Variety (May 1935)

VARIETY P I C ¥ E § Wednesday, May 15, 1935 Film's Strongest Forward Movement As an Educ'l Factor Tried in N. Y. Wliat piimiisc.) to bo the strongest forward movement toward the in- troduction of 111 motion picture as a distinctively educational and habit-forming factor in the public school Kot undtrway May 10 when the (Irst of a series of 'success films' were shown to two groups of pupils frorn Xew Yorlc schools. Pupils of tlie fifth and sixth grades in the Bronx, N. Y., viewed the first of the series in the Park Plaza theatre, hrre. while pupils from 13 schools on the middle west side attended a similar performance at the Riviera t'.eatre, Manhattan. Co-operation of the theatres was required since, while most schools own a projector, most of these are not wired for sound. The theatres co-operated with the Hays' oflice and the Com- mittee on Social Values in Motion Pictures, a national body. The project was first broached in 1929, but it was not until last year that the plan took conci-ete form. In co-operation with the producers a series of 20 one-reel pictures were cut from feature length productions, each edited to provoke classroom discussion. The idea is that the pupils will view the.picture.(eventu- ally in the school auditorium) and return to classrooms to discuss what they have just seen. The first picture was clips from 'Sooky,' but to give a better idea, the sceres from 'Huckleberry Finn' have been re-edited into a one- reeler which stresses the anti- social attitude of other children toward Huck and his subsequent runaway,, tracing the action back to the children's attitude in a fashion to instill the lesson of social (Continued on page 69) OPERA STARS' CAMERA ANGLES With major companies grooming opera voices for film production, Hollywood is anticipating plenty of ■worry in whipping this talent into ehape for screen appearance. Few of those skedded to do arias for the cameras have been in plx. Training the warblers for cainera angles, despite previous work on the Btage, is figured to take considerable coaching. LEWIS STONE QUiniNG WHEN CONTRACT ENDS Hollywood, May 14. Upon firtiahlng his new three year contract wltH Metro, Lewis Stone declares he will retire from pictures. Player has been with Metro for several years under a feature con- tract, and prior to that time was with First National over a long pe- riod. He has been in pictures for more than 20 years. GANGLINGS McGpwan Moves Over to Par for Direction Par's Juves Hollywood, May 14. Robert McGowan, who for years directed the Roach 'Our Gang' comedies. Is. at Paramotint to direct and produce a two-reeler, utilizing the six kid players under contract to the studio. Principal parts will go to Virginia Weldler, David Holt, Baby LeRoy, Betty Holt, Lois Kent and Billy Lee. ROSE'S 'JUMBO' WANTS A FILM BANKROLL Picture money backing for 'Jumbo' was reported not completed early this week, with Billy Rose angling with two film firms for Hecht- McArthur script. Paramount turn- ed down Rose's proposal for $150,000 in return for 50% of the profits. Deal would have Included one quarter of the pictures rights and half of the managerial end. Metro Is also said to be consider- ing 'Jumbo,' with Rose also claiming he wpuld bankroll the show himself. Estimates call for 4,000 seats at the Hippodrome where 'Jumbo' is slated to be spotted, although the present seating arrangement will be changed, show to be played under a tent. With a ?3.30 top and $1.66 matinee Rose claims a weekly possible capacity of $100,000. Schedule calls for two performances dally, manager rating 'Jumbo' as a spectacle rather than a play. Similar classification permitted two shows daily at the Hipp In former seasons, the house and spectacles not coming within Equity's eight performance limit. NON-UNION BAND AT HOtE CAUSES MOVE Kansas City, May 14. After the Pabst Brewing Company local agency had invited a number of guests to atterid Ben Bernle's broadcast at the Hotel Muehlebach, this week, It was obliged to send new and corrected Invitations changing the place of broadcast to the Musicians Hall, from which the Kansas City orchestra's Sunday broadcasts are piped weekly. Change in places was caused on account of a non-union band play- ing at the hotel. Mae West's 'Saint' HoUyw^ood, May 14. Next for Mae West at Paramount Is 'Hallelujah, I'm a Saint,' orig- inal by Marion Morgan-George Dowell. Story replaces 'Lulu Was a Lady,' but actress will Incorporate .several seqences from the yarn when she writes the screen play for "Halle- lujah.' Bernhardt Pic Metro and RKO Radio are com- petini; to got the rights to George Westley's 'Divine Sarah,' based on the life of the Sarah Bernhardt. Moiro wants the yarn for Oarljo, while Radio is interested for Hep- burn. ROS. PINCHOT SET Hollywood, May 14. Rosamond Pinchot, nicco of for- mer Governor I'incliof of Pennsyl- vania, who was under contract to Metro six months williout ai)ponr- Ing in a ])Icture, makes her camera debut at Radio. Now freelancing