Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Feb 1942)

34 MOTION PICTURE HERALD February 14, 1942 CAROLINA, CONNECTICUT FOR REVISED BUYING Straw Votes Continue Trend Toward Demand for Decree Changes Possibly foreshadowing the attitude of the parent organization, and that of all the units when the votes are counted, Connecticut Allied Monday voted unanimously for a selective method of film buying, to replace the present method by which films are offered in blocks of five. The vote was the first on three proposals .submitted by the National Allied board to units ; and it approved the first of these proposals. The others are, that the distributors return to the selling of a full season's product at one time, allowing a cancellation of 20 per cent in each price bracket; and, that they return to the same, allowing the cancellation up to 20 per cent of the total film rental value of the contract. Meanwhile, from the Carolinas, it is reported the exhibitor organization of those two states persists in its condemnation of the consent decree, and awaits its reformation or elimination so that it can "return to the old block buying, which would carry with it reasonable cancellation on all groups of pictures." It was recalled that at the recent convention in Charlotte, N. C, of the Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina, the decree was assailed because of the following : 1 — The lack of cancellation privileges of the forced buying in blocks of five. 2 — The necessity of waiting until after pictures have been screened for their purchase and presentation, thereby increasing costs to the producer which in turn are being passed on to the exhibitor and, 3 — Interference with the bookings of theatres by reason of delays occasioned in negotiations for pictures. A — A steadily increasing demand for increased admission prices, preferred and extended playing time, and other exhibition conditions detrimental to the exhibitor welfare. The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America is advising its board of directors of the proceedings in the industry unity meetings up to the time they adjourned January 30th, asking reactions to certain proposals and soliciting suggestions. In special bulletin to members, Ed Kuykendall, president, commented thus: "The proposals for selective buying and 20 per cent cancellations, as well as for changes in arbitration procedure that will give the average exhibitor his day in court, have made much progress. Most of these proposals have been outlined in the trade press accurately with the exception that the proposals from the exhibitor representatives arc the result of cooperative effort on the part of all exhibitors in attendance and not from am one organization. "This is not the time to seek credits and with a sincerity of purpose on the part of all T have every reason to hope for results in the fight to eliminate 'block of five' selling BAMBERGER NAMED UMPI SECRETARY Leon Bamberger has been appointed executive secretary for the United Motion Picture Industry, assisting William F. Rodgers, its permanent chairman. Mr. Bamberger will have temporary headquarters in the Hotel Astor, New York, until more suitable offices are found. He has been, for the ten years past, RKO's sales promotion manager. He was appointed by Harry Brandt and Ned Depinet, the UMPI's co-trustees. He takes office Monday. and a fair general sales policy that will enable us to have mutual understanding and removal of friction in this industry. M.P. T.O.A. will go the limit to attain this." The Connecticut Allied vote for purely selective buying had been preceded by one for a return to block booking with the 20 per cent cancellation privilege ; but this method is opposed by the Government, Department of Justice officials have indicated. The selective method is based upon the supply to the exhibitor, by the producer, of the fullest possible information about star, story, and director. It is said to be virtually the method prescribed by the defunct Neelv Bill. Poll Substitute Methods The poll of units on substitute methods of celling was decided upon by the Allied directors, meeting in New York three weeks ago. It coincided with the Department of Justice report on one year's working of the decree ; a report which criticized some aspects. The New Jersey Allied discussed the new proposals Monday, at Trenton, but took no vote. Members are expected to mull them, then return opinions on a poll card handed out at the meeting. The unit also considered several bills in the state legislature, thought to affect their interests directly or indirectly. Presiding was Harry Lowenstein, president. Chief speaker was A. N. Stackhouse, Burlington County Assemblyman. He praised the industry as a supporter of national morale. Expect Action from "Unity" Committee Further action on industry "unity," which embraces many aspects of business and public relations, is expected to come out of the second meeting of the United Motion Picture Industry's subcommittee on trade practices and adjustment of disputes, scheduled For next Tuesday, again in New York. A specific trade practice program, to supplant or implement the current consent decree, may come out of that meeting. Distributors and exhibitors at the first meeting. with reports of subcommittees on taxation, goodwill, the industry's good name, and priorities heard from, had settled down to form a trade practice program considering all aspects now troubling the industry — when the Department of Justice released its report on the decree's first year. Thereupon ensued caution, in view of the Department's reiterated desire for theatredistributor divorcement, and the still pending New York, Buffalo and Oklahoma City anti-trust suits; and the business of setting up machinery and practices to end squabbles in the industry was shifted to the special subcommittee, which talked for an additional week and then adjourned without acting. UMPI Seeks Permanent Office Tuesday begins more talk, and it is anticipated something may occur. Meanwhile, temporary offices of the UMPI are at New York's Hotel Astor, and permanent offices are being sought. Proponents of industry unity assert the organization known as UMPI may become virtually the "Hays office" of the "whole" industry : adjusting its disputes, forming its particular laws, handling its public relations, performing its research, interceding with public authorities, seeking necessary legislation, performing the myriad tasks the industry as a whole needs. The Independent Theatre Owners of Washington, Idaho, and Alaska will meet Tuesday at the New Washington Hotel, Seattle. Some exhibitors from Oregon will attend. James Hone, executive secretary, said the usual banquet would not be held. Mahan Is Honored in New Haven, Albany More than 100 Connecticut and out-of-state film men gathered for the testimonial dinner to J. Roger Mahan Monday night, February 9th, at the Hotel Taft in New Haven. Mr. Mahan, recently promoted to manager of the New York Warner exchange after two years as New Haven manager, was presented with a farewell gift. At the same time the guests welcomed Phil in Sherman, new manager for New Haven, who has spent three years as manager in Mont>-f>al for the company. Barney Pitkin, RKO manager, was chairman of the dinner, Harrv F. Shaw, Loew-Poli division manager, was toastmaster, and Samuel Seletsky, Republic manager, treasurer. Attending from the Warner home office wee : Roy Haines, Arthur Sachson, Sam Lefkowitz. Harry Decker, Gus Solomon, Leo Jacobi, Irving Rothenberg, Lee Mayer, George Waldeman and Joseph Vergesslich. Talks on Advertising Jean Benoit Levy, French film writer and director, spoke on "The Role of the Motion Picture in Advertising" Tuesday evening at the New School for Social Research in New York, as part of his series of lectures on "The Motion Picture, Ts Present and Its Future." Scenes from four films, "Metamorphose," "A Child Went Forth," "L'Amienata" and "Fascinating Yosemite" were used to illustrate the talk.