Variety (Sep 1941)

n St. Miirtlo'a riace. Tfafal«ar Square yARlETr INTERNATIONAL 13 Spain Woos Pix from Argentine, Promising Biz Once Held by UJS. Buenos Aires, Aug. 28. Spanish- Aim Interests here have been dangling some pretty sweet- loolcing bait tot Argentine pic pro- ducers in the past three months and promising that U all goes well, locaily-mades will be able to talce the place in Franco-land once held by Hollywood. It's an open 'secret' that the trade drummers from Madrid are being pushed by Berlin with several ideas in mind. First is to get films urgently needed In Spain, now that U. S. imports are getting lower. Spaniards figure that Argentines are a fairly good substitute and that since practically none sneaks in aiiy pro-democracy argument, they're 'safe' for Spanish consumption. Second is an attempt to unfreeze the attitude of Argentines who have determined to block showings of Spanish-mades here in S. A.'s rich- est theatre market unless B. A. product is permitted greater latitude in Spain. Opposish developed here to Spain's pix market y,en when Argentines found tax hurdles too steep to clear: Third is the desire of Spain, as the little brother' of Rome-Berlin, to solidity her stringy 'blood chains' with Latin-America. Idea is to make Latins feel it's Spain, not the U. S., who's its buddy. As proof of good intentions, Span- ish reps here have let it be known that showings of five Argentines are already under way for the new sea- son. Schless Expects to Sell Complete WB Lme In Aostralia Before Return Sydney, Sept. 2. Robert Schless, Warner Bros, sales chief, here ostensibly to line up a product deal with Greater Union Theatres, is leaving for U. S., Sept. 25, Clippering directly to San Francisco. Before he leaves, War- ner exec expects to have some deal made whereby the company's full line of pictures will get distribution in Australia. Because Warners ducked out of its pact with Hoyts by mutual agree- ment at the end of last month, it is not likely they will renew. A pact with Greater Union appears more logical, and the understanding here i^ that this circuit could stand ad- ditional A-1 pictures. Latter now has Columbia. Universal, Republic and Monogram, with first call on most of Paramount's No. 1 pictures and some of Metro's lineup. Hoyts has RKO, 20th-Fox, some Metro and United Artists. William T. Powers and H. G. Stuart, two National Theatres (20th- Fox) executives, also arrived here about the same times as Schless. Powers only would admit that his business in Aussie Is with Charles Munro, chairman of Hoyts circuit. Their visit also is linked with re- ports that an effort will be made to revive the former contemplated joint booking monopoly with Great- er Union, to have been undertaken through revival of General Thea- tres, England's Cinemas Pay 800G Entertainment Tax London, Aug. 15. Figures recently made available to the film trade indicate cinemas con- tribute an estimated $800,000 weekly in Entertainments Tax. Amount is based on an average admission of 25c, and equalj a 22^% cut to the exchequer. Average weekly attendance is figured at be- tween 16-17,000,000. KIMBERLY UP FOR OK British Press Frematore In Tellinf of His Govt Film Post Emphasize Show Biz as Good-WiU Aid in S. America British Info Chief To U. S. on Distrib Biz London, Aug. 15. Ministry of Information (Films Di- vision) chief Sydney Bernstein Clip- pered for the U. S. last weekend, and it's understood he'll make deals for distributing latest ' MOI feature- length documentary, Target for To- night.' He has this among other matters for discussion with U. iS. big- gies. Following the blowup which fol- lowed the commercial release ar- rangementi for "Target,' MOI ap- proached both the renters and ex- hibs for a get together on future plans in connection with feature- length films. Exhibs had squawked on restrictions which heW the docu- mentary to the circuits for three weeks, and later refused to book it until matter had been straightened out. It's likely, in view of the fuss, film will be handed out to all takers, sans restrictions. Profits from screen- ing of Target' wiU go to the Treas- ury. Buenos Aires, Aug. 26. Major slice of the cultural side of Uncle Sam's South American good- will program will be entrusted to U. S. entertainment industry rather than to some of the longtiiir organi- zations and officials who talk a nice 'hemisphere solidarity' but lack the essential knowledge of showmanship needed to make the Yanqui-Latin axis a reality. This was exclusively revealed to Varictt here by Philip