Motion Picture Herald (Sep-Oct 1937)

26 MOTION PICTURE HERALD September 25, 1937 DOYLE CALLS QUOTA AID TO QUALITY FILMS Former Managing Director of Greater Union Theatres in Australia Calls Plan "Equitable" Possible invasion of American companies into the British film industry is an irrelevant point in considering the proposed films act, according to Stuart Doyle, former managing director of Greater Union Theatres in Australia. Mr. Doyle believes the suggested quota is "equitable" and will result in the production of better quality British motion pictures. If English pictures are to advance from their unimportant position in the international market to a place of importance, Mr. Stuart pointed out, the quality must be improved. Therefore, he continued, the question of invasion is beside the point and does not enter into consideration with respect to the quality of films. In last week's issue of the Motion Picture Herald Mr. Bruce Allan, writing from London, reported: "British independent producers, among them a large number whose energies are concentrated on the production of short subjects and documentary films, are uniting in strong opposition to what they believe is a threatened invasion of British studios by Hollywood stars, directors and technicians. Their objection, it is believed, will crystallize in demands for a greater measure of control over the industry by the Government than that outlined in the recent White Paper which detailed proposals for new Films Act legislation." Mr. Doyle's opinion, on the quota, as expressed in an interview in New York, is that: "The British quota seems to be equitable. It will eliminate weak and poor pictures." As for the New South Wales quota, Mr. Doyle is of the opinion that it has proven itself to be a failure. Last year there was no attempt to enforce the provisions, Mr. Doyle continued, because there were only three quota pictures produced. Mr. Doyle does not think there will be any attempt this year, either, to enforce the quota in its present form. However, he revealed that the government is undertaking an investigation with a view to amending the measure. Although Mr. Doyle said he had tenta SALOON THEATRE WAR SEEN AT END Attempts of beer tavern operators to force the Sunday closing of Seattle theatres in retaliation for the closing of their establishments tinder a 1909 "blue law" have apparently failed. B. Gray Warner, local prosecuting attorney, has refused to take action in the matter, advising tavern proprietors to appeal to the Superior Court if further action is desired. Such a step is considered unlikely. tive plans for his future in the theatre business he declined to disclose them, pointing out that there was nothing definite. He planned to sail this week on the Bremen for London. While there he intends to inspect the two theatres which he is having built in Piccadilly. His other interests at present include being chairman of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Network of Australia. The network of 16 stations is owned by Mr. Doyle and Frank Albert. After a short stay in London, Mr. Doyle will return to Sidney, thus completing a world survey of the theatre business. British Publisher Sees Better Films Elope that American producers planning to engage in production in England will make good their plans for quality pictures was expressed this week by Sam Harris, editor and publisher of Today's Cinema, one of London's two daily trade papers, on his arrival here from England. Envisaging England as a golden opportunity for American producers, Mr. Harris said that if American producers fulfill their promise, they can expect to gain considerably. Failure to fulfill them, he said will result in loss of the opportunity to British producers. Asked about the future of English production, Mr. Harris said that the independent producer was finding it increasingly difficult to obtain financing, with the result that the entire product was gradually being consolidated into the hands of the larger studios. Mr. Harris urged American financial support of British production on the ground that English pictures of better quality will be of benefit to American theatre receipts. He said that such support should be given inasmuch as English films could never seriously compete with American films but might help to stimulate the market generally to mutual advantage. Oklahoma City Bans "Tobacco Road" Following the censor board's refusal to permit the presentation of "Tobacco Road," Mayor Martin, of Oklahoma City, this week notified Mrs. Frances Potter Hauser, booking agent, that the play could not be offered in the municipal auditorium "or anywhere else" in the city. To Speak on Health Films Myron Weiss, associate editor of Time magazine, will speak on "The Box Office Reaction to Health and Medical Films" at the annual convention of the American Public Health Association to be held in New York October 5th to 8th. Mr. Weiss will discuss both theatrical and non-theatrical films. HOLLYWOOD GETS NEW PLACE IN SUN Hollywood became reality last week. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously fixed that section of the city which shall in future be known as Hollywood. The action followed the threat of the Chamber of Commerce of neighboring Culver City to renounce its name and adopt that of Hollywood. Report on RKO Reorganization Ready October 14 A tentative draft of his findings on the proposed reorganization plan of RKO will be ready October 14th, George Alger, special master who has held hearings on the plan, said last week. The report will be read at his office at that time, he said, giving the various committees an opportunity to ascertain its nature prior to the submission of final recommendations to the federal district court. In this manner, the reorganizers may present additional testimony or recommend revision before its final report is made. This procedure is expected to facilitate preparation of the final report and to dispense with possible objections which might delay the ultimate decision of Federal Judge William Bondy. Mr. Alger is required to determine whether the plan is "fair, equitable and feasible." Record Production Pace At Studio, Says Warner Jack L. Warner, vice-president in charge of production for Warner Brothers, on his arrival in New York Tuesday from the coast, said that "with nine major productions currently in work at our Burbank studios, we are maintaining the greatest production pace in our history." Mr. Warner also said that his company is planning to film Sheridan's "School for Scandal" with Bette Davis and Errol Flynn starring. Mr. Warner leaves on the Normandie for England next Wednesday, where he will meet with Sam E. Morris, vice-president in charge of foreign distribution to discuss production at the Teddington studios there and also be present at the title closing for the company's new theatre to be erected on the site of the Old Daly theatre in London. Bate Heads Society Henry Clay Bate, script writer for Universal Newsreel, was chosen president of the Society of the Fifth Division, Veterans oi the World War, at the organization's national convention in New York. Charles W. Leach, formerly connected with the home office of Gaumont British, has been named branch manager in New Haven for GB. He succeeds Carl J. Goe, resigned.