Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1940)

May 4, 1940 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW Page 3 Between The Devi I & The S ea Faced with two such Herculean headaches as the Neely Bill (plus its author's new divorcement proposal) and the government equity suit, the industry hasn't much to choose between Htigation and legislation. But that a choice may have to be made is not unlikely as the threat of a field day of lawsuits and lawmaking looms larger and larger. Either one or both of these headaches are charged with dynamite which might blow up, should the industry choose to take a stubborn attitude and fight with its back to the wall for complete, final and uncompromising victory. Unquestionably, with the exception of divorcement, both the Neely Bill and the government suit can be disposed of through the consent decree route — a course which has the attraction of offering the means of saving everybody concerned a lot of grief and legal expense. If the handwriting is actually on the wall and it indi' cates that a new method of selling is to be ordered, then perhaps the sooner the industry gets down to it the better. Certainly, both the buyers and the sellers will find out in mighty short order the best means of making that new system work. The Department of Commerce's proposal has as points of particular merit the arbitration recommendations. And since the majority of the majors, according to rumor, are in favor of acceptance, it seems to us that the D of C proposals are the best way out of a situation in which the only other alternatives are litigation and legislation. Undoubtedly, should the proposals be accepted, the move would eliminate the Neely Bill and so would avoid the industry still more grief. And from this seat of observation most anything looks better than lawsuits and legislation, both of which may point dangerously to ultimate regulation with its ham-stringing effects on those the legislation is supposed to aid, as well as those it originally was designed to ''regulate." AAA Exhibitors Convene The first convention of the Pacific Coast Conference of Independent Theatre Owners, gets underway on May 8th. A glance through the program of activities indicates a far-reaching coverage of major industry topics. This organi2;ation has attracted nation-wide attention among exhibitors and exhibitor groups and from this, its first convention, may come the answer to many pertinent questions as to how present problems are to be met aggressively and intelligently. We have admired since its inception, the manner in which this exhibitor group has tackled problems. Much, of what its members have been striving for may be crystallised through their convention. We hope that our high regard for this organi2,ation's aims and its energy will not be dissipated through any play-acting or resolution-making. We doubt that they will, but we are hoping just the same. AAA Observations Some one revived the old chestnut about there being so many suits pending, they ought to give an extra pair of trousers with each one . . . Unfortunately, the situation is far too serious to be treated lightly . . . One visiting exhibitor, always a staunch supporter on the side of the Neely Bill opponents, told us he was getting so weary of the fight that he'd just as soon see a year or two of no block booking just to see how the darned thing would work anyway . . . he may have something there . . . If trade showings before buying become a reality . . . exhibitors will have to pack their golf clubs and pinochle decks in moth balls ... In addition to all their other tasks, they'd have to buy cushions and sit in projection rooms looking at pictures when they would rather be out indulging in lighter pastimes . . . If the wave of lawsuits continue . . . film salesmen will be able to save lots of travelling time . . . They could "catch" most of their prospects in any court room and close their deals right then and there . . . And such convenience ... if any dispute came up they could walk up to the judge and settle it quick ... Or maybe get the court to put its okay on the deal . . . It well nigh breaks our exploitation heart to see a picture like Paramount's "Biscuit Eater," being left to die in the larger cities when a little smart show-selling could make it an audience dehght for any theatre. At any rate, give the small town showmen credit. They know how to sell an attraction like this . . . and are doing it to the ama2,ement of their supposedly smarter big-town brothers . . . Here is one swell hunk of entertainment which every patron will endorse ... if they were only told how good it is . . . Try it . . . and you'll thank us for the tip . . . A year ago this time most of the companies' new season product plans were known to the industry at large . . . This year much of the new product is being kept a secret . . . But not for long . . . 'Cause while some exhibitors are battling to the death against block booking and blind buying they'd like to know what pictures are coming and where they are to come from, so as to keep open house next year. —"CHICK" LEWIS.