Variety (September 1952)

»yAltllTY'r AOND«N ot^Fiei i m, MUtiiM's Trafalgar tgiiara Ps^asff nVTERlVATIOlVAL 13 . I iiii I i f ii rT | - - i —I Miaawwi ■ ' > r ii wrn • I 't a iT* I i m a ' -t r^*""^ •"~*"'*^*‘^*—^^^**^*^**‘” Yank Distribs Mulling Plan To Reissue Some Recent Clicks in Arg. Buenos Aifes, Sept. 2. The end of August represented four months since American film distributors last managed to wrest exhibition permits from the Enter- tainment Board here and, it now looks as though distributors soon v\-ill have to start reissuing some of the more recent material on their shelves. However, most dis- tribs still have new films awaiting release out of those Imported after July of last year when the John- slon-Cereijo pact came into effects and importing films was renewed after a two-year Interval. It looks certain that reissues of some of the bigger pictures seen late last year and early this year likelv will be tried since sturdier boxoffice biz looms for them than on initial release here. This is be- cause of the type of film theatres in which" they were originally shown. This resulted from the highly competitive situation result- ing from the sudden arrival of ^so much product after the long famine. This forced some distrb- utors to build up a “third line” circuit comprising longrun houses which were suddenly elevated to the status of first-runs, although they had few of the earmarks of deluxe theatres. However good a picture may be, local patrons prefer their enter- tainment in deluxe surroundings when they pay for top admission prices. This meant that many first- rate pix, released, in the third-line circuit, did not make much dent at the boxoffice. Now that the supply of product is running out as. a consequence of the ‘ Entertainment Board's refusal to grant exhibition permits, the bigger circuits are ready to enter- tain bids from distributors they had broken off relations with last year. Latter are now sitting pretty because they have more product to offer, including some films they may re-release because seen by so few the first time around. The Entertainment Board is showing grim determination in its enforcement of protectionist poli- cies. It has just pounced on the Lococo Circuit, charging that the 2.000-seat Metropolitan manage- ment had infringed the protection- ist law. As a penalty the house wdll be shuttered for five days (includ- ing a . full weekend). According to the Board the theatre had suspend- ed exhibition of Cosmos Film’s “Where the Swamps Rise.” ‘All Flags,' ‘Andersen,’ ‘Papers’ Entries Tor R^al Command Show London, Sept. 9. Viewing of entries submitted for this year’s Royal Command film performance begins Thursday (11). All titles have to be submitted by that date and prints, of course, must be available. • Date of final selection cannot be determined until, it is known how many pix have been entered. More than the usual secrecy is being maintained this year, as there has alw'ays been some reticence on the part of the producers to re- veal titles of pictures, since rejec- tion is considered damaging. One known British entry is Renown’s production, “The Pickwick Papers.” Hollywood contenders will include Samuel Goldwyn’s “Hans Christian Andersen.” although there is some doubt as to whether the print will arrive here in time, and Universals “Against All Flags,” the Errol Flynn starrer in Technicolor. Chap- lin’s “Limelight” will not be among Ihe candidates. X Annual royal junket Is be held this year at the Empire, Leicester Square, Oct. 27. LL. , Hotel Strike Sloughs Mexico Tourist Trade Mexico City, Sept. 2. Tourist trade, just opening up hig for the-fall-season, has been dealt a jolt by the threatened strike nf top hotels throughout Mexico in sympathy with the striking staff nl Ihe Hotel Casablanca, Acapulco, tourist agencies here say. The Acapulco strike is in progress. linpc'nding general hotel strike na.s dented the major part of Mex* U'o's tourist biz. that of U. S. trip- Pors. Many hotel reservations cancelled. MSA (Yank Agency) Plans Helping W. German Pix Berlin, Sept. 2. For several weeks fi^gotiations have been underway between the Mutual Security Agency, the suc- cessor to Marshall Plan Aid in Germany, and Berlin film produc- ers. It is . reported that the MSA may allocate a portion of the Deutsche marks, set aside to sup- port the city of Berlin, for the local film industry. Support