Motion Picture Daily (Jul-Sep 1935)

4 MOTION PICTURE DAI LV Tuesday, July 30, 1935 Begin a Move To Probe Fox, 20th Century (Continued from page 1) the time of the reorganization in which five-sixths of the equity of the stockholders was transferred to holders of the obligations of the company. Prior to that time the ownership of the control was generally known, but this identity has now been lost. "However, it is apparent that the control is still functioning as a single unit. According to newspaper reports the merger has already been effected without awaiting the formality of its approval at the meeting of stockholders called for Aug. IS. Zanuck and Schenck are already in their jobs at Fox. Committee Is Pleased "The committee is satisfied, however, that the certificate for the reclassification of the Fox stock when the merger is consummated opens a door for the minority. This certificate, according to the printed announcements sent to stockholders of record, states in Section (a) of the fourth paragraph : 'The said Class A common stock and the said Class B common stock shall share equally in any distribution to stockholders whether by way of dividends or otherwise." In the eighth paragraph the same proposed certificate states, regarding the exchange of stock : 'On the basis of half of a share of said preferred stock and a quarter of a share of said common stock for each share of said Class A common stock issued or unissued, and on the basis of one share of said preferred stock and half of a share of said common stock for each share of said Class B common stock.' "The committee is interested in a legal interpretation of the 'equally' and 'otherwise' in this proposed certificate." Say Lasky Favored For Pick ford Aide (Continued from page I) will devote all of her time to pictures with a flyer in radio perhaps added. Hollywood, July 29. — Jesse L. Lasky was hesitant in answering reports on his probable affiliation with Mary Pickford, indicating a deal is "very hot." However, he stated no deal has been signed and that he was seriously considering several proposals. He added he would most likely talk to Miss Pickford on her return to the coast. Lasky acknowledged receipt of a lucrative proposal from an English company, headed by independently financed sources, which he was giving serious consideration. He expressed a desire to remain in California, if possible. Current pictures in work will keep Lasky on the Fox lot until Aug. 10. He then plans to take a vacation, probably going to London, after which he will announce his new affiliation. Thalberg to Do 'Knights' Hollywood, July 29. — Irving Thalberg will produce "Knights of the Round Table." Zanuck Himself Will Handle 20th's Series (Continued from page 1) of all pictures made at our studios. In addition to that, he will personally supervise the 20th Century pictures which are to be released by Fox Film Corp. just as he has personally supervised previously-made 20th Century product. "In the production of the Fox pictures, Zanuck, of course, will have the assistance of several other associate producers, including Sol Wurtzel." Zanuck Cuts Payrolls Hollywood, July 29. — With a view toward engaging music department talent on a picture-to-picture basis, Darryl Zanuck slashed the 20th Century-Fox music department personnel to four over the week-end. The staff formerly totaled 11. In the publicity department Harry Brand has also cut his staff by dropping Dick Mitchell, Bill Speyers and Eddie Mills. There is a possibility that Mills and Speyers will get new studio positions. Changes also have been made in the story department. Scenario writers are to be left out of story conferences. Associate producers will have complete charge of their units. Once a story has been assigned to a producer he will be in control, although assignment of writers will be done by the story department headed by Julian Johnson. Col. Jason Joy, who has been in charge of the scenario department, will handle censorship problems. He is now in Washington on a mission of this kind. Selling Separately Indianapolis, July 29. — The Fox office here, according to a bulletin issued by Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana, has declared the 20th Century deal is separate and apart from original Fox contracts ; that Fox salesmen will approach accounts on sales of 12 from 20th Century, but that failure to buy will have no bearing on delivery of the Will Rogers' and Shirley Temples. The A. T. O. I. says it has received complaints that exhibitors who bought Fox prior to the consolidation "were being approached by salesmen who gave you the impression that you would have to buy Twentieth Century in order to get the Rogers' and Temples previously bought by you." Hollywood, July 29. — Oliver Hardy to fish in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia during shutdown of Hal Roach Studios. . . . Stan Laurel taking his parents, Arthur Jefferson and Mrs. Jefferson, on motor trip through California. . . . Sam Cohn, Roach publicity chief, going to Portland. Eddie Cantor held three extra days for personal appearances at the Fox, San Francisco. . . . Margaret Lindsay joined Janet Gaynor and her mother