Variety (Jul 1946)

r 16 PICTURES Wednesday, July 31, 1946 Murray Garsson Tried to Push Into Film Biz and Later Pushed It Around Indications that the red herring* Mima) 1 Garsson was swinging around Hollywood in 1932 was for the purpose of forcing the industry to give him a job in order to keep him quiet was presented last week to Congressional investigators of his activities as a munition's maker. Caisson, at the time of the film colony alien-baiting, was serving as special assistant to the Secretary pf Liibor. under whose aegis comes im- migration matters, ostensibly to in- vestigate illegal entry of foreigners into the country. •Now in Havana for ''reasons of health," Garsson was associated with, the film industry in one way or an- other from 1917 until 1937. His first interest, in 1917-18^ was operation of the Ideal Film Studio end laboratory at Hudson Heights, N. J. Later in . 1918 he organized and was president of the Foundation Film Corp.; which produced and distributed a picture labeled "Americanism vs. Bolshe- vism." Couple of years later, Garsson or- ganized and. became prexy of Fine Arts Pictures, distrib for various indies. That lasted from 1920 to 1923, and in 1925 he started Garsson Enterprises, indie, producing outfit. Not having too much success, he nslced for aid from Will Hays,.prez of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, in getting a Department of Justice investiga- tion of motion picture monopolies. Three years later, he became prez of Buck Jones Corp., which pro- duced pictures starring the lasso art- ist. He also had a hand in building of a house for Keith-Albee in the Bronx. N. Y., in 1927. During the investigation of his activities in connection with Rep- resentative Andrew J. May. last week, a Department of Labor Ale on him was introduced. A con- fidential "investigation" of his "in vestigations," it contained a number of unsigned and undated memos, One of which stated: FayaffsT ( "I know that he was associated with many connected with the movie Industry, and thought myself that by reason of his' attitude against movie stars, he was either trying to drive them out and drive down wages, or he was trying to break into some ex ecutive position with studios, and hoped to do so through his official position. . Heard him state that he had refused an offer of $50,000, that he was playing for more. "I honestly believe that he was using his position to that end and hoped to force the industry to hire him to keep him quiet." If that was Garsson's purpose he had some minor success, according to Drew Pearson, in a column earlier in week. Pearson stated that while Garsson had no one deported as the result of his investigation, when he left Hollywood "his daughter had $250-a-week contract with Metro, plus an auto. After a year, 20th Fox gave her another contract, plus one for a husband she had acquired Bothered Film Aliens Labor Department file on Gars son's activities regarding Hollywood aliens whose entry into the country was alleged to be suspicious men' tioned Gilbert Roland, Barry Nor ton, Leopold McLaglen, brother of Victor; Ivan Lebedeff, Lila Lee, the Marquis de la Falaise, husband Gloria Swanson at the time; Ann Sten, Maureen O'Sullivah and Paul Lukas. Subsequent investigation gave them all clean bills of health. Memo on de la Falaise remarked that Garsson's activity smacked of "spite work and harassment.". Gars- son's investigation of John Farrow, actor and writer, kicked, up such a fuss that the FBI was asked to check the affair. Two reports were made, the first indicated that Garsson had conspired to force Farrow to hire an attorney he didn't want at a $4,000 fee. Subsequent report, however, said Farrow felt everything had been on the up-and-up. Gene Raymond Reports At E-L for 1st as Megger Hollywood, July 30, Gene Raymond checked in at Eagle-Lion for his first job as direc- tor. Film is titled ^Concerto ■ ot Death" and is based on a Donald Henderson - novel, "Mr. Bowling uys a Newspaper." Screen rights were recently ac- quired by Raymond, who is writing is own screen treatment. Eagle-Lion inked' Sylvia Sidney co-star with