The film daily year book of motion pictures (1932)

President, Big 4 Film Corp. JOHN R. FREULER DesignaHng 1932 as "independent year" is no idle prediction in my belief. All indications augur well for the independent during the next twelve months, and prevailing conditions should bring about an independnet renaissance which will surpass any previous period in the picture industry! The major companies are finding that production programs must be curtailed to meet distribution possibilities and will go warily during the next season for fear of an overproduction which has contributed to their present difficulties. As a result there undoubtedly will be some underproduction. These companies will find it necessary — and profitable — to reach out for independent product which measures up to standard. This year will find a big improvement in the independent's product, what with larger budgets made possible by new avenues of distribution, and with lowered costs and better talent now available through general curtailment. Independents who do not overestimate their own possibilities, who do not make the mistakes of the larger companies in the recent past will profit in turn, and will, indeed, find 1932 a happy and prosperous new year. M. A. LICHTMAN The year 1932 may be compared to a contender for the crown in a championship bout. It hurls defiance into the ring in its fight against the Motion Picture industry. How well we in the industry accept the challenge depends upon the kind of stuff we are made of. What with the cry for censorship, state and government tax, old man depression, curtailment of credit, a general apathy for mediocre pictures, we are indeed confronted with a herculean task if we overcome all these obstacles in a profitable manner. It can be done. First we must all recognize our individual responsibility. Regardless of how it may hurt, we must make sacrifices. Exhibitor organizations should cooperate. Fighting within the industry should be put aside for the present at least. The major Circuits and Distributors must make concessions if they would have the independents do their part. With this kind of background as a support, the producers must put every ounce of brains they have to work — hard work. Upon them alone depends our real success, just pictures positively will not pull us through. We must have real outstanding photoplays. We must have more hits than ever before in our history. To the company or companies who do give us outstanding pictures, the entire industry will owe a debt of gratitude. The M.P.T.O.A. hereby pledges its support to this type of program for 1932. General Counsel and Chairman of the Board, Allied States Ass'n ABRAM F. MYERS While the returns in 1931 have been meager, the year has been rich in expe rience. It has taught bitter lessons which, if well learned, may yet save the industry from itself. It has demonstrated that the motion picture business is neither depression-proof nor fool-proof. These discoveries may be worth all that they have cost. If they bring to an end the reckless expansion, wild extravagance and unfair practices of the past, the year may yet be entered on the credit side of the ledger. In view of this experience it is unlikely that the producers will continue to acquire theaters; indeed, the facts call for relinquishment of theater holdings. It also seems unlikely that extravagant methods, adding to the burden of every one in the business, will be continued. Certainly the abominable practices that have resulted in so many government prosecutions will be abandoned. And last but not least, it would seem that the need for real cooperation — not one-way cooperation — between the several branches of the industry has been demonstrated. 55