Variety (September 1952)

IS INTJERNATIONAL l,ONDON OFPICI I th Mpprtla'i Trif«lg«r Muar* Markets, Cutting Production Skeds Emphasis on quality to improve appeal of their product in the in- ternational market has caused Mex- ican film producers to pare their output from about 125 features last yeai* to between 90 and 100 in 1952. That south-of-the-border filmmak- ers are eyeing more overseas rev- enue via better pix wfis disclosed "Tif“New York last*week by Henry Ehrlich, an attorney who’s been involved with financing of Spanish- language films for the past seven years. Following his long experience with the Mexican film industry, Ehrlich is stepping into production on his own for the first time as co- producer with Oscar Dancigers of “Robinson Crusoe.” Lensed in Pathecolor at the Tepeyac Studios in Mexico City,^ the bi-lingual (Spanish and English) venture is virtually completed save for a week of location shooting. “Crusoe,” Ehrlich declared, was turned out at a cost of about $350,- 000 with deferments. Around a third of this amount came from Mexican sources, while the balance •represents dollar financing. He es- timates that by expenditure of $350,000 in Mexico you can come up with a $1,000,000 picture ac- cording to Hollywood standards. Larry Adler Sets Prom Concerts Mark in London London, Sept. 9. Larry Adler, who created a new London Promenade Concerts rec- ord at Albert Hall here, when he was forced to repeat the first per- formance of Vaughan Williams’ “Romance for Harmonica and Orchestra,” is returning to Amer- ica in November to fill a hotel en- gagement in New Orleans. At the Albert Hall concert, Ad- ler was accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Sir Malcolm Sargent, who conducted, after- wards told him that this was the first time any new workjiad been encored in the entire history of the proms. Before his departure for Amer- ica, Adler has concert dates at Bath, Bradford and with the Liv- erpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He Is also set for a London recital at Wigmore Hall Oct. 22. Next year he will appear with ^he Halle Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. Austrian Pic Framed For U. S* Art Houses Sportgored Radio Show Taped at Palladium London, Sept. 16. First of a new series of sponsored radio shows produced by Harry Alan Towers was taped at the Lon- don Palladium last Saturday (13). Program was recorded with a live audience of more than 2,000. Head- ing the initial program were Max Miller, Vera Lynn, Bill Carr and the Keynotes. Each program in the series is reported to cost upwards of $5,500. The recordings will be given-world- wide airings through the Towers of London organisation. Regular re- cordings will be made at the Pal- ladium every Saturday. Comedie-Francaise Sets Strong 1952-53 Season Paris, Sept. 9. Comedie-Francaise’s plans for coming season, announced by Comedie’s director Pierre-Aime Touchard, will have new produc- tions of standard works in reper- tory or the addition of plays long out of current repertory plus an occasional play by a living drama- tist. First'production of 1952-53 sea- son will be “Romeo and Juliet” at Salle Li^embourg, one of Come- die’s two houses, during October. Adapted by modern .playwright Jean Sarment,..it will be directed by Julien Bertheau. Moliere’s “Don Juan,” which was staged with big success by the Barrault Co. in 1947, will follow at the Salle Richelieu with Jean Debucpurt^ Andre Le- doux and Maria Casares. Cor- neille’s “Mithridate,” together with Paul Claudel’s “Storm,” open at the Richelieu Nov. 15. Courteline’s “Boubouroche,” De Musset’s “Caprices of Mariane’’ and “School for Fathers,” a new Anouilh play (his first for Comedie Francaise); plus Roger Ferdinard’s adaption of the Elizabethen com- edy, “Spanisff Friar” by John Dry- den, are also scheduled. Jean