Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

6TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE I' age 61 Bigger Pictures From Republic ONE swallow doesn't make a Spring, but one picture can be tlie making of a motion picture compan)-. Tlie bistories of tbe present major producing companies are marked at some spot by a big picture wbicb cbanged immediately its status. In tins business, wbich operates practically on tbe confidence tbe exbibitor bas in the producer, tbis one picture acts as a "convincer." ]\[any of tbe major companies today that boast a program featuring tbe higbest priced stars in stories and plays from bands of worldrenowned autbors and dramatists, with production costs running into tbe multiple millions, were small struggling corporate entities, harassed by problems of finance and distribution, until that "lone" picture. What "Seventh Heaven," "Big Parade," "Covered Wagon," "Tbe Jazz Singer," "All Quiet on tbe Western Front" and "It Happened One Night" meant to their respective producers, it is expected "Man Of Conquest" will mean to Republic. "Alan Of Conquest" has proved most definitely that Republic can produce pictures of top ranking quality, and this will open many doors previously closed to the youngest producing company in tbe business. No longer will "name" talent be unavailable. No longer will Republic's program go unconsidered for the best of playing time. Since the inception M. J. Siegel of tbe organization, little more than four >ears ago, tbe company admittedly had .few showings of its films in top spots in "A" bouses throughout tbe country. Its specialty bas been serials, westerns, and tbe "crime doesn't pay" type of attraction. Republic, though a young company comparatively speaking, is guided by experienced hands, who are well aware of Republic's prime position of tbe moment, and intend to make the most of it. For tbe 1939-40 season, Republic is launching an impressive program, which will feature first line box-office names in outstanding story properties by recognized autbors, backed by increased production budgets. Tbe list of story properties for tbe forthcoming season includes works of Sinclair Lewis, W. R. Burnett, Achmed Abdullah, Peter B. Kyne, Mark Twain, Martin Alooney, Jack London, Vicki Baum, R. D'Ennery, Beth Brown and many other leading writers. As previously announced, Republic is dropping from next year's line-up its Showmen's group of pictures which constituted its lower classification films. The budgets that were formerly set up for this group will be shifted to the westerns. There will be four DeLuxe productions to cost not less than $750,000 each, and six Anniversary Specials set for individual budgets of $250,000. The rest of the product will follow in line with similar production increases. Relations have developed whereby contract players of other companies will be available on "loan-out" agreements, and the long list of exclusive free lance players, hitherto unwilling to appear on Republic's lot, is theirs from which to pick and choose. She Looks Intriguing Jean Parker and Phil Regan in "Laughing Irish Eyes" now being edited for early release by Republic. It is a 1938-39 release. The company's success in the building of a serial and western program coupled with the experience gathered during the last few years of production and distribution of feature releases, has brought about a complete knowledge of what the fans want. Its studios, recently purchased at the cost of close to a half million, are modern and well equipped. All of which points to one fact. Republic is ready, willing and able to come to the front this year with an outstanding program that should permanently establish the company as "the independent major organization." SOL C. SIECEL ucer MAN OF CONQUEST / /