Variety (Sep 1942)

eo PICTURES Wednesday, September 23, 1942 Minn. Exhibs Concede U. S. Tabu On Gas and Tires Will Hasten More Blockbooking; Forego Decree Fight Minneapolis, Sept. 22. Because restricted transportation will curtail traveling by salesmen and exhibitors alike, Northwest Al- lied leaders here are certain that block selling of the entire season's product will be back again soon, and so they say they see no necessity of a further flght to try to sustain the Invalidated Minnesota anti-consent decree law which carried such a provision. Selling in small blocks, it's pointed out, necessitates more trips by sales- men into the territory. If these were eliminated, exhibitors would have to come here to do their buying for each group. Much out-of-town book- ing now is being done by telephone. Under all the circumstances, the federal government itself, as well as the distributors, wiU want to do everything to reduce travel inci- dental to the selling and buying of films, the Northwest Allied heads feel. The vast majority of Minne- sota independent exhibitors prefer to buy an entire season's output in- stead of by groups, it's asserted. Northwest Allied leaders assert that the independents feel that, as com- pared as to what they'd probably have obtained If the consent decree plan had prevailed, their present sea- son deals have been advantageous. Consent decree distrflbutors fought the Minnesota law and finally suc- ceeded in knocking it out after they had sold under Its provisions. But one of their principal reasons for op- posing It, they said, was because they foresaw costly complications If it became necessary to have a number of different selling plans. Fewer Fix, Longer Bobs Minneapolis, Sept. 22. Foreseeing production curtailment In the Interest of film conservation, the trade here already has started making its plans to lengttien runs. Instead of one week being the stand- ard loop first-run schedule for a pic- ture, the decks wUl be cleared to make it a fortnight. Neighborhood houses would eliminate at least one weekly change. With business ad brisk as it has been, and expected to continue, and with product op such a high level as currently, ihe longer engage- ments are not expected to Jmpose any boxpflice hardships. In all this connection it's pointed out that hardly a week passes but that at least one picture grosses sufficiently to warrant a holdover. John J. Friedl, Paramount circuit president, is a firm believer In the utmost extended playing time for pictures. He believes It's an incen- tive for turning out the finest pos- sible product. / Longtime Par-Nathanson Tiff Climaxes in a Suit An outgrowth of the differences between Paramount and N. L. Nathanson, former president of Famous Players-Canadian, controlled by Par, is a writ of summons issued In Ontario Supreme Court, Toronto, Monday (21) against Nathanson and others seeking unstated damages as well as control of certain theatres. Matter is said to have been brewing for some time following Nathanson's resignation from FP-C and his en- trance, with others, in the exhibition field in Canada through Odeon and other circute. Claimed that Nathanson, who was already building up a circuit of his own while still president of FP- Cpnadian, engaged in transactions which resulted in ownership of thea- tres for himself prior to his resigna- tion in May, 1941. Also named in the action brought at Toronto Is Clarence M. Robson, who was east- ern division manager of FP-C while Nathanson was prexy. In addition to Nathanson and Robson, defend- ants Include Paul Nathanson, son of N. L., long active in both exhibition and distribution In Canada; and the Odeon Theatres of Canada in which Paul Nathanson was an ofHcer be- fore his father quit FP-C. The number of theatres under Nbthanson control which FP-C seeks to obtain for itself is not indicated. Among other things, an accounting of receipts of the theatres and ex- penditures in connection with their acquisition and operation, are sought. Arden Screen Writer, Too Hollywood. Sept. 22. Robert Arden, resident war cor- respondent for 'Daily Variety' and news commentator on KFWB, breaks out as a screen writer at Columbia with a war tale titled The Boy from Stalingrad.' Irving Briskin assigned Arden to develop the yarn, dealing with the adventures in Russia of five boys and a girl, with a few adults for background. M. P. RELIEF COUNTRY HOUSE OPENS SEPT. 27 HoUywood, Sept, 22. Motion Picture Relief Fund's Country House In San Fernando Valley will be officially dedicated