Marais, who joined the company last year in “Britannicus,” leaves after his appearance in “Storm.” U Names Arthur Doyle Arthur Doyle, vet film represent- ative in the Orient, has been ap- pointed iTniversal’s managing di- rector for Japan. Doyle has already* left for his new headquarters in Tokyo. ‘Bell, Book’ Set for Hawaii Bow With Non-Pro Group Honolulu, Sept. 9. “Bell, Book and Candle” is scheduled to open in Hula’s Ruger Theatre in mid-October. Rights have been released to the non-pro Honolulu Community Theatre, whose ■ director, Edward Mangum, is now casting. Twelve perform- ances will ‘launch the Honolulu group’s 1952-53 season. Mangum hopes to stage an adap- tation of “Good Earth,” with an nll-Chinese cast, later in the year. Audience Protests May Put Skids Under TV At Future Edinburgh Fetes Edinburgh, Sept. 9. With the annual arts junket now over for another year, organizers are worrying over the intrusion of TV cameras into the culture spree. . The Edinburgh Festival bosses allowed the televising of a piano recital from the dignified Usher Hall, and members of .the audience were annoyec by the whirr of cameras. Artistic direc- tor Ian Hunter said thje Edinburgh Festival Society now has no inten- tion of allowing future perform- ances to be televised if the prac- tice is going to interfere with the paying public. British Broadcasting Corp. was given an okay to televise the re- cital on Condition it bought suf- ficient seats at either side of hall for its cameras. At the last mo- ment, however, it was decided to put a third camera in center, and it was too late to cancel reserva- tions made there. .. .As the thousands, of tourists and culture-seekers leave Edinburgh, a post-mortem on the 1952 Festi- val here reveals that rising costs and salaries are providing serious headaches. Fees of staff and per- formers have, risen as have mainte- nance costs. Organizers believe that the ceilihg for revenue intake has been reached. Estimated that deficit on the 1952 Festival, although less than 1951, when exceptional expendi- ture was involved, will be about $75,000. Toho Studios' 6-Mo. Gross Soars ' Tokyo, Sept. 16. A sixfold increase in net profi|' was reported by Toho Studios here for the six-month period ending in July compared with the previous half year. From last Jan. 1 to June 30, the studio took in $4,500,000, of which $89,000 was net profit. Net profit during the previous period was only $14,000. Studio’s 1952 total revenue was $22,000 bet- terfhan the last half of 1951. ‘Lancers' Smash $34,000 In 2-Wk, Nip Roadshow Osaka, Sept. 2. “Bengal Lancers” (Par), road- shown in the Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe) area during the last two weeks of August, gi;;ossed a smash $34,000. Film played five houses in first stanza for $24,000, held at a firm $10,000 in second week play- ing four theatres. “Inspector General” (WB), also road shown for that period, did $19,000 in first week at six houses. “River” (UA), after a weak Tokyo run, surged ahead in Kyoto to $12,500 at only three houses. Two Jima’ Nip Smash Osaka. Sept. 2. - Republic’s “Sands "of Iwo Jima” continues to smash boxoffice rec- ords for all categories in Japan. Recently compiled figures show the fifm hit a total of $43,700 in the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Na- goya, Kobe) alone in a little over four months. MARX GETS AUSTRIAN NOVEL FOR TELEFILM London, Sept. 9. Samuel Marx, currently in Lon- don on a telepix project with Dr. A. J. Cronin, has returned here from the Continent where he closed a deal for the rights of the novel by Austrian writer Wilhelm Lichtenberg entitled “Between 7 and 11.” He plans to film it in Hoi’y wood. Marx is now finalizing arrange- ments for the production of “Cron- in’s “Country Doctor” which will start rolling before the end of this month. The