L. Barbour, music director pt Nelson Rockefeller's Coordinating Commit- tee, jUst before leaving B. A. on the last half of en extended South American tour. Barbour, now. on a year's loan from this post as foreign press and foreign station relations rep - for NBC, disclosed that exchange of art- ists was liecoming increasingly im- portant in the inter-American pro- gram and explained it was now realized that only by letting estab- lished, trained and experienced showmen of both North and South America handle the job would it be successful. Pointed out, as an example, that artists brought from South America to the States and sent around to a string of colleges, women's clubs and fancy-name organizations would draw polite palm warming from the smart set but be practically useless as a real -good-will builder because Mr. and Mrs. Average Public wouldn't see and hear them, or have any real .interest in what they were trying to put over. Those coming from the States to S. A. under the same sort of arrangements would fare in exactly the same way. Barbour—and apparently the high command as well—now believes that if a tango band is sent from Argen- tina to the U. S. for Instance, it sliould go as a strictly show biz oper- ation. It should play in theatres, niteries, radio, films, etc., and wherever else it might as a commer- cial proposition, and as an attraction meriting attention because of its public interest; KOWTOWING TO NAZIS B. A. Ban on BrlUeh Fie Secalls Deference to Belch Films London, Aug. 15, It seems the press got ahead of the authorities in announcing ap' pointment of Paul Kimberly as Con- troller of Cinematography, a War Office tie-in, and to take care of all film matters for the military. Ac- cording to the dope, Kimberly has been submitted to the trade bodies for their approval in the position, It's an honorary job, and Kimberly has been operating gratis for the military in connection with training projectionists. ■ Kinematograph Renters Society, without sidestepping Kimberly's ability, would like to see their one- time prexy, David Griffiths, at least working alongside the appointee. Renters feel the job is more than one man could tackle. Indications would certainly set the job as something of no small pro- portions. With 300 mobile cinemas to be serviced, routed and supplied with films, it adds up to being up with the largest circuits in Britain. Moreover, the very need for an appointment would indicate every- thing isn't straight with way films are handled now for the troops. Baires' Intensive Distrib Plans May Presage Yank Competish in S. America Buenos Aires, Aug. 28. Although Argentina is currently making an all-out probe of totali- tarian fifth columning, picts even re- motely likely to offend the Nazis are still on the verboten list That's the inference being taken by local anti- axis press as result of the action of B. A. municipal censorship board on the British-made 'Voice in the Night,' distributed in South America by Co- lumbia. Blue pencilers had an o.o. of the pic in private and instead of yes or no-ing it per custom, let it be known that it might offend Germany, and passed the buck to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Action Is in Itself an instance of kowtowing and def- erence to the Nazis, it was pointed out by Critica and other dailies. Explained that all the German Ambassador Edmond Von Thermann has to do now is to let out a peep, whereupon ban affecting the entire country instead of only the city of B. A., will be imposed. Case is the latest of a long series involving films which hit the Nazis and Fa- scists. Buenos Aires, Aug. 26. Intensive distribution of the .en- tire Latin American market, as done by U. S. companies instead of the present hit-or-miss system, looms as the outstanding feature of policy of Baircs Films, Argentine's new mil- lion-dollar producing company. 'Out- fit which has just preemed its first pic, 'Ultimo Refugio' ('Last Refuge") here, was the dream of Natalio Bo- tano, publisher of Critica, South America's leading afternoon daily, who died two weeks before the in- itial release. Wide-scale Latin exhibition plan, with one eye on possible U. S. show- ings, may herald the start of more intensive competish to Hollywood films south of the border, it's be- lieved here. None of the other Big Five long established Argentine pro- ducers has ever been overly active in going after the Spanish-speaking market outside of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay up to now not having the urge, dash or experience. Baires, back'ed by far more pesos than any other company and with a U. S.