Variety (December 1951)

London*. Dec. 25, 4* The pre-Christraa& surplus of openings .gave,-London itsmost crowded week of Jeglt since the in- auguration of the Festival of Brit- ain last Mayi, Opening the week was the transv fer of the “Biggest Thief in Town" to the Fortune Theatre> With Bern- ard Braden stepping jinto T the role left vacant by the sudden death Of j. Edward Bromberg* days, this Canadian artist, Who has made a big impact as a radio performer in Britain, learned the starring part of the smalltown undertaker who sees a fortune, in the death of a multi-millionaire. Role is filled With distinction and show " looks like continuing in its third London house for a limited season. First of the seasonal ice spec- tacles was “Robinson Crusoe on Ice,” which opened last Tuesday (18) at the Empire Pool* "Wem- bley. A free adaptation from the classic adventure story, the pro- duction stars Daphne Walker as the marooned adventurer While Sheila Hamilton shares honors as “his” sweetheart. Directed by Gerald Palmer, with Beatrice Live- sey skillfully handling the choreo- raphy, show is lavishly mounted with beautiful period costumes. It ends with a mammoth pageaiit il- lustrating Britain’s sea heritage. Heinie Brock, Ron Priestley, Dave Park, the Dubskys and Chocolate Sc Co. supjply the, boisterous com- edy. Good Voice dubbing gives the spectacle its Universal appeal. The one straight drama offering of the week was Anthony Vivian’s presentation of “Master Crook,” Which, opened Tuesday (18) at the Comedy. Originally presented at the Embassy, and out of town, as “Cosh Boy;” this is Strong piece of melodrama dealing with the Juve- nile delinquency problem* James Kenney scores heavily in the title role. This play by Bruce. Walker has been expertly directed by Terence de Mapney. Good open- ing reception and favorable press indicates a profitable. run. “Cinderella,’’ Bertram Monta- gues’ annual pantomime produced along conventional lines, opened at the Princes Dec. 21, in a frank pitch for juvenile trade: Mounted in traditional style, show is Car- ried mainly by Derek Roy, a buoy- ant personality, but Christine Nor- den’s vocalizing is inadequate for the Principal Boy role. Cherry Lind also is featured. Barbour Bros, make a big 'impact with a specialty terping routine. Maxwell Wray directed. “Humpty Dumpty,”. which was launched at the Palladium' Dec. 22, is easily the most lavish and suc- cessful West. End panto. Sumptu- ously produced with skill, taste and imagination, this Val Parnell an- nual production easily stands but. Terry-Thomas, as the king, clicks in his pantomime debut, While Nfo*- man Evans is first-rate as the Dame. Noele^ Gordon makes an attractive Principal Boy, while Betty : Jumel plays Humpty: Arnaut Bros., Bob Hammond and Three Bentley Sis- ters score heavily with specialty acts. Pre-Xmas Legit Openings The circus season opened; . custom, with the Bertram Mills bilee show at Olympia. With *cts, half of which are new to • country, one of the most outsta Ing was Wickbold in a spectaci motorcycle feat' in an 80 foot h circular wire cage. High hon also go to Rudy Horn,, ah 18 yc Old newcomer, who, while bala ing on a unicycle, tosses c't Saucers, .§ugar and a spoon fi nis toes tq his head.. The cir has all the ingredients of' fi cla^s holiday entertainment, First of the' West End par J? 1 *., was Emile Littler’s Lorn Lasino presentation of “Aladdj W u S London effort, this sh V^hich is set to run until the enc February, looks big with all essential elements of .a success holiday show. Spaciously moun and^ laced with ample comedy, 1 Jackley clicks as Widow Twan and, Jean Carson (who played femme lead in his “Latih Quart< makes a spirited boyish figure *V* (1< * 1 julie Andrews, 16-yt fu^T?^ oves a delightful vocalisl nwf rinCes ?’ and diminutive Jin ^utherpe also makes a big imp l ie Oianders, a quintet of Sv in ^“bibiers, stopped the Si ln their first, panto date. Mike Powell Wants Pix as Long as Plots Dumfries, Scotland, Dec. 18. Michael Powell, film ’ producer, here on visit, claims that pix should be made the length their' stories warrant. They should not be short- ened or lengthened to meet needs of program lengths, he said. He admitted that cinema bills must be of a certain length, 'but to meet that requirement "they should develop different . length films. Powell said that to get a ■ com- plete entertainment they could have' a film of 20 minutes^ one of 10 minutes, one of half-an-hour and J a fourth of 90 minutes. Pix could be made each of which would be the exact length fpr its subject. Rome Becomes Nitery t ‘ Rome, Dec. 25. In accordance with tradition here, the season does not start until the opening of the Rome Opera sea- son. This year, first highters heard Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco.” House was sold .out in advance with some seats selling for as much as $15 per, an all-time high. The Rome Opera Co., under a new man- agement this year, plans an inter- esting roster, including “Emperor Jones:” It is the first time that “Jones” has ever been done in Eu-' rope. Rome, never a nightclub' town, is now able to boast of a good, crowd of steady patrons. Bricktop opened her Breakfast with Brick at the Ambassadors featuring. Ru- ben Calzado’s rhumba orch. David Pelham took over the former Key- board Club and renamed it the Music Box. He features a pianist and a couple of chantoosies singing continental songs. . The Cabala Club is a swank spot locafed on the top floor of the an- cient . Hostaria del’ Orso. The Cabaja featured American singer Norman Lawrence for the first week, and carries on with other singers. Rasma Dukat, Lithuanian beauty, sings at the Rupe Tarpea Club. The .Rupe and the Jickey, adjoining rooms, go On and on all- year, booking standard acts. The Open Gate club, with a member- ship list, has-a small combo for dancing and sometimes features name singers. Suzy Solidor, French chanteuse, and Hazel Scott have played there. There, also is the Boite Pigaite,’ an intimate spot for young people of the city. The Excelsior Hotel will not open its nightclub this year. MEL HALO-GERMAN Rome, Dec. 18. German Film business reps have been here, for the last few weeks to establish basic plans for future Italo-Germian film coproductions. Heads of the Italian film industry and the German Ministry of Com- merce have set up a study group which in turn .will draw up the necessary legal papers. It is ex- pected that before the end of 1952. the Italian government will act upon it so that Italians and Gor- mans will become film partners. It is likely that the Italo-German setup-would closely resemble the existing one with the French, a 50- 50 financial agreement with a 30- 70% casting, percentage. For. ex- ample a film made coproduction Germany would supply only 30% of the cast if the pic is filmed in. Italy. ■ V ■ ' . -'v » . 1 ■ 1 ' '■ Britain to Uruguay Fete London, Dec. 18. British producers are again par- ticipating in the Uruguay Film Festival to be held at Punta del d’Este from Jan. 10-31. Four British pix: have been' selected, and John Sutro is to lead the British Film Producers Assn, delegation* Films to be screened are “Outcast of the Islaiid,” “Ivory Hunter” (“Where No Vultures Fly”), “Hotel Sahara” ahfl “A Christmas: Carol.” ‘ i Nathan D. Golden Director of Motion Plclora ft Photographic Products Division, of tho Notional Production Authority, give* Ms views on why. Optimism Pretails in ' the International- Market for tJ.S. Pix dn Interesting byline feature in, tho 46th Anniveraary Number of Biz on Upgrade , London, Dec. 25. Speaking . at showmanship lunch' organized by Circuits Man- agement Assn: (controllers of J. Arthur Rank’s Odeon and Gau- tnont groups), John Davis, deputy chairman, said the organization was how. climbing the ladder of prosperity down which it had .fall- en so rapidly two years ago. Com- menting on the effects of the sum- mer increase in admission prices, Davis said the first, to suffer were the first-run houses, but that the corporation was preparing an over- all review of the situation which would be circulated to all theatres in the two groups. Describing showmanship as something that had been practised from time immemorial, Davis said it dated back to the days of Caesar and Cleopatra. Awards to winning showman were made at a Dorches- ter luncheon which had a distinct, naval flavor. All invitees were addressed as “able-showmen,” the decorative motif resembled, a de- stroyer and the trend of speeches dwelt on this aspect, with mana- gerial staffs being referred to as crews. Champion showman was Richard Todd, manager of Odeoii Black- pool. The CMA star went to 16 showmen such award carrying cash and other prizes. Barred Arg; Longhair Composer Wins Milan Opera Contest Prize Buenos Aires, Dec. 18. I Argentina’s major longhair com- poser, Jilan