Harrison's Reports (1961)

Entered as second-class matter January 4, 1021, at the post office at New York, New York, under the aet of March 8, 1478. Harrison's Reports Yearly Subscription Rates: 1270 SIXTH AVENUE Published Weekly by United Statee $15.00 New York 2Q> N. y HarrUon's Report., U. S. Insular Possessions. 17.00 Canada and Mexico 17.00 A Motion Picture Reviewing Service WYNN LOEWENTHAL Great Britain, South Devoted Chiefly to the Interests of the Exhibitors America, Australia, _ . ... . . T , , New Zealand, India. Established July 1, 1919 Europe, Asia 17.50 its Editorial Policy: No Problem Too Big for Its Editorial 35c a Copy Columns, if It is to Benefit the Exhibitor. circle A REVIEWING SERVICE FREE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF FILM ADVERTISING Vol. XLIII SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1961 No. 10 $500,000 WAR CHEST IS SOUGHT BY JOINT. COMM. VS. TOLL TV The Joint Committee Against Toll TV on Monday initiated a campaign for a half million dollar war chest to continue its work in the coming months, Philip F. Harling, chairman, disclosed in New York. Mr. Harling indicated that the fight may be a broad one, with the major attack being a campaign in Congress for a law against toll video, via public air lanes or private wire hookups. The Committee may also seek a review by the FCC on its decision granting a three'year experimental license to WHCT-TV at Hartford, Conn., to test operations with Zenith's Phonevision. An appeal to the Federal courts might result from this. The Joint Committee will not announce until March 30 whether it will ask the FCC to review its decision. That is the last day on which a review appeal may be filed. Mr. Harling noted that 'important testimony" seemed to be ignored in the FCC hearing. The campaign to obtain a law outlawing toll video through Congress was definitely set, Mr. Harling empharsized. The House of Representatives of the 87th Congress already has filed with it two bills making it unlawful to charge for TV programs — whether wired or not — in the home, Mr. Harling noted. Rep. Emanuel Celler (D., N.Y.), introduced one bill; Rep. Cleveland M. Bailey (D., W. Va.), the other. The previous Congress had 22 anti-pay-TV bills, none of which got out of committee, said the Joint Committee chairman, who sees overwhelming support of the anti-toll TV measures. "It is my opinion," Mr. Harling asserted, "that every Congressman and Senator today will take position against toll TV." Mr. Harling disclosed that $125,000 was spent in the anti-pay-TV battle in the last eight years, and that the current fund drive would seek a needed half million dollars from all opposing pay-television. The Joint Committee Against Toll TV comprises exhibitor organizations, women's groups, veterans' groups, the AFL-CIO, civic, and fraternal groups The Committee was successful in having a resolution against pay-TV passed by the City of New York. Every exhibitor should be quick to contribute to this war chest. If successful, pay-television could spell the end for all — or at least most — theatres. Remember, few theatre owners can afford to join toll-TV if they fail to "lick em." Last time we looked, it cost approxi mately $850,000 for the initial pay-TV servicing of 8,500 homes via a particular toll system. Back this hard-hitting campaign now! YOU CANT AFFORD NOT TO! CLASSIFICATION The pros and cons of audience classification of theatrical motion pictures were making bigger headlines than ever last week. In New York State, the Marano-Conklin classification bill has been approved by the lower house of the State Legislature. The measure would permit the License Division of the Education Department to recommend to the Board of Regents any film it considers acceptable for elementary and secondary school children. The New York Herald-Tribune published an editorial asserting that "Papa and Mama Still Know Best" about what films their children should see. "Let the Senate file and forget" the bill, advises the Trib, which notes that "anything that smacks of censorship violates this civilized grain of freedom." The Daily News termed the bill "an entering wedge for what could grow into out-and-out statewide censorship of all kinds of entertainment." Within the industry, Albert M. Pickus, president of the Theatre Owners of America, last week pointed out to Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Association of America, the need for the film business to accept a plan of film classification. Mr. Johnston is opposed to enforced classification. Later, Mr. Pickus revealed plans to classify films at his Stratford (Conn.) Theatre. In Connecticut, a state motion picture review board was proposed in a bill introduced in the Legislature by Nicholas B. Eddy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Eddy said he has long believed that some type of review board on motion pictures is needed to give parents "more information on just what type pictures are being offered." Mr. Eddy says his bill would not give the proposed three-member board any power to bar a film's showing. The board would examine all pictures, divide them into two classifications: family films and those unsuitable for children under 1 6 years of age. Theatres would be required to display either an "F" or a "U" sign on their advertising and marquees to label the current attraction. The Governor would appoint the board, whose members would receive no pay other than expenses. Exhibitors would have the right of appeal to the (Continued on Bac\ Page)