Variety (Sep 1932)

VARIETY PICTUR E S Tuesday, September 6, 1932 Locales of Films Blow Hot and Cold When Seeing Themselves on Screen, U. S. Background Best Bet American fllmdom thinks It has discovered that there is no screen background so appealing to the world at large- as a Yankee locale. It's one of the .basic angles of film making which became submerged when companies went in for every kind of foreign background tojim press foreign customers and over come the dialog handicap. The theory that countries, and some particular localities, have background favorites is mostly fal laclous. Only one exception to be noted. That's when a domestic film Is" a glbrifler of a particular locality. Which may explain why most west- erns Impel an attracting b o. in the western and .'southwestern localities of the U. S.. However, college films seldom stampede college town the-, atres. _ It's the native glorification angle- that seems to covin t; The gangster .cycle is an example although the quality angle of the story and the . logic of the. conti- nuity must be taken into account, Where as the'even' fair gangster film- which completely flopped.' In a bis city? ■A contradiction to .this entire the- ory are jungle Alms in Africa and India.. Take it from those who-have been there, an animal film has . yet to .get really "big money in those localities. Betty's Fish Story Los Angeles, Sept. 5. Evelyn Brent, in an exami- nation of assets brought about by Stanley Rose, bookseller, who holds • a $125 -judgment against her was .' discharged when she testified she had nothing of value except a lot at Noah Berry's Trout farm. Same day Rose's store was attached by John Mann, his landlord, for $600 back rent., Creditors Force Ratoff Into Bankruptcy in L. A. Los Angeles, Sept. 5. ' Unable to obtain leniency on creditors' claims, Gregory Ratoff was forced to file a petition In bank- . ruptcy last week. • Actor had been earning $1,000 a week at Radio for 26- weeks, but has received only $2,- 300 of that amount, - remainder 1 be- ing attached by creditors. Liabilities were $30,994 and as- sets, mainly two productions of 'Girr Crazy' ih Chicago' and Holly- wood warehouses, listed at $10,- 878. ■■ ■ '■ '• Jack Stebbins, house manager at the Chinese, has also filed' bank- . ruptcy plea, listing $43,092 owed and ; ;_ wearing apparel valued at $400 as sole asset. Top creditor' is : Arthur /. Stebbins, his brother, to whom he is Indebted for $18,089. Detroit the- . afrlcal' and film Arms are'listed, for ovei; $8,o6o, and others include Marco, $1,500;' Meyer Davis, $750; Beri Jackson, $100 and H. Mathieu., N/.Y. costumer, $750. Hard-to-Spot Chic Off Warner's Payroll; Sign 3 from Stage Hollywood, Sept. 5. Warners has dropped: Chic Sale, who was- at. the studio on a three picture yearly contract. Found him too hard-to cast. Aline MacMahon", brought from New York four times during the past year on one picture contracts, has been given a termer. Studio finally figured It was cheaper ' to keep her here than pay transporta- tion. Frank McHugh and Glenda Far* rell, latter from stage, have. also been given termers by Warners. Miss Farrell repeated her stage part in 'Life Begins' for the screen.' WILL MAHONEY This Week, Paramount,' New York The San Francisco 'News' said: •Will Mahoney is the funniest danc- er on record.,', When oh' the stage he is accompanied by howls and shrieks of laughter. Mahoney winds up. his swell performance with his one and only xylophone dance, that alone is worth the price of admis- sion.'