Year book of motion pictures (1934)

There has been a decided increase in French film distribution since 1931, French trade activities for the coming season being especially noticeable. Italian and British productions showed decided gains during the past year. Copyright Relations — Established by Presidential Proclamation of July 1, 1891, extended April 9, 1910 and November 20, 1924. Some minor copyright controversies were reported between German and Swiss firms. Production — Chiefly industrial and educational. At the present time there are three concerns in Switzerland working regularly, of which the "Praesens" Film A.G. is the largest: "Praesens" Film A. G., 11 Weinbergstrasse, Zurich. (Praesens Film, Ltd.). Sound work done entirely in Switzerland. "Gefi" Filmdienst, 21 Erlachstrasse Zurich. ("Gen" Film Service). Sound work done partly in Germany. Mentor Film A.G., 20 Goldauerstrasse, Zurich. (Mentor Film, Ltd.). Sound work done here ; new concern only recently established. All three firms have their own studios in Switzerland and rank as the only domestic concerns of importance. Taxes — No increases reported in 1933, status remaining unchanged. Theaters — Adverse economic business conditions effected a slight decrease in the number of motion picture theaters in Switzerland, chiefly among the small ones. On the other hand, however, a number of theaters of large seating capacity have been opened recently. Seating Theaters Capacity German and Italian Switzerland 188 77,800 French Switzerland 122 39,160 Total 310 116,960 Sound — The number of sound installations in the last year has been especially noteworthy. In 1932 out of a total of 325 motion picture theaters 200 were sound equipped and the remaining 123 were for silent films. At present only 8 theaters remain in Switzerland where silent films are shown. These use almost exclusively American films. Imports from U. S. A. — 1932— Positive, sound 509,490 ft. $9,199 1933 — First Six Months: 1933 — Positive, sound 100,716 ft. 1,836 DISTRIBUTORS AND IMPORTERS BASEL Eos-Film, Reichensteinerstra. 14. BERN Capitol-Film, A. Laubacher, Humboldstra. 9. Cinevox A. A., Haus Capitol. Pandora-Film, Erlacherstra. 21. Schweiz-Schul-Volkskino, Erlacherstra. 21. Syndikat-Film A. G., Gurtengasse 4. Corcelles-Neuenburg, Rene Steffen. GENF Bourquin-Film, Rue du Mont Blanc 19. Distributeur de Films S. A., Confederation 10. Dubois-Film. Rue Pradler 4. Elite-Films S. A., Rue du Commerce 9. Etabl. of J. Haik, Rue de Hollande 14. Film-Parlant S. A., Tour Maitresse 2. Fox-Film S. A., Croix d'or 12. Gr. Exclusivite L. Lansac, Rotisserie 10. Gr. Production Sonore Linder, R. Henri Mussard 22. Monopole Pathe-Films S. A.. Rotisserie 4. Radio-Cine S. A.. Rue du Marche 9. Societe d'Expl. Des Films Osso S. A., Passage des Lions 6. Unartisco S. A., Confederation 3. Uty S. A., Rue du Marche 12. Warner Bros. First National Film, Rue du Rhone 4. LAUSANNE Office Cinematographique S. A., Rue du Midi 15. LUZERN Etna-Film & Co., A. G., Moosstr. 4. Gebruder Chr. & R. Karg, Schlosstr. 3. MONTREAUX Agence Suisse du Cinema, Avenue du Theatre. ZURICH Coram-Film A. G., Limmatquai 34. Emelkafilmgesellschaft, Lowenstr. 55. Interna-Tonfilm-Vertriebs A., G., Stauffacherstr. 41. Leo-Film A. G., Stampfenbachstra. 69. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer S. A., Badenerstra. 334. Monopol-Films A. G., Toedistr. 61. Nordisk-Films Co., S. A., Bahnhofquai 7. Praesens-Film A. G., Weinberstr. 11. Turkey Agitation — There is no official or popular agitation in Turkey against motion pictures in general or against films in any particular country. Censorship — There has been no change since the application of the Decree Law of June, 1932, establishing national control and censorship of motion picture films. Up to the present time the provisions of the decree have been applied very liberally. Competition — A total of 58 feature sound films have been exhibited in Turkey from January 1 to December 10, 1933, including 27 American, 26 French and 5 German films. Of the 27 American films 2 only were exhibited in the original English version. One in Spanish and the rest were dubbed in French. Two American films were dubbed and exhibited in Turkish. American films dubbed in French have been considerably more popular this year than in 1932 and due to their rich scenery and interesting features and plots they were more readily patronized than original French films. German feature films have continued to be quite popular so far. Local motion picture houses anticipate however, that German films which are being produced at the present time in Germany may not be as popular due to the special tendency of political propaganda features which are believed to have been adopted this year by German motion picture producers. It may be pointed out that such films are not favored by the local public. Copyright relations — There has been no change in this connection. Production — There exists only one studio in Turkey which is equipped for producing sound films. In the course of this year this studio produced six "talkies", two of which have already been released. All these films were prepared in TurIt is understood that another studio is to be German Ufa film — the "Morgenroth" — and an American film — "The Isle of Doctor Moreau," both of which have already exhibited in the Turkish language. Four additional films are also being dubbed at the present time and will be exhibited in the Turkish language during the next few months. It is understood that another studio is to be established mainly for the purpose of dubbing foreign fiims and producing Turkish versions which are becoming more and more popular, particularly throughout the provincial centers. Taxes — No change can be reported in this connection. Theaters — There has been no change in the number of active theaters in the country which is estimated at about 80. Sound — There are at present 52 theaters wired for 1048