Motion Picture Daily (July–Sept 1938)

Tuesday, August 2, 1938 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Zanuck Comes To Defense of Talent Loans oner (.Continued from pat/c 1) e our talent available to the ler studios ? \\ hat have they to "The only reason we let other stu;dios have our actors or writers is because they have other talent to give us in return. "What have the independent producers that we want? Money ? We have plenty of money. We will give them our talent if they can offer us something valuable in the way of creative talent in return. I have four assistants who started with me as orhce boys. There are fine writers among them. We have developed them over a period of years. Why should we make them available to another studio that can give us nothing of value?" See U. K. Production Jump Another significant statement by Mr. Zanuck was that 20th CenturyFox plans a progressive increase in its British production. Starting with three films for the 1937-38 season, the company will make six in England this year and plans nine for 1939-'40. This year's films to be made in England will all be designed for triple quota credits. The budget is $2,500,U00. There will be another Gracie Fields picture, as well as "So This Is London," based on a successful play, and "Hangman's House." "We are watching the trend of the market on British films and do not intend to expand our British production too quickly, because you can expand your self out of business," Mr. Zanuck commented. He said this year's films will be intended for the world market and intimated that the rate of increase in British output will depend on the extent to which the world market can absorb it. No Budget Increases Mr. Zanuck said that he obtained options on stories and negotiations were started for fresh talent, including an unnamed English actress. There will be no increases in the company's Hollywood budget for the new season, beyond the $3,500,000 boost already made known, Mr. Zanuck said, and there will be only two Technicolor films, "Jesse James" and "Kentucky," with no color production in England this year. Mr. Zanuck was impressed w7ith the strides made by French studios, observed during his visit in Paris, but his thought is that since they are only in the French language, their consumption is limited and American companies have little or nothing to fear from that direction. Speaking for Movietone News on shipboard before the Normandie docked, Mr. Zanuck said : "I am very happy to be back in America and to report that American films are more popular abroad than ever before. I know this is true because of the plans being made by every company for pictures that will have an appeal for world consumption." "Alexander's Ragtime Band" has Selling Knives Minneapolis, Aug. 1. — In a move to raise part of a $2,500 fund to make motion pictures available to shutins, the Variety Club of the Twin Cities has purchased 100 dozen pocket knives which are being retailed at a dollar each to members and others. W. A. Stefifes, chief-barker, has gotten as high as $5 for one knife. He gives no change, regardless of the size of the bill given him in payment for the knife. Profit per knife is estimated at around 900 per cent. been booked for a 12-week run at the Odeon Theatre in London's West End, opening in September, Mr. Zanuck reported. He attended a private screening of the film at the American Embassy in London and Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy and the British diplomats present applauded the picture, he said. Mr. Zanuck will speak on the CBS salute to "Alexander's Ragtime Band" tomorrow night and after conferences with Sidney R. Kent and other home office executives will leave for Hollywood Friday night, arriving there Monday. He was accompanied on the trip by Mrs. Zanuck and their three children. Eddie Cantor also returned, with his wife, eldest daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Metzger, and young daughter, Janet. He reported that he collected $550,000 in England for the rehabilitation of European refugee children in Palestine. J. H. Moskowitz in Party Joseph H. Moskowitz, assistant to Joseph M. Schenck, returned with Mr. Zanuck after a vacation. He said that Mr. Schenck is now in Carlsbad with Lord Castleross and expects to be back here in three weeks. Another returning traveler was E. I. Sponable, 20th Century-Fox technical supervisor, who conferred abroad on release prints arrangements. Charles E. McCarthy, 20th Century advertising and publicity director ; William Dover, assistant to Mr. Zanuck at the studio ; Leonard Gaynor, A. A. Brown and others from the home office went down the bay to greet the production chief. Another group of company executives met Mr. Zanuck at the pier. Arrange Benefits at Fair San Francisco, Aug. 1.