Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1955)

NARTB Hits Subscription TV^Aguin The subject of toll television dominated various closing sessions at last week’s annual convention of the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters in Washington, and provided the subject matter for a comprehensive, two-page survey which appeared in Tuesday’s edition of the New York Herald Tribune. Prominent in the Herald Tribune survey were byline articles by Frank Stanton, president of the Columbia Broadcasting System, and Commander Eugene McDonald, president of Zenith, with the former taking the anti-toll TV approach and Mr. McDonald his usual pro-approach. Mr. Stanton said pay-as-you-see would “hijack the American public into paying for the privilege of looking at its own television sets,” while Mr. McDonald simply asked for a chance to show the public. In another article in the section it was predicted there would be no decision on the issue within a year — and a year would be “a miracle.” Also discussed was the uncertain attitude of the advertising agencies on the subject as well as the various specific forms of pay-to-see TV. Fellows Defines Position In his talk before the NARTB convention, Harold E. Fellows, president, reasserted his organization’s opposition to pending subscription television proposals, but added that he was not opposed to all possible forms of toll TV. “The Association,” said Mr. Fellows, “. . . is opposed to any form of subscription television which, through the use of channels allocated for free television, will jeopardize the right of the public to receive a full, free service.” Robert Kintner, president of the American Broadcasting Company, speaking at the convention charged that the proponents of toll TV were misleading and confusing the public in their attacks on sponsored programs and said toll TV eventually would lead to “a more limited use of television facilities that would not be in the public interest.” He cited an ABC survey in such key cities as Baltimore, Los Angeles and New York which showed that about half of the people interviewed thought toll TV^ referred to “special shows” and that those who understood it were against it. Perkins Vice-President of Paramount International James E. Perkins has been elected executive vice-president of Paramount International Films, it was announced this week by George ^Veltner, Paramount world wide sales head. Mr. Perkins has been with the company for 30 years and was in charge of United Kingdom operations since 1946. His headquarters now will be in New York. AWAIT EXHIBITOR DECISION ON GOING TO UNCLE SAM Two important decisions are due to be forthcoming within the next 10 days: Allied States Association’s plans anent its proposal for Federal regulation of the industry, and the spelling out of the official Theatre Owners of America attitude on that question, even if the position is spelled out only by silence. Trade observers in New York this week were of the opinion that the Government regulation issue remained a major stumbling block in the path of complete spiritual unity between the two exhibitor groups which have been working so closely together in recent weeks. Further Allied States action on the Government move awaits the outcome of joint Allied-TOA committee talks with the heads of Paramount and Warner Brothers. Martin Taken III These talks, which Rube Shor, Allied president, had hoped to hold in New York this week, were delayed for the time being by the illness of E. D .Martin, TOA president, who fell ill after returning to his Georgia home following the history-making joint committee talks last week. It was at the close of the Allied board meeting last Wednesday that Mr. Shor declared Allied would proceed with its go-to-the-Government plan should meetings with Warners and Paramount fail of satisfactory results. This, of course, would precipitate a stand by TOA on the issue. Trade observers believe that if TOA were contemplating aligning itself with Allied on the regulation subject, it would have been evident during last week’s series of meetings. The TOA contingent, led by Mr. Martin, gave no indication of such a change either in commenting on the intra-committee meeting or the conference the joint committee had with Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox. Oppose Move to U.S. Another factor said to be working against a switch in TOA policy is the position held by such strong TOA leaders as Leonard Goldenson, president of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres; Sam Pinanski, president of American Theatres Corporation, and Sam Rosen, executive vice-president of Stanley Warner Corporation. All three have gone on the record as firmly opposed to any move toward Federal control, although none contemplates resignation from TOA should the policy switch be made. Mr. Pinanski, in expressing disapproval of Allied’s contemplated move, voiced the concern of many circuit executives who are fearful that Federal legislation on film rentals also would result in Federal regulation of admission prices. Barring any unforeseen change in TOA attitude, it now appears likely that the counsel of leaders such as Mr. Goldenson, Mr. Rosen and Mr. Pinanski may prevail. The counsel, if nothing else, it is pointed out, will mitigate against any snap changeover in TOA policy, a switch entertained by some TOA factions currently. Heiense of Code Joined By Xnnnck Defense of the Production Code administration by Geoffrey Shurlock came this week from a prominent producer and echoed the support given last week by Eric A. Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Association of America. The defender this week is Darryl E. Zanuck. His opinions are in comments to the New York Times, for the issue of Sunday, May 29. Mr. Zanuck feels producers have a burden satisfying pressure groups, and he states : “Most producers welcome and seek guidance from the Legion of Decency. They are not unmindful of their responsibility to the public. But to satisfy everyone with an inflexible point of view is quite impossible.” Two weeks ago, the Rev. Thomas F. Little, executive secretary of the Legion of Decency, at a luncheon in New York of the International Federation of Catholic Alumnae, reviewing group, criticized what he described as a trend among producers to purchase stories some features of which offend public decency; and also apparent laxity in administration of the Code. The first rejoinder by an industry spokesman came from Mr. Johnston, now seconded by Mr. Zanuck, who also remarked in the newspaper interview : “American films endeavor to reflect the times in which we live. This reflection at times is exaggerated or distorted. But in comparison with the subject-matter of the current literary output and the speaking stage, the American motion picture has every right to be proud. “I think it would be unwise to abolish the Code, which the motion picture industry has set-up for self-regulation ; and on this point I am confident that Father Little is in agreement. It is true that the Code and the Legion of Decency may not always see eye to eye on what is to be considered ‘objectionable’; but this is similarly true of the distinguished members of the Supreme Court of the United States.” MOTION PICTURE HERALD. JUNE 4. 1955 17