Variety (Sep 1938)

•VAUETY'P LONDON OTWtCE. . • St, HsrtU'* Pbraa, TrafsIaM mum INTERNATIONAL NEWS Cable ArtdreMl VARIKTX, LONDON Telrpboa* Tampl* B*r Mtl-SMe 13 Forecast Dismal Future for French Films in U- S.; Flood of Mediocrity Distributors; pi French-made Alms iii New York are openly pessimistic this week over the outlook for these imports in the U. S. during the next few months. They! point to the forthcoming influx of weakie French language productions as indicating that forecasts made several months ago regarding, the dismal future for films made in France are about to become reality. Success of 'Mayerling/ 'Carnival in Flanders," 'Pearl of Crown,' 'Club des Femmes' and a couple of others inspired the urge to flood the American market with imports from France. If the incoming produc- tions measure up even partially to these Alms, the outlook would not be so gloomy for French language, dis- tribs, it's held. But. they shudder at the expected reaction to these weaker films, figuring that the Amer- ican public will condemn the thin productions and ruin what they, have built up in good-will towards French product One distributor was reported re- cently to have paid $60,000 for six French-made pictures, which he rated a Bargain. Veterans in for- eign language field hint that if half that amount is returned in. film ren- tals, this distrib would be lucky. A wealthy backer has invested $26,000 iti another French language import, \vhich indicates activity in istrib- uting.foreign language films. Perhaps definite trend bh the American, reaction to new imports from France will be obtained when and if John E. Otterson's foreign lan- guages start appearing in Brandt circuit houses. Deal calls for Brandt to play the films in certain houses, but no specified number will be used on the circuit. ' One angle that's stressed is that two or three duds in the French film field j t about washes up a distribu- tor. HEAR ODEON TO MERGE WITH G-B London, Sept. 13. Deal is being quietly discussed be- tween the bankers, insurance com- panies and the Ostrers, heading Gaumont-British, and Oscar Deutsch, head of the Odeon circuit, to join forces. Project involves more than 600 houses, including several under, con- struction, with capital of $75,000,000. 'Snow White' Approved By Censors in So. Africa African Consolidated Theatres has been permitted to.show Walt Dis- ney's 'Snow-White' (RKO) through South. Africa. Censor board had previously con- idered banning picture. 83 New Houses for So. Africa Cape Town, Sept. 1. Reported that 23 cinemas through- out the country would be in con- duction at the end of the year. Current London Plays ith Doles When Opened) 'I'ruii'h Without Tours," Criterion—: i. '::»;. '('.Klwrl'o Wife.' Rlolie-Nnv. S3. "37. 'Mi' unit My Girl." .Victoria Maeo- . ■Nine Sharp.' Little—J:in. SO. 'MIiiCm .J>cllgM,' Aliullo-Murth SS, ■WIW Ortls.' 1'rlnioj.H-Alilll IS. ■•.Hi; 'Ifcniiinn lllilKe." Klrmid-Aiull ST, ■ 'lllorloun Mornlne,' Wlllll'hll Mm; ■No». Dec. ■5S. ' "in; SI, "I'lic Fleet' —An«t. lp|iodroine-rAuK. ;[;iM train South.' SI. >fxilln'ii-Am. II. .•■liisliliifc simiiii,' Lyrl.-Sei't. 1. London Group Merges Resources in Joint Prod. London, Sept. Cooperative Assn; of Producers and Distributors, to be known as Capad, will combine its resources for production. Under the new arrange- ment, Michael Balcon joins the boards. of directors of Associated Talking Pictures and ATP Studios. Cooperative film producing plan has the support of. Arthur Rank and Stephen Courtauld, who built Pipe- wood and ATP Ealing studios, re- spectively. It is planned to take into the or- ganization other producers on the same cooperative basis. ITALIANS, NAZIS SPLIT VENICE AWARDS Rome, Sept. 3. Third and last week of Venice International Film Exhi ish brought forth best batch of competing films, among them the Mussolini Cup wi Italy's 'Luciano. Serra Pilota' and Germany's film record of the Olympic games in Berlin. France showed its ace picture of the year 'Quai des brumes' CQuai of Fogs'); England entered its 'Pyghtalion' (GFD); and Hollywood showed 'Snow White' (RKO), 'Goid- wyn Follies' (UA), 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO), nd 'Mart Antoinette' (M-G). 'Snow While.' Ginger- Rogers' comedy in 'Lady' and George Stev- ens' direction of the film also were popularly, received: The striking color effects of 'Goldwyn Follies' were, singled out as were the dignity and. restraint of 'Antoinette' and Norman Shearer's performance. Italy's 'Luciana' has for its theme adventure and glorification of mili- tary aviation. Other Italian entries were the Juventus Film production, They've Kidnapped a Man' and 'Under the Southern Cross.' For- mer, directed by Gennaro Righelli, and starring Vittorio De Sica, Ca- terina Boretto and Maria Denis, is light, unpretentious comedy. 'Cross*, was produced by Fontana, who is becoming a cialist in colonial films. The latest Fontana produc- tion is., directed by Brinone. and stars Doris Durante. Antonio'Centa, Giovanni Grasso and Enrico Glori. Leni Riefenstahl's 'Olympia' is the German documentary record of the 1936 Olympics, in two parts, both full-length, films, of which the first is more dramatic. Fifty-four pho- tographers shot the 1.500.000 fect that Were put at Miss Riefenstahl's disposal. After two years of prep- aration, she has turned out a con- vincing, exciting and dramatic record. Other German entries were ' us- tergatte' ('Model Husband'), a con- ventional comedy, in which Heinz Ruma.nn gives an amusing charac- terization. 