Variety (Sep 1938)

TARIETT'r LONDON OFFK7B, • St. Martla'a Tlave, Trafalgar 84* Sqaar* INTERNATIONAL NEWS Cafela Addrewt VARIKTT, LONDON Telephone Tanple Bar 0941-SMt 11 Coliseum, Once Ace London Vauder, In Successful Comeback; Names Set London, Sept. 19. The Coliseum, once the ace Lon- don vaudeville house, which has had imany policies recently, mostly to crippled results, has gone back to its first love. Now in its fourth week ox vaude, house is paying dividends. Management claims it's not just another stopgap till something bet- ter comes along, but a determined effort to again put vaudeville on the map here. To prove it, operators ©re reported to have signed acts well into next year. Some of the acts already reported to have been lined up are Molly Picon, Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, Stanley Holloway, Elsie and Doris "Waters, Evelyn Laye, Morton Downey, Eddie Peabody, Forsythe, Seamon and Farrell, Lecuona Boys, currently playing the Casino, Monte Carlo. Negotiations pending for Beatrice L.illie, Maurice Chevalier, Sally Rand, Simone Simon, Grock, Eric Blore, the Comedy Harmonists, Gladys Cooper and Philip Merivale. WILLIAMS PLAY'S GOOD RECEPTION IN LONDON London, Sept 27. The Corn Is Green' opened. at the Duchess theatre last Tuesday (20) to acclaim of the press. Play, by Emlyn Williams, will probably be tiis greatest success to date. Twentieth-Fox reported dickering for the film rights. 'Goodbye, Mister Chips,' opening at the Shaftesbury, Sept. 23, is a quiet adaptation of the novel. Show la beautifully played but plot is anemic. 'Paprika' closed Sept. 24 after nine flays. 'Idiot's Delight' is closing Oct. 8. Hoyts Shows $300,000. Profit in Aussie for Yr. Sydney, Sept. 8. Hoyts* exhibitor circuit will show ft profit of about $300,000 for the year ending June 30, about $85,000 less than in the preceding 12-month period. Earnings rated a tribute to Charles Munro's capable direction, particularly since many exhibitors were badly pressed during this pe- riod. Probably the toughest break the circuit received was the outbreak of Infantile paralysis, which cost ex- hibitors plenty in Brisbane and Mel- bourne. The 150th anniversary cele- brations and cricket air returns from England also cut into the boxoffice. Hoyts is well supplie^with Amer- ican product, most of it under long- term contract. Under Munro, neigh- borhood theatre construction con- tinued in addition to considerable renovating. 2 Aussie Chains Compete In Valentino Pix Reissues Sydney, Sept. 8. "When Stuart F. Doyle secured dis- tribution rights in Australia for the Rudolph Valentino picture, 'Son of Sheik,' reissue, it's reported he ex- pected to be alone with this type of oldie. After Hoyts' executives saw the picture and made a deal with Doyle, it had been set to premiers Jxere Sept. 3. Greater Union officials, however, lined up reissue of Valentino's The Sheik,' through Paramount. Result was that rivals of G.U.T. found heavy opposition when they opened 'Son of Sheik,' with the Par reissue &>ing in same day. Trade is afraid that splitting of biz may hurt both Circuits. Marcus Revue Does Big Biz in Cape Town Cape Town, Sept. 9. A. B. Marcus revue 'La Vie Paree,' In its third week at the Alhambra here,, under direction of African Con- solidated Theatres, is doing capacity. Something novel for So. Africa is the 'Curtain of Steam,' manipulated through pipes laid along the front of the stage. It staggers audiences. Ren McAtree, show's comedian, is a Dig click. Final week starts Monday (12) with 'Marcus Follies' of 1938.* French Exporters Seek Outlet in So. Africa Johannesburg, Sept. 12. . Union of French Film Exporters is anxious to crash into the South Afri- can market, two films having gone into this country from France this year. American and British pictures have dominated thus far. France has 60 to 70 features available for ex- port annually. Because only $5,000 to $7,500 is be- ing asked for French features. French Film Exporters may be able to obtain some business here. JAPS EASE BAN ON GERMANY Tokyo, Sept. 4. American distributors here are still sitting tight waiting for the gov- ernment either to let down the bars or continue the ban which would mean the end of their business in Japan. Embargo on films has been in force for a year and a majority of distribs have given up hope and are laying plans to quit the country. However, a ray of