Variety (December 1957)

‘VARIITX'r LONDON OFPICI I >t. M«r»ln*» Plia,- Tritiitif »qu«r> P'SslEfr EVTKRXATIONAL 11 . . Istanbul, Nov, 26. Thirty Turkish films are current¬ ly being shot in this country, a re¬ cent roundup indicates.. Ten of these are done in studios around Istanbul,, others being on location in all parts of Turkey. Two of these are co-productions with the Germans.. Reason for the recent boom is the sudden importation of negative film stock. Producers had to stop working for more than six months because of the shortage of ra\v ; film.. t Turkish films can he classified i generally into three groups.. One is .the Village Film: (Cliche stories based on ill-fated love triangles); Second one is the Family Melo¬ drama (Reminiscent of the late Emil Jannings starrers) while the third is the gangster melodrama with the plot covering events in . Istanbul... Of the 30 films now be¬ ing shot, more than 15 are the. so- called village films. That’s because., it’s s much cheaper and. consider¬ ably easier to shoot kuch a film on location in a small village with the local folks taking part v Film stars are very' busy, cur¬ rently because of the sudden boom. Some of the more popular ones have to rush from one location to another. If they are also legit, ac¬ tors, they are even more in de¬ mand because the legit season here is at its peak, currently. Pick Gardner, Franciosa To Star in Goya Biopic Rome, Dec. 3. Ava Gardner and Anthony Fran¬ ciosa will star :in a ; biopic of Goya which Titanus Films of Rome will produce in collaboration with Unit¬ ed Artists and Metro. Tentatively titled "Goya," film will be. shot in Spain in cplor, probably starting next spring. Project is.reported as budgeted at some $2,500,000. Script is by Albert Lewin, who has spent Considerable time in Spain, during the past, year brt research, while production itself will be in the . hands of Titanus producer Silvio •Clementelli, , UA may handle pic in the U. S. and Canada, with Metro distribut¬ ing in other countries excepting Italy, where Titanus will release. Titanus has just finished shoot¬ ing another co-production with Metro, “The Seven Hills of Rome," with Mario Lanza, Renato Rascel and Marisa Allasio. Pic is being iushed into local, release while statewide debut, under Metro aus¬ pices, looks like next spring. Pic. was shot in English . by • director Roy Rowland for producer Lester Welch and Titanus when dubbed into Italian. Uncertainty Over Rim Law, Delay on Changes Stalls Arg. Pix Prod. Buenos Aires,‘Nov. 26; Although the Military Junta, which advises Argentina'S Pro¬ visional Government, began revis¬ ing the National Screen institute’s draft regulations for th; Film Law weeks ago, it’s doubtful whether there can be any tangible outcome for some time; becausethe junta is busy , at this time. With far more urgent problems for the country. Meantime, Only a few brave souls continue- actively # producing, and the industry is practically dormant for alleged lack of finance, as pro¬ ducers wait to be granted hand- outs frpm the money collected by Screen institute taxes ostensibly to aid the industry. Hugo del Carril is just complet¬ ing “Una Cita con la Vida" (A Date with Life), adapted from Bernardo Verbisky’s. novel, “Tango Streets’.' D'An Fran will distribute “Diases Ajenos” (Alien Gods), now in. the laboratory stage, which was rolled] in the Humahuaca Valley, Salta Province, a national beauty spot in. the Ahdean foothills. Producer Luis Giudici worked on this optis on,a. Cooperative basis, meaning they will collect out of receipts., A group of complete newcomers to the screen are working also on a cooperative basis on “High Poli¬ tics," directed and produced: by Raul Gaynal. Leopoldo Torres Rios is following’ up his juvenile probr lem picture, “Edad Dificil” (Diffi¬ cult Age),, with “Demasiados Jo- venes" (Too Young), with the same young lead, players, Barbara Mujica and Oscar Rovito. Carlos Borcosque has also gone ahead,. without awaiting State sub¬ sidies, and is readying work on a circus and juvenile picture, titled, "While There’s a Circus." Anselm! Film Argentina; which claims to have beep founded in 1925, is ad¬ vertising the sale of stock in a pro¬ duction in color and a system it calls “A.3 