Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1930)

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36 .1/ o t i o n P i c t u r e X e w October 4, 19 3 0 "Tentative" Protection Plan in Force In Illinois, Despite Plenty of Squawks Independents' Veto Goes Into Waste Basket; Publix Dominates Meetings (Continued from page 27) by the independents, in as much as the rezoning ambitions of the Hays' organization, not only here but throughout the country, were impelled by the necessity tor equalizing the position of the independent. The Chicago Film Board, as was to be expected, approved the plan at a meeting held early this week. However, officials of the Hays unit refused to commit themselves on what probable action would be taken before the plan becomes effective. Opinion, however, indicated that no attempt would be made to railroad the plan over the veto of the independents. Compromise, partial or complete, on the points of independent objection will follow, it appears. In the meantime, Paramount, M-G-M and Warner exchanges are already selling on the basis of the new plan. Their contracts, however, include a clause which states that later revisions of the release and protection schedules under which the contract was drawn will prevail over those incorporated in the contract. The same clause has been included in the contracts of all Hays' member exchanges here since selling was resumed after the first attempts at re-zoning. Those who gave "tentative approval" to the plan by affixing their initials to the copy supplied them were: Max Balaban, Janies Coston, Emil Stern, Lou Reinheimer, Flovd Brockell, Bill Saul. Clyde Eckhardt, Norman Moray, Felix Mendelssohn, Roy Alexander and J. O. Kent. Hit Pettijohn Stand Among this group were several who later criticised the manner in which their signatures were obtained and the subsequent conduct of C. C. Pettijohn on his return to New York. The disgruntled ones, after reading trade paper accounts giving Pettijohn as their authority for stating that the plan had been definitely approved and settled, recalled that when their initials on the plan had been requested it was definitely stated that their signature was to indicate only "tentative approval" of the plan and was to be regarded in no way as a definite commitment. As has been stated, all representatives signed in this manner with the exception of Saperstein and Alger. Immediately the initials were on paper, Pettijohn gathered up the copies and departed with them for New York, while the meeting here continued. Then emanated from New York trade paper accounts of the "agreement" and "approval" of the plan. As in the plan itself, so at the meeting. Publix was the dominant factor. Headed by Attorney Austin Keough, the Publix entry included Leo Spitz. Alex Halperin, Bill Saul, Max Balaban, Floyd Brockell, J. O. Kent (Paramount) and Emil Stern (Essaness). The Hays organization, too, was well represented. In addition to C. C. Pet Seek 25% Cut Pittsburgh — Saving of 25 per cent, on insurance will be effected by the western Pennsylvania and West Virginia exhibitor unit if a deal now under way is closed. The proposal is to be outlined in detail at the annual convention here Oct. 20 and 21. The convention also is to take up the matter of zoning, percentage bookings and the proposed new form of contract, according to Fred. J. Herrington, secretary-. tijohn and Gabriel Hess, there was a bevy of Film Board secretaries from all over the country in attendance. Though the two ruling delegations were in accord on most matters, there were frequent occasions when the formidable Publix legal talent hurriedly and somewhat nervously shushed the Hays attorneys when they were about to speak their minds. The essence of the plan is the principles which have dictated release and protection in the city and state for many years. Adjustments, naturally, have been made in cancerous situations downstate and wherever deemed advisable within the metropolitan area. These are o£ local significance only. So-called Publix "concessions" include the admittance of the RKO Loop theatres— Woods, State-Lake and Palace — to a hypothetical parity with the Balaban & Katz Loop houses ; and the same elevation of Warners' Capitol and Avalon theatres to equality with the B. & K. southside neighborhood "pre-release 'A' theatres." Similar adjustments are made in the "pre-release 'B' " classifications. These revisions, however, are without importance, meaning only that in the event B. & K. theatres do not want a picture the others may have it at the time it would have played the B. & K. houses. Two Weeks' Protection