she has been epoUod for the Qiioon part in 'Throe iiuskcteers.'' SAILINGS June 28 (New York to Leningrad) Clarence Derwent (Reliance). May 23 (London to New York) George Lait (George Washington). May 18 (New York to Los Ange- les) Manny Seff (Pennsylvania). May 18 (New York to Paris) Grace Moore, Margalo Gillmorc, Valentin Parera, Fred C. Schang (He de France). May 18 (New York to Buenos Aires) Alison Hunter (Southern Prince). May 18 (New York to London) Jessie Ernst (Georgic). May 13 (Los Angeles to Panama) Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gang (Cali- fornia). May 11 (New York to Genoa) Jos. M. Schenck, Katherine Brush (Conte dl Savoia). May 11 (New York to Paris) Bur- ton Holmes, Myrna Loy, Robert Ripley, Polly Moran, Allen Foster, Jack Connolly, Laird Goldsborough (Paris). May 10 (New York to London) W. A. Bach, John McCormack, Mona Maris (Bremen). ARRIVALS Taylor Holmes, Phillips Holmes, Gilbert Miller, Paulino StarUo, Rus- sell Markcrt, 01.;,'a Petrova, Auljrey Ilaninioiul, lUilh Chattcrton, I'hil Uoisniaii, P^obort .Schloss, J. Carlo I'^avettn, P.-nidor Inry.o, Petor AVitt, (!. Niclas. ("apt. A. C, N. Dixioy. WILL MAHONEY News of the World, England.—"1 would place • Will' Mahoney In ■ the first half - dozen brilliant artists from America since the war. Sheer originality has placed him where he is today, and originality Is every- thing on the halls. His act, "Radio New York," is at Flnsbury Park this week." I Direction WM. MORRIS AGENCY Mayfair Theatre Building New York City N Y. Par May Shut Part of Summer; Film Shortage Due partly to outlook on product, the Paramount, N. Y., flagship of the Par chain, may close for a portion of the summer and reopen with new season's pictures when ready. Two weeks' notice, which would protect the theatre in event of decision to close shortly; has been given to musicians and Reginald Foort, organist. Mae West picture, 'Goin' to Town," current, will probably do two weeks. 'Glass Key,' with Raft, is booked to follow and Par is trying to get 'Doubting Thomas' (Rogers)- from Fox, in an effort to protect Itself. If remaining open for the summer, squeezing through with what pic- ture product is available, house may reduce Its admission scale. In any event pit orchestra and Foort will be dropped May 24. Another summer economy move will be cutting the Par's regular $7,500-$10,000 weekly ad budget to about $3,500. In an effort'to ,i .main open dur- ing the summer, Par may go into a' policy of moderate priced stags shows and scale th> housj at a 65c top. This Is the Roxy admission scale. Having been 35i; right alonrj from opening u- til 1 p.m., the Par yesterday (Tuesday) slipped down to 25c with the Mae West picture, 'Goin' to Town' current. This Is the morning scale at the Roxy. FOX BUDGET SCALPEL FOR SCRIBE OVERHEAD Hollywood, May 14. Fox Is preparing to swing the axe in an effort to cut down the over- head. Writing department will be first to feel the effect. Intention being to drop scribblers oft the payroll as soon as they finish their assign- ments, and eliminate carryovers be- tween pictures. Several Junior writers are to be dropped In an effort to virtually eliminate the collaboration system in which recognized writers are bracketed with beginners. MG Signs Jas. Stewart James Stewart, from legit, goes to Hblly^vood in two weeks for a two- picture jaunt at Metro. Will come back in the fall for a Broadway sliow and then may go back to Metro on option pickups. Set by Leah .Sall.sbury. 'CALIENTE' PERSONALS Hollywood, May 14. Pat O'Brien, Frank McHugli, Allan Jenkins and Winifred Shaw to ijersonal at the world Premiere of 'In Callente,' at the Warfield, Frisco, May 10. Tm Telh'ng You' By Jack Osterman 1 Page—1 Minute Hollywood, May 14. When an average shooting script Is ttirned In to a pro- ducer, latter figures each page equals one minute (90 film feet) on the screen. So when a script turns up In 120 pages, the producer knows It's approximately 40 pages overboard before he even starts to read. THREE B'DWAY DELUXERS IN UTE GRINDS Broadway theatres have begun going after late, night and early morning business In an effort to squeeze more into every day. On top of the RivoH and Strand, lengthening their days, the Para- mount, effective with the 'Goin' to Town' engagement current; has de- cided to try to snatch some of the late Broadway coin. House is opening an hour eai'lier (9:30) and is grinding until 3:30 In the morning. Rlvoli has been grinding until 3 a.m. with 'Mlserables' while the Strand has been keeping open al- most 20 hours for 'G Men,' from 8 a.m. to near 4 a.m. CO-STAR ROBINSON, MUNI IN 'SOCRATES' Hollywood, May 14. Warners is sold on having Edward G. Robinson co-starred with Paul Muni in 'Dr. Socrates.' Robinson, without any present assignment and waiting for suitable material at the studio, is agreeable. Abe Finkel and Carl Erickson are workmg on the script to build up the contrast- ing roles with equal strength and actor opportunity for talents of both