Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1948)

Shart Subjects THK INFANT THU'-VISKJN, barely wcamd from iiiaina radid, had its first taste of jurisdi'-tional dispute in Philly this montli. Scheduled to stage the first full video opera, "The Bartered Bride," WCAU-TV found itself in the n'iddlc of a squabble between lATSK's stagehands' union (AFL) and the station's CIO technicians and cameramen. The stagehands demanded that AFL techs and lensmen be substituted for WCAU's men, members of the CIO's American Communications Ass'n. Officials pointed out that this would be a violation of the WCAU-ACA contract. And so, kiddies, the first wholly-televised opera is yet to be seen — IF" a settlement of the jurisdicti{Tnal aspect can be efTected. TOSSING THE GAUNTLET back at Russia, the Italian Government rebuffed the Soviet's protest against the showing of "Ninotchka" in Italian theatres. Iii a curt reply to the Russian note, the F'oreign Ministry in Rome pointed out that the commissar-spoofing film had been banned by the Fascist regime and since the new republic is directly opposed to Fascist principles, it endorses freedom of opinion. Consequently, the M-G-M film will remain in the five Rome theatres where it is currently playing. IT LO(JKS L1K1\ Mohammed may go to the mountain after all. Rep. Carroll I). KcJirns, chairman of the House Labor subcommittee investigating the Hollywood strike, let it be known that in view of the mass of persons accused of Conununist affiliation <luring the recent hearings in VVa;ihington, it might be more feasible for the Congressional unit to trek to the West Coast for additional testimony. Current recess in the hearings is until May 17, with resumptif)n scheduled to take place in Washington. REMINISCENT OF THE famous bond drives of World War II, the Security Loan campaign gets its send-off with typical show biz fanfare on the eve of the drive, which runs from April 15 to June 30. In New York, the scene will be the Winter Garden, with the premiere of U-I's "Arc You With It?" (an apt title) highlighting the proceedings, and Donald O'Connor, star of the film, heading an all-star stage show. FAerybody gets in free. The only thing you have to do to receive a ticket is lend Uncle Sam $17.50, S75, or S750, for which, in ten years, you collect $25, $100, or SIOOO. Sounds like a good deal, chum. The industry is lining up solid support for NY's $6,600,000 drive for American Overseas Aid — United Nation's Appeal for Children-. Spyros P. Skouras, chairman of the campaign, has formed a Motion Picture Committee with Ed Rugof¥, chairman, and Leo Brecher, treasurer. FOR HIS PART in furthering "a spirit of understanding and tolerance, the highest purpose of education, during the year 1947," Darryl F. Zanuck, producer ox the Academy Award whinner, "Gentleman's Agreement" received the Abbe Institute's annual award for distinguished service. 20thFox advertising-publicity topper Charles Schlaifer received the citation on behalf of Zanuck. The honor marks No. 52 in the total of awards accorded "Gentleman's Agreement." RKO Radio president N. Peter Rathvon has joined the select circle of movienien who have received the French Legion of Honor. The presentation was made in Los Angeles by the French consul in recognition of the RKO topper's efforts in developing good relations between the U. S. and Marianne. Jesse L. Laskv, celebrating 35 years as a producer, copped the Allied Jewish Appeal's second annual humanitarian award for his contribution to clean, wholesome entertainment. The presentation was made at a banquet sponsored by the city's Golden Slipper Square Club, Philadelphia. The final three weeks of RKO Radio's 1948 Ned Depinet Drive, which ends May 6. will honor Robert Mochrie, RKO's vice president in charge of domestic distribution. TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX has a quintet of releases set for May, includmg the second of the Alexander Korda productions under the British producer's deal with the company. Leading off is "Fury at Furnace Creek." the Victor Mature starrer; then follows the much-discussed "The Iron Curtain," with Dana Andrews and Gene By BARN Tierney in tiie leads; two modest-budgcters, "Arthur Takes Over" from tiie .Sol M. VV'urtztl unit, and "The Counterfeiters," a Reliance Picture with John Sutton, Doris Merrick and Ix)n Chaney, and the Korria British film, "Anna Kerenina," with Vivian Leigh and Ralph Korda British film, "Anna Karenina," with Vivian Leigh and Ralph LATEST "FIRST" IN the newsrecl field is boasted by Warner Pathe News in a brave departuie from the customary which has nine-yearold F'rances Lynne delivering the commentary on a child fashion sequence. Now let's see which company has the guts to feature Lassie's dulcet tones describing a dog show, or Assault neighing in the best Clem McCarthy tradition, "And there they go!" TED MINSK V, ^'OLNf'.EST of the movie Minskys (brothers Howward and Joe are with 20th-Fox and Eagle Lion, respectively), has been promoted to film buyer of Warners' Cleveland theatres. For the past several years, Ted was assistant to John Turner, chief film buyer for the circuit's Philadelphia district. Charles Schlaifer, 20th-Fox ad-publicity director, has been re-elected chairman of the MP.VA's advertising advisory council, the unit which works with G(,rd"n Wiiite in the administration of the .Advertising Code. Election of Max E. ^'oungstein to head .Assfjciated Motion Picture Advertisers was formalized unanimously April 1, with the Eagle Lion advtg-publicity director and v. p. succeeding Arnold Stoltz in the .'\MPA presidency. The balance of the new slate makes David Blum vice-president ; Harry McW^illiams treasurer ; Evelyn Koleman secretary. Elected to the AMP.\ board: Ray Gallagher. Hap Hadley, Blanche Livingston, \'incent Trotta, Charles Alicoate. Paul N. Lazarus, Jr., U.'\ director of ad-publicity, has moved up three flackmen in the company's publicity department under director Alfred H. Tamarm. Caswell Adams, takes on the metropolitan newspaper job left open by Lawrence Beller's shift to the MPAA; Lew Barasch goes into Adams' former special events post after 3 years as trade paper rep, and Philip Cowan moves up to trade contact from the sales promotion department. THIS MAY BE an election year, beset by uncertainty for the jittery candidates, but over at Warner Bros, there was little doubt that the slate of incumbents would be retained. The directors confirmed by re-electing: Harry M. Warner, president; Albert Warner. Jack L. Warner, Herman Starr, Stanleigh P. Friedman. Samuel Schneider, Herbert Freston, Benj. Kalmenson, Harry M. Kalmine, Mort Blumenstock, and Robert \\". Perkins, vice-presidents ; Albert Warner, treasurer ; Samuel Carlisle, W. Stewart McDonald and Cyril H. Wilder ass't treasurers : Roljert W. Perkins, secretary and general counsel; Harold S. Bare ford, Edward K. Hessberg and Roy Obringer, assistant secretaries ; Samuel Carlisle, controller, and Thomas J. Martin, auditor. AT A PRESS conference in Philadelphia, J. Arthur Rank was queried on the reliability of a report in one of the syndicated columns that he was to be the next British ambassador to the United States. Mr. Rank lcx)ked surprised, then dismissed the matter with an eloquent wave of the hand and a shrug of the shoulders. One meticulous reporter asked, "How do you spell that, Mr. Rank?" STEADY BOYS! THOSE frivolous United Artists producers are still at it with their title changes. Remember t'le picture you originally knew as "A Miracle Can Happen," whxh was chan'^ed to "Along Came Baby" a couple of wrecks ago? Well, forget all that. Producer Ben Bogeaus has now found a new handle : "On Our Merry Way." No guarantee goes with this latest switch however, so keep your eyes open. RUTGERS NEILSON REVEALS the interesting fact that Loretta Young's Oscar-copping role in "The Farmer's Daughter" was her 74th film. In 1928, Loretta, then age 15, was named a Wampas Baby Star. CHARLES M. REAGAN announced the following Paramount national release dates : "The Emperor Waltz," July 2 ; "Dream Girl," July 23; "Big Town Scandal," July 30; "So Evil My Love," Aug. 6; "A Foreign Affair," Aug. 20; "Beyond Glory." Sept. 3. 14 FILM BULLETIN