Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1934)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY Monday, January 15, 1934 Detroit Film Combine Sued For $180,000 buying (Continued from page 1) leaders recklessly, and their power assisted in the result." Ray Moon, general manager of Mid-States, was not available for a statement. Detroit, Jan. 14. — Two more theatres, the Michigan and Richards, Flint, quit Mid-States Theatres, booking combine, effective last Saturday. Pitt Sets Back Its Opening to Mondays Pittsburgh, Jan. 14. — The _ Pitt, which has been opening on Fridays, has switched to Mondays, making^ it the only first run to open at the beginning of the week. Aside from the Fulton, which opens on Thursday, Pittsburgh's other first runs, Stanley, Penn, Warner and Davis, get away on Friday. In addition, the Pitt has also raised its matinee price, from 1 P. M., to 6 P. M., from 25 cents to 35 cents. The night scale, however, remains the same, 40 cents. Legislator Against Virginia Ticket Tax Richmond, Jan. 14. — Opposition to any attempt to impose a 10 per cent ticket tax in this state will be forthcoming from Wilbur C. Hall, one of the Democratic leaders in the House. It had been reported that he would sponsor a tax bill. The newly formed Virginia M. P. T. O. is lining up against any proposed theatre tax. Important Shifts in Field Made by U. A. (Continued from page 1) sistant to the eastern division manager. The only district heads remaining as such are Haskell Masters, Canada, and E. J. Smith, Los Angeles. Form Cascabel Company Dover, Jan. 14. — Cascabel Amusement Co. has been chartered here. The incorporators are Benjamin Seligman, Hannah S. Topkis and Emili V. Topkis of Wilmington. Seligman is manager of the Strand, an independent house in Wilmington. Remodel in Clarksdale Clarksdale, Miss., Jan. 14. — Remodeling of the Strand has been started. The theatre will be owned and managed by Charles J. Collier of Drew, Miss. It has a seating capacity of 600. George Schaefer Returns George J. Schaefer returns today from Dallas, where he attended the Hoblitzelle circuit convention. Stanley Waite will visit Oklahoma City and San Antonio before returning to New York. MOTION PICTURE DAILYS HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW "Strange Holiday" (Paramount) Hollywood, Jan. 14. — This is a distinctive, out-of-the-ordinary production. Box-office values blend eerie appeal with artistry for ballyhoo purposes. The story's daring premise depicts the Prince of Death returning to earth for a strange three-day holiday to make merry and discover why mortals fear him. On earth he learns the power of romance and beauty, falling in love with a young girl. With but a few minutes to decide whether to return to his kingdom alone, or with his love, the girl decides. Combining the drawing power of "Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man," "Strange Holiday" haunts with its dip into the unseen and pulls the heart strings with the dilemma of the young girl, desiring life and loving the Prince of Death. Fredric March as the Prince gives a Jekyll and Hyde performance, leaving little to be desired. Evelyn Venable, the girl embarking on life, is refreshingly attractive. Sir Guy Standing gives a finished portrayal. The remainder of the cast, with Kent Taylor, Gail Patrick, Katherine Alexander, Helen Westley and others, gives competent portrayals. The production establishes a macabre mood, maintaining and sustaining the interest in dramatic climaxes that thrill. Mitchell Leisen's direction from the screen play by Maxwell Anderson and Gladys Lehman is intelligent and skillful. The weird basis of the plot, the strange love story and the value of March's name, and talk bound to be created should send this across if showmen do their stuff. A Woman's Man (Monogram) Hollywood, Jan. 14. — "A Woman's Man" is another interpretation of what goes on behind the scenes in the typical Hollywood studio and is well-handled by Director Edward Ludwig from Frances Hyland's screen play of Adela Rogers St. John's Cosmopolitan story of the same name. Selection of such names as John Halliday, Marguerite De La Motte, Wallace Ford, Kitty Kelly, Jameson Thomas, Tommy Dugan and others results in bringing to the screen a refreshing piece of