Motion Picture Daily (Oct-Dec 1939)

Page scan 000262 from Motion Picture Daily

Record Details:

Title:
Motion Picture Daily
Date:
Oct-Dec 1939
Publisher:
New York [Motion picture daily, inc.]
Volume:
Motion picture daily
Leaf #:
000262
Language:
English
Subjects:
Motion pictures, Motion pictures -- Periodicals
Collection:
Hollywood Studio System
Format:
Periodicals
Contributor:
Library of Congress, MBRS, Moving Image Section
Sponsor:
Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division
Coordinator:
Media History Digital Library
Description:
A New York-based daily trade paper published by Martin Quigley. The companion to Quigley's better known weekly publication, MOTION PICTURE HERALD, and a direct competitor to THE FILM DAILY, which was also published out of New York. Established in 1930, MOTION PICTURE DAILY enjoyed a circulation of roughly 5,000 readers most years of its four decades in print (a nearly identical circulation to THE FILM DAILY, but only one third of the readership of MOTION PICTURE HERALD, which reached a wider audience of exhibitors). In the 1930s, the MOTION PICTURE DAILY's editor, Maurice Kann, called on the movie industry to shift more production back to the East Coast. Any productions that filmed in New York received ample attention. New York City never regained its production lead over Hollywood, but the major studios used the Big Apple for their corporate and distribution headquarters. As a result, MOTION PICTURE DAILY tended to focus on economic and regulatory issues confronting the film industry. -- Eric Hoyt, 2014
Date Added:
May 30, 2024
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4 Motion Picture daily Friday, November 10, 1939 New York Review "That They May Live" (Mayer-Burstyn) From under the skillful hand of Abel Gance, French producer, comes this searing document against war. It deals with the hard, brutal reality of the trenches near Verdun during the World War, and in the realm of fantasy, a veteran calls on his dead companions, and they rise in protest as the war dogs again stalk across Europe in 1938 and 1939. Originally its title was "J'Accuse" ("I Accuse") and the producerscenarist, Gance, through the brilliant performance of the veteran, Victor Francen, levels an accusing finger at those nations who failed to learn the lesson of the last war, waited for the sword to strike again and permitted the last conflict to set the stage for this new one. This film is strong, unsweetened by the relieving touch of comedy or lightness. The stark horror of its trench scenes, as a "death patrol" is selected by lot, and a young member of that patrol dies in a strangling mudhole, is extremely powerful. Francen promises his buddies that their sacrifice will not be in vain. Of the 12 who went out, 11 die, only Francen remains. He dedicates his life to a scientific endeavor to prevent war. Twenty years later, when he sees war again as inevitable, he becomes insane. On the cemetery of Verdun, he calls on his "death patrol" companions to rise in their graves and challenge the world. The pictured mirage of the risen dead soldiers, impersonated largely by the famed organization of mutilated French veterans of the World War, strikes with an impact of heavy dramatic force. The people, seeing this mirage, rise in their anger and kill the veteran, and with him a girl who also had remembered, and the two join their comrades in arms. Running time, 74 minutes. "A."* Charles S. Aaronson. 'Babes' Pulls Smash $19,200 In Twin Cities Minneapolis, Nov. 9. — "Babes in Arms" stepped out in front in Minneapolis, taking a handsome $11,800 at the State. In St. Paul, "Babes" again was the winner, grossing $7,400 at the Paramount. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 2: Minneapolis : "The Money Ring" (W. B.) "Hawaiian Nights" (Univ.) "Scandal Sheet" (Col.) "Hero For A Day" (Univ.) ASTER— (900) (15c-2Sc) 7 days, dual bills split week. Gross: $2,300. (Average, $1,500) "Dust Be My Destiny" (W. B.) CENTURY — (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $4,000) "When Tomorrow Comes" "All Quiet on the Western Front" ESQUIRE— (290) (25c-40c) "Tomorrow," 5 days; "Quiet," 2 days. Gross: $1,200. (Average, $700) "Pack Up Your Troubles" (ZOth-Fox) GOPHER— (990) (25c) 7 days. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $2,500) "Jeepers Creepers" (Rep.) MINNESOTA — (4,200) (20c-40c) 7 days, with stage show. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $6,000) "Thunder Afloat" (M-G-M) ORPHEUM — (2,900) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $4,400) "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) STATE— (2,300) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $11,800. (Average, $4,400) "They Shall Have Music" (U. A.) WORLD— (400) (25c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $1,700. (Average, $1,600) St. Paul: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (Col.) ORPHEUM — (2,000) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $3,200) "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (2,500) (25c-40c) 8 days. Gross: $7,400. (Average, $4,400) "Blackmail" (M-G-M) RIVIERA— (1,000) (25c) 7 days. Gross: $2,400. (Average, $1,800) "Stop, Look and Love" (20th-Fox) "Shipyard Sally" (20th-Fox) TOWER— (1,000) (25c) 7 days. Gross: $2,100. (Average, $1,600) "Stolen Life" (Para.) "Fight for Peace" (Mono.) WORLD — (400) (25c-55c) "Life" last 4 days of 10-day run, "Peace," 3 days. Gross: $900. (Average, $700) Chrysler Walkout Hits Detroit Takes Detroit, Nov. 9. — The strike of Chrysler workers, which has made idle 150,000 in factories furnishing Chrysler supplies, caused local theatre patronage to drop to below average levels. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 2: "Hollywood Cavalcade" (20th-Fox) "The Escape" (ZOth-Fox) ADAMS— (1,700) (15c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000) "The Wizard of Oz" (M-G-M) "Frontier Marshal" (ZOth-Fox) FISHER— (2,800) (15c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (Col.) FOX— (5,000) (25c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $12,000) "Dust Be My Destiny" (W. B.) "Dancing Co-Ed" (M-G-M) MICHIGAN — (4,000) (15c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $10,000) "Disputed Passage" (Para.) "The Old Maid" (W. B.) PALMS— (3,000) (15c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $5,000) "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (2,100) (15c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $10,000) Warner Party Nov. 12 Pittsburgh, Nov. 9. — Annual Warner club supper dance will be held Nov. 12 at the William Penn Hotel. * "A" denotes adult classification. 'Smith' Hits $4,500 In Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, Nov. 9. — "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," in the second week at the State, led here with $4,500. "The Old Maid" was good for $3,900 at the Midwest. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 2 : "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) (4 days) "The Roaring Twenties" (W. B.) (3 days) CRITERION— (1,500) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $4,500) "The Under-Pup" (Univ.) "Desperate Trails" (Univ.) LIBERTY— (1,200) (15c-20c-25c) 7 days. Gross: $2,200. (Average, $2,400) "The Old Maid" (W. B.) MIDWEST— (1,500) (25c-35c-40c) 8 days. Gross: $3,900. (Average, 7 days, $3,250) "All Quiet on the Western Front" (Univ.) (3 days) "Beau Geste" (Para.) ( 4 days) PLAZA— (750) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $800. (Average, $1,100) "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (Col.) STATE— (1,100) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $3,000) "Dancing Co-Ed" (M-G-M) TOWER — (1,000) (2Sc-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $1,700. (Average, $1,750) Pact Negotiated By Exchange Union Film Exchange Employes' Union, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, is holding regional meetings to appoint delegates who will act as a negotiating committee to meet with the distributors on revisions of the basic pact. Pact revisions are due Nov. 30, when the present two-year term expires. Try Earlier Opening Indianapolis, Nov. 9. — About 10 of the neighborhoods houses, about onefourth of the total here, are trying early opening hours from 5 to 5 :30 P. M. Most open at 6 to 7 P. M. Claude Allison, manager of the Strand, says the early opening gives time for presentation of two full shows. A Worthy Cause Mt. Gilead, O., Nov. 9.— George Ebeck, manager of the Rex, is staging benefit shows to help raise funds for a public recreational center. 'Sons/ Miss Bennett Get $14,200, Buffalo Buffalo, Nov. 9. — "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" brought one of the best second-week figures in history here, $10,100 at the Lafayette. The Twentieth Century drew $14,200 with "Three Sons" and Constance Bennett's personal appearance and stage show. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 4 : "Hollywood Cavalcade" (ZOth-Fox) BUFFALO---(3,000) (30c-35c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $10,300. (Average, $12,000) "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) "Information Please" (RKO) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (30c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,300. (Average, $7,500) "Submarine D-l" (W. B.) "Death of a Champion" (Para.) HIPPODROME— (2,500) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $5,200. (Average, $6,800) "Three Sons" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,500) (25c40c) 7 days. Constance Bennett and stage show. Gross: $14,200. (Average, $5,200) "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (Col.) LAFAYETTE— (3,300) (25c-40c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,100. (Average, $6,300) Arena Group Functions Pittsburgh, Nov. 9. — The Arena Association, formed last Spring by 10 rinks in different cities, begins functioning for the public with production of "Ice Vanities," a 50-skater revue opening at the Duquesne Garden Nov. 13 for a week. The association, headed by John H. Harris of the Harris Amusement Co., was organized to obtain attractions for arenas. 'Twenties' Hits Good $17,800, Philadelphia Philadelphia, Nov. 9. — Jimmie Lunceford on the Earle stage, with "Kid Nightingale" as the screen feature, led here with $23,600. ^The Roaring Twenties" earned $17,M at the Fox, while "The Real Glory*\vas good for $14,200 at the Aldine. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 2 : "The Real Glory" (U. A.) ALDINE— (1,700) (32c-42c-57c) 7 days. Gross: $14,200. (Average, $10,000) "Intermezzo, a Love Story" (U. A.) ARCADIA— (600) (32c-42c-57c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $2,600) "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) BOYD— (2,400) (32c-42c-57c) 4 days, 4th week. Gross: $8,000. (Average, 7 days, $12,000) "Kid Nightingale" (W. B.) EARLE— (2,400) (32c-42c-57c-68c) 6 days (closed Sundays). Stage: Jimmie Lunceford and his orchestra, the Four Ink Spots. Gross: $23,600. (Average, $16,000) "The Roaring Twenties" (W. B.) FOX— (3,000) (32c-42c-57c) 7 days. Gross: $17,800. (Average, $13,000) "On Your Toes" (W. B.) KARLTON— (1,000) (32c-42c-57c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $3,900. (Average, $3,000) "Hollywood Cavalcade" (ZOth-Fox) KEITH'S— (2,200) (32c-42c-57c) 5 days, 2nd week, 2nd run. Gross : $3,800. ' (Average, 7 days, $3,000) "Marx Brothers at the Circus" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (3,700) (32c-42c-57c) 8 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average, 7 days, $14,000) "20,000 Men a Year" (Col.) STANTON — (1,700) (26c-32c-42c) 7 days. Gross: $4,100. (Average, $4,500) 'Life,9 Joe E. Brown Lead Indianapolis Indianapolis, Nov. 9. — "What a Life" on the screen and a stage show headed by Joe E. Brown gave the Circle a smash $10,200. "Babes in Arms" and "Scandal Sheet" were strong in the second week with $8,300 at Loew's. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 2-3 : "Rio" (Univ.) "Call a Messenger" (Univ.) APOLLO— (1,100) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $2,600. (Average, $2,500) "What a Life" (Para.) CIRCLE— (2,800) (25c-40c) 7 days. Stage: Joe E. Brown and Vaudeville. Gross: $10,200. (Average, $6,000) "The Roaring Twenties" (W. B.) "Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase" (W. B.) INDIANA— (3,200) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $5,000) "Babes in Arms" (M-G-M) "Scandal Sheet" (Col.) LOEW'S— (2,800) (25c-40c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,300. (Average, $7,000) "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (ZOthFox) LYRIC— (2,000) (25c-40c) 7 days. Stage: Will Osborne orchestra and show. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $8,000) Lightstone Heads Regal Films Sales Toronto, Nov. 9. — Gordon Lightstone, Ontario branch manager of Regal Films, Ltd., has been promoted to general sales manager of the company at Toronto, succeeding the late W. F. Hayner. In the promotions, Ted Gould of Winnipeg becomes manager of the branch at Toronto and is succeeded in the management of the Winnipeg office by Abe Levy. Regal Films is the Canadian distributor of M-G-M and Monogram features.