The Exhibitor (1959)

January 7, 1959 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR 19 U. S. Films Popular Behind Iron Curtain NEW YORK — Over in Hungary and Ru¬ mania the crowds practically batter down theatre doors to get in to see American motion pictures. This is the gist of U. S. Government reports on reactions to films in the two Iron Curtain countries. Product from America has only recently been imported again into the two satellite nations. The report on Hungary says: “So far only a small number of American films have been shown in Hungary, and these have included ‘Trapeze,’ ‘Roman Holiday,’ ‘Knock On Wood,’ and ‘Telephone Call From A Stranger.’ It is certainly clear that Ameri¬ can motion pictures are highly popular in Hungary, primarily, we believe, because they show a segment of life in America and some¬ thing of how Americans live. “There was a recent cartoon in the weekly humor magazine Ludas Matyi, which showed a wife with two children tearfully waving goodbye to her husband who was departing by train. To a sympathetic stranger’s ques¬ tion as to whether her husband was going far, the wife answered: ‘Of course. He’s going off to see ‘Knock On Wood.’ This illustrates something of the tremendous difficulty there has been in getting tickets to see this motion picture. “All of the American films have played to overflow audiences and it is certainly fair to say that it is obvious that the Hungarians crowd in to view some replica of American life on the screens.” As for Rumania, where “Marty” and “Trapeze” have been shown, the government report says that both “attracted sellout and enthusiastic crowds in Bucharest.” It then went on: “People were standing in line from 3 in the morning until the box office opened at 8 a.m. in order to obtain tickets to see ‘Trapeze.’ The theatre was constantly filled and pavement was crowded with people try¬ ing to get in.” The U. S. Government, based on such re¬ ports as these from many countries over the years, has always regarded the Hollywood motion picture as one of the country’s most important ambassadors of good will and un¬ derstanding to the peoples of the world. Goldman To Be Honored PHILADELPHIA — William Goldman, presi¬ dent of the Pennsylvania Association of Amusement Industries, is to be honored at a luncheon to be held in the ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel on Jan. 29. David E. Milgram is chairman of the event which will mark the accomplishments of the Association during Goldman’s tenure as president during the past three years, which have helped all phases of the amuse¬ ment industries in the state. A big turn out of those connected with the entertainment and sports fields is anticipated. Fox Promotes Conn NEW YORK — Adhering to a policy of pro¬ moting from the ranks, general sales man¬ ager Alex Harrison announced the elevation of Robert L. Conn to the managerial post at the 20th Century-Fox branch in Chicago. Conn started with the company as an as¬ sistant shipper at the Kansas City office on April 29, 1936. He succeeds Tom R. Gilliam as Chicago manager, the latter retiring after holding that post for more than 16 years. LONDON Observations by Jock MacGregor THROUGH BEING HONORED as the first trade paperman ever to serve along with the presidents of the trade associations on Lord Radcliffe’s committee for the Royal Film Performance, I missed much of the Christmas junketing. Regrettable as it was being unable to attend Harry Norris’ and Jimmy Pattinson’s ever enjoyable get-togethers, I would not for the world have foregone the pleasure of the viewing chore. It was no sinecure. We spent many hours viewing the submitted features and shorts and nearly three hours in debate before reaching our final decision. In view of the amount of criticism that usually attends the selection of the royal film, I wish I could go into de¬ tail as to what happened, but this is a privileged occasion. I can say that every picture is most carefully considered and discussed by every member of the committee. No punches are pulled. Each member is most deeply conscious of the importance of the occasion and their great per¬ sonal responsibility in choosing the most suitable program. Some years ago when the selec¬ tion was severely criticised, I suggested that it would be an idea to have two critics on the committee to alleviate the unjust charges that business considerations came into the selection. The suggestion was adopted. ;••■■■ Now I put forward a further one. Currently, only the ..selected films are named. I think the three or four final choices should also be named., together with committee’s reasons for its findings. I believe this would clear the air even further. Certain subjects have not been submitted because of their length^-features have to be under two hours and shorts under 22 minutes. So far the selection committee has been patted on the back. We chose the feature most hotly tipped by those who did not know what we were to see, or for that matter, did see! We chose “Horse’s Mouth,” and “Ten Men in a Boat,” a British documentary, and the French “Lovers of the Seine” as the shorts. FILM VIEWING in the general line of duty has also been enjoyable of late. Publicist Euan Lloyd has made a really delightful feature called “Invitation to Monte Carlo,” which is just the tonic for these dull, misty days. It is the story of an orphan’s trip to Monaco and has many delightful shots of Princess Grace with her daughter and husband. Warm, ingratiating, and colorful, it is a joy to the eye and ear and provides for a really relaxing and entertaining hour. . . . Do not under estimate Rank’s “Bachelor of Hearts.” This gay and endearing frolic about Cambridge University is graced by Hardie Kruger, who has al¬ ready proved himself at the box office, and some young actresses who are so decorative that one is surprised to find them in a British picture. Another Rank turn up is “La Parisienne” which is probably the most delightful Brigitte Bardot yet. Completely inconsequen¬ tial, it is great fun in the best French manner. . . . Two big Variety Lunches have been held. Currently there are two mobile cinemas which tour children’s homes, hospitals, etc., and this year it has been on the advice of the projectionists that the gifts collected at the Christ¬ mas lunch have been distributed. Through their scouting, 12 establishments were found where the kids have never had a present. This year there were two gifts each, a cake and a tree. The second lunch was for the press, and a record number of national newspaper and mag¬ azine editors attended in person. . . . Sir Michael Balcon hosted a Dorchester reception for the press to meet Aldo Ray, who has been making the “The Siege” on location in Australia. Interiors are to be shot at Associated British, Borehamwood. Release will be through AB Pathe. "HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL" Bigger than “ MACABRE ” from ALLIED ARTISTS!