Variety (July 1949)

12 INTERNATIONAL ‘▼ABIKTT’8* I.ONOON OFUCB • Ht. Martln’a Pl»c«, Ti»fklff»v Mmm Mex Studios See Biz Hypo in Aleman Program Based on Huddles, With Execs ‘Hamlet’s’ Mex Score Mexico City. July 12. ♦ Mexican pic trade sees* a huge I hypo for it in the eight-star pro ^ gram President Miguel Aleman prescribed after tBe straight talk he had with trade toppers headed by Andres Serra Rojas, prez of Rome, July 5. Paul LaPere. associate producer the pic industry’s bank. Banco Na "“h Scalera Films of Romh. beP" readying an Italian film Mexico City, July 12, “Hamlet” <U-1) ended five straight weeks at the swank Cine Chapultpec July 7, a record here for a foreign pic in these times. It was priced at 60c for the first three weeks and 50c the rest of the time. “Hamlet” has moved over simultaneously at the downtown Cine For American Market Palacio and the suburban Cine Lindavista at 35c. French Cafe Biz Goes On as Usual As Three Ex-GTs Try to Shoot a Pic laAPere Readying Film cional Cinematografico. Program demands forming a su called “Mirella” for the Englishspeaking market, and will plane to r"neToTsl“"oo ".'it "Sms" to New v"„rk“.nd Holbwiod ' next Mexican pix; more thorough ex; ^ amination of films by the National , release tor this nim is not sei Cinematographic Commission and 1 n .• ■ u., I LaPere is expected back to Rome classification ^ ^ y.thrhr ^o produce and direct another picfor better distribution and exhibi' ^ . Sralera tion; every Mexican pic must have acaiera. a message and really mean something; investigation of all economic factors of production; interchange of players and directors between Mexico and various countries; permanent peace between Mexican film labor unions — the National -.Cinematographic Industry Workers (STIC) and the Picture Produc Jap Film Industry On Ropes After Two Years Legit Thrives In Tel Aviv Heal 2 Foreign Troupes For Venice I^git Festival Genoa, July 7. Paris, July .■>. The IDHEC (pronounced E-deck) is one of the foremost cinema .schools in the world today it, full name is the Institut des liautes Etudes Cinematographlques, and Tel .\viv, June 30. A terrific heatwave is having little effect on legit productions here. Habimah, the Ohel and the Chamber theatre are all bu.sy with presentations. Habimah’s guest-producer, Julius Gellner (of the British Broadcasting Corp. ) has turned /V# « a 1 • I »r ® polishbd. finished production Ilf ISO/ Admish lax of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Tokyo, July 5. j proper setting and Gertrude Japanese film exhibitors and di.s j Kraus’ modern ballet, led by still struggling, after , Marna Rothschild, is excellent. tion Workers < STPC » ; fiscal checkup of studios to find what’s needed ; tribs are _ to make them more efficient, in, more than two years, under the , Israel Becker heads a fine cast, eluding, should that be necessary, burden of a 150*!'o admi.ssion tax. j Ohel’s production of Theodore elimination of back-number plante i The Nipponese amusement tax, Herzl’s “Solon in Lydia,” about and labs. * which applies to film hou.ses, thea famous law-maker, has good Studios’ situation, which they tres, cabarets, baseball games, etc., 1 dramatic form and a universal called bad. was put up to Ramon was hiked early in the occupation Though Herzl never be Beteta, finance minister, by Serra from 50% to 100%, and thence to came a great literary figure, deRojas and Alberto Saldana, sub. 150%i. Coupled with a ceiling price spite his sparkling feuilletons, director of the Nacional Finan on boxoffice fees, the government “Solon” is as interesting today as ciera, the government's fiscal agen^squeeze has most of Japan’s exhibs, ! ^as in, Vienna half a century cy which has a big investment in distributors and producers hanging ago. The cast includes Chchoval these plants, and Emilio Azearraga, I on the ropes; has forced at least ^ jj^ role, Margalith as top exhibitor and chief stockholder ; one newsreel concern to fold, and \ Aesop and Z. Baraban as Croesus, in the Churubusco Studio here, has caused a wave of retrench j dj. p Loewy’s sets are colorful. Calling the studios’ $11,500,000 in i ments affecting the entire industry. Moshe Halevi