Variety (Sep 1938)

Wednesday, September 28, 1938 OUTDOORS-SPORTS VARIETY 65 War Scare Palaver (Continued from page 1} no decision as to what action to take "or » shutdown, , in event of hos- tilities. Around 80% of the people en- «need in picture-making in London «re said to be in the British Army 5y Naval Reserve, and would be sdbiecf to call. In that event only propaganda pictures would be turned out. Alexander Korda has kept in touch with London by transatlantic ohortc and is preparing to leave this week to return home. Likely that he would transfer his production base to Hollywood to meet his ytiited Artists commitment; in event of war. Jack Warner is ^planning to go abroad after an, regardless of the gravity of the situation, and if Ger- many marches, WB would close down company operations almost en- tirely abroad and return here with American members of its staff. About 200 Hollywood film work- ers now in London would return to America should sabre-rattling bring on conflict. Newsreel 9taffs being trebled abroad to be ready should war break and keep neutral countries supplied with reels of military march and drawing of battle lines. Britain interests, but even they have largely quit advancing coin with the continued decline in the frana. Acts Debate Return Though act traffic to Europe is pretty light anyway, acts are not very anxious to go' abroad because of war scares. Those already in England are hesitant about routing to the Continent. Fact that the U. S. Government has instructed all legations to evac- uate Americans will stymie bookings anyway. Only established business men and those repping Uncle Sam remain. Sailings to Europe have dropped markedly during past two Dick Henry of William Morris of- fice, New York, states that there are about 150 American acts playing in England, and that while nearly aE are a little afraid, they do not want to return home, being more sure of work there. Henry just returned from Europe where he was lining up possible dates for American acts next spring—he hopes. COURT ORDER HOLDS H-W CIRCUS IN CAL, Los Angeles, Sept. 27. Temporary injunction to prevent the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus from leaving California was granted in Superior Court Suit was filed by the Baker-Lock- wood Manufacturing Co., which holds a judgment against the show. East Also Cress-Checkinr The effect on picture company in- come is a general war breaks out in Europe was being studied carefully this week by film executives both from the long-range and current viewpoint. Continued warfare conceivably .would wash up production in coun- tries participating, excepting for a few patriotic films. Not only would coin be lacking for producing, but studios would be depleted by em- ployes in war service. There is no comparison between today and 1914, .when the world war broke out, because American prod- uct was just beginning to appear in the world market. Doubtful if U. S. companies obtained more than 12- 15% of their total revenue from countries outside America during the world conflict. Italian and French pictures (silent) then were active in the world mart. U. S. companies did not have dis- tribution setups in foreign countries then, but sold films outright to for- eign distributors. Paramount, which pioneered in the foreign field, sent J. C, Graham to London to estab- lish its first office outside America in 1919. All newsreels in France have been forbidden to show any material on the Czech-German land dispute and subsequent war crisis because of the controversial nature of subject, ac- cording to word received in N. Y. by newsreels. 