Franchot Tone in Repeat Performance.!' Marion Par- sonnet will produce from her own script Auction Sales • Continued from page 9 ; Miniature Reviews "% Goya from Mllwmukte" (W- B). Jack Carson-Dennis Morgan comedy that should do okay despite spotty script. "Silently Scandalous" (U). Modestly-budgeted musical with plenty of entertainment for sup- porting positions. "Blonde for a Day". (PRC). Mildish Michael Shayne sleuth whodunit, okay for lesser duals. Film Reviews Markey to Roll King' In Sept. at 20th Hollywood, July 30. Gene Markey's first postwar pro- duction, "No Wedding Ring," gets the gun Sept. 2 at "20th-Fox with Victor Mature, Leanne Cralh, Thom- as Mitchell and James Gleason head- ing the cast. Second venture, slated for a late December start, will be "The Night the World Shook," starring Richard Greene, British thesp.. lions. Furthermore, there is a tend- ency to view single-selling and auc- ion-bidding as a means by the court to avoid divorcement, which is the real hope of many indies. Divorce- ment devotees were given some en- couragement by Wright last week in his declaration that the D. of J. was primarily seeking "a competitive in- dustry structure" and was only in- terested in the decree as a means of providing "badly needed interim in junctive relief" with separation of theatre holdings as the ultimate aim. (Meantime, Abram F. Myers, gen- eral counsel for National Allied, yesterday, t30) in an analysis of the decision and accompanying state- ment urged exhibs to forego any idea of hoping to persuade the court, to drop auction selling. Rather, he said, the exhibs should decide whether they wanted bidding or di- vorcement and then concentrate on either aim.) At the same, time, the Southern California Theatre Owners' Associa tion, at a special meeting, declared a finish fight on auction-selling. They adopted a plan to carry their, battle to the Department ot Justice and the court. SCTOA includes both indie and affiliated theatres. It recom- mended a return to the old method of selling an entire season's program in advance, with reasonable right of elimination. Slill More Beefs From Charleston, S. C, came still another squawk against the suggested decree, the Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina passing a reso- lution that exhibitors "have not been sufficiently considered in the trial of the case and the opinion handed down.". Fred Wehrenberg, prexy of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, likewise added that.organ- ization's voice to the clamor against auction-selling. He expressed the be- lief that it would have heavy theatre building by "outside money" and re- sult in dangerously overseating the industry. Wehrenberg arrived in New York after presenting his views to Wright in Washington. He de- clared that auction-selling would "be an invitation to set up theatres like filling stations." "I can tell you with the interests I have in banking," Wehrenberg was quoted as saying, "that there has been a lot of money made in muni- tions, and the like, that is seeking an outlet, and such money might jump into the theatre business under the auction plan. It will cause an influx of outsiders into the. business, who know nothing of customs and will bid to Heaven for pictures."- Echoing the opinion generally held in the industry concerning auction- selling, Martin G. Smith, prez of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, called the plan impractical re- gardless of the method finally adopt- ed to implement it. Smith complained that the exhib will have no assur ances of a flow of product, since he will never know if he Is going to get a picture and he will not be able to plan his program ahead. POLIO KO TO K.C. B.O.'S AS KIDS STAY AWAY Kansas City, July 30. Increase in number of polio cases here past fortnight has earmarks of an epidemic and already is stunting biz in entertainment spots, particu- larly nabe theatres. Downtown first run. houses report only slight effects form the scare, but lineup of attrac- tions is not drawing many juves into the loop. Fox-Midwest -which operates a string of nabes covering