Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesday, September 30, 1942 PICTURES 7 Fdm Engineers Skeptical About Suggested Changeover Systems Society of Motion Picture Engi- neers has issued a report on the various proposed film conservation devices so far suggested which In- dicates that there is little relief ix sight in-the near future for the In- .dustry via either the Sponable cr other systems so far discussed. Members of the SMPE, who re- cently viewed test projections of the Sponable equipment in New York, are not very enthusiastic about its possibilities and urge the organiza- tion of a group of competent engi- neers, either under Government or nlm industry sponsorship, to test all pi'omLsing fllm conservation methods which may be submitted. This suggestion, however, fails to provide any near term methods for ccping with the growing problem of celluloid supplies. Question of cost of any changeover in projection methods enters into the discussions, with implication that a sweeping changeover would involve tremen- dous outlays in cash and labor. Resolution of this sub-committee of the SMPE states: The work of these engineers will presumably In- clude if necessary the modification of cameras, sound recorders, compcs- Ite-shot equipment, studio projec- tors. Moviolas, lab processing equip- ment, exchange equipment, theatre projectors, sound equipment and special equipment (color).' Q. and A. Approach The SMPE report also asks ques- tirins first regarding studio changes, need for shitting camera equipment, shooting of background projection processes, printing processes and on color is included in the interroga- tions, understanding being that the new suggested methods would come close to eliminating technicolor in productions. Report also wants to know about changes in the sound recorder, filter- ing, mixing—and what alterations would be -needed for reproducers. Moviolas, effect equipment, etc. On the studio end, it Inquires about lighting techniques as well as changes In. size of sets, editing and studio projection rooms. In the laboratory field, the report seeks the answers on what changes will be necessary on continuous printers, on intermittent printers, sound printers, developing machines, print inspection. On distribution, in- quiries are. made on how prints could be mounted on present size reels, changes on splicers, vault and storage equipment, etc. SMPE committee also, pointed out via the question method the sweep- ing changes necessary in theatre operations on the projector head, lamphouse. soundhead and associated equipment. It asks what changes will be necessary on the size of the theatre screen. It asks a str-ing of potent general questions regarding the cost of any new method of pro- jection and inquiries whether the industry or government and military agencies could readily adapt their present production, distribution and exhibition to the new proposed standards. The effect the change in projection would have on reissue of pictures alio is questioned. Report slates that the committee bplleves any claimed economies or simplification should be subject to experimental verification on a small scale by competent technical ob- servers before any changes are adopted. Here We Go Again Hollywood, Sept. 29. Trio consisting of Jon Hall, Maria Montez and Sabu, who teamed In 'Arabian Nights' at Universal, will work together in two more pictures on the same lot, 'White Savage' and 'Cobra Woman,' both in Technicolor. George Waggner is slated to pro- duce both films. Pretty Colors For Five Metro Films Hollywood, Sept. 29. Metro goes in heavily for Techni- color on the 1942-43 program, with three (inters before the cameras and two more slated lo start next month. •r> 'Lassie Conies Home,' DuBarry Was a Lady' and 'Salute to |r.e Marines." Slated for early shoot- ">« are 'America' and 'Private Miss Jones.' DWORETSKY JOINS UP, PETER MARTIN UPPED Bernard Dworetsky, assistant to Larney Goodkind. eastern story edi- tor of Universal, has resigned to ac- cept a civilian post with the U. S. Army Signal Corps Training Films Production Unit. He will write scripts for pix made for the Air Corps and will be stationed at Wright Field, Dayton, O. It is ex- pected that he will be commissioned later, as he is within draft age. Peter Martin, reader in the U story department, has been upped to Dworetsky's former post. Dworet- sky has authored published maga- zine stories and several radio scripts. Par Phches Three More Pix at Desert Sea Site Hollywood. Sept. 29. Salton Sea on the desert, used by Paramount as a location for 'Wake Island,' will be the scene of three more pictures, 'China,' 'So Proudly We Hail' and 'Five Graves to Cairo.' Studio plans to make extensive use of the location to keep under the $5,000 ceiling for sets. Jackie Heller Set to Do Another for PRC's Cutler Pittsburgh. Sept. 29. On strength of Little Jackie Heller's showing in 'Yanks Are Coming,' his first picture for Lester Cutler, Pittsburgher who has been producing independently on coast for PRC, diminutive singer has been tagged by Culler for another film which starts rolling after first of year. In meantime, Heller is