Motion Picture Daily (Apr-Jun 1940)

4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, April 9, 194 French Directors Signed For Production in Rome Rockefeller Gives $225,800 for Films! Split Widens On U. S. Trust Suit Settlement (Continued from page 1) tion in answer to the defendant film companies interrogatories in the New York anti-trust suit. Originally promised by Paul Williams, in charge of prosecution of the suit for the Government, for last Friday, the new information now is due April 12. Pending receipt of the additional answers, defendants are holding in abeyance an order setting forth the deficiencies in the Government's original answers. This order will not be filed, it is understood, unless the Government's new answers are found to differ materially from the stipulation entered into by the Department of Justice some time ago on the answers it would furnish. Defense counsel is preparing stipulations designed to shorten the actual trial of the suit but inasmuch as seven companies will have to be in agreement before they can be presented to the Government no early action on stipulations is looked for. Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard suggested that the defendants prepare counter stipulations when it became apparent 10 days ago that the stipulations prepared by the Government would not be accepted by the companies. Pre-trial examination of Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th CenturyFox, slated for tomorrow, was postponed yesterday to April 18. William Kupper and William Sussman, Western and Eastern sales managers, respectively, of 20th Century-Fox, will testify April 16 and 17 instead of this week, it was announced. Quota Continues On Footage Basis (Continued from page 1) conditions. Today's meeting was generally taken not to be a final answer to the problem. The chairman of the British Films Council, as well as deputations from the industry, were present as Sir Andrew indicated the Government's intention. Duncan stated that negotiations are continuing with American interests in accordance with the remittance agreement reached last November. The Americans had promised not to interrupt their British production programs pending final settlement of the situation, the official said. Duncan discussed the report of the Films Council on production financing, embracing plans for the establishment of finance corporation, which apparently still are under consideration by the Government, with additional meetings planned. Production, exhibition and labor interests were represented at the Board of Trade session today. 'History' Retitled "Foreign Correspondent" has been selected by Walter Wanger as the title of the production now being directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on Vincent Sheean's "Personal History." It will be released by United Artists. (Continued from page 1) from other countries to work at Cinecitta, taking advantage of its position as a neutral country. A requirement is that Italian versions be made of the films so produced. Only three features were in work in Paris while Wachsberger was there, he said. Fear of air attacks is holding production to a minimum. Two or three of the producing companies have removed operations to Nice. Lillian Harvey, English actress who played in German films until the war, has organized a production company and has taken over a Monte Carlo casino for a studio. By arrangement between the British and French Ministries of Information, there will be a joint venture in the production of Jules Verne's Republican Party Has Campaign Film (Continued from page 1) booked at first for showings by political and civic groups, and later theatrical bookings will be sought. Purpose of the film is to "create wider interest in the ideals of the Republican Party." It is assertedly based on Abraham Lincoln's ideals and traces the organization of Government from the pioneer days to the present, with hope expressed in the future expansion of America. The film will be used in connection with fund-raising activities of the Republican National Committee. It was made under the direction of F. Trubee Davison, chairman of the Republican finance committee. Many Theatre Men At 'Eater' Premiere Numerous Southern theatre men will attend Paramount's world premiere of "The Biscuit Eater" at Albany, Ga., on Thursday. From Atlanta will be William K. Jenkins, E. E. Whitaker, of Lucas & Jenkins ; R. B. Wilby and J. H. Harrison of Martin & Thompson ; William Pratt of the Paramount. Harold Wilkes and John Kirby of the Paramount exchange also will attend. Stuart Heisler, director of the film ; Jack Moss, producer, and Billy Lee, the star, will be present from Hollywood. Other players will include Jean Cagney and William Henry. From other cities in the South will come O. L. Benson, Mrs. Alma King, R. M. Kennedy, Roy and Hugh Martin, A. E. Adams, J. N. Morgan, Clark Gurley, R. H. Hightower, Mrs. F. D. Adams, Mott H. Whitman, Josenh Schmidt, J. H. Thompson, L. J. Duncan, Luke Stein and M. A. Lightman. Seattle Union Meeting Seattle, April 8. — A conference of all B-locals of