Variety (Aug 1939)

TABIETT'B' MNDON OFFICI K St. Martin'* Flac«, Tnitftlcar Sqimrt INTERNATIONAL Cable Address t TARIKTT, T^NMN Telephone Temple liar 6041-3043 IT Anglo-U. S. Irritance With Japan ASectksf American Show Biz There Tokyo, Aug. 1. In the wake of a series oi situa- tions with Great Britain and the United SUtes, Japan has made new preparedness moves within show biz as a precaution should the present crises assume more serious propor- tions. The latest move, and signiflcant of the procedure adopted against the U.S., primed particularly because of the U.S. renunciation last week of lis trade treaty, made in 1911, with Japan, is the forestalling of all money withdrawals. Several weeks ago a preliminary step was taken in the temporary 'freezing' of film coin collected by American companies but this, according to late reports, has been extended to all forms of show biz. A plan to thaw frozen film coin in Japan was originally worked out for American companies'less than a year ago. Also, in keeping with the general; trend in Japan, is the planned demo- lition of the Kawaguchi danie hall, the largest ballroom in Tokyo, and once a popular spot for flesh shows, in order that a munitions plant may be constructed. ■ . ■ Estimated this week in N. Y. that American companies have about $1,200,000 tied up in fllm rentals in Japan, bulk of this money represent- ing coin collecting from distribution since Jan. 1 last. While it is highly dubious when this money can be taken from Japan, American foreign department heads pointed out that even the elimination of U. S. trade treaty with Japanese would not pre- vent tli; film companies from doing busiq$<^ in Japan. Three major dis- tributors still operate in Germany although this country has no trade treaty with the Nazi government. Status of American distributors in Japan unquestionably was the prin- cipal topic of discussion among foreign department executives last week. In all talks, two divisions of opinion developed. One was that a trade treaty break would be bene- ficial for American industrial firms generally. This group believes that Japan can't afford a trade break with the U. S., because so dependent on this country tor supplies of every sort. On the other hand, another group believed that abrogation of the treaty would infuriate the Japa- nese, because causing them to lose face internationally. Reaction would be tossing out all U. S. companies al- though even these theorists were doubtful if they would extend such drastic action to American film dis- tributors. Trade treaty abrogation does not become effective for six months, and picture executives pointed out that many things could transpire to en- tirely change the setup in that time. Japs' Foreign Imports Halved by Restrictions Tokyo, July 17. Foreign pictures released here until the end of June total 78, half the amount released before foreign fllm imports were restricted. Of this nur 64 were American. Para- f ad the most releases^ 12. pean films totaled only 14, in- cluding seven British pictures, four French and three German. AH Top PIx Are U. S. Washington, Aug. 1. All Class A pictures in Japan, 12 in all, were supplied by U. S. com- panies. Attendance in Tokyo's 296 picture theatres was 71,304,484 in 1938. At- tendance at air amusement houses totaled. 80,598,627 during the past year or an increase of 3,107,944 over the previous year. Although there has been no offi- cial change In Japanese film cen- sorship, observers claim that the na- tional emergency has created a dif- «rent attitude by censors towards scenes which previously had not oeen objectionable. Holds not only ror new films but for old pictures wftich come up for re-censorlng. When a Comic Rued Stopping the Show Mexico City, Aug. 1. Adherents of rival political parties, taking umbrage at lines and wise- cracks of contedians, riotously halted the show at the Teatro Lirico here, revue house where Lupe Velez got her start. The players were pelted with most things that were handy, a couple of shots were fired and a woman in the audience suffered a broken leg before the cops stopped the outbreak. Local stage houses have been warned that the civic government will get tough it they make comedy of politics and politicians. There's a law against that. All concerned have have appealed to President Lazaro Cardenas for guarantees of their rights. U. S. NIXES BID mm VENICE FOR CANNES Venice, July 20. England and France have not yet officially notifled organizers of Ven- ice Bienniel whether or not they will participate in the international film show opening here Aug. 8. The Hays office, however, has notifled Italian officials that American pro- ducers will not be represented. Producers in France and England are understood to have signifled willingness to participate but their governments haven't taken any of- flcial steps. Germany. Spain, Po- land, Sweden, Japan, Belgium, Ru- mania and India are expected to take part in the festival. Expected that 36 films will be shown this year. Cups go to the 'bests' following foreign, Italian edu- cational and color films, plus best actor and best actre.ss. Scientific and documentary films, animated cartoons and special subjects will also be contested. 17. S. to Cannes Because. U. S. distributors no long- er operate in Italy, American pro- ducers will "send their prize product to the Cannes (France) exposition, opening next month, and won't en- ter the Venice fete. 