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HISTORY MAKERS OF 1937
WILL H. HAYS
H. M. WARNER
To recount the activities and accomplishments of The General during '37 is tantamount to writing an encyclopedia in 100 words. Voiced film accord appreciation to Italy; spoke at Zukor Jubilee Dinner; praised film advertising advance; vowed majors would not
join Federal industry control move; celebrated his 15th Anniversary as MPPDA head; pleaded for industry's self-regulation in a brilliantly prepared report, and witnessed his son receive degree at Wabash. He received honors from the American Legion during that organization's New York convention; declared for artistic, social pix as b.o. draw; received coveted gold medal of Philadelphia's Poor Richard Club; fought for curtailment of radio commentators who disseminated material detrimental to industry, and, above all, waged a valiant battle, despite widespread lethargic attitude of U. S. producers and distributors, against oppressive provisions of United Kingdom's Films Bill (Quota Act). Hail to the Chief!
• N. M. SCHENCK
Both Metro's Leo (symbolizing the full-length feature) and Leo Jr., (the short subject) jumped through more hoops than ever under Nicholas Schenck's masterful ring-mastering throughout the past 12 months. Result, M-G-M's biggest year. In early December, when report was rife that Louis B. Mayer might leave, it was Schenck who advised that L.B.M. was not resigning but re-signing to the tune of a five-year pact. And at the same time Nicholas M, set new deals with Al Lichtman, E. J. Mannix, Sam Katz, Benjamin Thau, et al.
As cornerstone of the House of Warner, H. M. celebrated with characteristic modesty the tenth anniversary of sound, of which he was industry's pioneer. Received from Rollins College, Florida, honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities.— the first such degree ever accorded to a film executive. Eyeing future, this sage of screenland predicted m.p. business will eventually control television. Headed MPPDA educational films committee. Lectured at N.Y.U.; spoke several times via radio, once on same occasion as brother Jack; and gave airwaves from his company's treasury of talent the new Lucky Strike program. As year ended was setting deal with Muzak. Inc., for Warner's entry into attractive wired radio field.
• BARNEY BALABAN
While still serving his first year as Poramount's president, this "history maker" was elected to the board of directors of F a mous Players Canadian Corp.. and shortly thereafter began taking stock as to what 1937 would hold for Paramount itself in the way of i n
creased prosperity. After analyzing the situation carefully he opined that firm's profit would substantially top that of the preceding 12 months, an observation which was roundly vindicated. On the anniversary of his elevation to the top exec seat, — in early July. — he expressed the conviction that what the public wants, the public should get, i.e., million dollar pictures. His determination to put his words into action was evidenced shortly thereafter via company's product announcement. In December, after studio confabs on costs, contracts, etc., he decided further upon a studio output of two big pix monthly.
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