'March of Time' release which contained Czechoslovakian sit- uation, with its 'Prelude to Conquest' subject, was banned the previous week. Paramount issue, which caught one speaker attacking the British government's stand in the present controversy, pulled Out- this contro versial subject for showing in Eng- land. Peculiar part of the ban in France, as far as U. S. reels are concerned, is that most of reels had to depend largely on library clips to make up the yarn on the Czech situation, Later releases may have 1 more lively material, but- newsreels have been disappointed .over the material com- ing in from Europe on war crisis thus far. Newsreel editors claim they haven't been able to get more lively footage out of countries involved. General European war would crip pie foreign distributors in America, distribs in New York claim. Continuation of present tension much longer also is likely to cripple Plans for film production in Europe Recent reports from Paris indicate that it is becoming more difficult daily to obtain sufficient funds with which to launch new production in France with the pinch on capital also being felt elsewhere on the Conti nent Setup in France today is such that most backers have to wait 18 months before they get loans repaid on film production. And extremely few are willing -to risk money over that period as conditions become more unsettled daily. Fluctuation of rates of exchange in both England and France also is causing considerable uneasiness. In the past/the French producers have had to ^ecure financing from Great War Scares British Show Biz London, Sept. 27. War scare has thrown a bombshell into all lines of industry with the show business seriously affected. Americans here are panicky and are besieging steamship offices for re- turn accomodations but no transpor- tation is available in American boats until the end of October. They can't get bookings in English boats untn the middle of next month. Several shows appear to be on the verge of closing and previously an- nounced productions are postponing preparations, awaiting more definite conditions. > First year of the World War found show business in disastrous straits. Then it boomed. All show people of military age have been notified to stand by for the emergency. Film work has been suspended. Alexander Korda pro- duction, 'Four Feathers,' budgeted at $1,000,000 and due for location work in Egypt involving 200 actors and full equipment, has been indefinitely postponed. All motion picture companies have been notified to remove their film stock from Wardour Street to avoid possible conflagration in case of bombing. James Barton, due at Cafe de Paris Oct. 24 for a month, and doubling into Coliseum, cabled Ma- rius Poulsen asking for postpone- ment of engagement. Buster Shaver and midgets, George and Olive, Will and Gladys Ahearn, Gene Sheldon and Loretta Fischer, Dave and Dor- othy Fitzgibbon and two French acts, have cancelled two months work at the Scala, Berlin, where they were due to open Oct. 1. Ed Forde and Whitey, and Cardini, constituting remainder of program now are in Germany, are trying to cancel. Jack Waller's production, 'Bobby Get Your Gun/ scheduled for the Adelphia, Sept. 27, has been post- poned to Oct. 7. Vienna—B. H. Minneapolis, Sept. 27. Reflecting the increasing feeling against the German fuehrer, news- paper ads for 'Charm of La Bo- heme* at W. A. Steffes' sure-seater World theatre have been carrying a line: 'Made in Vienna—Before Hit- ler.' S CARNIVALS SIGN WITH AFA Mobilization hi France Paris, Sept. 27. French picture production is being considerably sldwed as a result of the mobilizations. 'Three Waltzes,' which Ludwig Berger was making, had to suspend entirely, as Pierre Fresnay, one of its stars, mobilized. Similar effect on all branches of the theatre here. First film based on current events is Edward Small's 'Maginot Line,' by George Bruce, a World War vet, who knows the sector. It goes into im mediate production. Sells Circus Stuff Milwaukee, Sept. 27. Some of the- equipment of the Sells-Sterling circus was sold at auction at Sheboygan. CIRCUS ROUTES Week ef October 2 Barnes-Sells-FIoto Vjorjii'-arftv Tex., 2; Tyler, 3: Waco, 4 AiiMtln. 0; *Ui." Antonio, 6-7; Curpus I'hiipil, Chicago, Sept.