Variety (Jan 1940)

72 Intemadoiial Thirty-fourth VARIETY Anniveraary Wednesday, January 3, 1940 THE FILM BIZ DOWN UNDER By Eric Gorrick Sydney, Dec. 15. There were many boxoffice sur- prises during 1939. Payees shopped wisely for attractions, irrespective of star value. If the stories appealed to them they bought, stars notwith- standing. Proof of this is provided by the huge disappointment by 'Idiot's Delight' (M-G), starring Clark Gable and Norma Shearer. One of the brightest stars at the b.o. proved to be Mickey Rooney, mainly through his work in "Boys' Town* (M-G) and the 'Hardy' (M-G) series . Rooney may be classed in the topflight in Antipodean pulling pow- er. Another, star,- once b.o. poison here, but now on the up-and-up, is Bette Davis, whose "Dark Victory' (WB) hit high success everywhere. On the juves once topping every- thing, Shirley Temple slipped badly during 1939. Whether this moppet can win back success in 1940 is re- garded as doubtful by local mana-. gers. Jane Withers, also once a prime fave, can't draw a decent gross nowadays in any center. Deanna Durbin has slipped some- what during the year because of a similarity in pix offered by Univer- sal. Given a better story break, this star may build considerably again in 1940. Taylor Skids Biggest male lead slip during the year was Robert Taylor. Once a hot- shot with the femmes, Taylor's b.o. power was killed by lack of suitable yarns. Gary Cooper, spotted in a couple of quick flops, is another on 'the skids for the time being. Robert Donat, always a prime favor- ite, won further laurels with 'Good- bye Mr. Chips' (M-G), and should advance strongly next year. Charles Laughton is another Britishc highly thought of at the boxoffice. The best British comedian through- out 1939 was George Formby. And Formby, if the war doesn't interfere with production plans, looks like go- ing places again in 1940. Leslie How- ard, too, got top response with 'Pyg- malion' and appears a solid bet for next year. A comeback of t.o. worth was made by Lew Ayres via the 'Kildare' (M-G) series. Clark Gable hasn't been too fortunate during the year, but given good pix should do okay again in the new span. Errol Flynn maintains his romantic appeal with the masses, and Nelson Eddy did very well with femme patronage. Spencer Tracy remains in . favor generally, but Wallace Beery must be spotted in suitable bouses to catch anything worthwhile. Tyrone Power holds his place with some isolid work in pix of popular appeal. Few Femmes Clicks Outside of the quick rise of Bette Davis, and apart from the hit made by Merle Oberon in 'Wuthering Heights' (U-A), very few femme stars have been strong enough on solo to chalk up smash trade. Irene Dunne and Myma tioy look the best right now. In the double field, Fred Astaire- Ginger Rogers won back some lost b.o. ground with 'The Castles' (RKO), but are not the same pull as of yore. Undoubtedly, the best team for '39 was Nelson Eddy- Jeanette MacDonald, with every likelihood of a repeat if co-starred in 1940. No local star of marquee worth was unearthed during the year, and there i$ nothing to indicate the pos- sibility of any home talent hitting the hi^ spots next year owing to the deadness of local production. Supporting players favored by Aussie audiences included Walter Brerman, Frank Morgan, Mischa Auer, Billie Burke, Don Ameche, Richard Greene, Greer Garson, Lewis Stone, C. Aubrey Smith, Donald C:isp, Reginald Owen and . Charles Winninger. The most favored horse- opera star was William Boyd in the 'Cassidy' (Par) series. Political Pressure Eases Politically, most of 1939 turned out to be pretty tough for the major U. S. distribs operating in this terri- tory. Two highly important factors, however, were responsible for a lift in the political pressure. The first covered the resignation of B. W. Stevens as Premier of New, South Wales, together with the wipeout of Jack Lang as Labor leader. The sec- ond, and most important of all, was ' the outbreak of war in Europe. Misjudgment by the Motion Pic- tures Distributors Assn. in handling political matter was seen as one. of the'reasons why the Stevens govern- ment became so bitter toward U. S. Interests in N. S. Wales. Jack Lang, as labor controller in the same stale, was also strongly opposed to any type of U. S. pic combine. Unhealthy unrest, too, within the ranks ol the MPDA did little to combat the po- litical stuff prevailing at the time. A new setup, with Bernie Freeman as the head, may assist in reslormg happier results in 1940. Earlier in the year pressure had been put on the F«ideral government to bring about a national quota, in- cluding a general 25 right of re- jection of U. S. product in favor of home exhibs. In South Australia and Queensland the pressure was heavy for a quota-rejection lineup similar to that in force in N. S. Wales. The outbreak of war swunt* the Government's attention away from the pic industry to more high- ly important matters. A fresh lineup of politicians in N. S. Wales—where most of the quota-rejection bother cropped up, also witnessed a swing away from pic affairs. Nevertheless, in N. S. Wales there are sufficient