Variety (Apr 1939)

• St. MaiVm'a FUea, VnSaif* 8«au« INTERNATIONAIi Cabto AMreNI TABIBR, KONDOM TAlaphone Tempte Bu BM1-W«I Italy Already Shpped by Absence Of Yankee Fibns. Snrvey Rereals Q%e absence there of strong Amer- ican films is already being felt con- ilderably in Italy, according to a let- ter received by a distributor In New York from a former major |>lcture exec In Rome, who's now operating In Paris, The author of the mes- (Bge, whoso Identity Is concealed be- cause of possible reprisal against him (hould he return to Italian distribu- tion, said that the dearth of Ameri- can features was becoming Increas- ingly felt since many, theatres In Italy will close this year earlier than usual for the summer, due to lack of product Italian theatres customarily close during the hot months. Also, the writer says, the theatres will probably open later than usual In the fall for the same reason. Eight American major dlstribs and most independents quit distribution bi Italy Jan. 1 because of the Italian government's film monopoly, which sought to dictate terms on which foreign companies could dilstrlbute In that countiy. Absence of top-fUght American product has produced many unusual developments in Italy. American pic- tures are being shown even now be- cause four U. S. major dlstribs, who ara obligated to sell films In lUly, due to contracts there, are providing ■ome films. Italian dlstribs, how- ever, handle their product. Also, there are some reissues still play- ing. . It will be a year before Amer- ican pictures disappear entirely, ac- cording to the correspondent A peculiar situation has developed with dual bills, which Indicates the hold that U. S. pictures still main- tain on the Italian public. Although French product is rated as the best In years, when a French-made film and an American picture play on the same double blU, the film from France usually gets second billing, nils holds true even with product from lesser American distributors. For the first time, exhibitors In Italy are deliberately billing any tr. S. film as *Thls Is an American Picture,' because of scarcity of American features and the marquee draw that Yankee films have, on the customers. Also disclosed was that while few theatres, If any, have actually closed fhus far because of lack of product, many houses that formerly used two features presently are showing only one and filling their time with vaude- ville and stage shows. The writer confided also that an anti-American picture attitude was being developed, apparently under government su- pervision. Australian Distrib Assn. Seen in Need Of Political Tactician Sydney, April 1. Speculation is rife here as to who will be named successor to Sir Vic- tor Wilson, who quits in June as boss of the Motion Picture Dlstribs' Assn. Nothing is expected to be definitely set until the return of MPDA members now visiting U. S. Inside sources reveal possible suc- cessors In Sir Archdale Parkhlll, former Minister of Defense; Fred Marks, now chief of the Films Com- inisslon; Stenator Foil, prominent politician, and Major Condor, former radio moguL Stuart P. Doyle, too, has been mentioned, but when ques- tioned Doyle said he was too busy for the Job. It's understood Wilson's successor must have political backing. There are still plenty of political snags ahead for the MPDA unless a pro- portion of exhib demands are met Victories scored by thj MoUon Pic- ture Exhibs* Assn. recently over the MPDA have paved the way via the political route for other exhib measures. S. Africa Concerts Set For Moore, Mennhin London, April 10. Grace Moore will concert In South Africa for South African Theatres September, 1940. Yehudl Menuhln concerts for the aame firm in Mardi, 1040. Fischer Switches Policy Of Ainbassadeiirs, Paris Paris, AprU 10. Clifford C. Fischer, wholl operate the Restaurant des Ambassadeurs this summer,, will switch the policy of the nltery back to . the tea dan- sant, dinner and after-theatre sup- per, which was dropped during the whiter tor the more popular-priced straight night club comeon, a show but no eats. Spot will be orchestrated this summer, after opening May 11, by Joe Kaye, English batoner who played for official galas given. in London during the visit there of President and Madame Lebrun, and the Rafael Canaro Argentine band, for tangos'and rhumbas. Show will carry line of girls, but troupe, to be topped by four or five name acts, as In .previous years, hasn't been de- cided on. M-G. PAR, 20TH BIZ SAFE IN REICH There's litUe UkeUhood that Metro, Paramount and 20th-Foz will be forced out of Germany or terrL toty controlled by the German gov- ernment, according to information received in New York this week from European reps' of the three companies. Once it was reported that repercussions from U.S. govern ment blasts against dictator nations might shortly force these three re- maining American companies from German distribution entirely. Recent report however, indicates that German exhibitors have indi cated they must have outside' prod' uct other than'German-made films and that they would rather have the bulk of these foreign pictures come from U.S. than other countries. Current London Plays {With Jiatet When Opened) 'Me and My Girl,' Victoria Palace —Dec. 16, '37. "Room for Two,' Comedy—Sept 6, '38. 'Dear Octopus,' Queens—Sept 14, '38. ' "The Com Is Green,' Duchess — Sept 20, '38. 'Quiet Wedding,' Wyndham's—Oct 14, '38. •Goodness, How Sad,' Vaudeville Oct 18, "38. 