Variety (Dec 1942)

11 INTEBHATIONAL uniDOM omoB Argentinian Anti-U. S. Legit Group Blitzed 3 Weeks After Formation By BAT JOSEPHS Buenos Aires, Nov. 24, Formation and subsequent blitzing ot anti-U. S., anti-Semitic theatre group here is regarded generally «s a signiflcant sign that Nazi at- tempts to propagandize in the legit fleld have little chance. Organiza- tion known as the Agrupacioh Na- cionalista Teatral Argentina was an- nounced last month, and within three weeks all but a few of those listed as organizers had publicly re- nounced any connection with the group, majority claiming that they had no sympathies with the outfit In the first plaje and that their names were improperly Osed. Among those originally listed as sponsors were leading Latin pro- ducers, theatre, film and radio writ- ers, critics and others in associated fields. Of those who have not yet taken public stand against (he group, only one or two are rated as w.k., others being zeros. First announcement of the organ- ization appeared in the somewhat pro-Facist B. A. weekly, El Porteno. Lead article stated that group had been cooked up in conformity with the principles, ideals and patriotic Inspirations of the first citizen of the Republic, Dr. Ramon S. Castillo. I/Bter the manifesto stressed the point that 10,000 families particl pated in the Argentine theatre and that ANTA was designed to improve their morality, faith in Christianity •nd economfc status.' Other declarations called for an 'Argentine theatre written by Ar- gentines, interpreted by Argentines and Intended exclusively for Argen tines.' Also called for the immedi •te resignation of all members of the board of 'Argentores' (top writ er.' society) who were of 'foreign nationality or Jewish origin.' Principles were similar to those •tressed by other nationalistic groups here which the Argentine CongreS' eional Committee Investigating Nazi Activities has cited on frequent oc casions as having been financed by Nazis. Reported in the trade that leaders of the group had a program to do whatever was possible to pre- vent U. S. shows, either direct or. in' translations, from coming here. Also to work against Hollywood picts and against anything pro-democratic In the fleld of radio. The Storm Came Early No sooner did the opening an- nouncement appear than the storm began to bust around those listed as organizers. Pro-democratic weekly, Accion Argentina, went all out after the signers. A pro-democratic the- atre organization known as the Ag- rupacion Democratica del Especta- culo Publico also let go a few hay- makers. Various others in radio, theatre and film fields also demanded to know how come. As a result public renunciations vere quick and fast, and local sheets were filled with letters of protest. Majority of those originally listed ■aid that they had never been con- sulted about the use of their names and furthermore were against the organization. Most important of these was Cesar Ratti, wealthy, widely known actor-impresario, who, with hts wife, Emma Martinez, took large ads In all papers. Another was Carlos Perelli, who, in pub- lished Interviews, stated that he not only was pro-democratic but had cancelled his season at the local Teatro Marconi when he learned that it was on the U. S. blacklist Others publicly taking a stand •gainst the group were Antonio de Bassl, Francisco J. BoUa, Camllo Darthes, Augustin Remon, Asdrubal Salinas, Humberto Rayneri, Carlos Schaefer Gallo, Carlos P. Cabral, Carlos De Paoli, Ivan Diaz, AdoUo Diaz Gomez and Salvadore Riese. Those who have not yet renounced the listing of their names are Cesar Bourel, listed as president (he's also theatre editor of El Porteno); Ar- turo Cancela, author of several prize- winning books and local newspaper columnist; Carlos E. Osorlo, Octavio P. Sargent, Domingo Froio and Raul Doblas. Dancer Left Oyer 58G Ottawa, Dec. 1. Peter Gorman, dancer on Canadian and United States stages years ago who died here Sept. 16, left an estate of $58,644.82. Daughter, Nanine Gorman of Ot- tawa, is chief beneficiary. IINIVER' STILL WOWINB.A. AT $10JO Buenos Aires, Nov. 24. Topped by 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G), which continues to bust all existing local records, B. A. first-runners are doing better than expected this week. 