Variety (September 1949)

TARIETT’S’ ION DON OPFICK • 84. Murtlu’i rittco. Tn»f«l r ar 8«|unr« P^RlETf IXTKK.WTIOVtl. IS Arg. Pressuring U.S. on Fib Swap And Income; Pix Dearth Acute; Other News Buenos Aires, Aug. 30. ♦ With their minds on the $1.- 000 000 (U S.) which Mexican films will reportedly earn from the U S. this year. Argentine Central Bank officials are angling to have U. S. film importers in Argentina pres- sured into promising at least $250,000 (US.) for Argentine pix exhibited in the U. S., despite fact that the quality of Argentine ma- terial precludes any possibility of a deal of this kind. Even in other South American countries Argen- tine films earn far less than Mexi- cans because of poor entertainment quality. For instance, one Mexican feature earned more than three Ar- gentine pix pul together in Lima, pent. Argentine film production inter- ests are exerting all pressure avail- able to try and get the authorities to establish quotas on importation of U S material, but they are be- ing resisted by exhibitors and other film interests. The dearth of U. S. material is so acute that film patrons in Uru- guay. across the River Plate from Argentina, have seen a great many Hollywood pix which Argentine au- diences may never see, unless some agreement is soon reached for granting of exchange permits to U S. film distributors. • lion Curtain” was exhibited in Uruguay early in the year, whereas in Argentina it has been held up by government censorship. “Walk a Crooked Mile,” “The Emperor Walt/." and “Julia Misbehaves.” have all been recent releases in Montevideo, but it is doubtful now whether they will be screened in Argentina during the current year. “Arch of Triumph,” which had grossed well in eight weeks’ first- iContinued on page 15) Israeli Arab Exhibs Protest Double Taxing Tel Aviv. Sept. 6. 'Protest against the excessive taxes recently added to those al- leady paid to the Trans-Jordan au- thorities was submitted by Arab cinema owners in Palestine. The tax on tickets was raised. In addi- tion. every cinema owner pays an annual tax plus a 25'o profits tax. Unless taxes are reduced, the memorandum says, the cinemas in the Arab areas of Palestine will have to close their doors. Patricia Roc in Madrid On Tri-Lingual Pic Deal Madrid. Aug. 30. Patricia Roe English film star, has arrived in Madrid with her husband, cameraman A. Thomas, to discuss particulars of the Anglo- Krench-Spanish picture in which she is going to star with Herbert Marshall, and which will be made in the Cifcsa studios. Madrid. The pic. called “Jack, the Ne- gro." based on a story by Charles Spaack. will be directed by Julien Duvivier and will feature George Sanders and Agnes Margeat. Span- ish artists will he in the pic. which will have French technicians. Aussie Govt. Voting 240G to Import Talent to Boost Legit Nationally Italian Critics Return to Prewar Setup Of a Govt. Film Attache For Europe, Golden Aim Appointment of a European Film Attache to cope with “Involved and complex" film industry problems abroad will be recommended to the V. S. Dept, of Commerce by Nathan D. Golden, chief of that depart- ment’s motion picture and photo- graphic branch. In a statement is- sued in New York last week fol- lowing his return from a threc- mbntli trip to Europe, he said American film interests overseas could he more adequately protected by naming an official liaison to work with both the industry and the government’s film branch. Under Golden’s proposal the film attache would “serve and advise our embassies on film matters, sub- mit direct reports to Washington and keep in close touch with all segments of our industry.” Recall- ing that the Dept, of Commerce maintained a similar representative in Europe in prewar times, he em- phasized “there never was a more propitious time to resume such a service, since commercial and cul- tural possibilities of American films abroad are so substantial in scope.” Golden, who returned to Wash- ington over the weekend, went to Europe primarily to attend the In- ternational Trade and Tariff Con- ference recently held at Annecy. France. Under the reciprocal trade agreements discussed at the conclave, he said, the U. S. film Industry would likelv benefit in al least 11 countries. After the meet- ing. ho visited Austria. Germany, England and Switzerland as well as attending the Venice film festival. Kudo Quiet One’ Venice. Sept. 6. “The Quiet One.” Mayer-Bur- styn release of Janice Loeb pro- duction directed by Sidney Meyers, was awarded the Italian film critics’ prize for the best picture presented at this year's Venice Film Festival. Prize, awarded yearly by members of the Assn, of Italian Film Critics present at Venice, is given independently of official kudos handed out by the Festival jury. Last year, critics’ award went to “Hamlet” International merit prizes were awarded two American pictures at the Venice Film Festival along with a German entry. Carrying off honors were “The Quiet One,” “Snake Pit’’ (20th), directed by Anatole Litvak. and "Berliner Bal- lade." megged by R. A. Stemmle. First grand prize for the “masterly skill by which the director adapted the Abbe Prevost novel for pix” went to Manon.” a French film. Directed by Henri Georges Clou- zot. the picture was partially financed by American funds. Vog Film Co is distributing in the U.S. Laurels for thesping were copped by Olivia de Navi 1 land and Joseph (Continued on page 15) AUSSIE GUT FILM CHAIN IN $328,192 YEAR’S NET Sydney, Aug. 30. Greater Union Theatres has chalked up another hefty figure for the four exhibition units under its tent over the past financial year for $328,192 net.* as follows: Greater J D Williams, $105,332; Spencer. $74,048; Wests. $92,440; Amalgamated Pictures, $55,772. GUT paid unchanged dividends to the four holding exhibition units to June 30. Ordinary stock dividenr’s were again $300,000, 50'r of which went to the J. Arthur Rank Organization, 50-50 partners in the GUT setup. Pref- erence divide nd on “A" stock was also pait’ to stockholders in the re- spective units. Usually Staid Cannes Jumping to Sandal And Short St. Germain Jive Cannes. Aug. 30. A new innovation has the usual- ly staid Cannes jumping. A smoky little Existentialist cave and jive spot of St. German des Pres has come to the seashore. Its Medit- erannean counterpart is clear-aired and looks out upon the seas. In fact, some waves find their way in. The club is situated under the esplanade in what was only a short time ago a sewage disposal tunnel from the Miramar hotel. The long narrow lube-line room is painted bright red, and the works of local artists adorn the walls. All is quite informal and the four-piece hand in sandals and shorts is unencumbered in its jive fests. The club opened Aug. 8 and stays until the end of September. Direc- tion is by George Beau me. who was responsible for the recent Paris Jazz Festival. He plans another to be held in Cannes in Septem- ber. The band consisting of sax. bass fiddle, piano and drums, is called the Bc-Hop Minstrels, and is well- known in France for its recordings. Floor show his Jimmy Davis, now turned entertainer and featuring his own compositions, namely: “Lover Man" and a new tune. “I Feel Like It.” Davis also beats out some fine boogie-woogie. An- Annie Ross, an American vocalist, sings pleasantly. j The club seems to have a greater drawing power for the French who : enjoy its breezy informality, where- as the tourist goes for the more re- fined aspects of the Riviera appeal and its whirling money-eaters, the roulette wheels. Non-paying shorts and sneakered youngsters crowd the corners and indulge in some fancy stepping when allowed. An assortment of beards and slacks gives it a Pari- sian air. Mosk. Shipman & King Report Year’s Net at $531,440 London. Sept. 6 Shipman &: King Cinemas. Ltd., reports it made a profit of $531.- 440 for year ended April 2 after deducting all expenses, including depreciation of freeholds and amortization of leases, but not in- cluding taxation. Deductions leave $199,564. which includes dividends for preference shares. Directors of the company have recommended a 5 r < payment on the ordinary shares and the trans- fer of $68.000 to general reserve and $4,400 to capital surplus ac- count. London Nitery Hypo Seen London. Aug 30. A determined attempt is being made to revive London night life now that clubs and hotels are to have a 2:30 a.m. concession to serve liquor. New syndicate is being formed to acquire the Romano’s restaurant, famed Strand spot, at present leased to Santo Sequerra, Spaniard, now out of England. Promoters are shortly expected to take over the lease, which has 95 years to run. al cost of around $140,000, and spend another $80- 000 to turn the place into a show place on type ot the Lido. Paris, replete with swimming pool. Spot has big balcony which, in conjunc- tion with the ground floor, can hold 800 comfortably, and is likelv to be ready for opening for the tourist trade next year. Another spot opening shortly, which will have entertainment in a more intime manner, is the Col- ony restaurant. Berkeley Square. 