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To and From our Shores.
53
Europe has in ten years become used to a certain type of star of production. It now needs a change and is asking for it in no uncertain manner. This same applies to America. They need a change, as may be seen in the wholesale rush to the U.S.A. of European stars and producers, and the time is not far distant when the American people will need many European productions in the same way as we need American productions now.
EUROPEAN BUSINESS IN 1926.
It is regrettable to have to record once again an industrial upheaval in England, which has retarded rather seriously our foreign business.
Indirectly, the coal strike has affected the activities of production in this country. Finance for films has not been forthcoming and the number of British productions made are much below what was expected.
Those made, however, have raised the standard of British films throughout the world, and are the forerunners of what is hoped in 1927 to begin the new era ol British -made pictures. Most of the British films made this year have been exploited throughout the world.
French studios have been working overtime and giving to the world films of magnificence and charm which is enhancing their already high reputation. In France finance for film production appears, to be easily obtainable, and it must be remembered that even if foreign productions exploited there do not always prove a success, French films, thcugn of no particular merit, can invariably recoup the producer with the cost of their production in France alone.
German companies are giving their colossal productions which are commanding the admiration of the world and, in America especially, one or two German films have grossed fabulous figures in exploitation.
Scandinavia has made few films this year, but these are of a higher quality than ever before.
Italy's productions also have been few but good ; but Italy may prove to be a surprise packet, so far as production is concerned, during 1927, as there are many ambitious schemes on foot for a great revival.
Japan.
Generally considered to be one of the most enterprising races in the world, Japan has given one of the biggest surprises of the year. Five years ago she imported 90 per cent, of her wants, whilst her home production was negligible. So rapidly has this progressed, however, that to-day Japan imports not more than 50 per cent, of her requirements ; whilst with the exception of a few famous stars, whose films are demanded, she prefers her native productions. These are made solely for the Japanese market and are seldom, if ever, seen outside Japan.
MUSSOLINI IN CONTROL?
§g Italy has recently felt the iron hand of its " Strong Man." There were practically only two concerns there which controlled the distribution of films throughout the country. Certain American firms have branches there, but who, in face of the monopoly held by the