'Miniver' is doing a smash 47,000 pesos (approximately $10,200), following an all-time record of 80,- 000 pesos (approximately $20,000) for the opener. 'To Be Or Not To Be' (UA) opened simultaneously at the Ideal and Suipacha and is in the top money with an excellent 42,000 pesos. Other estimates for this week, all given in Argentine pesos, currently at about 27c U. S. follow: Ambassador (t.autaret Si Cavallo) (1,400; 3.00; 2.50).—'Saludos' (RKO). Somewhat down this week to 8,000 for the sixth. Last week, neat 12,000 for fifth week. Ideal (Lococo) (970; 3.00; 2.50)— •To Be Or Not To Be' (UA). Excel- lent 25,000 in this house. Better than it did at the Suipacha. Will continue indefinitely in both houses. Last week, 'Sinfonia Argentina' (Arg. made, U. A. dlstrib), tottering 4,000. Bex (Cordero, Cavallo & Lauta- ret) (3,305; 2.50; 2.00)—'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G). Excellent 47,000, which is the second high. Last week, sensa Uonal 80,000 for ne\/ S. A. record. Oceui (CoU, Gatti k Cia.) (2,800; 1.50) — "Meet the Stewarts' (Col), Considerably less than 10,000 for weakest biz this house has had all season. Last week, 'A-Haunting We Will Go' (20th), so-so 16,000. Opera (Lococo) (2,400; 2,50; 2.00)— Beyond the Blue Horizon' (Par). Neat 25,000, with the sarong still a potent attracter. Last week, 'Across the Pacific' (WB), fairish 20,000. Monnmental (Coll, Gatti & Cia.) (1,500; 2.00; 1.50) — 'Historla de Crlmenes' (Lumiton, Arg. made) OK. 10,000 for second week. Last week, nifty 18,000. Normandle (Lococo) (1,400; 2,00 1,50)—'Bahama Passage* (Par). O.K. 15,000. Last week, 'Little Annie Rooney, (UA), oft to U.C'O. Broadway (Lautaret & >.avallo) (2,863; 2.50; 2,00)—'La Escuela de las Coquetas' (French made). Hold- ing up neatly for 14,000 on second week. Last week, solid 20,000. Sntpaoha (Lococo) (950; 2.50; 3,00) —'To Be Or Not To Be' (UA). Ex- cellent 19,000 lor this house. Last week, 'Historia Musical,' fair 5,000 for the first Russian-made to come to this house. LopdOD, Dec. 1. 'Aren't Men Bcasia/ Garrlck. 'Belle of N. T.' Coliseum. 'Best Bib A Tneker,' Palladium. •Blithe Spirit,' Duchess. 'CUudIa,' St Martin's. 'DanolDf Tears,' Adelphla. 'Doctor's Dilemma,' Haymarket. *Da Barry Was a Lady,' Majesty's, ■Flare Path,' Apollo. 'Fine and Dandy,' SavlUe. 'Full Swing,' Palace. 'Get Load of This,' Wales. 'Home and Beavly,' Playhouse. 'Importance Be Earnest,' Phoenix, 'Let's Face It,' Hippodrome.' 'LllaCTIme,' StoU's. 'LIUIe Foxes,' Piccadilly. 'Man Who Came to Dinner,' Savoy. 'Men In Shadow,' Vaudeville. 'Mixed Eelatlons,' Ambassador. 'Morning Star,' Globe. •Mnrder Without Crime,' Comedy. 'Old Town Hall,' Winter Garden. 'Qolet Week-End,' Wyndham's. - 'Wild Bose,' Prince. •Waltz WIthont End,' Cambridge. 'Watch on the Bhlne,' Aldwych. 'Venns Comes Town,' Whitehall. brother and which were read everybody on the Row. Capt. Mandell, 25, had enlisted in the Marines following his graduation from. Carnegie Tech here in 1030. Following course in officer training, he was commissioned a second lieu- tenant, was later promoted to a first and received his captaincy before go- ing to the Solomons. Besides Goldie, e leaves four other sisters, his widow, parents and two brothers, one of whom, Abe, is a corporal somewhere in Australia, Nares, Cummings Set For Leads io London 'Forest' LegH Proi London, Nov. 12, H, M. Tennent's and Henry She- rek's 'Petrified Forest,' which has been down for production several times since the war, is finally set to come to the West EncI, at Globe theatre, some time in December. Heading cast are Owen Nares, in the original Leslie Howard role; Hartley Powers in Humphrey Bo gart's part, with Constance Cum mings in leading femme role en- acte doriginally by Peggy Conklin. Benn Levy, Miss Cummings' hus- band, is to produce. Stars are to get flat salary of $40 per week, but get shares in com- pany which, if show Is hit, should yield them more than their regular salary. MEXICO OKAYS SCRIPT FOR M-G's mm Mexico City, Nov. 24, Metro can now proceed with the production of 'Madero,' biography of Francesco 1. Madero, Mexico's first revolutionary president Script has been approved by Arturo Ortiz Mugica, chief of the federal film censorship and super- vision department, to