writer is due to sail soon. Marx plans to fefurn To HoP lywood on completion of • the (Dronin film to set production of his new venture. Cifesa Obtains Crosby, Milland Pix for Spain Madrid, Sept. 9. Vicente Casanova, prexy of Cife- sa Film Production Co., announces that, under the new regulation, he has obtained already 18 importa- tion and dubbing permits which have been used directly by its sister distributing firm. Next sea- son, Cifesa will distribute “The Furies,” with Barbara Stanwyck; “Copper Canyon,” with Ray Mil- land; “Frenchman’s Creek,” with Joan Fontaine; “The Mating Sea- son,” with Gene Tierney and “Here Comes the Groom,” with Bing Crosby and Jane. Wyman. Also on the lineup are Orson Welles’ “Othello” and “Queen of Spades,” with Edith Evans and Anton Wal- brook. Vienna, Sept. 9. First Austrian film attempt to horn into the U.S. art house' mar- ket went before cameras recently in Burgenland province. Pic, under working title of “Brutality,” is the creation of a group of young play- ers assembled" by femme lead,“Ilka Windisch, and director Kurt Stein- wendner. They sold the Hoela-pro- ducing firm (mostly documentar- . ies), cameramen, actors and others concerned on a co-op venture designed .to show Austrian crix and distributors that this country can again grab a place in world film market. Of the 100 Austrian full-length films produced since the war, not one has been exportable beyond ' Getmarr "ianguage" countries'.'-TMs'' is largely because of concentration on low comedy, Alpine atmosphere of the yodelling variety with stud- ied avoidance of the serious, dra- matic themes that foreigners have used successfully here in “Third Man,” “Four in a Jeep”, “No Time for Flowers,” Washington, Sept. 16. Film censors in Iraq are now on the lookout for four things which they regard as objection- able in pictures. These are pro- Israeli propaganda, derogatory ref- erences to Arabs or Moslems, li- centiousness and unpunished ' crimes, reports Nathan D. Golden, director of the film division of the U. S. Department of Commerce. Licentiousness appears to be the most difficult to define and scenes of scantily clad girls are frequent- ly sheared from U. S. pictures, because these are regarded as too immoral for young Arabs to see. During the past year, four Ameri- can films were' barred iff toto. Legit Shows Abroad LONDON (Week -ending Sept. 13). (Flares indic:ite opening date) "AfFalri of State/" Cambridge (P-21). ■*nRHrSf: MaftTn," Str-arfirlT. "Bet Your Life," Hippodrome (2-13). "Call Me Madam," Coliseum (3-15). "Deep Blue Sea," Duchess (3-6). "Dial M Murder," West. (6-19). "Excitement," Casino (3-8). "Gay Dog," Piccadilly (6-12). "Globe Revue," Globe (7-10). "Happy Marriage," Duke York (8-7). "Innocents," Majesty's (7-3). "Little Hut," Lyric (8-23-50). "London Laughs," Adelphi (4-12). "Love .of Colonels," Wyn. (5-23-51). "Meet Callahan," Garrick (5-27). "Millionairess," New (6-30) "Paris to Piccadilly," Pr. Wales (4-15). "Quadrille," Phoenix (9-12). "Relative Value," Savoy (11-28-51). ."R/^^U4t^urJt. .Her/eejA'-.White.. (a-12r50)^ "Ranch In Rockies," Empress (6-5). "Seagulls Sorrento," Apollo (8-14-50). "South Pacific," Drury Lane (11-1-51). "Sweet Madness," "Vaudeville (5-21). "Under Sycamore," St. James (4-23)* "Water of Moon," Haymarket (4-19-5D. "Winter Journey," St. James's (4-3). "Wishing Well," Comedy (9-4). Emiyn Williams, Amhass; (9-3). "Woman of Twilight," Vic. Pal. (6-18). "Zip Goes a Million," Palace (10-20-51). "Yooni Ellz.," Criterion (4-2). (SCHEDULED OPENINGS) (Figures denote preem date.