Motion Picture Herald (1954)

Vista Vision Is Explained By Hartman VistaVision using horizontal projection through specially built projectors is best for theatres with screens 50 feet wide or more, and the company will not attempt to market it as a necessity for smaller theatres, Don Hartman, studio production head, emphasized during a visit to New York this week for the opening of “White Christmas” at the Radio City Music Hall. The special machines, built by Century, were to be installed at the Hall this week. For the smaller theatre, the decided increase in sharpness and freedom from grain is not so important and would not be appreciated by the public, Mr. Hartman said. The machines at the current rate of production cost about $2,000 each, he said. Paramount is making pictures these days costing about $2,000,000 or more, Mr. Hartman noted. No budgets are set at the beginning. The message from president Barney Balaban to the studio is, “Do what you believe in.” Apropos of this, Mr. Hartman stressed the new “daring” in Hollywood. “People there since discovering there are no limits to grosses are spending more for production values,” he commented. “They are daring in spending money, for instance. The artistic and the financial are related, in my opinion. Now, if you say two or three million will make a better picture, there isn’t the same outraged resistance. Now, people will pay $1,000,000 for a New York musical, as was done recently. “This would not have happened just a few years ago. “It is so much better when you are not hampered as a creative person. Even the Pine-Thomas pictures, which used to be made for a certain market, are now much better written, directed, and cast.” At Paramount, the staffs still watch costs, but with lessons of experience, he said. “Everyone is aware he has to try harder.” The company is making all its current pictures in color, except one, he said. He knows of none planned in black-and-white for next year. The company also believes in height as well as width, he stressed. “We are trying to get as much quality as possible. We are working for the long pull. Whatever is best will survive. Novelties will not.” Why Drive-ins "Jus1 Grew" Ernest Rogers, feature writer on the staff of the Atlanta “Journal,” in an article in the September 30 issue took note of The HERALD’s recent drive-in survey and came up with this reason for the growth of the drive-in: (it) “became strictly a family style center of entertainment and the families came in droves.” FABIAN PIONEER OF YEAR; HONORED IN S. H. Fabian, president of the Stanley Warner Corp., has been selected as “Motion Picture Pioneer of 1954” by the Motion Picture Pioneers, it was announced last week by Jack Cohn, president of the group and also of the Foundation of Motion Picture Pioneers. Also this Tuesday, October 12, was homecoming day in Paterson, N. J., for Mr. Fabian, marking his 40th anniversary in the industry. To symbolize his preeminence as an exhibition leader, his home city tendered him a testimonial dinner at the Alexander Hamilton Hotel. The Governor of New Jersey and many civic and industry notables were on hand. Mr. Fabian also will be the guest of honor at the 60th annual showmanship dinner of the Pioneers on November 17 at the Hotel Astor in New York. He was chosen by members of the Pioneers’ board of directors. In naming Mr. Fabian as the pioneer of the year Mr. Cohn stated : “It is altogether fitting and proper that the Motion Picture Pioneers honor Si Fabian this year on the occasion of his 40th anniversary in the industry. He is one of filmdom’s pioneers who is still pioneering. He has displayed an unequalled enthusiasm and confidence in the forward progress of the industry and is responsible for far-reaching contributions to its development. “Today he is head of one of the largest NEW JERSEY S. H. FABIAN and most important theatre companies and is a recognized leader of exhibition. His services and guidance are eagerly sought in the councils of our industry. In addition, Mr. Fabian has distinguished himself as a public-spirited citizen and philanthropist. The Pioneers are proud of their selection of Si Fabian as ‘Motion Picture Pioneer of 1954’.” 20th-Fox Invites Royalty To Premiere of "Desiree" Twentieth Century-Fox announced this week that the world premiere next month at the Roxy theatre in New York of “Desiree,” starring Marlon Brando as Napoleon, will rival the annual Command Performances in London for attendance of royalty and attendant pomp and publicity. The company is inviting royal families and titled members of the nobility from all over the world who will augment the film stars in the first night audience. The film, which co-stars Jean Simmons in the title role, as well as Merle Oberon and Michael Rennie, will open some time next month following the run of 20th-Fox’s “Black Widow.” Providence Launches 1954 Jimmy Fund Campaign PROVIDENCE : Despite a couple of hurricanes and the dislocation in the local business life which they caused, Providence showmen are deep in their new campaign for the 1954 “Jimmy Fund” to finance the study and research of cancer among children. Aided by the Little Leaguers, Rainbow Girl, Junior League, Catholic high school students and other volunteers, the recently held “tag day” brought in $1, 232.91. Despite the late start in the campaign, Edward M. Fay, dean of Rhode Island showmen and head of the Jimmy Fund committee, insists that this year the campaign total will better last year’s mark. Various activities designed to help raise funds are scheduled. Shea Personnel Meets in Pittsburgh Oct. 26-28 Discussion of the use, control and monitoring of CinemaScope presentation, especially in respect to stereophonic sound, will highlight a meeting of all managers and key home office personnel of Shea Enterprises, Inc., to be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, Pittsburgh, October 26-28, Gerald Shea, president and general manager, announced last week. The top item on the agenda will be exploitation and promotion of the coming product, with emphasis directed particularly to creation of the impulse “to go to the movies.” Warner Sets Dividend At a special meeting of the board of directors of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., last week a dividend of 30 cents per share was declared payable on its common stock November 5, to stockholders of record October 19. MOTION PICTURE HERALD, OCTOBER 16, 1954 27