Variety (Nov 1942)

. . V W«dn(eid«y, November 4, 1942 De Miile s First Bathtub. Other H wood Curiosa Dumped on Natkm's Scrap Pile 4t- Hollywood, Nov. 3. Into the capacious maw of some roaring blast furnace soon will go a heap of bent and twisted wrought iron. The hairy-chested toiler who slams this bit of precious metal around will not know it, but for the melancholy record, and perhaps for a salty tear or two as well, there will go Cecil B. De Mille's origi- nal bathtub, the one which served him as a magic carpet on which he was whirled to a glorious destiny. Frank Leslie, who has been the boss of Paramount's backlot since the days when Mary Pickford ca- vorted in curls and velvet suit as Little Lord Fauntleroy, is the au- thority that this is no p.a.'s dream. He averred with many a stout and earnest affirmation that he had per- sonally picked up the original De Mille bathtub and deposited it on the scrap truck. He was a little miffed when the question was brought up, how did he know it was the 0. DeM b? He said he certainly ought to know, since he had been watching over that piece of early Famous-Players-Laskiana for these 23 years as man and boy. He had been nurturing and guarding it as a Paramount family heirloom all this time, albeit harboring no suspicion that its ultimate destiny would be to form the casing of a shell or bomb to be delivered with Democracy's compliments where it would do the most harm. •For your enlightenment,' Leslie declaimed with some heat, 'Mary Pickford once took a bath in that bathtub while the silent camera cranked and the backgro'jr.d was filled with the music of violins and piano. What was the name of the picture? Frankly, I can't remember. It's not important anyway. 'The De Mille Tub Tonoh "Mr. De Mille came along a little later and was quite taken with the architectural magnificence of the tub. He had it done over with fancy wrought iron doodads on it and a new suit of tinted Chinese porcelain specially imported. That's when the tub really went to town with Gloria Swanson in it. She stepped into it in one of those 'Male and Female' films. It is a characteristic reflection on the way Hollywood does things that De MiUe and Miss Swanson (Continued on page 22) As Rep Goes So Goes Kaoe Hollywood, Nov. 3. Joseph Kane, producer-director, who has been with Republic since the company started, drew an op- tion lift for another year. Currently Kane is preparing the new Roy Rogers series of westerns under the general title, 'King of the Cowboys.' HIRLIMAN MAY SEE AGFA ANSCO'S BOOKS DUNNE Wrra POWEL IN METRO'S TIflN MAN' Appellate division of N. Y. su- preme court ruled Saturday (31) in support ol a previous decision by Justice Kenneth O'Brien that the General Aniline & Film Corp. would have to open its books to George R. Hirliman to enable him to at- tempt to prove by their records that the AGFA stock he used in filming 'Fight On Marines' was defective. H^ is suing General Aniline ti Film, Agfa Raw Film and Agfa Ansco Corps, for $300,000, claim- ing that he lost" that amount when Monogram Pictures Corp. rejected his film since the developed nega- tive was blurred and shadowy, ap- parently since the film was old and defective. The defendants had refused to open their books claiming that they couldn't since the firm is in the cus- tody of the Government. (General Aniline and its subsidiaries have long been accused of being part of the Nazi-d<Hninated German Far- benindustrie and were recently placed under control of the Alien Property Custodian). Decision sets a precedent so far as permitting requests for a o.o. of the records of foreign firms in cus- tody of the Oovemment However, each such request must be argued in the courts on its merits. The de- cision Is also Interesting in that Hirliman can peruse the records as far back as 189S, when the firm was founded. However be can only use such mattilal as affects his case. Attorney for the plaintiff Is Harold Sherman, of Ittelson & Mayers. The defendfints are represented by Wiekes, Rlddell, Jacoby tt Mc- Guire. 