imposts in operation against the U. S. distribs to carry their lieadaches along for a time next year. Will There Be a Chance? Major concern of the U. S. distribs is whether there'll be a lift of quota- rejection restrictions in 1940 because of a contemplated product shortage. That 25% right of rejection is a definite law and can only be revoked by an act of Parliament. This also applies to the 15% compulsory Brit- ish screening. An acute product shortage situation brought to the no- tice of the Films Commission might force this body to recommend to the Government a lift in such imposts. However, any such move would have to be in complete agreement with the Motion Picture Exhibs' Assn. The British distribs are keenly anxious to hold the ground gained in N. S. Wales on quota compulsion. A survey discloses that there will be British product on tap in 1940. Gau- mont-British expects to have 26 pix for distribution; Associated British, distributed by Universal, already has U pix here for quick release; Asso- ciated Talking Pictures-CAPAD, via British Empire Films, report suffi- cient product to carry on with, in- cluding the George Formby comedies. Mone4«ry Restrictions It's anticipated that the Govern- ment will impose added restrictions on remittances overseas. Current rate allowable, and then only with the permission of banking officials, is rated at $15,000 per month. This amount principally covers the cost of importing goods from abroad and whether films will continue to come under this category is problematical. However, ttiere is a possibility of arrangements being made by distribs to cover the question of remitting coin to the U. S. under Government- al supervision. One of the biggest monetary headaches to the distribs arises from the exchange rate on the Australian pound for conversion into U. S. dollars showing a consid- erable slip In recent times. There is, too, every reason to be- lieve that added taxes will be im posed upon film traders during 1940 to meet the huge defense expendi- ture imder Federal control. Increased Film Bentels It's anticipated that 1940 will also see an increase in film rentals to home exhibs. This in itself will cre- ate unrest in the industry, with the possibility of political repercussions at a later date. For years the home exhibs have protested that they pay too high a rate to the'U. S. distribs for product. Tremendously heavy slaps have been taken at Metro by exhibs on alleged unfair percentage charges. Metro has also been slapped for running a chain of seven theatres in opposition to indie operators in the principal centers of the Commonwealth. Prac- tically every major U. S. distrib has had to face charges of unfair, price tactics at some time or other on the part of exhibs, and only recently in N. S. Wales a standard form of con- tract was introduced under the su- pervision of the Films Commission. War conditions, however, may force some alterations to be made in the contract, setup during 1940. Surveyors In this field give the opinion that rentals iriust go up some time next year. They explain that the increase in production costs, plus higher taxation, shipping charges, in- surance, exchange fall, and the like, must force an increase. Whether or not the British can maintain a product flow in 1940 does not hidi the fact that exhibs depend upon U. S. fare to keep their the- atres open. And 1040 should see U.-.S. pix marqueed to good b.o. in every Australian spot. Hopes are held that the MPDA and the MPEA will work along more harmonious lines in 1940 in an en- deavor to remove from the pic in- dustry the stigma of political inter- ference. Yanks' '39 Opposish Hollywood product had keen op- position from the British during 1939. Next year, providing war conditions had not intervened, the Britishers might have been on top in the ace theitres. Now, however, with con- ditions as they are, the Hollywood product will no doubt command the majority of the marquees through- out Australia and New Zealand. In 1939, strange as it may seem, the biggest hits here came from Brit- ish studios. For instance, 'Pygma- lion' cG-B) ran for 30 weeks in one house in this city alone, and an al- most similar span was clicked in Melbourne. Other good runners in- cluded Trouble Brewing' (BEF), 'It's in the Air' (BEF), 'Mr. Chips' (M-G), -Drunis' (UA), 'Clouds Over Europe' (Col), 'Beachcomber' (Par), 'Mikado* (G-B), 'Great WalU' (M-G), ■Girls Must Live' (G-B), 'Wuthering Heighte' (UA), 'Four Feathers' (UA), and 'Four Just Men' (BEF). Went for Classy Pix At one time during the year it was quite a unique sight to see six Brit- ishers marqueed in this city, and all drawing big biz over an extended term. Months before the outbreak of war in Europe, and much to the amazement of pic-wised managers^ there came into boxoffice being a solid demand for class British fare. For some reason or other the public swayed away from Hollywood ma- terial. After an extensive probe this trend was put down to a same- ness in the Hollywood output, plus a scarcity of good stories. In other words, the public became tired of cycle fare as offered week after week. The Britishers, by breaking