produced. The 10th International Theatre | its situated in a former studio at Festival will take place in Venice | St. Cloud on the outskirts of Paris, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 3, with the numbers various nationalities ^ among its student-body. In the group are 16 Americans attending the school under the G I Bill of Rights. A few of them got I , , r, 1* 11 together and decided to pool th* Jean Louis Barrault, will give two , allotted them for practical performances of Moliere s Four | , .hoot a short I film, with the two-fold purpose of j learning and making an acceptable film. Gene Moskowitz, of New York, acted as adapter-director of , a short story, called “The Ephemeatre will present the poet’s ' Iphi ral Coward.” Elmer Silver of Calgenie auf Tauris,”* with Ewald ifornia, took over the camera and Balser and Helene Thimig in the j Liz Massie, of Virginia, was to act I as script-girl. The story concerns a sensitive young worker branded '^as a coward. I* The picture is now in the second week of shooting, and the three j new filmmakers are beset by the j problems of shooting a film on a limited budget, and coping with the French citizenry, ’There was j much trouble on exteriors, as they blocked traffic for blocks and aroused the ire of the French merchants. They are now shooting in participation of two foreign theatrical companies. A French group, directed by Louis Jouvet and starring Madeleine Renaud and beries de Scapin” and Marivaux’ “Surprises d’Amour.” In conjunction with the 200th anniversary of Goethe’s birth, a company from Vienna’s Burgthe leads. Fredman, Film Renter M.L-Columnist, Dies Suddenly in London Armand Salacrou’s “Nights of Wrath,” about the Resistance in France, has been given a skillful i production at the Chamber theatre vestment a grave risk, they said I Both the occupation headquarthe peril stems from the fact that I ters and the Japanese government while the plants are conditioned ; have turned a deaf ear on the into make 200 pix yearly the pro i dustry’s pleas for relief. They ^ duction is only around 80. Plants, I point out that the government is ^y guest-producer Peter Frye. The they .said, mu.st have an annual : in desperate need of tax revenue, j ca.st includes Avraham Ben Josepg output of at least 194 just to break j that an amusement tax is a quick Batia Lancet. K. Bartov, Orna Po even. Per .studio, they said, that and pairless way to obtain this ; ,.3^^ and Nathan Cogaii. In addi production must be: Churubusco, ! revenue, and that attendance fig1 tion to a fine production Frye also 50; Azteca. 48; Clasa. 40; San ures throughout Japan remain fair1 designed the sets. Angel Inn 'Jorge Stahl), 36, and ; ly stable, which would indicate the 1 Tepeyac, 20. 1 steep tax is not keeping patrons Studios’ situation, though, is away from the boxoffice. A point complicated by the fact that pro! not discussed is how much attendducers regard 80 yearly as the lance would increase if the tax were maximum for .satisfactory biz. How1 reduced. ever. Hollywood indies are seen | The amusement tax was collect as an out. Beteta was told that 1 by the national government un Arnold Pressburger and Fortunio I Aug. 1, 1948, when it was transBonanova arereadying production 1 f<?rred to local governments. Tax in Mexican .studios and will use i experts point out that during the Geiger to Spread Film Making on Continent; German Unit Mulled London, July 12. Ernest W. Fredman, 65, managing editor of the Daily Film Renter, died here yesterday 'Mon.) « local cafe rented for the purpose, after a short illness. He was last ^d there trouble really beset them. . , ... . The bar is very small and ditficuif seen publicly at the recent Glen light, and business goes on as eagles summer session of the Cine! usual, and there is much confusion, matograph Exhibitors Assn., when ! However, the three are deterill health forced his return to Lon ^i^ed to bring the film in on time, don. A working newspaperman to i they work on doing the job of the last, his “Wardour St. Gos.sip” i m«ny. They are learning much, appeared in his publication simul 1 K^Hing good experience finding taneous with an announcement of ■ cooperate with