whom the company submitted it for inspection 16 PK SET BY GROVAS; MEX FIRM IN REORG TEBA ORUZ OINEUA BUBNS Mexico City( Nov. 24. Fire resulting from a short circuit destroyed the Cine Munoz, the only cinema in Tlapacoyan, a Vera Cruz state town. Blaze started just after the last night show when only four em- ployees were In the cinema. Nobody was hurt. Mexico City, Nov. 24. Production of 16 pix, instead of the 12 it had originally pencill9d, is the schedule for 1943 of Jesus A. Grovas & Co,, which has been reorganized with the resignation of its chief, Jesus A. Grovas, Mauricio de la Serna, manager of the Cine Alameda, local cinema, who for two years has been an associate pro- ducer for Grovas, is now the com- pany's production chief, Juvenal (Jimmy) Urbina, for- mer Columbia manager here, who quit to open exchanges in the Ar' gentine and other South American countries for Mexican pix, is the Grovas production manager. Com' pany's production will be super' vised by a board composed of Sal- vador Elizondo, ex-chief of Clasa the leading local pic studio, as chairman; Carlos Carriedo C, managing director of the Banco Clnematografica, the industry's own bank, and Fernando de Fuentes, director, and toriper Par executive here. Bank owns 81% of Gravas stock. Lange Back to Havana Fred Lange, Paramount's general manager in Cuba, has returned to his headquarters in Havana. He came to N. Y, for confabs with John Hicks, Jr., company's foreign chief, and was in N. Y. about three weeks. Pampa Plant 10-12 Pix Buenos Aires, Nov. 24. New management of Pampa Film, once one of the Big Five Argentine producers, but recently stymied by financial headaches, plans to go ahead with a sked of 10 to 12 fea' tures for '43, even though raw stock shortages may cut the program in half. New Mex Pie Union Mexico City, Nov. 24. New pic workers organization has been formed here. It is the Alianza de Cinematograflstas del Distrlto Federal (Alliance of CinematO' graphists of the Federal District) and began with 300 members, Jose de Jesus Avlla is the secretary gen' eral. Alliance is affiliated with the Re gional Confederation of Mexican Workers. 'Relationt' NG, London London, Dec. 1. 'Mixed Relations,' which opened on Nov. 26 at the Ambassador, Is an old-Xashioned farce with slim possi billties. Uncle Sam's Roll Call Continued from page 4 by Major Ray Schneider Now Pittsburgh, Deer 1. Ray Schneider, former chief an-^ nouncer at WWSW, promoted to major at Camp Hood, Tex. Bill LeRoy, bandleader, appointed to officer's candidate school at Camp Davis, N. C. Al Katz, manager of WB's Centre, Army. Jerry Lynn (Billy Earhardt), nitery dancer. Navy. Jean Schaaf, actress with Catholic Theatre Guild, WAACS. Dave Smith, former manager of WB's Hollywood, Dormont, to OCS at Camp Polk, La. Jack Bucheit, ex-KQV salesman, second lieutenant's commission in Army Air Force at Miami, Jimmy Anderson, hillbilly muslcker on WISR in Butler, Pa„ Army. Andy Olesak, Baron Elliott's former sax ace, now leading Marine Dance Band at Parris Island, N. C. Earl Friedman, booker at RKO, Army. Jack Williams, manager of Gerard theatre in West View, has rejoined the colors. He's a veteran marine and served in first World War. Eugene R. Wintner, Col booker. Army. William R, Grande, Jr., son of indie film distributor. Army. Louis Weiner, former Pittsburgher and more recently field exploitation man for UA and Par, Army. Leonard Cantor, ex-U salesman, made seaman first class and assigned to Amphibious Training Base at Little Creek, Va. William Castelli, son of Jerry CaS' telli, Library exhib. Army. Has three brothers, Dario, Victor and James, in the service. Lieut George Seher New Corp. George Scher, U. S. Signal Corps, Ft. Monmouth, in press re- lations for past few months, com' missioned second lieutenant and shifted to Ft. George Meade. Scher was formerly in charge of exploitU' tion for United Artists in New Eng' land territory. W. W. Lewis, formerly field eX' ploitation representative for Warner Bros,, who went into the Army in September, has been permanently assigned to the Special Services Sec- tion of the 368th Air Base Head- Tex, Under his new appointment he will handle entertainment and recre, ation there. Jose Schorr, Army, Nov. 30. He Is flack for Columbia's short