Motion Picture News (Jul - Sep 1929)

Alt gust 10 , 19 29 527 Settlement Of Equity — Producer Differences Reported Now In Sight STARS BRING TRUCE Producer-Equity Negotiations Follow Letter Sent To Former By Group Of Players HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 8.— Through the efforts of a group of prominent film stai's and featured players, a committee of producers agreed to meet Equity officials in an ,effort to iron out difficulties between them and put an end to the eight-week Equity strike. The first meeting between representatives of the two factions was held in secret last Friday. After the session, both sides issued statements that they would hold another meeting Monday. Beyond that, nothing «lse would be given out. The two meetings were held in a private home in . Beverley Hills, and every effort was made to keep the press entirely in the dark. President Gillmore, Attorney Turner and Ethel BaiTymore represented Equity at the discussion. The producers refused to name their representatives, but a close check revealed that their committee consisted of Winfield Sheehan, Irving Thalberg, Ben P. Schulberg, Joseph Schenek and M. C. Levee. Friday's meeting resulted from a letter sent to the film producers by a group of stars and featured players headed by Con j rad Xagel, Lois Wilson, Noah Beery, Edmund Lowe, Louise Dresser and Ralph Forbes. First intimations of the workings of this group of Equity members separate from Gillmore and his staff was exclusively reportefl in last week's issue of Motiox Picture News. I Producers were assured at the time of delivery of the letter that the Equity officials would agree to meet to discuss the present situation and assist in solving difficulties. Last Friday's meeting was arF i ranged with the utmost secrecy, with both ' F sides being pledged to keep it confidential. Notwithstanding this agreement, however, the morning newspapers were informed of the intended get-together late Thursday night and were able to publish stories in the Friday morning editions. As a result of the conferences between representatives of both factions, it is expected that the Equity situation will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion within a very short time. From present indications. Equity will not gain many of its demands at this time, but it is known that officials of the actors' orsjanization will be satisfied to win a partial victory on some of their major contentions. Roach Studios Resuming Production On August 26 The annual one-month's closing of the Hal Roach studios on the West Coast for vacation purposes expires on August 28 when production will be resumed on the new Roach schedule of two-reel comedy talkers. Equity To Make Relief Fund Permanent (Hollywood Bureau, Motion Picture News) HOLLYWOOD, August 8. — The Equity Relief Fund, temporarily organized to assist members of the actors' organization during the present controversy, will be put on a permanent basis for operation along the same lines from now on. Prominent coast members of the association saw the need for a permanent relief unit, and as a result, L B. Kornblum, local Equity attorney, is preparing an application for a state charter of incorporation. Definite methods of raising funds for the relief unit have not yet been made, but it is expected that a series of benefit performances will be staged during the year to obtain the necessary revenue. Indications that Equity will cooperate with the Motion Picture Relief Fund to the fullest extent was apparent from developments of the past few weeks. In one particular instance, the Motion Picture Relief Fund provided medical aid and hospital facilities for the wife of an Equity member who was on strike, with Equity taking care of the family's other needed requirements. MEMBERS WILL VOTE N. Carolina T. O. Plan Campaign In S. Carolina Meeting At Pinehurst On Dec. 9 And 10 To Unite Showmen Of The 2 States An extensive campaign for membership among the motion picture exhibitors of South Carolina by the Theatre Owners Association of North Carolina was unanimously decided upon last week by the Board of Directors of the latter organization. It was arranged to join the exhibitors of both states at a meeting to be held at Pinehurst, N. C, on December 9 and 10, a report to President R. F. WoodhuU of the national exhibitor body from Mrs. Walter Griffith, secretary of the North Carolina association, declares. South Carolina is served with its film product by Charlotte and the problems confronting the exhibitors of both stutes are said to be quite common. The move to ;imalgamate the South Carolina showmen is said to be prompted by the fact that for several years many of the South Carolina theatremen have desired to become affiliated with the other Carolina association, having in mind a permanent duo-state organization. Final Action On Producer Proposals Will Be Put Up To Equity Mass Meeting (Hollywood Bureau, Motion Picture News) HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 8.— Final solution of the difficulties between the Actors' Equity Association and the producers is in sight. The entire situation will clear within a week, it is expected. Meetings between Equity and prodiicer representatives WiCire held secretly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, after the initial secret meeting on Friday, August 2. Representatives of both sides started negotiations by taking up clause by clause the Equity Standard Contract, with those clauses not agreeable to producers checked for further consideration. Unapproved clauses were then taken up, with inside reports claiming that the major differences were on the matter of the Equity closed shop and the 48-hour week. It is understood that producers are willing to concede Equity jurisdiction over its own members, but unwilling to consent to an Equity shop on the basis proposed, which is casts composed 80 per cent of Equity members and 20 per cent non-members. It is reported producers are further willing to concede that they will not engage members who are not in good standing with Equity. Equity is holding a meeting Saturday night at the Legion Stadium for members only, at which time Frank Gillmore, Eijuity president, will make a full report on what the producers are agreeable to, and leaving to a vote of membei-s whether or not to accept the producers' off'ei-s on disputed clauses of the Equity contract. The Wednesday ■ night Equity meeting had an air of expectancy with the crowd awaiting a report from Gillmore on progress of the negotiations, but the crowd was disappointed over his reluctance to talk. Resolutions from many labor unions over the country were reported received. The Council voted an additional $10,000 for the fight here. Sam Hardy reported on the carnival held Saturday, showing a gross of over $20,000 and a net profit of $16,000. Other speakers included Andres de Segurola, Charles Coburn, Charles F. Adams, Joseph Cawthorn, Jean Hersholt, and Attorney I. B. Korn ilium. Gillmore stated that Equity would see that every one dealing through the Central Casting Bureau would be thoroughly protected in future. Suspensions announced included Hallam Cooley, Donald Crisp, Douglas Gerrard, Heine Conklin, Mayme Kelso, George Milo, Leo White, Robert Milasch, Carl Miller, Bruce Randall, and Gilbert Holmes. The producers still maintain silence, refusing to discuss the situation beyond the point that meetings are being held.