Variety (Oct 1941)

It McnniES Par's Raises to Lesser H.O. Workers May Forestall Company Umonization o Paramount Is reported to have voluntarily granted raises to many of iis lesser employees which may have the effect of retarding a move- ment within the company for the formation of a union unit similar to those in Warners, Metro, Colum- bia and 20th-Fox. Procedure among these distributing organizations seems to be the organization of com- pany unions, with ultimate goal the banding together of those , formed for greater strength. In ■ Warner Bros, the office em- ployees have made the most head- way with an election scheduled to be held there shortly on orders of the National Labor Relations Board. Stenos, clerks, office boys and others in Col and Metro are said to have voted in favor of a union, but not elsewhere, although the Par em- ployees held a ineting to discuss the matter. No vote on whether they will go in or not is known to have been taken. Understood surveys show that in some home office departments of pic- ture companies the average salary Is less than $25, and no increases have been handed out, except for those just given by Par, in many years. In addition to wage increases, the movement of office employees to unionize is backed by demands for preferences according to seniority when opportunity for promotions occur; prevention of arbitrary dis- missals and submission to arbitration of dismissals for Just and reasonable cause. NLRB Certifies N.Y. WB Personnel's Union Move Washington, Sept. 30. Permission for a majority of em- ployees of • Warner. Bros. Pictures, Inc., Warner Bros. Circuit Manage- ment Corp. and subsidiary corpora- tions using the West 44th street ad- dress—even those handling what the companies termed 'confidential mat- ters'—to participate In a union elec- tion was given Thursday (25) by the National Labor Relations Board. In directing the companies to hold • secret ballot election within 30 days, for the purpose of determining how many of approximately 600 workers desired to be represented by Warner Bros. Associated. Office Employees of Greater New York, an unaffiliated union, the Board blue- pencilled complaints that employees In the legal trust, tex and other de- partments of the companies were not eligible for membership in the union because they have access to confiden- tial records of Warners. 'While all the employees in such departments undoubtedly have ac- cess to certain Information which may be considered 'confidential,' the record Indicates that the same is true of the vast majority of the employees In the West 44th street office,' the NLRB ruled. 'We have recently held that employees must have access to eonfldential Information which re- lates directly to the problem of labor relations If they are-to be excluded from the unit, and tiiat the possession of important Information is of itself not sufficient to justify deprivation ct the right to collective bargaining.' Kxecs, supervisory employees with the power to hire and fire, persons who spend more than 50% of their ■ time away from the 44th street head- quarters, lawyers, engineers, publi- cists and artists will be excluded. Thoto-Nite' No Lottery Vancouver, B. C, Sept. 30. An assize court jury acquitted Trank Soltice and B. W. Holt, theatre managers, and Sterling Films, Ltd., of charges of conducting a lottery by the operation of 'photo-nite* contests. The defense submitted the scheme was not a lottery, as the theatre was not bound to pay prize money to a selected contestant until the contes- tant entered Into a contract with the theatre whereby he later purchased the winner's photograph with the right to use It for advertising. Eugene Zukor Called Hollywood, Sept. 3. Eugene Zukor was called up by . the Navy as lieutenant-commander and reports Oct. 31 to the com- mandant of the La Area. He left.today for New York to pass B week with his family. He was an ensign In the last war. lATSE Demands SsCoutliintd from pafc demands for increases, ranging from 10%-25% for each union, cameramen are asking Jurisdiction over all classes of cameramen, Including the American Society of Cinematogra- phers, it is reported. The producers will probably resist the added jurisdiction being sought and also the stiff soale Increase being asked. On Monday (29) the property men with C. B. DuVal, representing the Hollywood local and grips, with Wil- liam Barrett, no set Increases but which, through added classifications and working conditions, would amount to substantial increases in their cost to the studios. Local 706, Makeup Artists, seeks the same soale as at present but to be paid for 54 hours to members now working 60 and for 48 hours to those on a 54-hour basis. Local 728, Gaffers, want a 62-hour week reduced to 48 with time and a half for