Sunday (27) with more than half the planned quota of 40 guest bunga- lows already donated by film organi- zations and personalities. Individual housing units have been contributed thus far by Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck, Will- iam and Marion Setter, Ralph Mor- gan, BiUie Burke, Jean Hersholt, Osa Massen Hersholt, Jack Benny, friends of J. Walter Ruben, Otto and OttiUe Kruger, Y. Frank Free- man, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Arnold, Charles K. Feldman, Mary Pickford, Louise Closser Rale, the Artists Managers Guild and the British Actors, Writers and Directors. W. S. Van Dyke contributed $10,- 000 for a four-unit bungalow, and double-unit cottages were donated by the Screen Directors Guild and Mark Sandrich. Due for the dedication ceremonies of the Country House are E. V. Rich- ards, A. H. Blank, Bob ODonnell, amon^ other theatre heads expected. London 'Outpost's' Pans On Pk Stir Haysites Oontinued attacks on the Amer- ican picture Industry for .allegedly misrepresenting U. S. contained in The Outpost, a mimeographed tab- loid published In London, have so aroused the Motion Picture Pro- ducers & Distributors Assn., that this publication and the tempest It has stirred up in Washington circles are to be mibject of a forthcoming MPPDA huddle. Most recent one, blasting the manner in which U. S. pictures allegedly distort Yankee customs, traditions end home life, was copied liberally by other Amer- ican publications. Result is reported to be that U. S. government circles are perturbed over the alleged adverse comment such pictures create when sent abroad. MPPDA session will attempt to learn more about the publishers of The Outpost, whether it is truly rep- resentative of Americans living in England and how largely circulated. All that is known In industry cir- cles Is that it is 'published by Amer- icans in Britain,' but nothing about its ownership or what is behind the continued blasts directed at the U. S. film Industry. Reported this week that so much concern has been stirred up by the publication that the government is seriously considering steps to rigidly censor all film exports. Feared in the trade this might develop to the extent that a government body would say exactly what could and what could not be shipped out of the U. S., with such censorship of story themes, action, dialog, etc., cutting deeply into foreign business, already badly shot. There already is a well-regulated customs censor- ship which passes on all pictures leaving the country as to military matters, but that does not pretend to pass on angles of national cus- toms, etc. If any federal censorship of story themes and plots is installed, there are many in the industry who are inclined to believe it will be only a matter of time imtil some sort of domestic censorship would follow. Raw Stock Continued from page □ re-issues only to the oompanles which dusted off prior year product during the 1941-42 season. These cannot re-issue any more features than were re-released last year and the footage may not exceed the 1941 total. The 'bonus' clause—which falls far short of the majors' desires, in view of the rapid growth of the Army's circuit which has not yet reached maximum proportions—says 'Those producers and^or distributors who furnish prints to the theatres of the Armed Services will be allowed an additional allotment of 50% of the fllm actually used in these theatres.' National Screen's Setup Though curtailed on service. Na- tional Screen Service for the time being at least will be able to con- tinue supplying special trailers to theatres, including those on stage- shows, policy changes, contests, etc., but has asked accounts to get along on as little footage as possible. A week ago it appeared that theatres might have to resort to slides or off- stage voices, amplified, to tell of forthcoming stage bills and the like. Under the conservation program, all distributors have agreed to ceil- ings on trailers for feature pictures, ranging from 100 to 250 feet 'Angel Street,' Nee 'Gasl^ht,' Farther Gnnplicated by M-G The already muddled situation that exists with regard to the production of a film version of 'Angel Street' was further confused last week when Metro announced Its purchase from Columbia, of the U. 8. screen rights to 'Gaslight,' the fllm of which 'Angel Street' is a legit version. It all started a couple of years ago when an English outfit made a pic called 'Gaslight; Columbia bought the U. S. rights, but never re- leased the