Harrison's Reports (1946)

24 HARRISON'S REPORTS February 9, 1946 Nothing you have stated — no argument you have presented— has so far changed my opinion . . . and I sincerely regret that you have used your splendid paper to damn my action — which was taken only with the thought of promoting the best interests of Variety and certainly not in the manner you have assumed. In conclusion, I want to repeat that so long as I am Chief Barker of the Variety Clubs of America, any worthwhile recommendation or suggestion from any company will be considered . . . and if deemed worthy and advisable, will be presented to the respective Tents. In the final analysis, they are the ones who must make the decisions. The only other paragraph of your editorial to which I can refer has been covered— the one in which you say other companies will be celebrating in one form or another and I am going to offer the name of Variety to advertise these companies. NO . . . not for advertising purposes — but for a celebration — YES! Certainly no partiality will be shown — and should others desire to avail themselves of the Variety Club Quarters . . . and to eulogize Variety Clubs and the Industry — such a proposal would be given due and serious consideration. I believe that when you see the booklet in which the Heart Reports will be presented at the forthcoming Convention— to be held in New York in May — you will realize that nothing has happened to the charitable spirit of the Variety Clubs . . . you will be convinced that it has been maintained unsullied . . . and you will realize that nothing has happened to mar this glorious part of our organization. Sincerely, R. J. O'DONNELL ALLIED THEATRES OF MICHIGAN POINTS THE WAY On February 11, 12, and 13, Allied States Association of Motion Picture Exhibitors will hold its annual meeting of the Board of Directors in New York City, at which time it will elect new officers and map its plans for the ensuing year. According to the announcement made by Abram F. Myers, Allied's general counsel and chairman of the board, the tentative agenda includes his annual report, in which he will review the events of the past year as well as the problems the exhibitors will face this year; the directors' reports on economic conditions in their respective territories; a committee report on checking abuses with proposed remedies therefor; a report by the Caravan Committee on high film rentals and the steps taken to combat them; a committee report on the attitude of the distributors in reference to 16 mm. exhibition; and a discussion devoted to strengthening public relations and especially to increasing the effectiveness of the regional groups and the national group in handling matters affecting the independent exhibitors before municipal, county, state and national legislative and administrative bodies. Mr. Meyers points out also in his bulletin that the recent "fall and winter conventions and membership meetings of Allied's regional associations have been the largest and most interesting for many years. With the war behind them, the independent exhibitors are showing a keen interest in industry problems and a desire to enlarge and strengthen their associations." He states that "cooperation among the Allied units is increasing and the purpose to extend this cooperation through National Allied to the other truly independent organizations included in the CLE. A. [Conference of Independent Exhibitor Associations] has been made clear," and that the action taken by the CLE. A., with reference to its refusal to participate in the formation of the Theatre Activities Committee, the proposed new national exhibitor organization, has already been approved by seven Allied units, as well as by several other regional associations in the CLE. A. In connection with the stand taken by Allied Theatres of Michigan, Mr. Myers attached to his bulletin a statement by Ray Branch, president of the organization. Read it; it is interesting: "When the CLE. A. was assembled at Washington and took the stand that it could see no justification for the new proposed exhibitor organization, it did so for two reasons. First, because it could not see how any new formation could improve upon the successful operation of its own, and second, it could not truthfully admit that it was failing to satisfy its membership. Aside from the enumerated reasons, what else could be considered? "There was nothing offered or proposed for the welfare of all exhibitors alike that was not being done or in prospect for the future. If Allied States Association and the CLE. A. have failed in anything, it is because they have not engendered enough enthusiasm among the regional units to cause them to come forward on a voluntary basis and contribute more financial assistance and moral support. It would not be possible for a new organization to embark upon a more constructive program that would benefit its membership, nor place them in a better position to command the respect of their patrons or those with whom they now enjoy business relations. Therefore, I again repeat that I can see no justification for the formation of a new organization. "At a conference of the Board of Directors of Michigan held January 16th, a vote of confidence was expressed, and its delegate to the forthcoming Annual meeting was instructed to voluntarily increase its dues and pledge continuance of its membership. We have an organization now that can do all the things proposed if proper support is available and forthcoming. Therefore, in my humble opinion, this is just a test of strength among the units that support their National Organization." Allied of Michigan is to be congratulated for its farsighted action in backing up its vote of confidence with a voluntary increase in dues, for without proper financial support no organization can combat effectively the forces that work against the interests of independent exhibition. It costs money to send representatives to appear before different legislative committees on tax proposals and other matters, as well as to carry on promotional work. Examine again the tentative agenda of Allied's annual board meeting and you will see that, although the agenda contains but a few of the important problems and topics that will be discussed and acted upon, they are enough to point up the constant need for strong independent exhibitor cooperation. It has been pointed out frequently in these columns that one of the greatest protecting factors for independent exhibition is organization. Only by pulling together can the independents hope to put up an effective defense against hostile forces. And yet, there are any number of independent exhibitors who are blind to the need of organization; they either do not belong to an exhibtor unit, or, if they do, are lax in payment of dues as well as in taking some active part in their association's continuous efforts to protect their interests. It is difficult to understand why any exhibitor is utterly indifferent to his own problems and interests, for his indifference makes the operation of his own business all the more trying. Those who do not belong to an exhibitor association are, in effect, "mooching" on fellow exhibitors who, through payment of dues and through hard work, are bearing the burden in the continuing fight to better the lot of the independent exhibitor. Other regional units will undoubtedly want to follow the lead of Allied of Michigan in giving additional financial assistance to their national association, but to do so they will need support. Those of you who have not yet joined an exhibitor unit should snap out of your indifference and do so at once! Harrison's Reports believes that you should join an Allied unit, but if for some reason you cannot or are unwilling to do so, join any other truly independent unit. And those of you who are behind in dues, pay up immediately! Otherwise you cannot expect your organization to function as it should to protect your interests.