. Direction RALPH G. FARNUM 1560 Broadway . HEAVY MALE NAME' LINEUP FOR 'LANCER' •«'.,• Hollywood, Sept. 5. Paramount is ' going heavy on masculine name value for its 'Lives of a Bengal Lancer.' So far listed are Gary Copper, .Freddie March, Cllve Brook and Richard Arien. Stephen Roberts has been given the directorial assignment on this story for which EJrnest Schpedsack went,to India for atmospheric foot- age. ' - VB-Stanwyck in New Contact Confab as Star Refuses Option Hollywood, Sept. 5. Though Warners has notified Barbara Stanwyck that her option will be taken up for another year, the star so far nans refused to recog- nize it, claiming the ■ required pe- riod had expired, before the studio announced its renewal. - ■ Trouble arose through the origi- nal contract, signed Aug. 1, 1931, being set back 15 days before go- ing into effect. Star claims that despite this option renewal called for Aug. 1, 1932, and that it was cancelled when studio failed to noti- fy before Aug. 15. Conferences between the studio and Miss Stanwyck are scheduled for this week, with possibilities that the star will have a new contract drawn. Non-Salaried Jiive Goes In M-G's Coaching School .Hollywood, Sept. 5. James Bush, juvenile,. and from the stage, has been admitted to Metro's coaching school to study film technique, He had a part in •Prosperity.' Actor, without a contract and not on the payroll, is the first non- salaried player okayed by Metro for free training. Nine Goldwyn Chorines Get Break and Options HolIywoQd, Sept. 6. Nine of the $5 chorus, girls picked by Sam Gpldwyn for *Kld from. Spain' have been given . optional contracts. -Among the group is Paulette Goddard, Reno ..divorcee, who crashed pictures . several months ago with a Roach contract. Others are .Edith Rourke, Chi- cago model; Consuela Baker, Pasa- dena society femirie, Toby Wing. Vivian Mathison, Jennie Gray and Marian Sayres. fr- INDEX Bills Burlesque Chatter . ■ ... Editorial Exploitation Film House Reviews. Film Reviews ........ Foreign Film News... Foreign Show News.. Inside—Legit .......... Inside—Music Inside—Pictures ..... Inside—Radio ........ Inside—Vaude Legitimate ; Letter List..., Literati ,, Music '; New Acts..'..;....... Nc-ws from the Dailies Nitc Clubs . Obituary ... Outdoors ... Pictures .... Radio \ Radio Chatter Radio Reports ......... Talking Shorts. ........ Uncommon Chatter.... .Vaudeville yau.de House Reviews. « • • • • » • • • • • • ■ • • • * • • • • ' • • • ....3.6 ...45 • I H M I t • • * w'i • .. 2 ..41 .24 30 34 33 35 19 27 15 11 38 35 45 "10 35 35 ■39 47 40 -46 28 32 46 47 47 . • 23 • ■44 43 42 15 34 -20 28 Radio's Two This Year With - Katherine Hepburn . Hollywood, Sept. 5. Katherine Hepburn,' brought here by Radio from New York legit for 'Bill. of Divorcement,' gets a con tract for two pictures a year. Ar rangernent allows her to continue with her stage work. Agreement, specifying two in the next 12 months, carried options for four additional years. MISS JOHANN REASSIGNED Hollywood, Sept. 5. Universal is retaining Zlta Johann for 'Imhotep,' If not' used in this, actress will hold- over for 'Laughing Boy,' re- cently postponed, but for which she was originally engaged. RADIO KEEPS COLLEGE BOY Hollywood, Sept. 5. Francis Cockrell, college grad, brought to Radio's waiting staff on suggestion of Hi N. Swanson, makes the grade. Trial period ended, Cockrell now goes under a termer. Bull Fighter Flies Sidney Franklin,, the bull .fighter, left by plane Wednesday, (31) for the Coast. He will play, hlmseli in • Eddie Cantor's picture, 'KjA from Spain,' i> ' as well as lend, technical advice, Extra Placements Jump 1,520; One Set Uses 540 Hollywood, Sept. 5. Extra placements climbed again to another high, hitting a total of 8,382 last-week. This is an Increase of 1,523 over the previous seven days. Biggest day was Wednesday (30) when 2,096 players worked. Same day saw'the