Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1951)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 69. NO. 50 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 1951 TEN CENTS NPA Appeals By Drive -Ins On Increase Spring Spurs Building Plans; File 7 in Day Washington, March 13. — The approach of spring is bringing an upturn in the number of hopeful drive-in theatre operators making "hardship appeals" to the National Production Authority for permission to build new theatres, NPA officials said. They reported that all other types of appeals, including remodeling, are dropping off in volume or merely holding steady, but that the number of drive-in appeals is on the upturn r'ght now. Just today, they said, one operator put in appeals for seven new drive-ins. Indications were that most of the appeals will be rejected on the ground {Continued on page 8) Italians Invite SIMPP to Talks The Italian delegation which has been scheduled to confer with Motion Picture Association of America officials to determine if there is a "common ground" for negotiation of Italo-American film pact, will be in New York for that purpose between March 28 and April 5, it was established yesterday. Moreover, the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers has been invited to participate in the discussions during that period. The invitation was received in New York by Ellis G. Arnall, SIMPP (Continued, on page 3) Phonevision to Replace Matinees with Midnight Shows in Chicago Test Run Chicago, March 13. — Phonevision will replace its weekday matinees with midnight shows beginning Monday in order to compare the drawing power of the two spots. The two P.M. showings have drawn the smallest audiences during Phonevision's 90-day, 300family test run, which began Jan. 1, it was said. Matinees will be given Saturdays and Sundays with the other showings to continue at seven and nine P.M. Films to be shown next week include: "Rage in Heaven," by M-G-M, released in 1941; "It Happened in Brooklyn," M-G-M, 1947; "Sainted Sisters," Paramount, 1948; "I Love Trouble," 1948; "Arizona," 1940, and "Prince of Thieves," all Columbia, 1948; "Bambi," RKO (Disney) 1942. Set Seminar Subjects for Exhibitors UA 'Grad Sears Drive' Is Set for April 1 -June 2 Arnall Reports New Turn to Production With U. A. Upswing A large number of independent producers are making plans to "get back into production" in view of United Artists' resurgence, Ellis G. Arnall, president of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, reported here yesterday following his return from a visit to the Coast. The new developments at UA, Arnall said, have resulted in "a great feeling of optimism" among Hollywood's independent producers. Arnall had hoped to hold a meeting (Continued on page 8) A United Artists "Grad Sears Drive" in honor of the UA vice-president, will be conducted throughout the U. S. and Canada April 1 through June 2, it was ;imn mnced here yesterday by William j. Heineman, the company's distribution vicepresident. Ten thousand dollars in prizes will be awarded to the winners of the drive in the U. S., with proportionate, awards for Canadian winners. The drive will be based on billings and • (Continued on page 8) COMPO's Mayer Will Pass on Agenda Here Hollywood, March 13. — Political censorship, message films, topical cycles and "star pools" for personal appearance purposes are among the subjects agreed upon for exhibitor-Hollywood seminars by Gael Sullivan, chairman of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations' seminar committee, and Art Arthur, executive secretary of the Motion Picture Industry Council. The two met here, preliminary to submitting their list of proposed subjects to Arthur L. Mayer, executive vice-president of COMPO, when Sullivan, who is also executive director of the Theatre Owners of America, returns to New York. Other proposed seminar subjects include motion picture (Continued 011 page S) Gradwell Sears AID OF THEATRE STAFFS IS SOUGHT TO END LOOSE TALK Mears Heads CEA; Speakman New 'V-P' London, March 13. — Harry P. E. Mears was elected president of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association and W. J. Speakman was named vicepresident at the organization's annual meeting here today. Mears, CEA's former vice-president, succeeds A. B. Watts. W. R. Fuller, CEA general secretary, continues in that post for his 25th year. In his inaugural speech at CEA's annual dinner at Grosvenor House to (Continued on page 3) The executive committee of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations has been called upon to help put an end to "loose talk among theatre employes" which "is contributing to the public's belief that there is something seriously wrong with the picture business." In a letter sent from COMPO headquarters here to the organization's executive committee, Arthur L. Mayer, executive vice president, warns that "thoughtless remarks" by theatre staff workers are giving the impression that "our business is on the downgrade." "Since nobody likes to be associated (Continued on page 3) ELC Sets 4 Sales Meetings in N. Y. Eagle Lion Classics will hold a series of two-day regional sales meetings in New York starting Monday, it was announced here yesterday by B. G. Kranze, distribution vice-president. The meetings will be held at the company's home offices with division, district and branch managers attending. The Eastern division will meet March 19-20, the Midwestern division on March 21-22, Southern divi (Continued on page 3) Include Bidding in SCTOA,D.ofJ.Talks Hollywood, March 13.— A proposed new zoning and clearance schedule for the Los Angeles area, new regulations governing competitive bidding and the establishment of an arbitration system to reduce the number of anti-trust suits filed here are among the problems to be submitted to Department of Justice officials by the newly-created special Southern California Theatre Owners Association committee. This was revealed, today by Sherrill Corwin, who is expected to be named committee chairman. Corwin said, "We plan to work out (Continued oil page 8) Rocky Mt. Allied to Start Booking Unit Denver, March 13. — Allied Rocky Mountain Independent Theatres directors today voted to establish a booking and buying agency for those members wishing to use it with Robert Spahn as booker-buyer. The group also decided to join the Council of Motion Picture Organizations and to urge its members to pay clues direct to COMPO. A committee was named to investigate reasons for the current print shortage. In addition, a convention date was set' for May 9-10 for Denver, it was announced.