'Leave On Word of Honor,' about soldiers given a couple of hours' leave on their word that they will return; they all show up at the end and after many con- trasting experiences. France's 'Fogs' Was considered as typical of French films as the German and Italian entries were of their industries. It. stressed all the usual French .features — setting, ■psychological treatment of charac- ters and crass realism. While strong, it was not considered up to last year's French prize-winner, -'Carnet De Bal,' nor to 'Kermosse Eroique' of the year before. 'Pygmalion' was praised for its fast pace, although it was: fell that thcr~slory was primarily for the stage. Lati -American and British 'Business Sought to Com- pensate for Curtailment of Distribution from 250 Pictures Annually to ISO —Policy Linked with Ger- many and Japan FILMS' PUSH Italy's announced proposal to dras- tically reduce American features permitted into that country is the. final straw that has fully convinced U. S| major companies of necessity to bolster foreign income -through cultivating the' British and Latin- American territories. They not jnly are laying plans for further expansion in Central and South America, Cubi, reat Britain and the remainder of the British Empire, but actually have star turning out features with definite appeal for these, nationali- ties. And others, while hot having specific appeal, are receiving spe- cial attention not to offend sensibili- ties of patrons in these countries. Though the industry is hopeful that U. S. Government' protests, which have gone forward already to Rome, against the new restrictions on foreign films, will meet with suc- cess, even the most optimistic, with foreign departments in New York, do not anticipate restoration to the original status, effective until Sept. 1. This allowed American distribu- tors' 250 pictures into Italy annually, an arrangement negotiated by Will Hays in 1936 and apparently work- ing out tisfactoriiy until .Italians served notice abruptly that the an- nual basis would be approximately 100 less pictures for U. S. distribs. May Compromise. While the present heavy reduction in films allowed into Italy may bo adjusted through some compromise, many major companies foresee the virtual expulsion of American prod- uct. They envision Italy getting the same, slant on American producers as.has Germany. With Italy oh the verge of joining the ever-increasing list of nations having highly restricted markets for foreign films, principal producers now arc realigning their plans and product, Besides Italy, Germany (including Austria) and Japan have also diminished in importance as highly profitable distribution coun- tries for foreign films. Only three major companies op- erate currently in Germany, and not many more now are operating in Austria. Japan still has its. bars up officially against U. S. films enter- ing its country right now because of (he SinorJapancse struggle. Many American officials'still are hopeful that some plan will be worked out whereby the log jam on coin col- lected in Japan can be broken and a certain number of new pictures ad- mitted into that nati h. Bui it will not be the old unrestricted market for U, S. companies that it was in Ihe past. - China is partially washed up just now as a distribution outlet because of the warfare now in progress in one-half of the country. Virtually no profit can be secured from the extremely li itctl distribution in Spain. Another annoying note to foreign departments of American companies is the fact that lations under Nazi influence arc following Germany in laying down restric- tions that hamper U. S. distribution. Seek Spanish 5.B, Trade Features with box office eye fixed on Spanish-speaking countries' in- clude 'Tropic Holiday' (Par) and others are in the offing: Number of films with definite rilish allele is G-Bs Bigger Shows at Cut Prices In London Hits Theatre Operators Oscard to London With Troupe for Cafe Date Paul Oscard sails for London to- day (Wednesday) with company to open at the Dorchester House Sept. 24. ' Duahe and Leslie, dance team,, and a line of eight girls sail with jumT Al Trahan, also in show, follows next week. Sidney Llpton's band remains in the London nltery for new show and other European acts will be added when Oscard. arrives, MEX PRODUCERS LABOR ROW Mexico City, Sept. 13. Mexico's 38 major film producers have suspended operations as a re- sult of the flare-up of the old row between the studio workers' union and the federation of picture em- ployees, said to have been caused by efforts of the latter to gain exclusive control of Mexican film labor. Producers decided to hang up the sponge, for the while, when the fed- eration enforced a one-day strike against the Cine Palacio, large local first-run house, because it was to exhibit . a made-in-Mexico picture.' Federation, asserted that, the picture had been made' under labor condi- tions It did not approve. It threat- ens to call strikes against all cinemas that show home-mades. Palacio was able to get going by withdrawing the picture and substituting a for- eigner. Producers . have asked President Lazaro Cardenas to "intervene, say- ing that laborites' action threatens to kill what promises to become one of Mexico's most important indus- tries. Warring laborites threaten to carry boycott against Mexican pic- tures throughput Mexico unless they get what they want. Hawkins-Best New Play For London Is Unlikely London, Sept. 9. 