hope came this week when the government an- nounced that about $125,000 worth of German pictures would be al- lowed to enter the country via Man* choukuo, which recently made a trade pact with Germany on the barter system, with films included. Understood that UFA will distribute through Towa Shoji and Tobis via Cocco Film Distributing Co. Also announced that a similar deal is under way with the Italian govern- ment. Americans take the attitude that admission of European pictures on any basis, to the exclusion of U. S. productions, is discrimination, even if based on barter arrangement. Might be made basis for pressure from the American government but distributors are not too hopeful. Aside from a few weak American films, present releases, all are Eu- ropean, with French in majority. Lillie, Paul Draper Set For London Cafe Dates London, Sept. 19. Beatrice Lillie's return to the Cafe de Paris Sept. 12 was so successful that Martinus Poulsen, who's also part owner of the Embassy Club, has booked her into the latter for the re- opening Sept. 26, when she goes in for three weeks, doubling the first week from the Cafe. Then is replaced at the Cafe by Paul Ddaper. Latter is slated to open in November at the Waldorf- Astoria, New York. Budapest Hits London Daily's Attack on Poor Pay (or Players in Stix Budapest, Sept. 15. Article in the London Observer about the distress of theatrical com- panies in the Hungarian provinces has brought repercussions here. Al- though there's no denying the Ob- server's story, Hungarian papers re- sent criticism of cultural conditions without being acquainted with local circumstances. Average salary of provincial ac- tors and actresses is $60 a month, but most of them earn no more than $25 to $35. Stars' salaries in Buda- pest have recently been fixed at a maximum of $25 per performance for an actress and $20 for an actor. There are few exceptions to this rule, however. Actresses, too, must provide their own clothes. Provincial hotel and restaurant keepers calcu- late fabulously low prices for mem- bers of the profession. A restaurant proprietor in one town supplies 'two- for-one' menus for players, a meal for two persons for 25c. Similar arrangements exist everywhere, but, nevertheless, the life of a touring company in Hungary is a perpetual struggle. In Kecskemet, a big agri- cultural town about two hours by rail from Budapest, there were 15 at the opening performance of a touring company recently; When a newspaperman from Kecs- kemet asked Sir Anthony Eden for an interview some days after the appearance of the article, the latter is said to ,have answered that he didn't care to talk to anyone from a city that was so indifferent to dramatic art. Denmark's Amus. Taxes Up 5%—$2,090,000 in All Washington, Sept. 27. Tax haul from amusements ,in Denmark hit $2,090,000, a 5% rise, with film houses contributing three- quarters of .the .total, .Commerce .De?. partment learned last week. Take for the fiscal year 1936-37 was upv $71,500. Fatter return from the cur- rent year is anticipated, American commercial attache at Copenhagen reports. Estimate is $2,224,000. Film houses forked over $1,628,000 of the 1936-37 sum and were chiefly responsible for the gain in total re- ceipts. Theatrical performances were fewer but yielded about the same amount <_s in the prior year. Remainder came from circuses, which paid $39,600, up 6%, despite decline in performances. Little change in revenues from vaudeville' shows, dances, races, etc. Current London Plays (With Dates When Opened) 'French Without Tears,' Criterion—Nov. 6, '3«. •Robert's Wife.' Olobp-Nov. 23, '37. 'Me and My Girl,' Victoria Palace—Dec. 16 '3T •Nine" Sharp.' T,lttle-Jai). 20, '38. 'Jdlot's Delight.' Apollo-Murch 22, '38. 'Wild Ottts.' Princess—April J3, '38. 'Banana Rldice,' Strfehd—April 27. '38. 'Glorious Morning,* Whitehall, May 26, •3S. •Spring Meeting,' Ambassador — May 31, '39. 'hot's Wire.' Aldwyr-h—June 10. 'Comedienne,' Hixymnrket—June 1(1. 'She Too Was Youn ,' Wyndham's—Aug. 1(1. - 'The Fleet's I-.lt t'p,' Hippodrome—Aug. 17. 'George and Margaret,' Piccadilly—Aug. 30. ■Thmi fitialt Not,' Playhouse—Aug. 31. 'Cunning Jtlol,' Gaiety—Aug. 31. 'Ii'iashing Stream,' Lyric—Sept. 1. 'Itoitm tor Two,' Comedy—Kept. 6. 'Tol>l:i3 and the Angel,'- St. Martin's— Sept. (>. 'The r.ast Trump,' Duke of York's—Sept. 13. 'Penr Olnpus.' Queens—Sept. 14. 'Ili'iii'v V," Drurv J.:tne—Sept. 17. 