Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1959)

Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 11 Censor Bills (Continued from page 1) the Duffy-Meighan act, to confine the ban on advertising by distributors or exhibitors through the medium of posters, banners or material for newspapers to four grounds: "obscene, indecent, lewd or lascivious." Committee counsel James A. Fitzpatrick pointed out that "obscene and indecent" are now part of the education law on film licensing; that "lewd" and "lascivious" are in the penal law and have a "well defined meaning." Capitol Hill opinion is that the milder classifications proposal has the best chance of action at this relatively late date in the legislative session— with the annual budget still to be passed. Statement by Younglove A statement issued by Assemblyman Joseph R. Younglove, chairman of the joint committee, declared that the "most important" amendments submitted today would modify an earlier proposal for film classifications. Continued is the additional language, in Section 12, that "when a "film, though licensed, portrays nudity, horror, violence, brutality, sadism, juvenile delinquency, drug addiction or sexual conduct or relationships, to an extent believed by the division (motion pictures) to be contrary to the proper mental, ethical and moral development of children subject to the law of this state, the director . . . shall upon review, classify such motion picture as unsuitable for such children." However, the mandate that distributors and exhibitors include the notation of classification, when directed by the motion picture division, has been deleted. Text of Amendment In its place is the sentence: "the division shall maintain a record of all films so classified and shall publish, release or otherwise disseminate information as to such classification at such times and in such manner as may be authorized or directed by the regents." The modified Meighan-Duffy bill deletes the word "disgusting," also references to advertising of scenes which are not part of a picture or which have been eliminated by the motion picture division in licensing same. REVIEW: The Bandit of Zhobe Warwick-Columbia — CinemaScope The bandit of the title of this Warwick production is none other than the redoubtable Victor Mature, who probablv has more action melodramas of this tvpe to his credit than any other actor in Hollywood. As in the case of many of Mature's other starring vehicles, "The Bandit of Zhobe" blends violence and romance in generous proportions, this time with an added bonus of what seem like extras and battle scenes enough to fill two features. In John Gilling's screenplay, Mature is an Indian prince whose late father was a leader of a notorious religious sect known as the Thuggees. When the latter start a new wave of terrorism, Mature is accused by the British of being the mastermind. Pursued, he flees from his home, but returns soon after, to find his wife and son murdered, apparently by the British. The murderers, however, are the real Thuggee leaders, who have committed the deed to turn Mature, who is their sworn enemy, against the British. This plan succeeds admirably, and Mature and his outlaw band are soon plundering and killing on a scale to equal the Thuggees. It takes Anne Aubrey, daughter of British major Norman Woolland, to straighten Mature out. After escaping capture and death by the Thuggees, Mature returns with her to his camp. Miss Aubrey tries to convince Mature that the British were not responsible for the death of his loved ones, but he does not believe her. He comes to his senses too late, and is killed in a battle with the Thuggees, in which he saves the life of Miss Aubrey's father. As directed bv Gilling, "The Bandit of Zhobe" moves like a house afire, with action scenes enough to satisfy the most jaded appetites. Especially impressive is the closing battle between British and Thuggees, in which wave upon wave of men of both sides charge against each other, both on horseback and on foot. Mature is his usual heroic figure, and Miss Aubrey a likeable heroine, although there is little development of a romance between the two. Anthonv Newlev supplies several touches of humor as a British corporal assigned to be Miss Aubrey's bodyguard. Filmed in striking CinemaScope and Technicolor, "The Bandit of Zhobe" was produced by Irving Allen and Albert R. Broccoli. Running time, 80 minutes. General classification. April release. Warren G. Harris TOA Urges Fight ( Continued from page 1 ) terday released the text of a resolution condemning "these fallacious attempts of infringement on personal liberties" represented in pending censorship legislation. The resolution was adopted at the joint meeting of the board of directors and executive committee of TOA in Washington, on March 1 and 2. Kerasotes said that the directors and executive committeemen directed that the resolution be drawn, and that its text was now being sent to all TOA members. Md. House Kills 1 Censor Bill, Passes 1 Special to THE DAILY ANNAPOLIS, March 10-The Maryland House of Delegates defeated by a 65 to 53 vote today a censorship bill which would have permitted the state censor to classify films as to their suitability for minors up to the age of 18. The House also passed a criminal statute bill which increased the penalties for showing obscene motion pictures. The bill was passed bv a 71 to 48 vote. A classification bill similar to that defeated in the House today has been introduced in the State Senate. Ohio Bill Includ 'Misleading' A Special to THE DAILY COLUMBUS, O., March 10 leading" advertising "in any ma would be banned under a littl cussed section of the O'Shaugh Lynch film classification being cj ered by the Ohio Senate Jud committee. Presumably all fori advertising, including newsp lobby displays, heralds, etc., ' come under official scrutiny. The bill provides primaril "adult" and "family" classific for all films shown in Ohio. Ch under 18 would be barred from films. Theatre owners and mai. would be responsible for enforce The "misleading ad" section! vides that "No person, firm or co tion shall in any manner adverti cause to be advertised, the exhi or display of any motion picture the intention of thereby attractmj trons to such exhibition or displ; less: (A) Such advertising confor fact and scrupulously avoids al representation; ( B ) Illustration text in such advertisements fait represent the motion pictures d ed; (C) The advertising is comj devoid of all false or misleading ments, used either directly or in< ly, or implied by type arrangeme by distorted quotations; (D) In such advertising, i with meretricious purpose and cious postures does not appe clothed figures are represented ii manner as to be offensive or cojit to good taste or morals. All adv ments of motion pictures classif adult by the Department of E tion shall bear, in clearly legible, the words, "For Adults Only." Fines of $25 to $300 are pre,, for each offense against the adveulL section of the bill. N. Y. Film-Fee Bill (Continued from page 1) ^ partment's motion picture divisi< reviewing original films from $3 per thousand feet, but reduce rate for prints from $2 per tho feet to $4 for "each additional copy." Normally, such action wouli the measure— to which Sen. Jo Marchi, Staten Island Republics traduced a companion— for the p legislative session. "A fabulous picture . . . great boxofficel I enjoyed It tremendously /" —Harold Novy, Pres., Trans-Texas Theatres PARAMOUNT PICTURES PRES VAN HEFLIN • SILVANA MANGANO • VIVECA LINDFORS • GEOFI OSCAR HOMOLKA • HELMUT DANTINE • AGNES MOOREHEAD • ROBERT KEITH and VITTORIO GASSMAN ■ Directed b) Filmed in TeChl