Variety (May 1946)

WednMflw May 22, 194t MCTUBBS MORE PIX ON SHORTER RUNS S1MPP Talks Partial Tie With MPA In Johnston Push for Film Unity Partial amalgamation of the So- ♦ , ie ty ot Independent Motion Picture Producers with the Motion Picture Association is a likely possibility for tht not-too-distant future. It has been discussed recently by SIMPP members and is scheduled for further-consideration. David o; Solznick, a member of SIMPP, explaining the move in New York, said it would not be a com- plete melding of the indies wilh the major companies' organization, but would be only a partial combo along lines of mutual interest. In other words. SIMPP would continue as a unit on those aspects of its activities peculiar to indie production, but amalgamate" in the. fields where the inlcrcsls of its' members run paral- lel to ihose ot.the majors. Effort to gel the two groups to- gether was instigated some time ago i by Eric Johnston, whose constant aim since he became MPA p'rexy last year has been to get as com- pletely a united, front as possible within the industry. Johnston said last week, however, that there whs no move toward complete taking over of the SIMPP by the MPA: Tied up with possible amalgama- tion were reports that Donald Nel- son, pro/, of the SIMPP, had indi- calcd during a recent stay in Wash- ington a possibility that he may leave the organization. That, in turn: may lie up with reports that Nelson. had been approached on the possi- bility of his succeeding Edward C. Raflery as president of Uitile.fi Artists. Nelson denied in Hollywood Monday (20), however, auy inlen- tion of leaving SIMPP. SIMPP, organized in 1942. has 25 ., members, including virtually all of Hollywood's top indies. A number of them also belong to the .MPA. Johnston Hosts Leon Bhnn Hollywood, May 21. , Eric Johnston played host to Leon Blum last night (20). at a small, pri- vate dinner party at the Carlton hotel here, Blum heads the French loan delegation.now in this country —and one of the things this country wants in exchange for the loan is an "in"'for our pix in Fiance. Also present at the dinner were Secretary of the Treasury Fred M. Vinson, Secretary of Labor Lewis Schwellenbach, and John W. Snyder, director'of the Office ot War Mobili- zation and Reconversion. 'Harvey to Col. On a Split Deal Similar to 'Kiss? Columbia has been making a strong bid during the past week for film rights to the hit legiler. "Har- vey.'' Negotiations are on the basis of an even split of the profits after, production costs similar to the deal George Abbott had with Col. on "Kiss and Tell." Abbott and F. Hugh Herbert, who wrote the latter play, netted almost $1,500,000 'be- tween them on the picture, which is said to have hit close to a $4:000.000 domestic gross. Mary Chase, author of "Harvey." and Harold Friedman, her agent, had a look last week at "Kiss and Tell" in the Col projection room. Abbott' participated in that as producer of the film. Whether Brock Pemberton. f producer of the legit version of j "Harvey," would handle the same "chore on the Hint appeared doubtful, inasmuch as he has never produced in Hollywood. Columbia Was also talking deals ' last week on "I Like It Here." the reports that lie and Charles Chap- ! A - B - Shiffrin comedy starring Oscar 1 LEVEL STILL BEATS '45 The flrst-run engagements of top pictures in various parts of the coun- try are gradually lessening in length because of ah overload of product while, also, theatre operating cir- cles report there is an accompany- ing, tendency not to extend dates so far on releases of lesser grade. . These new trade devlopments are rebounding to the benefit of subse- quent run theatres since many pic- tures now have considerable left in ,them after downtown initial play- dales.. Also benefiting the subse- querits is the fact that pictures are not held up so long for nabes and other operations, with publicity cam- paigns on them, newspaper reviews, radio exploitation, etc, growing cold. The shortening of engagements in first-run houses does not necessarily mean the grosses for such houses are being affected, since the shorter tho runs the greater the likelihood of weekly averages being higher, pro- viding the quality ot product re- mains on. an even keel. Grosses as an averagfe throughout I the counlry are reported holding up remarkably well though, there arc many, areas which arc noticeably off through loss of Army camps, de- fense manufacture and other war- time, hypos. However, one of the larger circuits reports that it is still amazing how some towns are holding up. The month: of April is said to have averaged up slightly belter than the same month in 1945. Various ups and down affect the overall picture; however, including strike.