Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1931)

April 18, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 9 PUBLIC TURNS THUMBS DOWN ON ADVERSE THEATRE LEGISLATION 200 Sumptuary Bills Are Defeated by Solons — Sunday Opening Gain in Five States, Showing a Decided Public Trend Toward Liberalism, According to HERALD Survey The American public, through its legislators, has declined to place additional burdens on the shoulders of the motion picture industry, according to a nationwide survey just concluded by MOTION PICTURE HERALD. With a majority of the legislatures, which convened in 44 states after January 1, adjourned, the HERALD learned through its survey that more than 200 bills adverse to motion pictures had been defeated. These included tax, censorship and blue law measures. Not only were Sunday closing bills defeated. In at least five states the public's legislative representatives displayed their trend toward liberalism by adopting bills granting shows on the Sabbath. States included are New Mexico. Arkansas, Maryland (for Baltimore only, with a referendum to be held), Ohio, and Idaho. Several cities were granted home rule on the question. Germans Now Have 30 of 200 Houses Projected in U. S. Acquisition of 30 theatres in the United States by German interests for the exclusive showing of German product, is reported in New York by those close to German film activities in this country. It is also stated that these houses foun only the nucleus of a circuit to embrace 200 theatres. The name of Milton Diamond, described as an important cog in the Warner-Klangfilm negotiations, is linked with the enterprise as its promoter. The string is said to be the result of the difficulty met in efforts to get American bookings for German pictures. Thirteen States to Act Although nothing definite regarding the legislative situation could be learned from the offices of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, C. C. Pettijohn did state that the Her.\ld's figures were substantially correct. Forty-four states were included in the Herald survey. Twenty of these legislatures adjourned without passing any adverse legislation. At the time of the survey there was no apparent danger in 11 other states. In 13 states serious matters were pending. Oust Brezillon as Head of Syndicate British Quota Right Off the Shelf In two years, national companies have refilmed in sound 1 30 of the old "successes" of pre-talker days. Comparatively few, however, have hit the box office high spots reached by silent predecessors. Fox to Copyright All Its Ad Motter All press books, exploitation material and ad accessories issued by Fox will be copyrighted, according to a decision that will be placed in effect with all pictures beginning with "Women of All Nations." This rule does not mean that theatres buying Fox product cannot use Fox ad matter without making special provision. The copyright law will be invoked, it is stated, merely against those who have no interest in the exhibition of Fox product. Industry Awaits Word on Code Revision for Labs, Theatres Complete re\"ision of the fire code for laboratories, exchanges, studios and theatres, by the National Fire Protection Association, is not expected by film leaders to cause undue hardship to the industry, in view of the fact that majority of companies involved have, over a period of years, concentrated on • fire prevention. Fire rate in the film field, it is contended, has been lower than in most major industries. British Move to Unify National Censorship Views London — EfYorts are being made to establish a general censorship code that will enable the British censors and local authorities to rule on pictures in harmony. The move comes as a result of growing number of cases in which the film censor is reversed by local councils, causing the prestige of the censor to suffer. Hays' Office in New Quarters The Hays organization soon will announce removal to new quarters, located on 44th or 45th streets, some place near Fifth avenue. Will H. Hays returns to New York from his annual Coast visit about May 1. Present headquarters are at 469 Fifth Avenue, New York, where the organization has operated since its inception early in 1922. Sheehan to N. Y. for Convention W intield Sheehan. Fox vice-president and general manager, arrives in New York April 26 for the annual sales convention. Paris — Leon Brezillon, for 19 years president of the Syndicate des Directeurs, has resigned — virtually forced to, according to reports in the trade here. In his stead has been appointed Raymond Lussiex. Other new olhcials elected in the shakeup are Messrs. Vignal, Bernheim and Hoch, vice-presidents ; and A. Gerard, general secretary. RKO May Get Central. N. Y. To Replace Globe Theatre Sources close to RKO have indicated that the company may take over the Central theatre, 47th and Broadway, at the termination of its lease on the Globe, where several of the premier attractions of Radio have been shown. Only Managers at MGM Meet Salesmen will not attend M-G-M's national sales convention this year. The confab, opening April 26 at the Chicago Drake, will be confined to managers. Rises to 12 3-8% London — The British quota law now enters its fourth year, automaticallv increasing to 12^%. The first year, ended March 31, 1929, saw a 7y2% quota. In 1930. the law automatically raised the figure to 10%. Next year, the current 12>^% regulation advances to 15St, the permanent figure. The new figure, and next year's large percentage, is forcing a number of American companies to establish production units in England to meet quota requirements. Approximately 86 British made talkers must be released by English distributors this season. Harry Reichenbach to Hospital Harry Reichenbach this week entered Doctors' Hospital, New York. He has been suffering since last October from an infected thymis gland. Reichenbach temporarily has suspended his freelance publicity business.