The Film Daily (1930)

THE THE MWM \1U. 01 FILM DOM ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. LIV NO. 74 NEW YORK, MONDAY, DECEMBER 29. 193C 5 CENTS Fox Will Stick to 48 or 50 Features for 1931-32 FRANKLIN-HUGHES CIRCUIT DEALJIOSED France Doubling Talker Production Program in 1931 The Mirror — a column of comment ATTENDANCE at theaters during the current holiday period is ahead of expectations and better than in the same weeks last year Considering that the country kas had a year of tough sledding, this is a mighty cheerful sign. If the talkers can hold their own in such grand style at a time when practically all other industries are falling under the previous year, the future of this entertainment business is nothing to worry about. • A REDUCTION of 30 per cent in production costs is expected to be accomplished by coast studios next year, says Larry Darmour It seems an awful lot to cut, but since most of it is to be saved through shorter and more efficient shooting schedules, gradually being made possible by newly acquired experience, the plan sounds feasible. A saving of this proportion not only would reduce the financial hazards of producing, but, if part of the 30 per cent slash were passed on to exhibitors, would make it possible for a few thousand additional houses to resume operation. VITAPHONE has decided to give more attention to musical shorts More or less demand undoubtedly exists for good musical numbers, with the extent of that demand depending largely on the nature and quality of the shorts. Since full-length musicals are now few in number, shorts of this kind will have a better opportunity. They are not only needed to give variety and balance to a program, but also because it is only through the musical medium that some of the most popular talent can be presented to the public at large. More Than 200 in Sound To Be Turned Out by French Studios Paris — Production of talkers by French studios in the coming year will be more than double the 1930 output, which exceeds 100 pictures in French dialogue besides many in other European languages, it is shown in a survey by P. A. Harle, editor of "La Cinematographic Francaise," leading trade paper of the film industry in France. The talkers have given (.Continued on Page 8) CONSOLIDATED FILM'S NET ESTIMATED AT $2,300,000 Earnings of Consolidated Film Industries for the year just ending will be in excess of $2,300,000, which is close to last year's figure, it is estimated by Herbert J. Yates. Yates, incidentally, says that Consolidated Film has been in no way affected by the closing of the Chelsea Bank. The company had only a payroll of less than $3,000 in that institution. — A Happy New Year — Fox Buys Geo. Ade Story As Next for Will Rogers George Ade's "Father and the i" has been bought by Fox as the next starring vehicle for Will Rogers. NEWSPAPER AD RATES BEING BROUGHT DOWN High advertising rates for amusement copy in daily newspapers are gradually being brought down to around the same level as the general run of ads, the latest instance being the successful efforts of Publix jn connection with the "New York Evening Journal." A. M. Botsford of Publix has been waging a strenuous war against high at rates and previously succeeded h lowering the tariff charged bj New York's "Telegram," "Graphic,* "News," "Mirror," Evening World' and Sunday "Times." Papers iv various other cities also have been made to capitulate and the drive against high rates is being continued. — A Happy New Year — Warner Theater Scouts Inspect New England Herbert Elder and Harold Dunn, of the Warner Bros, theater extension department, have returned from a tour of inspection covering real estate conditions in New England. They also visited Pennsylvania. Dan Michaelove, head of the Warner real estate department, says the company holds options on sites in various 3 and is proceeding steadily with expansion plans. Tentative Schedule of 48-50, Set by Fox for Next Season Columbia Picks First For 1931-32 Program I tarry Colin, who lias charge of production for Columbia, has bought "The Mi n ni Her Life," best seller by Warner Fabian, as the first picture for tin company's 1931-32 dule The story lias been pubrially as well as in book form. Tentative plans made by Fox provide between 48 and 50 features for its 1931-32 program. This is practically the same number made for tli" 1930*31 releasing schedule. Exjm , tationi are that the company will continue to keep out of short subject production, with the exception of its newsreel activities. New $5,000,000 Theater Company Will Be of National Scope West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Harold B. Franklin and Howard Hughes have concluded negotiations for their theater circuit. It will be known as the HughesFranklin Theaters, capitalized at $5,000,000 and national in scope. Independent exhibitors will be invited to become associated with the o cuit. — A Happy New Year — PUBLIX STARTS CONTEST FOR "10 BEST MANAGERS" The "Ten Best" idea, which has been made nationally famous through THE FILM DAILY'S annual polls on the "Ten Best Pictures" and "Ten Host Directors," will be employed by (Continued on Page 8) "U" Starring Gene Morgan In Ten Short Comedies West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — A series of 10 short comedies, in which Gene Morgan will be starred, is planned by Universal. The group of pictures is now in preparation. — A Happy New Year — Drama Will Predominate On First National List West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Drama will predominate on the First National production program in the coming year, says Jack L. Warner. The company's program of 35 pictures, however, will also include some comedies, mystery stories and farces. S.M.P.E. Spring Meeting Set for Hollywood in May Sluing meeting of the S M. P. E. will be held in Hollywood, May 25 to 28, inclusive, states W. C. Kunzmann, following a recent meeting of the board of directors. C. M. Glunt, chairman of the papers committee, is already lining up speakers.