Variety (October 1952)

12 INTEIUVATIOm I^-riETy •VARIETY'*' LONDON OPPICZ S St. Martin's l*lae«, Trafalgar Square Series of 1-Hour Wildcat Strikes Nearly Halts Prod, in Brit. Studios London, Oct. 28. + ————————— o.A series of unofficial one-hour j o*. q rftllpffions To strikes, which have been in prog-, otiSUS v_/OliecizLii» x ress in the major British studios during the past week, have almost halted production on several films, including some Hollywood spon- sored projects. The action has been taken by members of two of the three main studio unions as a reprisal for the breakdown of the protracted wage talks through the machinery of the Joint Industrial Council. Accompanying the sporadic strikes the unions have also unof- ficially imposed a complete .over- time ban which has eliminated weekend work, cut one night shooting and played havoc with production schedules. The Colum- bia production of "The Red Beret,” for example, which calls for a considerable amount of night lensing, has been seriously inter- rupted. By their timing methods, the la- borites have made it almost im- possible for a director to get any- thing finished by the end of the day. Each of the unions, taking in- dividual action, stops’ work for one hour each. day. They wait, how- ever, for a scene to be lined up, after maybe two hours of prepara- tory work, and then pull the switches. By the time the 60 minutes have passed, it is time for lunch. More or less the same pro- cedure is followed in the after- noon. The National Assn. «of Theatrical and Kine Employees and the Electrical Trades Union have been taking this action. Top- pers of both organizations have been touring the studios urging their members to continue normal working in order that negotiations for extra pay can be resumed. The Assn, of . Cine Technicians has not used any stoppages. Main centers of disturbances have been the major British out- fits at Pinewood, Shepperton, Els- tree and Nettlefold. There has been no interruption of work at Metro’s Elstree studios. Among projects affected have been United Artists’ "Melba,” and Walt Disney’s "Sword and the Flower” as well as a number of major Brit- ish films. British Rep Cos. Ask Aid Of Arts Council on Coin London, Oct. 21. Although the 23 theatres affili- ated to the Council of Repertory theatres are exempted from admis- sion tax, because they operate as non-profit distributing companies, they all experience difficulty mak- ing ends meet. This is reflected in a report published recently which records the "encouraging rise in attendance” but % warns that unless •i larger and more regular audience is found, standard' of production will suffer. The repertory (stock) theatres have asked the Arts Council to assist them in their financial diffi- culties and have appointed a com- mittee to probe the problem and submit findings in the form of definite proposals. London Legit Bits London, Oct. 21. Gilbert Wakefield’s latest com- edy, "Deep Freeze,” to be televised after tryout at the New Theatre, Bromley. Other wellknown pjays getting TV dates include Arthur Schnitzlcr’s "Professor Bemhardi,” -“Beverley- Niekels-J ‘Shadow ...oiLihe Vine” and "Rooms With Secrets,’ by D. G. Bellini .."And So To Bed,” the Vivian Ellis musical, is ;o get special • staging at Folks Theatre, Oslo, Norway ...Elmer Harris’ "Johnny Belinda,” with Borrcl Carson in lead, is being di- rected in French by John Hanau in November at the Municipal Theatre, Lausanne Eric Glass has sold stage and ’film rights of Patrick GargiU’s •omedy, "Ring For Cathy,” to John Boulting of Boulting Bros., who own "Seagulls Over Sorrento,” Vienna City for $15,000 Vienna, Oct. 21. The city of Vienna acquired for the sum of $15,000 the well-known Johann Straus collections, com- piled by relatives of the waltz king. A few single objects were re- tained by the owners, such as the Boesendorf grand piano and the priginal score of the "Bat.” But most of the original manuscripts of Johann Straus now belong to Vienna. Rossellini Backs Away From Making Color Pix; Would Study Technique Monte Carlo, Oct. 21. Stopping off at Monte Carlo on Johnnie Ray for Honolulu Honolulu, Oct, 21. Johnnie Ray is booked for four concerts in Honolulu, according to spokesmen for Ralph Yempuku and Tats Matsuo. Ray would appear in’ the Civic Auditorium under joint auspices of Yempuku and Matsuo Dec. 10-13. Teaser campaign is being mapped for the newspapers, with formal announcement to follow. Swedes Cold To U.S. Legiters Stockholm, Oct, 21. Swedish legit season to date has been a bleak one for American im- ports. "South Pacific,” current at the Oscar’s Theatre here, hasn’t evoked