overtime; while Local 705, Costumers, seeks a 9-hour day for men and 8 hours for women. Local 165, Studio Projectionists, is demanding increases and changes in working conditions which amount to about 20%. lATSE Moved In On Friday First intimation of lATSE in- tervention in the negotiations with the producer group came Friday (28) when Local 44, Studio Prop- ertymen, and Local 80, Grips, noti- fied the Casey committee that it had asked the. assistance of the lA in working out their deals. The locals of the studio laborers, sound tech- nicians, cameramen, gaffers, costume workers, studio projectionists and makeup artists, presented their own demands previously without anyone from the lA sitting in, though as- sumed then that International rep- resentatives would ultimately figure in the negotiations, giving approval to deals or declaring for better terms. Negotiations for the gaffers were opened by W. Moran and J. Denni- son; for the costume workers by Bill Edwards, studio projectionists by John Schwartz, maJceup artists, Norbert Miles; studio laborers, Z. Fairbanks; soundmen, Harold Smith, and cameramen, Herb Aller. Although the film technicians, Lo< cal 683, recently formulated Ite own deal with Hie studios in Coast hud- dles, obtaining an increase, the lo- cal sent Dave liOry east for the meetings as an observer. Satisfied that the lA was not being returned to the studio basic agreement, with the film technicians deal standing as is, he returned to the Coast Friday (26). Teamsters Set In addition to receiving demands of locals outside the basic agreement, Casey's producer group reached an agreement with the Teamsters cov- ering various classes of labor over which it has Jurisdiction, but for dis- patchers and carwashers, over which a question of Jurisdiction exists, ne- gotiations covering them are de- ferred for later Coast attention. A contract covering the culinary workers who were admitted into the studio basic conference at the Ne- wark meeting Sept. 20, will also be worked out on the Coast. Because of no urgency concerning minor changes in working conditions af- fecting the musicians, also a member of the basic agreement, Joseph N. Weber, honorary president of the American Federation - of Musicians, has agreed to also take this up on the Coast Though Laborers, Team- sters, Carpenters, Plasterers, Hod- carriers and Electrical Workers re- ceived Increases of 10%, the musi- ciains sought no advance in scale. Chauffeurs, truckdrlvers, wrang- lers and automotive service em- ployees other than mechanics, are to get $1.28 per hour under the agreement ^ected. Drivers operat- ing equipment requiring a special licence will receive $1.50, while mo- torcycle drivers are to get $1. When drivers are on distant location they will receive $100 weekly, while the foremen will get 10% additional. Producer group east on the labor deals, of which Casey is chairman, includes his associate, Fred Pelton; Sid Hogell, representing RKO; Fred S. Meyer for 20th-Fox, D. S. Garver, Universal; Charles Boren, Para- mount, and Carroll Saxe, Warner Broi. A Gem of a Part Hollywood, Sept 90. Becond film chore for Helen For- tcscue Reynolds, foclallte, la femme lead In 'Blue, White and Perfect,' opposite Lloyd Nolan and directed by Herbert I. I*ed9 at 20th-Fox. Story deal! with diamonds used as drills in the manufacture of pre- cision Instruments employed In the defense Industry. Coast Labor Group Hays Film Probe Wednesday, October 1, 1941 San Francisco, Sept. 30. Several resolutions of interest to show biz were adopted at the 42nd annual sesh of the California State Federation of L.abor In sesh here all last week. A resolution condemning the U. S. subcommittee investigating the film Industry was also adopted. Introduced by Pat Somerset of Screen. Actors Guild, the paper charged the committee's actions with being 'a censorship on the free ex- pression of American culture, to which the SAG is unalterably op- posed,' and that 'the inquiry has quickly indicated that it Is designed to breed religious and racial dis- cord . . . thereby to destroy . . . unity.' Committee's actions were branded 'an immediate threat to free thought tree speech and to the very fundamentals of liberty upon which our great nation was founded.' On motion of Vince Silk, secre- tary of the American Guild of Va- riety Artists here, the legislative committee was instructed to pre- pare a measure for introduction into the state legislature which would Growing N^t Grid Gaines (Used To Be B3.. Remember?) Add to B.O. Woes As Long as It's Wet Hollywood, Sept. 80. Studio lakes, ponds, pools and whatnot are growing valuable in southern California, due to regu- lations by the Coast Guard about shooting pictures on the ocean. When 20th-Fox started shoot- ing 'Son of Fury,' the Coast Guard told