Motion Picture Daily (Apr-Jun 1959)

NO. 71 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1959 TEN CENTS gstein Says: n Industry Up to Dose ontroversy Itself Too Seriously, ity AM? A Meet Told EDITORIAL (Picture on Page 3) ]. Youngstein, United Artists ident, delighted a capacity of approximately 200 memguests of the Associated Moure Advertisers at a luncheon ccadilly Hotel here yesterday citation of the difficulties that > decision to choose a nonrsial subject on which to them. :h delicacy was displayed by L. Mayer, veteran exhibitor "ibutor, who preceded him at and as his subject chose in. '. A. executive ended an enZontinued on page 3) wests $1,500,000 Sale of Studio WARREN G. HARRIS the sale of its Hollywood which resulted in a net profit 5,510 for the company, UniPictures le varistments •ighbor(51,500,stocks Is, presilton R. told the meeting ;holders a Rec:ent or " 'iere Milton Rackmil pi de bmment on a description of rities involved, but said that a was of Universale own comck, of which Decca owns ap.Continued on page 7) S/ON TODAY— page 7 Dedicated Exhibitors ^ ____ _ _ _ By Sherwin Kane THE APPEARANCE of an increasing number of exhibitors at Motion Picture Herald's merchandising conferences is an impressive demonstration that many exhibitors today are vitally interested in anything that promises to help them sell more tickets at their box offices. Several score exhibitors, many of them traveling long distances to attend last week's conferences here, devoted three days and nights to viewing outstanding summer releases of seven companies and to participating in subsequent discussions of the campaigns for the pictures. The thoroughgoing, candid discussions produced valuable, specific (Continued on page 2) Johnston Wants Larger Information Media fund From THE DAILY Bureau WASHINGTON, April 14.-Motion Picture Association President Eric Johnston will ask Congress Friday for more money for the information media guaranty program. This is the program under which (Continued on page 6) Plan Legislative Fight On Sunday Movie Ban Special to THE DAILY HARRISBURG, Pa., April 14.-An all out fight to win Sunday movies throughout Pennsylvania will begin here next Tuesday when a group of exhibitors will hold a legislative strategy meeting. A bill revoking the (Continued on page 6) $20 Million Program From Mirisch for UA The Mirisch Company has set a program of top films for production at a cost of $20,000,000 starting July 15, it was announced yesterday by Harold Mirisch, president of the company. Release will be through United Artists, which is handling the (Continued on page 6) ACE CaUsonlLA. to Modify 'Look-See' Plan The executive committee of the American Congress of Exhibitors called upon United Artists yesterday to "reconsider and modify" its policy with respect to the "look-see" practice of many exhibitors. Following its all-day meeting here (Continued on page 2) REVIEW: Last Train from Gun Wallis — Paramount — VistaVision Producer Hal Wallis and director John Sturges, who made the memorable "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral"" two years ago, have joined forces again to turn out another top-notch western. They call the new one "Last Train from Gun Hill," and it should coin a mint wherever the fans enjov a thrilling western show. As has come to be expected of Wallis, the production values of this picture are first-rate. It has two major stars in Kirk Douglas (also in "O.K. Corral") and Anthony Quinn and two comparative newcomers of promising talent in Carolyn Jones and Earl Holliman. The scenery, filmed in Arizona in VistaVision and Technicolor, is stupendous, and the re-creation of a western town authentic down to the red velvet drapes in the gaudy saloon. But the major distinction of "Last Train from Gun Hill" is the script of (Continued on page 6) 6 Points U.A. 'Clarifies' Its 'Look-See' Sales Policy Heineman Says ''Fuss9 It Created is Unwarranted W. J. Heineman Adoption of United Artists' new policy pertaining to the "look-see" practice of many exhibitors does not mean that the company will „~-r»» not meet with its customers and grant relief when justified, William J. Heineman, distribution vicepresident, made it clear yesterday. In a "statement of clarification" of the policy Heineman said, "It is hard for me to imagine why all of the fuss has been created over the announcement of our sales policy. It was our intention when (Continued on page 2) ACE Names Committee To Meet with MPA The executive committee of the American Congress of Exhibitors at its meeting here yesterday, accepted the invitation of the Motion Picture Association committee on exhibitor relations for a meeting at the Harvard Club, Tuesday, May 12. The ACE committee will consist of S. H. Fabian, national chairman of ACE; Horace Adams, president of Allied States Assn.; George Kerasotes, president of Theatre Owners of America; Sol Schwartz, president of the Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatre Assn.; Harry Brandt, president of I.T.O.A.; and Harry Arthur, chairman of the board of the Pacific Coast Theatres Association. Members of the MPA exhibitor relations committee are Spyros Skouras, Arthur Krim and Eric Johnston.