'Indiscriminate' awarding of prizes last year was an- other factor in the Americans' fail- ure to enter the Venice contests. Great Britain and France have also sent entiries to Cannes. Lack of Demand For Mex-Made Pix Brings Home Prod. Crisis Mexico City, Aug. 1. A crisis has arisen in Mexico's domestic film production, caused by a lack of demand for made-in-Mex- icos. Because of the acute situation in the industry which affects studios, producers and distributors, a petition to the government for assistance was recently made on behalf ot all these branches. The first apparent-result of this action, was a promise by the federal district authorities to enact legislation which will force local ex- hibitors to set aside 12 complete weeks each year for the exhibition of Mexican-madcs. In order to stimulate domestic production, local studios have prom- ised to reduce charges as much as possible but it's not believed the reduction will be sufficient to en- coura.ie increased output. Also endangering the local situa- tion is the unions' fight against 'coop- eratism,' which they declare is un- fair competition. Unions have asked the Confederation of Mexican Work- ers, Mexico's most powerful union, to enforce the federal law which de- cres that all who join cooperatives I lose membership in the CMW. Government appears to be neutral, though it's fostering other industrial cooperatives. Mclniyre Temporarily Replaces Wilson on MPDA Sydney, July 10. Sir Victor Wilson has bowed out as head of the Motion Picture Dis- tribs Assn. and Here Mclntyre, of Universal, is acting as chairman, in association with Cecil Mason, Co- lumbia, and Cecil Marks, United Artists. Wilson had resigned early last spring but didn't relinquish his duties until last week. Successor won't be named until several prominent Aussie pic men return from abroad. London Looks to Malvern Festival To Aid Emergence from Legit Lag; G. B. Shaw, Hsiung Plays to Preem PINK LADY Guatemala Bans 'Mexico's Bern- hardt' As Communist Propagandist Protest Forced Anglo FihnBiiy Sydney, Tuly 10. ' Despite the recent government ruV liig 'that obligates New South Wales exhibs to show at least 15% British product, some exhibs here plan to fight the measure, indicating—they- would buy only the best British product. It's said here that governmental interference is thwarting the flbn business' upturn. Check shows that many exhibs are bitterly opposed to being told what they must screen in their theatres. That 25% rejection right on U. S. product was suitable to them but the 15% compulsory British playing time is a different story, they aver. Back of this 15% compulsory reg- ulation is a desire of producers in New South Wales to return to the British market with their product. British market was closed to them last year when the new Great Britain quota failed to include any Dominion-produced fllms. Before, an Australian-made fllm could be counted as a quota production Hence, American or other distribu- tors did not pick up Australian pic- tures as heretofore.' Aussie produc- ers hoped to reopen the British mar- ket by some reciprocal arrangement hence the 15% clause. Only catch is that the British government, via its own Board ot Trade, does not ap- pear anxious to reach an agreement with local producers. Fortunately for U. S. distributors, the new 15% clause does not permit further rejection on top of th . 7%% already lodged against A.:ierican companies (25% general rejection right plus 2%% rejection covering Aussie quota). Mexico City, Aug. 1. Guatemalan government forbade the entry to its territory of Mexican dramatic company headed and owned by Virginia Fabregas, 'Mex- ico's Sarah Bernhardt,' who has played in Hollywood Spanish pro- ductions, on the ground that Mex- icans,, especially thespians, are com- munist propagandists. Company was booked into a lead- ing Guatemala City theatre and had a road tour. U. S. HLMS COOL to FRANCO'S PIXffiEA Bnrstyn, Back From Abroad, Sees Gallic Pix Better This Year Because of attempts to return to the truly French local angle and dis- carding of efforts to ape Hollywood methods, French product is likely to be considerably improved in the next 12 to 18 months, according to Joseph Burstyn, ot Mayer & Burstyn, foreign film distributors in U. S., who returned last week after eight weeks in Europe. I Burstyn returned to N. Y. with eight features lined up, six of which are French. One is 'Louise,' Grace ! Moore's starrer. Another is 'Katia,' i with Danielle Darrieux and John | Loder. RKO will handle the latter ' in about 35 countries. Another Dar- rieux starrer, 'Heartbeat,' may be re- made entirely in English with Gregor Rabinovitch mentioned as its producer. Franco government's proposed Im- port regulations for Spain are cen- tered in a.five-point program. Initial reaction among foreign departments ot U. S. fllm companies isn't fa- vorable. Perhaps the most vital of the regulations is the one requiring pic- ture companies to produce one film on Spanish soil for every 10 pictures imported into Spain. American dis- tributors have indicated they won't go Into production In order to do business in Spain. U. S. PIX STILL EYED BY ITALY Par's Bergner Solo London, Aug. 1. ' David Rose has signed Elisabeth Bergner for one picture for Para- mount. 