will "be made available in the form of cash credit. Berlin film industrialists plan to use the money to set up a film financing company to be known as the All- gemeine Film Union. The board of directors for the union will consist of two pix producers, two other men associated with the film biz, a finance expert and a senate official. U.S. Pix Draninate German.Key Spots Berlin, Sept. 2. The recent boxoffice trend in eight German key cities—Berlin- West, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Ham- burg, Hannover, Cologne, Munich and Stuttgart—showed the Ameri- can films bn top with 46.6% of dates. German films (excludin,g reissues) were next strongest, with 24.3%. Third best was France while British pix reached only" 3.3% arid Italian features, 2.2%. The German pic “{Clettermaxe” (Max the Climber) kept the No. 1 spot. U. S. pix held strongly. “Ca- mille” (MG) . won second ' place, while “Ghost of Zorro” (Rep) was sixth, “Blue Veil” (RKO) was ninth and “Treasure Island” (RKO) 12th. Adventure films were preferred .most boxoffice-wise as summer en- tertainment, with 33.2%, followed by comedies and dramas. 32,255 U.S. TOURISTS IN BRIT. LAST MONTH London, Sept. 2. The American tourist traffic to Britain continues to break records. The July influx of 32,255 visitors was 43% ahead of the same month a year ago and followed an in- crease of 46% in American traffic in June. In the first seven months of this year, 98,472 visitors had checked in from the U. :S. This was 33% more than last year. Total intake of visitors to Britain up to July amounted to 427,000, which is 2V^% more than Iasi year. Nip Exhib Group Squawks On Cost of Native Filins Tokyo, Sept. 2. Protesting that film rentals are too high, the Exhibitors Assn, of Nara (southern Honshu, Japan) Prefecture has threatened to shut down 27 film houses*under its con- trol unless rentals are lowered. The associations gripe was directed primarily at distributors of Japa- nese-made films. However, its ulti- matum also went to Metro, Para- mount and other American distrib- utors. Pointing out that weekly renta.ls for second-run shows run from $400 to $500, and for bigger pfb- ductions $800 to over $1,000, the exhibs’ spokesman said that such rates were prohibitive in their com- paratively sparsely populated, rural territory in view of the competition being presented by dual houses. Phillips Back ' To London Astor London, Sept. 2. After a* six-month touring sea- son, mainly of one night stands, the Sid Phillips band is returning to the Astor Club in Berkeley Square. It resumes there Sept. 15. Phillips left the Astor Jan. 5 and was followed by the Paul Adams combo. He still has a few outstand- ing dates Id play, which will be filled by arrangement with the Astor*. R. L. Grant, Fuller’s G.M., Killed in Auto Crash Sydney, Sept. 2. Richard Lyall Grant, 40, general manager of Fuller’s Theatres, was killed in an automobile accident near here Saturday (30). His wife, Lily, was seriously injured in the crash. Grant had been associated with the Fullers for many years, first un- der the late Sir Benjamin Fuller' and then his son, A. Ben Fuller; with whom he also held an interest in country cinemas. The Fullers have been planning a lineup of big stageshows here this year. New Hassle Brewing On Employment of 2 Yank Actors in Brit. Films London, Sept. 2. A new row is blowing up here over tlie employment of two Amer- icans in British films. In both cases. Equity opposition has been overruled and work permits have been issued by the Ministry of Labor, The two players involved are Jeffrey Hunter, who is starring iij the 20th-Fqx production, “Able Seaman Jones,” which is based on “Brown on Resolution,” and Rock Hudson, who has been brought over for David E. Rose’s Coronado production,. “Toilers of the Sea” Hudson has already started work in the film. Although this aspect of the con- troversy has not been made a pub- lic issue it is understood that sev- eral. Equity leaders are arguing that the producers can’t claim that the employment of’ these two thespers will give the pictures ad- ditional marquee strength to fa- cilitate their distribution in the U. S. This argument -was used with force a couple of years back when Irene Dunne was brought over to play the Queen Victoria role in “The Mudlark,” and when Virginia Mayo filled the Lady Hamilton role in “Captain Horatio Hornblower.” In