The Film Daily (1931)

THE '%£! DAILY Sunday, January 25, 1931 r LATEST NEWS FROM LONDON, PARIS, BERLIN, SYDNEY. MELBOURNE AND OTHER FOREIGN CENTERS — Foreign Markets HAPPENINGS IN OTHER LANDS OF INTEREST TO PRODUCERS. DISTRIBUTORS AND OTHERS IN THE U S ACOUSTICAL RESEARCH PLANNED BY INSTITUTE By GEORGE REDDY Chicago — Research in theater acoustics with a view of bettering sound reproduction is to be one of the early tasks of the Mohair Institute, which has just been established in Chicago under the directorship of A. C. Gage, editor of the "Angora Journal" and internationally known mohair authority. Recent tests made by Prof. William R. Barse, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, showed that the ability of mohair plush to withstand severe service with good appearance, coupled with its superior sound-absorbing quality, is said to make it an especially suited combination for theater use. Tax Doubled in Australia Perth — A law, doubling the present tax on entertainment, has been railroaded through by the Australian Parliament. As the new legislation involves the lower admission scales, strong protest has been evoked from all branches of the industry. Alternatives are being submitted to the Prime Minister suggesting the burden of the tax increase should fall on the higher priced tickets only. B. I. F. TO MAKE 6 YEARLY E0RB.I.P. DISTRIBUTION Sponge Rubber Flooring Becoming More Popular London — An appreciable increase is reported in the demand for the sponge rubber flooring which was introduced some 12 years ago in an experimental state, and has since been perfected by the Sorbo Co. This floor covering has especially proved its utility for cinemas. Its Construction makes it specially suitable for this trade; its qualities are durability, silence, comfort and hygiene. In addition, its labor-saving qualities are a distinct asset, it being possible, by a wipe over with a damp swab, to ensure constant clean w, liness with minimum effort. a The construction oi <i^i-K« a i Baird Television Sues Gramophone for Patents London — Baird Television, Ltd., has started suit against Gramophone (H.M.V.) Co., Ltd., alleging infringement of Baird patents. The plaintiff claims patents were issued to John Baird in 1925 and that apparatus infringing on the patents are used in the Gramophone product. Baird also claims sole ownership of the word "Television," which the defendants are alleged to have used in connection with their product. London — Under the new arrangements between British International Pictures and British Instructional Films, whereby John Maxwell replaces M. Bundy, B. I. P. will not only distribute B. I. F. product throughout the world, but will place orders with B. I. F. for at least six feature pictures each year. Guaranteed recoupment of production costs and a substantial share of the profits are granted by B. I. P. Supers in Race London — A construction race is on between P. C. T., who have the site of the old Andrew's Picture House at Plymouth, and the Regent Cinema Ltd. in Plymouth, which has the site of the old Rialto ready for the builders. The former house will seat 4,000 and the latter 3,360. Fox May Buy Interest In Fuller-Hayward Group Wellington, N. Z. — Stanley S. Crick, Fox manager, stated in a recent interview that he would discuss with exhibitors important proposals regarding relationships between distributing end exhibiting interests. Crick's statement has circulated rumor that there is a strong possibility of Fox obtaining a holding in the Fuller-Hayward group. Noted Cameraman on Hakim Film Berlin — Gunther Kramf, German cameraman responsible for unusual photography in the recent Ufa production, "The Last Company" and such other films as "The Student of Prague," "Pandora's Box" and "Cinderella" has been signed by Eric Hakim to shoot "The Outsider," first of a series of independent features he will produce. TIFFANY PROD. OF CANADA HANDLING 11 G-B RELEASES Toronto — Tiffany Productions of Canada, Ltd., has contracted with Gaumont-British and allied companies for the distribution of 11 features in Canada during 1931. The films concerned are "Alf's Button," "The Great Game," "Symphony in Two Flats," "Balaclava," "Bracelets," "Bed and Breakfast," "Thread o' Scarlet," "Down River," "A Warm Corner," "A Night in Montmartre," and two others to be announced British Films Acquired For Latin-American Field London — Distribution rights to the picture output of George King and Patrick K. Heale Productions have been acquired by Pattern Films for Central and South American territories, according to Douglas Sargeant of the latter company. nuvei .rcuDDer Mats Rubber mats and runners made ' measure in very attractive cornnations of colors and designs, with ime of theater worked in, if desired. •e being marketed bv the Boston ubber Mat Co. of Boston PROJECTION BOOTHS IRWIN D. RATHSTONE T\ — : Pola Negri on London Stage London — Pola Negri, film star, will open at the Coliseum here on Feb. 2, in a new dramatic sketch written by a noted French author, around a plot created by the star herself. W. A. Bach Returning to U. S. London — W. A. Bach, assistant European manager of Electrical Research Products, is aboard the Leviathan bound for the United States, where he will take up new duties at the New York headquarters of the company. Czech Interests Get Together Brunn, Czechoslovakia — A Film Club has been instituted here coniprising all branches of the Czechoslovak film industry — producers, distributors, exhibitors, scenario writers, correspondents of film papers, cameramen, operators, etc. It is also the intention of Czechoslovak exhibitors to create a special sound film group, with a view to protecting the interests of wired theater owners, and to obtain the most favorable conditions for the purchase of sound film reproduction equipment. Fox's Rio Office Moves Rio de Janeiro — The Fox branch here is now established in its new quarters at Caixa, Postal 989. B. I. P. PROGRAM OF SIX FOR U. S. DISTRIBUTION London — British International Pic-] tures' next big play for greater Amer-j ican distribution will be made through a program of six feature productions now being lined up. Several of the pictures on this new schedule, including the George Bernard Shaw talker, "How He Lied to Her Husband," and "Cape Forlorn" have already been completed, with "Happy Husbands," "The Skin Game" and "Conflict" expected to be finjshed in April, at which time, it is reported, Arthur Dent, B.I.P chief will sail for the United States. . Norman File Appointed U. A. Shorts Dept. Head London — Norman File,' prominent British film man, has been appointed head of the newly created United Artists short product department, which will handle bottj. Columbia short subjects and United/Artists featurettes. General sales njpnager Ed i ward T. C/arr, who made the appointment, is directly responsible for the organization of this new activity. New Third Dimension Process Paris — A further claim to have solved the problem of stereoscopy has now been made by Continsouza, the French projector manufacturer, now part of the Gaumont concern. Continsouza claims that it will be able to put the perfect three dimensional projector on the market in the near future. Munich Has New Sound Device Munich — The Regulapjion G.m.b.H. has brought on the market a new sound-on-disc apparatus, the advantage of which is reported to be a new correcting procejfc by which synchronization is obtained without changing the number of rotations either of the projector or the disc1 support. Equity Releasing "Civilization" London — Equity British Films has secured for release, thet sound version of the Thos. H. Ince production "Civilization." S. M. P. E. Awards London— The British S. M. P. E., following the completion of it9 new constitution, will propose that the society make yearly awards to individual members for any particular meritorious work.