Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1944)

Vanguard-UA to Reissue 'Rebecca9 And 'Intermezzo9 Vanguard Films will reissue two important Selznick productions through United Artists in July, Neil F. Agnew, vice-president of Vanguard, announced in New York Monday. The two pictures are "Rebecca," starring Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier, which UA distributed in 1940, and "Intermezzo," starring Ingrid Bergman in her American screen debut, and the late Leslie Howard, distributed by UA in 1939. Under the terms of Mr. Selznick's contract with United Artists, the producer is -to make 10 pictures during the life of the contract. It was not indicated whether the two reissues are being distributed outside of the contract or are included in the 10-picture deal. Mr. Agnew said that it was felt both of these pictures still had tremendous box office appeal. In the case of "Rebecca," he cited the Victor Payne-Jennings stage production which opened recently at the Selwyn theatre in Chicago and has been playing to capacity audiences. Bramwell Fletcher, Diana Barrymore and Florence Reed head the stage cast. Several Factors Involved "We have a feeling that a great many people who wanted to see 'Rebecca' didn't get a chance to," Mr. Agnew said. Vanguard believes the number of people who have read the book since the picture was released, in addition to those who will want to see it over again, warrants its reissue, he added. Joan Fontaine's ascendancy to stardom jince 1940 is another factor considered. Both "Rebecca" and "Intermezzo" will be given new prints and new trailers, new promotion and advertising treatment and will be handled as new releases. In the case of "Intermezzo," Mr. Agnew pointed out that Ingrid Bergman's rise as one of Hollywood's great actresses and the general appeal of the film's love story were box office. In discussing Vanguard's production lineup, Mr. Agnew said that "Double Furlough," now titled "With All My Heart," which stars Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotten and Shirley Temple, is in the cutting stage. No release date has yet been set. Following that film, Alfred Hitchcock will go to work on "The House of Dr. Edwards," a drama with a unique background laid in the Lake Louise-Banff skiing playgrounds of Canada. The picture has not yet been cast, but it is hoped that Joan Fontaine and Joseph Cotten will play the leads. An important production project tentatively discussed for Vanguard is a remake of "Mayerling," love story of the Archduke Rudolph of Austria and the Baroness Maria Vetsera. Pax Films distributed the French production of "Mayerling" in 1937." It was directed by Anatole Litvak, and starred -Charles Boyer and Danielle Darrieux. Ingrid Bergman is Vanguard's choice for the role of Maria, but Mr. Agnew observed that production difficulties might dictate discarding the project. Plan Special Campaign "Since You Went Away," the Selznick film which will be released in mid-July on a road show policy, probably will emerge from the cutting rooms at the exhibition length of two hours and 55 minutes. In connection with its release through United Artists, Vanguard and UA are planning a special advertising-promotion campaign. On the subject of Vanguard-UA distribution collaboration, Mr. Agnew firmly reiterated that the Selznick organization had no intention of setting up its own sales unit. Reports to the contrary which appeared, he asserted, had served no purpose and had done harm to the United Artists organization. He said that Vanguard shortly would make several announcements of important staff appointments. Klinger to Princeton Center Walter J. Klinger, MGM shorts subject executive for the past 10 years, has resigned to join the Princeton Film Center, Princeton, N. J. Court Affirms Chaplin Service on Selznick The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court last Friday affirmed a decision by Justice Ferdinand Pecora sustaining service on Vanguard Films and David O. Selznick Productions, Inc. in the suit filed last July by Charles Chaplin. The case arose from the sale by the Selznick organization of production properties to Twentieth Century-Fox. The Appellate Division affirmed the earlier findings which had been appealed by Mr. Selznick that the latter's companies are doing business in New York and that the service accomplished on them here is binding. The Selznick companies attempted to show that they operate in California and should be served there and the action tried in a 'California court. An attempt may be made by the Selznick attorneys, White and Case, to carry the appeal to the Court of Appeals at Albany, it was learned Monday. Louis D. Frohlich, of Schwartz and Frohlich, counsel for Mr. Chaplin, argued for the plaintiff! Edward Alperson May Produce Edward Alperson, who resigned as general manager of the RKO circuit two weeks ago, this week did not deny reports that he had acquired the Salkay Corporation's contract to produce six pictures for United Artists. Salkay Corporation was formed six months ago by Edward Peskay. Production, it is understood, will begin this summer on the coast. The contract was for films of approximately one-hour length, to be delivered by November. Mr. Alperson is