Variety (Jul 1944)

Wednesday, July 19, 1944 PfiKIETY PICTURES 3 UA MAY GET RANK'S PICTURES Shift of § S. Population Will Change ] SEARS TO Films Sales Expectancies Postwar! f[]f| PARLEYS Propose Writing Fellowships For Gl's To Aid Known, Find New Authors . A shift in the percentage of dis--» tiiiAition returns from among the various; states, resultant change in sales quotas and expectancies on pic- tures in- the 32 exchange zones, is seen i" figures showing important : changes in population: In the post- Var period it is expected that some 'territories, the West Coast being mentioned particularly, will boom for the distributors and the theatres, whereas some regions will experi- ence the opposite. This may bring about overseated conditions in cer- tain areas but encourage the opening of additional theatres in others. '-According to a census bureau re- port covering the period from April 1. 1940, to July 1 last year, 25 of the stales and the District of Columbia showed.' increases in population, while the other 23 states suffered decreases.. Of course, the war. draft- ing of men and the migration of workers to defense zones has figured in connection with the shift, but. be- lieved in trade circles, there may not be an appreciable shift back to pre- war populations. - '.-, v 1 Tlie census bureau figures show They Both Scrap • • Hollywood, July 18. Bing Crosby is hesitating about the use of "The Great John L." as the title for his first indie production. y...'/" Idea is that the new genera- tion may believe the tag applies to John L. Lewis instead of John L: Sullivan. Studios Submit New Wage Plan Three-way discussions have re- portedly been held in recent weeks between Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy; Arthur W. Kelly, head of Eagle-Lion Films (J. Arthur Rank subsid in the U. S.) and Grad Sears, v.p. in charge of distribution for United Artists, looking to a distribu- tion deal for Rank product through UA in the U. S. Sears is scheduled to leave New York for England this week, it is understood, to negotiate personally with Rank. Barrington Gain, No. 2 mail in the Rank organ- ization in England, sounded out UA execs when he was in the U. S. sev- eral months ago on possibility ot providing sales and exchange facili- ties for Rank output, but discussions did not go beyond the talk stage at that time. . '. H611ywo6d.-Ju.lv '18. ;-, Skouras and Rank reached an uh- Representatives of major compa- j derstanding, when the former was in hies submitted counter-wage pro- England several months ago, where- posa Is yesterday (17) to various j by 20th-Fox would provide Rank What'* New, Jim? Marlen.e Dietrich guested . on the ''Lower Basin Street" pro- gram : on WJZ-Blue network Sunday (16) night/singing, play- ing a musical saw and generally duplicating the style of enter- tainment she performed overseas for the USO recently. . Jimmie Fidler's gossip fol- lowed "Basin Street" on the same network and among his items was the report that Miss Dietrich was very iil in N. Y. and was being forced to rest to gather strength for forthcoming surgery. ;-'-; .'-' - ,.''•;.".-'; increase of approximately $1,500,000 for 10,000 film artists and technicians, j Although the proposals do not fully . meet the demands of all crafts, one that the southern and western states | studio representative insisted corn- gained more than. 4,000,000 in popu- panics had been so liberal there was latloii for the period covered," while some doubts the WLB would approve the northeastern and north Central even if okayed by unions. commonwealths lost about 2,000.000. Four states—California, Arizona, Florida and Nevada—were up more than 20% in inhabitants. N."Y. State was oft around 300,000. Population of- the whole country decreased more than 2.225.000 or about 1.7%. ■ - : "y- .;■:. -V, Understood proposals are more liberal than unions expected and may lead»to a quick agreement. Pro- posals for aff iliates of the Conference 01 Studio Unions were handed to prexy Herb Sorrell and business rep- resentatives of the unnions.. These include white - collarites, painters, machinists.: scenic artists, publicists, screen analysts, set designers, police- en. firemen, advertising writers, tors. Counter-proposals were also submitted to script clerks and film editors. ->'.'. .. . \ V; None of the Conference group will sign until all have .reached an accord on proposals. % ' *■ - Although wage contract proposals are still being examined, by unions- and guilds, indications point to un- " ie j willingness of officers to sign or. ,.'\ vei '- v . •dangerous ' -even ■•submit- them to rank and file film and as childlike picture ot a 1 gang tliat stole a nation." DE SYLVA REBUTS STOUT! g ON 'HITLER GANG' FILM Hollywood, July 18. In a .letter to Rex Stout. - author and guiding figure of Society for the Prevention of World War HI. B. G. dc Sylva,Paramount producer,, re- plied . to group's criticism . of Hitler Gang", as parleys Epistle pointedly assorted. "Wc be- lieve.', this criticism is entirely unj justified; One of the distinguished members of the advisory council of your .'society, William L. Shirer, write? in his ''Berlin Diary" that . . a small band of unprincipled, tough gangsters has seized control, of the 'land (Germany), corrupted its whole people and driven it to its present course'." De Sylva added, "The reviewer of your Bulletin actually seems to re- proach us for not showing Hitler being voted into power by an over- whelming majority of the German people. We could not do this because ' if is not historical, truth. And .1 am i sure you will agree with us that the | truth is the most sufficient and deadly , .weapon pui' propaganda, can Vise.""' .