depart- ment in New York. Nick Long, Jr., the dancer, has enlisted in Jhe Signal Corps, Sta- tioned at Ft, Monmouth. Howard Wilson, song plugger with Southern Music, Army. Lt Jack Andrews, Ames Set Lieut Jack Andrews, 20th-Fox scripter, left Monday (23) for Quan' tico. He had been working on an untitled musical for Walter Mo rosco. Ronnie Ames, RKO exploiteer covering Dallas and Oklahoma City territory, goes into the Army Dec. 15. Al Lester, from the Cincinnati sector, succeeds. James Tierney, 'Variety's' best known office boy and 46th street's most vociferous Giant baseball fan, is now a corporal at Camp Shelby, Miss, Max Roth, associate to Charles H. Allen, N. Y. agent, will be in- ducted in the Army today (Wed,), poral in the Signal Corps, to the Officers' Training School at Fort Monmouth. Campbell Ritchie, head ot station CKLW's trafflo department, into the Canadian Officers' Training School. His radio post is being filled by Margaret Pratt. Goodbye, Hollywood Hollywood, Dec. I. John Tyrrell, screen actor. Army. Hal Herman, studio press agent, Army Signal Corps. Stanley Fleischer, studio art di- rectpr. Army. ... Bramwell .Fletcher, actor, Army!" John Cook, studio press agent, Army. Sol Meyer, songwriter, Army. Gil Vallee, assistant director, Army Signal Corps, Milt Watt press agent, Army. Harry Slater, studio technician, Navy. Don English, still photographer, Army Signal Corps, Charles Rose, newsreel camera- man, Army Signal Corps, John Tribby, sound technician. Navy. Carl Hittleman, studio production assistant, Army, Syd Stevens, studio technician, Army. Ted McCord, cameraman. Army Air Corps. Harry Ray, studio makeup. Navy. Harry Shenson, studio press agetn, Army Air Force. Layne Britton, studio technician, Army. Cubby Broccoli, Hollywood Victory Committee, Navy. Melville Baker, screen writer. Army Air Corps. Leslie Goodwins, film director. Army. Wayne Neff, studio technician, Army Signal Corps. Louis Goldstein, film distributor, Army. Vance King, trade paper reporter, Army. Carroll Graham, screen writer, A,rmy. Charles Thomas, studio technician, Navy. William Brooks, studio musician. Army. Stan Meyer, theatre manager. Navy. Alfred Krieger, studio technician, Merchant Marine. Jim Zaner, studio technician, Mer- chant Marine. Detroit's Contingent Detroit, Dec, 1. Carl Bonner, former dancer, and orchestra leader and currently m.c. at the Club Royale here, Army Air Corps. Jack Thompson, manager of the Mercury, Army Officers Candidate School, Grant Hawkins, former manager of the Varsity, takes his place. Sam Grelsman, who managed the Center for Associated theatres. Army Air Force. Merrill F. Hanna, manager of the Hollywood and now a technical eor- Bnffalo's Recruits Buffalo, Dec, 1. Latest calls include Gene Mur- phy, of Warner Bros.; Harry Diets and Vincent Staley, of Shea's Buf- falo staff, and Emmet Connolly, Lafayette service chief. Sam Geffln upped to sergeant at Officers' Candidate Cavalry School, Ft. Riley, Kan. Niagara Falls Cataract and Strand, spent a three-day furlough at home on his transfer from California to the Camp Davis (N. C) Artillery School. Walter Loeffler, manager of the Niagara Falls Strand, training at St. Petersburg, Fla,, being replaced by Frank McCann, his former as- sistant Herb Goldstein, National Screen Service, becomes a pilot on transfer from Maxwell Field. Ala,, to Doug' lass Field, Ga. Tom Rogers, formerly of Loew's State, N. Y. City, and now of the U. S. Navy, in town on behalf of Naval Aviation Week. James O'Shea, son of Metro's di- vision manager, E. K. O'Shea, is at Maxwell Field for advanced air schooling. John Sandstone, former operator at Shea's Buffalo, has been around town on furlough from the Navy, where he is a news photographer, Charles Woolen, radio and thea- tre pianist, stationed at Charlotte, N. C. Gene Murphy, formerly of Shea's Lakes house staff, now - in the bakers' division at Camp Chaffee, Ark. Nicholas Indpls., Inducted Indianapolis, Dec. 1. Ted Nicholas, formerly manager of the Lyric, later business manager for Orrin Tucker and Bonnie Baker and until recently program director at WIRE, has been Inducted by Army.' Hal Freeman, WFBM sUff an- nouncer, Army. Rush Williams, Loew's, Army. Johnny Kellams, Talbott, Army. Claire Jones, Palace, Gary, Army.