Motion Picture Daily (Jul-Sep 1952)

6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, July 1, 1952 Brind Warns of Tougher Censorship Washington, June 30. — Charles A. Brind, Jr., counsel for the New York State film censors, warned in a speech made here that the industry might be in for far tougher state regulation if New York's present censorship statuate is declared unconstitutional. One thing that might be considered, he said, is a state law requiring the licensing of all theatres, with the threat of license revocation for showing objectionable films. Another approach that the state might undertake, he added, would be an attempt to include films which "teach Communism" among . the objectionable films. Delivered at Luncheon Brind made these statements in an address entitled "Censorship at the Crossroads," delivered to the annual luncheon-meeting of the Motion Picture Council of the District of Columbia. Other highlights of Brind's speech include : "It is doubtful whether motion picture code would continue in its present form if the statutes mandating decency were declared unconstitutional. There is great pressure now upon industry to lighten up on its provisions." More than the usual number of "indecent" films have been submitted for state censorship since the recent Supreme Court decisions in the "Pinky" and. "Miracle" cases. Instead of "contracting censorship, the time has come to extend it" to pic Censor Challenge Ready in 2 Weeks Washington, June 30.— The Motion Picture Association of America hopes to have ready "within two weeks" a suit challenging the constitutionality of Ohio's newsreel censorship, MPAA information director Kenneth Clark disclosed. CTA Will Publicize Award to Industry San Francisco, June 30. — The California Theatres Association is planning a campaign to publicize the recent award given to the motion picture industry by the Preview Committee of 13 national organizations, according to L. S. Hamm, president of the CTA, who has appointed a campaign committee. tures containing Communist propapanda. Brind's speech was promptly challenged from the audience by Ken Clark, Motion Picture Association of America information director, who said he thought the "Miracle" decision had laid to rest for all time the Mutual Film case decision upholding pre-censorship, but that he saw now that it hadn't. Clark said the MPAA's stand was that it was "just as wicked, wrong and violative of constitutional rights for a censor to stand at the shoulder of a film producer as at the shoulder of a newsp?per editor." New Mass. Wage Law Easy on Theatres Boston, June 30. — A bill setting up a mandatory 75-cent an hour minimum wage for Massachusetts workers generally, but permitting wage boards to recommend rates as low as 65 cents for some occupations was passed last week. Theatre ushers and other casual help that now are covered by an existing amusement and recreation occupation order are not covered by the bill. Under the present law there is a 65cent per hour minimum, but wage boards are permitted to set lower rates in certain industries. State Senator George J. Evans, who offered the amendment exempting theatre ushers, stated that motion picture theatres were getting competition from television and should receive some consideration. ■Two months ago the House of Representatives passed a labor-sponsored bill for a flat 75 cents per hour minimum wage but exempting persons receiving" tips as part of their pay, apprentices and handicapped workers. It is said that he House has indicated that it will go along with the bill as amended by the Senate in order to avert the stalemate that has blocked it for two years. Detroit Tent Holds Party Detroit, June 30. — The Variety Club of Detroit held its annual golf party today at the Tarn O'Shanter Country Club, all proceeds, including those from the raffle of a new car, going to the Heart Fund of the club. Australia Using More U.S. Films Washington, June 30.— U. S. films accounted for 81.3 per cent of total feature imports into Australia in 1951, compared to 77.6 per cent in 1950, the Commerce Department has reported. Last year, 347 U. S. features were brought into Australia, as against 316 the previous year, the Department said. Endres First in UA Two-Film Campaign John Endres, manager of the Calderone Theatre in Hempstead, L. I, has won the $150 first-prize for the best exploitation campaign developed by a Skouras Theatres manager on "The River" and "The Green Glove," United Artists film combination, it was announced here by Francis M. Winikus, UA national director of advertising and publicity. Second prize of $100 goes to Philip Chaiton, manager of the Ward Theatre in the Bronx. Third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh prizes of $50 each have been awarded, respectively, to Frank DiGennaro, Merrick Theatre, Jamaica ; Sidney Newman, Bronxville Theatre, Bronxville ; Irving Schwartz, Nemo Theatre, Manhattan ; Ted Rodis, Boulevard Theatre, Jackson Heights, and Jack Bokser, Crotona Theatre in the Bronx. ONCE IN A GENERATION . . . ENTERTAINMENT LIKE THIS! "You can take back your sister! It's your custom, not mine. No dowry... no marriage. We call it quits! HERBERT J. YATES presents Color by TECHNICOLOR • Directed by JOHN FORD A REPUBLIC PICTURE