-. '-. .-:'.—'. In addition to Shirer and.Stdut. the .Society 1 lists, as members Clifton Faciiinan, Cecil ■Brown. Major George ; f'iet;dfng Eliot.: George Creel: and . Qucnlin. Reynolds. membership until further with industry heads Sorrell said -many of proposed con- tract provisions, were satisfactory to individual .crafts; but numerous points remain to be ironed Out, par- ticularly clauses pertaining to wage minimurhs, etc. Points on which there is little likelihood of two groups getting together will either go to conciliation or be submitted direct to WLB for decision. SWISS RILED AT NAZIS' BARRIER ON U S. FILMS via" thg 20th exchanges if, as and when Rank should ask for them. This deal, however, did not go be- yond the offer of use of exchanges and did not provide for the selling and exploitation of Rank (Eagle- Lion) product. One reason given was that the 20th distribution organiza- tion could not extend itself to nan- , die outside product ill addition to its I regular schedule. There is a possi- bility, also, that 20th may increase its output after the war and possibly sooner. .■■;; . '• , ■ Some talk that Sears, if making a distribution deal with Rank, would ask for inclusion of all top Rank product instead of handling output on-a-picture-to-picturfc basis. - j Sears may also • discuss the UA j ownership in the Odeon circuit for which Rank, who has a major in- terest, has been angling in the past. (Continued on page 421. D. C. Times-Herald Sees Political Undertone In 20th-Fox's'Wilson Washington. July 18. What may be the opening gun of a political anvil chorus to give 20th- Fox the kind of a walloping lor "Wilson" that Warner Bros, took for "Mission to--Moscow'' was fired here last Thursday (13) by the Washing- ton Times-Herald. Paper, owned by Eleanor M. "Ci.s- sie" Patterson, of the Pattersoii-Mc- Cormick chain, sees strong political implications favorable to a 4th Term in the film. ■■ Piece written by frank Metros Dept. Of Orig. Projects' Louis B Mayer has set up a De- partment ol Original Projects at the Metro studvo for the development of deals with authors for special original material as welt as for Un- produced plays, all other original material, and associated studio projects. ■ . •> . . .. Voldemar Vetluguin. story consult- ant to Mayer, who has been setting deals with name writers, has been appointed head of the new depart- ment. Frances Manson, formerly with Columbia. Sam Goldwyn and Charles K. Feldman. has been set as Vetlugum's assistant ; | Operation of the D. O. P. will j involve deals with name writers to | turn out original material tailored, : at-times, to the. specific ideas and plans of producers and stars. . In some instances producers have found it expedient to secure the serv- ices'of outside writers for the dot- vclopment of their own original ideas along giyen lines. Bill Fadiman. Metro scenario edi- tor at the studio, continues to handle purchases of all. published books, stories and produced plays: •f One of the first concrete plans to provide for American servicemen in the postwar reconstruction era is be- ing launched within the motion pic- ture business. Under consideration by Arch Ogden, of the Council of Books in Wartime, is a plan sub- mitted by 20th-FOx for a writing fel- lowship for servicemen, to be op- erated much along the lines of the '• Guggenheini;.F^UJid^ion. fellowships. •-PurposeSw^tRe plan is twofold, first to help many of the writers now in the armed forces, whose activities were suddenly halted by-the war. to get a fresh start; second, to.stimulate new writing talent among the mem-, bers of the armed forces: Proposed by Bert Bloch.. eastern story editor for 20th Century-Fox, it; is understood that Ogden is inter- ested in securing the participation of all of the major film companies in the fellowship undertaking, with the object of developing the idea along ■general industry and national lines. Advance and Possibilities From accounts, the plan is to pro- vide for an advance payment of arOund $1,500 to any serviceman who submits an outline for a promising' book/ either fiction or non-fictioh. Acceptance Of any outline^iubmitted would be determined by a commit- tee. 20th-Fox would pay the ad- Vance, under the proposal made by the company to the Council of Books in Wartime, and would also secure the film rights to the book when completed for around $25,000. In acU (Continued on page.38) WB'S'SARATOGA TRUNK' SET BACK 'TIL SPRING Hollywood, July 18. Warners has set next, .spring as re- lease date for "Saratoga Trunk," Edna Ferber yarn. Studio had planned showing it this* summer, BETTY HUTTON TOUR AT $10-12,500 WKLY. Betty Hdttort tees off Aug. 25 at the Michigan theatre, Detroit, in the first of three weeks of vaude dates being lined up for her by the Wil- liam .Morris office. Itinerary in- cludes week of Sept. 1 at the Palace, Cleveland, followed by the Chicago, Chicago, Sept.