— All benefit shows at the 1939 exposition, featuring members of four groups represented by the Theatre Authority, will first clear such programs with the latter body, according to an agreement reached by I. B. Kornblum, coast agent for the authority, and Harris D. Connick, general director of the exposition. The Theatre Authority represents the American Federation of Radio Artists, American Federation of Actors, Actors' Equitv Association and Screen Actors' Guild^ Set Lawes Story Title Hollywood, Aug. 1. — Warden Lewis E. Lawes' story, "Chalked Out," will be filmed by Warners as "Crime Is a Racket." Union Managers Put Off Move Until Fall The long-contemplated move to obtain recognition from New York film theatres has been postponed to the fall by the Theatrical Managers, Agents and Treasurers Union. Hal Olver, a spokesman for the union, claims it has organized numerous managers, assistant managers and press agents at local theatres. To date the union's main activity has been in the field of legitimate theatre, sports arenas and the like. It claims 15 locals have been organized in as many key cities. An organization campaign will shortly be undertaken in the south, according to Air. Olver. K.C. Outing Set Aug. 8 Kansas City, Aug. 1. — The annual film picnic at Quivira Aug. 8 will see exchanges closing at 3 P. M. Film folk will swim, golf, picnic and, in the evening, dance. A soft ball game is scheduled at 4 P. M. between the boys at 20th Century-Fox, many of them playing in league competition in Kansas City, and a team gotten together by Ed Webber, president of the Independent Theatre Owners. Mr. Webber will draw on all of Film Row for players. Fox will use George Regan, George Friedel, Gary Hodson, Bob Conn, John Long, Charley Palermo, Al Tanner, Gus Kubitzki, Ward Scott, Charley Decker, Charles Crawford, Joe Woodward and others. Extend Clearance Talks Chicago, Aug. 1. — Joseph Rosenberg, attorney for independent exhibitors here, is continuing conferences which seek a remedy for the 10-week clearance period accorded B. & K. houses. Mr. Rosenberg denied that plans for the filing of a suit are definitely set. Lamont Now Producer Hollywood, Aug. 1. — Charles Lamont, currently directing the first of Fine Arts pictures for Grand National release, has been given the post of producer-director. 99 Sky Giant, Osborne Lead Philadelphia Philadelphia, Aug. 1. — "Sky Giant" and a stage show headed by Will Osborne's orchestra turned in a surprising gross at the Earle during a rainy weekend. The take was $18,000, over normal by $4,000. "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse" also was in the money with a take of $16,000, up by $2,000, at the Fox and the picture was held. Total first run business was $67,400. Average is $73,400. Estimated takings for the week ending July 28: "LITTLE WOMEN" (RKO) (Re-issue) ARCADIA — (600), 25c-40c-55e, 4 days. Gross: $1,200. "You and Me" (Para.), 2nd run, 2 days. Gross: $300. (Average, 7 days, $2,800) "LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY" (MGM) BOYD— (2,400), 40c-55c-65c, 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $14,000) "SKY GIANT" (RKO) EARLE — (2,000), 25c-40c-55c, 6 days. Stage: Will Osborne's orchestra; Hal Sherman, Andrea Casolotti (voice of "Snow White") and Harry Stockwell. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $14,000) "AMAZING DR. CLITTERHOUSE" (W. B.) FOX— (3,000), 40c-5Sc-65c, 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $14,000) "MY BILL" (W.B.) (2nd Run) KARLTON— (1,000), 2Sc-40c-55c, 7 days. Gross: $2,400. (Average, $4,000) "HAVING WONDERFUL TIME" (RKO) (2nd Run) KEITH'S — (2,000), 30c-40c-55c, 7 days. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,000) "I'LL GIVE A MILLION" (ZOth-Fox) STANLEY— (3,700), 40c-55c-65c, 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $14,000) "PORT OF SEVEN SEAS" (M-G-M) STANTON— (1,700), 30c-40c-55c, 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average $7,000) Heymann Acquires Films Andre R. Heymann, president of the French Cinema Center, just back from Paris, says he has acquired nontheatrical rights to a number of French features. These are to be shown in the original French to educational groups. 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