Motion Picture Herald (Oct-Dec 1956)

Optimism and Conciliation Give Allied Convention a "New Look" by MARTIN QUIGLEY, JR. DALLAS: Allied’s 1957 convention was “a new look” convention. The approach to industry problems taken by the board, November 24-26 and the 270 delegates, wives and equipment representatives during the convention November 27-29 was in some respects as modern as the architecture of the new Statler Hilton, where the sessions were held. Although Allied’s veteran leaders as always dominated the meetings there were “new faces” in prominent roles including Roy L. Kalver as keynoter and Hugh McLachlan, chairman of the committee which made significant progress on the road to standardization of the new techniques. Both the board and the convention gave consideration to the usual sources of trade friction but also manifested a conciliatory approach to many problems which had caused bitterness in the past. It was generally recognized that the most important thing for both producer-distributor and exhibitor is to stimulate theatre attendance. The pessimistic mood of many of the delegates was considerably altered during the convention, espcially as a result of the encouraging address of Albert E. Sindlinger, who said there was a huge ready audience for pictures and that rather than closing theatres the industry actually needed thousands more in the proper locations. Actions taken included: 1. Appointment of a committee to try to heal the breach with COMPO; 2. A reaffirmation of a close working arrangement with TOA; 3. Approval of the AB-PT production plans, including the circuit’s preemptive rights; 4. An indication that Allied’s attitude toward arbitration may be reviewed; 5. Recognition that feature sales to TV are inevitable but that there should be a five or 10-year clearance; 6. Agreement on film standards for aspect ratios and encouragement of 65 and 70mm film; 7. Encouragement of new product plans, including the one sponsored by Moe Kerman for making at least 10 features in 1957; 8. Special recognition for Col. H. A. Cole, in whose honor the Dallas convention was held. The Allied board, meeting Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning, took action on a variety of issues, but even so did not have time to complete all the business on the agenda. It thus scheduled a further meeting to be held Thursday, the concluding day of the convention. The board, however, did: Authorize president Ruben Shor to ap point a committee of three (Abram Myers, Trueman Rembusch and Wilbur Snaper) to meet with a COMPO group December 10 to discuss ways and means of bringing about a reconciliation between the two organizations; Decide that it would not consider at this time a merger with Theatre Owners of America, although it will continue cooperative activities with that exhibitor organization; Authorize the president to appoint a committee to review the arbitration situaation, study previous drafts of arbitration plans and make any suggestions for future action; Pass a resolution which insures Allied’s support in any fight to eliminate completely the Federal admissions tax; Authorize the president to use his discretion on the 1957 convention site; Approve a resolution recently passed by the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio calling for the production of more family pictures; Endorse American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres’ desire to retain preemptive rights to their own pictures should that company go into production; and Decide to make some sort of appeal to the film companies to give fair clearance — at least five or 10 years after national release — before selling the pictures to television. The board’s position on a merger with TOA, on which there has been much speculation recently, was clarified in a statement issued by Mr. Shor at the conclusion of the first weekend board meetings. Said Mr. Shor: “Prior to discussion of a possible merger between Allied and TOA, the board had approved a policy of cooperating with TOA in matters of common interest concerning which the two organizations hold a similar view. “Friendly relations between Allied and TOA leaders have existed for some time and the board has authorized explorations looking to an exchange of information and, when mutually agreeable, coordination of action with TOA, on particular subjects. “Time Is Not Ripe ” “In the circumstances, the board decided that the time was not ripe for any action looking to an amalgamation with any other organization. Meanwhile, explorations in search of common ground and experiments with cooperative action will be continued.” Concerning the appointment of an arbitration committee, Mr. Shor said that because of his definite retirement as Allied president February 1, he was uncertain whether he would appoint the committee now or leave it to his successor. He said too that the decision on the 1957 convention site would be made after he confers in New York with officials of the Theatre Equipment and Supply Manufacturers Association. One of the issues left open by the board in its initial meetings was the report of the Emergency Defense Committee, in order to await recommendations of the film clin( Continued on following page ) THE OFFICERS. In array in Dallas, recording secretary William Carroll, treasurer Irving Dollinger, president Ruben Shor, general counsel and board chairman Abram F. Myers, and secretary Julius Gordon. MOTION PICTURE HERALD, DECEMBER I, 1956 13