P.Scope,” to be directed] by one Video Anselmi, from Hugo Wast’s novel, “Lucia Miranda.” ‘!The First Kiss" which was di-| reeled, by Enrique Carreras from a script by Julio Porter, and features former child-actress Adrianita in her first adult role,. is to be preemed in a suburban theatre, which' is a plain to recapture audi¬ ence sympathy for native product. The Natipnal Screen Institute has now reviewed most of the backlog Of native product awaiting release, excluding only five from the bene¬ fits of the Protection Law. Horror FUms Worry Ireland Pix Censor Dublin, Nov. 26. Horror, pix dealing with fantastic monsters from outer space are Causing concern to Irish film cen¬ sor Liam O’Hara according to Minister for Justice Oscar Traynor speaking at the annual government party ..gabfest here. Traynor added this was only type of pic w'hich ap¬ peared to be causing concern, but it was becoming more common. 5 The meeting okayed a demand for introduction of graded censor-;] ship certificates similar to. those Used iu Britain. The Irish censor can issue “limited certificates" but rarely does so. Those issued by O’Hara limit attendance to “over 18’s." Hew Halo-French Co-Prod. Rome, Nov. 26. A large Italian film Industry delegation has just returned from . Paris with a hew Franco-Italian co¬ production agreement, set after a three-day confab in the French capital. Details of the new pact have not yet been revealed, spokes¬ man merely stating that the pre¬ vious deal had been modified arid Updated on the experience which in the past years has already led to 230 feature co-productions by France and Italy. New agreement is valid for one year. The French delegation was head- ; ed by Jacques Flaud while the Italian reps to the French confabs were Nicola DePirro, Eitel Monaco, Lidio Bozzini, Alfredo Gudrini, Benedetto Orta and Enrico Gian- nellL Dormen Turkish Delights Istanbul, Nov. 26. Haldiin Dormen has been head¬ ing a new troupe doing two Anglo- American standards. He alternates “Charley’s Aunt” With “Desire Under The Elms," both to strong b.o. $ London, Nov. 26. A national survey carried out by the Bank Organization to sound public opinion on the composition of a program, vealed that 68% -of those quizzed wanted double features and ; a minimum, three-hour show: This . was stated by John Davis, managing director of the Rank Organization; at a dinner to the Overseas Press. He was answering a question. on the length of programs. His questioner had suggested that the public could not leave their tv sets for a full three hours! . .. London, Dec. 3. The Performing Right Society, does not intend to renew its agree¬ ment; with the Cinemotograph Ex¬ hibitors'' Assn., which expired re¬ cently, unless they see* eye to eye. on a new agreement to calculate fees on the basis of box office tak¬ ings., The., past agreement was based on seating, with manage¬ ments paying a percentage as¬ sessed at .52 times the monetary ; value of such capacity; The percentage scale, meant that large , theatres paid at a rate of 3% on all music performed. This scale was graduated down until it reached a minimum, fiat annual payment of $20 for minor , situa¬ tions. . Society’s general manager, H.: L. Walter, said, he did not feel that was a fair method in the pres¬ ent day when so many managements were in financial trouble. He felt: it would be far more, practical if the fees were based on a percent¬ age—probably the total admissions at each theatre^ One of the good: points about the . pro¬ posed plan, he opined, would be that managements would not have to pay for . people who were not in the theatre. Exhibitors are opposed to such a plan. Balcon Likes Ealing U.S. Tieup Wilh Metro London, Nov. 26. Sir Michael Balcon, top man of Ealing Films, is confident that Eal-J ing’s tieup with Metro in the States ! will pay off handsomely. Under the agreement Ealing has complete control ori the pix they produce for] Metro release. So far “Man in the] Sky," “Shiralee,” “Barnacle Bill,” with Alec Guinness; “Davy," arid “Dunkirk” have been completed: “With an inevitable time lag] U.S., has not : yet. seen any’of these : he said, "but Metro pro-] fesses to be satisfied: Crisis film will be ‘Dunkirk’—a completely British subject," Seasonal Dip Hits