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Page Twenty
THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1928
Hollywood, Calif.
An Analysis Of
M-G-M for Next Season
It is a difficult matter to get anything like a definite line on M-G-M picture prospects for the coming season. I hesitate to predict anything enthusiastic in regard to their product because events of the past year or two have proven that M-G-M is apt to fall down just at the time one expects them to be knocking out hits.
On the other hand, I cannot offer a pessimistic forecast in regard to M-GM for this season because there is quite a liklihood that their product as a whole is going to show an improvement over last year.
True, two or three of the M-G-M films previewed of late have been ordinary affairs. Others, however, have been up to good entertainment standards or better.
There are indications that M-G-M is losing its former arrogant attitude and is buckling down to business. If M-G-M can whip itself into a harmonious production group where every individual is working for the good of the organization as a whole instead of trying to grab too much personal glory, it is a safe bet that M-G-M will make marked progress with its films and turn out some real pictures.
M-G-M has the stars, the writers and the directors with which to turn the trick. Somehow or other, with only a few exceptions, they have not been getting the most out of their talent, however. M-G-M executives and workers in many cases seem to have been pulling against each other. Each side blames the other, but whatever the cause, it is anunhealthy condition and should be remedied immediately for the good of all concerned.
M-G-M seems to be going strongly after the sound film. Several productions are now in the process of synchronization at the studio. These “soundies” will soon be ready for release and it is safe to assume that M-G-M will click with a fair percentage of them.
As said before, at the present time I would not unreservedly recommend exhibitors to sign up for the M-G-M product. Neither would I recommend against it. The rental prices asked should be the deciding factor with the exhibitor. If M-G-M offers you their product at what you consider a low or moderate rental price, it would probably be advisable to sign the contract. You may rest assured that M-G-M will at least supply you with a fairly decent line of pictures.
If, however, M-G-M demands what you consider high rentals for next season’s product, it would be advisable to wait a little longer before signing. The next few weeks will give the film industry a fairly reliable slant on how the various concerns are going to shape up on the season as a whole.
TAMAR LANE.
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