The Independent Film Journal (1955)

Ji Editor: MORTON SUNSfflNE FILM JOURNAL DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY For Whom fhe Polls Toll (Continued from cover) With public interest aroused, newspapers around the country are gauging reader reaction by means of polls. The results are quite significant. The New York Herald Tribune poll indicated 76 percent against payTV, with 24 percent in favor of the innovation, many subject to qualification. The Minneapolis Star and Tribune recorded 72 percent in opposition to an FCC grant; 22 percent ‘Tor” and 6 percent “undecided.” The Knoxville News Sentinel registered a pre¬ ponderance of 136 to 1 for maintaining the present system of sponsored video programs, while the El Paso, Texas Herald Post noted a more conservative 15 to 1 preference for the status quo. The Cincinnati Post poll was 35 to 1 for free television. The Newsday in Long Island polled 5,036 readers against paid TV, with only 92 registering in the affirmative for the medium. In a Columbus, Ohio survey, Elmo Roper and Associates found 62 percent of those interviewed opposed to Toll TV, with 27 percent for it and approx¬ imately 10 percent undecided. We have not yet heard of any recent poll on this subject in which the puf)lic responded in favor of payto-see television. Apparently the proponents of subscription video are now aware of their failure to sell the American public a bill of goods. Where formerly their arguments were directed to the fact that Toll TV would serve the best interests of the public, their new “party line” soft-pedals this prior assertion. Now, it is a question of permitting subscription television to rise or fall on its merits, under the free enterprise system, and not to grant a shield of protection from competition to rival media. The claim is made that it will not affect commercial TV and that both will prosper side by side. They want to get a foot in the door; then, try to knock it out. Even those of us who have selfish motives to serve must never lose sight of the dominant considera¬ tion. Invectives and hysteria serve no useful purpose. In the final analysis, this issue will he decided in the public interest, which is as it should he. Big News The big news this week was Howard Hughes’ sale of RKO Radio Pictures, including its production and distribution facilities and library of films to the Gen¬ eral Tire & Rubber Co. for $25,000,000. The deal was negotiated by Thomas O’Neil, president of the purchasing company’s subsidiary. General Teleradio, which numbers among its ventures the distribution of films for television. This firm will now have access to the RKO film backlog. Of greater cheer are the indications that the com¬ pany has no intention of liquidating its assets but will continue with present personnel as a going concern. Policy changes have been announced in the offing and one such reported change will be to engage in more active theatrical production at the studios. This will be good news, not only to the entire RKO organization hut to theatre owners as well who have the welcome mat out for new sources of product in these days of short supply. Here is an opportunity for Mr. O’Neil and the new management to restore RKO to its former position of industry prestige. Second fhe Nomination The second nominating bollots by which exhibitors are to pick their choices for the second period of the Audience Awards nominations have been forwarded to all theatres in the country. See that you get yours, fill it out and return the ballot in the prepaid envelope to Price Waterhouse. Do it without delay. Don’t be an “outsider” in a campaign that will do so much to help your business. "Phenix City” Alert Our Hollywood reviewer calls special attention to Allied Artists’ “Phenix City,” a terrific documentary of the now-famous vice-ridden town. Made without names of any consequence hut with shocking realism and a substantial, exploitable story, we suggest that exhibitors watch “Phenix City.” If there is still such a thing as a “sleeper,” this is it! THE INDEPENDENT FILM JOURNAL. Published every other week on Saturday by ITOA Independent Inc. Editorial OHices: 1515 Broadway, New York 36, N. Y. Telephone Circle 6-6460. Editor, Morton Sunshine; Business Manager, Herman Schleier; Associate Editor, Aaron Sloan; Editorial Associate, Robert M. Wendlinger; Circulation Manager, Charlotte Gross, Coast Bureau; Richard Bernstein, 8245 Beeman Ave., North Hollywood, Calif., Normandie 2-6494. Washington, D. C. Bureau: A1 Goldsmith, 1365 National Press Bldg., MEtropoliton 8-0001.