the producers where and at what hours they could shoot. Every sea picture on the West Coast today is under naval supervision. give AGVA members the benefit of unemployment Insurance. Due to interpretations of the term 'Inde- pendent contractor' in the state act, AGVA members are unable to draw aid during extended layoffs. Resolution by Magnus Nielson of the lATSE projectionists, Los An- geles, also was adopted celling for legislation foi: adequate ventilation of projection rooms. Other resolutions praised the 'Our America Radio Council' and the 'This Is Our America' broadcast, la- bor program which has had a trial in Southern California and will be expanded. Re-elected prexy of the State Fed- eration was Neil Haggerty. Also re- seated were Edward Venderleur, secretary, and Tony Noriega, v.p, for the 10th district including Frisco. Noriega also was re-elected secre- tary-treasurer of the State Federa- tion of Theatrical Employes, which also met last week and which re- tained Ben Williams as chief. Noriega is a member of the projectionisU and Williams is an lATSE stage- hand. Film Reviews ^Continued from page 9; Chinese forces, 'Burma Convoy' Is a- fast actioner displaying melodra- matics of familiar texture against the new background. Picture is good meller support for the dual houses and nabes. Charles Bickford is a convoy driver between the takeoff town of Lashio and Chungking. Deciding to return to the States, to resume auto mechanic trade, plan Is sidetracked when his younger brother, Frank Al- bertson, shows up, geta involved in spy intrigue, and is mysteriously murdered. Bickford sticks around to avenge his kin's deSth; and even- tually uncovers a spy ring of Eura- sians who plot the hi-jacking of con- voys. Bickford delivers a vigorous and heroic performance in the lead, with Evelyn Ankers competently supply- ing romantic interest. Albertson is okay as the flyer-brother, while adequate support includes (^ecil Kell- away, Willy Fung, Keye Luke and Truman Bradley. Noel Smith directs in a straight line for the dramatic effect in com- pact footage, with a good script sup- plied by Stanley Rubin and Roy Chanslor. Photography of John Boyle Is uniform, while inter-cut stock shots are edited in competent fashion. Wolt. Twilight on the Trail (WITH SONGS) Pnrnmount relense of Hnrry Sherman production. Features William Boyd, Brnd KlnK, Andy Clyde. Directed by Howard Bretherton. Screenplay by J. Bonton Che- ney, bused on charnctcrs created by Clar- ence S. Mulford: camera, Russell Harlnn; nim editor. Fred Feltshaua, Jr. Tradeahown In N. y., Sept. 10, '41. • Running lime, 08 JUN8. Hopolong Cassldy William Boyd Johnny Nelson Brod King California Andy Clxde Brent Jnck Rockwell Lucy Wnndn McKny Kervy : Norma Willie "rake Robert Kent QreKK Tom London Steve Frank Austin Stage Driver Clem Fuller Drummer Johnny Powers Jim Wnkely Trio All the Hopalong Cassldy films now follow a set formula; all aim strictly at the juvenile trade and all, including this one, pretty much succeeding. They're all so pat, in fact, that exhibs buy them virtually blind, knowing they;re going to at- tract a certain amount of kid cus- tomers to whom a boss opry Is dif- ferent if the cast is at least slightly revised. Thxis, producer Harry Sher- man sometimes switches the villains to honest men.and vice versa in the different chapteirs of the series. But Hopalong and his two sidekicks, Brad King and Andy Clyde, always remain the same Robin Hoods of the range. They always manage to de- feat the rustlers, save their rancher friends from rack and ruin and King always manages to meet up with a cute little blonde whose fair skin and Antoine coiffure are incongruous with a life on the 'range. In this film she's Wanda McKay, whose not too overburdened with her acting assignment and does fairly well. This is a rustler story also, filmed according to.the set rules and regu- lations of the series. Hopalong and his pals win out in the end and hon- esty on the cow pastures reigns un- til the next in the series. This chapter has a crooked foreman and' Cassldy and his crew Impersonating eastern detectives. This affords some comedy that kids will appreciate and sets the stage nicely for the shooting ai5d chasing. In between, the Wake- ly Trio harmonizes cowboy ballads, with King lending a hand in a cou- ple of solos. Direction, camera work and screenplay are all standard. Scho. Death Valley Outlaws Republic release of GcorRo Shernmrt pro- duction, directed by Sherman. Features Don 'Red' Barry. Screenplay, Don Ryan and Jack I.4ilt, Jr.; camera, Edgar I.yona; editor, Tony Manlnelll; music, Cy Feuer. Plovlcwed In Projection Room, N. Y., Sept. 23, '41. Running lime. BS MIN8. Johnny Don 'Red' Barry Carolyn -I.ynn Merrick Jen Mllburn Stone Doc Blake. Rob McKenzle Charles W. GlfTord