Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1959)

Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 3, AA's Grosses ( Continued from page 1 ) ing year, making 15 to 17 themselves, and the remainder by independent producers. Some will be "blockbusters" but Broidy emphasized the need for moderate budgeted pictures with what he termed a "built-in" gimmick. He gave as an example '"The House on Haunted Hill" with the Emergo gimmick which is taking phenomenal grosses in America. It shows, he added, the public will still respond to showmanship. Asks Blood, Sweat and Tears' He concluded with an appeal for more blood, sweat and tears in the industry. There has lately been plenty of blood and tears but we are a little short of sweat, Broidy said. With Norton Ritchey he goes on to Paris to line-up an Allied Artists production in France before returning to London en route for America. Imitation of Life Flick in Rep] (CONTINUED FROM PAGE I) Russian Film Exchange (Continued from page 1) ternational Education at the Mayflower I Intel here. "I think the film industry has done a good job," the Senator said. "1 think Eric Johnston should be commended instead of criticized for his efforts. "I think we ought to realize that it is to our advantage to have American films shown in the Soviet Union. "If American films are good enough for you and for me and for our children, then why not for the Soviets? Praises the Quality "I am of the opinion that we ought to try to show them in Russia. Many of these films are top grade films. They're not rag-tag B fiilms. They're Class A films, the best that you can show. "Instead of having the film industry beaten over the head because it has done something that we ought to have done ten or 15 years ago, I think the industry ought to be given some kind of medal for its services bevond the call of duty." Reserve Decision {Continued from page 1) atrical Corp., a Stanley Warner subsidiary which operates the Strand and Embassy, and Peter G. Perakos, operator of the Palace and Arch Street, all New Britain houses, on the contention that presence of policemen on duty in theatres is contrary to both federal and state laws. Judge Shapiro has ordered opposing counsel to file briefs by Feb. 11. spiritual singer, appearing as herself in the funeral sequence, there is a plentiful supply of meaningful names to flash before the eyes of the public. Elaborately produced by Ross Hunter and directed by Douglas Sirk, the team that gave theatre owners the successful modern version of "Magnificent Obsession" a few years ago, the production is in Eastman Color and, with its several musical embellishments would appear to offer a built-in opportunity to realize some extra profits. The modernized screenplay by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott retains the basic plot ingredients, specifically the young Negress who wanted to pass as white, and the resultant heartache and tragedy that was visited upon her mother. With desegregation developments prominent in today's news, this racial aspect takes on a topical quality and audiences will bring to it heightened interest and sympathy. The authors have transformed Miss Turner's role into that of an actress who climbs to stardom with the aid of a romance with a playwright, played by O'Herlihv, which supplants a more lasting one with her suitor of the early, lean years, Gavin. As her career reaches its peak, the camera is afforded ample opportunity to display gowns and jewelry in profusion. Miss Turner is svelte and professional as the young, widowed actress who sacrifices true love and the companionship of her daughter for a career, and who, when in need of both, discovers that her daughter has grown up and is in love with Gavin, also. Miss Moore, as Miss Turner's housekeeper, is fine as the Negro mother who offers her rebellious daughter love and understanding, and is repaid with rejection and heartbreak. Miss Dee and Miss Kohner are excellent in their roles as the respective daughters, and Gavin as Miss Turner's patient suitor, and Alda as her romantically inclined agent, give excellent performances. Musically, there is Mahalia Jackson's rendition of "Trouble of the World," a spiritual, and there is "Empty Arms," sung by Miss Kohner, for which Arnold Hughes wrote the music and Frederick Herbert the lyrics. And, finally, there is a title song with music by Sammy Fain and lyric by Paul Francis Webster, sung by Earl Grant. With its pre-sold title and its name strength, its topical values and other components certain to help generate favorable word-of-mouth, the box office strength of this attraction should be considerable. Exhibitors will serve themselves well by getting solidy behind it with all the promotion they can afford. They will be well repaid. Running time, 124 minutes. General classification. Release, in April. Sherwin Kane {Continued from page 1) why Mr. Clark should be writing unsolicited, open letter, which peared in the press before I rece it, and concerned because it cont certain distortions of facts." Dr. Flick pointed out that he "especially concerned" about CI; use of words "compounding a felo "The dictionary defines felony ; 'grave crime'," Dr. Flick said, adi "I have committed no grave cr nor have I compounded it. I ass that Mr. Clark was not using the in the invidious sense. "This shows how the phrase cai easily misconstrued, just as the notative but mistaken meaning of ' sorship' gives that term an implies of opprobrium." "It is a simple statement of f; added Dr. Flick, "to say I am supj ing a licensing law enacted by legislature— the representatives spokesmen of the public, in 1921, repeatedly and overwhelmingly i dorsed by them since then, de: the efforts of those opposing re£ tion, or censorship." Sees 'More Positive Approach Flick pointed out that his film ings plan had never been offic approved by the State Educatio the Board of Regents. He advai the idea because of the "belief it w provide a more positive approac censorship," and particularly "i help parents to determine what children should see on the screen Flick emphasized that, d Clark's statement, he had not cized the Production Code. "I constantly and publicly spoken immense benefit to the industry ar the public— benefits which the pi probably does not realize, and sh not be expected to appreciate ' explained. Negroes Defend 'Life*" Against 'Libel' Charge From THE DAILY Bureau HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 2.-Universal's "Imitation of Life" was defended today by several prominent Negro newspapermen after it had been denounced by the Los Angeles Tribune, Negro daily, as a "libel on the Negro race." The Tribune said it will refuse all advertising on the picture. Coming to the defense of the film were Harry Levitt, Associated Negro Press and dean of Negro correspondents in Los Angeles; Hazel Washington, Chicago Defender, and "Doc" Young of L. A. Continental. New Two-Year Studio 'S'S-' Overseas Bow Labor Agreement Set From THE DAILY Bureau HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 2. A new two-year agreement between major studios, TV film producers and film processors with the IATSE studio unions was concluded here at the weekend. The agreement provides for a 21cent per hour increase in wages and fringe benefits: an increase in payments into the industry pension plan; extension of health insurance to retired employes and an increase in life insurance coverage for employes from 'Cinerama Soutii Seas Advent, will have its first overseas premie the Teatro Del Este, Caracas, \, zuela, on March 29. The theati reported to be already sold out fo first six weeks of the engagement $1,000 to $2,500. Payments into health and welfare fund hereafter include overtime hours worked ir basis of computation. The unions may reopen the tract on the issue of wages onl the event the Bureau of Labor Si tics cost of living index rises 5 cent or more above the Jan. 15, figure. THE GEVAERT CO. OF AMERICA, INC. Sales Offices and Warehouses at Photographic materials of extraordinary quality for over half a century 321 West 54th Street New York 19 New York 6601 N. Lincoln Ave. Lincolnwood, III. (Chicago) Los Angeles 38 California 1355 Conant Street Dallas 7 Texas P. O.Box9161 Denver Colorado A Comp Line of Professi< Cine Fill I