the interest that "Annie ’Get Your Gun” and "Kiss Me Kate” drew at the same house in previous years. Likewise, "Finian’s Rainbow” proved a disappointment at the Municipal Theatre in, Malmo. Sam ’ Spewack’s "Sycamore the way to visit his mother in Bar- wh fch bowed at three the- C T l0 T,’ t ,^ be ln R r?n U ile iS rt S aif SS over C me pas d t two months, \h p pp of created little critical stir. Both re- %.imnp m ” \ n twr/ver* viewers and the public have com- ‘hat the play^ Is Liberty” with comic Toto in the g* tabl f Swedishi audmnces. lead, Rossellini and his wife will £ iece ^ still at the Alle Theatre take a short vacation, spent prob- Here* ^ a J s ? was produced at the ably in their villa at Santa Mari- £cal Municipal Theatre and the nella outside Rome. Rossellini Municipal in Halsingborg. then starts work on a new film, On the other hand, native plays "Sacapo,” in three episodes, in have been faring well. Among which he will again use a story new entries are "Fullname” ("New from every-day life and employ un- Moon”) at the Intima Theatre here known talent. and "Yttersta Dagen” ("The Last In the spring, with Ingrid Berg- Day”) at the Municipal Theatre, man as the star, Rossellini hopes Gothenburg. Former is a comedy to start "Duo” from the story by by Hasse Ekman, who costars with Colette. He explained that he will his actress-wife, Eva Henning, use a free adaptation of the book, "Dagen” is the work of Stig particularly because the action is Dagerman. Another of his plays, in Italy whereas the original was ** Den Dodsdomde,” was unveiled laid in France. .... , at Irving Theatre, London, Oct. Speaking of the possibility of his 13 under tag of "Condemned to making color pix, Rossellini stated Live.” Rounding out the domestic that until he had a full knowledge scene are <« Den Ra tta” ("The Right of the technical elements involved One”), a political comedy, at the in such a production, he will ab- Folkets Hus Theatre, Gothenburg, stain from* tinters. However, he and a Gogol revival at the Royal believes a man of the trade must Dramatical Theatre here. keep in mind all technical ad- vances and keep as up-to-date as possible. "Personally I think the time has come,” he said, "for color film making to leave the hands of the technicians and laboratory experts, Italo Govt. Huddles on Getting More Films Okayed by American Censors American Sees Vidpix Expanding in Europe Paris, Oct. 28. Malvin Wald, here before head- ing for U. S., has been a year in Denmark making vidpix for Ameri- can TV. Wald feels that foreign pic production is a satisfactory op- eration provided a man trained in American knowhow is in charge of the operation. Wald thinks that there is a fund of colorful subjects for use in making vidpix. Wald produced and wrote a pack- age of 24 half-hour stories based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. B. A. Legit Continued from page 10 Legit Prize to ‘Giovane’ Milan, Oct. 21. "Salviamo la Giovane,” by Ce sare Giulio Viola, has won the mil- lion lire ($1,500) Prix St. Vincent. Annual prize for best Italian legit- er is voted on by top Italo dramat- ic authors. The Italian Playwright’s Assn, at the award ceremony, expressed hopes for increased government Rid to Italian legit. Brit. Exhib Raps Eng. Pix as ‘Not Suitable’ London, Oct. 28. Because it believes the film and be studied intelligently by the would offend Catholic opinion, the actors, producers and directors. London County Council has barined At the moment I am doing some 't h e French film, "L’Auberge private 16m work in an effort to Rouge,” for showing here. The get a little knowledge on the sub- LCC viewpoint has been shared ject. But until I know it thor- by other local authorities in the oughly and can interpret it in my London region. ’ The film, which own fashion, I won’t tackle a color has been shown in France without picture.” cutting, stars Fernandel. In the case of black and white, The British Board of Film Cen . Rossellini has a wide technical sors a j so has re j ec t ed the pic but knowledge. Starting m 1934 dou- W ould be prepared to grant a cer- blmg in Italian films, he progressed tificate //certain amount of from there to montage, and pho- scissoring is done, tography in documentaries and theii to director. Asked if he had any pet projects, Rossellini said that he was rather disappointed to hear that John Huston cherished tlife same dream, to make a film of Herman Mel- ville’s “Moby Dick.” "I have read the book three or four times and seeh John Barry- more’s great performance in the film; hence, I would not like to fin- ish my life without producing it. However, the time