Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1942)

TTllTToFt DO NQ MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial 51. NO. 20 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 1942 TEN CENTS British Seeking fo Beat Axis to Neutral Screen 60 Prints Sent Weekly To 50 Territories London, Jan. 28. — The British linistry of Information is engaged i a concentrated effort to corner ^rte screens of all neutral nations igainst Axis film competition, it is disclosed in a Ministry report. Statistics just availaDle indicate the -hievement of the Ministry in the verseas distribution of British films :ws a result of the intensive campaign l neutral countries, Axis films have ecn largely eliminated, it is stated, l addition to handling its own films ic British Ministry is assisting in th< -istribution of American and British "Dmmercial films. An average of 160 prints weekly re sent to 50 territories by airmai1 jrface craft and RAF bombers, it is eported. American and British films re screened regularly, especially in weden, it is said. ■>ays Indp's Branch Workers Discharged Indianapolis, Jan. 28. — All memers of Local B-35, Film Exchange Employes Union, have been disharged by local film exchanges, acording to James A. Watson, attorney >r the local, which is affiliated with ne IATSE. Watson said the disharges were by all national compaies, and were effective last night. Watson said 103 employes were af:cted, including film inspectors, shipers and poster clerks. The dis (Continued on page 9) England Prohibits Use of Film 'Stills' London, Jan. 28.— The Board of Trade has issued an order, effective March 1, prohibiting all public display of motion picture still pictures, as was indicated in Motion Picture Daily recently. The order covers production and exhibition and applies to all places, including theatres and showrooms, but permits the use of stills in "business negotiations." 20th-Fox Schedules 50 Films for this Year, Says Wobber Hollywood, Jan. 28. — Twentieth Century-Fox will release a total of 50 pictures during the 1941-'42 season, Herman Wobber, general manager of distribution, said here today in the first definite announcement of the number of films the company is making for the first year's operation under consent decree selling. Twenty-seven features have been released, three have been trade shown and are awaiting release, seven are in the cutting rooms and 10 are in work, making a total of 47 thus far, he said. Wobber is here with Sidney R. Kent and T. J. Connors discussing next season's program with studio executives. He reported business booming ir theatres but expects a setback in March because of income tax payments and the new draft. Army Takes Over Studios in Astoria Washington, Jan. 28. — Formally announcing the acquisition of Paramount's Astoria studios, the War Department today said that the Signal Corps will take immediate possession of the plant, to which it will transfer the facilities and personnel now engaged in production of training films at Fort Monmouth, N. J. The department said that in addition to production, photographic schools will be established for both still and motion pictures and personnel will be maintained at Astoria to pro (Continiicd on page 4) Asks Exhibitors' Aid On Disney Tax Short Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau has addressed a letter to all exhibitors urging them to show the Disney Donald Duck cartoon, "The New Spirit," made for the Treasury Department and stressing the importance of early income tax payments. The subject is being distributed through the War Activities Committee — Motion Picture Industry by National Screen service. A reproduction of the letter and a review of the subject are on Page 4. Minn. Criminal Trial Evidence to Be Used In Injunction Action St. Paul, Jan. 28.— The civil and criminal actions testing Minnesota's anti-block-of-five law were closely linked today by agreement on procedure, as proceedings in the injunction suit were halted for the time being. All information entered in the record during the trial of the criminal action in which Paramount, RKO and 20th Century-Fox are charged with violating the law will be used also in considering the civil action, James F. Lynch, Ramsey County Attorney, said. Both actions involve the question of the law's validity. The five consent decree distributors and United Artists seek a permanent injunction on the (Continued on page 9) Theatres, Studios Would Be Insured by U.S. Plan Continue Unity Talks On Practices Today The trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture Industry will continue its meetings at the Warwick Hotel here today and tomorrow, Jack Kirsch, chairman, reported at the close of yesterday's session. An adjournment for one week may be taken after tomorrow, it was said. The subcommittee reported further progress yesterday in its discussions of the five-point program outlined for its consideration by W. F. Rodgers, (Continued on page 4) Washington, Jan. 28. — Government insurance of theatres, studios, broadcasting stations and other private property against losses inflicted by air raid or other enemy action is provided for in a bill under consideration by the Senate Banking Committee. Jesse L. Jones, Federal Loan Administrator, today asked the committee to approve plans to provide $1,000,000 for the War Insurance Corporation for the indemnification of citizens for property losses. The corporation was set up last month by the (Continued on page 4) Independents Organize New Producer Ass'n Loyd Wright Is President, James Allen Secretary Hollywood, Jan. 28. — Eight leading independent producers have incorporated the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, Inc., it was announced here today. Loyd Wright, attorney, was elected president. James Allen, formerly public relations man for the FBI, was named executive secretary. Members of the group are Charles Chaplin, Walt Disney, Samuel Goldwyn, Alexander Korda, Mary Pickford, David O. Selznick, Walter Wanger and Orson Welles. [Motion Picture Daily last Oct. 31 published the first information regarding the new organization, including the fact that James Allen had been selected for an executive position.] Goldwyn and Wanger are members of the Association of Motion Picture (Continued on page 4) UA Names Schnitzer New York Manager Edward M. Schnitzer, who resigned as Warners' Eastern district manager recently, has been appointed New York Metropolitan manager for United Artists. Schnitzer assumed his new post under Carl Leserman, United Artists general sales manager, yesterday. He succeeds Arthur Silverstone, who resigned the post early this week. Majors to Withhold Lombard Reissues Major distributors having Carole Lombard productions have agreed not to reissue them at this time in the interest of good taste and as a matter of industry policy, it was learned yesterday. The agreement was reached with the cooperation of MPPDA officials, it was reported. Under the agreement, United Artists is not restrained from releasing the new Carole Lombard-Jack Benny production, "To Be Or Not To Be," but U. A. has decided it will withhold (Continued on page 9)