reported to have acquired four story properties, and to be negotiating for two others. He confirmed his production deal bv saying Monday that he was "going to do" his own "producing independently as an individual." Meanwhile, at RKO, Sol Schwartz, who with James J. Brennan was appointed last week to head the circuit, announced on Monday the appointment of William W. Howard as his assistant. Mr. Howard has been director of the circuit's stage department. Independent Producers Honor Brown for Morale Work Industry, civic and military leaders were guests at a testimonial dinner tendered Joe E. Brown last Wednesday -night, at the Ambassador Hotel, Hollywood, by the Independent Motion Picture Producers Association, in recognition of the actor's services in entertaining troops overseas. The ceremonies were broadcast over 23 stations of the Blue Network and included presentation of a scroll by the IMPPA to Mr. Brown, an entertainment program featuring Abbott & Costello and others, with Walter Pidgeon as master of ceremonies. Guests included Mayor Fletcher Bowron, Charles Koerner, Walter Wanger and Henry Ginsberg. The scroll bore the signatures of I. E. Chadwick, president of the IMPPA; W. Ray Johnston, Leon Fromkess, Edward F. Finney, A. M. Hackel, Lindsley Parsons and Ray Young, officers. Spar Recruiting Musical At Broadway Strand The U. S. Coast Guard show, "Tars and Spars," Mav 5 began a three-week engagement at the Strand theatre, New York, as part of the countrywide recruiting program for the women's branch, the Spars. A recruiting booth is set up in the theatre lobby. The musical does not approach in length the Army's "This Is the Army," or the Army Air Forces' "Winged Victorv." but it is far from an an amateur production. Howard Dietz wrote the book and lyrics, Lieut. Vernon Duke. USCG, (R), wrote the music and Max Leibman staged the show. Victure Mature, C.B.M., is in the cast. Cooper Signs as Producer for International Gary Cooper signed a long term exclusive producer-actor contract with International Picture-, last week in Hollywood, it was announced by WilJ liam Goetz and Leo Spitz, heads of the company. Mr. Cooper will form his own unit to produce am! star in a minimum of three pictures annually for International. The actor has just completed "Casanova Brown" for International, under Sam Wood's direction. He is the fourth producer to join International, the others being Nunnally Johnson, Casey Robinson and David Lewis. Mr. Cooper's company, now in the formative stage, is expected to start production before the end of the summer. Besides completing "Casanova Brown," International has in production Nunnally Johnson's "The Woman in the Window," co-starring Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett, and "Belle of the Yukon," a Technicolor musical starring Randolph Scott, Gypsy Rose Lee, Dinah Shore and Bob Burns. Scheduled to go before the cameras shortly is another Technicolor musical, "It's a Pleasure," starring Sonja Henie, to be produced by David Lewis. Gwen Bristow's novel, "Tomorrow Is Forever," also is. planned. Organized less than a year ago, International is committed to RKO Radio to deliver four features during the next year but nothing has been said about what International plans to do with the remainder of the product which Mr. Goetz and Mr. Spitz expect to make, .some of it before the year is ended. At least five other films are in various stages of preparation or discussion. It is not indicated how many of these will be produced this year nor has International indicated the release tieup for any of these films. UA Stockholders Meeting Delayed Action on the six resolutions purported to amend the charter of United Artists from partnership control to operational control was deferred last Friday when the stockholders' meeting of UA. held in Wilmington, Del., was adjourned to May 15 on the motion of Charles Chaplin's attorney Herbert Jacoby. Present at the meeting were Edward C. Raftery president and counsel for the corporation ; Isaac A. Pennypacker of Philadelphia, representing Man Pickford, owner-partner ; Gradwell L. Sears, UA vice-president, and Mr. Jacoby. Neither of tht three owner-partners, Miss Pickford, Mr. Chaplii or David O. Selznick, appeared in person. At the meeting to be held in Wilmington nexi week, it is expected the stockholders will act oi the six resolutions proposed recently by the boarti of directors, which includes Mr. Raftery and Mr Sears. O'Shea Awards Service Pins To 48 MGM Employees On his return from a tour of MGM southen exchanges. E. K. O'Shea, eastern sales manager dfsclosed he had distributed 48 pins to field em j ployees who had been with the company 10 year: or more. There were five employees who receiver two-star pins, denoting 20 years or more of service and 43 who received one-star pins representing K years or more of service. The pins were awardec at special luncheons in New Orleans, Washington! Charlotte, Memphis, and Atlanta. Arthur Cagney's Aide George Arthur, former Paramount producer, ha been promoted to general assistant to Williar Cagney, president of William Cagney Production; Inc. _ Mr. Arthur has been film editor for th William Cagney Productions since the company" formation. IE MOTION PICTURE HERALD, MAY 13, 194