Variety (November 1954)

Wednesday, November 3, 1954 PICTURES TOA: REGRET THAT DIVORCE on Following is a list of cuts and reductions asked by India's censor In the case of one single picture, 20th-Fox’s “Demetrius and the Gladiators”: ' Delete—Shot of a nude, marble statue in Emperor Caligula’s private arena; shots of Messalina with ‘‘the flesh of her bosom visible”; all shots of her in a. low-cut dress; Demetrius kissing Messalina; the words “I have had no real young man , neat me”; Demetrius and Messalina making love on the banks of a pond and the background where girls dance seductively; a dance by three African girls; shots of gladiators being killed; by tridents; the Words “It wasn’t made out of water. Did you know Jesus could turn water into wine? And that was only one of his tricks!”; trailer commentary “You are amid the wild Baccanalian orgies.” Reduce^—scenes of gladiators flirting with girls; Lucia being manhandled by gladiators. ThAlndian censors generally are hard, on violence, prolonged embraces and kissing, and drinking scenes (India being primarily Hindu). * Few Italian Films Carry U.$. Code Approval- ' Hurt: When Combined With Legion’s *C’ Hating Two .changes; including a clear definition of the ending, Will make Paul Graetz’s “Lovers, Happy Lov^ ers” film acceptable to the pro- duction code and will earn the re- lease a seal, the producer was in- formed last week by the Motion Picture £ssn. of America. Changes, which involve no re- shooting and which are wholly ac- ceptable to Graetz, were suggested following .a N. Y. huddle between Graetz and Geoffrey Shurlock, pro- duction code administrator. Sig- nificant aspect of the action is that the film, for the moment at least, retains its “C,” or condemned, rat- ing from the Catholic. Legion of Decency. Observers point out that the code’s reversal—the. film had origi- nally been refused a seal—was un- usual in the light of the Legion rating. Tradesters assume that, with the changes made, the Legion (Continued on page 18) For Sales Clues; Jacon Ducks Reserved Seats On the assumption that a two- ft-day, reserved seat policy repre- sents. an inconvenience to many patrons, Italian Films Export is releasing its "Aida” opera films on a continuous run basis, with exhibs raising their priced any- where between 15c to 35c above normal scales. Following an extensive midwest- eern swing, and huddles with Sol Hurok under whose sponsorship “Aida” is being launched, Bernard Jacon, IFE v.p. in charge of sales, said in N.- Y. last week (28) that IFE’s initial aim with the pic would be for the “classmass” mar- ket and that its reception in that audience bracket would determine future handling. In N. Y., “Aida” kicks off at the Little Carnegie, an artie. It will be closely watched as a first big- time straight opera, film. Results of the Nv. Y. run will determine policy elsewhere. BROKER SUES FOR FEE ON RKO THEATRES BUY Albert A. List, board chairman of RKO Theatres, failed to pay brokerage, fees when he acquired 930, e 00Q shares of the company’s stock owned and controlled by Howard R, Hughes, Cnarge : was leveled in N. Y. Federal Court last week by Harry Kuffler, mem- ber of the' firm Of Herzfeld & Stern, who seeks $89,350 for 'his services. Kuffler asserts he suggested in 1953 that List acquire Hughes’ RKO Theatres holdings. He got the greenlight from List, it’s claimed, and later communicated with Da- vid J. Green who introduced List to Hughes and/or his reps. List was satisfied with Kuffler’s serv- ices, the complaint alleges. Papers also contend that the broker is entitled to the $89,350 fee. Canada’s Distinction Ottawa, Nov. 2. “Canada; with its eight cen- sorship boards in ten prov- inces,' is probably the most over-censored country in the. world. This statement is contained in the “Censorship” section of the new year book just out of- the Canadian Film Weekly. Macgregor Scott Sees Bettered British. Film Prospects m States While conceding it's been an up- hill fight, the American market has definitely improved as a buyer of British films in the opinion of Macgregor Scott, general safes manager of Associated British- Pathe. Prior, to returning to Lon- don. over the. weekend, he ex- pressed the belief that the average Yank, filmgoer willingly accepts British, pictures once he’s hecom§ accustomed to them. Scott, who visited Hollywood in the course of a several weeks’ U. S. stay, holds that there’s little an- tipathy against British product as such. For, he added, “it’s a matter of the public getting introduced to our films—if they see them’'once they go again providing the stories are entertaining and contai hu- man interest.” Asked if his company would ac- quire U. S. theatres to showcase its product in line with such a plan recently announced by J. Arthur Rank, Scott declared “we’ve never faVored