Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1936 - Dec 1937)

Vol. 3, No. 2 independent EXHIBITORS FILM BULLETIN Septembt i THE INDUSTRY'S NEWS J'/wnL Che fcdibfiiaL (JjuuvpoinL GOV'T PROBE JITTERS D. of J. Agents Getting Data . . . The major him companies have the jitters — the Government probe jitters — but they aren't doing a thing u forestall the legal, legislative attack many of the industry's leaders feel certain is on its way. From numerous sources have come warnings that the Department of Justice is seriously engaged on the job of building up a strong case against the alleged monopolistic activities of some of the bigger companies. Agents have been travelling the country on the mission of learning just how these practices affect independent exhibitors in various parts of the country. The majors themselves have been queried in official questionnaires. And it is common know ledge that the Justice Department has been swamped with complaints from indies in every nook and corner of the nation. All these factors point conclusively to an intensive preparatory campaign by the Government's legalists. Federal Jury Inquiry? . . . It has been our view for some time that the method of attack will take the form of a Federal Grand Jurj investigation, such as was threatened by Federal Judge George A. Welsh of the Eastern Penna. District Court last winter. The quiescence of that bombshell is believed to be due to the suggestion of Department of Justice officials that they be allowed to handle the proceedings themselves, perhaps with the help and counsel of Attorncv Benjamin M. Colder, who was appointed by Judge Welsh to conduct the Phila. probe. Nothing Done to Stall It . . . In view of the fact that the majors must be cognizant of all these developments and probabilities, industry observers find it difficult to understand their refusal to accede to some reforms, even it only those proposed by their puppet exhibitor organization, the M.P.T.O.A. Instead, rentals have been substantially increased, higher and more percentage demands made and still further restrictions on exhibitors' rights inserted in film contracts. The producers face, in addition to the Government's legal threat, .\n aroused exhibitor body that may organize itself for a legislative tight to the death. The Xeely anti-block booking bill is dormant, but not dead, and certain to be re ived undei sive Allied direction. It will undoubtedly receive more attention from the new, less busy Congress than was given it during the last hectic session. Fight on Circuits . . . Allied is girding itself tor the battle agains producer operated theatre chains. The Committee thai was appointed at the national convention in ( leveland last June has been working diligentl) and with success, it is reported, in its campaign to raise a huge fund to wage a legal -legislativ e war against the affiliates. The drive is directed at outlawing theatre operation b) film producers. The likelihood ot the Roosevelt Administration's re-election is another factor to be regarded as disadvantageous to the majors. The Democrats have been alienated by 1 loll) wood's refusal to lend cooperation to Government projects and by the well-known Republican sympathies of many industry leaders, such as Ion Mayer, who is a confidante and hcavv contributor to the G.O.P. cause. All in all, the 1936-37 season shapes up as .\n eventful one for the industry insofar as intra-industry problems are concerned. NO RUDIO FOR SHIRLEY Declines Offers . . . One prominent him star has gone on record as sympathizing with exhibitors' protests against the prevailing practice of film personalities appearing on radio broadcasts. It is Shirley Temple. Several weeks ago the Independent M.P.T.O. of Conn, sent a resolution to Shirley's mother thanking her for her announced decision to forego radio offers for the little film luminary. last week the following letter was received by Joseph A. Davis, secretary of the organization: "I thoroughly understand your problem with the radio, and your thoughtfulness in writing me is appreciated. "I want to assure yon that in spite of the hundreds of requests for radio broadcasts and personal appearances, no program along this line has ever been entertained, either by ourselves or bv the studio. "The theatre owners of this country, and all other countries as well, have been verv kind to us and we are endeavoring to maintain our friendly relations with all exhibitors. ' With best wishes, I am, cordiallv VOUTS, nple." Others to Go On . . . Meanwhile the trade learned, through a storv in linn, that advertisers have already contracted to spend $151,000,001 radio time .\n<.\ talent this season. Among the famous film-made names scheduled for broadcasting work are Jean Harlow, (lark Gable, Joan ( rawford, Myrna Loy, Norma shearer. Jack t' Joe I. Brown, Gingei Rogers, Fred Astaire, Franchoi lone, lack Holt. ir this will be the biggest year in radio's histor) .\nd the unorganized protests of exhibitor groups have availed them nothing in cheeking its growth in so fir as it concerns the US film names to exploit tree an entertainment. Issued weekly at 1323 Vine Street. Philadelphia, Pa. Phone; RittenhooM 7424. Mo Wax, Publiihei ind I Roland B.irton, George Freei Non.1m.1kti, Associate I .lii"r-. \i-u iurk Office: i (■ ■ s Broadway; phone: < ircli *