both these cases Equity alSo w’as overruled by the Ministry of Labor. Equity opposition to the "Em- ployment of Hunter is based on the claim that a typically British story has been revamped to ac- commodate him. They contend that to pervert the story and to switch the principal character from a British midshipman and turn him into a Canadian Is not justified. Likewise, they argue in regard to Rock Hudson that it is hardly appropriate for an Ameri- can to play the role of a Channel Islander of the 19th Century. See Mex Cinema B.O. Cut Slicing Into Yank Intake Mexico City, Sept. 2. •U. S. product likely will get considerably less coin from this marketr Possible slump stems from the orders Marco Aurelio Galindo, new chief of the municipal amuse- ments department, has given local cinemas to slash their prices. Exhibitors had hoped that price hikes would be authorized. Reduc- tions ordered are for ace first-runs to drop 11c to 46c. They had charged 57c for years. Second-run house price ceiling is reduced to 30c and 40c, according to the kind of pic exhibited. Subsequent top is now 15c to 23c. While these new • tariffs apply only locally they are quite a jolt to cinemas and producers, includ- ing American pix. Cinemas in the provinces also are worried. They fear that their municipal govern- ments will follow the example set by the Mexico City administration. Many provincial film liouses charge as much as local cinemas had been. ‘Trouble Makers’ Tryout London, Sept. 9. Hal Cooper arrived here last week from New York for the pro- duction of “The Trouble Makers,” which opened a tryout at Brighton last night (Mon.) and moves into the >V.est End'Strand on next Tues- day (16). Play is by Georg,e Beliak, who is also directing. Production is being presented in London by Desmond O’Donovan. If it clicks here. Cooper will sub- sequently stage it on Broadway. The London version will star Gene Lyons, from American TV; Joseph Tomclty and Thora Hird. London Pk Biz Brisk; ‘Scaramouche’ Sock $19,Oi, Dreamboat’ Fast 8%G, ‘Just for You,’ ‘Atfair’ Start Solid lane’s Welsh ‘Well’ Looks Good for London Run London, Sept. 9. Lupino Lane presented “Wishing Well” at the Comedy Theatre last Thursday (4), playing' the leading role. It’s a sentimental Welsh com- edy of rehabilitation of unhappy people, with the author, E. Eynon Evans, making his first London stage appearance as a rustic psy- chologist. Well acted, with chief support given by Mary Horn, Patsy Smart, Marilyn James, Barbara Marshe, Violet Blythe and Douglas Argent, show is commendably directed by John Warrington, and disarms criticism. Play was cordially re- ceived and has reasonably good chance for a run. urn, 941 Profit For Odeon Last Yr. London, Sept. 9. Odeon Theatres (J. Arthur Raink) preliminary results for the year ending last June 28 show a trading profit of $17,912,378. Net profit after taxation, amounts to $4,927,941. No dividend was de- clared on the common stock but a bank overdraft was reduced by ^6,800,000 and now stand at ap- proximately $19,000,000. Taxes to- talled $7,033,994. Earnings include $1,100,786 profit on the disposal of invest- ments including Universal hold- ings, recently, acquired by Milton Rackmll. Gaumont-British, the ex- tensive theatre, production and distribution'subsidiary, net profit is about $1,900,000 although gross profit was $8,006,263. The ordinary dividend was set at 7V^%. British and Dominions Film Corp., which controls the group’s’ studios and film laboratories and helps to finance film production, reports a net profit of $261,427, with no divvy paid. It reported a gross or trading profit of $927,- 897. City reaction to the improved trading results has been generally favorable. However, there is a nat- ural disappointment among stock- holders who again find there is no ordinary dividend to be declared, particularly since stockholders of Associated Gaumont - British Pic- ture Corp. are to fare better this year and receive 7^4% as against 5% last year. GREATER UNION SEES SLIGHT SLIPOFF IN BIZ Sydney, Aug, 26. ’ Greater Union Theatres, one of two top Aussie film chains, which is headed by Noi;man B. Rydge, showed a biz decline of £10,000 ($22,300) in the financial year just ended, with the Consolidated net profit listed at £ 140,754. This cov- ers the four holding companies under the loop’s tent. Greater J. D. Williams, Spencers, 'Wests and Amalgamated