Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1930)

28 .1/ o t i o n P i c I it r e N e w s Move m ber 2 2 , 19 3 0 Clinch Ending Is Still in Demand; "Girl Must Live Providence — The old sugar-coated endings with the hero and heroine locked in close embrace are still the McCoy in the provinces where the alleged artistic fade-out has no place if it brings in old man Death to write the tag. This was exemplified at the RKO Victory where "Today" was shown. In this there are two endings in the can, one showing the husband shooting the wife and she stays shot, while the other brings her out of that condition by the hero's finding out that it was all a nightmare. The girl, who is the worst type of gold-digger and parasite, deserves the bullet, but do audiences in the hinterland go for it? They do not! Harry Storin, RKO chief here, tried out both endings and thumbs down were turned on the one that spelled finis to the lovely, if misguided, wife. The other ramification of plot, however, met with great approval, although it was illogical and weak as drug store gin. Fans left the theatre expressing the opinion that, after all, Cupid might find a way. This condition, however, seems to apply only to pictures dealing with the love interest angle. In death house and war films it seems oke for the hero to get himself shot to pieces as long as he leaves no girl in tears. Omit Film Stocks From "Best Bets J? Film stocks were not included in "stock groups which will lead the next bull market" in a discussion of the subject by the American Statistical Association. Listed as the leaders in the market's recovery were chemicals, natural gas, electric comfort devices, remodeled homes, prepared goods, branded goods and dairy products, including ice cream. Pauline Starke Suing James Cruze for Ouster Hollywood — Pauline Starke is suing James Cruze for $6,050, charging that she was employed at a salary of $1,500 for four weeks for "The Great Gabbo" and then was discharged after working four days in the film. The $50 is for airplane fare she said she paid in rushing to the studios at the asserted direction of the defendant. M-G-M Signs Timberg Herman Timberg. vaudeville headliner, has been signed by M-G-M to appear in two "Colortone" shorts. These will be titled "Ambitious People" and "The Schoolroom." Abandons Project Philadelphia — Fox has abandoned its proposed Seventeenth and Market Sts. projects and the site now is for sale. The theatre and office building was to have cost $16,000,000. An Event "The Blue Angel" is on the way. That's extremely important news to an industry and all those in it who recognize the value of a significant picture. The production, directed by Josef Von Sternberg for Ufa of Berlin and distributed here by Paramount, reaffirms what any discriminating observer must already know: that, in silent pictures or in talking pictures, Emil Jannings' acting genius is a heritage that belongs to the public regardless of what the adding machine may tell. We take this stand realizing full well that it may prove difficult to reconcile with the accepted standards of proper business administration because Jannings and pictures like "The Blue Angel" build the prestige, if not the profits, which this business must have if it is to permanently survive. "The Blue Angel" does two things more. It does what "Morocco" didn't do. It establishes Marlene Dietrich of whom you will hear often from now on, as an actress of power, intelligence and lure. If audiences were intrigued by her work in "Morocco," they will be impressed beyond measure by her performance in "The Blue Angel." For it is in this production that the German player conveys an impressive idea of what she can do, if properly directed in vehicles adapted to her pronounced capabilities. Thirdly, by his direction of this immensely powerful drama, Josef Von Sternberg demonstrates beyond argument what he has indicated from time to time: that his place is in the very forefront of directorial ranks. The man knows drama: we suspect he has a flair, perhaps suppressed, for intelligent comedy; he thinks, and therefore, directs in terms of motion pictures. This writer's analysis of the dubious commercial appeal of "The Blue Angel" may be wrong. The picture has loads of sex and that may send it over the success line. He does know, however, that on the basis of sheer merit and as a piece of thoughtful, gripping, if tragic, entertainment, the production deserves to crash through with a smash. K A N N Bankers Tell Industry Leaders to "Trim" (Continued from page 23) overhead on the U. A. lot. Behind the Warner-First National consolidation is seen the effort, induced by the bankers, to cut overhead in distribution with the extension of the plan to the studios considered an inevitable follow-up. In the light of theatre grosses, which range from 10 to 30 per cent under last year, and the constant trepidation over losses of foreign markets, or diminished revenue at least, the industry today faces what well-posted observers declare to be one of the most important crises in its long history. Pola to Confess As Mary Wins Prince's Heart Chicago — Mary McCormic, Chicago Civic Opera star, and Prince Serge M'Divani, Pola Negri's ex, announced their engagement shortly after the arrival here of the prince. He was met at the train by Mary. "Where's my daddy?" she inquired of a newspaper photographer at the La Salle St. station as the Century pulled in. "Who's your daddy ?" countered the photog. The question was answered when Mary, at that moment, spotted M'Divani and greeted him with a kiss. That evening, in Mary's apartment in the Lake Shore Drive hotel, they announced they would wed soon. M'Divani stated he was leaving for the Coast at once. Later attempts to reach Mary at her apartment were met with the announcement that she "would be out of town for a few days and had left no forwarding address." Two days later she was on hand to sing in the opera, "Manon Lescaut." At the same time the local papers printed dispatches from Paris stating that Pola is writing her memoirs under the title, "My Confessions." In it, she states, she is going to give the lowdown on all her loves. Vot's in a Name? Lots of Expense Chicago — Chicago exhibs with anything lengthier than two-syllable names are changing them by shrinking off a couple of syllables in an economy move new to local theatre business. Hard times are said to be responsible for the name amputations ; the long family monickers costing too much to put into print in theatre ads and marquee bulbs. Latest to switch signatures is Louis Ostrovsky. He's Louie Brown now. although his brother, Abe, is sticking to the original family cognomen. Same situation prevails in the Ortenstein family. Moses has become Moe Wells, but his brother Harry is still an Ortenstein. Jolson to Return to Stage Shows in March Al Jolson is to return to stage work in March. He is to appear in a musical comedy, to be presented by Charles B. Dillingham, Max Gordon and the Erlangers. Jolson now is on the Coast, w-here he is starting work in "Sons o' Guns." Seek "Blue" Law Oklahoma City — Attempt to enact a statewide "blue" law is to be made at the forthcoming session of the legislature. Signs Schertzinger Hollywood — Radio Pictures has signed Victor Schertzinger on a long-term contract. Reviews in This Issue "Opinions on Pictures," regular weekly reviewing service covering new feature and short subject product, begins on page 44, this issue.