- 8. ■.''"','. ., Brief tour marks the first time 1 since her Hollywood click of four years! ago that singer is reverting to theatre work. Terms, although being kept hush hush, are understood to call for around $10,000 plus a per- centage in the first two houses, with the actress paying for the accom- panying band and acts, and $12,500 flat at the Chicago .with' show bought, by the house. Washington. July 18. Swiss, up in, arms against, the re- Ifusa.l of German officials in Portu- gal to issue transit permits for : American films, are threatening to m$re enthusiastic New Dealers to ! boycott German pictures. OWI re- '■ swing public sentiment behind F. : D. ! ports.- American pix moving, into | R.'s'4th Term peace-plan. . '' '/ ■' ,.-- j.Switzerland via Portugal and Spain i "Hollywood, by coincidence, of ! "eed the permits to. be transported 1 course, has scheduled for this fall an- G. Waldrop, one of the Times-Herald [ but . dale was pushed ahead because editors, said in part: '..-.,' ' of fact that ; number of pix with -. .'"The; forthcoming movie story of strong topical "interest are ready for the life of Wooclrnw Wilson is being ' release: counted on heav ily by some of -the "Arsenic and Old Lace.'", which Gail Patrick Combines USO Tour With Wedding; i ; Gai1 , Patrick- - .combined romance with patriotism"last week when her USO-Camp Shows hospital four took [WW her to Florida in .order to meet and : , marry Lt. Arnold Dean White .last, i Tuesday 111). Navy regulations later stepped in to mar or at least post- pone a honeymoon trip '■Actress had signed for; hospital visits in Jacksonville. July-13-T5 and • in Miami July 17-20, and arrived early in Jacksonville - where White. Stationed ;in . Miami', had come up to Join h>>i. : After the ceremony, how- ever. White was ordered confined to bachelor quarters in ifjami for. 10 days for going to. Jacksonvillc.*.itli- ♦ i.t leave. Later, the penalty Was reduced to five days:, the couple be- , ; ng reunited in Miami, where Miss Patrick completes her USO schedule as planned. • across Southern France. At present, it is claimed. 185 films destined for Switzerland are being held, up in Lisbon. The greatest'dif- ficulty is ..encountered in getting okays for. American and British newsieels •'--. *-■ . Some.', leading .Swiss are '.already.' boycotting German pictures in pro- test, and the movement threatens to all over that little neutral country.:;../, '...' Bill Dozier Quits Par Hollywood, July 18. Although given , a . new contract last . Friday 114 V. as chief Of Para- mount's story aiid writing . depart- ments. William Do/.ier requested,.and was'granted a release from his pact yesterday 117).- Dozier upon severance of ticket which was extension of -the one. he held for three and a half years. Meta Reis, Dpzier's assistant, will assume post temporarily until new department head is appointed. other 'historical;'melodrama with all the props and artifices and former Ambassador Joseph E.V'Davie's-*..'Mis-, siort -to Moscow,' this 'lime explaining th,e historical statesmanship ol. Wood- row Wilson.- - .. : /'. : -'.' "The overtones and background of this are expecied. to lockstep the. voters behind F. D. ft. for the New World Order, especially .since F. D. R. was one of Wilson's sub-Ca"binet. officers and has ever .since declared Wilson his guiding genius in world planning.". . ,'..'- Bronston Buys 'Indians' went into production, in October, I 1941, vyill be'issued this October, just | three years after shooting -on- it : began.'.' ... : ; "" 1 •-,:-.'.'»- Films, due to get the release nod ' ahead of "Trunk" include, "Janie," j '7110 Very Thought of You." "Dough- I girls," "Objective. Burma/' "Con- I spiiiitoi's" and.-Hollywood Canteen." 1 Studio and distribution heads feel that "Trunk'- .With its comedy vein ; subject . matter and period setting will not be dated by being held back. Figured .that release of film two years alter shooting, date will not affect' its bo. value, whereas, other subjects rpoy be perishable. Wolf Into Sonin's Spot job of general purchasing -The job of general i head for .Loew's and Metro, held for j many years by Charles Sonin, who I died a few .months ago, will hence- ! . forth be handled by Max Wolf, who was " Sonin's assistant. Department , -./.-. Hollywood. July 18.. Screen rights to the Broadway mystery play. "10.. Little- Indians." were bought by Samuel Bronston, . at a reported price of $150,000. plus . , had no statement to: make j percentage, through a deal with Lee 1 has been functioning without a head ' Shubert. - -' ■ . ,',,, '. Bronston is keeping secret his ; r.e- leasing arrangements, . although he still has an unfulfilled commitment to deliver a picture to United Art- ists. ' '"I"'.' ■;• --.''• : since Sonin died, '.- ..y With Wolf moving up, Al Hoffman succeeds as executive assistant, while Leo Lieberinaii. who had been next iti line moves up lo take over Hoffman's former post. .'-' Trade Mark Regflatered • FOUNDED r.y SIMK Slr.VI'.UMAN 1'iihliHliol Weekly b.v V.VKir.'I'V. Inc. 8id hlurerma>, RrfglilMrt lf.l West 4r,ii, St.. New Tmk 19. K. V sunscciri'iON IHMI.V V.VKIKT-Jf-: (J'uiai.'ilicil In ]l'ill;.-?.of.fl by niiilj Vntiety. J..IU. > ♦Ida rni--*)S>'ajHsn