and money needed is so enormous that I doubt if it will ever be possible.” Asked if he would make a pic- ture in the U. S., Rossellini said he Legit Shows Abroad LONDON (Week ending Oct. 25) (Figures indicate opening date) "Affair* of State." Cambridge (8-21). "Bell* St. Martin," St. Mart. (8-29). "Call Me Madam," Coliseum (3-15). "Deep Blue Sea," Duchess <3-6). "Dial M Murder," West. (6-19). "Excitement," Casino (3-8). "Cay Dog," Piccadilly (G-12). "Globe Revue," Globe (7-10). "Hanging Judge," New (8-23). "Happy Marriage," Duke York (8-7). "Husbands Don't," W. Garden (10-1). "Innocents," Majesty's (7-3). ' "Letter From farls," Aldwych (10-10). "Little Hut," Lyric (8-23-30). "London Laughs," AdclphJ (4-12). "Love of Colonels," Wyn. (5-23-51). December. Although Enrique Ser- rano has had fair success at the Astral since he opened there Aug. 28, he must fold to make way for the Japanese Takarazuka ballet, due there for a short run after appearing in Brazil. Jean Aqouilh Well Represented French playwright Jean Anouilh has three of his plays currently playing, “Jezebel,” now switched by Anita Lassalle from the the- atre which bears her name to the Buenos Aires Theatre; "La Sau- vager,” in which Rosa Rosen Co. opened at the Versailles a week ago, and "Euridice,” which the Luisa Vehil-Esteban Serrador Co. opened at the Politeama. There is a big preponderance of foreign atmosphere at the local theatres. Apart from the coming Jap ballet, Josephine Baker is packing them in at the Opera with two night performances daily; Spain is represented by the Pilar Lopez Ballet at the Avenida The- atre, one of the biggest money- makers of the year; also by Lola Membrives Co. at the Odeon in works by Jacinto Benavente or Garcia Lorca; by a Spanish Oper- etta Co., a Spanish musical com- edy and now by "Relations from Spain” at the Apolo Theatre. The Marconi has an Italian Canzoni di Napoli Co. in "Carrosella di Na- poli” and doing big biz while Pi- randello’s "L’lmbecile” is running at the Colonial. The* same author^ "Six Characters in Search of an Author” is playing the Cervantes. France, besides the Anouilh plays, is also represented by Salacrou’s "Pouf” at the Van Riel and by Jean Bernard Due’s "Le Complexe de Philemon” at the Comico. Britain also figures with "Charlie’s Aunt” at the Grand Splendid and Oscar Wilde’s classic' "The Im- portance of Being Ernest” at the General San Martin. The U.S. drama has been repped by "Street- car” at the Casino and "Desire Under the Elms” at the LaFarsa. Among other plans for 1953, Pablo Palitos, currently at the Grand Splendid in "Charlie's Aunt,” has leased the Politeama for a 5-month engagement in March and will produce "Detec- tive,” a new comedy by German Ziclis. Juan Carlos Thorry has joined with vet musical comedy star Gloria Guzman, and plan to re- vive the long-runner, "Had Eve Worn Clothes”. Rome, Oct. 21. Italian government heads of the film industry here again have been studying American censorship. The study seeks to enlighten producers to make pictures for export to the U. S. which will meet Yank censor, ship rules. Feeling here is that censor rulings in America are made up from standards set up by many separate groups, all having some influence. The Italians have strong censorship rules, too, but they do not always include as many stipu- lations as certain U. S. groups. Eager to get their pictures wide- ly distributed in the American mar- ket, the Italians would avoid mis- takes that subsequently lead to cuts in the U. S. or their complete ban- ning. Giulio Andreotti, Undersecretary of State, has formed a committee to make a study and report on van. ous censorship regulations. The Italians in general fail to compre- hend the reasons for the American censors being touchy about things not considered bad here. One Italian filmite gave his opinion that the Americans are jealous of Ital- ian pictures and their new-found success. Some Italians object to certain American pictures because they are too violent. Drunkenness, especial- ly women; divorce and remarriage while the mate is still living, are frowned upon. Parents’ Clubs and Catholic Youth -Action take a dim view of gangsters in U. S. films. The worst offenders of American films are those having scenes depicting anyone in a gov- ernment office, whether a senator or sheriff, as dishonest. Andreotti said that the Italo gov- ernment will continue to aid the picture business and boost the pres- ent number of Italian film experts in the world market, particularly the American market, to encourage dollar earnings. He explained that the government is considering the problem of the so-called