The Exhibitor (1954)

6 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR CAN NEWS (Trade Headlines Of The Issue) Deaths Elmer R. Pearson, former Pathe execu¬ tive, dies (page 7), Ruben Frels, head, Texas circuit, dies (page 9). Distribution 20th -Fox’s Al Lichtman proposes that an all-industry conference wait until the arbitration problem is solved, causing dis¬ agreement between Allied and TOA (page 7). A meeting of 20th -Fox sales heads is set to decide merchandising plans on new films (page 8). Exhibition TOA President E. D. Martin meets with the Defense Department to discuss the problems of films released for army camps (page 7). Wisconsin and Illinois line up in sup¬ port of MGM’s salute to the nation’s theatremen (page 9). Financial Allied Artists negotiates new loans to spur production (page 7). Disney profit rises and TV benefits are stressed (page 15), international A reporter admits being at sea over revenue from films shown on Canadian vessels, an English theatre company shows a rise in profit; and UA forecasts a Latin American record year (page 10). Legal Appeals Court declares that Ohio’s cen¬ sor laws are “unconstitutional and void’’ (page 6), Legislative National Allied decides to postpone any action on its proposed federal regulation bill until its board meets (page 6). Mel KonecofF Hprplcl Hecht, president, Hecht-Lancasier/ Pi’oductions, discusses the produc¬ tion plans of his company; Philip Dunne, director, 20th -Fox’s “Prince Of Players,” discusses quality film making and the growth of public appreciation; and other miscellany is briefly examined (pages 6 and 15). Oraanizations TOA’s film finance group offers partici¬ pation to all exhibitors and plans to spread the story all over the country (page 7). Albert Hanson, SCTOA executive, brands the charges against him by Sena¬ tor Andrew Schoeppel as untrue (page 7). The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences consummates a deal to tele¬ vise the award nominations as well as ceremonies (page 18). Production Kirk Douelas and Arthur B. Krim, TJA president, announce that Douglas’ own company will produce six for UA (page 18). A report on the CinemaScope filming of 20thFox's "Prince Of Players" was macfe in New York City recently by Philip Dunne, producerdirector of the film, which had its Broadway premiere at the Rivoli. NiW YORK By Mel Konecoff THIS ORGANIZATION known as Hecht-Lancaster Productions is rapidly assuming major proportions and a bigger and bigger spot in the United Artists or¬ ganizational setup. Harold Hecht, youth¬ ful president, was in town last week prior to leaving for a trip which may take him into England, France, Germany, and Spain on company^, business. Firstly, he will be looking to setup set¬ tings for location shooting on “Trapeze,” which will start around August at a budget of about one-anda-half million. It will star Burt Lan¬ caster and possibly Gina Lollobrigida, with Carol Reed directing, the latter two being subject to negotiations being completed. This will be the first of four fea¬ tures contemplated for production in 1955, with the second to be “Operation Heartbreak” to be filmed in England around May at a budget of about $800,000, with possibly Alec Guinness in the lead, if his schedule permits. The third propei'ty to be filmed is “Until They Sail,” a James Michener story, which Lan¬ caster will direct at a budget of $1,200,000. The fourth picture will be based on a polo story called “The Last Chukker” with a similar budget. There is yet another project in which H-L is interested, and that is a cartoon feature being made by " UPA based on Thurber’s book “The White Deer.” This will cost in the neighborhood of $750,000 and will take about two years to complete. To be released in 1955 by the organiza¬ tion will be three features, all through United Artists, “Vera Cruz,” which is shaping up as a record grosser thus far, “Marty,” and “The Kentuckian.” Hecht expected that 1956 will also see the com¬ pany turning out four features, one of which may be “The Way West.” (Continued on page 15) Konecoff BROADWAY GROSSES (As of this Monday) Holdovers Dominate New York — Business struck an average pace last weekend with all holdover attractions. According to usually reliable reports reaching Motion Picture Exhibitor, the breakdown was as follows: “The Silver Chalice” (Warners). Para¬ mount claimed $42,000 for the third week. “There’s No Business Like Show Busi¬ ness” (20th-Fox). Roxy reported $33,000 for Friday through Sunday, with the fourth week anticipated at $48,000. “Deep In My Heart” (MGM). Radio City Music Hall, with Christmas stage show, garnered $93,500 for Thursday through Sunday, with the fifth week sure to hit $144,500. “The Country Girl” (Paramount). Cri¬ terion reported that the fourth week would hit $56,000. “Carmen Jones” (20th-Fox). Rivoli an¬ nounced that the 11th week would reach $10,000. “Athena” (MGM). Globe expected the last five days of the third week would tally $5,500. “Green Fire” (MGM). Mayfair expected the third week to come to $12,000. “A Star Is Bom” (Warners). Victoria held to a good $20,000 on the 13th week, “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” (Buena Vista-Disney). Astor claimed $40,000 on the third session. “Vera Cruz” (UA). Capitol expected the third week to reach $38,000. “3 Ring Circus” (Paramount). Loew’s State was heading toward a $22,000 third week. Ohio Censorship Ends Columbus, O. — The Second District Court of Appeals of Ohio last week de¬ clared the Ohio censor laws “unconstitu¬ tional and void,” in reversing the anti¬ injunction ruling of Judge Ralph Bartlett of Franklin County Common Pleas Court and granting the permanent injunction against the Ohio censor board. This is the first time that an Ohio court has declared the censor laws unconstitutional. Robert Wile, secretary, ITO of Ohio, said that the decision means that the censor board cannot censor even films submitted voluntarily. Wile also said the decision will strengthen arguments of anti-censorship forces in combatting any new censorship bills introduced in the Ohio legislature. Regulation Bill Hangs Fire Washington — Allied States Association will not decide whether to push its proposed bill for federal regulation of the indus¬ try until after the board meeting early next month, it was stated last week by Abram F. Myers, general counsel. Myers said Allied’s exhibitor defense committee report on the survey conducted in recent weeks to see if distributors have been living up to their promises on rent¬ als, availability, and other items would affect the defense committee’s recommen¬ dations to the board on the film regula¬ tion bill. January 12, 1955