- style publicity setup, figures it can clean up where the others have failed to move. SWISS AROUSED BY NAZI FILM COLLABORATION London Legit Biz Whammo; Name Shows Due; 'Applesauce' Tops At 22G, Coward s 'SpinT Steady 8G Berne, Sept. 2. Action of the director of the Swiss Cinema Chamber in signing an agreement in Berlin which prevents the Swiss from exhibiting any films which might prove displeasing to other members of the Axis-dominat- ed International Cinema Chamber has aroused public resentment here. The Swiss delegate is being accused of having agreed voluntarily to sub- mit to a censoring of films in this London, Aug. 15. West End legit biz is at its zenith. It's the first time in years that the London's show front is practically devoid of flops. Whether musicals, revues, straight plays or even re- vivals, they're all in the money. Most important show due in the West End, at the Prince's, is Firth Shepherd's musical revue, by Doug- la? Furber and Manning Sherwin. Tltis is having a preliminary canter at Manchester, with London opening scheduled for next week. From re- ports. Shepherd has another hit. Another leg show of importance is 'Hi Gang,' which is a ready-made hit from radio. This-is being presented by George Black sometime in Octo- ber, either at the Hippodrome or Palladium. Two shows of lesser im- portance are 'Squaring the First Circle,' by Soviet writer Valentine Katayev, at the Vaudeville, Aug, 21, and 'Room 5,' by Peter. Wendey, at the Garrick. Tjiere is also a short season revival at the New of Chek- hov's 'Cherry Orchard.' With two Soviet-written plays due, some idea can be gleaned on the popular senti- ment here, as reversed from that of a few months ago. Then there's the long postponed Menzies-Macrea musical, starring Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge, to be tried out in the sticks and not due at the Palace until early next year. Also in prospect are a new musical by Ivor Novello and a revue starring George Formby. Both these ventures will be presented by Tom Arnold, but are likely to have long provincial runs before coming to the West End. Of legit shows, the most important H. M. Tennent's 'The Nutmeg Tree,' at the Lyric, which has been held up due to indisposition of Yvonne Arnaud, who plays the lead. Show is not likely to be seen before end of September, with short season of The English Ballet as stopgap. Estimates, Bating $4 to the A Key: n—Revue. D—Drama, H—Uuelcal, —Operetta. C—Comedy. 'A p p I e s a n c e,' Palladium (24th week) (R). Opened middle last Au- gust at Holborn Empire, but folded after two weeks due to big Septem- ber blitz. Since reopening here March 5, has been steady money- maker, sometimes as high as $25,000. Now nearer $22,000, plenty profitable. 'Black Vanities,' Victoria Palace (IBth week) (R). Big since opening, with most week capacity. Doing steady $16,000, and can go on indef- initely at this pace. Closed for two weeks to give cast holiday, and re- sumes Aug. 25. •Blithe Spirit,' Piccadilly (7th week) (O). Popularity of Noel Cow- ard obvious by this one. Is in the real money, steady $8,000, with some weeks as high as $9,600. At these intakes, management can sit back for some time. 'Close Qoarters,' Apollo (2d week) (O). English adaptation of W. O. Somin's continental classic was done here, at the Haymarket, four years ago, starring Flora Robson and Os- car Homolka. Ran for eight months. Not likely to duplicate this with Beatrix Lehmann and Karel Stepa- nek, although quite healthy at $2,- 800. 'Chn Chin Chow,' Palace (4th week) (O). Last war's operetta has attained a new record as the most revived of all revivals in this war. COUntryi levivcu ui in icvivau ui luu. y»oi Meeting had been held in Berlin Thiers" itsNhird revival andV'funnUy under the guidmg hand of Nazi prop- enough, it's doing better than any of aganda minister Joseph Goebbels. with a number of neutral countries represented. Final ratification of the agreement is now up to the Swiss Federal Council, which has been placed in a delicate position by the action of the delegate in approving the agreement, it is contended by the local press. Singapol Up 50% re Pic Grosses fo Doe to the War San Francisco, • Sept. 2. Film grosses in Singapore have jumped 50% as a result of the war boom, according to Joe Fisher, owner of the Capitol theatre there and 30 other houses throughout the Malay States. Fisher currently Is lecturing on the Coast with films he shot him- self. Between dates, he is grabbing off a flock of footage here which he'll use later oh an Australian tour, during which he will shoot another subject for his return trip to Amer- ica. its predecessors. Has exceeded $8, 000, which means nice bit of change for its promoters. Will pay off pro- duction costs in the next three weeks, with principals, who are on percent- age, starting to earn real coin. 