foreign holdings but I see no harm in it.” He recalled that the practice was not a new one, pointing out that Pathe- Ciriema, a French company, ovvns and operates the Paris Theatre in midtown New York. Scott also emphasized the value (Continued on page 18) DONALD SNOOK SINGLED FOR DAMASCUS COUP Washington, Nov. 2. Key man ' setting , up the “Cinerama” exhibit, sensation of the International Trade Fair at Damascus, Syria; has received high praise from the U. S. Em- bassy in Syria. Kudoes went to Donald L. Snook, cultural affairs officer for the U. S. Information Agency, in that country. “Cinerama” was the surprise of the-Syrian fair, topping the elabo- rate Russian exhibit in, public in- terest. Brandon Gets ‘Impostor’ From japan’s Shochiku American rights for. the Japa- nese film, “The Impostor,” pro- duced by the Shochiku Co,, have been acquired by Brandon Films, N. Y. It’s a costume drama set in a Kabuki theatre. It’s due for re- lease this winter. By GENE ARNEELj. . Chicago, Nov. 2. Ground work has been laid here for the reconstruction .of the pic- ture business along the same pat- tern that existed from the 1920’s until various court ‘decrees a few years ago declared flatly that the major film companies are 4fc)rbid- den to.own domestic theatres and the major circuits are enjoined; from engaging in either the pro- duction or distribution of films. Despite the fact that even the United States Supreme Court up- held the legality of this divorce- ment, a number of key exhibitors are blueprinting; plans to segue, back into the business of filim making. This is not just an in-, stance of where a group of indie theatre owners are putting up money to finance production or are guaranteeing dates for fea- tures in advance of the camera work. The project entails the ac- tive participation of those same major chains in the kind of; activity that the nation’s highest tribunal has nixed. Over 60 members of the leader- ship and Board of Directors of the Theatre Owners of America' at a closed-door huddle which be- gan ..... early Sunday and didn't break until hearly midnight, en- gaged in hot discussion of the pros, and. cons. Key point Of contention centered on the question of how Paramount Theatres, Stanley-War- ner or National Theatres can cause pictures to be produced and stay within legality’s, realm. This led to the spectacular, yet serious- ly proposed and seriously studied, idea of trying to induce Congress to overrule the U. S. Supreme Court. TOA-ers have tried to keep the tenor of the meeting hushed up. Consequently some ‘iueliable leaks” are the authority for what went on. All theatremen attending the TOA convention here are obvious- ly ’ concerned with the curtailment of picture production in Holly- wood. Some used figures to dramatize gravity of the situation. Holly- (Continued on. page 7) On Sadistic The New King Kong Hollywood, Nov. 2. It looked as if monkey busi- ness was. afoot when the call sheet fdr “Green Mansions” at Metro read: “Pier Angeli to test with' King Kong.” Later it was learned that King Kong is a young actor from the Philippines. Jan Sterling’s Advice To Touring Stars: Get With It, All Work and No Lark Hollywood, Nov. 2. A brighter boxOffice horizon is in sight around the country and rising grosses, better product and the promise of still, more big ic- tures have driven the crying-towel fraternity to cover. What’s more, the business upswing has cued an exhibitor optimism and inter-thea- tre cooperation that should provide an even greater boost for business during the, criming year. That’s the impression gained by actress Jan Sterling on a recent personal appearance tour, her sixth nationwide junket in the last four years. The difference in exhibitor viewpoint in this most recent trek, she says, “is really thrilling.” Her journey, a whirlwind affair cover- ing New Orleans, Chicago, Indi- anapolis, Detroit, Boston,. Albany, Baltiihore and New York City, was on behalf of her Allied Artists star- rer, “The Human Jungle.” “But the distributors and exhib- itors whom I met didn’t want me to confine myself solely to this picture,” the blonde actress de- clared. “They wanted me to stress the present and future quality of. films, new films from any studio. "In one city,” she added, “a prominent theatre Owner bought a full-page ad to plug his opposition’s attraction. And this is only one (Continued on page 18) Election Shaves Biz; ‘Christmas’ New Champ, ‘Star’ 2d, ‘Cinerama’ 3d, Brando, ‘Sabrina’ Next First-run theatres are feeling the competition from the election bally ) this round but hoped to get some- thing ot a pickup via the actual Election Day yesterday (Tues.). Rain, snow and miich colder weather are. helping in some local- ities but-mainly the election ex- citement is proving too much of a handicap. New champion this week is “White