'Fight On Marines' was produced between October, 1941, and Janu- ary, 1942, and starred Toby Wing. WB Pushing Contracts Fast on tientleman Jim' Warner Bros, started selling "Gen- tleman Jim' throughout the antire country on Friday <30), immediately after the rush tradeshowing held In all exchanges for exhibitors the day before. Instructions to the salesmen were to push for quick contraeti. Meantime, the Warner homeofflce had spotted the film in around 40 of their own theatres and various scat- tered others on prerelease. Thought is to get a fast playoil on 'Jim' in view of the lucertainty con- cerning the jam involving Errol Flynn, who stars in the picture. As result, general release date was set for Nov. 14, less than two weeks hence. 'The Hard Way,' which Wer- ners has been selling as part of its second block of dve films this sea- son, has been pulled off release. Hard Way' had been set for release Nov. 14, the date assigned to 'Jim,' and was one of two percentage pic- tures in group No. 2. 'Jim' is reviewed in current Issue of 'Variety.' Hollywood, Nov. 8. First job for Irene Dunne under her new contract at Metro will be a co-starring role with William Powell in The Thin Man Goes Home.' She picks up where Myma Loy left off. Picture rolls Nov. 18, with Everett Riskin producing. Tollies GirF Stage Unit to Tonr With Pic Bill Rowland, producer of 'Follies Oirl,' fllmu^ical shot ia-tbe east and being released by Producers Releas ing Corp., is lining up a 'Follies Girl' unit to play with the picture. Idea is to use several of the film's cast in the stage unit, and segue from the screen onto the stage at the finish of the picture. Cast will probably con- sist of Doris Nolan, Arthur Pierson Frit2i Scheff, Ann Barrett, Jay Bren- nan and Ray Heatherton orch. Rowland has paid off all the per' formers and musicians who had been owed for a spell. Total payoff amounted to about $2,500, and covers three acts and a musical combo. The delayed settlement was the result of a tardy shooting start which neces sitated contract settlements with Gertrude Niesen and Fred Keating, to the total tune of $1,600 without their being used in the film. Result had the producer, who had paid all other bills, a trifle short when the picture was in the can. Situation • was saved when George Bonwick of Pathe saw the pic and brought O. Henry Brlggs, Producers Releasing Corp. prez, into the situa tion. PRC made a release deal and provided a $40,000 budget for some additional scenes. PRC claims the final edition will cost about $120,600, which would rate 'Follies.Girl' as its jnost .expensive produpt(oa 'Biggest Sucker Is Pix Producer, SezSamGoidwyn WPB APPROVES $20,000 SET FOR PRESSBURGER Hollywood, Nov. 8. First producer to jet mecial 'dis- pensation horn |he war Production Board to exceed the $9,000 limita tion on set oonstruction is Arnold Pressburger. Scene depleting the city of Prague, Czechia, fdr 'Never Surrender,' re- quired starting from scratch, as no such sets are around. The bulldtaMi will cost around $20,000. Can) Be Too dimes lliese Days Hollywood, Nov. 3. Auction sales of old California mansions are being prowled these 4ayB by ploture studio agents, not only for ancient works of art but f9r lumber, nails, household fixtures and other building material New material is practically Impossible to buy under wartime regulations, but some of the early dwellings were built with seasoned timber and flooring, worth more than new lumber. In addition, the gaslight fix- tures and other household appurtenances of bygone days are valuable on studio sets of pioneer periods. Universal is closing a deal for old furnishings of the Mark Hopkins mansion near San Francisco. Other studios are bidding on lumber fnd metals from the houses formerly occupied by Jap fishermen on Terminal Island, now controlled by the Navy. Much Speculation on WB Newsreel Home-Office SHU Lukewarm—Tiff With Universal New« Touched Off 6th Reel Plan RCM Sets Up in WasL Hollywood, Nov. 3. Ben Hersh leaves for Washington this weelr to establish an office for R.C.M. Production to keep in touch with the War and Navy departments on a heavy schedule of Government- sponsored films. Company will be represented in the national capital by George deB. Keim, former Na- tional Park Commissioner. Meanwhile Sam Coslow, executive producer of R.C.M., is starting his first Government short, 'Rose of No Man's Land,' starring Ginny Simms. RKO'S ARTKINO TEST the Bear of the Enemy,' Busse Pie, Cutting Tryont RKO is test booking 'In the Rear of the