Motion Picture Daily (Oct-Dec 1952)

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FIRST IN FILM NEWS h MOTION PICTURE DAILY Impartial VOL. 72. NO. 71 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1952 TEN CENTS Italians Told Code Helped Block Censors Self -Regulation Need Explained by Spaeth Tribute to the Hollywood Production code as an instrument which blocked the growth of "political censorship" in the United States was paid here yesterday by Dr. Sigmund Spaeth, motion picture chairman of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Spaeth's address was the highlight of a luncheon at the Hotel Plaza o-iven by the Film Estimate Board of National Organizations, claiming to represent 40,000,000 American clubwomen, in honor of the Italian film industry. It was delivered by Mrs. Jessie M. Bader, national chairman ot the Protestant Motion Picture Council, due to Spaeth's illness. In his observations, Spaeth explored the historical background of the Code, which he said, "reflects the composite entertainment taste and moral standards of our complex population. He added that it would be "consum(Continued on page 3) Report Continued Gross Upswing Additional reports of an upswing in box-office grosses are in from Cincinnati, Louisville and Hartford, Conn. From Cincinnati, it was reported that the uptrend in grosses at first-run houses, which became manifest there several weeks ago, is continuing unabated. Louisville exhibitors and _ those m neighboring areas were said to be more optimistic currently than they have been in a long time regarding future business. A survey of key cities throughout the Connecticut area by the Bridgeport Herald shows that motion pictures are "making a strong comeback." Mayer Again Puts On COMPO Harness Arthur L. Mayer, former executive vice president of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, yesterday informed the industry agency that he was ready again to contribute his time and effort to the advancement of its aims and purposes. Mayer recently completed a book which will be published shortly by Simon & Schuster. COMPO promptly accepted Mayer's offer, and in consequence he will discuss the organization in an address before the Film Council of Springfield, Mass., on Oct. 16. COMPANIES 'OK' ARBITRATION 25 States Now in Rogers Campaign Theatres in 25 states are now participating in the Will Rogers Hospital fund drive. Signing up for the Rogers Memorial Hospital collection-can-on-candystand project every theatre in the state of Rhode Island is the goal of Maurice Druker, manager of Loew's State in Providence. Druker yesterday sent into the fund headquarters names of 22 additional Rhode Island theatres. There are about 63 houses in the state. With the enrollment by Henry G. Plitt of the Paramount Gulf Theatres (Continued on page 5) 14 Technicolor Films In '39; 185 Now Hollywood, Oct. 8.— In June, 1939, there were 14 features in color by Technicolor in release, ready for release, in production or preparation; a week ago there were 185 Cox, Wesco 'V-P,' Signs 5-Year Pact Los Angeles, Oct. 8— A new employment contract covering the period Dec. 1, 1952 to Dec. 31, 1957 has been signed by Henry C. Cox as Wesco Theatres vice-president, it was learned here yesterday. Under the agreement, which replaces one for the period Nov., 1945 to Nov., 1952, Cox will receive a weekly salary Of $1,000, plus weekly expenses of $100. He makes his headquarters in Los Angeles, and any expenses for traveling on business are to be repaid apart from the regular allowance. In the event of the executive's death during the term of the contract, his wife, Mrs. Jesse L. Cox, will receive $300 weekly for five years. If, for reasons of health, Cox should be unable to perform his duties and the (Continued on page 5) Distributor Revisions Set; Now Goes to Exhibitors Who Are Free to Suggest Changes; Republic, Monogram Reservation Following a meeting here yesterday of distributor presidents, other top executives and attorneys, Eric A. Johnston, Motion Picture Association of America president, reported they approved an industry arbitration system draft which will be submitted promptly to exhibitor organization representatives for action. The draft will not be handed to the exhibitor representatives on a "take-it-or-leave-it" basis, it was emphasized. Said Johnston: "The door is open for changes in the draft which may be requested by exhibitors." Any proposed changes in the draft on which distributor attorneys have worked steadily during the past few weeks "will be fully considered by the distributing companies so that an arbitration system can be established as speedily as possible," Johnston said. Participants in yesterday's meeting freely admitted that distributors' approval of the draft was not reached without a few "uprisings" against some of its provisions. It was pointed out that Monogram and Republic still want Department of Justice assurances that they will not be bound by the industry anti-trust suit decrees if they become signatories to any arbitration system agreement. The distributors were reported to be satisfied that they have complied with the request of Abram F. Myers, Allied States Association general counsel, "for something I can react to and submit to my organization." It is expected the distributors' draft, which actually is a distributoramended version of a document drawn up originally by exhibitor as well as Says Video Is Spurring Film Theatres' Gains Toronto, Oct. 8.— The coming of radio helped bring "talkies" and speed the arrival of third dimensional the challenge of TV is helping to films, according to N. A. Taylor, president of 20th Century Theatres. "I am excited at what is happening and what can happen," he told those participating in the last of a series of company regional meetings held in a number of Ontario cities. "You can't sit on your status quo, Taylor advised his managers, executives and head office department heads. N. A. Taylor "This business cannot remain static. That fact is the life-blood of our business. And if you believe that, say so. When a man asks you if television will put you out of business, tell him that his grandchildren will be going to the movies. Talk on the upbeat, not the downbeat." Taylor, whose company operates 70 theatres in Ontario and recently added several in the West, declared: "If you don't think that the motion picture theatre will survive television, then now is the time to get out of it for your own sake and for the sake of your families," he advised, adding: "I'm sticking." Not only change was normal, he (Continued on page 5) (Continued on page 5) Cravath Law Firm Advises RKO Radio The retention of the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore as special counsel was disclosed here yesterday by the board of directors of RKO Radio Pictures. The firm will represent the corporation in its Stock Exchange, Securities Exchange Commission, corporate and financial matters, it was added. Thomas Halleran, a partner in the Cravath firm, will be consultant to the board of directors.