$) "Romeo -and Juliet," Old Vic (15). "Trouble-Makers," Strand (16). "Hanging Judge," New (23). "Two Loves 1 havcv" Arts (24). "Second Threshhpld," Vaudeville (24). "Love From Judy," Saville (25), TOURING BRITAIN (Week ending Sept, 20) "Apples of Eve," O. H., Manchester, "Are You Mason?" Palace, Bideford, "Blue for Boy," Pav., Bournemouth. "Blue Lamp," Grand, Blackpool. "Brigadoon," King's, Southsea. "Carousel," Hlpp, Bristol. "Desert Song," Butlins, Skegndss. D'Oyly Carte, Lyric, Sheffield. "Florodora," H^p, Ipswich. "Friendly Relations," Marlowe, Cantbry. "Cay Rosalinda," Hipp, Coventry. "Gay's Word," Royal, Nottingham. "Hanging Judge,' Royal Court, Liverp’I. "Hollow," Royal, Norwich. "Intimate Relations," 0. H. Leicester. KInloch Players, M. H., Hopeman. "Kiss Mo, Kate," Ilipp, Golders (5recn. "Ladles Night,' O. H., Cheltenham. "Lilac Time," Regent, ‘Rotherham. "Love From Jody," Royal, Birmingham. "No, No, Nanette," Savoy, Kettering. "Oklahoma," Streatham. "Penny Plain," Royal. Newcastle. "Player King," Grand. Leeds. •*^S«c-end—Threshold/' Royah-Brighton-.-— "Smilin' Through," Festival, Malvei'n. "To Dorothy, Son," New, Hull. "Worm'i Eye View," Wimbledon. BUENOS AIRES (Week ending Sept. 6) "MI Suegra," Apolo. "De Espana Llega," Argefitlno. "Las lagrimas tambien," Atenco. "Vlefo Verde," Astral. "Streetcar Named Desire," Casino. . "Brothers Karamazoff," Colonial. "Ml Madrido Complefo." Comico. "Israelite," Corrientes. "F.B," El Nacional. "Cclos del Aire," Empire. ''''^Purfere{a'a.--e«adusr,‘’'“‘OLleon. ■ ■ "Sombra Querlda," Politeama, "Chocolate Soldier," Pueblo. "Ladroncito," Splendid. "Jezebel," Lasalle. "Delito Frente Mar," Liceo. "Hombres en ml Vida," Smart. "Valentia de Ptear," Vers.* "La Verdad Eres To," Pat. Balo Los Olmos," La Farsa. "Medea/' Nuevo. PARIS (Week ending Sept. 13) "Amant Par Etage," Casino. "Amour Papier," Quartier Latin. "Back Street/' Fontaine. "Beau Dimanche," Michodiere, "Chanteur De Mexico," Chatelct. "Congres Cleremont," Potiniere. "Cuisine Anges," Vieux Colombier. "DIable Et Bon DIeu," Antoine. "Dialogues Des Carmelites," Herberto "Don D'Adele," "Wagram. "Duchesse D'Algues," Michel. "Eternal Marl," Montparnasse. "Feuille De VIgne," Madeleine. '"Gay Paris," Casino De Paris. "Herltlere," Mathurlns. "II Pleut Heirmkyo," Huchette. Jesue La Callle," Gramont, J'y Suis," Gymnase, "Losque L'Enfant," Nouveautes. "Medecln Malgre Elle," Renaissance "Messieurs Mon Marls," Monceau. "Mousquetalres," Gaite Lyrique. Occupe-Tol," Palais-Royal. "Oncle Vanya," Theatre De Poche. "Paris Calant," Capucines. "Pere Mademoiselle," Variotes. "Petite Femme," Gaston Baty. "Puceau," Ambigu, "Terre Comme Clel," Athcnec. I I Wl* "Valse Toreadors," Comedie C-E. Mogador. "VIolettes Impcrialcs, "Vrele Folle," Folles-Bergerc. SCOTLAND ending Sept. 13) ** Eve," Lyceum, Edinburg Eight," King's, Edinbu and Royal, Glasgow. !!^?**’**®*‘* Palace, Dundee. "King's Rhapsody,". Alhambra, Glas "Glorious Days," King's, Glasgow. Citizens, Glasgow. Player King," Majesty's, Ab^erdeen. IRELAND (Week ending Sept, 13) Wife," Group, Belfast. "Darkness At Noon," Arts, Belfast. Valley," Olympia, Dublin. Abbey, Dublin. "Othello," Gate, Dublin. AUSTRALIA .,fWeek ending Sept. 5) .Kiss Me, Kate," Royal, Sydney. Nylons," Royal, Brisbane. „L®*‘.** Bergere," Tivoli, Sydney. Party," Indp., N. Sydney. Kiwis," Empire, Sydney. "Seagulls Over Sorrento," Comedy. Mi Trinder Show," Tivoli, Mel. "Black Chiffon," Princess Mel. . "Larger Than Life," Royal, Adel. Mexico" city rWeek ending August 30) "The Duel," Bellas Artest, "Private Lives," Chopin. "Jano Is- Girl," Colon. "Stork's Visit," Ideal. Sons," Caracol. "The Idol," Caballito. MADRID (Week ending Sept. 1.3) Asomarse Exterior," Alcazar. "Momla Formal," Alvarez. "Quafrp Besos," Calderon. "CIguena DI|o SI," Comico. La Novla," Espanol. Amor," Fuencaral. "El d'Adele," Isabel. "Sin Querer," Lara. "Fresco Abrigo," Latina. ' Segredo Marte," Lope de Vega. . Parranda," Madrid. dosis," Guerrero. Vallente Fuerza," Metropolitano. "Copla Andaluza," Pavon. "Gloria Romero," Reina Victoria. Number of Exhibs In Default to Eady Fund Grows; Prods. Concerned