Enemy,' Artklno film with dubbed En£l^ dialog, at nabe houses, in nTY. ci^ and state. If the reaction is favorable it may arrange a remake and national re- lease similar to that given 'Moscow Strikes Back.' Latter was remade by Artklno and nationally released by Republic. Brontes Theme Devotion' Hollywood, Nov. 3. Warners assigned Curtis Bern- hardt to direct Devotion,' a Robert Buckner production based on the lives of the Bronte sisters, who wrote novels in England years ago when a femmo writer was a novelty. Olivia de Havllland, Ida Lupino and Nancy Coleman will play the ststerg. Tossing off the observation that 'the biggest sucker in Hollywood is the producer, because when he gets his money back he puts it into an- other picture/ Samuel Goldwyn, ar- riving in New York from Sun Valley last week, warned that there can be no solution to the growing man- power shortage problem in show business. He urged that theatre op- erators stop burning up product through frequent program changes. We can't make 'em that fast,' the producer added. 'There are already thousands of cameramen in the armed forces in addition to other technicians, for one thing. And the income ceiling is bound to cut down star appearances although I think that no star, producer or writer should negotiate a contract for the money alone when we can make such a magnificent wartime contri- bution as that of giving our soldiers and* the public at hdme such a fine entertainment.' Goldwyn said that exhibitors should stop patting themselves on the back because of the current box- office boom through which, some may figure, they can use cheap pic- tures and make money regardless. The picnic will be over sooner or later,' Goldwyn said, 'and then busi- ness won't hold up unless there's enough good product around.' Goldwyn pointed out that there would be little profit left over for anyone after taxation and that this was the best time to build up endur' ing prestige for the picture business. 'We can't get any money out of business today.' he said, 'so the best thing to do is build permanent good will for the industry by maldng and showing good instead of cheap pic- tures.' Why SqaawkT Taking a clip at squawking ex' hibitors, Goldwyn said. They com- plain as much when business is good as when it's bad. Right now they're having a very tough time of it. They can't go to Florida. And who plays golf in winter?' Goldwyn predicted a breakdown In the old star system, though ad mittedly new people were constantly coming up to replace those leaving the studios. Producer said he was in New York to hunt for talent on Broadway and appeared optimistic regarding the use of newcomers in pictures. 'God makes stars, but pro- ducers discover them.' he said, 'and we've been successful in developing new people all along.' Goldwyn expects to use new talent in important spots in the forthcom- ing Lillian Hellman yam on which production begins In January, In Don Hartman's musical for Danny Kaye, starting in March; and in the forthcoming Bob Hope picture next July. He stressed the fact 'hat the in- dustry's only chance of survival was In maintaining Interest via strong product and said that the extended nm policy was one way of stretching out film supplies. He pointed out that reports he had received from all parts of the v^otIA show that even PRC FAR AHEAD OF SKED,L00KT0'44PIX Hollywood,' Nov. 3. Producers Releasing Corp. is so far ahead of its releasing schedule that it is aiming to start ita 1943-44 production program in February. By that time the company figures to have completed practically all ita 42 pictures for 1942-43. To date PRC is a dozen completed features ahead of ita releasing sched- ule and is piling up a heavy backlog which will l>e discussed at the branch managers meeting in Chi- cago Nov. 7-8. Wanger Shoots Pic h Texas Livestock Arena College Station, Tex., Nov. 3. Walter Wanger is converting the huge livestock pavilion of Texas A. & M. College into a sound stage for his Universal picture, 'We've Never Been Licked,' dealing with the long list of graduates who have won com- missions in the Army. Building is large enough to permit three in- terior seta at one time. About 85% of the feature will be filmed here, starting next week, with Jack Rawlins directing. StniGo Contracts Hollywood, Nov. 