picture. Meantime, Shepard Traube •ac- quired the U. S. stage right* to 'Gas- light' and rewrote, it into the hit play, 'Angel 'Street' Since th^ Traube has wanted to do a film version of 'Angel Street' and couldn't because Columbia con- trolled the basic fllm rights via 'Gas- light' Likewise, Col has yenned to make a revamp on 'Gaslight' and couldn't because they couldn't get Traube's tiUe, 'Angel Street' Now Metro purchases 'Gaslight' from Columbia and the situation shifts, just a little. Traube still In- sists he won't release 'Angel Street' for a fllni until the legit run is con- cluded, and that may be 12 or 18 months hence. Likewise, the legit stager insists he isn't interested in a Coast deal unless he can do some- thing beside 'escapist' pictures. But it is known that Metro has long wanted Traube on the lot as a director and it is not inconceivable that M-G's buy of 'Gaslight' was nothing but bait for Traube. ODLUM'S ADDED RKO; GRIFFIS ADDS PAR Washington, Sept 22. Floyd Odium's American Co. of Jersey City, beneficial owner, picked up 4,600 shares of Radio- Keith-Orpheum common In eight blocks, increasing Its holdings to 304,830, it was disclosed In the Secur- ities and Exchange Commission re- port of insiders transactions for the period of July II to Aug. 10. Stanton Griffls, director of Para- mount Pictures, Inc., acquired 400 shares of his company's common, bringing his holdings to 5,200 at the month end. T. G, Latouche Trust added a SOO-share block and its month-end holdings were given as 6,000 shares. Leonard H. Goldenson, an officer, reported holdings of 900 shares on June 25. Loew's, Inc., sold 1,000 shares of its common in five blocks, reducing Its holdings to 25,350, and J. Robert Rubin, v.p. and director, sold 700 shares In four blocks, leaving his holdings at 6,765. Loew's, Inc., acquired four shares of Loews Boston Theatres common, increasing its holdings to 110,325 shares. Detroit's Boom Biz CiogginrFlow Of Pix From Extended 1st Rmis Down Ihnen Gets Another Term Hollywood, Sept. 22. Society of Motion Picture Art Directors reelected W. B. Ihnen, president; Bernard Herzbrun, vice president, and Ui'ie McCleary, secretary-treasurer. New board of directors. Including the above officers, consists of Robert Peterson, Arthur Royce, Stan Rog- ers, Roland Anderson, William Flan- nery, Alfred Herman, Walter Keller, Lewis Creber, Robert Haas, Hugh Reticker, Alex Golitzen, Richard Riedel and Charles. In addition, Charles Pyke and Frank Durlaur were named as directors to repre^ sent the assistant art directors. PAR AND REP COUSINS ON THE LOANOUT TRICK Hollywood, Sept. 22. Paramount and Republic are miles apart in distance but they are next- door neighbors when it comes to locnouts. In the last 18 montlis Rh) has borrowed 11 players from Par, paying the customary dividends above the contractee's salaries and at times building up names that might have been forgotten if left to languish without work on the home lot Prominent among the loanees are Richard Denning and Ellen Drew, who recently finished their chores In Republic's 'Ice Capades Revue.' Martha O'Driscoll and .Charley Smith did loanout Jobs in 'Youth Ou Parade.' Albert Dekker, under Paramount contract, played in 'Yokel Boy' and 'In Old California' on the valley lot William Wri^t, although new pacted by Columbia, did a Re- public chore in "The Devil Pays Off' as a Paramount loanout. Susan Hayward, Phillip Terry, Ella Neal and Frances Gifford have been sold up Cahuenga Pass at various times to play in one-picture deals and se- riuls. Latest lend-out is Rod Cam- eron, who goes from the Par lot to play the lead role in Republic's new cllffhanger, 'G-Men Versus the Black Dragon.' Vandals Wreck 2 WB Nabe Theatres in Pitt Pittsburgh, Sept 22. Vandals virtually wrecked two WB nal>e houses in the liawrence- vUle-Bloomfield district the Model and the Arsenal, last week, destroy- ing in several instances articles which under existing priorities can- not possibly be replaced. Damages at both theatres were estimated at several thousand dollars. Wreckers, who apparently hid in the auditoriums after the last night show, cut big slashes in the screens, put the emergency lighting equip- ment out of order and ground candy from the candy machines Into the floor carpets from front to back of the theatres. Police believed the same gang went to work on both houses since the two were entered on the same night. Damage at the Model was more widespread than at Arsenal, where things were suf- flciently patched up to get the house running by the following day. Just a year ago, another Warner nabe house was vandalized, then ap- parently by an anti-Semitic group that slashed huge Nazi crosses into the screen and painted the mark all over the walls. Culprits were never apprehended although police worked on the case for months. TITLE CHANGES Hollywood, Sept. 22. "The Commandos Strike at Dawn' new tag on 'The Commandos Come at Dawn' at Columbia, 'Hold Your Horses' became 'It Ain't Hay' at Universal. 