Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Feb 1945)

GOVERNMENT AND THE SCREEN tHEME OF 1944 HEADLINES HILE, in the third year of American participation in the war, the industry continued to devote its every resource to furthering the war effort on the home and fighting fronts, proceeded with its prime purpose, the production of entertainlent. Beset by the problems of a war economy, and the efforts of ie Government to make rigid interpretations of the law on business ractice, it maintained a high standard of entertainment product nd reached new levels of financial stability. Considerable attention was given to post-war markets and the 'orld picture, with the end of the war at least in sight, and plans 'ere given substance looking toward an early resumption of imortant foreign trade. The role of the U. S. and foreign governInents, with a new awareness of the importance of the screen as a liniversally understood medium of expression, became increasingly I'ital. ] The reorganized U. S. State Department has indicated that the |^merican industry shall be considered in peace and trade treaties bnd that the American film shall have an important share in the development of understanding among nations. That Britain's industry will rise prominently on the horizon of world rade seems assured, with the increasingly dominant position of J. Arthur Rank during 1944 as England's leading film executive, lupported in his projected planning, to a considerable degree, by rhe British Government. Strong, independent, local industries in rrance and other European nations after the war also were foreshadowed. I In December, American companies resumed distribution of their product in France, which gave them the unique position of being the only American industry operating in France today. In Italy and Belgium, the Psychological Warfare Division continues to disIrlbute Hollywood pictures, but the majors are hopeful that military events of the next few months will make possible their resumption of operations. Despite the fact that the industry lost a large portion of Its foreign markets at the start of the war, financially, film companies never have been in better position. Domestic grosses were in excess of any previous year, and throughout the world where American films were shown, foreign revenues Increased tremendously, especially in England, Latin America and Australia. Earning power for distributors and exhibitors in 1944 was expected to hit the highest peak of any year. Exhibitors and distributors were spurred to unprecedented performance for the Treasury Department's Fourth, Fifth and Sixth War Loans. Through the year, American showmanship did not fail other national causes, such as the Red Cross and other drives. During the year, the fate of the Consent Decree remained undetermined, while litigation arising out of trade practices and industry operations proceeded. Months of prolonged negotiations between the Government and major company attorneys resulted in final proposals from the five distributors which were rejected by Attorney General Francis Biddle. The Government hand was seen strengthened by the U. S. Supreme Court's decision December I I in the Crescent Amusement Company case, wherein the court affirmed an order for the dissolution of the Crescent's subsidiary circuit interests, termed a "monopoly" in eliminating competition. An important development of 1944 was the industry's emergence from the exploratory interest in television to active participation. At the first television conference held in New York, December I 1-12, by the Television Broadcasters Association, film companies and exhibitors were represented both in conference talks and panel discussions. The Important headlines of the year follow. |Januory 7 ' Film stock value in 1943 rises to $750,535,246, Compared to $604,811,114 at end of 1942. British exhibitors select Greer Garson and George Formby as leading British money-making stars in Motion Picture HERALD-Fa;;i^ poll for 1943. January 2 Harold Hopper urges industry to organize now for voice at peace conference. January 5 Distributors ready with revised Consent Decree. new proposals for a January 7 Adolph Zukor, chairman of the board of directors of Paramount, celebrates his 71st birthday. January 8 Exhibitors ask for more comedies and musicals, fewer war pictures. War Production Board sets conditions for construction of theatres. January 75 Warner Bros, reports 1943 net profit of $8,238,483. January 17 Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark says "no" to new Consent Decree proposals. Gift films in 1943 to armed forces overseas totaled 218 features, War Activities Committee reports. January 78 Industry launches Fourth War Loan ; nation to honor 101 champion Bond-selling showmen. January 27 Loew's reports $13,422,853 net profit for 1943. January 22 Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs permanent Latin American program. plans January 26 RKO announces it will release product of International Pictures. January 29 Majors take final version of Consent Decree proposals to Tom C. Clark. Admission tax receipts increase 14 per cent in 1943. February 7 Clark discloses major points in distributor proposals for Consent Decree revision. Exhibitor ends ban on films depicting Jap atrocities. Exhibitor units say no to Decree proposals. Washington ends ban on films depicting Jap atrocities. J. Arthur Rank in England tells "Tatler" his world plan. February 3 Anti-trust charges filed against Griffith Circuit. February 4 Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals organized in Hollywood. February 8 Exhibitors tell Clark shortcomings of Consent Decree. Febuary 19 Supreme Court may decide trade practice issues as Crescent anti-trust case goes to highest tribunal. Exhibitors outline their version of what Decree should provide. Rank starts triple play for American market. February 23 Congress passes new tax bill ; 20 per cent admission tax to become effective April 1. February 26 Michael Balcon fights for British control of British films. February 28 Committee on Motion Pictures in Education organized with Hays office support. Judges name winners of tenth annual Quigley Awards. Annual report summarizes 1943 WAC accomplishments. March 4 Clark studies Decree changes proposed by various exhibitor groups. March 8 Government may construct theatres in war production areas, Office of Civilian Requirements announces. March 7 7 Anti-trust actions by exhibitors increase as arbitration actions diminish. Ten Thousand theatres pledge aid in Red Cross campaign. Terry Ramsaye pens some anniversary notes on "Colonel Selig's 50 Years." March 73 Spyros Skouras and J. Arthur Rank reach production-distribution agreement in London. March 76 Jury convicts five distributors and two major circuits on anti-trust laws. March 78 Lord Grantley of the House of Lords urges abolition of British Quota Act. March 20 MPTOA urges Government to go on trial with its anti-trust charges. March 23 Industry Red Cross Drive opens. March 25 ^ Rank draws blueprints of European distribution ; (Continued on page 24) MOTION PICTURE HERALD, JANUARY 6, 1945 21