Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesdajt Setttembier 9, 1942 Gort Gets Record Grab of $18,423,924 For Mn m Entertaimnent Reyeniie Washington, Sept. 8. Uncle Sam has a pietty good thing In hlJ license lee system for juke- boxM. pinball and slot machines, bowling alleys and billiard acad- emies. According to the tax figures, these are an easy means of getting a handy amoimt of revenue. I,arge scale sales of the permits for the new fiscal year, overshadow- ing a healthy comeback in boxot- flce business, boosted Federal yield from taxes on amusements to a rec- ord altitude last month. The Treas- ury reported Saturday (22) that its Income from commercialized enter- tainment amounted dilring the open- ing stanza of the new fiscal year to $18,423,924. This is by far the largest grab—but should not be taken as in- dicative of the average government revenue, since the total includes the license fees that have to be paid only once per annimi. Admissions levy, which has swung back and forth most of the year, was on the upbeat again. Year's peak was reached last month, reflecting mar-record ticket sales during June. Collections from the 10% nick on wicket patrons amctunted to $12,464,- 681. This figure Is the biggest ever chalked up, topping the prior rec- ord (May collection) by $680,960. Take from the boxoSice levy was $034,737 greater than the June haul, which was off from the May peak, but still the second largest total registered since the tariS was tli^taned last October. July re- ceipt* showed a $5,724,020 rise over ibt corresponding 1941 stanza, which la itsalt was better than the average under the old scale. $78,S34,aH B* Far Bo far this calendar year, the Oovarnment has snared $78,334,000 ^om ticket buyers. This figure ex- ceed! that for the first 11 months of f 041 and Is roughly $33,000,000 more thaa the harvest during the first MvaB months of last year. Steady decline In sales of radios end phonographs, which cannot be laanitfaetured any more iwder War Produetlon Board decrees, was ap- parent 'from the Treasury atatement. duly tax payments on such articles dipped -to the lowest level of the year, only $1,249,005 coming in. This tompared with the high mark in ITAniary, $2,769,303. The total was down 1372,140 from June, although exceeding July, 1941, due to stifTer Urn, by $753,931. Record sales continue to fiuctuate, according to the Treasury statement, and despite the tightening up on shellac constmiptlon there was a marked rise in the receipts from the levy on discs during July. CoU lecttona touched $123,356, a gain of $46,803 above June, but more than on two other occasions this year, Jtme and January, has the Federal take form this source been less than In July. Receipts from the tax on musical instruments were bigger in July. Amounted to $266,047, up $21,865 above June. Jukebox and gambling device per- mit* yielded $3,415,017, which was $$,704,906 more than the June take. Alley and pool room certificates brought in $884,716; a }ump of $601,302. NO TILT FOR 'WAKE' far Wants Its Film Ont Fast as Possible Fearing that Paramount would sell 'Wake Island' at Increased ad- missions only at this time, Allied State* Assn. protested- to Barney Balaban, president of the company, about 10 days ago, against any such move, if contemplated, and appealed ~t& him to make the picture avail- able In the regular manner. AUied's fear* of advanced admission con- tractual demands were aroused by an item In a Pittsburgh newspaper in which Balaban stated the cost of 'Wake* was $1,000,000. Understood that Par is anxious to get speedy and widespread circula- tion on 'Wake' and, principally, for thi* reason will not ask its accounts to boost admissions when playing it. Due to the timeliness of the subject matter. Par is anxious to get the film rolling on a wide front as early u possible. It opened during the Pait week at the Rivoll, N. Y., at established house acalea. Split Deal Welded Hollywood, Sept. 8. David O. Selznick gained exclu- sive right to the services of Robert Stevenson, director, through a deal with RKO. Previous ticltet called for one Selznick picture annually and the rest for RKO. Stevenson's first job under the new arrangement will be 'Jane Eyre.' 'Reap Surprises With $2,001,000 in Rentals to Date Sold singly, Paramount's 'Reap the Wild Wind' has in the comparatively short time of four months kited the billings, as of Friday (4), to the large total of 2,227, while the gross rental on the dates played hit $2,001,000, a return to Par that is exceeded by comparatively few pictures, even after they are played out With many contracts on the books at the moment, and others to come, it is not Unlikely that 'Reap' .may ultimately play the highest number of non-general release engagements at increased admissions, outside of 'Gone With the Wind.' 