in Loop Release schedules remain the same, with two weeks' protectian for the Loop, three weeks for the pre-release "A" theatres, two for the pre-release "B," one for pre-release "C." and general release in the ninth week. Downstate schedules in all key centers likewise remain the same. Thus, B. & K. in the metropolitan area and Publix in the state retain their now historic autocracy. Innovations in the plan include the regulation of double-featuring, restrictions on give-aways and the creation of a continuing zoning committee. Double-featuring has been permissible here in the first week of general release. It is now forbidden until the eighth week of general release. Giveaways, which include any means of procuring bargain admissions, will henceforth bring about an adjustment in the classification of the theatre sponsoring them. The principles which have governed release and protection in the metropolitan area and the state have never existed in writing. This plan, when and if finally adopted, will constitute the first legal document of its kind in existence here. Plan Submitted May Stand as New System of Protection and Release in State The complete text of the new plan of picture releasing, and theatre protection as adopted for the Chicago territory and downstate Illinois by a committee of Chicago exchange managers appears below: CHICAGO— ORIENTAL, ROOSEVELT, McVICKERS. UNITED ARTISTS, WOODS, STATELAKE AND PALACE NO theatre in the State of Illinois, north of Springfield, excepting Waukegan, nor in the State of Indiana in the Counties of Starke, Pulaski, Porter, Jasper. Lake, La Porte and Newton, are to play prior to or during the engagement in these theatres. No theatres in Lake, Du Page or Cook County, Illinois, i in I^ake County, Indiana, to play until fourth week after last day of exhibition in these theatres, except Uptown, Riviera, Granada, Marbro, Paradise, Tivo.i, Tower, Capitol and Avalon. which may play in the third week after last day of exhibition in the Loop. Also, second run in the Loop may play in the same week with these pre-release "A" theatres if the second run in the Loop charges the same admission price as these pre-release "A" theatres, or week and week with the Harding Theatre. BASIS FOR RELEASING PICTURES THE BASIS FOR RELEASING PICTURES IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO will be in accordance with tht two following schedules, which refer particularly to the NORTH SIDE and the SOUTH SIDE, on the principle that, with the exception of certain possible variations, all pictures become available for first run of General Release theatres in the ninth week on the NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES after the close of the particular engagement of the respective pictures in the Chicago Loop theatres, and one week later on the WEST SIDE. NORTH SIDE PROTECTION Fust and second week— LOOP PROTECTION. Third week— UPTOWN, RIVTERA, GRANADA, in third week — 16 days. Fourth week— UPTOWN, RIVIERA, GRANADA, in fourth week — 9 davs. Filth week— UPTOWN, RIVIERA, GRANADA, in fifth week— 9 days. Sixth and seventh week— "B"— SHERIDAN, CENTURY. NORSHORE and PANTHEON-Sunday opening. Eighth week — "C." Ninth week-GENERAL RELEASE. SOUTH SIDE PROTECTION First and second weeks— LOOP PROTECTION. Third week— Pictures playing TIYOLI or CAPITOL alone in third or fourth week — 12 days' protection on "B." Fourth and fifth weeks — Pictures playing TIVOLI or CAPITOL alone in fifth week — 9 days' protection on "B." Pictures playing TOWER and CAPITOL alone in fifth week — 9 davs' protection on "B." Pictures playing TOWER and CAPITOL day and date or AVALON in third, fourth or fifth weeks — 7 days' protection on "B." Any picture playing CAPITOL repeat on TIYOI.l may play immediately following termination of run. Sixth week— "B." Seventh week -MARYLAND. Any picture playing STRATFORD, MARYLAND, may play immediately thereafter. Eighth week— "C." Ninth week rGENERAL RELEASE. The foregoing schedule is based upon the STRATFORD mailing no more than two changes in program per week. Eighth week of GENERAL RELEASE— All theatres showing double features. In determining any classification or run of any theatre by the price charged for admission thereto, the admission price charged adults for a majority of the seats of such theatre at evening performances upon week days shall be deemed to be the price charged for admission to such theatres. The sale of coupon or thrift books containing tickets of admission to any theatre shall not be deemed to affect the price charged adults for admission thereto at evening performances on week days provided not more than