French his death: schoolmates and, above all. making * Q fl 1 WV% Fredman, who.se career in the ■ ® ' film tradepaper field spanned 40 1 years, converted the Weekly Film ' > I • I «« Renter into a daily in 1927. In i NOrW^V LlKBu ID L0n(l0l4 writing his gossip department, ' which he did under the pseudonym of “The 'Tatler,” he was noted for his frankness, sagacity as well as an amusing dry wit London. July 12. Alf Teiehs, German producer, Mexican technicians. Beteta was , l^st four months under the na pinned in from Berlin over the informed that about 28.000 work Honal government the levy yielded ^ weekend for discussions with Rod in the Mexican pic industry, 10,000 4,035,000,000 yen, and fo^r the first E. Geiger on the Anglo-German in exhibition and 6,000 in producj ®'8ht months under local admin aspect of the latter’s pix production. Trade toppers opine that ■ produced 8,218,000,000. | tion plans. Preliminary talks are those who would be let out with i This is a total of 12,2.53,000,000 yen proceeding on the formation of a studio suppression would be ab! ^30,000,000) for the 1948-49 unit to make “The Devil’s General” fiscal year. I and “Steeper Cliff” in Germany To bolster the argument that ad and Britain. A British company is missions are holding up in spite to be formed in association with of the tax, experts point out that Comedia Films of Germany. Ann nnn^^ vicld was about 10,000, j Geiger is currently producing .000.000 yen. and the estimated “Give Us This Day” at Denham. ‘Young Wives’ Tale’ Clicks London, July 12. Brought in for a short summer Selling the Renter in 1947 Fred-' "Song of Norway” ofiened man remained in control of the pa' reception at the I’alace per’s editorial policy under a long yesterday (Mon.). Produced by , term pact. He also was a member Emile Littler, the operetta has of the Cinematograph Trade Bene i lavishly mounted, with ex Ivolent Fund. Surviving are his I f^***^"^ I widow and a .son, Eric, a staff mem ‘ " ber w’ith Herbert Wilcox’ Imperadio Pictures. sorbed by other branches of the Industry. Quebec Relents on Kids At n* f 1 1 nr* n* oive us mis uay ai uennam. nx lor 1st lime bince 11 VlWnLUL i o" ompR-*'"" the pktuic he is 'approximately $36,; planning a trip to the U. S. in or Montreal. July 12. 000,000). For the first time since 1927, 1 jap Film Code when the Laurier theatre fire! a “Tnhr,ci«„ j killed 77 children and the Q^bec i ethics, which notes that war ^mili^ ' classification, but it’s hoped, in ^der to make distribution and exhl! bition arrangements. The pic should fall into the art hou.se thur Servent, Peggy Rowan and Ivor Evans head the cast. Direction was handled by Charles Hickman, choreography by Robert Helpmann and Pauline Grant and the orchestra \\'a.s under baton of Alexander F'aris. After a lengthy provincial tour, which followed a Brighton Iryoui, , , "Young Wives’ Tale” opened at the Melbourne, July 6. ■ Savoy last Thursday (7). This Authorities here have suggested bright, topical comedy, written byto all showmen that theatres Ronald Jeans, was warmly received 1 cinema, legit and vaude, shutter ! winner. The yarn V' two families with chikiron, was One Day Closure Mulled In Aussie Strike Situash strike to conserve gas now used in rn''kids"«‘ S"houses“''mms that there may be sub a'^jaitarr^'a.ryou'ng ' ^‘"G:rglr";:fp»pr„...,ctio„ ster between the age of seven and rektions in films must be handled '■> England, Germ.iny ami Italy. J6. Regular piogian^ are now i .^at the sanctity of niarriaee ! "'66*15 being shown at the Theatre des gnj .he family will not be violated ■ *’6 decide on his next producCoinpagnons at a straight 20c. ad1 The portrayal of brutal ki line; i “o" aotl '“'ale. m..