- 27. After more than two years of negotiations with the. carnivals to obtain rights for collective bargain- ing, the American Federation of Actors has finally cracked the field with its current campaign. Five top carnivals have signatured with the AFA on an agreement for collective dickering for the performers. Carnivals which have monikered this agreement are Rubin & Cherry, Royal American* Johnny J, Jones, Farley & Little, Beckmann & Gerety. These agreements were negotiated by Paul Sander, newly appointed carnival contact for the AFA. Hennies Bros, carnival is on the opposite side of the fence and has walked out on negotiations with the AFA, Following this walkout the AFA set immediate plans for the picketing of the Hennies trick down in Knoxville, Tenn. Handling the Knoxville assignment is Jack Mills; who has many years' experience in the outdoors field and knows all the twists and angles of the biz. HURRICANE HAMPERS MINEOLA (N. Y.) FAIR Mineola, N. Y., Sept. 27. Attendance at the annual Mineola Fair Sept. 20-24 was hampered by rain and hurricane, but not seriously enough to restrain fair officials from announcing that results were suffi- ciently cheerful to hold the fair again next year, even though the present fair grounds have been sold to Nassau County. Rain and wind such as Nassau hasn't known at any time previous in its history, handicapped atten dance the first two days. Trouble with the electrical system jumbled things for three nights. Friday, the fourth day of the fair, was one of the best in 12 years, with patrons who were held back earlier, by the storm, crowding the grounds. It was believed previously that this year's fair would be the last, due to dismemberment of the fair grounds by sale. Officials of the fair announced, however, that nearby land has been acquired for next year's event. The Mineola event is close to a century old, and many Long Island families boast three generations that have at- tended it. Winter Work for Malloy CanfOn, O., Sept. 27. J. R. Malloy Circus, which has been playing here through Pennsyl vania the past summer, and now winding up some Ohio fairs, will winter here, according to owiier- manager Malloy. Secured suitable buildings here to house the euip ment and stock for the winter sea son, Malloy said. After playing the Delaware, O., fair the circus will return here late this month, 3ays Malloy, who saic. he planned to book the unit at nearby towns during tho winter, and may play a few theatre dates in the territory. He also is negotiating with a Pittsburgh department store for a six weeks' .oliday engagement for his trained st^ck and several acts. On Its Way Out Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 27 Another flopperoo of the Rochester Exposition is trailed by rumors the city is becoming tired of angeling the show at a cost of some $150,000 a year. City provides the grounds anc buildings free for the Rochester Ex position Association which makes no report on profit or loss figures. Football By Nat Kahn Out on a greater limb this, week. There are 27 outstanding games this Saturday and most of them are toss- ups. Washington, defeated last week >y Minnesota, and potential Rose ! Jowlers this season, will be interest- ing to watch in its game with a strong Idaho team in Seattle, to as- certain whether it's snapped out of :ts first-game lethargy. Same holds true of Louisiana State in its contest with Texas. Arizona-S. M. TJ. Both are stronger this yearj but SJMLU. looks to come through with a close one on its passing. ' Arfcansas-T. C. U. T.C.U. looked impressive in turning back Centenary last week; so did Arkansas in its defeat of Oklahoma A. & M. But the former is the fa- vorite this week on Davy O'Brien's aerials. Anburn-Tulane This season's improved Green Wave eran- team, unbeaten last year, but Penn, with a new coach and sys- tem, is tagged to upset the streak in a close, low-scoring game. Louisiana State-Texas Picked as one of the south's best teams this season, State's power should assert itself this week against Texas. Marquette-WIsconsin Wisconsin, picked as one of the most improved teams in the Big Ten this year, looks good enough to take Marquette. Maryland-Penn State Penn State is coming along and gets the vote in this one. Michigan State-Michigan Both are improved over last sea- son but State, more consistent of re- cent years, is the favorite. Nebraska-Minnesota This might very well be the upset of the day, as it was last year when Probable Football Winners And Proper Odds (October 1) By NAT KAHN GAMES WINNERS Arizona- S. M. U S. M. U. ., Arkansas—Texas Christian .........T. C. U. ., Anbnrn—Tnlane Tnlane .. Baylor—Okta, A. & M . Baylor Brown—Harvard Harvard ODDS >•••••**•••»»* • tf/5 >«••*•••••»•• 7/5 .Even 8/5 7/5 California—Washington State California . 