new entertainment ground, hit the fancy of the public and copped sur- prisingly good grosses. Even after the outbreak - of Eu- ropean hostilities, and not through any flag-waving angles, there still remained a bright market for worth- while, British fare. In fact, It can be said that 1939 was the best year for the Britishers ever experienced in this territory. A heavy try was made in Sydney and Melbourne to sell Continental pix to the public by Savoy Theatres, Ltd., a company in which Stuart F. Doyle became Interested, but later exited. The Continental fare did not click very well in Sydney, but Is do- ing somewhat better in Melbourne. However, Hollywood need not fear any strong opposition from this angle in 1940. Rental grosses gotten on behalf of the U. S. producers from Australia should tally up to a sizable sum. They would have been ever so much higher, however, had not the British companies snapped away quite a nice collection for distribu- tion among themselves. Look for Comedy Next year, managers figure, will see ri influx of comedy fare from the Hollywood studios. If the cycle is not overdone, some solid returns should be available at the boxoffices. That the public wants laughter prod' uct is indicated by the recent suc- cess made by RKO's 'Bachelor Mother.' How long this yen for laughs will remain in vogiie during next year is a moot point. War stuff, however, will be definitely taboo, managers declare. Taking everything into considera- tion and figuring on a semi-British production ease, Hollywood should come into its own again in this terri- tory during 1940. And most definite- ly, Hollywood win have nothing to fear from any local production ac- tivities. Quota Favoring: Anglo Reels Seen for Canada Realignment of newsreels in Can- ada reportedly looms in .the next few months. One shift proposed is to place newsreels under a quota ar- rangement whereby exhibitors would have to make up their news- reel program with at least 50% Ca- nadian or British news. Tied into this idea is the proposal to start a Canadian government- owned, or operated, newsreel, or per- haps both. Completely dominated home newsreel-would be set up as a propaganda necessity. . ♦ ♦ H M M > M M ♦ t-f^O^^^^ : : Binges Cheap ;;in Budapest -»♦♦♦-»♦•♦»»♦■»■»♦♦♦»♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦ > By E. P. Jacobi Budapest, Dec. 20. After a brief panic in September, when things looked their blackest, Budapest niteries have gotten back into their stride. In fact, they are recovering lost ground. Palais de Danse, dark for the past two ycar.<i, during which only the management's summ,er place on Margaret Island, Parisian Grill, was kept open, has reopened this season and is doing well at. moderate prices. A tentative experiment is even being made to revive the variety stage, for years dormant in Budapest. A small spot, closed since last spring, is shortly to reopen as Kamara Variete, with a cabaret and music-hall-variety-show program. All these are symptoms of the never-say-die attitude of Buda- pest nite life. This is all the mor« remarkable since foreign visitors, on whom niteries throve in (he past four years, ever since the Duke of Windsor, then Prince of Wales, put Budapest on the amusement map for British and American money-spenders—are en- tirely missing. 'They had grown steadily fewer during the spring and summer months and completely stopped since the outbreak of war. Foreigners in Budapest today are mainly Polish refugees with no spare cash. Neverthele.ss, the slump that was 'expected as a result of the lessening of Jewish patronage in consequence of racial legislation. Is hardly mak- ing itself felt. True, many Jews have lost their jobs, big Incomes have been cut down, a number of young men have emigrated, and those who arc left don't go places much. But, on the other hand, the same racial legislation accounts for the cropping up of a new batch of money-spend- ers: those who got the Jews' jobs and position, who enjoy special privi- leges. Cost of a Blnce Is Cheap Cost of going on a binge in a nitery is very low if translated into American terms. Cover charge even at the best places is 20c, with amuse- ment tax adding another dime. A bottle of French champagne, almost exclusively drimk by foreigners, costs $13, with native champagne at $3.50 per bottle at Palais de Danse and lesser niteries, and between $4 and $7 at Arizona or Moulin Rouge, the two top places. A bottle of good wine costs $3, a glass of cognac $1, coffee 50c. You can entertain « lady for $10 like a gentleman; it you spend more, you command respect. Entertainment at both the Arizona and at Moulin Rouge consists of a floor show in the framework of a revue. Arizona employs ita own staff, starring Miss Arizona, propri- etress. They still keep up the zoo stunts that were successful in former programs, but while they had an ele- phant and a camel in the show last year, this season they indulge in more domestic quadrupeds. Last year's attractions were boxes sunk into the ground at the pressure of a button; this year Arizona has intro- duced the stunt of public telephone stations in every box, so that you can ring up your wife and say you are warming your toes by your hotel bedroom fire. At Moulin Rouge, revues based on old musical comedy favorites were well received last season; this year they have a Fairyland revue, with a few foreign numbers and several popular musical comedy actors fea- tured. Foreign dance acts featured here during the last few months in- cluded The Darras, Bernoff and Charlotte, Frederic Victor, Al and Val Reno, Caesar and Doree, Chris- tian and Duroy. Such acts at Moulin or Palais de Danse were paid $300 to $500 a month, and the National Bank usually granted them export permits for 35% of their earnings. At pres- ent, however, with international de- mand for such permits at a low ebb, salaries are even lower. 