1~ It will be made here as soon as a script and cast are selected. BAT.LANCE'S OPERATION Charles Ballance, Paramount's gen- eral manager for India, who under- went a spinal operation several days ago in Atlanta, was reported recovering nicely yesterday CTues.). Ballance came to N. Y. several weelu ago for home office huddles, and was in Atlanta on a visit when the operation was decided on, ' Semi-official feelers continue being put out by the Italian govt, for resumption of fllm distributing rela^ tions with American companies, which may lead to business being reestablished in that country before the year is out. A representative of the government is known to haye approached Paramount officials in England with overtures ot a quasi- official nature, and Indicated that Italy is ready to negotiate with U. S. distributors once more. Feeler was transmitted to the H'ys organization for consideration and Charles J. Pettijohn was dele- gated to go to Italy for further con- crete conferences, sailing last Fri- day (28). Italian exhibitors are beginning to feel the pinch ot a lack of suitable film product. Shortage is assuming alarming proportions and would be- come desperate by next October un- less something is done. A significant and encouraging factor in the situa- tion Is the fact that two weeks ago the Italian government appointed a committee empowered to regulate or make changes in the monopoly dis- tribution decree, as it sees fit, with- out necessity ot actually repealing the law. American distributors want to gel down to brass tacks, but hope that all the companies continue to main- tain an unbroken front. It 'they don't weaken tor the next few months and start shipping filin to Italy on one pretext or anoUicr, as was done last spring by sevei^al of the companies, the Italian situatKn will be licked. Should they be able to resume business in Italy as before,' the dis- tributors feel it will be the first suc- cessful effort to stop tiie increasing tide of restrictions against them which has spread throughout Europe. London, Aug. 1. London's West End legit, which during the past season suffered from a painful lethargy, is looking tor- ward to the annual Malvern Festival to supply the spark that might mean the difference In '39-40 between a- successful and poor season. The Festival, which opens Aug. 7 and continues until Sept. 2, will see the world premieres ot six plays, one by George Bernard Shaw, for whom the Festival was originally dedicated. That the native-son dramatists failed to deliver during the past sea- son was evidenced by the acclaim and support given to such importations from the U. S. as 'Amphitryon 38,' 'Idiot's Delight,' 'Golden Boy,' The Women,' 'Of Mice and Men' and 'Allen Corn.' 'George and Margaret' and 'French Without Tears,' home products, are -continuing to play; at pop prices, after exceptional first runs ot two years apiece. . Out ot the past season the lead- ing English dramatist was Dodie Smith, the main money-maker, with her 'Dear Octopus,' followed by 'The Corn Is Green.' Shaw's 'Geneva' received fairly solid backing but could not be hailed as a real suc- cess. On this hypothesis then, as a provide nt vehicle the cradle of Mal- vern failed last year to produce an outstanding success. 'Geneve' alons we,nt the distance ot the plays pro- duced at Malvern and subsequently In the West End. Sir Barry Jackson Started Fete The Festival was started by Sir Barry Jackson as a complimentary gesture to Shaw. Its presentations first were Elizabethan dramas, Shakespeare had his day, folk pieces made their way, then a trend of productions 'differ<»nt' in stage lore, and, to be always counted ,on, a play from Shaw himself. The lat- ter's 'Back to Methuselah' and The Apple Cart,' to name but two ot his outstanding successes, had their world premieres at Malvern. It was not until later years that the Festi- val became a tryout spot for prospective London plays. This year the second Festival Is under the sponsorship of Roy Lim- bert, well-known in entertainment, circles. His opening run last sea- son is held to have been an example of sound, diligent management. Sir Cedrlc Hardwicke is in association with Limbert this year. 'The play's the thing' at Malvern, but to the drama has been adjoined an attractive gathering of concert artists, lecturers, garden parties, the typical tea-time talks by distinctive patrons ot letters, all in the setting ot the charming health resort and presented strictly informally. Shaw's epic this year is 'In Good King Charles' Golden Days,' which is about Charles II. Another steady Malvern penman, James Bridie, Is represented this year by 'What Say They?' set to a Scottish background and by way of being a thriller fan- tasy. The third play is 'The Pro- fessor From Pekin,' by S. I. Hsiung, who wrote 'Lady Precious Stream.' The remaining plays ot the sched- ule are 'Old Master,' by Alexander Knox; 'Big Ben," by Evadne Price and Ruby Miller, and 'Dead Heat,' a jomedy, by Sir Robert Vansittart Latter is in the government's diplo- matic corps. He has a lot ot writing to his credit, being recently asso- ciated with the scripting of Alex- ander Korda films. Wright's London Click London, Aug. 1. Charles Wright opened at the Berkeley hotel here last night (Mon- day) and scored splendidly. He's an accordionist-singer. He's In for five weeks. Griifis Admits Par's Deal on London Cinemas London, Aug. 1. Stanton Griffis, chairman of the Paramount executive committee who is here honeymooning, admits sev- eral people are negotiating to pur- chase the Paramount theatres here. Griffis concedes that the 10 British Par cinemas haven't sufficient pur- chasing power, but that the com- pany would retain one house in Lon- don for showcase purposes. It's reasonably definite that Odeon (Oscar Deutsch) will lease all Para- mount houses in England, excepting the London Plaza, under an arrange- ment whereby Par would get an advantageous booking deal. Pact awaits the sanction of Sol Sagall and Emil Wertheimer, who financed Paramount construction here.