-. Where they are of short duration it appears boxoffices are aided rather than injured, whereas when they drag out a long lime the (Continued on page 30) UA s Yen for a Top Biz Exec in H.O. Aimed to Cut $70,000 Weekly Nut M-G Seeks late Song' Hollywood, May 21. Michael Myerbcrg spent last week in Hollywood negotiating for sale of the picture- rights to "Lute Song," with indications pointing to Metro, as the likely studio. Feeling that, scales lean toward Metro is cued by the fact that Myerberg wants' Judy Garland, for the Mary Martin role. Interest for flicker version seems good in spite of the play's short run and heavy subject matter. Legit- er closes June 1. Kelly Denies Rift With Chaplin Oyer Tim Durant's Cut-in Arthur W. Kelly denied this week Musicals Sold To Other Lots Hollywood, May 21. After backing three legit musicals and failing to purchase screen rights for any .of them, Metro, has seem- ingly lost interest in this sort of ven- ture. Studio angeled "On The Town." "Bloomer Girl," and "Day Before Spring." all of.which'are be- ing filmed by other companies. According to M-G execs, their present ceiling is plenty profitable and. - in any case, picture pos- sibilities of stage . stories are not enough to . warrant the investment. With a quest on for story vehicles for. their stars, studio people have found originals by their contract writers the best source of material. WALLIS' BRITISH PIC PART OF PAR'S BUDGET Hal Wallis is dickering with Ray | MRIER ASKS AND GETS HIS RELEASE FROM PAR liii had had a disagreement which ■ Karlweis threatened the streamlined features den. N. V which closed at the Gol. ecently after a short run. Another Col deal in the making is for pre-production participation in "Bar- naby," by Joseph Chodorov. Com- pany would partially finance the icgiier and option the film rights. production company they recently set up. It was reported that there was a rift over Chaplin's insistence on including Tim Durant. his long- time associate, in as a partner in the new outfit. Kelly, in refuting reports or any dispute between himself and Chap- lin, admitted, however, that Durant would be associated with the new company only in its initial produc- tion; 'The Hand," and after that it would be a purely Chaplin-Kelly i vesterdav (201 between Joseph! alTa.ir. Kelly is said to have fell ' JOE MANKIEWICZ'S % DEAL AT COLUMBIA Hollywood. May 21. Producer-dircct*r deal was pacted M iI land for the latter to star in the 1 Aim Wallis plans to make in England■: next spring tor. Paramount. Based' on "And Now for Her." Joseph) Shearing'; novel, it will be released under the Park trademark, in. ac- cordance with Wallis' contract to make one picture a year in England for Par. Producer will have a 50% share ot the film. Production of pictures to be re-! Mast.". "Calcutta." and "The Bride leased under the Wallis trademark. '■ Wore Boots." Miller's immediate for Par release, will be concentrated '; plans include beginning of work on in Hollywood. a new Hovel. Hollywood, May 21. [ Seton I. Miller asked.for and re- I ceived his release Monday (20J from ! his writer-producer ticket at Para- - mount. Deal started with the studio i late in 1942. I Last chore there was "California." '.'with.others "Two Years Before the . With United Artists' owners far from agreement on a successor 16 'Edward C. Raftery, probability looms that he will be drafted for another term as president of the' company. Meantime,- it appeared from huddles held by partner Mai y Pickford in New York' last wee.lc that Raftery, if he remains, might get a'powerful executive aide. Raftery has informed" UA's tines stockholders that he desires to re- turn to his law practice, from whic'i he was called into the company's presidency five years ago. A suc- cessor, if he is to be found, must i>i» agreed upon before UA's annual stockholders' meeting June 11. . Among those mentioned as possi- bilities for the job is Donald M. Nelson, president of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Pro- ducers since last June. Nelson staled in Hollywood Monday (20) thai he had not been approached. Nevertheless, his name was being widely mentioned as the result of .conversations Miss Pickford hsd with various persons in New' Yorl; last week. ..'..' Nelson is the former chairman of the War Production Board. - Prior to that he was exec v.p. and chair- man of the exec committee of Sears. Roebuck & Co. Former Price Ad- ministrator Leon Henderson has also been suggested as a possibility, in the owners' hunt for a national fig- ure to head up the company. Abtel's Background . If'Raftery remains, a likelihood as his principal aide is Allen "Chick" Abeel. second veepee of the Guar- anty Trust Co., N. Y., in charge of its film loans. Abeel has had long familiarity with the picture indus- try, particularly its financial phases. (Continued on page C2) MRS. G0LDWYN SCOUTS LONDON PROD. FOR SAM Mrs. Samuel (Frances) Goldwyn arrived in New York Monday (20\ preparatory to leaving for England and' France for a look-see for her husband. She's slated to pla;ie out for London Saturday (25).' Mrs. Geldwyn will be abroad for a month or more, going into the pos- sibilities of Goldwyn's producing in England and making a general sur- vey of the film situation there and on the continent. that a three-way split would not be profitable. Production ot "The Hand." a 60- mmute psychological thriller in wl)ich the now unit aims to special- ize, has been delayed by script trouble. Kelly staled. He also said Miinkiewic/. and Columbia. rp- porledly placing him on a partici- pation basis similar to thai, of Don Mailman and Sidney Buchman. 