'Geneva,' St James—Nov. 22, '38. •Under Your Haf Palace—Nov. 24, '38. 'Number Six,' Aldwych—Dec. 21, '38. They Walk Alone,' Shaftesbury- Jan. 19, '30. •Magyar Melody,' His Majesty's— Jan. 20, '39. . 'Design for Living,' Haymarket— Jan. 25, '39. Tony Draws a Horse,' Strand — Jan. 26, '39. 'Gas Light' ApoUfr-^an. 31, '39. •French Without Tears,' Piccadilly —Feb. 8, '39. •LitUe Ladyship,' Lyric —Feb. 7, '39 •The Mother,' Garrick-March 8, *39. 'Robert's Wife,' Savoy—March 6, '39 'Black and Blue,' Hippodrome — March 8, '39. 'Gate Revue,' Ambassadors — March 9, '39. 'Sugar Plum,' Criterion — March 15 '39. 'Mrs. Van Kleek,' Playhouse — March 17, '39. 'Johnson Over Jordan,' Savllle— March 21, '39. •Family .Reunion,' Westminster — March 21, '39. The Man In Half Moon Street,' New—March 22, '39.. 'Dancing Years,' Drury Lane — March 23, '39. 'When We Are Married,' Prince's —March 27, '39. . The .Doctor's Dilemma,' White- hall—Blarch 28, '30, 'Heaven and Charing Cross,' St Martin's—March 20, '38. 'A Woman's Privilege,' Kingsway —AprU 13, '30. HEX WAGE DEMANDS TO BRING SHOWDOWN A showdown from U. S. major pic- ture companies is expected shortly on demands of their Mexican ex- change workers for increased pay. Situation was discussed last week by foreign managers in New York at the Hays office. LONDON'S IK GETSCENSOROK London, April 18. After two years of censorial dis- approval, 'Of Mice and Men' has been okayed for public showing here and goes into the Shaftesbury May 2. Claire Luce got around the censors last week and presented the play at the Gate for a private per- formance. Playing the original role which she created in the New York production last year. Miss Luce was supported by John Mills and Niall MacGinnls, handUiig roles created on Broadway by Wallace Ford and Broderlck Crawford. ^ "Mice,* the Jolm Steinbeck dram- atization of his best-selling novel of the same name, was highly re- garded by the press in its Wednes- day night (12) performance. 'A Woman's Privilege,' which opened at the Kings- .y Thursday (13), proved an anemic comedy that showed only snatches of smart dialog. Plot, too, is tmlikely. Condemnation Faces London Legit Houses If They Don't Improve London, April .10. The London County Council has become active of late in demanding reconstruction of a number of older theatres. These demands will neces' sitate either abandonment of a num- ber of them for theatre purposes, or their razing and conversion into business structures. The Lyceum has already, passed out of existence, and will be replaced by an office building, with shops on the ground level. The next one con- demned in its present form is the Gaiety. Associated Theatre Proper- ties has an 80-year lease at a $37,- 500 per annum rentaL LCC, the present landlord, demands improve- ments that would cost 4200,000 in the next five years. The London'Hippodrome, owned by Moss Empires, Ltd., now . a sub- sidiary company of Gaumont-Brltlsh, anc° operated as a musical house by (General Tlieatres Corp., also a sub- sidiary of G-B, is also slated for ex- tensive alterations at the conclusion of 'Black and Blue,' now playing there. Improvements demanded by LCC aggregate ^00,000, also cover- ing a period of five years. Taking ttis expenditure into consideration, thi. owners are seriously consider- ing razing the property and erecting ar auditorium that would seat about 3,500, as against the present seat- lug capacity of 1,430. This would in- volve approximately $750,000, The new building would necessitate the absorption of the shop frontages. There are a number of other the- atres upon which tL. LCC is mak- ing demands for alterations-. In. fact, all older houses are more' or less subject to modern regulations. DUNCAN SIS, SANDLER CUCK IN SOUTH AFRICA Yank Companies Ifit Multiple SeOii^ In Ai^entina; 4^ Dates on One Deal Cape Town, March 28. African Consolidated Theatres' 1039 variety sl^ow opened yesterday (Mon- day) at the Alhambra here to a ca- pacity house. Duncan Sisters and the Albert Sandler Trio were the biggest clicks. Fr.^die Bambergei^, planist-comi^r dian, also was a big winner. Joe lauiel, comedian; Gyps} Nina, stag- ing accordionist; Cookie Bowers, Cl.ester Fredericks and Gloria Lane, American dancers, also got over. Fla Socks Mez BIi Mexico City, April 18. Flu epidemic in Mexico has slashed amusement biz** Intakes by about 30%. Taylor, Bninner Head So. African Ice Show Cape Town, March 28. Thirty artists arrived from Eng- land last week for 'Switzerland,' the let ballet and revue, which. opens tonight (28) at the Empire, Johan- nesburg, for African. Consolidated Theatres. Phil Taylor and Melltta Brunner, 1932 world's champion, head the outfit After Johannesburg the ouflt comes U. the Alhambra, Cape Town. Fol- lowing the South African tour the entire show goes to Australia. BIG HYPO FOR SO. AMERICAN PK MARKET Hollywood, April 18. A Hollywood goodwill and super- salesmanship junket descends on South American countries around June 1. In the delegation will be Industry leaders, including Sid Kent and Addlph Zukor, who will par' tlcipate at sales meetings and also push deals for native pictures. Cjoodwlll gesture to accelerate the sale of American pictures in Latin countries embraces the routing of stars there for personals; aid in re- opening of hundreds - of closed houses, and the production of more Spanish language pictures here. Although all studios are pitching In on the South American biz drive, 20th-Fox is making an