3 Cbsscs of Native Talent Native talent employed in niteries can be classed into three categories. Dancers, mostly under 18, who figure on the floor but do not stay after the show, have a salary between $40 and $80 a nionth. Then there are the older'girls who work'on the floor, but also stay to act as hostesses, Their pay is somewhat higher. The third category, who merely do host- essing, are paid $20 to $50 a m<)nth, but Of course their earnings, like those of the second category, may actually be anything up to $200 a month, and more, if they happen to strike a bonanza. o ' In addition' to Ihe thi-ee big night clubs, it's stili the small bars and grill rooms that draw the larew* patronage, Csakvari's is at pretnl the most popular, with himself and partner at the piano; also Canri where another pianist, Froehlich. i, the chief attraction. Prince o» Wales, Taban, Parisettc. Dunakorzo DuBarry are in the front rank. Soiiii of the big cafes: Spolarlts, Orsza. ghaz. Modern, Baross and Bclvarosl have also established small, intimate grill rooms, with a pianist and two or three other instruments and maybe a diseuse for customers who like to dance and don't caro for the noise and glare of the big public rooms. Martha Ratkay, Terry Fellegi, Ania SuH, American, and an English girl, Anita Best, are among the most popular discuses. Salaries of torch singers are not big, but they get their share of 'the plate,' placed near the exit for the benefit of the orchestra. There is dancing at some of the smart hotels: Duhapalota, Hungaria, (jiellert. Royal and Bellevuc, but no floor shows or professionals. These are mostly patronized by bourgeois families; here even such obsolete phenomena as young girls chaper* oned by their mothers rnay oc« casionally be observed. Giinese $ Worth 7c, Hence Few Uii. Acts mJFar East By HAL P. MILLS Shanghai, Dec. IS. Since the commencement of Sine* Japanese hostilities in the Shanghai area, American musicians have vlN tually faded from the picture and have been supplanted by Russian and Filipino musicians, and to i large extent by European refugees. Time was when American musicians were regarded as tops and ruled tb« roost here, but at present less thad a dozen are to be found in Shanghai, and of the remaining ones fully 609} have been here many years and ar« generally regarded as Old Chlnfa Hands who have 'missed too many ships.' "The same Is true with reference' to American artists. Barring the Reynolds Bros, and the Dixie Sisters, American colored artists, no othet American performers are in Shang-^ hal. Reasons? Poor remuneration due to the unfavorable rate of exchange. The Chinese dollar today is wortn exactly 7c U. S.—and all Shanghai night spots pay only in Chinese na- tional currency. Less than three years ago nearly all leading local ballrooms and night clubs employed American entertain- ers and paid in U. S. currency. Also provided transportation to China and return to America. Under the deplorable rate of exchange no Shanghai nitery can now afford to employ American performers and pay in U. S. currency. For these reasons American ar- tists in the Far East are steering clear of Shanghai. On the other hand, ready employment for flrst- class American artists is to be found in Hongkong and Manila, where salaries in U. S. currency are not uncommon. At the present time up- wards of a dozen American artists are employed in Hongkong hotels, while twice that number are em- ployed in Manila. So long as the situation here re- mains unchanged it is extremely. unwise for American artists to visit Shanghai in the expectation of find- ing worthwhile engagements. En- gagements are available but the' remuneration is poor. Wartime London London, Dec. 20. Mai Bacon, who recently lost her only son in the Air Force, left for France to entertain, in place of Violet Loraine who, with Binnie Hale, Is on the sick list there following an auto accident Cyril Raymond a flying officer. Alister Maclntyre in the army and William Gell, Jr., eldest son of W. J. Cell, managing director of Pathe here, is on active service in France. Jockey Gordon Richards a black- out victim, suffering concussion when his car struck a lamppost while he was returning from Newmarket races. Charles Coborn ('Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo'), singing to the soldiers at the age of 87- iphis -makes the sixth war in whicn he has given his services for W' tertainment