Motion Picture Daily (Apr-Jun 1948)

Motion picture daily Thursday, April 1, 1948 Neighborhoods Increase Ads CHICAGO, March 30 — For the first time in the history of Chicago newspapers neighborhood theatres are subscribing to as much, and occasionally more, advertising space in the dailies as their downtown competitors . Reason is that under the Jackson Park decree a number of outlying houses can now play films directly after the Loop run on a day-and-date basis, thereby placing them in greater competition with one another than ever before. Some neighborhood houses are running ads of as much as 150 lines, whereas they ran only two or three formerly. Nothing New, Majors Tell Court In their quarterly accounting of activities under the U. S. District Court's decree in the Government antitrust action the five theatre operating defendants are informing the tribunal that , pending the Supreme Court's decision on the appeal, they have nothing new to add to the report filed on Jan. 1. The current reports to the court are due today; the next reports on July 1 , Lasky Receives Award PHILADELPHIA, March 31 — Jesse L. Lasky has been awarded the Allied Jewish Appeal's second humanitarian award for his role in establishing Hollywood as a film center 35 years ago and his contribution to clean, wholesome entertainment . Last year's recipient was Eddie Cantor. Last night Lasky was guest of honor at a banquet sponsored by this city's Golden Slipper Square Club, Mexico Fears Overseating MEXICO CITY, March 31 — Due to a current rash of building this city will have 100 theatres by Oct. 1, Some distributors and exhibitors, contending that theatre saturation is already here, are viewing the continued building with alarm. They cite a 40 per cent drop in grosses during the first quarter of 1948 from that of 1947 to support their contention. Notice MOTION PICTURE DAILY'S normal appearance is being affected by a work stoppage in a dispute between the typographical union and the employing printer. Reviews "The Noose Hangs High" (Eagle-Lion) BY THIS TIME, the Bud Abbott and Lou Costello routines are old hat. And with Costello taking more than the usual number of prat falls , this picture again provides the stuff for which the two zanies have become noted. Their following will not be disappointed. The plot, brewed by seven, cook strives at farce, with bookies &..u> bettors as the subject and the two zanies, of course, as innocent victims. Playing it straight are Joseph Calleia, Leon Errol, Cathy Downs and Mike Mazurki. Charles Barton produced and directed. Lolly Cristillo and Shirley Feld were associate producers. Running time, JJ minutes. General audiende classification. Release date not set. Irving Kaplan "The Lost One" (Columbia) COLUMBIA'S version of Verdi's opera, "La Traviata," has been brought magnificently to the screen in "The Lost One." Based on Dumas' play, "Lady of the Camellias," the film was produced in Rome by Gregor flabinouitch. While all the singing is in Italian, an offscreen voice is used effectively to describe the tale of the blighted love of the consumptive heroine. Should prove a rare treat to opera lovers and discriminating film-goers. In the leading roles as the lovers are Nelly Corradi and Gino Mattera, Carmine Gallone directed. Running rime, 82 minutes, TLdult audience classification. Release date, not set, Mandel Herbstman "Tex Granger" (Columbia) An outdoor action serial in 15 chapters, "Tex Granger" casts Robert Kelland as a two-fisted battler for peace and justice. The first two installments generate sufficient action and excitement. Cast includes: Peggy Stewart, Buzz Henry, Smith Ballew and Duke, the "Wonder Dog," Produced by Sam Katzman and directed by Derwin Abrahams from a screenplay by Arthur Hoerl, Lewis Clay, Harry Fraser and Royal Cole, Canadian Film Exports Up OTTAWA, March' 31— Canadian film exports increased during February, rising from $133,000 last year to $380,000 this year. Exports totalled $628,000 the first two months of 1948 against $391,000 in the same period last year.