Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1951)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate Concise and Impartial VOL. 69. NO. 44 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1951 TEN CENTS Special Sales Unit for ELC Foreign Films Will Resemble Prestige; Kranze Sets 13 Releases A new "art" films sales unit will be established shortly by Eagle Lion Classics to handle certain of the company's imports from England, France, Italy and other European countries, Bernard G. Krauze, newly-named ELC distribution vicepresident, said yesterday. Kranze reported at the same time that 13 pictures have been slated for ELC release generally during the next three months. Indicating that the new "art" films division will be patterned somewhat after the Prestige Pictures set-up which was discontinued some time ago by Universal, Kranze said that many foreign-made pictures "need special concentration and handling — men who sell regular motion pictures can't do (Continued on page 7) Cohen Named ELC General Sales Mgr. Milton E. Cohen yesterday was promoted from Eagle Lion Classics Eastern sales manager to general sales manager succeeding Bernard G. Kranze who last Friday was named distribution vicepresident. Kranze said a new Eastern sales manager will he selected from within the company at an early date. It is expected that Kranze, who has succeeded William J. Heineman as distribution chief, will replace Heineman on (Continued on page 7) Milton E. Cohen U. S. Italian Pact Expected by Canty Confidence that a "formula will be worked out for a long term agreement" between the Italian and American industries was expressed here yesterday by George Canty, Motion Picture Association of America rep(Continued on page 7) Producers Rallying to UA, Heineman Tells Salesmen See New NPA Unit Aiding Industry Washington, March 5. — With the appointment of a full-time director today, a division of the National Production Authority that might bring considerable help to some industry firms is expected to really start functioning. The division is the Office of Civilian Requirements. It is charged with acting as the claimant in the government, before NPA and other agencies concerned with priorities and allocations, for materials needed to assure goods and services essential to the civilian economy. For example, if a new theatre is (Continued on page 7) Leading independent producers are rallying to the support of the new United Artists, making it possible for die company to complete an augmented release schedule this week for the next 90-day period, William J. Heineman, U. A. vice-president in charge of distribution, informed the company's sales force on taking over his new post yesterday. In wires sent to U. A. branch personnel throughout the country Heineman expressed enthusiasm for the company's prospects under Arthur Krim, its new president, and his associates. He paid his respects to Gradwell L. Sears, former head of U. A. distribution, saying he is "grateful for the privilege of being able to utilize his (Sears') great ability and experience." "In my opinion, no company in the (Continued on page 7) $70,000 for 'Storm Warn ing ' Tops N. Y. First-Run Grosses Blustery March weather, with snow and rain on Saturday and Sunday, depressed business somewhat at Broadway first-runs last week but grosses held up rather well, considering the adverse elements. "Storm Warning" had a splendid opening at the Strand despite the weather, with $34,000 reported for the three days beginning Friday. The week's gross is expected to total over $70,000, the best first week there in (Continued on page 7) MGM to Release 18 in 5 Months, 8 in Technicolor Eighteen pictures for the five months beginning March 9 will be released by M-G-M, it was announced here yesterday by William F. Rodgers, sales vice-president. Of the 18, eight will be in Technicolor. The schedule follows : For March: "Three Guys Named Mike," starring Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel and Barry Sullivan, followed by "Inside Straight," to feature David Brian, Barry Sulli(Continued on page 2) Meet on Coast Next Week For Compo Seminar Plans Planning for industry seminars to be held under the auspices of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations will get underway on the Coast next week, it was indicated here yesterday by Gael Sullivan, chairman of the COMPO seminar committee. Sullivan who, as executive director of 'Theatre Owners of America, will attend the March 9-11 meeting of the Southern California Theatre Owners Association, said he will take advantage of that Coast visit to confer with Art Arthur, executive secretary of the Motion Picture Industry Council, as well as studio heads and officers of the local Variety Club on a possible date (Continued on page 7) Would End Missouri Censorship Board Kansas City, March 5. — A bill to end the state film censor board on the ground it is unnecessary has been introduced in the legislature by the ways and means committee. A spokesman said the motion picture industry now is policing itself better and there is no longer any need for state censorship. Contract Date Stalls Studio Labor Peace Balk at Date Change in Wage Reopening Clause Hollywood, March 5. — Unless management and labor can reach a compromise date for reopening contracts for wage revisions the offer by major studios of a 10-cent-an-hour wage increase will continue to be rejected by IATSE locals, Roy Brewer, TA' international representative, said here today. The studios in making their offer last Tuesday had stipulated that the unions must agree to postpone the present reopening date, Oct., 1951, to Oct., 1953. Union officials thus far have contended that the price future is too uncertain at this time to warrant a two-year extension. This point, which was the chief stumbling block at last Tuesday's (Continued on page 7) 20th Divorcement Plans Due April 1 An extension until April 1 for 20th Century-Fox to file its plan for divorcement was approved here yesterday in Federal Court. The Department of Justice agreed to the extension from yesterday, when the plan was due. Spokesmen for both the government and the company expressed the hope that a consent decree, reported to be near consummation, would be ready in final form before the expiration of the extension. The extension also gives 20th-Fox until Anril 1 for final dissolution of its interest in Golden State Theatres. The previous deadline was March 15. The annual stockholders' meeting of 20th Century-Fox will be held on May 15, it was learned here yester(Continued on page 4) Fromkess Sets Up Organizing Meet Hollywood, March 5. — An organizational meeting at which Leon Fromkess and 16 former PRC franchise holders will finalize the agreement under which he will launch a new production-distribution company, (Continued on page 4)