'Lady Behave,' His Majesty's (3d week) (M). New combo of Jack Hylton, William MoUison and Stan- ley Lupino has certainly hit top cyl- inder. Show only plays five days per week, as Lupino refuses to do 12 shows per week. Monday is therefore layoff day. But still man- ages to do $14,000. Voted season's hit. 'Ladies In Betlrement.' St. Martin's (3d week) (D), This revival is making profit, although show was deemed to have exhausted its stay- ing powers some two years ago, when it was first staged at the St. James's theatre. Averaging $2,000, with very inexpensive cast. 'Me and My Girl,' Coliseum (3d year) (M). This is its second re- vival since war, and doing better than ever. Started slowly some six weeks ago, barely doing $4,000. Then was given . airing by the British Broadcasting Corp. Immediately jumped to $8,000, and is now nearer $12,000. Could stay for lengthy run at this rate. 'New Ambassadors' Bcvne,' Am- t flop in town, barely doing $2,500. But management hoping may get by in present boom. 'Non-Stop Vanities,' Prince of Wales (8th week) (R). House has regular clientale, and there is quite a following for this type of show, especially from the provincials who seem to be invading the town in droves lately. Doing around $10,000, well above 'getting-out' figure. •No Time for Comedy,' Haymarket (20th week) (C). Has been in the money since noening. Never went below $6,400, which is still profitable, and has touched as high as $8,000. which is about its present intake. Good for several more- months at this rate. •Quiet Weekend,' Wyndhams (3rd week) (C). As sequel to Esther Mc- cracken's 'Quiet Wedding,' this one had reputation to live up to, and it's making it. Started healthily at $G,- 400, and is now bettering $0,800. Seems set for lengthy run. •Bise Above It,' Comedy (10th week) (R). Voted one of the clev- erest and bluest revues in a long time, and is attracting the town's smart set. For small house, $6,400, which is what It's doing, is just about capacity. •The Light That Failed,' Globa (10th week) (C). This is return of show after provincial tour, and re- written by author-actor Emlyn Wil- liams to fit his personality. Making money at $7,000, at which rate It can stay for quite awhile. •Up and Dolnr,' Saville (14th week) (M). Has been money spin* ner for Firth Shepherd since open* ing. Doing steady $12,000,- ant} sometimes even above that, which is virtually capacity. Ckwd for several more months. Strike vs. CoL in Mexico; 6 Cos. Get Stay Mexico City, Sept. 2. Strike has been called, against Metro and Columbia by the Mexican exchange workers' union, but th« other six U. S. major distributors have been granted a temporary ex- tension before workers wiU walk out. Strike against two went into ef- fect today (Tuesday) at noon. Not clear how much additional time has been given, the other Yank distribs, but distributor reps arc hopeful that entire dispute will b* ironed out because of this extension. Theatre Union, Grcoits In Deal for Upped Pay ■London, Aug. 15. Deal inked this week between theatre chains and National Assn. of Kinema & Theatrical Employes will mean upped pay envelopes for staffs throughout Britain. Those signing the wage pact include Moss Empires and General Theatres Corp. Al- though aimed strictly at the circuits, NAKTE boss Tom O'Brien has indi- cated Indie operators would inl la line and adopt the new wage pact, since the nation-wide setup now i^ force at this signing replaces about 18 separate agreements. Deal is viewed in labor circles as an Important step in collectiv. bargaining. See Chile Pic Upbeat Santiago, Chile, Aug. 26. Sock biz and excellent reaction, even by those not just back-patting out of pure patriotism, h^ given local producers hope that latest Chilean-made Aim 'La Chica del Crillon' ('The Girl of Crillon') may set the Industry here on its feet. Pic, based on a novel by Joaquin E. Bello and directed by Jorge Delano, was preemed simultaneously in seven houses, including the Cervantes her* and No. 1 houses in Paciftc port city of Valparaiso and-'nearby summer resort of Vina del Mar. So. Africa Bans 'HcGlnty' Censors in Johannesburg hav* banned 'Great McGinty* CPar). Ban covers all South Africa.