The Independent Film Journal (1954)

the print shortage. One of its units, United Theatre Owners of Illinois, highlighting the plight of its mem¬ bers, cited the case of one theatre owner who purchased six features for a Sunday playdate, but when attempt¬ ing to hook them, was told in each instance that prints were not available. Branch managers in one exchange area continue to wire and phone long-distance to other branch managers for prints on particular pictures. What with the calls, telegrams, shipping costs, days lost in transit and late play-offs, it would be far more economical to make ad¬ ditional prints in the first instance. And exhibitors continue to be surprised that labo¬ ratory facilities have suddenly become inadequate de¬ spite fewer pictures in production and release. It just doesn’t add up. There is no earthly reason for an exhibitor , after buying a picture at impressive terms, to be placed in a position where he has to beg for a print on an availa¬ bility to which he is rightfully entitled in the first place. In many cases, he is then able to get the print only by undergoing additional expenses for special deliveries and pick-ups and baggage checking — practices which have been increasing in recent months. However, it is significant to note that the Independ¬ ent Theatre Owners of Ohio, an Allied unit, reports in its bulletin that sub-run exhibitors in Cincinnati bave received assurances through an attorney they engaged for the purpose “that prints will henceforth be avail¬ able on the dates when the picture is available.” This is an “important victory for exhibitors,” con¬ tinues the bulletin, and “shows that if sufficient pres¬ sure is brought to bear, the companies can supply the prints when they are supposed to.” We don’t believe that it is an “important victory” to get what you're entitled to get but it does substanti¬ ate what we have been saying right along. We find it unfortunate that the situation cannot be alleviated with¬ out the threat of litigation or the commencement of a lawsuit. It is a situation which exhibition cannot afford to tolerate much longer. Group Insurance COMPO has paved the way for the creation of a comprehensive employer-paid life insurance plan with¬ in the industry, details of which have already been mailed to its membership. This plan should be of particular interest to small theatre owners employing less than 25 persons. It pro¬ vides coverage within prescribed limits for owners, of¬ ficers and employees, regardless of age or physical con¬ dition, at a cost to average about $1.00 per month for each thousand dollars of insurance. This is the type of forward-looking industry plan¬ ning that prolongs job tenure and strengthens employeremployee relations. It will be available for those who wish to take advantage of it. Vole Of Confidence The IATSE membership is to he congratulated for its vote of confidence in Richard F. Walsh, who was re-elected president of the international union by an overwhelming majority prior to the close of the union’s 42nd convention in Cincinnati last week. Dick is an honest labor leader who came up from the ranks to give the union an efficient administration. He has come through with great dignity and increased industry respect an annoying period in which his leadership was contested. THE INDEPENDENT FILM JOURNAL. Published every other week on Saturday by ITOA Independent, Inc. Editorial Offices: 1515 Broadway, New York 36, N. Y. Telephone Circle 6-6460. Editor, Morton Sunshine; Business Manager, Herman Schleier; Associate Editor, Aaron Sloan; Circulation Manager, Charlotte Gross. Coast Bureau: Richard Bernstein, 4225V^ Lockwood Ave., Hollywood 29, Calif., Normandie 2-6494. Chicago Bureau: R. L. Farnsworth, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Financial 6-2786. Washington, D. C. Bureau: A1 Goldsmith, 1365 National Press Bldg., MEtropolitan 8-0001.