on that Honolulu trip. . . . Gus Kahn opens new pool with party for 50. Philadelphia IEPA Talking Zone Buys (Continued from page 1) South Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia. A committee was appointed for each zone to line up exhibitors for zone meetings to be held in about 10 days. These meets will be followed by a general meeting at which plans for a buying corporation will be formulated. The plan behind the corporation is to have the members as stockholders who will pay a percentage of film rentals for servicing charges. Buying in the territory is well advanced now, possibly to the extent of 60 per cent, but Morris Wax, president of the I.E. P. A. and a prime mover 'in the combine, stated the movement was aimed for the next buying season, although the purchases remaining this year by members of the group would be conducted on a combine basis. It was also stated that it would take approximately three weeks before the corporation could be launched. Plans Are Set for Jacksonville Meet (Continued from page 1) group from Atlanta and Jacksonville exchange areas, equipment dealers and others will be present. Robert Wilby, Oscar Lam and Sam Norisky, in charge of the program, say the business session will start Monday morning and will last as long as any member has anything he wants to say, with an open forum for airing grievances. Ed Kuykendall, M. P. T. O. A. president, will be one of the speakers. Headquarters will be at the Carling Hotel. After that there will be deep sea fishing, a banquet, golf, bathing, fish frys, a banquet and a dance. All the routine business will be left for the winter convention in Atlanta. Our Gang in Musical Hollywood, July 29. — For the first time since the Our Gang comedies were started 15 years ago Hal Roach will use the juvenile talent for a musical. It will be called "Our Gang Follies of 1935." The two-reeler will be placed in production when the Roach studio reopens Aug. 28. Edwin Justus Mayer signed to a new 60-week contract by Paramount. . . . Phillip MacDonald also given new one-year pact. . . . Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon going to New York to play in "Hollywood Holiday" when they finish in "Beauty's Daughter," Fox. Double congratulations being handed out on all sides : To Lewis Milestone, director, and Kendall Lee Glaenzer of New York, who were married in Tucson over the weekend ; to Ernst Lubitsch and Vivian Gaye, who tied the knot in Phoenix. Lucas & Jenkins Get Fox, Atlanta, Lease Atlanta, July 29. — Lucas & Jenkins, Paramount partners, today closed a deal to take over the Fox here for five years on a straight annual rental of $30,000. Jesse Draper, local realtor, handled the negotiations. The lease, effective Sept. 1, was secured from Mosque, Inc., the corporation which underwrote the payments by which the city of Atlanta recently acquired the theatre building. Under terms of the lease, a method of i notification is provided whereby the city may obtain use of the auditorium as and when desired for any length of time for as short a period as one day, except Saturday. The lessor may cancel at the end of three years, but the new operators are bound for five years. Lucas & Jenkins plan to reopen the house, dark for some time, early in the fall. The exact date has not been set. Stage attractions may be booked along with films. Schreiber to Seek Rehearing of Case (Continued from page 1) the booking combine conspired with various local exchanges to prevent him from buying film for his Colonial. Should the U. S. District Court here deny his request for a re-hearing, Schreiber said that he would appeal to a higher Federal court and, that should that court sustain the decision given, he would file a suit in state court charging violation of the Michigan laws. He contends that the court misunderstood the method of supplying film to theatres and also overlooked the fact that contracts were sent to New York for final approval, which, he maintains, places the matter in interstate commerce and, therefore, under the jurisdiction of the Federal court. Coast ITO Rescinds Zoning Notification Los Angeles, July 29. — The I. T. O. at a general meeting today rescinded a letter sent to all exchanges last week declaring adherence to the Los Angeles clearance and zoning schedule. About 75 per cent of the membership attended. Action on the schedule was tabled until 48 hours pending further discussions. Harry Vinnicoff, C. A. Ferry, Jack Berman, Max Sinker, Lou Bard and Earle Johnson were elected directors. Harry Popkin was named honorary director. The new board will meet later in the week. Wanger Signing Fonda Hollywood, July 29. — Henry Fonda will be a Walter Wanger star for the next five years at least. A contract stipulating this has been drawn up between the player and the producer. Paramount has closed term contracts with two writers, Vincent Lawrence and Harold Lamb. Lawrence will prepare the script for "Invitation to Happiness," which Lewis Milestone will direct. Lamb, who collaborated on "The Crusades" will work with that director on "Samson and Delilah." Ernest Cossart has had his option for a third picture taken up by Paramount. Out Hollywood Way