theatre and film exchange employes in Washington, Oregon, Montana and British Columbia will be held here on April 15, according to George T. Hood, business agent of Theatre Employee's union, B-22. The conference will elect two delegates to the I.A.T.S.E. annual convention in Louisville on June 3. "Five Hundred Millions of the Begum," a story of a conflict between German and French communities in the United States. The film will be made in Paris in French and English versions. Eric von Stroheim will play in it. While the film will not be designed purely as propaganda, the story points up the German militaristic spirit in contrast to the peace-loving Frenchmen. "Le Corsaire," Charles Boyer film which was left uncompleted in Paris when war broke out, will be finished by Boyer either on the Coast or in Paris, said Waschsberger, who plans to leave for the Coast early next week to arrange for production of six features. Some of these may be remakes of French films. Sunshine and Rain Hurt BVay Grosses (Continued from page 1) mount tonight, "Road to Singapore," with Tommy Dorsey's band on the stage, should bring an estimated $31,000 for the fourth stanza. It drew an estimated $15,000 over Saturday and Sunday. "Dr. Cyclops" opens at the Paramount tomorrow. "Gone With the Wind" grossed an estimated $20,000 in the 16th week of its two-a-day run at the Astor. At the Rialto, "Zanzibar" drew an estimated $9,000 in eight days. "Isle of Destiny" opened there on Saturday. The second week of "Human Monster" grossed an estimated $4,800 at the Globe. "Outside the Three Mile Limit" which followed "Human Monster" on Saturday, drew an estimated $2,500 for Saturday and Sunday. Publicity Men Plan Club, Code of Ethics A code of ethics for the publicity field is one of the aims of an organization to be formed today at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Roosevelt. Men and women who work in publicity, public relations and special promotion are eligible for membership. The organization is tentatively known as The Publicity Club of New York, Inc. Purpose of the organization, besides formulating the code, include informing industry and the general public of the functions of publicity and mutual betterment of the membership. Weekly luncheon meetings are planned. Seek New Censor System in Chicago Chicago, April 8. — The Civil Liberties Committee is scheduled to draft an ordinance at a meeting here tomorrow which will propose a new censorship system for the city. The new ordinance, according to Ira Latimer, committee chairman, will propose dissolution of the present police censor board and the establishment of an entirely new review body. The Rockefeller Foundation in 1939 made grants totaling $225,800 for studies and development of social and educational aspects of films and the drama, it is disclosed in the annual report of Raymond B. Fosdick, president. In the field of films, the largest contribution was $60,000 to the American Film Center for/u °neral expenses during a two-yet,\jn.''eriod. The Center was established in 1938 to act as a central agency for promoting the production, distribution and use of films for educational and cultural purposes. The Foundation also appropriated $7,500 to the National Committee on International Intellectual Cooperation for the development of international exchange of educational films, and $19,380 to the National Film Society of Canada for the same purpose. In the drama field, grants included $17,500 to Vassar College toward the cost of a report on the Federal Theatre Project and for a survey on the promotion of community drama on a national basis ; $25,000 to the Studio Theatre School of Buffalo for the development of school and community drama; $25,000 to the National Theatre Conference for fellowships in advanced drama training ; and $30,000 to the Stevens Institute of Technology for research in the control of sound and light for dramatic purposes. Bioff Wins Week's Stay on Rehearing Chicago, April 8. — William Bioff today was granted a continuance to April 15 by Judge Prystalski to seek a rehearing before the state Supreme Court of his action to avoid serving his 17-year-old jail sentence of six months. Judge Prystalski said he would grant no further continuances and would close the case in his court next Monday. Indications are that Bioff will have to serve all or part of his sentence before a rehearing of his case could be acted upon by the state Supreme Court. Ontario Bans Reels On Recent Election Toronto, April 8. — Newsreel shots referring to the victory of the Liberal Party in the recent Federal elections in Canada have been deleted in Ontario because of the policy of Premiere Mitchell Hepburn in keeping Canadian politics off the theatre screens in Ontario. Incidentally, Hepburn is a Liberal but he declared that he would continue to treat all parties alike. Approval of "Primrose Path" has been withheld, following a screening of this feature by Hepburn, and no arrangements are being made for Ontario bookings. Intimation has been made that the picture might be passed at a later date, pending further consideration.