protective laws and also the necessity for strengthening the position of Ital- ian films in .the world market. The undersecretary stated that the 1949 law to aid Italian films had accomplished a dual purpose: First, to produce more and better pictures, so as to supply product needed for Italo houses. Second, these pictures had to make the rounds of all the Italian film houses to increase the avera*/* ol each. di'dn*r think "so,' "because' tn" ftlmsr■ “"L’«v#-freYH- juuy," • savme t&--2S)r — just as in lite, one must be sin- cere. "I work on things I know very well and I make realistic films, I feel “the realism, and whenever possible I use an Italian back- ground because it is the place I know best.” Questioned about his private life, he said that for the first time in two years, his wife and himself were enjoying a normal family life, and he hoped the press had decided at last to give them a break because the attacks on them had an effect on their work. "Meet Callahan," Garrick (5-27). "Paris to Piccadilly," Pr. Wales (4-15). "Porgy A Bess," Stoll (10-8). "Quadrille," Phoenix <9-12). "Relative Value," Savoy (11-28-51). "Reluctant Heroes," White. (0-12-50). "Romeo A Juliet," Old Vic (9-15). "Ranch In Rockies," Empress (6-5). "Seagulls Sorrehto," Apollo (6-14-50). "Second Threshold," Vaude. (0-24). "South Pacific," Drury Lano (11-1-51). "Troublemakers^" Comedy (0-10). "Water of Moon," Ilaymarkot (4-10-51). "Winter Journey," St, James’s (4-3). Kmlyn' Williams, Ambass. (0-3). "Woman of Twilight," Vic. Pal. (6-18). "Zip Coes « Million," Palace (10-20-51). "Young El lx.," Criterion (4-2). Buys Cinema for Old-Age Hobby Chesterfield, Eng., Oct. 21. Herbert Reed, a dentist and vet cinema patron, has bought the Em- pire Cinema h*re for $19,500. He explained he purchased the house as a hobby in his old age (he is 73). He goes to a picture show two or three times a week. (SCHEDULED OPENINGS (Figures denote proiriicrc dates) Maurlco Chtvallor, Hippodrome (28), "Rlvor Lino," Strand (20). "Long Mirror," Iloyal Court (20). * "Htavtn's Backyard," New Lindsey (29). "Toddy Baro's Picnic," Ambassadors (4). "Wild Horsts," no theatre sfct (6). AUSTRALIA (Week ending Oct. 25) "Kiss Me, Kate," Royal, Sydney. "Folios Borgoro," Tivoli. Sydney. "Soagulls Ovor Sorronto," Comedy, Mel. "See How Run," Royal, Adelaide. "Tommy Trinder Show," Tivoli, Mol. "South Pacific," Majesty, M«i "Ico Pol Uo," Majesty, Brisbane. "Ico Parade," Empire, Sydney. ‘IceEarade’ Aussie Click Sydney, Oct. 21. Celebrity Theatres, headed by Harry Wren, is looking for a heavy return from the "Ice-Parade” on six-week run at the 2,600-seat Em- pire here. Smartly paced show has a talent lineup that includes Britta Rahlen, Terry Taylor, Bob ’ and Peggy White, John Dietel, Kenny Lamb, Arthur Nelles, the Kermonde Bros and a ballet of local talent. ‘Offensive to Catholics,’ London Ban French Pic Manchester, Oct. 21. British film producers are not making suitable pix for the box- office, said John X. Prenderjgast, leading Yorkshire exhib, speaking here. It was a peculiar thing that British producers had a market to themselves, yet they could not hold it, he added. The exhib named a group of films made by American compa- nies in England which proved that good productions could be made in Britain. British Name Dand Charles H. Dand has replaced Mrs. Katharine Noel Parker as director of the British Information Services’ Films and Publications Division. Mrs. Parker has been re- assigned by the Foreign Office in London. .... For... the past two years, Dand headed the British delegation of the Non-Commercial Cinema Com- mittee, organization which ar- ranged production and exchange of cultural films between France, Bel- gium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. Skouras Visits Korea Tokyo, Oct. 21. Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy now on inspection toufl of company branches in Japan, here from a one-day visit to the front in Korea where he renewed his friendship with General A. Van Fleet, Eighth Army commander whom Skouras first met in Greece. He also paid a frontline call on elements of the Greek forces serv- ing with the United Nations. Wyler’* 15-Wk. ‘Roman’ Rome. Oct. 21. William Wyler, director-producer of "Roman Holiday,” wound up shooting last week, finishing lens- ing of the Paramount pic in 15 weeks. Wyler remains on until Decem- ber to complete the film, doing all of the technical work in Italy. Nip Nab** Nix Duals Nagoya, Oct. 21. . Triple features and duals, cur- rent among neighborhood houses here, have been nixed by the local exhibitors association. The group voted to use single-feature shows.