Motion Picture Daily (July–Sept 1938)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY ! Tuesday, July 12, 1938 M-G-M Closes Film Contract With GB Unit (Continued from page 1) production program of M-G-M, which ^already in work. It is believed i#many quarters that the deal is to be used by the American company to add to to its British schedule. Among the eight already released or on the schedule of M-G-M British, in addition to those expected from Gainsborough, are : "A Yank at Oxford," "Citadel," "Good Bye, Mr. Chips," And So, Victoria," "Busman's Honeymoon," "Death on the Table," "The Missing Miniature," with Wallace Beery, and one untitled. May Increase GB Output Officials of G. B. here said yesterday that the deal just concluded in England whereby Gainsborough, G. B. producing subsidiary, will make pictures for M-G-M release in England, may result in an increase of G. B.'s new season schedule here. The product is to be released in this country by G. B. However, it was pointed out that G. B. here always has released the Gainsborough product, and that the fact that M-G-M will release the product in England may not increase the total of 24 already announced for next season's release by the company in this country. If Gainsborough increases its production schedule as a result of the M-G-M deal, then the G. B. schedule will be increased proportionately in this country, it was said. All Studios Expected To Fight Guild Vote (Continued from page 1 ) dicated that he expects the remaining nine to follow in a day or so. The time for protesting has been extended to July 16. All protests thus far received are based on the claim that the studios had no opportunity to check whether the writers voting in the election were actually on the studio payroll June 4, as required by the conditions of eligibility. Dr. Nylander denied reports that a new hearing would be held here and said his intermediate report, together with all protests filed in the case, would go to the N.L.R.B. in Washington on July 16th, after which certification of the guild as bargaining agency is expected to follow. Thereupon the studios protesting would be free to file an appeal with the Circuit Court of Appeals, Ninth District, San Francisco. Guild Balloting Over Balloting by mail on the election of an advisory committee of nine to assist with the administration of the eastern branch of the Screen Actors' Guild closed yesterday. A counting of the ballots has been postponed until later in the week to await the return to New York of Mrs. Florence Marston, head of the Guild here, and Michael Connolly, her assistant. The two are in Chicago negotiating guild contracts with several commercial film studios there. Production Shows Gain; 49 Shooting Hollywood, July 11. — The weekend saw production up from 47 to 49, those figures indicating the number of pictures before the cameras, with 20th Century-Fox shooting on nine features. Three short subjects were in production, comparing with two a week ago. Warners started three features, "Brother Rat," "Wings of the Navy" and "Blackwell's Island," and Columbia kept pace as to increase, starting "Finishing School," "Juvenile Court" and "Phantom Trail." Twentieth Century-Fox put "While New York Sleeps" and "By the Dawn's Early Light" on the stages, M-G-M started "Three Loves Has Nancy," Monogram commenced shooting on "The Circus Comes to Town" and RKO got going with "The Mad Miss Manton." Republic exposed "Tenth Avenue Kid" to the lens. Columbia finished "I am the Law" and "West of Santa Fe," 20th Century-Fox brought in "My Lucky Star" and "Safety In Numbers," and Paramount completed its spectacular "If I Were King." M-G-M sent "The Chaser" to the cutting room, Universal wound up "Red Barry" (serial), RKO finished "Birthday of a Stooge," rechristening it "Fugitives for a Night," Republic canned "Nan From Music Mountain" and Hal Roach tinned "Just a Jiffy." Australia Will Use Good British Films London, July 11. — Leon Snider, representative of Australian exhibitor interests, was tendered a luncheon today by the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association, which was attended by many distributor representatives. Snider, in replying to a toast, and discussing British films, said that Australians have been so exploited in regard to British films that he is sceptical of their acceptance. When good British pictures are available, he said, their acceptance in Australia would be as ready as in Great Britain. He pointed to the enormous success of "Wings of the Morning" in Australia as proof his belief. New 3% Tax Latest Worry for Missouri Kansas City, July 11. — Threat of a three per cent sales tax in Missouri, where the levy now is two per cent and considered by exhibitors to be one of the factors in poor business the past year, is contained in a report on the old age pension situation. Reduction of the age limit from 70 to 65, which is required if Missouri is to get Federal aid for pensions, will add an additional 40,000 persons to the old age rolls, which now contain 72,000. Missouri already has one of the most liberal of the old age pension systems. Legion Approves Five The National Legion of Decency has approved five films for the current week, three for general patronage and two for adults. In the first group are "Gold Mine in the Sky," "Held for Ransom," "Panamint's Bad Man," while in the adult group are : "I Married a Spy" and "Shopworn Angel." 