Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Feb 1945)

ALLIED WARNS ON MUNICIPAL TAXES Myers Says Only by Extra Effort Can Exhibitors Hold Present Gross The dangers of municipal excise taxes, indications of a decline in theatre attendance and the effect of decreasing product supply were posed as warnings to exhibitors this week by Abram F. Myers, chairman and general counsel of Allied States Association, in his annual report to a meeting of directors at the DeshlerWallick Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. "Only by extraordinary effort can exhibitors maintain, much less increase, the volume of their business," he declared. Mr. Myers said that although the states for the first time had "brimming treasuries, some municipalities are carrying a debt load which they would like to reduce by dipping into state cofifers." He pointed out that in many states the surpluses had been earmarked for the creation of jobs by state works, veteran relief and other post-war needs. "As a way out," he explained, "bills have been introduced or are in contemplation in a few states to empower municipalities to impose excise taxes. This development should be watched with the greatest care. If the impression of admission and gross receipts taxes is left to the cities and towns, competitive conditions as between adjoining and nearby towns will be disturbed and grave discriminations will result." Population Shifts Cited Factors likely to contribute to a decline in attendance were cited by Mr. Myers as further inductions and population shifts, rising living costs, restrictions on lighting and extended engagements in first runs. Pointing out that "the trend toward curtailment of feature pictures has been in full swing for five years," the report predicted still fewer releases for the current season. It attacked the WPB raw stock conservation order as permitting major companies to secure more revenue from a fewer number of pictures. "The requirements of the military in replacing lost supplies and equipment, and in girding for the final push against the enemy will further postpone the production of articles sorely needed by the theatres," the report warned, adding that the only hopeful sign was for a plentiful supply of Freon refrigerant. It advised that, although there was no present indication that the theatres would be given a higher essentiality rating, there was no danger they would be placed lower on the scale or dealt with summarily, as were the race tracks. No Cause for Despair "Although operating conditions may be difficult," the report read, "there is no cause for despair. . . . Another reassuring factor is the tremendous vigor and resourcefulness of the industry in all its branches. In its history the industry has overcome many obstacles. There is no reason to suppose that this energy and ingenuity have been exhausted. Better teamwork among exhibitors and a better understanding with other branches will ease us over the rough spots." The report warns that film rentals must be kent in check, urges exhibitors to exert their full talent for showmanship, suggests the extension of cooperative buying to supplies and equipment, warns that the acute manpower situation will be aggravated, cautions against relaxation over the Federal admission tax situation and suggests that exhibitors be prepared to strike for repeal of that tax entirely when the war is over. Reviewing Federal litigation, the report observes of the Consent Decree that the provisions "under which the industry must operate should be adapted to the needs of the industry as well as to the technical requirements of the law. It would be to the advantage of all concerned for the industry to enter the precarious reconversion period with practices and procedures stabilized. A decree in keeping with those proposals would promote harmony between exhibitors and distributors and would pave the way for needed cooperation in the post-war era." Will Back Legal Steps "If the distributors remain obdurate in their rejection of the Attorney General's proposals, making impossible the entry of an adequate interim decree by consent, then Allied States will support such legal steps as the Attorney General will be compelled to take to break the existing deadlock and obtain some measure of temporary relief and force to trial a case on its merits," a resolution approved on the opening day of the meeting declared. Pending the next regular or special board meeting, the executive committee will act as a special committee to advise and consult with the Attorney General on the subject. The committee will have the authority, if necessary, to direct the making of oral statements to the court or to file a brief in the name of Allied States and others wishing to join in furtherance of the board's