Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1931)

26 MOTION PICTURE HERALD May 16, 193 Trans-Lux Opens Twin Houses In N.Y. on Friday Twin Trans-Lux houses at Broadway and 49th street, New York, open Friday, May 15, one seating 161, devoted exclusively to newsreel, the other seating 210 and showing a diversified program of shorts. The newsreel is on a twice-weekly change basis, and the other a weekly change. Admission of 25 cents will prevail at all times, both houses operating continuously, from 10 A. M., each performance requiring about one hour. The Trans-Lux turnstile is used exclusively in both theatres. Daylight projection from the rear is used on a patented daylight screen by specially designed RCA Photophone reproducing equipment. Heating and cooling systems are installed in the twin houses. Wanger Resumes Post in Charge Of Production Walter Wanger is understood to have resumed his former position as general manager of Paramount production, with supervision over both East and West Coast plants. The change returns him to the home office, from his post at the Long Island studio, James R, Cowan will take over direct management of the Eastern plant, under the supervision of Wanger, who will continue to keep an eye on activities there. Wanger's return to his former post is understood to meet with the approval of B, P, Schulberg, and is a reversal of the situation within the company. Schulberg was supposed to have taken charge of both units last fall, but the arrangement failed to materialize. The recent trip of Adolph Zukor to the Coast is reported to have been concerned with a discussion of the plan with Schulberg, Sennett to Direct Feature Mack Sennett will produce and direct a Moran and Mack feature, to be released by either Tiffany or Sono Art in October, The contract was signed by Earle W. Mammons, Educational president, and Robert Burkhalter. Forming Booking Circuit Paris — A booking circuit of 250 theatres is reported under way as an enterprise of Pathe-Natan. It is to include the largest theatres in Paris as well as smaller independent houses in the provinces. PatheNatan now has 64 houses. Executives at Dedication Warner executives. Major Albert Warner, Dan Michalove and Albert Howson, attended the dedication of the new Warner theatre at Youngstown, memorial to Sam Warner. 1+ May Be So—But! Seattle — A display card on the front of every Seattle railway street car this week advises prospective riders that the car is "Hell-Bound." Timid souls are said to be waiting for hours and hours on the street corner, letting car after car pass them by, and finally walking to their destination. The film is playing at Hamrick's Blue Mouse theatre in this city. Ufa Takes Lease On Cosmopolitan Ufa has taken over the Cosmopolitan theatre on Columbus Circle, New York, on a long term lease, as the first of an American circuit previously reported. The house will be known as the UfaCosmopolitan, and seats 1100. It will be operated by Ufa Theatres U. S. A., Incorporated. In Germany the company has added two new houses to the circuit. One, seating 2,000, is located in Hamburg ; the other, also seating 2,000, is in Danzig. Expect Advent in Canada Soon of Sponsored Filnns Montreal — A start has been made with sponsored films on a local basis in Montreal with the organization of an enterprise called the Motion Picture Advertising Company, whose notice of incorporation does not give a list of its proprietors or directors. Thus far, however, commercial films, in their newest form, have not yet actually made their appearance on the screen in Canada, with the possible exception that the two transcontinental railway systems in the Dominion have long supplied Canadian theatres with scenics which contain that "travel urge." Radio to Extend Percentage Booking, States Rosenzweig Charles Rosenzweig, vice-president in charge of Radio Pictures distribution, stated on his return from the Coast sales meeting, that the company prefers the percentage system to flat rentals in bookings, and will attempt to extend its use this year. Radio already has six of the new season's product available, he said. He called "ideal," the arrangement whereby President Joseph I, Schnitzer handles the business end of the company and William LeBaron the production. Publix Saenger Name Changed Greensboro, N, C. — Corporate name of Publix-Saenger of North Carolina has been changed to Publix-Kincey, following acquisition of Saenger stock by Publix and H, F. Kincey group. Rosson Named Supervisor Hollywood — Columbia has appointed Arthur Rosson studio supervisor. 3,000 Theatres Win Legal Right To Open Sunday; Approximately 3,000 theatres in the eigb states of New Mexico, Arkansas, Ohio Tennessee, Delaware, Texas, New Hamp shire and Maryland, are now legally frei to operate seven days a week, following tht passage of Sunday opening laws which ter minated a fight against adverse legislation considered as bitter as any the industry ha: ever fought. In all, since the first of January 171 ad verse pieces of legislation have met defeat In 43 states, 270 statutes, favorable and unfavorable, were brought up, Sunday open ings bills in Texas, Tennessee and New Hampshire have passed both houses of th( legislature, and are awaiting the governors signatures. United Artists Will Hold Six Regional Meets United Artists will hold six regional sales conventions, instead of one, at the headquarters of the six divisional managers, following a New York conference of these managers. Al Lichtman, general manager of distribution, believe this method to be more efficient and less wasteful. The New York meeting is set for May,18, followed by the division meetings, which,! will be conducted by Paul Burger, New York; Ben Fish, Chicago; Saul Resnick, Atlanta; J. T. Goldhar, Detroit; L. J.' Schlaifer, Los Angeles ; H. M. Masters, To-'' ronto. ,j Samuel Goldwyn will produce eight of the 14 or 15 on the company schedule, Howard Hughes will have three, and Roland West will be represented. The new theatre contact service department will be discussed at the sales meetings. Try to Block Radio Merger Washington — Independent radio interests have asked Attorney General Mitchell to check the proposed RCA-Victor and Columbia Gramaphone merger, claiming it violates the Sherman anti-trust act. Belasco Play for Swanson Samuel Goldwyn has purchased the screen < rights to "Tonight or Never," current David Belasco success on Broadway, as a vehicle for Gloria Swanson, to be made next fall. Adela Rogers St. John will do the script. Dowling Starting Film Hollywood — Eddie Dowling starts work May 18 on "Honeymoon Lane," produced by V. & D. Productions and Sono Art. William J. Craft will direct.