Year book of motion pictures (1937)

4 440.000 Marks, a sum which used to apply to films of the very highest order only. All this explains why producers and lessors are not yet contented with their results, despite the steadily rising receipts of the theaters. Efforts aiming at a rational reduction of the growing expenditures noted above, have been on foot for several months and are heartily seconded by the Film-Credit Bank which requires the most carefully worked out estimate for any film, in the financing of which it co-operates. In proof of the betterment in the quality of German films, the recognition which they won in Venice might be cited. At the International Film Convention, Luis Trenker received for his film: "The Emperor of California," the highest prize, the Mussolini Cup. A film entitled "Youth of the World," an artistic portrayal of the Winter Olympics, was pronounced to be the best documentary film and received the Luce Cup by way of recognition. "Schlussaccord" (the Last Chord) received the prize offered by the Theatrical Institute for the best musical film. Medals were awarded to the films: "Verraeter" (Traitors), "Ave Maria" and to the 3 German educational films: "Metall des Himmels" (Sky Metal), "Ein Meer versinkt" (An ocean seeps away) and "Die Kamera faehrt mit" (The camera goes along). The 1936-37 production includes altogether 220 films, of which some 155 are of German production. The firms are represented in point of numbers as follows: Ufa. 30: Syndikat, 23; Tobis Rota, 22; Tobis Europa, 22; Bavaria, 20; Terra, 14; Metro, 12; Paramount, 12; Maerkische-Panorama, 10; Deutsche Fox 10 (approx.); Siegel Monopol. 8; N.A.G.. 7. To these should be added a number of smaller firms, which have not announced their programs, but which bring out their films as the occasion demands. The advance-preparation of the intended production, recommended by the President of the German National Film Chamber, Prof. Lehnich on the day of his assumption of office, has been put into effect in almost all quarters. Thus Ufa, out of the 30 films announced, will have finished 28 by the End of 1936; Syndikat will have 6 ready by the middle of November with 7 more in process of production and 9 in preparation. Out of 14 films. Terra has 8 finished, 3 in process of production and 3 in preparation. Bavaria announces that in November alone it is putting on 8 original exhibitions. To what extent advance work on films is now the fashion will be seen from the fact that Ufa will begin its studio work for the 1937-38 season, as early as this month of December, and that in the case of the other firms also, preparation is well under way. For the most part the subjects have already been selected, and to a considerable extent the obligations of the authors, composers, stage managers and chief actors have already been set out in the form of contracts. The great international conventions such as the Congress of Authors in Berlin, the ColorSound-Congress in Hamburg, as well as the special efforts made by the German filmtheaters during the Olympic Games have given foreigners, many thousands of them, the opportunity to become acquainted with the German film of today. It is with sincere regret that the film world of Germany feels that it is still badly misunderstood abroad. Germany which offers to the foreign film every possible opportunity compatible with its own vital interests seeks a cultural exchange with other countries, for the sake of the mutual good to be derived from such an arrangement. All this is shown by the number of participants in the tour of investigation undertaken by the German Film Theater Proprietors to Vienna, Budapest and Prague. For 1937 a similar trip is planned to America, for the sake of investigating the artistic and business sides of the American film industry on the spot. A particularly active feature of this year was the schooling provided for individuals connected with film-work. In co-operation with Universities and high schools, a number of film-workers' associations were formed along the lines of the Film Seminar of the Lessing High School in Berlin, and supervised by Dr. Eckard. At the same time under the supervision of Mr. Hans Weidemann, Vice-President of the German Film Chamber, evenings were devoted to the study of the vital questions relating to the art of filmmaking. Film amateurs also greatly increased in numbers and have been made eligible to the German Film Chamber. In the political field and under the jurisdiction of the Film Division of the Department of Propaganda, valuable film-productions have been carried into the smallest villages and are of extraordinary educational value to young people especially, which means that missionary work is being done to teach the people to know and to appreciate a good film, and to demand good films, and that the film-theater going public is being increased far above the present numbers. How greatly the German film appeals to the German people is shown by the unique W H W Meet which is part of the comprehensive Winter Aid Program. Direct contributions amounted to 75.000 Marks in the first two weeks; free performances are given to the beneficiaries of the Winter Aid and were attended in Berlin alone by some 140,000 spectators in 191 theaters on the first occasion on which this plan was tried.