policy. The board reaffirmed its approval of the Department of Justice proposals for modifying the decree filed in the U. S. District Court in New York, August 7. Glucksman Sets Twelve All-Negro Shorts E. M. Glucksman, head of All-American News in Chicago, announced last week he would produce 12 short subjects, featuring all-Negro talent, to be made in New York under the direction of Bud Pollard. The first will be released in February. Heretofore, All-American produced only weekly newsreels for the Negro trade. Another firm for the production of Negro short subjects, Adams Productions, was established recently in Chicago. The company is owned by Berle Adams, local theatrical agent and manager of Louis Jordan, Negro band leader. Mr. Adam's first two-reeler, "Caldonia," with Mr. Jordan in the lead, has been completed in New York and is set for release in January. Three Circuits Planning Houses in South Plans are in work for the construction of several new theatres for Negroes in the southeast during the post war period. Wometco Theatres, Miami, will build two new houses in Atlanta when materials are available. Other circuits which have plans for similar projects include: Bijou Amusement Company, for which Milton Starr has revealed plans for houses in Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville, and Baily Amusement Company, which will build additional theatres in the Atlanta area. 14,000 Theatres Join Dimes Marc As Drive Opens Industry forces mustered a roll call of clos( 14,000 theatres for participation in the 1945 Mi of Dimes drive which opened officially Thurs* For the first time, theatres in Puerto Rico, Canal Zone, Hawaii and Alaska enlisted in campaign. Reports from across the land flooded New Y headquarters early this week with details of 1 minute preparations to meet the industry's goa $5,000,000. A minimum goal of 75 cents per seat has I set by chairman Harold J. Fitzgerald for thea of Wisconsin. Last yeai", the per seat average 37% cents. Mr. Fitzgerald said exhibitors in state had been asked to extend collections f: February 4 to allow two Saturdays and two £ days for campaigning. Lou Brown, of Connecticut's publicity comi tee, reported that 184 out of 185 theatres in state had signed pledges. M. A. Silver, Penn vania chairman, said the Pittsburgh area had sig 490 out of a potential 600 theatres. Northern California expected to raise more t $400,000 in the coming campaign. George M; co-chairman for the state wired headquarters Friday. Last week, southern California exhibi pledged at least a 25 per cent increase this 3 over 1944 collections. In New York Thursday, the campaign launched with the Dimes display in Times Squ A parade of military bands, appearance of si and screen stars and addresses by Mayor F. LaGuardia, Basil O'Connor, president of the tional Foundation, and Nicholas M. Schenck, tional chairman of the industry's drive, were scl uled. A large screen was erected and the spe Greer Garson appeal trailer, "Miracle of Hickc will be projected continuously, afternoons evenings, during the campaign. Each day a dif ent Broadway theatre will be in charge of obt ing contributions to the several hundred Dir glass jars featured in the display. A huge Roi velt birthday cake was unveiled. One of the highlights of the opening ceremo was to be a trolley run from Columbus Circh Times Square from noon to 2 o'clock. Decors with campaign banners and seating screen, sf and radio stars accompanied by a band, the tro was to make its way down Broadway driven Gus Van, with Jack Benny, Eddie (Rochesi Anderson and Powers' models as guests. Another colorful feature, scheduled for Sa day, was the Conga line planned to symbolize March of Dimes, parading down to Times Squ All persons joining the Conga line were to ( tribute a dime or more to the drive. Hartford Circus Fire Cases Cost Red Cross $83,159 Expenditures on circus fire cases in Harti hospitals by the Hartford chapter of the Am can Red Cross have totaled $83,159 to date, it disclosed January 18 in a report from Robert Metcalf, disaster relief chairman. A total of $ 310 collected for the victims of the July 6 b by the Hartford Times and $10,000 contributec the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Ba Combined Shows, Inc., was included in amount. The rest came from American ' Cross disaster funds, Mr. Metcalf said. Wylie UA Branch Manager Raymond J. Wylie, former Buffalo salesi for United Artists, has been sent to New Ha as manager of the local exchange. William SI tin, former New Haven manager, is now manj in Pittsburgh. Name Registrar for Monogram The Bank of the Manhattan Company has 1 appointed registrar for the Syi per cent cumula convertible preferred stock of the Monogram 1 tures Company, it was announced last week. 24 MOTION PICTURE HERALD, JANUARY 27, 1)