La Cinématographie Française (1938)

182 TOO MANY THEATRES IN THE SAME DISTRICT Under the pressure of current events, such as financial and social slumps, Exhibitors hâve not dared to increase their admission rates. To guard their patrons agarnst advertisements of other théâtres which show the same films in subséquent runs with lower admission rates, although with the same comfort, many big théâtres hâve reduced their admission rates since last april. The fault of this situation is for the greatest part due to the opening of too many new théâtres, i.e. « Redundancy ». It is interesting to note that in France as well as in England and other countries, ail the new théâtres open at the same spot, whilst small towns with little exhibition are not prospected. In many cities, new théâtres hâve been opened. At this, very time, about twenty new théâtres are being built in Paris. The new seats — empty — will make a new slump. In Sweden, when a tree is eut down, • r Æjm there is a law which obliges you to plant another tree instead. In the film business a principle should be estabhshed that each time a new cinéma seat is created, an old one be ought to suppressed somewhere ! One of the rules of the German Reichsfilmkammer is to change into motorcars garages the Motion Picture Théâtres which do not make sufficient receipts. Will anyone dare to doin our démocratie countries that which has been done in Germany ? A remedy must be brought against this overbuilding of théâtres ; as well as against the dépréciation and decrease of admission rates. This is at présent the most serious problem for the French Cinéma Industry as it commands the income of ail the films. WE ASK FOR FREEDOM There is another problem of which no country in the world is free to-day, except perharps the United States and Great Britain : The State Censorship on films. :xxxxxxxx: In matters of morality, the freedom is great. It is therefore thanks to the wisdom of Producers, the interest of the Christian public for films of high moral standards, and also the work of a few film journalists, that the moral improvement of the majority of French films is due. One can expect that this effort will be carried on without bringing préjudice to the artistic value of our production. On the other hand, the political censorship is felt heavily, especially in the case of newsreel films. The latest instance is the ban of a newsreel showing a dual, which was a Parisian event ! Whilst the printed press published numerous sensational but comical photographs of this event, the official department forbade the filmed press to publish this amuzing document. The French Government is not yet ready to assist a National propaganda by means of films, but acts negatively by demanding cuts. This will also hâve to be changed. P. A. Harlé. ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦ Cl N EF ■RAPHIE ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 1938 FRENCH PRODUCTION KEEPING UP LAST YEAR’S PROGRESS STILL HEADING THE EUROPEAN PRODUCTION 60 Films produced since January Ist A'ctivitv in French studios is currently at the highest point in history of the Industry since the beginning of the talkies with 25 films now in production. Sixty feature-films hâve been produced for the first half of 1938, of which 21 hâve already been trade shown and released. The French Production is likely to keep its supremacy this year and to continue heading the whole European and Continental production, a place which was acquired in 1936 and 1937 wlith isujch successful films as Mayerling, Under world (Lower Depths), Pepe-le-Moko, Grand Illusion, Un Carnet de Bal ( Life Dances On), Pearls of the Crown, and others. The fauge success of Mayerling and Un Carnet de Bal in New York and London, of Le Boi s’amuse, Gribouille and Le Roman d’un Tricheur in London, has shown that English speaking audien'ces appreciated the quality of the French films, their typical Gallic spirit, their originality, and their interesting, different and very often deep subjects. It is true that many French films hâve a flavour and a peculiar atmosphère which cannot be found in the Production of other countries. One of the features most appreciated by Foreigners is the perfection of French players, envied by Hollywood, and which French people seem to be the last to admit. French Producers hâve given a chance to many new talents. Two of them : Michèle Morgan and Corinne Luchaire hâve, after only one or two films, reached international stardom. Another great French star is Viviane Romance, who will be seen in many French films this year. New discoveries are Annie Vernay, Madeleine Robinson, Nadine Vogel, Rlanchette Rrunoy, Paul Cambo, Fabien Lorys, etc. Too much sadness and dépréssion may be reproached in French film but many comédies are now in production which will prove that Galli'c humour is still a reality. On the other hand a great improvement has been reached in the matters of moral standards and risqué dialogues. MORE THAN 20 FILMS OF 1938 PRODUCTION ALREADY TRADE SHOWN The most important are : Ramuntcho. — Moving screen adaptation of the famous novel by Pierre Loti. One of the features of this romantic draina is the remarkably photographed outdoor scenes shot in the Rasque Country, south west of France along the Spanish Border. Cast includes Françoise Rosay, Madeleine Oze. ray, Louis Jouvet, and an interesting new talent, Paul Cambo, 22-year-old. Le Quai des Brumes ( The Foggy Quay). This tragic melodrama, very artistically produced, is powerful but depressing entertainement. In spite of the warm season, it is breaking records at the first-run Marivaux Theatre, Paris. Based on a novel by the well known French novelist, Pierre Mac Orlan, it was directed by the 28-yearold French directeur Marcel Carné (of Jenny), and is remarkably performed by a first rate cast, ‘co-starring Jean Gabin at his best and the beautiful and moving 18-vearold Michèle Morgan (of Gribouille and Orage), wdth Michel Simon, Pierre Brasseur, Aimos, Robert Le Vigan. Les Disparus de Saint-Agil ( Missing from St. Agil). — A charming and refreshing thriller, -whose action is located in a French provincial college. Cast includes no woman but a very much alive and outstanding group of young boys, as well as Eric Von Stroheim, Michel Simon and Aime Clariond in the parts of the teachers. Very expert direction by Christian Jaque. As a wdiole, a pleasant entertainement, with a great deal of novelty.