stars. •Socrates' will be ready for pro- duction early next month, to be di- rected by William 'Kelghley. Studio has. found a second and succeeding story which Muni likes and has agreed to play, an untitled original by a staff writer. This is the first time during Its contract with the star that Warners has had two acceptable yarns for Muni on the fire. Self-Styled Scenarist Held on Larceny Charge Syi-acuse, May 14. Bernard Henry Marcu.s, self- styled Hollywood scenarist, held here to await the action of the Onondaga County grand jury on a second degree grand larceny charge, is wanted in Clarksburg, Va., to face two indictments, the dlstribt attorney's office was advised today by police of that city. Marcus' record, as received from the division of Investigation of the Department of Justice, includes two felony convictions and arrests in Los Angeles and six other western and mldwestern cities. Setting Hopkins' Pix The Rachel Crothcrs story for Miriam Hopkins will be known as 'Splendor.' It will be produced for 1935-'3C release as one of the two Sam Goldwyn stan-ers for Miss Hopkins, who is under a four-year contract to this producer. Other will be 'Earbary Coast' on which Howard Hawks Is east at present conferring with Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the adapters. The Mildred Cram story pur- chased by Goldwyn for Miss Hop- kins will not bo made this season. It goes on the 1936-'37 pi-ogram. Hollywood. May U. Sam Goldwyn wants Ril;i Wei- man's novel, 'What Manner of Love,' for the next Miriam Hopkins pic. Broadway vs. Hollywosd In a very comparing mood today. We became a blt_ .homesick on Mother's Day and "CfilLed up our mater who lives In Beverly Hills... we also wired Simmons at the Shu- bert office. Had nothing to do be- tween benefits. Incidentally this is the fourth Sunday in a row we've played the Ambassador. Don't mind playing thorn, hut the same show- shop every week gets you sp you feel like a; detour In 'Post Road.* Anyway we'll bo there next Sun- day for a svell guy. Jack Ingliss, and it's about time actors played benefits for actors...why do you think we're rehearsing? But to get back to the original idea. Would like to set forth a few comparisons we've observed since arriving back on the big street. Broadway... .where they have 'Three Men on a Horse.' Hollywood... .where they have eight men on a scenario. Broadway... .where east Is east and never the twain shall meet. Hollywood... .where West is Mae and she meets everybody. Broadway... .where a brown derby is Al Smith's headgear. Hollywood... .where a brown derby is a restaurant catering to the better class of I. O. U.!s. Broadway.,. .where Irving Caesar has a music publishing company. Hollywood... .where his brother, Arthur, talks to Irving by just yell- InT from the Boulevard. Broadway.... where a called the Hollywood. Hollywood... .where a called The New Yorker. Broadway... .where Max Gordon's big hit Is 'The Great Waltz.' Holly wood... where Busby Berk- ley will turn it Into 'The Great One •Step, Fox-trot, Carloca, Continental; By a Waterfall, Lullaby of B'way Waltz.' Broadway... .where Max Bacr got shot under the heart. Hollywood... where they tore his heart out. Broadway... .where Variety is published. Hollywood... .where Arthur Un- gar doesn't believe it. Broad wa y. .. where 'Anything Goes." Hollywood... 'Anything Goes.' Ostermania There's one good thing about Hol- lywood ... at least you can starve without an overcoat.. .Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Landfleld, we'r* glad It's a girl, which saves us an- other director.. .Lots of people ex- pected to see Ruth Etting's husband in 'The Little Colonel'.-. .Had dinner in the Plying Trapeze the other night... nice cozy 10 acres-... they pipe the ketchup from Dallas...we got the low down on the Jessel suit by the mgr. In Marlon, Ohio...It seems that George's advance man okayed it without his knowledge, «o Jessel told the agent to play It... Things are still tough for Georgle, he's now living on Park avenue— gradually working his way to the river.. ..Understand the Friars club is closing for the summer... does that mean Loew's State goes straight pictures?.. .Edgar Leslie has given music publishers a chance to pay off alphabetically., .so far everyone's name is Zimmerman.. .AVhen Solly Violinsky, after being in Hollywood for five years without working, was was asked why he didn't leave he answered, 'What do you thing I am, yellow?' Are you reading-? Slight WB Cast Change, Character Vice Juve Hollywood, May 14. Henry O'Nell, character actor, has replaced Donald Woods, juve- nile. In AVarners' 'We're in the Money.' Woods has been loaned to Par mount for 'Accent on Youth.' J&S Shubert Deal Deal was closed Mond.iy (13) In New York by Edna Scliloy, acting tov Joyce and .Sol/inick,' whereby that agency aociuiros exclusive film sales representation for all .SInibort stage productions. Deal aiMilii'-s t" present and past prciln a-" well as future. Over TOO former never sold to films