Vest End; ‘Star’ Bright 8G, Kwai’ Sturdy $8,700,8th, ’ $1490#,95th, ‘Pride 5$J TO C Y to Consol Amps. For Hawaiian Playdate London, Nov. 26, Seasonal decline is in evidence ,iu latest returns from first-run* here, and even the sturdiest hold* overs have reacted. “Around World in 80, Days" at the Astoria is down to $15,400, still fine, in it* frame, having been affected main¬ ly by a substantial drop in matinee business. “Cinerama Holiday" in Honolulu, Nov. 26. Consolidated Amus. Co., still smarting over, its loss of “Around World in 80 Days" (UA> to Henry J. Kaiser and his aluminum dome, has wrapped up “10 Command-1 _ **i» 5th "»»>a * a* Casino, is rated _j„ j good $14,900 or about $5,000 down Pic .has been booked for a six ; r—,,™ ; nrevious fortnieht week run starting Dee. 13, with; .P reviQUS . t° rtni S ftt -„ house scaled at $1.80 top. Film] . Bnd $l .on Rive]r Kwai’ looks will have matinee and single; stout $8,700 in Its. eighth Plaza evening, performance daily, with week. Pride and Passion * is good night, shows on a reserved seat] $5,500 in its seventh Pavilion basis* Situation Sour Mexico City, Nov. 26. The., unstable film studio situ?- lion, which began last spring with the threatened shuttering of the biggest and most modern plant, the Churubusco,- (because its board chairman, Emilio Azcarraga Sr:, reported a cumulative deficit of $920,000), has become even more shaky. The government at¬ tempted to correct the situation by closing the Clasa plant, Mexico’s pioneer-modern studio, which had been running for some years, mostly in the red. It was hoped this would let the ’Churubusco live. Now the. technical-.manual workers locals of the Picture Pro-j duction Workers Union .(STPC) are pressuring for reopening of the Ciasa, on the theory that gen¬ eral pic productioii is being hurt because of . insufficient studio stages. This would provide more work for more members, of course. So Azcarraga has announced that if Clasa resumes;' lie will offer to sell Churubusco to the govern¬ ment. Azcarraga revealed that the gov¬ ernment. refused his offer to sell Churubusco about. six • years ago. He intimated that the administra¬ tion’s excuse for the rejection was it was at that time it already too much coin in the pix industry. He said that ; Churubusco*s closure would make more than 3,200 un¬ ionists jobless, TTie trade doesn’t expect any definite decision in this case until Eduardo Garduno, prexy of the film industry’s own bank. Banco Nacional Cinemotografico, returns from the observation trip he’s making abroad. He’s currently in the U:S. and is not expected here until early in December. stanza “Bolshoi Ballet" in fifth Gaumont round was lofty $9,800. ; Among new entries, "Story of Mankind” shapes modest $6,500 at the Warner, .“Tin Star’’ looks neat $8,000 or near in opening ses- \ sion at the Odeon, Marble Arch. Estimates for Last Week' { Astoria (CMA) (1,474; $1.20- i $2.15)—"Around World in 80 Days’* L (UA) (2ist wk). Fine $15,400. Carlton (20th) (1,128: 70-$2.15W “Sqn Also Rises” (20th) (4th wk). Average $5,500 or near. Last week, $6,800. “Stopover Tokyo” (20th) follows NOv. 28. Casino (Indie) (1,337; 70-$2.15)— “Cinerama Holiday” (Robin) (95th wk). Good $14,900. Empire (M-G) (3,099; 55-$1.70>— “Les Girls” (M-G) (3d wk«. Fair $10,000 or near. Last week, $12,* 000. “Man on Fire” (M-G) preem* Nov. 28. Gaumont (CMAV (1,500; 5Q-$1.70) —“Bolshoi Ballet* 4 (Ran^) (6th wk). Stout $9,500 or near. Last weeks, $9,800. “Just My Luck” (Rank) preems Dec. 5. Leicester Square Theatre (CMA) (1,376; 50-$1.70* — “Time Limit” (UA) (3d wk). Sturdy $5,6001 Last week, $6,700. “Until They Sail” (M-G) opens Nov. 28. London Pavilion (UA) (1,217; 50- §1.70)—“Pride and Passion" <US> (7th wk). Good $5,500. Last week, $6,300. “Tarzan and Lost Safari" (M-G) bows Nov. 29. Odeon, Leicester Square (CMA) (2,200; 50 - $1.70) — “Tarnished Angels" (Rank).. Fair $6,100. Odeon, Marble Arch (CMA> (?]200; 50-$1.70>—“Tin Star" (Par). Neat $8,000 or near. Plaza (Par) (1.902; 95-$2.80) — “Bridge on River Kwai" (Col) (8th wk>. Finishing current run with smash $8,700. Last week, $9,900. “10 Commandments" (Par) open* with Royal preem Nov. 28. Rialto (20th) (592: 50-$1.30t —- “Back From Dead" (20th) and “Un¬ known Terror" (?0th) (3d