divid- ing his time between out-of-town nitery dates and h'elping managing Yacht Club here, which he owilS jointly with his brother, Sol Heller. At present, half-pint warbler is at Latin Quarter, Chicago, where he opened Friday (24) for two weeks, and may follow this with brief USO camp tour. Cutler arrived here from Holly- wood, Saturday (25), with a print of 'Yanks.' but will slick east only for a short time. He's moving his family from Pillsburgh to the Coa.st. where they will make their fuluie home. Ladd, Hutton 'Salted' Hollywood, Sept. 29. Paramount is learning Alan Ladd and Belly Hullon again in 'Salty O'Rourke,' following their romantic pairing in 'Lucky Jordan.' Story is backgrounded on a racetrack. Ladd has Iwo other top roles awaiting him in addition to 'Salty.' They are 'China' and 'The Smoolh- e.Ht Gal In Town.' the slory of Texas Guinan. More Hammons' Par ShortB E. W. Hammons, former head of Educational and Grand National, who has made Uucc shorts for Par- amount release, in negotiating lo turn out additional one-reeler.i for the company. He .>:lates deal being di.-icussed calls for six more. Third short under Hammon-:' orig- inal contract. 'Manila of Women at War," was delivered lo Par during the past week. FAVOR THAI TO CLOGGING B.O;S 60-70% of Picture Rentals Came From Key Situa- tions and It's Better to Have Enough Prints Ready for Fast Income—Hence, If Raw Film Must Be Saved, Cut Down Produc- tion EXPECT MORE CUTS Anticipating a substantial curtail- ment in film next year, some of the majors, in considering measures to cope with further reduction in ma- terial and* manpower availability, favor making fewer pictures as a means of conservation rather than reducing the number of prints and staggering bookings. It is pointed out by major company execs that from 60 to 70% of picture rentals come from key situations and that tardiness in getting prod- uct on the market, while it is still hot, would invite a heavier drop in revenue than dropping a few pic tures. This is predicated on the theory that modem communications and high-powered national exploita- tion making new pictures known throughout the country quickly after production, tends to diminish inter est in attractions held back from general release too long. 'Next year will inevitably see a substantial curtailment in our studio production schedules.' stated one exec last week, 'and we'd rather make fewer pictures even if it should lead to single billing than slow up dis- tribution.' Exi^erlence in some quarters in the foreign market has shown that where a plentiful supply of prints is avail- able, making for speedy distribution in key situations, rentals are corres- pondingly higher. Meantime, the temporary nature of the first WPB film rationing order was further emphasized in a con- ference in Washington last week be- tween film industry and WPB reps. Celluloid is to be doled out to pic- ture companies on a quarterly basis, starting Oct. 1. It was stated that at the end of the first quarter, Jan. 1, allocations of raw film stock might be revised either upward or down- ward. Government ofTicials expressed the hope that it would not be neces- sary to cut the allotments, but in- dustry reps were advised to be pre- pared. At the same time raw stock manufacturers such as Eastman, Du- pont, etc., were asked to increase output as much as possible. Initial celluloid rationing order, ranging from 10 to 24% below 1941 figures, trims 1942-4.3 film production schedules but slighlly, partly owing lo revised Army-Navy estimates (or near term requirements and al.so to the advanced sta.ge of studio shoot- ing schedules and the heavy backlog of completed negative piled up on some of the lots. Aside from the likelihood of a heavier cut in celluloid allotments next year, company toppers also rec- ognize the possibility of further cuts before the current season is out, with discussions under way regarding means of maintaining schedules with reduced supplies in all departments. For the time being. Metro plans to produce approximately the same number of pictures as last season, cutting down on prints to make up for the reduced stock available. 20lh- Fox has cut six pictures from its production schedule with releasing schedules to be determined by the raw stock situation as it may be later this year. Universal may cut on production and mainiain print supplies while Paramount and Warn- ers, for the time being, will main lain current production schedules .and likely cut on prints. WPB Hints Curbs on Cooling Plants; Theatres Worry About Next Sununer Butler Readies Toner Hollywood, Sept. 20. David Butler moved into Warners to start preliminary work as director of the Eddie Cantor star-studded musical picture. Thank Your Lucky Stars,' slated for early fall pro- duction. Melvin Frank and Norman Panama are doing the script, with Mark Hellinger producing. GAYNOR NEW SALES HEAD AT DON LEE Hollywood, Sept. 29. Departure of Wib Eickelberg for duty with the Marines has resulted in several advancements by Lewis Allen Weiss, general manager, at KHJ headquarters of ths Don Lee network. Sidney Gaynor moves up as general sales manager, Bruce Eells becomes KHJ commercial manager, Ed Kemble is an account exec, and Fair Taylor hrids the merchandising department; Eickelberg, Don Lee sales head for the past three years and former manager of KFRC, assumes his Ma- rine captaincy Oct 1. Ad Schulberg Talent Scoutbg for Colombia Mrs. B. P. (Ad) Schulberg, long- time agent, last week joined Colum- bia Pictures as eastern talent scout She will cover the entire talent field in the east, arrange screen-testing facilities, etc. To Mrs. Schulberg, who was affili- ated with the Schulberg-Feldman agency, now Feldman-Blum, on the Coast, and operated her own talent agency. Ad Schulberg, Ltd., in Pai'-, and London until the war, the new assignment means operating from the other side of the desk. Archibald to N.Y. On British Pic Propaganda George Archibald, managing direc- tor for United Artists in Great Britain for seven years, has been ap- pointed director of the Film Division of the British Information Services, headquartering in New York. It's a newly created post. Sidney L. Bern- stein, film adviser to the British Min- istry of Information, returns to Eng- land shortly to resume activities there. Archibald applied for post with the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of war, but was appointed to an ex- ecutive position as administrator for the Midlands. He is scheduled to ar- rive In New York within the next two week.s. Gould's Galaxy of Gals HollywoQd, Sept. 29. Dave Gould was signed to direct his own screenplay, 'Girls, Inc.,' to be produced by Sydney M. Williams for Monogram release. Williams is dickering with Ted Fio Rito for the band music. 'Bugs' Baer's Shorts Arthur 'Bug.s' Baer was signatured Monday (28) by former Judge Fred- erick E. Goldsmith to make a .series of cartoon comedy shorts. Arrange- ment calls for Baer lo do the ma- terial for 13 shorts with an option for 13 more. Bnei's material, appearing lately in the N. Y. Jour.ial-Amcrican and other new.^papcrs,. will be the basis for the .licreen stories. Goldsmith presently is dickering for major re lease. That 'we may be forced to clos* down during the hot weather,' that 'the Government is trying to put us out of business when we're vital- ly needed,' and that 'the labor prob- lem involved is a big one' are among expressions of theatre .tources voiced in the wake of revelation that the War Production Board plans to requisition air-cooling equipment of theatres and other businesses. While not underestimating th« seriousness of the outlook in view of the WPB need for cooling systems in certain plants, in one war-in- formed quarter it was -doubted that the commandeering of equipment would be carried out in an over-all manner. However, admitted that it remains to be seen just how much cooling equipment would be re- quired for WPB purposes and where it could be easiest spared. Pointed out that many theatres were built for cooling plants and that proper summer ventilation, fans, etc., as a substitute would bring about a seri- ous problem. Aside from the labor job in re- moving the equipment wanted by the WPB, theatre executives fear that it would be necessary to close down while the job was being done. Another question is who would pay for the labor involved, the theatre or WPB. WPB is seeking coolers, conden- sers, compressors and the generators or turbines that drive the refrig'- erating unit, for use in war plants that cannot operate without such equipment, including those making synthetic rubber and high octane gasoline. Campaign is directed against hotels, stores and office buildings as well as theatres. At a WPB meet- ing in New York Monday (28) num- erous large stores in N. Y. and other cities have volunteered to turn over their icing machinery. WARNERS' 'AIR FORCr GAMBLES WITH TIME Hollywood, Sept. 29. Warners' high-budget war picture, 'Air Force,' shooting on an indefi- nite time schedule, has passed ' ; U'Oth day. with at least 30 more days t) go. Uncertainty of the weather c:\ Florida locations and the necessity of borrowing war material at the Army's conve.iience make a defi- nite time schedule impossible. BRITISHERS' U. S. PIX Two Non-Theatrical SabJecU Hade Here for Enjisnd British Ministry of Information Is producing two pictures in the U. S. for di.slribulion via mobile film units on the non-lhcalrical circuit in Eng- land. One film deals with the broad phases of Americanism, the other on the 'Strategy of Food.' Latter will show how U. S. farming, indus- try and shipping are coordinated in bringing supplies to Britain, while the story on America is intended to give the English a clearer picture of wartime sentiment here. Non-theatrical circuit in Britain is considered most important currently, pictures being shown at rest and meal periods during working hours lo war plant workers at all hours of the day and night. Workers attend- ing these showings are primarily in- terested in factual pictures with wartime backgrounds. Regular en- lertainmcnt features, curiously enough, have met with apathetic response. Even "Donald Duck' has flopped. Same audiences, however, are re- ceptive lo entertainment pictures when shown in the usual commercial houses, outside of working hours.