International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1939)

all the warring nations remain closed to us films, the industry would stand to lose roughly 60% of its foreign revenue and 25% of its total gross. A 20% rise in production costs promises to cut deeply into profits, moreover, although economies presumably will be effected. Although total revenues will be supported by a fairly good level of receipts derived in domestic and South American markets, a decline in total income is indicated. Export Market Crippled Reflecting the outbreak of European hostilities, a decided downtrend in exports of domestic films will be experienced during coming months. However, because Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico are among the five leading foreign markets for this country's films (taking 22% of the number of positive feature prints exported during the 1939 first six months, or twice as many as the United Kingdom and France combined), the decline will not be so sharp as would appear at first glance. Moroever, lack of competition from belligerents will enable U. S. producers to enter South American markets heretofore closed. Unsatisfactory foreign exchange, quota systems, and other restrictive measures designed to foster industry in these countries, however, may prove to be offsetting factors. Domestic Prospects Mixed In the domestic market, the outlook is somewhat brighter. On three premises: (1) a prolonged war abroad (2) maintenance of U. S. neutrality, and (3) repeal of the arms embargo, a marked rise in domestic industrial activity is forecast. Higher consumer incomes, which should accompany this development, would be reflected in greater theatre attendance. This, in conjunction with admission price increases (as proposed), is favorable to higher box-office receipts from domestic theatres. A sharp rise in living costs, however, might cancel much of the improvement indicated. Meanwhile, a combination of political factors is disturbing. In addition to the Government's antitrust suit are: (1) the Neely "block-booking" bill, passed by the Senate but still to be approved by the House, and (2) threats of N.L.R.B. hearings on wages, strikes, and union activities. At this juncture, it is difficult to forecast the ultimate outcome of current and pending litigation. As for "block-booking," arguments pro and con seem to be pretty well in balance. Whether its elimination ultimately would prove beneficial to the industry is anybody's guess. Increased competition and higher production costs would be a natural consequence. RCA LONG-LIFE NEEDLE RCA offers a new long-life phonograph needle capable of 1,000 playings without distortion under normal conditions, and which provides accurate reproduction of tone combined with a minimum of record wear. Four main points of superiority are cited: long life, its kindness to record surfaces, faithful reproduction, and com Proven facts about Vxc Produces pure white light. • Operates at less cost than Low Intensity. • Projects a steady light upon the screen. • Utilizes the light produced by both carbons (therefore more light output with less power input). • One Power unit replaces generator or two rectifiers. • The most dependable power source ever developed for motion picture projection. onvince yourself by a demonstration Mfd. under Ashcraft patents U.S. 2183733-2183734 U. S. PAT. OFF. DOES what couldn't be done! D EFORE the advent of vYCJ-<— ■*• it was considered impossible to obtain the besi of projection without a substantial increase in the cost of operation. Never before was the excellence of projection and economy closely associated. The numerous installations of QYcJjfJS^. in all parts of the United States during the past few months have proven that, without a doubt, QycJJ^"* Produces the finest projection, and at the same time effects a substantial saving over the operating cost of old Low-Intensity type of projection. Distributed by Independent Theatre In Foreign Countries by DistribuSupply Dealers from Coast to , „, . ,-, __. ... Coast-In Canada by Dominion tors of Wester" Electric M.rro Sound Equipment, Ltd., Montreal. phonic Sound Systems. SEND FOR DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE Manufactured Exclusively by C. S. ASHCRAFT MFG. CO. 47-31 35th Street, Long Island City, N. Y. Patents Pending all Principal Foreign Countries DECEMBER 1939 25