Jose Castro, who has had to work abroad since 1945 because his government dbes not like his politics, has just won a golden prize for himself and his country. But only one independent local newspaper printed news of it. Maestro, who conducted the State Symphony Orchestra (SODRE) in Montevideo all last season, has just been notified from Italy that he "has won the major Milan Opera contest with his opera, “Perse- phone and the Stranger." The award is a Cash prize of 4,000,000 lire (roughly $40,000). The contest was a sealed one in which the jury was unaware of the identity of the opera composer. There were 136 contestants. Castro, is to receive the award at Milan when Jie conducts his opera for the first time, but he first goes to London to conduct the British Broadcasting Corp. Sym- phony, where^he is already popu- lar.. This Milan award is the highest musical honor ever achieved by an Argentine composer, but as the maestro voted for the opposition party in 1945 and also: signed a manifesto during World War II. asking the. Argentine government to abandon its neutral. position, he is persona non g&atain his native land, As soon as Per on took over the government he was ousted from the directorship of the Na- tional Conservatoire and. conductor of the Colon Symphony. The radio outlets were also warned that he must not be hired for broadcast- ing chores. A vet Prince Albert (Can:) ex- hib, has been elected national directorate of the Canadian Chem- ber of Commerce, Mahon pp- and the Pines ozoner in partner- era tes the Strand and Orpheum ship with Famous Players. lOTKlSATIOXM. IS. Fewer Paid Pic Admissions in Britain 2 Franco-Italo Filins To * Be Made by Guarini Genoa, Dec. 18. Producer Alfredo Guarini has confirmed plans to produce two Franco-Italian films during the coming year in collaboration with Regina Film and Francinex of Paris. His wife, Isa Miranda, and possibly Daniel Gelin will star in the first, of these, “Via Sistina.” This is supposed to start in April with French director Jacqueline Audry helming. Guarini will Also collaborate on the script, Second pic, “Three Ports,” will be set in postwar Hamburg, Mar- 'seilles and Naples; and shot in those cities. It will be megged by Giuseppe DeSantis, director Of “Bitter Rice.” Aussie’s Radio Chief Sets Divorcement For Sydney, Dec. 25. Battle between the; Aussie gov- ernment and the powerful British Bartholomew group, and the Munro Aussie crowd covering the control of the Macquarie commercial net- work, keyed through 2 GB; here, advanced to a white hot heat this week with the edict from Postmas- ter-General Harry Anthony, who controls all radio. He ordered that unless the Bar- tholomew financial interests were divorced from the setup, with con- trol, financially and otherwise, go- ing to Aussie interests, the govern- ment would not renew a broadcast license to Macquarie, In Australia the government: renews commercial licenses every 12 months. The gov- erment is empowered . with the right* to mcel any radio license and also to put any station off the airwaves for any break against a governmental policy or the airing of blue material. Anthony stated that* a resolution recently. be passed in Parlia- ment under Prime Minister Robert Menzies said it is undesir- able that any person, not an Aus- tralian, should have any substan- tial measure of ownership or con- trol over any Australian commer- cial broadcasting station, whether such ownership or control be exer- cised directly or indirectly, Understood that the govern- ment’s main objection to the Bar- tholomew buy into the Macquarie network is because the Britishers are Labor-minded, operating two anti-ConserVative newspapers in London. Aussie political Circles are said to fear that the Macquarie network may be used from time to time for political airings against the Menzies’ Liberal government. This, likewise, is most emphatically denied by those in control of the network concerned. Charles Munro, who operates a major independent pic loop and was at one time chief of the Hoyts’ pic loop, was responsible for swing- ing the Macquarie deal with the Bartholomew group. Pantos Hits of Record Glasgow, Dec. 25. Best Christmas stage season is being experienced here, with all* theatres registering SRO biz. Gen- erally conceded that all the panto- mimes have reached a new stand- ard in. brightness, topically and spectacle. Singled out for special praise is Tom Arnold’s “Aladdin,” at the Alhambra with Harry Gor- don; Robert "WilSon, Alec Finlay and Duncan Macrae starred. Joan Stuart, Principal Boy in this show, drew rave notices. Producer is Robert Nesbitt. Howard and Wyiidham’s “Robin- son Crusoe,” at Theatre Royal, also Won praise. This links the English Dame .actor, Douglas Byngi with Scotland’s Dave Willis: Byng auth- ored the book. Comedian Jack An- thony, Dame Arthur Haynes and Principal Girl Josephine Crombie get special mention in “Jack and the Beanstalk,” at the Pavilion Theatre herb. Winter revue “Scots Wha Hae,” at Metropole Theatre (where Sir Harry Lauder made his first pro appearance), has a special water- fall finale much tartan, the bag- pipes, and many other Scotch ele- ments. Hit was registered by the Scots comedienne Grade Clark in this. ijuuuuu, ueu. to . A steady decline in the number of paid 'admissions to film theatres throughout Great Britain is reflect- ed in statistics published in a new Board of Trade survey of the pic- ture industry. Attendance - from— Abril l to June 30 last totaled 337,- 290.000 as against 358,615,000 In the first three months this year. In the April-June period in 1950 the number of admissions totalled 341,- 1582,000. With the drop in attendances, there inevitably has been, a decline in . boxoffice receipts.. Gross earn- ings: from April 1 to June 30 amounted to $71,825,600, with net receipts, after payment of admis- sion duty and contributions to the Eady pool, amounting to $46,566,- 800. In the first quarter of the year gross receipts amounted to 77,330,400 with the net $49,921,200. Although attendance in the sec- ond quarter was below that in the same period of 1950, boxoffice re- ceipts are slightly in advance of the previous year. The 1950 April- June figures show gross receipts 70.854.000 and net. earnings $45,- 707,200. >The survey shows that exhibitors in the second quarter of 1951 paid almost $17,000,000 in film hire, but were left with slightly less than $30,000,000 as their share of the gross receipts. Total paid in ad- mission tax was just a bit over $25,000,000. Another 'section of the survey breaks down the gross rentals charged by British and foreign made pix. British films, including shorts, grossed $14,963,000 of which producers actually received from distributors $10,287,000'. For- eign films (Hollywood product ac- counts for something like 09% of this category) grossed $45,752,000, of which $29,733,000 went to pro- ducers. The distribution side of the in- dustry, according to the BOT sur- vey,. employed 5,430 persons last year, and the total wage bill amounted to $6,210,400. * An analysis of studio activity shows 38% Of all stages idle at the end of September last. In the same period of 1950, the. total was 40. There were 15 films in prd: duction in September, a further 19 were off the floor but not com- | plcte. An additional 10 had been finished and were awaiting trade showing. Total engaged in British production showed a slight upward swing with 4,427 on the payroll at the end of September. LOEW, HICKS ON SWING THROUGH FAR EAST Tokyo, Dec. 18. Arthur M, Loew, president of LoCw’s International Corp., and Orton Hicks, Loew’s worldwide 16m distribution chief, here on a quick visit this month to survey setup prior to resumption of inde- pendent operations in Japan by major U. S. companies Jap. 1 when the Motion Picture Export Assn, pooled distrib setup folds. Hicks’ presence On the junket was tied in with the fact that Metro Office in Tokyo recently concluded a pact for distribution of 16m pix, in two of Japan’s 46 prefectures (states). Loew’s Aussie Quickie Sydney, Dec. 18. Arthur Loew planed in here Dec. 12. He is on a .rush Aussie trip end due back in N. Y. before Xmas. This is his fourth visit Down Under: He just completed a tour of the Far East. During his stay, he may set plans for an expansion of the Metro loop to about nine houses. ‘Cup’ for Rank Circuit London, Dec. 18. : For the first time in more than eight years, a Warner release is to be shown on one of the J. Arthur Rank circuits. Picture, is “Come Fill the Cup,” which openSi a pre- release at the Leicester Square Theatre Jan; 10 before playing. the Odeon circuit starting Feb. 4 . Main, outlet for WXfeper product in Britain, of course, is the Asso- ciated British circuit, in which group it has a .substantial minority holding/ The Odeon booking: will be the first in that group since 1943. %