Harrison's Reports (1949)

Entered as second-class mutter January 4, 1921, at the post office at New York, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879. Harrison's Reports Yearly Subscription Rates: 1270 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS Published Weekly by United States $15.00 (Formerly Sixth Avenue) Harrison's Reports, Inc.. U. S. Insular Possessions. 16.50 v u on M v Publisher Canada 16.50 Wew Tork w r P. S. HARRISON, Editor Mexico, Cuba, Spain 16.50 A Motion Picture Reviewing Service Great Britain 17.50 Devoted Chiefly to the Interests of the Exhibitors Established July 1, 1919 Australia, New Zealand, India, Europe, Asia .... 17.50 Ug Editoria, p0iicy: No Problem Too Big for Its Editorial Circle 7-4622 35c a Copy Columns, if It is to Benefit the Exhibitor. A REVIEWING SERVICE FREE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF FILM ADVERTISING Vol. XXXI SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1949 No. 52 TAX CAMPAIGN A FINE START FOR COMPO The campaign for repeal of the Federal admission tax was given an enthusiastic kick-off this week at an emergency meeting in New York City of the Committee on Taxation and Legislation, set up by the Council of Motion Picture Organizations at Washington last week, under the acting Chairman' ship of Abram F. Myers. Other members of the Committee are: Oscar A. Doob, Jack Bryson, Jay Emanuel, Julian Brylawski, Morton Sunshine, Art Arthur, Carter Barron, Marvin L. Faris and Rotus Harvey. Mr. Myers, who was elected as permanent chairman at the session, issued the following statement : "Despite preoccupation with the approaching holidays, we called this meeting on an 'emergency' basis. It is generally felt that the impending campaign to bring about repeal of the Federal admission tax is of such vital importance to the entire industry that no time should be lost in organising our efforts on a nation-wide, all-industry scope. "Much splendid ground work already has been done by various organisations and individuals but the time is now here when all of our various fronts and forces should be consolidated and coordinated into a united, tight organization that will reach into every city and hamlet in the country. "Congress will convene in a couple of weeks. Many economists feel that 1950 is the year of decision so far as the so-called war taxes are concerned. If they are not repealed by the present Congress, they may never be repealed in our time. They may become a part of our peacetime economy. So the time for allout action is at hand. "Incidentally, in mobilizing ourselves for this fight against a discriminatory tax we have an opportunity to further the over-all aims of the newly-formed Council of Motion Picture Organizations by illustrating how, given a common cause, our industry can work together in all its branches and command the respect and consideration which we merit. That, in itself, is public relations on the highest plane. "Our Committee, at its meeting today, set up the following general plan: "1. Through our Washington Committee, a vigorous effort to present our case directly to members of Congress, to the proper Congressional committees. Preparation of briefs, etc. "2. Through Exhibitor, Distribution-Producer Committees, both on national and regional basis, to mobilise the screens and personnel of the theatres, exchanges and studios. "3. Through Campaign Activities Committees, national and local, carry our messages to the public and by the vigor of our efforts against the Federal tax, to serve notice on local authorities that we intend to oppose any proposed local taxes with equal determination. " Mr. Myers stated that he would announce appointments to the various committees, national and regional, from time to time. "The campaign is "on," he concluded, "and we hope it will develop into a demonstration of united strength such as we haven't had in our industry since we did such a fine, unselfish job during the war. We ask — and are confident we shall receive — the full cooperation of the trade press, our principal line of communication within the industry. This drive should make news of interest to every worker in the industry, every exhibitor, every distributor and even to the millions of movie-goers who will benefit by elimination of the ticket tax." The speed with which the Committee on Taxation and Legislation has moved to mobilize the entire industry in this all-important tax repeal campaign is indeed heartening, for it shows that the industry leaders have taken up the idea of unified action with sincerity and enthusiasm. It is an excellent start for the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, and the Committee members, whose interests are diverse, are to be congratulated for their fine demonstration of working together for the common good. This fight for repeal of the admission tax is not going to be an easy one, and it calls for the full support of every single individual who makes his living in the motion picture business, from the man who cleans up after the last show to the top executive who guides production. The industryite who fails to do his utmost in this campaign will be definitely out of step. HARRISON'S REPORTS extends to its subscribers and readers Greetings of the Season