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MOTION PICTURE
DAILY
Wednesday, October 21, 1936
Entertainment Tax Dropped in Japan
By TETSUYA MORI
Tokyo, Oct. 2. — Theatre operators are looking forward to the abolition of the present entertainment tax, for which will be substituted a business profit tax, effective next April, following the approval by the cabinet of the tax reform plan developed by the Ministry of Finance.
Under the revised scheme a tax of 34 yen annually will be levied on corporations per 1,000 yen of net profit, and a tax will be set on individuals of 22 yen annually for any profit up to 1,000 yen and 26 yen per 1,000 yen for profits above that figure.
* * *
Japanese cameramen have started a movement for an association, following the successful formation of the Japan Film Directors' Ass'n. A general meeting of cameramen will be held shortly to establish the Nippon Society of Cameramen.
* * *
Warners' Japanese office showed an increase of more than 200,000 yen in the fiscal year 1935-36 as compared with the previous year. Twentieth Century-Fox also showed substantial gains, chiefly because of the business done by "Cat's Paw" and "Curly Top." The employes drew bonuses, as did the Paramount force for placing second in an international company sales contest. In general the American companies here are showing excellent results.
Metro Single Bill Uruguay Innovation
By PAUL BODO
Montevideo, Uruguay, Oct. 7.— M-G-M has introduced a new exhibition and distribution policy in Uruguay in the operation of the new Cine Metro, largest and most luxurious house in the country. The theatre has introduced the single feature policy, allowing three performances daily instead of the usual two, and in distribution has set a clearance of 90 days on films playing the house. Heretofore all first run films reached the subsequents one week later.
The house also will remain open during the summer.
One of the leading local circuits is understood to be interested in a plan for the showing of special matinee programs for children on specified days, as a result of the intensive campaign for such a development being carried on by El Dia, leading local newspaper.
The movement is seen as opening the field for a number of American films which otherwise have no market here.
Looking 'Em Over
"Alia en el Rancho Grande" ("There on the Big Ranch")
(Bustamante y de Fwntes)
Mexico City, Oct. 20. — This film, by far the best picture Mexicans have produced, looks like sure-fire for American exhibitors who like a glamorous foreign film.
It is perhaps the most authentic Mexican picture ever made; it presents a true portrait of ranch life in this country, the characterizations are honest, costuming, atmosphere and side lights are the real thing. The simple, though engaging story, has much of pathos, but with clever comedy relief. It concerns a new treatment of the Cinderella attaining happiness and what a man can do for his best friend. Fernando de Fuentes directed well. Photography and sound are far above the average.
An indication of the picture's American values was its popularity with resident and visiting Americans at its exhibition in the CineTeatro Alameda here. Furthermore, it features Tito Guizar, ace Mexican tenor, and Lorenzo Barcelata, celebrated composer-musician. They have abundant opportunity for adding to the entertainment by displaying their wares, including a "song-guitar duel," a SpanishMexican rural custom of two gallants warbling each other's defects to guitar music,. There are also fine displays of horsemanship and a splendid rendition of "El Tarabe Tapatio," spirited Mexican national dance. In addition there are two first class guitar-song trios.
Running time, 105 minutes. "G." Lockhart
Pearson Heads Sales For Dominion Sound
Montreal, Oct. 20. — D o m i n i o n Sound Equipments, Ltd., comprising a comparatively recent amalgamation of sound projection product interests in Canada, has a new general sales manager in Lloyd C. Pearson. He succeeds B. C. Lewis, who was killed in an automobile accident a few weeks ago.
Prior to the amalgamation, Pearson was with the research and sales departments of Northern Electric.
"David Livingstone"
{FitzPatrick-Thomas)
Transcribing the life and exploits of David Livingstone in Africa to the screen has been an arduous and difficult task, particularly for the efforts achieved. Those who are interested in the work accomplished by the English adventurer will find this immensely gripping. To James A. FitzPatrick goes the credit for attempting so hazardous a film — his years of producing TravelTalks having prompted the decision to make it — and certainly he has come through with a thoroughly convincing product.