biggest set of the week, 540 people in a theatre scene'at the Shrine auditorium for Radio's 'Eighth Wonder.' Rogers-Hart-Par Deal Up After U. A. Film Hollywood, Sept. 5. Dick Rogers and Larry Hart have as yet had no. negotiations with Paramount for a new contract as previously reported. Likely matter will come up following their work on 'New Yorker,' Jolson picture at United Artists. Pair returned to Paramount to help in the recording, ©lj .'Phantom President,' but received no remu- neration for that. Their last Para- mount salary Was $2,750 a week. WANTS UNKNOWNS Fox After 3 for Jungle Film to Be Made in India Hollywood, Sept 6. Fox Is looking for three unknowns tP play in the Clyde Elliott-James O.. Spearman jungle picture to be made In India. Studio has' called all agents to submit players, who, if selected, will get six month contracts with $160 weekly top;—' Unit making the film Is due to leave here in three weeks. Barthelmess in Ring Hollywood, Sept. 5. 'The Sucker,' prize fight yarn by Bertram Millhauser and Beulah Marie Dix, has been purchased by Warners for Richard Barthelmess. 1; Stpry will be ready for produc- tionin October. PLUGGING PLUGS Studios Now Use 'Block' 8y>tem for Commercial Indorsement! Hollywood, Sept. 6; Studios now work on a/ 'block booking' scheme with fan magazine representatives, who call seeking, commercial tie-ups from the celebs. Mags always wanting the out- standers, routine of the studios now Is:' 'Tou can have Miss Stars', in- dorsement If you. will take Miss Doakes and Miss Joakes.' Back of the hold-outs is a move to get exploitation for the lesser knowns, and explains why lately a lot of smaller fry are getting com- mercial bUUng with the big names. New Hollywood Gimmick Is 75c Service Charge On Passes to Studio Los Angeles, Sept. 5. Service charges- on passes to a film studio is a new idea. Asso- ciated studio, former Sellg zoo and lot, put out 65,000 ducats with a 75-cent nick for adults and a 25- cent top for children. Despite re- ports that, there were, plenty of visitors, the four youths who dis- tributed the passes, have had to ap- peal to the labor'commission to col- lect their wages totaling. $28.50. Passes, large and clrcusy, ordered the studio gateman to admit bearers 'as a • personal favor to President Robert Ross'^after collecting the service fee! . Four boys, James Phelan, Joseph and Edward McGinty, and Robert J. Hume allege that Robert Mc- Nulty, publicity director^ who hired them, stalled on the payup, irifonn- ihg them that studio awaits an in- vestor who . will put. $600 in the business. MORGAN AT RADIO, BUT BARRYM0RE IN T0PAZE' Hollywood, Sept. 5. " John Barrymore will be starred In .'Topaze' by Radio although Frank Morgan," who created the leading part In the show, is at the same studio under contract. Paiidro Berman will supervise production. Screen, treatment, of the play was by Gene Fowler but it' is now in the hands of . Howard' Estabrook for adaptation and continuity. Robert Bencfjley ..will, be held over at the studio to adapt the Malog. Chinese A;ctor Wants His $6,500 Back San Francisco, Sept. 5. Damage suit filed here by Ma Shih Tsiang, Chinese actor, against Monarch Pictures Corp., M. Q. Fong and others. Plaintiff charges he put Up $6,500 to be a star, but that defendants failed to make him shine. Ma claims he was/to be featured in pictures and says he : 'W5t only wasn't-made a star, but didn't even see a camera. CASTING RADIO WITH EYE NOW* TO S. A. Reliance's U Release . Hollywood, Sept 5. Edward Small is negotiating for the release of his Reliance pictures through .Universal. First on the slate is 'Joe Palooka,' being filmed on the Universal lot, with the latter's contract player, Andy