Pictures. Financial report states that the profit was affected by increased taxation. Dividends, however, remain the same, £100,000 being paid out to stockholders. London, Sept. 2. Despite a belated warm spell biz in West End cinemas holds brisk. Several new entries are helping while many holdovers con- tinue strong. Toppin;g'^ the newcomers is “Scaramouche” which teed off with a socko $19,000 in its opening week at the Empire. “Affair in Trinidad” also had a strong open- ing with a hefty $4,700 in first weekend (4 days) at the Gaumont. “Just For You” is rated nice for initial weekend (3 daysi at the Plaza with $4,500. “Dreamboat” looms solid $8,500 for first round at the Odeon, Marble Arch. Dis- appointing is “Story of Will Rogers,” slow $3,000 in first War- ner stanza. Strong in holdover class is “Thing From Another World” with $5,900 in fourth week at London Pavilion. After its socko $14,000 opening week at the Odeon, Leices- ter Square, “Worjd in His Arms” held big at $8,300 in second round, while current (3d) week is $8,400. Estimates for Last Week Carlton (Par) (1,128; 70-$2.15)— “Son of Paleface” (Par) (4th wk). Holding firmly with fine $5,700 this frame. Stays on. Empire (M-G) (3,099; 55-$1.70)— “Scaramouche” (M-G) (2d wk). First stanza was resounding $19,- 000 and holding strongly with $6,- 700 in second weekend (3 days). Holds, natch! Ggumont (CMA) (1,500; 50-$1.70) —“Affair in Trinidad” (20th). The Rita Hayworth starrer garnered plenty publicity and opened to smash $4,700 in initial weekend of 4 days. Continues. Leicester Square Theatre (CMA) (1,753; 50-$1.70)—“Room for One More” (WB) (3d wk). Dipped this frame after healthy start, with modest ^$3,000. “Importance of Be- ing Earnest” (GFD) returns Sept. * London Pavilion (UA) (1,217; 50- $1.70) — “Thing From Another World” (RKO) (4th wk). Best film at this theatre for months, with $5,900'this frame, surprisingly big for length of run. Stays another week with “Rainbow Round My Shoulder” (Col) opening Sept. 12. Odeon, Leicester Square (CMA) (2,200; 50-$l.70)—“World in His Arms” (GFD) (3d wk). Playing to strong $8,400 this frame to top sec- ond week. Got smash $14,000 opening round. Released^ in U. S. by' Universal. “Les Mi^ables” (20th) due in Sept. 4. ^ Odeon, Marble Arch (CMA) (2,- 200; 50-$1.70)—“Dreamboat” (20th) (2d wk). Good $3,900 for second weekend (4 days) after strong $8,- 500 opening week. “P^eet Me To- night” (GFD) opens Sept. 5. Plaza (Par) (1,902; 70-$1.70)— “Just for You” (Par). Nice $4,500 in initial weekend of 3 days for Bing' Crosby pic. Stays a second. Ritz (M-G) (432; 90-$2.15)— “Ivanhoe” (M-G) (6th wk). Con- tinues strong attraction at $4,000 this round. Holds. Warner (WB) (1.735; 50-$1.70)— “Will Rogers” (WB) (2d wk). Opened slowly at around $3,200 for first frame and barely hit $1,- 600 on second weekend. “Ob- jective Burma” (WB) opens Sept. 4. MPEA Vienna Closing Brings Hot Competition, Top Films Into Austria Vienna, Sept. 2. Metro’s new Vienna rep, Robert Schmitt, is taking hold fast with the official fadeout of the Motion Picture Export Assn. Austrian op- eration, With the combined Metro- 20th office under Schmitt and Par- amount-Warners under Lou Kan- Four holding companies receive the 5% preference dividend, amounting to £25,000, and half th^ common dividend, totalling £37,500. The J, Arthur Rank Or- ganization, partners in Greater Union, will get £37,500, with ance of profit, £40,754, added to the carry forward account which is now listed at £697,930, Galindo New Mex Prods. Chief X Mexico City, Sept. 2. The Mexican Assn, of Motion Picture Producers is now headed by Cesar Santos Galindo, manager of the Churubusco-Azteca studios. He succeeds Jesus Grovas. Gonzalo Elvira is the new veepee ^ind Juan Bandera is treasurer. turek, former MEPA chief, compe- tition for playing time is waxing strong. Other American producers have appointed local exchanges to rep- resent them. Net result seems to presage nearly double the former number of American pix will be imported in next 12 months with a consequent battle for bookings. All .studios have announced strong lineups, including top films this country has long wanted to see such as “Gone With the Wind” (M-G) and “Greatest Show on Earth” (Par). Prospects are for over 200 American pix in the next year against somewhat less than half that number imported through MPEA in the year ended last month.