Motion Picture Daily (Apr-Jun 1950)

4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, April 28, Variety (Continued from page 1) tlie ground it would move the proposed public relations organization into the area of trade practices which, by original declaration of purposes, it did not intend entering. Robert J. O'Donnell. retiring International Chief Barker, raised this, but also pointed out it did not necessarily follow the suggestion will be adopted when COMPO meets in Chicago on May 8. Robert B. Wilby, Atlanta, made the same general observation but without specific reference to Rodgers' and Smith's proposals. He doubted that Variety belonged in COMPO at all. Retains Representative Post After discussion in which it was established Variety already had voted formal participation at its recent midwinter meeting, a request from O'Donnell that he continue to represent Variety at COMPO until that organization is finalized or for the balance of 1950 was unanimously adopted. At the same time, O'Donnell declared the most severe setback COMPO had received in its organizational phases was traceable to the Washington conference when the Theatre Owners of America withheld approval, although he noted that TOA subsequently withdrew opposition and voted support. Reviewed at length, with decision on renewal left to a reappraisal by the individual "tents," was a one-year deal made in San Francisco with the American Guild of Variety Artistes. Under this arrangement, Varietv agreed to pay $20,000 into AGVA's insurance fund in return for which each club could call upon AGVA members to perform one night weekly in various club headquarters and at one large-scale benefit annually in theatres without charge. Hear Stamp Plan A. Hotchkiss, Jr., representing the Basic Corporation of San Diego, Calif., presented a cash discount stamp plan for which he sought Variety's endorsement. Described as "Moovee Stamp," he predicted Variety might benefit to the tune of $100,000 or one per cent of the gross sale of these stamps, for its international fund provided the scheme were adopted and employed nationally by Variety's approximate 10,000 members. A committee headed by Sam Witow of Louisville will report on the plan tomorrow. Other business transacted today included : Formalized a charter whereby Salt Lake City became Tent No. 38. Voted Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and U. S. Ambassador to Britain Douglas honorary life memberships at the request of Tent No. 36, London. Heard a report from Marc Wolf, second assistant international chief barker, who attributed considerable of Variety's progress last year to Robert J. O'Donnell, retiring international chief barker. McCraw Reports Heard a report from William McCraw, international executive director, who stated various tents were in firstclass operational condition with the exception of Tent No. 2, Columbus, and Tent No. 31, New Haven. He recommended the Columbus charter be withdrawn pending a reorganization there. Heard a report from Charles E. Lewis, International "press guy" and convention director, on Variety Clubs' Will Rogers Hospital, Saranac Lake, N. Y. Patients now number 43. In the first 10 months of the hospital's new management, $30,000 was spent on new equipment. It costs $11,000 per month to operate and $68 a week to maintain each patient. Film distributing companies are contributing $75,000 a year for two years, terminating in June, 1951. Eastman Kodak, the report divulged, had made a contribution of $6,000. Under current income arrangements, the hospital can operate for two more years, although a plan beyond that period is yet to be determined. Friday will be the climatic day of the convention. The highlight, dramatically, will be election of officers in the afternoon. The political climate remained generally in status quo, but with the arrival tonight of John H. Harris, "international big boy" who is sponsoring Jack Beresin to succeed O'Donnell temperature and tempers were prepared for a change. The name of Gene Autry as a compromise candidate was heard more often although influential Variety wheelhorses refused to take it seriously. Ex-chief barkers attended their annual "Hey Rube" dinner on the 5.^. Cotton Blossom tonight and later joined other delegates and wives in a night sail on the Mississippi. Variety Clubs to a Industry Palsy Dr New Orleans, April 27Charles Bronson of the United bral Palsy Associations, New and Henry Plitt of Paramount Theatres here, described to dele| to the Variety Clubs Interna convention today the need for thi 000,000 May campaign A'^y facilities for America's 53of '-\.jS. The cooperation of Variety" Z\ the campaign, in which the motioi i| ture industry is enrolled, was \ by Robert J. O'Donnell, Interna.! chief barker. Collier's Blasts Movie Censorship Should the movie industry 1 stop taking it — and start dishing it out? Is it time to punch the censors right in their blue noses? Don't miss Lester Velie's fighting article in Friday's Collier's. He tells you and more than 3,200,000 Collier's families of some of the incredible decisions made by censors in the past. He ex plores the narrow minds that wield these wide powers. And he shows how censorship, bad enough today, would be even worse if the Johnson Bill became law. What are Hollywood's plans for meeting this growing menace? Be sure to read YOU CAN'T SEE THAT MOVIE: Censorship in Action. In Collier's, out today. ColUer^Today The Croivell-Collier Publishing Company, 640 Fifth Avenue, New York 19, N. Y. Publishers of Collier's, The American Magazine, Woman's Home Companion