entertainment, sparkling with smart dialogue, yet not sophisticated. Natural situations by their sheer authenticity evoke much laughter and suspense until the final frame. The story is centered around a temperamental star (Miss De La Motte) who causes unending trouble for her director (John Halliday). When things point to normal, the star walks off the picture to do a little love making with a prize fighter, played by Wallace Ford. Her pal, Kitty Kelly, who acts as maid, bodyguard and mother confessor, furnishes the contrast between a dumb dora and a smart girl. However, life with al) principals becomes a series of laugh-provoking misunderstandings Prize fighter loses the fight. Star comes to her senses and this brings them together for the finale. The picture is good program release with appeal for all classes of audiences. "Legong" (Bennett Prod.) Hollywood, Jan. 14. — Here is told the story of Bali in the South Seas and the Dance of the Virgins by means of color photography, with synchronized sound and interpolated music. Henri de la Falaise, associate producer, labored for some months with a camera crew in this South Sea beauty spot to bring back this opus for Bennett Prod. The story is based on the folk lore of the island. If a virgin has love in her heart for a boy who has love only in his eyes, and his eyes stray to another — -in this case the girl's sister — then the first virgin is shamed before the tribe, and, as here depicted, jumps from a bridge and is later cremated. Its beautiful legend of native customs is portrayed artistically, with the girls gently revealing their charms. The photography gives color to the physical aspects of the picture. A native cock fight, religious dances and temple rites add verve, if not novelty. The Balinese leading woman and her sister have the twin delights of grace and loveliness. Otherwise, the production is of program calibre. Radio and Warners Agreeing on Loans Hollywood, Jan. 14.— Radio and Warners are getting together better these days in the matter of loaning players. Because Ginger Rogers was unable to return to Radio for a top spot in "Hot Air," due to an over-stay at Warners for "Upper World," the latter studio has loaned Ann Dvorak for the part. Several weeks back Warners refused to loan players to Radio on three consecutive occasions. Working Agreement On Union Deal Set Chicago, Jan. 14. — A working agreement for 1934 with the operators' union has been signed by Jack Miller of the Chicago Exhibitors' Ass'n and Aaron Saperstein, head of Allied of Illinois. Virtually the same scale and conditions in effect last year are contained in the new agreement, except as the NRA affects working hours. Ohio Showmen Seek End of Ticket Tax (Continued from page 1) for poor relief and for school relief. Since its passage, the CWA has taken more than 50 per cent off the relief roll. This, it is claimed, cuts down much of the necessity for the special tax. The remaining requirements, theatre owners state, can be adequately and more fairly taken care of by a general sales tax, they insist. Schader Sandusky Mayor Sandusky, O., Jan. 14.— Geo. J. Schader, one of the best known exhibitors in this section, who operated a small circuit of houses here prior to his recent retirement, has been elected president of the City Commission, which makes him mayor under the city charter. He is serving his fourth term as commissioner. Topeka Orpheum Reopens Topeka, Jan. 14.— The Fox Orpheum has been reopened here with "The Power and Glory." The policy is first runs, two changes weekly. The price is the lowest for first runs in Topeka, 20 cents top matinees and 30 cents top nights. Clyde Anderson is the manager. Remodel Alamosa House Denver, Jan. 14. — J. J. Goodstein. owner of theatres in Philadelphia and Pueblo, has remodeled the Opera House at Alamosa, Col., back into a theatre,_ and has named it the Palm. The building had been used as a store building for some time. (Additional reviews on page 10) Harris Goes to Roach Hollywood, Jan. 14. — Ray Harris, formerly of Paramount, has joined the Hal Roach scenario department. His first assignment will be the continuity for "Babes in Toyland." Lugosi Back to Stage Bela Lugosi will assume the star, role in Sam Warshawsky's play.', "Pagan Fury," which is slated for spring production.