intensified ef fort to cut in on Paramount, which long held a dominant position, in sales in S. A. Obviously, with most of European market shot execs are concentrating on the Latin American countries to partially mc^e up President's Plan (Continued from page 1) their European losses by turning out more Spanish-language features. Several publications representing South America as the Industry's new El Dorado have been bolstered by speeches, latest in Hollywood Mon- day (17) when Golden spoke before film engineers. The newsreel situation has been discussed secretly at the State De- partment, which is . alarmed over the gratis reels being fxumlshed South American exhibitors by the Germans. American companies have been asked to do everything possi- ble to cultivate the theatre-opera- tors below the Caribbean, although there Is little chance any scheme can be perfected under which the U. S. would furnish films on a char- ity basis. . The producers have promised to insert the maximum of subtle propaganda and educational material in their weekly releases. Details being kept confidential at the diplomats' request The Government's efforts are waiting, for Congressional ratifica- tion that it would not be competi- tive with commercial activities. President Roosevelt wants to use the requested money to dub reels of Government functions Into Spanish and Portuguese; produce a film on the other countries to be released in the U.. S.; produce a special fea- ture on tills country for general dis- tribution to the South Americans; and equip embassies In nine coun- tries with permanent sound projec- tion apparatus. TeniiMit Qiiits-Dni^ Iiaiifr For Own Producing^ Co. London, April IB. H. M. Tennent, for the past five years general manager of the Drury Lane theatre, has resigned and will devote himself to his own play-pro- ducing company. New unit will b« called H. M. Tennent, Ltd. Multiple-selling system employed largely in subsequent-run cinemas of Argentina currently is disconcerting, to U. S. film executives. This method of seUlng .features has been in forc« in Argentina for the last eight years or. more, a policy some larger U. S. major companies admittedly hava resisted for some time. Ifs now con- fined to Buenos Ahres and larger cities but not prevalent in first-run situations. As explained by opponents of multiple selling, basically. It varies from ordinary flat-price deals in that the distributor gives the exhibitor four to eight additional playdates for a feature after the initial run. For this, the distrib receives $150, for example, instead of $100 he might be expected to receive for a regular single- booMng. Giving this right to rebOok for the additional $50 is beginning of worries and ex- penses for the distributor. For.the $150, the distrib finds ha must keep a print of that particular . film available for possible additional showings. He must maintain an elaborate bookkeeping system and each time the prhit is serviced, in« spected, shipped, etc., it means an additional outlay of $7-$10 for tha distributor. It also confuses his ex- change and keeps the vault filled with old prints. S and 4 Fix on 1 BlU American dlstribs of bourse, ara fully cognizant of the present prac- tice In Argentina of plaiying three and four features on one bill—and that this is back of the entire muU Uple-selling setup. Because he re- quires many films, the exhibitor naturally wants to get them as cheaply as possible. Result is that he boosts the multiple-selling idea. Some distributors describe the ex- tra $50 in the $150 multiple-selling deal as extra gravy. Others fail to see where they benefit after costs of servicing, etc. However, these con-, tinue to distribute films there be^' cause of the possibility the economie fallacy of the plan would ultimately thwart its continuance. Also, they wish to maintain good wllL Biggest objection to the multiple- selling raised by opponents is that it prevents the distributor from ob- taining what he calls a decent fee for secondary features and does not make the exhibitor obtain the full, benefit of a picture when it first plays his theatre. They contend that If the system was eliminated, the exhibitor requiring one or two sec- ondary (second or third-run) fea- tures would have to shop and the distributor would thus secure a much better flat rental for the addi- tional film. Thus, too, the exhibitor would have a better show. Advocates of elbninatlng multiple-selling charge that the constant rebooking of the same film into the same theatre, even ' though spread out over several months, certainly offers no incentive for the potential theatregoer. New London Casino Sliow NSG, bflt Paul Draper OK at C. de P. London, April 18. Though a ^ectacular production, weak dancing specialties and a gen. eral lack of sparkle resulted in ai faltering debut of the new London Casino revue here Wednesday ni^t (12), . Several importations who were to have appeared in the show were un- able to do. so due to refusal of the Labor Ministry to grant them per- mits. Despite the conflict with the C^- slno's opening, the Cafe de Paris pulled a big crowd on the same night with the click opening there of Paul Draper, the American dancer.* Annabella to Make Pair Tor 20i4^x¥ England" Hollywood, AprU 18. Annabella is slated for two 20th- Fpx pictures to be made in England for distribution in America as well as Great Britain. Studio plans 10 features at Den> ham for 1939-40, but only four for release in the U.S.