«mn and adults who try to get ' „ust Sor.be'^sl.own, nor th' use fr ' m must be aecompamed by a child, .ale of narcolics. rt nfdv’***'"" ^ "t'mbership j pi„ p„ii,i<,a| overtones must tLc .1 u u respect the Japanese Constitution ^ccn and stress democratic ideals, Vir^1-*^ theatre atone. The tue will also triumph in Japanese ban .still applies to all other thea films fmm nnu; #»n tres in Montreal and throughout splendidly acted, with Joan Green the province. All program.s are approved by the executive of Les Compagnons and the General Film Council. The theatre, which has been renovated and made completely fireproof, will hold 450 kids. French and English films will alternate from week to week. Among the English pix coming are "ill be in Hamburg, “The Sullivans,” “Silting Pretty” Other quarters are to be set up and “Going My Way,” all 16m ver Frankfort, Du.s.seldorf, and Muaions, oioh. Loew’s Reestablishing German Offices in ’50 Hollywood. July 12. Sales operations will be resumed by Loew’s International in Germany on Jan. 1. 1950. Main office Metro’s Latino Drive *Murder’ in Buenos Aires Buenos^ Aires. July 5. iMaurice <Red> Silversteln. Italian actor Ruggero Huggeri’s Metro’s Latin America supervisor, dramatic company, currently playplaned this week for Brazil on an ing at the Odeon theatre, opened eight-week swing through all the this week with an Italian translacompany’s branches In Central and tion of T. S. Eliot’s "Murder in the South America. | Cathedral.” Silver.stein will set the company’s ! The Rugger! company is playing releasing slate for the 1949-50 to packed houses and is one of the season. 1 biggest hits of the season. Current London Shows (Figure shoics weeks of riin) London, July 12. “Anna Veronica,” Piccadilly *8). “Annie Get Gun,” Col’s’m <110). “Beau Stratagem,” Lyric 'll). “Brigadoon,” Majesty *13). “Belinda Fair,” Strand *16). “Black Chiffon.” West *11). “Daphne,” Wynd. *16). “Foolish Gent’w’n.” Duch, *20). “Happiest Days,” Apollo *68). “Harvey,” Wales *28*. “Heiress,” Ilaymarkot *24). “Her Exeellency,” Hipp *3). “Ice Cycles,” Empress *3). “Lady’s Burning,” Globe *10). “Latin Qt. Revue,” Casino *17). “Male Animal.” New *3). “Oklahoma!’’, Drury Lane (115). “On Monday Next,” Comedy *6). “One Wild Oat,” Garrick *32). “Sauce Tartare,” Cambridge (8). “September Tide,” Aid. *31). “Song of Norway,” Palace *1). “Third Visitor,” York’s (5). “Together Again.” Vic. Pal. (118). “Walking Shadow.” Playh’se (3). “Worm’s View,” Whitehall (116). “Young & Fair.” St. Marlins (3). » t i J U * nmnn*^fin^«hinl ^ Naunton Wayne, Derek Farr mean finishing Saturday night, re ' jogn Havthorne in leading opening again on the Tuesday (no ' wayinorne in itauing Sabb^lh^)*^^^Shnu/mpn**SrM ‘ Stanley French presented the of suKgestkn «Uh the .u hok'to nrpfpi-rino « f.ii« In *v! Michacl MacOwan di preieiring a cut in some other way^ . i rather than a complete shutdown. I pointing out that an open theatre i makes for public morale. General feeling here is that unless the strike ends soon all Aussie show biz will be stymied. Pakistan Pic Switches Madras, June 30. The Pakistan government is making arrangements to re-allot theatres in the dominion which belonged to parties who have migrated to India. Exhibition circles there have made representations that theatres should be allotted to local residents and people already j e.stablished in the trade. I Film distributors are trying to ^ protect their contractual obligaj lions by insisting on new parlies , taking over commitments made by ' previous owners. Mrs. Michael Redgrave In Edinburgh Legiter l>ead Glasgow, July 8. Rachel Kempson, actress wife i of Michael Redgrave, has been I chosen to play St. Margaret in ! “The Saxon Saint,” story of Queen Margaret of Scotland and MalI colm Canmore, set for staging in Dunfermline Abbey during the Edinburgh Festival. I Bruce Belfrage, BBC newsbroadcaster, who turned to legit, will have part of the Cliron icier, in place of John Laurie. lv((n Brandt will play Canmore; Daniel ; Thorndike, Prince Edgar. Minter to N. Y. McCarthy’s Sked Paris, July 12. Following an important continental meeting here Monday *18). John McCarthy of the M^ London, July 12. lion Picture Assn, of America, wh' George ^ Minter. Renown Pic' make a survey of the Scandinavian lures’ chief, is planing to New situation. The meeting will lork Sunday (17) to negotiate a > tended by Gerald Mayer, MPAA tieup with a major American pro European chief, who’s out of tn« hospital, but has been ordered to While there he’ll also seek dis' the Riviera for a month’s rest, tribution for British films, includ1 McCarthy is scheduled to return ing “No Orchids for Miss Blandish.” I here Aug. 3. • I 4 I