Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1943)

34 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 10, 1943 Mexico Studios Need Hays Office: Could Reports Production Boom and Wide Acceptance of Mexican Films Now on its "honeymoon," Mexican production soon will need a "Hays Office," in the opinion of Walter Gould, United Artists foreign sales manager, who returned to his New York headquarters Sunday after five weeks in Mexico City and provincial cities. Mr. Gould described the production scene as "booming," with acceptance of Mexican pictures almost everywhere in Latin America except Argentina, with much money being spent, and with some producers riding for a fall when the "honeymoon ends." Production, he said, was at such a pace that it is limited now only by lack of studio space. The possibility of a setback Mr. Gould described as one to be expected, but, he added, he expects the country's production to be on a healthy basis after that, especially when a control agency is established. The Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs is responsible for much of the success of the production industry, and also of exhibition, and it is much appreciated by film men and outsiders interested in good-will between Mexico and the United States, he asserted. Cites "Generosity" of U. S. Industry The CIAA activity is evidence to Mexican film men, he said, of the "generosity and superior mentality" of the American -film industry, which normally in times of restriction of materials would be expected to keep them for itself. Of the future of Mexican films in South America, Mr. Gould predicted that they would "achieve their greatness when they crack the Argentine market. So far, they have not been able to. And it is a most important market." Mexican films, for the majority of the Latin-American patrons, are more colorful than Argentine because the Mexican locale and history are more colorful, in Mr. Gould's opinion. He also thinks that if the producers of both countries confine themselves to national, and therefore colorful, subjects, they will be in their metier, and that they should not attempt drawing-room or industrial-scene pictures. Theatre Construction Is Increasing Mexican theatre construction is increasing, Mr. Gould said, reporting approximately eight houses now building, four of them in Mexico City. The capital will have four first run theatres before the end of the year, he said. Although many Mexican houses are playing only the pictures of that country, there are, on the other hand, some which will not play native product despite the law requiring at least one per month, Mr. Gould said, citing this as evidence of the hold American pictures have on the screen there. He added that there also was a disposi Photo by Staff Photographer WALTER GOULD tion by some who had switched from U. S. to Mexican pictures to change back, because it was felt American pictures after the war will be world dominant. The growth of native production, Mr. Gould views with favor. It will do "two jobs," he said. It will entertain the masses and it will provide a great potential pool of new patrons for American films. He added that he found corroboration for this thesis in analyzing attendance in nearby Pueblo and Monterey, typical proletarian towns. In these situations, Mexican films have been out-drawing American. United Artists' Mexico City office signed a contract with the exchange workers' union July 25th, Mr. Gould reported. It was done amicably, the union's only grievance being that American companies until now have given the appearance of being in business only temporarily. Pay increases were provided in the contract. India Lifts Restriction On American Funds India has removed all restrictions on the remittance of film revenues, following the example set by Great Britain and New Zealand, which already have made frozen funds available to American distributors. Approximately $600,000 of frozen funds are expected to be released immediately. The only part of the British Empire which has not taken action on the removal of its remittance restrictions is Australia. Historical Display at Music Hall The Radio City Music Hall is displaying in its lobby a collection of 10 miniature rooms covering various periods of American history. Jerome H. Iloffheimer, formerly in charge of the special service division of National Screen, designed the entire project. Appointed Winnipeg Manager Abe Finestein, formerly of Paramount Film Service in Canada, has been appointed manager of Monogram's Winnipeg branch. Correspondent Tells of Japs9 Use of Films How the Japanese adapted films, even those from the American entertainment world, for propaganda purposes, was told in detail to reporters and editors of the American film trade press, at a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, on Tuesday. James R. Young, former International News Service correspondent, and now technical adviser to RKO on "Behind the Rising Sun," produced from his book, was the speaker. He cited Japanese acquisition of American films such as "Hell Divers" for special showings in theatres and on portable equipment, even in Korea and Manchuria, and told how on a screen beside the regular screen a silent projector threw Japanese titles which reflected Japanese Navy propaganda, and depicted an American "attack" on Japan. This was in the instance of "Hell Divers," and at that time there was a debate in the Diet on increased Navy Air Force appropriations. The Air Force obtained the appropriations. Other American films were dubbed with propaganda, and in still others an announcer would stand beside the screen interpolating translation — and propaganda. "Behind the Rising Sun" will open August 3rd in 50 New England and New York situations. It is in the company's seventh film block. Boston War Veterans Ask Bingo Reinstatement The recent Massachusetts ban on chance games has been protested by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the Boston area who have adopted a resolution calling for its reinstatement when conducted under fraternal auspices. The game, known as Beano in Boston theatres, has been termed illegal and is subject to restrictions by police of the city. The John F. Fallon Post of Roslindale, near Boston, and the U.S.S. Jacob Jones Post of Everett, a suburb, have asserted that the game should not be outlawed any more than dog or horse racing which have legal sanction locally. Judy Garland Draws Record Audience at Concert Judy Garland's appearance at the Robin Hood Dell in Philadelphia last Thursday, where she was guest soloist with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, drew an audience of 15,000, a new record for the 6,500-seat hall. The previous record was 14,250 for the allGershwin program in 1942 with Oscar Levant as pianist. It was estimated that approximately 15,000 were turned away after being unable to purchase seats for Miss Garland's performance. Artkino Will Distribute Five Russian Films Five features from Russia have been received by Artkino in New York for distribution in the United States. They are planned for early 1943-44 release. The films include "Black Sea Fighters," documentary; "She Defends Her Country," "A Lad from Our Town," "Guerrillas" and "It Started in Odessa." Haustein Heads Branch Sales Henry J. Haustein has been promoted to sales manager of Paramount's exchange in San Francisco. He has been with the exchange since 1920. John C. Bowles has been appointed to the sales staff there.