Christmas” (Par), which is pushing “Star Is Born” (WB) out of No. 1 spot by a big margin. The Danny Kaye-Bing Crosby-Irving Berlin pic looks to rack up a gross of $525,000 in 12 key cities cov- ered by. Variety correspondents. “Christmas” is hanging up new records in several keys. It contin- ues terrific, in third session at N.Y., Music Hall, doing, almost, as well as in second wriek. Likewise, it is running neck-’n’-neck 'ith first stanza in Denver, “Star-’ is a smash ‘second—place Winner, after being topper for two Weeks in £ row. “Cinerama” (In- die) is finishing third while “Water- front” (Col). Will capture fourth money. Marlon Brando starrer is showing, real stami * ' “Sabrina” (Par) is showing enough to wind in fifth spot. “Ben-, gal Brigade” (U) is copping sixth place with “Brigadoon” (M-G) in seventh. “Brigade,” out for first time this week, is inclined to be spotty but doing okay in several keys. “Woman’s World” (20th), high on the list frir weeks, v is finishing in eighth position. “Hajji Baba” (20th), with improve^ showings in several keys, is.pushing up to ninth while “Suddenly” .(UA) is taking 10th;. spot, “Rear Window” (Par) and “Betrayed” (M-G) ,are the two runner-up pix of month. “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) looms as one of the potentially big new grossers, based on showings this week, first one that the pic has been out in release to any extent. It is torrid, in Chi, loud ih Port- land, fine in Denver but mild in Seattle. Film continues rousing on extended-run in N.Y. . ’“Black Widow” (20th) is. another -promising newcomer. It is brisk in Balto, sock in Denver, fine in N.Y;,. fancy: in Philly hut slow in Frisco. “Carmen Jones” (20th) is breeming smash' this round at N.Y.. Rivoli. “Black Knight” (Col), nice in N.Y., is okay in' Omaha. “Athena” (M-G), also new, is rated oke .in L.A. “Passion” (RKO); another new entry, shapes mild to. dull cur- rently; “Reap Wild Wind” (Par), out on reissue, is doing smart trade in Philly... “Rogue Cop'.’ (M-G), good in Omaha, is okay in Washington and Frisco. “Four Guns To Border” (U), shapes fast in Boston. “Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) looks big in Pitt and Indianapolis, and solid in Port- land. “Human Jungle” (A A), looms okay in Providence. “Hulot’s Holi- day” (GBD), sock in Chi, is doing great day-dating about 12 houses in N.Y. City. (Complete Boxoffice Reports on Pages' 8-9) By FRED HIFT Film producers’ increasing tend- ency to go in. for screen violence and brutality, is a source Of con- cern; to production code admin- istrator Geoffrey Shurlock .and he intends to do something about it, Shurlock, newly installed as code topper, said in N. Y. last week (29) that he was aware of,, criticism, leyelled against the . industry for its tendency towards sadism action pix and that he planned to take this topic up with the studios particularly in view of an upcom- ing series of films on juvenile de- linquency. Scripts he. has read have indicated an unusual—and ‘ his view Overplayed—accent brutality. Having just reached basic agree- ment with producer Paul Graetz for the granting of, a code seal' for “Lovers, Happy Lovers,” Shurlock emphatically rejected any notion that the code has a‘“double stand- ard” under which it’s tougher on foreign imports than on domestic films. “On the contrary,” he held “if anything, we are more lenient and bend Over backwards to be fair to foreign-language pictures that are submitted to us because we know that any changes would involve cutting the finished prod- uct,” Shurlock said there was “no such thing as two codes” at the moment and that; while the idea Of an adult classification for foreign films comes up every once in a while, h thought such a procedure was "not impossible but difficult.” “The main trouble is, no one really wants it. There is ho ma- chinery set up to keep minors away from certain films,” he commented. An adult classification of a picture in any case could be. arranged only after the.film is completed, he said, In regard to suggestions that the code establish .liaison Offices Paris and Rome to allo\V European (Continued On page 18)' Trad® Mark Registered FOUNDED BY SIME SILVERMAN Published Weekly by VARIETY. INC Harold Erichs, President 134 West 46th St. New York.36. N.Y JUdson 2-2700 . Hollywood 26 6311 Yucca. Street Hollywood 0-1141 Washington 4 1292 National Press Building STerllng 3-5445 Chicago 11 612 No. Michigan Avo. DElawarc 7-4984. London WC2 8 St. Martin’s Pi.. Trafalgar Sq. Temple Bar 5041 SUBSCRIPTION Annual $10 Foreign . $11 Single Copies 25 Cents ABEL GREEN.'Editor • VOL 196 J20 No. 9 INDEX Bills. ,...5,. Chatter ; Film Reviews House; Reviews ,. . Inside Pictures Inside RadiO-TV International Legitimate Literati 1 Music New Acts- . ... 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