'Tli*> Chin la Green,' Duchess- Sept. 20. 'Gi).i'l'>>e, .Mr. (.'hips,' yhattesbury—Sept. Kid Vacash Ups Sydney; Melbourne Fair, NX OK Sydney, Sept. 8. With the kiddies on two-week vacation, biz all over town took a decided uplift, despite mild out- break of flu. 'Snow White' (RKO) continuing strong In 15th week. 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' (20th) looks a cinch and 'Kidnapped' (20th) likewise. 'Girl of Golden West' (M-G) strong with the femmes, but 'Yellow jack* (M-G) concluded a very mild three weeks. 'You and Me' (Par) is decidedly weak, with The Texans' (Par) slated for run. 'We're Going to Be Rich' (20th) and 'Owd Bob' (G-B) very popular, but 'Of Human Hearts' (M-G) not so hot. Three Blind Mice' (20th) started nicely. Uni will bring in 'Rage of Paris.' 'Ro- mance for Three' (M-G) and 'Return of Arsene Lupin '(M-G) okay. 'Ras- cals' (20th) and 'Port of Seven Seas' (M-G) same. Melbourne, Sept. 8. Nothing really hot here. Metro's 'Yank at Oxford' looks to be the best currently. Rest includes 'Four Men' (20th), 'Dead End' (UA), 'Broken Melody' (BEF), 'Boy of Streets' (BEF), 'Hollywood Hotel' (WB), 'Cocoanut Grove' Par), 'Kate Plus Ten' (G-B) and 'Sailing Along' (G-B). Auckland, N. Z., Sept. 8. Dandy lineup set for Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christ- church. Yanks have the most say with 'Rosalie* (M-G), 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO), Three Comrades' (M-G), 'Blockade' (UA), 'Baroness and Butler' (20th), 'Stolen Heaven' (Par),''Goldwyn Follies' (UA) and 'Varsity Show' (WB). Tomack-Reis Bros. May H,0. After London Click London, Sept. 27. Sid Tomack and Reis Bros., who opened at Ciro's to big reception, will probably be held over. Club toqk in $5,000 opening night, breaking record for the nitery. Many British Theatre Operators Seen Defaulting on Expiring Quota Women' Gives 2 Shows At Premiere in Oslo Oslo, Sept 17. Something new in legit here with Charles Booth's The Women' play- ing two performances night of re- cent premiere here. Shows were put on at 7 : 00 and 10:00, first being a sellout and second only slightly less. John Borgen's adaptation to the Norwegian appears to have lost nothing, laughs being spontaneous and many lines heavily applauded. Settings were excellent. SHANGHAI ROW ON FILM RENTS Shanghai, Sept. 12. Wrangle over product between the majority on Film Board of Trade here and Asia Theatres, Inc., is blamed for the shuttering of the Metropol theatre, distributors refus- ing to allocate more pictures. Dis- pute is over new contracts for 1939 product as well as features still un- released for current season. New Asia Theatres, controlling first-run houses, refuses 'to pay 50% film rental asked on top pictures. Asia Theatres, Inc., was organized this summer, being an amalgamation of three Shanghai companies for op-, erating purposes. It's Chinese-owned but has an American charter. Cir- cuit has. reduced newspaper adver- tising 40% but publishers are threat- ening higher rates to get even. Understood that houses under Asia Theatres have only about three month's supply of product, much of it several years old, . Warner Bros, thus far has not discontinued sup- ply but Universal is expected to join other distributors in firm front. Dis- tribs appear willing to handle lesser product for next season on 1938 basis but want 50% rental on features. Fifteen 1938 features, including 'Old Chicago' (20th), «Young in Heart' (UA) 'Test Pilot' (M-G), 'The Texans' (Par) and 'Marie Antoinette' (M-G) remain in distributors' vaults. Representatives of eight major U. S. companies believe business will slip off this winter because of rate of exchange, distributors getting only about half the dollar revenue com- pared with nine months ago. They also fear that business in Hankow will be badly crippled if Japanese capture the city. Reimport duties at Canton, Peiping and Tientsin in- crease costs as do separate censor • fee's BLACKPOOL HAS WORST SEASON IN 30 YEARS London, Sept. 17. Blackpool, the second important entertainment center in England and its biggest summer resort, which, al- though having a population of 123,000, manages to cater to 7,000,000 visitors annually, is in the doldrums. Main reasons for the drop are said to be the general lull in the cotton industry, affecting the pull from such important manufacturing towns as Manchester, Leeds and