Karl Hackeit Jim Collins Rex Lease Johnmn Jack Kirk Bill Weston Michael Owen Snowflake Fred S. Toonea Western along familiar lines will hold interest for sagebrush fans be- cause of some apparently new faces. Sufficient gunplay and riding action abound to lend additional satisfac- tion. In this one, Don 'Red' Barry ful- fills his vow to a murdered frlenct to wipe out a band of cutthroats who are posing as. vigilantes. Single- handed, he opposes the . western hamlet's principal banker, who is in cahoots with the town marshal in looting the ranchers of their gold and cattle. He restores law and or- der in the climax, aided by his long- lost brother, an unwilling member of the gang. Latter atones for his law- lessness with his life. There is no attempt at comedy to relieve the numerous killings. Script, camera work and backgrounds are average. Barry and Michael Owen, latter killed off early, fit Into west- ern roles nicely; ditto Rex Lease. Femme interest, Lynn Merrick, who has appeared previously In the series, is improvmg. Direction paces film well through' out Night football, which has been growing In recent years as severe competition to the motion picture theatre weekend business, promises t<f be a bigger bugaboo for the ex- hibitor than • ever .this fall. Popu. larity of professional grid games In larger key cities west of the Missis- sippi and an increasingly large number of night contests on smaller college schedules is blamed for further competish from the pigskin sport. While not generally used on the skeds of' eastern big-time univer- sities, the middlewestern schools and many on the Coast have been adding jnore and more to their nocturnal contesta. Full appreciation of what a nightime football battle means in increased attendance is held respon- sible for this trend. It enables the small colleges to attract town folks and even out-of-towners. Fact that after-dark games are held either on Friday or Saturday nighU is the big exhib headache be- cause It cuts Into two of the choice dates of the week, Friday being even stronger than Sunday in college communities. It particularly hurts exhibitors in such university towns because it means a virtual blackout at the boxoffice on game njghts. Also, some exhibs claim, it hurts biz on the following night to certain extent both because the coin spent for a grid game prevents attendance at the theatre for several days and also because football fans are in- terested in college parties the fol- lowing night and afternoon. Professional grid teams drew the largest crowds in history last sea- son. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittaburgh attract 20,000 to 40,000 on Friday and Saturday nights. The only way exhibitors have figured out to combat this fall com- petish is to employ flat-rental films on the game dates, and plug for additional attendance the following day with specials on the grid con- test A Road Co. of Brooklyn Toledo, Sept. 30. Theatre managers have two good reasons for severe headaches on Fri- day evenings during the football sea- son. First is that all the high school trade attends the games, played un- der lights. Second is the celebra- tions the kids throw after the games, which are over before 11 p. m. The kids rush downtown in assorted jalopies, tie up traffic, indulge in noise-making with horns, firecrack- ers, bells, backfiring, and create vari- ous disturbances. Managers on two successive Fri- days (19; 26) have complained to po- lice that the noise has penetrated the theatres and interfered with film showings. When patrons emerge from the houses, they find streetcar and bus routes changed to avoid the traf- fic tieup, sidewalks impassable, and bedlam on every corner. Although Police Chief Ray E Allen had announced after the first Friday night's disturbance that addi- tional policemen would be assigned to control the post-game disturb- ances, only one foot patrolman was on duty along Adams street, the cen- ter of activity last Friday. A police scout car was on duty in the area, but patrolmen found difficulty In nabbing the culprits because they could not maneuver their car through the heavy traffic. Ten of the young merrymakers were arrested in the melee. Five of these, arrested on driving charge* denied they were students. SPECIAL FILMS HELP TRAIN CANADIAN ARMY Reglna, Sask., Sept 30. Motion pictures, both of an educa- tional nature to Interest the whole army and of a technical type to as- sist the training of men In specific branches of the service, are being used in Increasing, numbers in the Canadian army. In addition to standard films show- ing the .various phases of military training, a special picture has been prepared to'show German methods of warfare. It will be shown to every class of recrulta during their training period.