'Sergeant York' had 8,200, it is understood. The policy set on 'Reap' by Neil F. Agnew, vice-president in charge of distribution for Par, after it had opened at the Music Hall, N. Y., and a few scattered test spots, called for percentage and increased admission scales everywhere. In addition to getting 50% in vir- tually all theatres played, extended time was also given 'Reap.' Picture will not be placed on gen- eral release at regular established scales until some time next year. Cfifflumgers Wonld Woo Adnlt Filin Fans With Matnrer Plots Producers of clifThangers are stressing more mature plots In an efTort to create an adult following for serials on their 1942-43 season lineup. In line with such an an- mal<crs are launching topical stories covering current world condi'.ions. For instance, Columbia's latest is 'The Secret Code,' concerning op- erations of the U. S. Secret Serv- ice, while Universal has 'Don Win- slow of' the Coast Guard' and 'Ad- ventures of Smiling Jack,' latter covering the aviation vogue. Re- public's 'G-Men Vs. the Black Dragon' also cashes In on present interest in the FBI. Where originally framed primar- ily to whet interest of juvenile pa- trons, shorts producers now claim they are gearing their 'chapter plays' to fit the adult mind. Columbia's latest, 'Secret Code,' has incorporated a novel feature at the end of each episode which is cal- culated to maintain audience inter- est. A reputed Army officer lec- tures and diagrams latest develop- ments in solving secret codes in a brief aftermath clip. A-^ying They Will Go Hollywood, Sept. 8. First of the two Laurel 8c Hardy pictures tmder their contract with 20th-Fox will be a spy comedy, 'Me and My Shadow,' screenplayed by Paul Yawitz and produced by Sol M. WurtzeL Second, still untitled, will have a western background, based on a story by Robert Metzler and Manny O'Connor. GUNNERY SCHOOL PIC; WRITTEN BY ITS P. A. Harlingen, -Texas, Sept. 8. Part of the location shots of Para- mount's 'Aerial Gunners' is to be made here at the Harlingen Army Gunnery School. The original was written by Lt. Jack L. Dailey, pub- lic relations officer of the school. The picture Is being made for Par- amount and' Maxwell Shane, story editor of the Pine-Thomas producing unit operating through Par is here making arrangement for shooting schedule with Col. John R. Morgan, commanding officer o'f the school. Budgets on Flying Pix At 20tli Boosted Hollywood, Sept. 8. 20th-Fox is boosting the budgets about 30% on its low-bracket pro- gram pictures dealing with wartime aviation as a result of advanced costs and military restrictions. Average outlay has been upped from $150,000 to $200,000 and shooting schedule Increased from 16 to 24 days. Under preparation In this class are 'Ground Pilots,' 'Condors of the Sky* and 'Women With Wings,' to be produced by Ralph Dietrich, and one Sol M. Wurtzel production, still unUtled. 'Grand Canyon' Back On RKO Prod. Sked Hollywood, Sept. 8. RKO is taking 'Grand Canyon' off the shelf for October production, following huddles between Peter Rathvon, president, and Charles Koemer, studio chief. Technicolor picture will be shot in autumn to avoid the summer haze that hangs over the canyon. ' Richard Dix and James Craig will head the cast, with Bert Gilroy pro- ducing. SENATOR BALL'S KUDOS Minnesota Solon Salaies Films' Pari bportance of Settling Disputes Throui^ UMPI Stressed as Bmg Bi^er Issue Than Mediod of Sales lady in Dark' for Leisen Hollywood, SepL 8. Paramount handed Mitchell Leisen the director chore on its screen ver- sion of the Broadway musical, 'Lady in the Dark.' Picture rolls midway in October, with Ginger Rogers and Ray Mil- land co-starring. Billy Mitchell Even in Death, In Midst of Battle General William Mitchell, the center of controversy during his lifetime as chief of the Army Air Force, is in the middle of a Holly- wood controversy long after his death. There are numerous biog- raphies aimed at film production, and there is unpublished word from Washington that 'Billy Mitchell' or any other story dealing with the general's career and courtmartial. will not be made into a motion pic- ture, at least while the war is on. The general's sister, Ruth Mitchell, who was interned for months by the Nazis in Europe, has written a story of his life, and Metro is understood to have offered $60,000 for it. Emile Gauvreau, former editor of the N. Y. Mirror, and Lester Cohen, have turned out a book titled "Billy Mitchell, Founder of Our Air Force and Prophet Without Honor,' with a price of $175,000 for the (tlm rights. Meanwhile Samuel Bronston, in- dependent producer, has announced the early filming for Columbia re- lease of 'Billy Mitchell' based on a biography by Isaac Don Levine. WB to Hand-Pick Early Dandy' Dates to Avoid MiDdng on GenlRdease 'Ecstasy'. Director Sues For Profits Accounting Hollywood, Sept. 8. Guslave de Machaty, director of the now notorious Czechoslovakian film 'Epstasy' which starred Hedy Lamarr. has filed suit here for an accounting of the film's profits. De- fendants are Josef Auerbach, whose Czech company. Electra-Film. made the picture in 1933, and several cor- porations. De Machaty also seeks ownership of the film, charging a deal with Auerbach called for the picture to revert to his possession after pro- duction costs had been met. Minneapolis, Sept. 8. Addressing Northwest Allied in convention here, U. S. Senator Jo- seph H. Ball of Minnesota singled out 'Mrs. Miniver,' 'The Invaders' and "This Above AH' for lavish praise. He declared such pictures exercise a great influence on morale. A movie fan himself. Senator Ball said he believed 'the screen- a more powerful medium for shaping public opinion and thought than newspapers or radio.' While the federal govern- ment actually 'had considered taking over the industry for the war's dura- tion,' the fact that it has been doing its part so well in the war effort will forestall such action, in his opinion. Metro Episoding, Too Hollywood. Sept. 8. Metro Is joining the episode cycle with a 10-part picture, 'Now We Are 21,' which calls for the services of numerous writers and directors. Edgar Allan Woolf has checked in to start a scripting job on the first chapter. In order to avoid so-called milk- ing of the picture, thereby protect- ing runs when it comes back on gen- ( eral release, Warner Bros, is giving throughout the country where 'Vaii- keo Doodle Dandy' will play. WB plans to pursue a policy of hand- picking dates at present under an in- creased admission policy. 