1 It opens early in September, with Marion Harris as first attraction. Giro’s Club is also contemplating staging floor shows, with Cecil Landeau, owner of “Sauce Tar- tare," at Cambridge theatre, likely to stage the first show there, which will be extracts from his revue. Sydney. Aug. 30. Labor government is all set to vote $240,000 for importation of talent from England and the l. S. next year to aid a national theatre setup in Aussie. Prime Minister Ben Chifley said that he expected local governments to aid financially in the scheme. He said that this fund would guarantee any losses in bringing big productions from abroad, and would also provide a reserve for the proposed national theatre plan. Indicated that at present there would be no green light for lhe erection of new theatres Down Un- der; agreement would be reached With indie legit units to run the shows. Idea behind the plan is to introduce to Aussie ace cultural shows present regarded as too risky to import by local legil man- agements without some form of subsidy. Key legit men here believe the government will operate importa- tion plans on lines similar to those adopted by the British Cultural Council. Aussie patrons may see another season here of the Old Vic Co.. Ballet Rambert and Boyd Neel String Oreh. It’s understood that the government also plans the im- portation of ten symphony orches- tras, plus name stars from Broad- way and London's West End. Aussie government is also set- ting aside $80,000 for training tal- ent abroad, including local stage technicians, main purpose being to keep abreast of world legit prog- ress. Local theatre men see legit ad- vancing under a government sub- sidy, but feel that the whole setup must be free of any political con- trol if it's to be a success. Theatre men also aver that the government should nol enter into opposition with the indie legit operator. Conquest of Mexico Due In Bi-Lingual Film Mexico City, Aug. 30. Pie production in English and Spanish of the conquest of Mexico is being readied by Miguel Con- ti eras Torres. He’s dickering with Cesareo Gonzalez, Spanish pro- ducer who recently inked Maria Felix, top Mexican dramatic ac- tress. for nine pix in four years, to lend her for the role of Dona Marina, sweetheart of Cortez, who " as largely responsible for the con- quest. Torres is going to London to dis- cuss with Alexander Korda the production of the English and Spanish versions. Simultaneous production of both vTs’ons are skedded to start late this year. First Variety Clubs In Britain Sets ‘Matinee’ London. Aug. 30. The first Variety Club in Great Britain is now in full swing, with first meeting held at Tent' 36. a derelict property in Oxford street, Aug. 25. Event was attended by film and show biz elite. First big event will he a “Midnight Matinee” Sept. 22 at the London Coliseum, where top talent will appear. Prexy of the association, the Duke of Edinburgh, will be present. Production committee, which comprises Val Parnell. Lee Eph- raim. Charles Tucker. Lou Wilson. Ben Lvon. Jimmy McHugh. Jr. and ISRAELI CENSOR YANKS ‘FABIOLA,’ ITALIAN PIC Tel Aviv. Aug 25. “Fnbiola.” an Italian pic passed by the Israeli Censorship Board several weeks ago < the Israel pre- miere of which was (o have taken place Aug. 27 at the Haifa Armon theatre' was suddenly withdrawn and replaced by another pic. The film features a love story against a background of Roman persecu- tion of tarty Christians. The Censorship Board is report- ed to have revoked its license and ordered the distrib to submit the pic for a second examination. “Fabiola.” dubbed in French, is now being shown at five cinemas in Paris. IRISH CINEMAS PAID $3,413,488 TAX IN ’48 Dublin. Sept. 6. Entertainment tax on cinemas in Ireland last year yielded a total of $3,413,488. according to Dept, of Finance. Of this sum. $3,166,884 was paid by v. uemas operating w'ith automatic ticket i -umg ma- chines and paying tax on certified returns; remainder came from small shows buying tax tickets from local offices. Full yield of entertainment tax was $3,551.336—the