Percy Marmont in the character of Livingstone, gives a sincere and touching performance. The story begins in 1841, when Livingstone at a sermon decides to visit the dark continent to civilize the natives. He meets with setbacks, returns to England, marries and after two children are born brings his wife to the veldt, where she dies of fever. Later, Livingstone meets a similar fate.
All of the African scenes have been taken in actual locales, adding a note of authenticity to the picturized work of the explorer. As Livingstone, Marmont is a matured actor under the direction of FitzPatrick. The picture may have a limited appeal, which will not be surprising, as it does not stress romance but adventure, which is the ether way round in the bulk of the films made today. Art theatres will go for this one in a big way.
With the exception of Marmont, none of the British cast is known to American audiences.
Previewed without production code seal. Running time, 75 minutes. "G."
"The Human Adventure"
(Wendell G. Shields-New York)
Not entertainment in the general meaning of the word, yet it possesses those elements. This is a compelling educational film of high merit. The vital story of the rise of civilization, as unearthed by the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, in archeological researches in Egypt, Palestine and Persia, is told with a dramatic effect.
The readers of the stories which appear in newspapers from time to time reporting newly uncovered finds in the countries aforementioned should be found a receptive audience to the picture. Distribution will be governed by local cultural worth and presentation.
The narrative starts with an academic lecture by Dr. James H. Breasted, who explains beforehand, in a manner, the basic idea of the picture. The intriguing work of bringing to light the story of the past from the diggings of archeologists follows, and while another person delivers the narrative, there are revealed the ancient glories of Egypt, Palestine, Babylonia, Anatolia and Persia, tracing the rise of civilization from its pinnacle in Persepolis to early stone-age shelters. The photography is splendid. . . „ .
Reviewed without production code seal. Running time, /U minutes. "G."
Minimum Price Set For Paris Theatres
By PIERRE AUTRE
Paris, Oct. 12. — A special committee of the Exhibitors' Ass'n has set specific minimum prices below which exhibitor members in the Paris area will not be permitted to sell admissions. Distributors and certain exhibitors had been complaining over a long period that prices in some instances were so low as to offer unfair competition. Houses were charging as low as two francs (about eight cents) for double bill shows.
The following prices have been set as minimum in the area : first run, no seats under six, eight or 10 francs ; for midnight, afternoon or evening, respectively ; second run, five, six or eight francs ; third run, five and six francs. These prices apply to exclusive runs.
For general release, the first run minimum is three and four francs, and subsequents 2.50 and three francs. The seats priced at the minimum cannot exceed 30 per cent of the total capacity of the house.
Canadian Managers Are Shifted Again
Toronto, Oct. 20. — Another important shakeup of managers has been put through by Famous Players Canadian Corp., cities from Winnipeg in the west to Halifax on the Atlantic coast being involved. Ray Tubman, district manager at Winnipeg, has returned to Ottawa where he will have charge of the Capitol and will preside over the five circuit houses in Ottawa and Hull.
Howard Knevels, manager of the Ottawa Capitol, has been transferred to the Capitol at Halifax, N. S., in succession to Leonard Bishop who, after four years, has gone to the Capitol in London, Ont. Harold Bishop, formerly of Calgary, has been transferred from the London house to Winnipeg.
Ferdinand Simon Dies
Ferdinand Simon, veteran booking agent, died in his sleep early yesterday at his home in Forest Hills, L. I.
Simon was 41 years old and had been connected with the theatrical business for over 25 years. He is survived by Mrs. Simon and two children. Funeral services have not yet been arranged.
Lillian Franklin Weds
St. John, N. B., Oct. 20.— Lillian Franklin, daughter of J. M. Franklin and Mrs. Franklin of this place, was married recently in New York to Michael Foster, newspaperman. They .are honeymooning in Bermuda. The father is head of a circuit of theatres in the Maritime Provinces and was formerly Canadian representative of RKO theatre interests in Toronto.
Keipura-Eggerth to Wed
Warsaw, Oct. 20. — Banns have been posted at Kattowic for the wedding of Jan Keipura to Marta Eggerth.
Frinkoess Gets Mosque
John Frinkoess has leased the Mosque, Newark, from the Prudential Insurance Co. A picture policy will be reinstated. Warners for many years operated the house which during the past few months has been featuring concerts booked by John A. Fuerst