Devlne, loaned for the lead part. San Francisco, Sept. 6, Radio is' now casting dramatic; programs with an eye to appear* ahces as well as mike ability. As an instance NBC offers a sus* talnlng" serial, 'One Man's Family/ Carlton Morse dramatization, which , is broadcast oyer the western net-* 1 work from KGO here. Seven members of the cast" were selected' partly because of./then* - appearance; with an eye to ultimate stage work'where visual personality ' Is, of course, more important than" via the mike. '' Clarence Brown's Trust ; - Fund Shrinks $54,122; Bond Values Drop 15% • Los Angeles, Sept; 6. Trust fund of. $229,900 in securi- ties and real estate established by • Clarence Brown two years ago has shrunk $54,122 In value, according to papers on file in Superior Court. Brown* has entered a petition to transfer trustee from, the -closed First National Bank of Reverly Hills to* Union Bank and Trust Co. of Los ^Angeles. . Stocks and bonds comprised $69,- 400-of the total when the trust was- formed* but at present prices are worth only $15,277. Brown's prop- erly, in Beverly Hills, San Bernar- dino, Glendaie and Hollywood, is valued at $164,600. . Also in the. trust is life Insurance amounting to $250,000 and film rights to three stories, 'Purple Llm^ Ited,' by Henry Leverage; 'Benefits Forgot,', by Honore Willsie,: and 'When Egypt Went Broke,' by .Hoi* man Day; each appraised at $1. < Terms of the trust give Brown's mother and father the Income, in the event of his death. . -,. . Fox Unable to Locate Name Team for 'Cavalcade Purcell Vamps 'Orchids' Hollywood, Sept. 6. 4 Np More . Orchids' Is set for a rewrite at Columbia. Revision Is being done by Gert- rude Purcell. SAILINGS Sept. 24 (London to Montreal), Sir Harry Lauder (Letitia). Sept. 8 (London to New York), Senator Murphy (Olympic).- Sept. 6 (London to New York), Beatrice Lillie, Gambarelli (He de France). Sept. 3 (Paris to New York), Rita Welmaii, Maurice Marks, John Hicks, Jr. (Mauretanla). • Sept. 2 (Paris to New York), Irving Rapper, Boris Petroff, Joe Seldelman (Europa). • . Aug. 'M Xi^ew Yprk to London), Ambrose S.iJDowling. (Olympic). : Aug,. 31 . (Paris, .to • ^ew ■ York>, Andre Daven (Majestic)^ .. Aug. 30 (New York to Paris) Paul Robeson, (Lafayette). : . Hollywood, Sept. 5. Start of 'Cavalcade,' Fox super, is now 'listed for Sept. 25. Casting difficulties, hewever, continue to surround selection of leads. Fox would like an established team on top but ; unable to find the right people.. Cllve Brook and Herbert Mundin are the only players so far slated. Weitzenkorn Hearing on Pre^Divorce Alimony Set Los Angeles, Sept. 5. Hearing In Superior court on the application of Mrs. Irma May Weit- zenkorn for temporary alimony and counsels fees In her suit for di- vorce from Louis Weitzenkorn, will be held tomorrow (6). . All demurrers and motions to strike sections from her complaint have been overruled. Brand, Zagon and Aaron representing Mrs. Welt-; zenkorn. ■■ ■•. ■. Polo Atmosphere for Zanuck'Birthday Feed • i ■ • " Hollywood, Sept. 5. - ' Guest list for a stag dinner given Darryl Zanuck on his 30th birthday tomorrow. (Tuesday) has been lim- ited to. 80 people. Hotel room will be laid out as a polo field with tables in horseshoe formation. Sid Grauman is chairman of the informal affair, while other hosts are Irving Thalberg, Al Jclson, Sam Katz,:. Jack Warner and . Winnip _ Sheehan. Atwill for 'Museum' ' Hollywood, Sept. 5. Lionel Atwill gets the lead part in 'The Wax Museum,-' for War- ners. Henry Blanko is supervising; the picture, which is based on-an unproduce'l piny by .Charles -S. Belden. ,.< i ■ Monica Bannistei; > .<cxii'U,..rcirl re- cently .given a contract, in also slated for a part. . •