'The Crooked Circle' is release handle on 'False'Faces' at Republic. Hollywood, Sept 22. 'It Comes Up Love' is the new han- dle on Universal's 'On the Beam.' 'Eleven Were Brave' at Republic will be released as Talse Faces.' 'Coney Island,' temporarily changed to 'In Old Coney Island,' reverted to Its original title at 20th- Fox. 'Behind the Eight 33all' new tag on 'Off the Beaten Track' at Universal. Detroit, Sept. 22. With no more doubts that there Is a plx boom being coupled with the war boom here, Detroit's loop Is moving to meet the picture clog-up by increasing its first-run houses. There are plenty of beefs from operators of the subsequent houses that there is a film blockade here through the slow dribble of films through the downtown houses and that Detroit Is falling farther than ever behind the national pace. A week ago, for the first time in the fllm history of the town, every one of the downtown houses held- over. The oddity is that on the strength of the boxoffice returns all of the theatres were warranted In stretching out the runs. It Isn't unusual to have holdovers under the financial conditions here today, but it is a freaky and tough situation for the subsequent runs when every clearing house of the city Is going Into long stretches. What's more the bif! houses, which usually flicked pictures through on a weekly basis, now are holding over for three weelis. The United Detroit chain is mov- ing to meet the situation by swing- ing another house, the Madison, used for reissues, into the flrst-run fold. It will become the switchover house for the chain which at the present time operates three of the loop houses. The Palms-State, formerly used as a switchover house, wilt join the houses showing new prod- uct A rough idea of how product \a% been slowed down here through the patronage the wealthy war workers are giving the first-<run houses is re- fiected In the fact that the 'former switchover house, the Palms-Stats, will bow in its first-nui status with 'Wake Island' and will follow it with 'Yankee Doodle Dandy.' That's some come-uppance after being a theatre which took on the tag end of the loop runs. Exhibitors, while bemoaning the slown-down of pictures into this area, do see In the situation a prob- able answer to a curtailed produc- tion of pictures. The war boom, coupled with the curtailment of other forms of civilian spending, is seeing more picture-going by the public—for all films. Since Detroit, particularly during the economic upheavals, haa fre- quently been taken as a national guinea pig, the present indication ia that a trimming down of product probably would be compensated by the longer runs and general all< around patronage. If it 'is coupled with the fact that Hollywood makes Its fewer pictures up to par, exhibi- tors here feel that they ean go through the war with no headaches at the boxoffice. The biggest problem thus far. Just to show the new trend, Is to get the new product past the big raceptloi) it is getting in the first-runs. That l>odes well, however, for film ln» terest and will puddle out into help to the subsequents once the present situation is cleared up. THREE 20TH PRODUCERS SHARE SPERLING'S SKED Hollywood, Sept. 22. Two pictures originally assigned to Milton Sperling's production schedule at 20th-Fox have been turned over to William Perlberg as a result of Sperling's departure for active service in the Marine Corps. Films are 'Battle Stations' end 'Hello, Frisco, Hello.' \ Three other Sperling i^roductlons, 'Goodbye Dolly Gray,' 'Down to the Sea in Ships' and 'A Gentlemen from Carolina,' go to Lamar Trotti, and three others, 'Blindman's House,' The Texas Volunteers' and 'Signal Corps,' are re-assigned to Robert Bassler. 20th GeU O'Hara Hollywood, Sept. 22. Argument over priorities on Mau- reen O'Hara's services was de- cided In favor of 20th-Fox, where she has been assigned the top femme role In The Immortal Sergeant' di- rected by J>hn Stahl. RKO, which shares the star's con- tract, has postponed 'This Land Is Mine,' in which she is cast with Charles Laughton.