the city and houses throughout Kansas and Missouri reported grosses off as much as 25% in the metropolitan area where public notice has fo- cused on the outbreak. Biz in the sticks is also reported off but not by such a large margin. Count, on polio cases at the week- end ran 27 in Kansas City, Mo., with several additional cases in the-ter- ritory. Largest outburst' of cases came during heatwave %t mid-July and cooler weather of July 25-26 had stopped the outbreak for a time. City swimming- pools, special summer school classes, Boy. Scout arid Girl Scout activities, a number of company picnics and other gath- ering activities were curtailed in the wake of the disease. At week's end no official action had been taken against public gath- erings, but city officials indicated further gains by infantile paralysis would bring restrictions in what- ever degree deemed necessary.. 2 Guys from Milwaukee Winner Bros, reluuse of Alox Gollllrli prodin-llon. Stars Dennis .Morgan, .lurk Cmnon; features Joan Irfslle, Junta Paige, si. Z.' Kakull, I'Htll .Brady. Dliwinl by David Duller. Original screenplay, t'uurlwi Hoffman unit I. A, L. .Diamond; editor, Irene. Morru; camera, Arthur Erteson; dia- log director, Fell* Jncovcs: assistant di- rector, Jesse Hlliba: scoro, Frederick Hol- lander: muslo director. Leo V. Forhaloln. At Strand, N. Y., July 27, '46. Running lime, M MINS. Prince Henry..... Dennis Morgan Bum Wllllums., Jack Cm-nun ■ • i ... Joan-Lenllo . Janls I'algf ,s: 55. Stiknll l'altl .llrady ... .'.Tom D'Andrea . Rosemary. DeOnmp John Uldge.ly .........Pal McVey .Franklin l'iingborn Francis Plerlol Connie Read. oily 'ount Oswald Peggy • ■• Happy. Nan...; Miko Collins Johnson.;. Theatre Manager. Dr. llauer........ Id Mpls. Too Minneapolis, - July 30. Polio epidemic here has reached such proportions that pressure is being brought upon Mayor H. H Humphrey to order the closing of theatres and other, places where large crowds gather. He has indi- cated that such action will be taken only as a last resort. As of last Saturday there were 182 cases. and there had been a number of deaths from the illness here. Many of the victims are adults. ALBEBTA PIKE'S HOROE , Denver, July 30. Alberta Pike, publicity - director for Fox Denver Theatres, named ,by the Democrats as nominee for re- gent of the University of Colorado. She has no opposition in the prima- ries. The Norlin medal has previ- ously been given her as a rwult of her outstanding service to the uni- versity. WB-H0ME OFFICE UNION SIGN 15% SALARY TUT Warner Bros, and the Motion Pic- ture Home Office Employees Union, IATSE, in a joint statement an- nounced signing of an agreement covering 650 employees with pro vision for a 15% salary increase re troactive to June 1, 1946. Previous agreement between the union and the company was not scheduled to expire until Feb. 10, 1947. In addition to the wage hike, the contract provides for .reduction in the regular workweek to 37>4 hours, severance pay up' to six weeks' sal ary, and seniority privileges. Indie Combine ; Continued from page 3 ; staff functions. There may be a common sales director. Buchman is currently winding up his deal with Columbia and will leave that, lot, it is understood, when he completes "Assigned to Treas ury," which goes before the cameras Sept. 15 and should be completed by the end of December. His initial picture for Quality will be "Last Frontier," from the Howard Fast novel. He's reported to have made arrangements for space on the Hal Roach lot. Small's first two pictures will be "Valentino" and "Lorna Doone," -lat- ter in color. Hawks plans "Red River" arid Story Productions will do "This Side of Innocence," from the best-selling ; novel (now in .sec ond place after heading the list for 10 weeks) by Taylor Caldwell. Cary Grant is reported interested in do ing the picture. The odds of performance against script aren't sufficient to surmount the obstacles encountered in "2 Guys from Milwaukee," in which Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson are the titular characters. The pic should do well enough at the boxoffice because of the film's value, though it's basically the comedy fol-de-rol of the male stars that give "2 Guys" whatever entertainment merits the pic possesses. It's an obvious story with a famil- arly concocted ending that neverthe- less will draw laughs. Yarn concerns the visit to the U. S;' of a European king and his strictly democratic de- sire to learn about the common people, and also to meet one Lauren Bacall. With this in mind, he scrams an official New York reception and becomes hooked up with the inevita- ble commoner from Brooklyn. That would he Carson, a cabbie from Flatbush. To maintain his disguise, he presumes to be from Milwaukee, which ' is also the original home of the loud-gabbing but sincere fender-bumper. For a day or so he's able to carry off the subterfuge, Which is mixed up with his romance with the cab- driver's girl, a manicurist, and, fi- nally, the revelation that his country has failed to elect him in a plebiscite —which makes Morgan a commoner free to marry anyone he pleases, the least of whom would be the cuticle- stab'oer. And that's where the story really flounders. Just when it ap- pears as if that romance is the mccoy, the yarn does a strange switch and she goes back to Carson, while Mor- gan planes to Milwaukee to take a ob as a salesman with a brewer. And who does he find in the seat next to him? Yep—Lauren Bacall. A tap on his shoulder at this point makes- his elation short-lived.. A dour-pussed character claims Mor- gan's seat, but quick! Said character is a guy by the name of Bogart. Neither Miss Bacall . nor Bogart is billed, of course. Carson, as usual, draws plenty of laughs from what most frequently , are lines that are read much better than they deserve. Morgan fits the regal character well, while Joan Leslie—who is, surpris- ingly, only featured instead ot starred as the manicurist—is a better actress than her part permits her to be. Janis Paige has a lesser role in helping to maintain the romantic element, with S. Z. Sakall hypoing the comedy, as usual. David Butler has directed for pace, and gets the most out of the situa- tions. Production is high-grade. Kohn. lease intentions. Picture introduces Paula Drew, singer, and she does interesting work as star of television show being concocted by ex GI's She handles three numbers, all by Jack Brooks, in a listenable style. Jack Marshall, vaude and nitery comic brings his hat routine and two songs to the score for nice spotting. Isa- bella goes south of the border for dance and song, "Negra Leona," that fits in well with musical'portions.. Plot concerns Fred Brady's effort to put on a television show for a sponsor. He plays the ex-GI and also his twin but bashful brother who's tricked into supplying the production coin: Romantic complications con- cern Sheila Ryan, sponsor's daughter, Miss Drew, Isabelita and the twin brothers. Mixups provide the laughs and finale rings in a third Brady to make it triplets, the tele show is sold, and. the brothers pair off properly with the right femmes. Brady is slightly flamboyant as the brash producer, more subdued as the bashful twin. Miss Ryan is easy to look at and does well by her assign- ment. Walter Catlett and others measure up to demands of the orig- inal script by Erna Lazarus and Da., vid Mathews. Will Jason's direction does the best by the material, spot- ting bits of business and touches that sustain interest. Louis_Da Pron. Do- rcse Midgley and Georgann Smith, do good terp production number, and Guadalpara Trio, supplemented by Frank Yaconelli and Nick Moro, fit in. Lensing, editing and other tech- nical functions measure lip. Bros. Blonde for a Day PRO'pictures release of Slgmunrt Kraft-Id production.. Features Hugh Heauinoni. K'nthryn Adnma. Directed by Sam New. field Screenplay by Fred Myron, from original story, "Michael Shayne, DelectIve.' 1 by Pretl Hnlllday; camera, Jink Krern. liulBh: editor, Ho I brook N. Todd. I'm- viewed In N. T., July 20, '40. Humiing lime. « MINS. 'Michael Shayne .Hugh Beaumont l'hyllls Hamilton Kathryn Ailninn Pete Hufferly L'y Kendnlt Helen Porter Mnjorle llouhnia Dllly Smith Richard Fr«aer_ Tim Ilourko.. ;..ruul 1'rjur llrenner .