The Film Daily (1931)

THE DAILY Sunday, September 13, 1931 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. b. DOUBLE QUOTA NEEDS London — Starting last March, 12% per cent of film distributors' output had to comprise British quota footage. It is now apparent, after six months, that the required figure will be almost doubled by British producers. In all about 140 British productions will be distributed during the year while the necessary quota figure, which depends upon the total picture output, will probably not exceed 70 pictures. Never before have British producers achieved such an extensive production schedule. The total of 140 productions includes 35 from British International and associated companies; 35 from the Gaumont-British Corporation; 12 from Gainsborough; 12 from British and Dominions; 8 from British Lion. The remaining 40 pictures will include at least 6 from Paramount; at least 6 from Associated Talking Pictures although it may double that number through its association with P.D.C. Pictures will also be included by Universal and Warner Bros., and from various British independent companies. "Cathedral of the Talkies" London — The Granada, just opened at Tooting, seating nearly 6,000, is being called the "Cathedral of the Talkies" befcause of its Gothic architecture and the original decorative schemes of Theodore Komisarjevsky. The proscenium arch is flanked by towering Gothic arches, giving a note of grandeur to the auditorium which is new in picture theaters. A mirror hall, with basic inspiration from the Gothic, is a feature of the circle level. Despite its great seating capacity, the vastness of the theater is not apparent, the area being cleverly broken by simple curves in the balcony and the walls. Asher Heads W. B. English Studio London — Irving Asher has been appointed production manager for Warner Bros, in England. The company has taken over the Teddifigton Studio. V. Royce has been named as secretary and controller. Rex Ingram to Act Again London — Rex Ingram, famous American director, will make his reappearance as an actor in "Baroud," the Arabian picture which he is directing for Mansfield Markham and which Ideal will distribute. Ingram will direct the picture and play the stellar role. English Travelins Theater London — A traveling Theater, British Acoustic and the Tomlinson Autocar's "mobile talkie film saloon," was given a demonstration recently under the auspices of the Gaumont Company, Ltd. It is a self-contained projection plant, making its own current and showing a large picture on a special daylight Trans-Lux screen supported on a serrated rail at the rear of the "saloon." Czechoslovakia to Make Motion Picture Equip't Prague — Representatives of the Siemens-Halske Co. are expected to arrive here soon to complete negotiations with the Central Committee of Czechoslovak Motion Picture Theater Owners and the Corporation of Manufacturers of Talking Picture Equipment for the use ol the company's patents in manufacturing talking picture equipment. Owners of the equipment would pay a certain fee to the patent owners, the amount of the fee being determined by the size of the theater. The patents expire in 1935. Welsh-Pearson Producing For Gaumont Release London — Welsh-Pearson discloseo at its annual meeting that it would continue active production of pictures, a contract having been entered into with Gaumont for the distribution of four Welsh-Pearson features. The first of these will be W. W. Jacobs' story, "The Third String." His "Monkey's Paw" may be the second. Franco-Belgian Film Tie-Up Paris — M. Raisfeld, general managei of Distributeurs Reunis, has made a tie-up with a Belgian groi"^, it is reported, by which productions made in one country will be distributed in the other. The Belgian group, known as the Societe Generale Beige, brings 20,000 francs into the merger. The French group will produce and distribute pictures for them. An agreement has been concluded with Pathe-Natan by which the latter agrees to rent 5,000,000 francs worth of pictures a year for five years. 180 German Pictures Coming Berlin — The Film-Kurrier, after an inquiry among producers and distributors, estimates that there will be 180 German-produced motion pictures available to exhibitors during the coming year. Of this number 140 have already been announced, while 10 others will be internationally produced. But One Silent House in Belfast Belfast, Ire. — The Sandoro Cinema in Sandy Row is to go talkie this month, leaving but one silent house in Belfast, the Kelvin. British Quota Pictures Cost $450 per 100 Feet London — According to the report of the General Council of the T. U. C, British quota pictures have cost at least $450 per 100 feet to produce (with a maximum requirement of $50,000), exclusive of copyright and recording fees. The report also suggests that the Advisory Committee to the B. 0. T. should be made more representative by including representatives of the F. B. 1. and T. U. C, and should be given power to make recommendations to the Minister as well as to supervise the working of the Act generally. The report sets at rest the rumors that T. U. C, with the F. B. L film group, might urge the government to raise the British quota to 50 per cent. Irish Admission Prices Up ; Theaters Likely to Close Dublin — The extra tax recently imposed on film imports is having its effect. Admission prices have been advanced and a number oi exhibitors are seriously considering closing down. The Metropolitan and several other Dublin houses have increased admissions slightly, but even the slight increase has caused a decline in patronage. No trade shows have been held in Dublin for six months. The tax was increased from a penny to three-pence per foot. Making "Mystery of Marriage" London — Wardour Films is makng for British International distribution an unusual motion picture conceived and directed by Miss Mary Field, whose nature study filmn have been very popular. Its title is "The Mystery of Marriage" ana it will show contrasts between the methods of courtship of the animal world and those of human beings. Dog Stars in "Tailwaggers" London — Delta Pictures, Ltd., has been formed, with a production unit installed at the Albany Street Studios, for the production of a series of dog-subject shorts as its first offering. They will be called the "Tailwaggers" series. Capt. H. E. Hobbs, founder of the Tailwaggers Club, will assist in the production. SOCIETYTODEALWITH FILMS Berlin — German authors' organizations interested in motion pictures have decided upon the creation of a society to deal with all claims of authors and composers relating to screen rights for their works. Spio, the exhibitors' organization, is reported ready to resist any new demands, particularly in the constantly growing number of percentage claims. A novel feature of the authors' scheme is to ask that the prominence of each author be taken into consideration in the ultimate division of profits. London Shilling Theater As Challenge to Cinema London — L. Cowen has launched a move in connection with the Fortune theater to popularize stage productions, designed as a "challenge to the cinema." He has organized the Fortune Theater League, Ltd., and hopes to get a membership of 250,000 at a shilling each to support the move. Admission prices would be one, two and three shillings, w-tn two performances a day of plays which have already proved to besuccesses. Paris to Have 5,000-Seater Paris — Braunberger and Richebe ; are preparing the plans for a huge i motion picture* palace to be erected ] here off the Place de I'Opera. It will seat between 5,000 and 6,000. Work will start early in the new j year, it is planned. Pathe Pictorial in Sound London — The Pathe Pictorial, which reached its 700th issue on Aug. 31st, will be issued in sound after Oct. 1, it is announced. Fred Watts, in charge of Pathe Pictorial | since its inception thirteen years > ago, states that with its change to sound the release date will be changed from Monday to Thursday. Bryson to Tour World London — James V. Bryson, who has resigned as Universal head here, is planning to go on a world tour for his health. Bagdad Talkie Theater Bagdad -The Royal Cinema opened {{ here with "Atlantic," after the in stallation of RCA Ph stophone. The innovation is reported to be a big success.