Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1946)

Ben'iamin Berger Maxwell Alderman and Morris Flnkel SKOURAS WARNS {Continued from preceding page) er percentage basis for every type of theatre can be worked out, which will distribute the box office dollar equitably." Allied was urged to give "unstinted cooperation with every worthwhile movement in the industry," on the ground that "whatever fosters better public acceptance of our industry benefits us all directly. When one section of our industry is attacked, all parts feel the effect. A hostile move in a distant state may be the forerunner of a direct local attack within a few weeks." Says Production Cost Influences Relations Pointing to the increased cost of production, Mr. Skouras said it had had a "very important influence on the relation between all companies and their exhibitors." He moved into the subject of the box office dollar and its handling. "The only source of payment for the production of motion pictures is the dollar paid in by the public at the box office," he emphasized. "Out of that dollar, every expense of the whole industry must be paid. Since, however, that box office dollar is collected by the exhibitor's cashier, there has grown up in the minds of some exhibitors the mistaken belief that it was all theirs. "As a result, they felt it was their privilege to share as little of it as possible with the producer of the film. "And some distributors, I am sorry to say, fell into the same way of thinking. In their opinion, the box office dollar was their exclusive property to do with as they would because they had made the original investment in the film that drew the crowds. In my opinion, both theories are wrong. "The dollar which the patron pays must support the entire industry and, therefore, belongs to the entire industry. It was earned by our mutual efforts and should be shared fairly by all who made its collection possible." Mr. Skouras then urged that no organization of any branch should prevent "the equitable distribution" of that dollar, or justify the "offenses of those who have not respected their contractual obligations." "Gentlemen," he said, "I want to appeal to you, in your own interest, to put your own house in order. You are an all-important factor in our industry and with that importance goes responsibility. Cites Fraternal Spirit as Essential to Solution "You must see to it that each one of your members so conducts himself that never again will one of them be embarrassed because a distributor asks for an explanation." In paying tribute to Mr. Kirsch and to Allied, Mr. Skouras observed that "if the fraternal spirit evidenced here tonight is continued in our working relations next Monday morning, the problems of our industry are well on the road to solution." Terming it "the most benevolent and philanthropic industry," Mr. Skouras praised the contributions of the trade to the Red Cross, Infantile Paralysis Foundation, American Cancer Society, the USO, the National War Fund, and the United Jewish Appeal. He spoke especially in behalf of the last-named, urging still greater support. "I know of no greater humanitarian effort," he said, "and I am confident that you, and all of us, will rise to its support." ALLIED TO WAR (Continued from preceding page) of distributor-affiliated circuits ; if it "frankly admitted" it was an affiliated circuit association and did not attempt to speak for independent exhibitors. If such a situation came about, it was indicated. Allied would cooperate with ATA on matters of general importance; that it would name its members of a joint coordinating committee to permit the two associations to work together. Colonel Cole, president of the Allied Theatres of Texas, was announced as an unofficial observer to attend the meeting of the MPTOA board June 10-11 in Columbus, Miss. No observer was designated to attend the meeting June 1-2 of the Southeastern Theatre Owners Association in Jacksonville. Mr. Myers had been invited to attend and extend "An Explanation of Allied." Fred Wehrenberg, St. Louis, board chairman of MPTOA, who attended the CIEA meeting as an observer, was invited into the sessions of the board. He was welcomed by Mr. Myers as "an old friend whom we very much respect for his broad experience in exhibitor affairs." Boston and mid-October were tentatively selected as the place and the time for the first annual post-war national convention. The American Theatres Association went ahead with its expansion plans. No statements came from leaders on the Allied at ENTERTAINMENT MOST VITAL. SAYS SKOURAS "The great and ultimate object of our industry is to bring entertainment, inspiration and relaxation to the people and, at the same time, educate and elevate," Spyros Skouras, Twentieth Century-Fox president, said at the Allied dinner last Saturday in Chicago. "But, I repeat," he added, "most important is to entertain." titude. The Independent Theatre Owners of Arkansas, in annual convention Sunday and Monday at the Marion Hotel in Little Rock, voted to become a member of ATA. The invitation was extended by Ted R. Gamble, chairman ; Mr. Fabian, president, and Robert W. Coyne, executive director. Malco Theatres, operating in Arkansas and Tennessee, and Robb & Rowley-United Theatres, operating in Arkansas and Texas, also became members. C. C. Mundo, Little Rock, was renamed president of the Arkansas unit. Other officers elected included W. D. Mitchell, Dumas, vice-president, and Sam B. Kirby, Little Rock, secretary-treasurer. Seek to Get Texas Unit Started at Dallas A meeting to get the Texas unit under way was held Tuesday at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. The Gamble-Fabian-Coyne trio flew to Dallas from Little Rock for the meeting with Texas chairmen R. J. O'Donnell, John Rowley, Mark Cole, Henry Reeve;. Paul Williams, general counsel of the Southern California Theatre Owners Association, telegraphed ATA that his membership had voted to join the new association. A new element entered the crowded national picture. Harry Brandt, president of the Independent Theatre Owners Association of New York, announced that he wasdiscussing the formation of a new national independent exhibitor association to deal exclusively with trade practices. Mr. Brandt, an executive of ATA, indicated he would' model the new organization along similarlines. He started discussions last week with executives of the new Michigan Independent Theatre Owners on its affiliation with ITOA.. Johnston Asked by NCA To Halt Over-Playing Charging that Minneapolis first runs are"milking" their features, North Central Allied has called upon Eric A. Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Association, to "take drastic action" to relieve the situation, which, according to charges by BenBerger, president, causes independent exhibitors to work under a serious handicap. The unit also asked that in case of a heavy blacklog, distributors should make releasesavailable to subsequent runs 30 days after national release regardless of whether they had been played by the first runs. Further, the organization seeks to have contracts provide for cancellation privileges on product over-played by first runs. 14 MOTION PICTURE HERALD, JUNE I. I94<^