'Whirlpool/ 'Remous* Albany Appeal Filed (Continued from page 1) Burstyn and Arthur Mayer, who hold distribution rights in New York. Signed by Justice Gilbert V. Schenck of the Supreme Court, Third Department, the writ necessitates that the Department of Education file an answer as to why the picture was denied a license. This is preliminary to a review of the case by the Appellate Division next October. Originally submitted by Kurt Laemmle, "Remous" was refused a license in 1935. Later, a revision was submitted by Mr. Mayer and Mr. Burstyn and approved. Application for an English version, known as "Whirlpool" also was approved, but was withdrawn on the contention that some of the original deleted scenes had been restored. The film, revised for the third time, was submitted last fall and denied a license by Mr. Esmond. Subsequently, the Board of Regents sub-committee upheld Mr. Esmond. Allows Release of Films Federal Judge William Bondy yesterday granted application of the French Motion Picture Corp., now in reorganization, to allow J. Louis Geller to pay the United States $965 to release two French motion pictures, "Avec Le Sourire" and "Angel," now being held in bond at the Custom House. Under the agreement which Judge Bondy approved, the pictures will be exhibited and the net proceeds will be equally shared by Geller and the French Motion Picture Corp. Lloyd May Produce Picture in England Harold Lloyd may produce a highbudget feature for Paramount in England, he said on arrival here yesterday from the coast. He will confer with David Rose, head of Paramount's British production, and other officials, regarding sending a company to London to make "What Ho," by Richard Connell. Paramount owns the story, which has an English background. Mr. Lloyd said there are a lot of things to be considered before he arrives at a decision. One is that the script calls for exteriors and he has heard that English weather is not favorable for such shots during certain times of the year. Mr. Lloyd said he has other matters to discuss at Paramount, but that there will be no change in his releasing deal. He will attend the opening of "Professor Beware," his first film in two years, at the Paramount on Wednesday to obtain audience reaction. He expects to be here two weeks. Arriving with him were Joe Reddy, his press agent for 19 years, and Jack Murphy his production manager, who will look over the plays and the literary field for a possible future vehicle for Mr. Lloyd. John J. Scully Resigns John J. Scully, Grand National branch manager in Boston, has resigned. Morris Safier, traveling sales representative representing Edward Alperson, president, was in Boston last week. Mr. Alperson is reported to be in Omaha, his home town, and he plans to confer in Hollywood briefly, returning late this week. 7 Sustain Para. Claim In Action of Oxnard Los Angeles, July 11. — Federal Judge Leon R. Yankwitch today sustained the demurrer of Paramount in the suit of Oxnard Theatres, Inc., Oxnard, Cal. The case was a test action with 20 independent exhibitors, with parallel claims, agreeing to abide by the decision in this one case. The suit arose out of the claim Paramount had sold certain pictures by title as for last year's program, which later were substituted for and offered on this year's program at a higher price. The court decision upholds Paramount's contention that a clause covered that as unpredictable necessity. The effect is understood to be that a change in block booking practice cannot be accomplished by court action but must result from national legislation. RKO to Line Up Plans Within Next 2 Weeks Final plans for the first group of pictures on RKO's new season schedule of 48 features will be completed by the company within two weeks, it was stated yesterday. As indicated earlier by Jules Levy, sales manager, the company will hold no formal sales meetings this year. Mr. Levy and other RKO sales executives visited every branch office last spring in the course of the annual sales drive and plans and policies for the new season were outlined at that time. Titles, casts and producer-director assignments will be decided from time to time throughout the year with pictures being planned in small groups. The first product announcement is expected to list 12 to 16 titles. Town Bans All Games Hamden, Conn., July 11. — Following similar moves in New Haven and West Haven, Hamden officials have placed a final taboo on all money game giveaways in or out of theatres. East Haven, another neighboring town, still reserves such action. Devon has banned cash, and Walnut Beach is reported to be following suit within the next few days. Ohio Orders 25 Cuts Cincinnati, July 11. The Ohio division of film censorship reviewed a total of 519 reels, from which 25 eliminations were ordered, during the five-week period in June. This compares with 473 reels and 21 eliminations in May. The figures for June, 1937, were 825 reels and 43 eliminations. Myers to Trailer Post London, July 11. — John Myers, former publicity chief at Alexander Korda's Denham studios, has been named producer of London Films trailers and will also act as head of the exploitation staff. His vacant studio post will be filled by John Ware Well. Sloane Quits Disney Post Hal Sloane, Walt Disney's general representative and publicity director in the east for more than four years, has resigned, effective immediately. He was in general charge of the Disney office until the appointment of Hal Home several months ago. He will announce new plans shortly.