Bradford, and the Glasgow Exhibition, which has drawn many who ordinarily go to the resort. Said to have been the worst season in 30 years. Hutchinson to S. Africa After Central, S. America Cape Town, Sept. 12. W. J. Hutchinson, 20th-Fox foreign manager, is due here Oct. 15 for a check on developments in South Africa, according to Otto W. Bolle. managing director for 20th-Fox in South Africa. He's stopping off first in Central and South America. Hutchinson will survey conditions here for about six weeks. Will go back to U. S. via London after hav- ing fulfilled his plan of visiting every 20th-Fox distribution outlet in the world. London, Sept. 20. Last year of old quota setup is due to expire here next week and original Films Act will go out of ex- istence with hundreds of exhib scalps on its belt Expectation is, when returns are made to Board of Trade, that very large proportion of theatre operators here will have de- faulted on their last commitment by showing under-stipulated percentage of domestic product. New law, which came into force last April, granted last-minute relief to exhibs by scissoring their quota from 20 to 15%. Otherwise, prac- tically all theatres would have failed to reach the required total. Official figures indicate there was well in excess of the minimum available, but so much was of inferior quality, either from home studios or from Empire outposts, that many exhibs preferred to. gamble on exemption permits instead of putting over prod- uct that would disgrace their screens. Nevertheless, many theatres will be under the quota, though it is not expected Board of Trade will take any action • to penalize them. Old law is on the skids, anyway, and it would be difficult to enforce fines under a piece of legislation that no longer existed. Relief of 5% certainly eased situa- tion for many, but in areas where competish is stiff, indie operators were unable to make up. All worth- while British product automatically goes into the major circuits, so the rest are left with the alternative of showing rubbish quickies, playing second runs of better pictures or frankly' falling down. Meantime, under new setup, situ- ash appears very much eased, with hardly a quickie production having been seen under the present code. Nearly all British films screened lately have rated better than ordi- nary and estimates locally put the quantity of local production well above the 12%% minimum the Act demands. That has been due to fact that number of U.S. imports are be- low the average, with only around 200 having arrived over a half-year period. If Hollywood increases ex- ports (there are usually around 600 U.S. films played here annualy), lo- cal studios ..will have to work fast to keep in step. But while actual production, which reckons multiple credits in its com- putations, is up, there's no guaran- tee to indies that they will be able to play their quota. Most of the usable domestic films are naturally already booked by the circuits and indies will have no choice but to play second runs or default. In the latter case, they could not expect the lenient treatment they are getting under the old law. Position is that in remoter areas, where competish is not stiff, there are enough films for all, but in the industrial cities, and in uptown sec- tions of this city, so many theatres are throat-cutting ■ each other that it would need at least twice-the leg- islated production to provide pic- tures for everybody. 16-ACT, 3-H0UR VAUDE FOR 25c IN LONDON London, Sept. 19. Harry Kaufman, local 10%er, has hit on new style of vaudeville enter- tainment. Has leased the Grand the- atre, Clapham, which has been starv- ing for years, and is presenting 16 acts, twice daily. It's three hours entertainment for 25c. top at matinees and 50c. top evenings. Acts are not billed, but sometimes include well- known standards of bygone days. House doing well, taking in around $4,000 weekly, good for this old spot. Agent is also giving away prizes. Hoyts in Theatre Deal Brisbane, Sept. 27. Deal is under way whereby Hoyts circuit would secure a major in- terest in two ace- theatres in Bris- bane, through Dan Carroll, an ex- hibitor. This may lead later to a major link in Queensland territory with the important Birch, Carroll and Coyle chain, which has about 10 theatres. Not revealed but understood that two film houses sought are the Win- ter Garden and New Majesty.