London, Sept. 9. A growing number of exhibitors are defaulting on their Eady pay- ments. The total has soared in the last two or three months, and the situation is causing serious concern in the industry, particularly among producers. They are not only con- cerned at the loss of a moderate amount of coin but fear that unless speedy action is taken the practice may spread. In the trade, Eady defaulters are politely called “non-cooperators.” From the outset of the scheme, there l^ive always been some ex- hibs who have resisted paying over a part of their receipts to subsidize British production. Bccau.‘:e the scheme has always been operated on a voluntary basis, there has been no suggestion of govern- mental intervention. The number of defaulters remained modest dur- ing the first year but when the levy was jumped up in the second period, more and more exhibs showed reluctance to pass over this coin to the production pool. Directors of the British Film Production Fund who operate the Eady money have asked the four major trade associations for their views and will convene a four-way meeting soon. At the inception of the Eady scheme in 1950, it was suggested that those failing to cooperate could be brought in line by the use of sanctions. That idea is still in the minds of some people, but is unlikely to be used since there might be serious legal repercus- sions. Meantime, the Eady pool makas. its fourth quarterly payment for the second year at the end of this month and in the future will send producers their checks monthly in- stead of by the quarter. This will give film makers readier access to their money, and consequently cut down their interest payments to banks. Nancy Donovan Booked For Return London Date London, Sept. 9. Nancy Donovan, who played two engagements at the Bagatelle last season, has been inked for a return date beginning Nov. 3. S!ie will play the standard four-week stint. Booking was made-by operator Harry Levene, and is timed to fol- low the Hermione Gingold engage- ment, which begins Oct. 6. * London Legit Bits London, Sept. 9. • Ernest Arnlcy, currently one of the stars of Lawrence Wright’s summer show, “On With the Show,” at North Pier, Blackpool has been booked to star in Jack Hylton’s Christmas pantomime at Oxford . . . Mrs, Eric Glass on vacation at Cannes ^ . . Playwright Noel Scott holiday cruising to China and the Argentine and fin- ishing a play he began in London . . . Gilbert Wakefield’s new plaj’, “Deep Freeze,” opening at the New Theai|;e, Bromley, prior to London debut. James Shervell has acquired touring rights to “Miss Har- greaves,” which was tried out re- cently at the Royal* Court Theatre, with Margaret Rutherford starred. Tour commences Sept. 29. Sir Basil Bartlett just complet- ing new English version of Arthur Schnitzler’s “The Lonely Way” . . . Daniel Mayer .has acquired a new play by Reginald Denham and Mary Orr (his wife), titled “Sweet Heril,” which opens a five-week tryout in the provinces end of October be- fore coming to the West End. Play stars Marie Lohr, Michael Denison and Dulcie Gray . . . Fritz Rotter and Elissa Rohn’s “This is Mr. Quill” is being teied- out -this week at Theatre Royal, Aldershot, prior to West End .,. Saint Subber is dickering for American rights of Constance Cox’s version of Oscar Wilde’s “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime,” which comes to the Royal Court Theatre after tryout at Al- dershot. Soiiny Miller has acquired the English and American rights of the German musical comedy hit, “Para- dise Without Men,” with English version to be titled “Eve’s Para- dise,” Play is expected to be ready for English production end of Oc- tober . . . New play at the Em- bassy, Swiss Cottage, opening Oct. 20 is William Douglas Jiomc’s “Caro William,” starring Robert Harris, Rachael Gurney and Daphne Arthur,