wk). Fair $3,900. Last week, $4,800. Rite (M-G) (432; 50-$1.30> — “Flesh is Weak" (Eros). Neat $3,000 after 15-week run in West End. Warner (WB> (1,785; 50-$1.701— “Story of Manking” iWB>. Modest $6,500 or close. By FRED SOFT Spanish situation suddenly has taken a turn for the worse, with RKO informing the Motion Picture Export Assn, that it must deliver to Jose Garcia Ramos at least eight of the 18 films which it sold him along with the RKO facilities in Spain*: RKO move comes in the wake of a recent assurance by Thomas F. O’Neil, RKO prexy, that the availability of the eight features to the Spaniard Would be stalled at least until there’s a Spanish- American film agreement. MPEA has maintained an em¬ bargo on shipments to Spain for over two years now. Reason is the trading conditions; demanded by! the Spaniards, plus their demand for fewer permits for. the U. S;. majors. Current conditions make a Spanish film deal; almost impos-. sihle and, increasingly, there are indications that the Spaniards would like to drive the American distributors out 100%, forcing them to "conduct their business, in Spain , via native licensee;. Ta United Artists. Situation finds MPEA on the horns ofi a real dilemma. Oh one hand, quite.a few of the companies are sick with the Spanish “mess” and would like to resolve it one way or another. On the other, there is a. general feat that, con* cessions in Spain would have reverberations throughout Europe and would almost immediately cre¬ ate similar situations elsewhere.: Spanish Torture Thus, while several million dol¬ lars already have been Tbst via the Spanish embargo, this is “peanuts” compared with what might be lost by giving in to Spanish demands and the ‘ acceptance of a compara¬ tive handful of permits. There are some who make no bones about •their unhappiness with the Spanish dilemma, but none have any very good suggestions as to how to ex¬ tricate MPEA from it. Embargo extends only to shipping, not to booking. When RKO originally sold out in Spain, along with 18 pictures, the rest of-the MPEA members were greatly disturbed, arguing that RKO was bound by the com-, mon MPEA resolution against the release of hew films in that coun¬ try; On several occasions recent¬ ly, MPEA. reconfirmed that, resolu¬ tion' RKO was said to have given assurances that it would not de¬ liver the pictures. In fact, one report has it that the company presidents actually: assured. vO’Nell they would hack! him to the hilt in any lawsuits that might result from his refusal to New French Govt Picks Film Business Chief Paris, Dec. 3. Though the French government has plenty of problems, Paul Ri- beyre. Minister of Commerce and Industry, has found time to handle the film industry now under hit aegis. He appointed Jean Vivie, make available prints and nega- • fil m scientist, technician and teach- tives on the films, he sold. e F» , as ^ ls ^ ia ^ s . on h]f. n * After examining the situation, I «rcles are at ease smce this priori- and being confronted with the ] ^ given to them denotes recogni- Spanish reaction, O'Neii apparent-| tlo ° of . as an important ly decided that he couldn't hold i cultura l force * .•*. off any longer. Asked whether he ] Governmental concern with eco- thoughit the availability of the j nomics, it is felt here, will help RKO films* for which the Spanish: maintain the recent unfreezing of Government has yet to issue li-] admission tags in film theatres. , t-'lM 1 cerises, would : splinter the MPEA front in Spain, one company for¬ eign topper thought it would not. “Provided we can keep Allied Artists and Republic in line, “we’ll probably continue, the. embargo,” he said. Republic is 'still: angling for a Spanish deal. Over and over, again, industry execs stress the. im¬ portance of Spain as a precedent 1 for the. rest of Europe. r l '■ ‘ > ( 13 »• f 3 i 3 / l i . ■! i There»has been no appreciable boxoffice dip in the face of upped admittance prices. It’s also; expected that the Film Aid Law will be kept intact to help balance the present fiscal pix set* lip, rated one of the healthiest in Europe at. the moment. In re the impending Common Film Mart, pros and cons have been stated here by various film sources. ' j'* f It r !• f j i . ♦*#) j » .r -i ci i>i)