< Mnurllz Hugo llenty Charles Wilson. Muili l Itroiison.' Sonla Corel, Hi on.-on Frank Ferguson Minrrv.-i C'lnlro Kochclle Slightly Scandalous (MUSICAL) Hollywood, July 27. Universal release of Stanley Rubin pro- tltii.-iion'. Stars' Fred Brady, Shei'la Ityim; Introducing Paula Drew; roatures WHlier Cullett. . Isabelita, Louis Da ' l'ron. .Tuck Marshall. Directed by Will Jason. OrlKlmil screenplay, Krna T^asarus and David Math- ews; added dialog, Joel Malons and Jerry Warner; camera, George Koblnson; editor, Fred It. Feltshnnn; music. Jack Brooks. Previewed July 2.1. '40. Itunnlng time. 01 MINS. Jerry, John, and James Fred Rrady Trudy Price .Vaula Urew Christine Wright Sheila Ilyun .Mr. Wright Waller Oallelt I. ola isabr-lilr- II. i.ky:... Louis Da Pron Knvln ...Jack Marshall Mexican Duet , Nick Moro Mexican Duet........". Frank Ynconelll (iuadaljara Trio..; .(iundaljarn Trio Specially dancer ...Doresr Midgley Specially Dancer....'. Ueorgann Smith This program (llmusical has been brightened considerably by new vari- ations on a standard plot. It will serve neatly as supporting material in majority of situations. Songs are delivered nicely; score has crammed six tunes into, the 61 minutes' run- ning time without obvious crowding, and comedy rates many pleasant chuckle:. - Production coin has been carefully spent by Stanley Rubin, associate producer, under executive supervi slon of Marshall Grant, to give film neat framework and backing for re 'Courage of Lassie' "Courage of Lassie," .third in the Lassie Alms released by M-G, was originally tradeshowh under the title of "Blue Sierra," and so reviewed in Variety May 8, "4B. Review stated film was geared to moderate b.o. Another In the Michael Shayne detective series, "Blonde For a Day'' follows same general pattern in this whodunit series, but it is not nearly, as strong as most'of those in group.. This particular story has the makings of a more intriguing mystery but story lags too much. Film is okay for lower rung of ,dual combos in small spots. . Hugh Beaumont again plays the detective Shayne, while Kathryn Adams is his pert secretory. They work well as a team, pair actually being husband and wife. Yarn deals with Beaumont rescuing a police re- porter when a bunch of gamblers get tough with the guy. Scribe had been exposing the gang as being linked to a series of slayings when they try to bump him off. The Sherlock unravels the mystery, which seems to. have more blondes than detectives showing up in some sequences. * Topping support are Cy. Kendall, Marjorie Hoshelle and Paul Bryar. Sigmund Neufeld has given the pic-, ture all the necessary production for a story of this sort Wear. New Foreign Films (Unlikely for Anglo-U. S. Market) I Dodens Vantram ("Waiting Room for Death") (SWEDISH). Terralllm release of Lorens Murmstedt and Hnsse Kkman production; stars Hesse Ekmon; Viveca f.lntlfors; features Erik Berglund. Sllg .leer. rel, Bengt Ekeroth, Sven Berlll Noi lierg, Honald de Wolfe, Goby Doulllord: snrrn- play, Walter LJungqulBt and Hasse Kk- man from novel by Sven Stolpe: ismera, finding Bladn. Reviewed In Stockholm. Itunnlng time, M MINS. This film gives a wonderful close- up of the mountains in Switzerland, with cameraman Hilding Bladh taking credit for this. It's a senti- mental story laid in a Switzer- land hospital. Cast is not standout excepting Viveca Lindfors and Stig Jaerrel. It's sure of success here,, but chances In the U. S. are slim. STOCKING'S PUB-AD M-GPOWWOtfS IN N.Y. Howard StrickUng, Metro studio publicity chief, flew in from the Coast on Sunday (28) for 10 days of huddles with b.o. execs. Strickling will concentrate on conferences with William F. Rodgers, Metro veepee over sales, and,Howard Dietz, veepee over ad-publlcity, to line up distri- bution-publicity liaison plans on the company's forthcoming product. Originally slated to come east sev- eral weeks ago, Strickling was de- tained on the Coast because of the illness of Jerry Mayer, studio head! Latter underwent a major abdominal operation last week in' San Francis-: co. and, according to Strickling, is recovering rapidly.