'Can We Tell' opened at the New theatre- last Wednesday (7). ' Play based on the premise that success is a matter of luck and written epi- sodically, was nicely received. How- ever, it looks unlikely. . Jack Haw- kins and Edna Best head the cast. 'Room For Two,' comedy by Gil- bert Wakefield, produced by Richard Bird, opened at the Comedy last Tuesday (0).■ It's a bedroom farce, based on marital infidelities, para- phrasing plots of French farces pop- ular in America 40 years ago. Lon , Sept. 3. Theatre end of picture business is going into the melting pot, with not only influx of second runs in the territory giving West End operators a headache, but also drastic recon- struction of Gaumont-British policy, affecting both its downtown and nabe houses. Gag being put into, force under Arthur Jarratt is to.give 'em twice the show for half the money. Thus, Tivoli, which was formerly: doyen of West End first-run spots, has descended to dual bills of big features, which have come out of first-runs in major spots, and is frankly; billing: 'Program doubled— pr: -j halved!', Last week it had 'Yank at Oxford' (M-G) coupled with 'We're Going to Be Rich' (20th); playing to 85c. top, compared to their solos at Empire, and Regal, respec- tively, to an approximate $2 topi Uptown situation looks even worse, and with opening of Gaumont thea- tre in. HoUoway Monday (5), G;B goes to bat on a- plan of the. week's biggest release,, plus shorts and , newsreels, and an hour - of . topline ' variety. Admfsri starts at 12c. for matinees and 18c. for, nights. This isn't an isolated instance, either, be- cause identical practice ill be adopted at other uptown centres,. which aside from smacking local op- posish, also takes a slap at the West End, as most of these spots are near Leicester Square, whose six film theatres make it the hub of London enter Inment. Precincts like Hammersmith, Shep- herds Bush and Camden Town once boosted the West End, but the cen- tral operatora cannot even' hope to draw customers from the'suburbs to recompense them for the patrons they are losing to the half dozen or more cut price institutions inside the central ring itself. Astoria, Dominion, Metropole, Marble Arch Pavilion, New Victoria, Paramount and Tivoli all cater for amusement seekers look- ing for a big program at cut prices. Jarratt is now left only with Gau- mont and New Gallery for which to find: first-run product One major feature and vaude solves his problem of finding sufficient product. G-B also contends it should solve the problem for the indies as well. Indies, meanwhile, aren't sure, because it looks to them as if G-B takes all the gravy, and the support they give the major circuits on the rentals and grading issue gives them no return at all. So while West End operators how have a headache,, it seems there may be an epidemic of woes for all the exhibs besides if the G-B plan doesn't click. Metro Tops Field In S. Africa; Par, RKO Up Cape Town, Sept. 1. Metro, with four pictures, is set- ting the pace here. Films playing include,the following: Colosseum, 'Joy of Living' (RKO), followed by 'Robin Hood' (WB); Plaza, 'May Time' (revival) (M-G), followed by 'Yellow Jack' (M-G): Royal. 'Yank at Oxford' (M-G); Adclphi,. 'Hollywood Hotel' (WB), and His Majesty's, 'Love Is a Head- ache' (MtG). ," 20th Week, Hague The Hague, Sept. 3. Universal'.-; '100 Men And a Girl' at the Studio theatre here, is showing the picture for the 20th week, ich is a record for the last 10 years. legion in new product lineup, in- cluding 'Suez' (20th), 'If I Were King' (Par), 'Artists and Models Abroad' (Pari, 'Gunga Din" (RKO), 'Dawn Patrol' (WB; and others. Manner in which some foreign coun- tries arc slipping away from being ace money-makers. for American ! companies forecasts further product j along same lines. I Several coinpani , notably RKO, | 20lh-Fox and Paramount, are devel- | oping special prestige in Spanish ) language nations by preparing sev- eral productions especially designed j for distribution In those lands. Johannesburg. Sept. 1. Picture? here arc as follows: Plaza, 'Merry-Go-Round of 1938' (U), followed by 'Manhattan Mad- ness' (Col); Colosseum, Bringing Up BHby' (HKO), followed by 'Joy of Living: (RKO); Metro,,'Yellow Jack' (M-G) followed by 'Frou-Frou' ('Toy Wife') (M-G); Bijou, 'Yank at Oxford' (M-G); Standard, 'Break the News' (Jack Buchanan), and Palladium, 'Dybbuk' ( "icMish). Durban. Sept. 1. Metro and Par, with two films apiece, are, leading the field here. Other pictures: Metro, 'Frou-Frou' (Toy Wife') (M-G): Playhouse. 'Bluebeard's Eighth W'fC (Par); Prince's, ' onto. Carlo' (Par), followed by 'Keep Your Seats' ( o'sil Dean); Criterion, 'Housemaid' (ABP), and Kin ' 'Nothing Sacred' (UA).