKEUP TENSION OVER-NORMAL^ BACK Decisions in Thacher Rehearings Expected in Month The Mirror — a column of comment APPEALS FROM the Judge Thacher decrees, one finding compulsory arbitration illegal and the other declaring the credit system legal, will be heard by the U. S. Supreme Court beginning today. . . Two cases which vitally affect the structure-work of the film industry's distribution system. The quicker decisions are handed down the sooner the industry will be able to chart a course unobstructed by legal shoals and rocks. Regardless of whether or not the forthcoming verdicts are viewed as favorable or unfavorable, at least they will function to clarify a beclouded atmosphere and lay down firm and fast rules by which the game must be played. • A PLAN FOR standardization of theater designs has been developed by John Eberson Efficiency and economy merge in the idea, which seems one well worth investigating by exhibs who are thinking construction thoughts. It's devised to make building costs keep their feet on sensible ground. • / TWO -WAY television demonstration iK'as niven in New York the other day Television, as far as this test proved, is still in what might be termed the brown-dot-picture stage. Although images may be recognized, still they're what remote from perfection, vision lias yet some distance to travel before it reaches the commcr ial-theatrical sphere. Appeals from Arbitration and Credit Rulings Come Up Today Washington Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Washington — Hearings on the two appeals from the Judge Thacher decrees are expected to occupy two days in the U. S. Supreme Court, but the decisions in all probability will not be handed down for at least {Continued on page 2) AMERICAN FIRM OFFERS FREE WIRINGS IN FRANCE Paris — An offer is reported to have been made by an American firm to equip all theaters and music halls with sound apparatus free of charge. The proposal has been made (hit the houses with stage policies can show talkers in the afternoons and give their drama or vaudeville at night. Theater proprietors are reported keenly interested in the proposition and the rmjority of houses are expected to accept the offer. Cardinal Lauds Pix Los Angeles — Cardinal Hayes of New York, here to dedicate St. Vincent's Church, said that "although lterature and the stage have reached the lowest and most carnal period in history, the motion picture, through the leadership of Will Hays and the general'y high aims of producers, stands out like i .shining light." Pathe Signs Farrell For Golf One-Reelers Johnny Farrell, prominent golfer and former champ, has been signed by Pathe for a series of one-reel polf pictures to be produced under Terry Ramsaye. ONLY 4 FILMS IMPORTED BY GERMANY IN SEPTEMBER Berlin — Only four productions, three American and one English, were imported by Germany last month, the censor's report shows. (Continued on Pane 2) Warners Let Contracts For Three New Houses Warner Bros, have let the contracts for three new houses, the 1,300-seater in Morgantown, W. Va., the 1,900-seat house in Torrington, Conn., and the 1,800-seater in Washington. The latter is under the supervision of John Eberson. Trimming and Slashing in Company Offices Has Run Its Course Shakeups, trimming of forces and cutting of salaries in producing, distributing and theater company offices has just about run its course and, with the tension relieved, personnels of various organizations are breathing easier and getting back to efficient operation, a FILM DAILY investigation shows. Practically all companies visited are engaged in the work of knitting together the readjusted departments, and the consensus of sentiment is that the next steps will be in the direction of adding manpower here and there as fast as the situation warrants. Rapee Back at Roxy Erno Rapee returns to the Roxy as musical director beginning next Friday. Sound-on-Disc System Applies To All Warner -Booked Product Sennett Likes Water Mack Sennett may have departed from his famous bathing beauty comedies, but he still has a weakness for the water. In three of his current Andy Clyde vehie'es viewed last week, rowboats and other water action played a prominent part. All product of other companies booked for Warner Bros, houses must, it is understood, he shown with soundoii-disc (Vitaphone system), and not sound-on-film. This ruling applies to tin lineups of Fox, Universal, Columbia, Educational and others who have closed contracts with the Warner theaters. In the ease of productions Originally made with sound-on-film only, it will he necessary to make a disc record of the sound for the showings in W. B. houses. OPERATORS IN NEWARK MAY STRIKE THIS WEEK Newark — A walkout of projectionists in the local Warner houses, as a sympathy move for the musicians who have been on strike for some time, is expected to take place this week unless a settlement is reached with the musicians' union. Publix Reported After Four London Theaters London (By Cable) — Negotiations are reported in progress here for the acquisition by Paramount Publix of the Astoria, 3,000-seater, and three other neighborhood houses in a deal said to involve about $5,000,000. Latest in Golf Weiss Brothers, who recently deserted the film biz for minnie Rolf, have acquired a new twist in this line, a combination of go'f and bowling, known as Golfbowl. It is played on a 16-ft. allev with 10 pins, golf putter and regulation golf balls. Arthur H. Sawyer, another former film man, has acouired the Massachusetts rights.