'Dandy' is being made available at this time only on percentage and a: minimum admission scales which are higher than those regularly in existence, same as was done with 'Sergeant York.' 'York' played close to 1,000 engagements at the uppea scales, with result, in some in- stances, when it came back on estab- lished admissions it had previously played to such a large number of local customers that its boxoffice possibilities had been greatly di- minished. In New York, for instance, 'York' had played the Astor and Holly- wood at advanced scales, then the Strand and finally the entire RKO ciicuit. plus numerous subsequent runs, all at increased prices. Con- sequence was that when it was biouglit back to the Strand this summer, it fizzled, and the RKO cir- cuit, realizing what had been taken out of the picture last year, coupled it on duals with 'Gold Rush.' B. S. HUSSET TUBNS AGENT Hollywood, Sept. 8. Robert D. Hussey, who organized the Paramount studio radio depart- ment four years ago, checks off the lot Sept., 19 to join the Frank Vincent agency as an associate. In his new post he will handle the agency's radio clients. Paramount has not yet named his successor. French Sabotage Story Is Marcus' 1st for Fox Hollywood, Sept. 8. First producer chore for Lee Mar- cus under his new contract at 20th- Fox is 'French Underground,' a tale of sabotage against the Nazis In oc- cupied France. Story is being developed into a screenplay by Frank Gruber for late fall production. Protagonists of unity who favor retention of the United Motion Pic- ture Industry as an organization, and are pressing for support of it in maintaining a strongly-welded front among distributors and exhibitors, are now stressing the point th'at the sales formula under the UMPI plan was of relatively minor importance anyway. Stand taken by important leaders, who want to keep UMPI on the map, is that regardless of UMPI or the Department of Justice, there will always be some system of selling in vogue that will not vary markedly among the companies, especially those which are under the decrea. At the same time, those outside of the decree, will probably always sell in a similar maimer, which now ia a year's block at a time. Because there will always be sell- ing, UMPI supporters point out that there will always be arguments and that when the vast nimiber of con- tracts written each year is taken into consideration, the importance of the disputes rather than the method of sales assumes tremendous im- portance. With this thought in mind, it Is felt that UMPI should be kept aliva because it is the ideal medium through which conciliation machin- ery may be operated for the bene- fit of both distributor and exhibi- tor. It also is the organization through which amendments to the present arbitration system, several of which have been proposed and dis- cussed, may be put into force. Here Impertaat iMae It's held in industry circles that more important than the mode of selling itself has become the settle- ment of conlrovenies inexpensively, equitably and speedily^ Abont this phase of the UMPI plan Thurman Arnold, assistant. attorney general, made no mention in his decision at- tacking the sales formula. Plan Included machinery for the adjustment of individual as well as territorial disputes, a vital necessity right now, in the opinion particular- ly of distribs, who are being forced to make many film rental adjust- ments due to changed conditions caused by war. Regardless of the nature of the controver^T however. It is noted that conciliation would mean more efficient industry operation and lest • W .xtior In this connectiop, with step, it is added that if the dispute cannot be reconciled, then the ex- hib still has arbitration available to him although until amendments are made arbitration as presently set up fs not desirable. As worked out un-. der the decree and administered, it is claimed that it has not operated to the best benefit of the industry, especially in certain territories. Aside from unity Itself, concilia- tion, arbitration and recent formQ- tion of UMPI tax committees in 'ill . the states, UMPI still Includes the policing on shorts to prevent forc- ing of them on feature deala William' F. Rodgers, who pioneered on UMPI and is chairman of the committee of the whole, has not set a date for meeting of this commit- tee and the exhib subcommittee'to discuss the fate of UMPI but is ex- pected to hold it before Oct. 1. Meantime. Rodgers is canvassing leaders on the matter. Among other things, he is discussing UMPI with the other distributors since if RKO, Paramount, Warners and 20th-Fox do not want to come along with Metro and Rodgers it may have to fold. Th\% includes Par and War- ners on conciliation. They did not agree to that section of the UMPI plan but believed all along that they ultimately would throw their' sup- port to a suitable conciliation sys- tem. Rodgers is delayed on the distribu- tor stance, an^ong other things, due to the absence from New York of Tom Connors, general sales man- ager of 20th-Fox. Rodgers himself was away when Arnold killed th*. UMPI sales plan.