3. Joan Chaffee's minor contract with Hunt Stromberg approved by Su- perior Court. Gale Bobbins inked player ticket at 20th-Fox. Beatrice Pearson, stage actress, signed by 20th-Fox. Don Tyler, stage player, signed by Metro. June AUyson's minor contract with Metro approved by Superior Court. Sonny Tufts, night club singer, signed by Paramount. Albert Rosenstein, music coach, drew his seventh yearly contract at Metro. Rene Hubert signed as fashion designer by 20th-Fox. Bill Castle inked shorts director pact at Columbia. Lita Ward -drew a minor acting contract at Paramount soldiers in combat zones walk out on the bad films. Goldwyn, in pointing up the need as well as the advantages of ex- tended runs, said that drastic curtail- ment of production schedules for the 1943-44 season was inevitable and that only the backlog of completed pictures stood in the way of nation- wide single billing, which looks likely by next summer, maybe sooner. Warner Bros.' announced plans to launch a sixth U. S. newsreel around Jan. 1 thus far have gone only as far as outlining preliminary details. The company has announced that Col. Nathan Levinson, Coast sound chief is due in N. Y. this week to give the Brooklyn Vitaphone plant the once-over. No editor has been named and the N. Y. cameraman's union, anxious to supply photo- graphers, thus far not contacted. Announced plans of Harry M. Warnei.tp. .v)sUw.J<PU,loiWJiia«B,';ft^V>,.,« work out a system for European coverage, indicate wide scope of the proposed venture, as does the com- pany statement that Robert Schless, foreign sales chief, would line up cameramen in South America. In both fields, roto coverage is adhered to which means that Warners ooul<l enter the pool the same as other reels. Such rule is a 'must' in Brit- ain by government orders. The newly announced WB news- reel reportedly stems from a dispute < with Universal about terms. Whei> Warner Bros, and U could not get together on a deal to show Universal News in WB Theatres, Warners sought to buy Pathe newsreel from RKO. When this was rejected, de- cision to launch a reel of Ito own was made by Warners. Proposals Whether or not the Warner news- reel actually geta going (opposition to the move apparently continues in N. Y., and there's the matter of get- ting equipment and manpower), the announcement has provided a field day of speculation as to the editor and type of reel it actually would be. Originally announced in Holly- wood that the reel would headquar- ter on the Coast, this was quickly shelved as entirely impraetlcaL Latest communique from the com- pany hinta that exclusive clips of local interest would be supplied each exchange center, In addition to na- tional coverage. This was tried by the late Ray Hall, then at Paths newsreel. It caused excitement, lost money, and encountered bad labora- tory facilities and other trouble in several cities. Another hint is that the W^ newsreel would contain plenty oi government war effort material^ and would work very closely with u. 6. Nominees for editorship and oom- mentation range from Quantln Rey- nolds, Collier's veteran war corre- spondent, to others already working on newsreels in N. Y. Most promi- nent of the latter Is Ned Buddy, who's editor-in-chief of the United Nev/sreel, combo of ell five newsreel clips sent to the foreign field to show the United Nations' great war ma- chine. He's a veteran, formerly in charge of Paramount's Paris office. BuddJ' holds no contract, and likely could be persuaded to join up. As to assignment editor, makeup chief and news editor, no names have be^n mentioned. Reynolds, now in N. Y., is due to return to London after Jan. 1 for Collier's. Manpower Other names mentioned for the top spot are Richard de Rochemoiii managing editor at March of Time; Courtland Smith, former editor of Pathe; Jack Connelly, his assistant at Pathe; Raymond Clapper, Drew Pearson newspapermen. Airchibald McLeUh, now with the OWI out threatening to resign; Bill Park, makeup editor of Paramount news- reel; and virtually every assistant editor on presently operating news- reels. S. Charles Einfeld, Warners' ad- publicity chief, Is due in N. Y. from the Coast Friday (8) or Saturday to discuss the proposed newsreel and other matters, including campaigns on forthcoming pictures.