1 Contract'covers a minimum ot two; years. ; In. spile of the fact that Mankie- - National Boxoffice Survey i Despite Weather, l\R. Strike and Few New Pix, Biz ... . wicz is - understood' to be moving, tnat he arid-'Chaplin would delay trinn 20lh-Fox in early summer. Ihat ; , .. . „-... j„, ,„„,. , making-any more until the first one J studio announced that he leaves to- ! P a ' ,e ^ sl, ;: U ^. , ! , Ph ^ de !P'^ had been completed and shown, to | dav (211 with Philip Dunne, for Grad Scars, distribution 'ohi*/ of : United Artisli. which will release il. to gel a determination of its poicn- tial gross. i Strong—'Dahlia,* /Kitty,' 'Corner' Top List Boxoffice pace continued strong . up strong $20,000 in opening session during the last week, although bad in Cincinnati and looks to weather in several keys, plus un- ! solid $10,000 in third Prov eertainly caused by the- railroad : week. "Kilty" *' " strike, cut inlo the grosses BILL D0ZIER MAY JOIN SELZNICK PRODUCTIONS Claims by Theatre Guild is planning produc- tion of pictures there have been William Dozier who recently '-re- ' vehemently denied by Lawrence sinned as principal production" aide ; L3n « cl - C'»ld's co-direclor. to RKO proxy N. Peter Ralhvon. ! Langcr ' ''' may join the David O. Sei/.nick forces. Queried Monday (20> night. heavy loll, but several films bucked „ , , r ,„ •■ the trend to do well. Nasty weather New York to look al_ Lai? Geo gc ; - • Francisco by A„ley wh.ch he-i* skedded lo p.o- p l . ll , U)mel . s in lown . duce at West woo d. ■ j W i,lra minimum of fresli releases, I the list of leaders looks about the Guild Not Pix-Minded ' same.. "Blue Dahlia" (Pan tops the Hollywood. May 21. :| slrins. but is getting lough race from Coast dailies that the 1 "^"V ''Pari and "Dark Comer Se^nick slalcd: "I've had some t:ilks. with Dozicr and e'xoeci tit have some more on the possibilitv of his Joininfi Die. but al Ihe mninent it appears remote." Dozier is currently in New Yor' ! < w,t . h '>'■< bride, Joan Fontaine. He '"-'sidled from RKO shortly ber.ne "e lelt on a honeymoon in Me\i.o. '< He had h.-en named, to Ihe shidiu ! highly, incensed over what he termed misquotations of him by tile local papers. Says they want headlines, right'or-'wrong. BEERY BLASTS BULK Hollywood, May 21. Metro flacks are busy correcting rumors about Wallace Beery's health, as result of recent publicity rolra-vs that the heavy star had lost Tl pounds. Beery declares the 22 .pound* were i20th ). "•Outlaw" (UA) continues lo hold big in many situations. Metro's "Postman Always Rings Twice" and "/.icgfeld Follies" is drawing nice returns and "Ujjda s ' (Col) also looks hoi. "Saratoga Trunk" <WB>. "Bad- man's Territory" (RKO > and "De- votion" (WBl 'round on I Ihe list. "Kid from Brooklyn" MlKO-i and "Stolen Lite'' (WB>. currenl only al their-first run situations in N. Y.. remain heavy grosser*. "Rebecca" ilJAi, Sel/.nick reissue, is chalking gross idence week. "Kilty" leads K. C. on a News-I h. o. and' is bucking the Philly strike with whammo $S3,000 in its third session. Picture is also solid in! Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Sim Francisco and Denver. "Dark Corner" 1 is doing hefty. $12.(100 in Indianapolis and strong biz in other points. "Outlaw" leads rain-swept St. Louis wilh solid $20,- 000 in its first week and is also a topper in K. C IndiHiiapolis and 1 Louisville. "Postman" is paving the j way in Omaha wilh a good $13,001). and ■ copped a very strong $80,000 ! in its third week al the Capitol. ] N. Y.. with Guy Lombardo's band. ' "Follie.-" leads Denver with smash j $22,000 and is doing a healthy $22,- - 000 in ils fourth Chicago week. ■Truiik." • with SSn.OOO. ; and "Dragonwyck" with $32,000 lead ; Detroit and "Gilda" tops Providence wilh terrific $20,000 and Lincoln With siurdy $4,000. "Ti unk" is also Trade Nfark .nrslntere^ (•■OIIXDKI) RY StMIJ SII.VICItMAN rulillkhril W«rkl> liy VARIKVT. I Of. Sid jjilvi:i-iiinn. Fi'CHldelil 1SI IVral 4 CI It SI.. New Torlt 19, N. T BUnStllll'TlON Annual 110 Corelcn Ill Si iij^I** .Coptan. . .'.-..... 2B Cri*. i .'< Vol. 102 120 !>. No. 11 INDEX up large returns -in ■ several spots! i solid in Minneapolis filth week and I Post by Charles Kuei-ner and siayc<.i j excess weight and that he js now as on when Koei'iier died and Raltivon ! hard as nails and dowu to 'his proper wok over. , pounduge. Bride Wore Boots" <Pari bowed in to a stromt $33,000 in Philly. despite the .-.Hike. "Dahlia"' is grossing very big M7."(M in ils Second week at Ihe Broadway Paiamiiunl. along with its seventh Chicago week. Business. on . Clii's Loop received an unanticipated hypo as overflow crowds from- the. Chicago thealie. . wliuie Frank Siualra is chalking un an iinazing XBn.000. ponied into. ' Duke Ellinglon's orch. Film rang other houses'in the vicinity. HAM.V VAKIf.TV (l'ill,ll>.l.-(l li Hiillvnuiil by »I0 » Ycdr •»!!! Koirisn