balance, after the exhibs had paid up, coming from greyhound racing tracks. Ricordi Argentina Fetes Its 25th Anni Buenos Aires. Aug. 23. The 25th anniversary of the tablishment in Argentina of Ricordi publishing activities celebrated recently. Ricordi Argentina over 5.000 musical es- the was In that time, has published works in this , country, of which over 2,000 are by Buster Collier will present several; Argent ' im . composers. Ricordi is sponsoring four musi- cal contests, two prizes to he given for symphonic works and one for a chamber work, as well as a prize to the best hook on the develop- ment of Argentine music. In addition. Ricordi made a gift of a trip to Italy to all members j 1 of its staff who have worked the full 25 years in the firm. novelty items. This is likely to Include a triple radio hookup between artists at the Coliseum and personalities in Hollywood and New York. Show is being given in aid of the National Playing Fields Assn, and will he known as the “Midnight Matinee of 1949." Teddy Carr denies all rumors he intends to leave the J. Arthur Rank organization. Claims he has con- tract as managing director of Gen- eral Film Distributors, which has five and a half more years to go. Other Foreign News on Page 15 Rank Renege on Mask Pic May Bring $100,000 Suit c s London. Aug. 30. Mask Film s’ “Sparkenbroke.” based on Charles Morgan’s best- seller of same name, after being off-and-on several times, is finally off. Pic was to have been directed by Cavalcanti, with lineup of names comprising Marius Goring, j Sally Ann Howes. Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson. It was finally called off at last minute by John ’ Davis, claiming the subject unsuit- able for the Rank organization. This was after Earl St. John, head of Two-Cities Films, had read and okayed the script prior to his de- parture for America. Rank is committed to make this film to extent of $348,000, with Mask, an important indie film com- pany, heavily backed by Isaac Woolfson. millionaire chain-store operator, to put up the rest of the capital. Although Rank has prom- ised to help finance two of com- pany’s other pix, providing its ex- ecs approve of the scripts, its un- derstood there’s likely to be a suit filed against Rank for $100,000 at least, which will include part of the claims hv the artists contracted for the film. I U. S. Film Distrib Staffs In Arg. to Hold Off on Pay Demands Till Sky Clears Buenos Aires, Aug. 27. Demands for increased wages by the staffs of distribution offices of U. S. pix in Argentina are not to be discussed for the time being, at least until the distributors have been able to obtain licenses to im- port new material. Members of a committee of dis- tribution office execs recently vis- ited Rosarie, the second most im- portant city of the republic, where they saw union leaders, explaining to them the gravity of the situation which faces U. S. motion picture interests in Argentina at the pres- ent time, and the union men agreed to postpone all discussion of in- creases until this has been solved. Further meetings should be held in the coming week with union delegates in Buenos Aires. The demand for increases lias come at a time when most local offices are down to rook-bottom and have only a few pix yet lo release. Many of the most impor- tant distributors are currently re- leasing "B” material, which is get- ting “A” playing time, while they stall off in expectation of some de- ision resulting from their repre- sentatives’ talks with top economic officials on the import permit ques- tion. Pix Documentaries For Tourism Pushed by Israel Tel Aviv, Aug. 25. Two documentaries publicizing health resorts are being sponsored by the Film Division of the Min- istry of Interior. One film is in- tended for tourists, while the other will show local residents where to spend their holidays at any sea- son of the year. Under the auspices of the film division. 70 schools have acquired 16m projection equipment. Edu- cational films are being supplied by the division to schools. Thirteen documentary films on oil exploration and production, fuel-powered machinery and avia- tion were presented to the Minis- try of Interior film section by the Shell Co. of Palestine recently, and are being shown in schools. Two other pix on airplanes and flying were given to the Israel Aviation Council. They were shown on Aviation Day in Haifa.