9/5 Clemsen—Tennessee .Tennessee .., Even Colgate—Cornell -...Cornell 8/5 Colorado—Missouri ...... .Missouri 8/5 Colombia—Yale ..Columbia 5/6 Florida—Mississippi State Florida 5/6 Idaho—Washington .......Washington 6/5 Lafayette—Pennsylvani Penn Even La. State—Texas .La. State . S/5 Marquette—Wisconsin ..Wisconsin 9/5 Maryland—Penn State Pens State 6/5 Michigan State—Michigan VRcb. State Even Nebraska—Minnesota .Minnesota, S/5 -N. Carolina—N. Carolina State North Carolina 7/5 Kansas State—Northwestern Northwestern 7/5 Kansas—Notre Dame Notre Dame I Even Indiana—Ohio State Ohio State 8/5 Oklahoma—Rice .<...Jtice 8/5 U.C.LJVv—Oregon ....Oregon 5/7 Oregon SlAte*TJ« S« C* »•■••••«••*•• U* S« C» *»>•••«-••«•»'»«•••«.• 7/5 Pittsburgh—Temple Pitt 3/1 Santa Clara—Stanford .Santa Clara ....' Even (PredictioTia Based on Fair Wettthef) didn't show its full power last week in losing to Clemson. It should come through in this one. Baylor-Oklahoma A. & M. Baylor is strengthened over last year, particularly in the passing de- partment, and should topple the Ok- lahomans by a couple of touchdowns. Brown-Harvard Both are untried so far this season, but, while the Johnnies should miss their star of last season, Vernon Struck, they are set to hurdle the Bears with a couple of touchdowns to spare. California-Washington State California flashed plenty of power in that second half against St. Mary's last week for a close victory, and should come through likewise in this one. Clemson-Tennessee Clemson, with a veteran team, dis- played surprising drive in upsetting Tulane 13-10 last Saturday. They're* pointing for Tennessee, but the latter look a shade better^ Colgate-Cornell This will test the big Red team that's been touted/for eastern honors. However it's ptHl Cornell by a couple of touchdown^ Colorado-Missouri Colorado has lbst-'Whizzer White, and can only call upon a lot of guys named Joe. It's Missouri. Columbia-Yale Yale has a strong line that will probably stop Columbia's running attack. But can it stop Sid Luck- man's passing? Weakened, too, by depletion of backfield of last sea- son, including All-American Clint Frank, the Elis will be on the short- end of the score. Florida-Mississippi State Florida is climbing and should reverse last year's close defeat at the hands of State. Idaho-Washington Idaho has plenty of power, a tough nut for Washington's chas- tened team. But it might really show of what stuff ' those Huskies are made. It's going to be close, but a shade to Wash. Lafayette-Pennsylvania Lafayette comes up with a vet- the Nebraskans topped the Gophers. A Nebraska soph team, however, doesn't look formidable enough against Bernie Bierman's tried foot- ballers. Oregon Stafe-U. S. C. The Tarheels are slated; for the Southeast Conference title this sea- son and should repeat last season's defeat of State. Kansas State-Northwestern Northwestern is picked as the Big Teh's dark horse, insiders admit Lynn Waldorf is due for a good sea- son. Pick Northwestern. Kansas-Notre Dame The Kansans displayed plenty of power in toppling Texas, 19-18, last week and may do the trick also to an untried Irish team, thafs con- siderably weaker in the forward wall this year. Elmer Layden gets the wreath, though. Indiana-Ohio State Indiana is a good test for the Buckeyes in their initialer but the latter should emerge with several touchdowns to spare. Oklahoma-Rice. This might very well be the best game in the country but with Ernie Lain pitching strikes and-Ollie Cor- dill snaring them and slashing the tackles for Rice, the Southwest's outstanding team should garner the laurels. V. C. L. A.-Oregon On its performance of last week in defeating Iowa, U. C. L. A, should be favored. But Oregon didn't show itself to be any slouch in turn- ing back Washington State. Oregon will sneak through. No. Carolina-No. Caroline State The Trojans should snap out of last week's doldrums, when it lost to Alabama, and slap down what is only a fair Oregon State eleven. Pittsburgh-Temple Yes. Santa Clara-Stanford This should be a humdinger. Clara was unbeaten last year but it should be slightly weaker this sea- son. Stanford's flashy backs might turn the trick but it isn't likely.