Variety (Aug 1927)

Wednesday, August 3, 1827 FOREIGN AKIETY TAKES AND RETAKES BRITISH FILM MARKET London, Juljr ts. At the moment when this is be- Um written, the newspapers are earrylner a story of a fanner In Lei- cester (Bns.) who bought some im- ported egga and hatched them in an Incubator. When the shells chipped and the Incubated result wriggled from Its calcereous covers, the chlclcen-raiser discovered that ie had hatched a crop of alligators. Isn't that just like what happens with—not on—the pictures? Ex- hibitors keep buying picture eggs often long before tiiey are even laid. And when they hatch out alibis—for distributors, for direc- tors, for stars, the poor showman Is staggered to find that tlie au- diences will not consume this addled ■tudto-ft'ult avidly! I do not know any other business In this Universe in which you can sell something you haven't got by describing it as something you are never likely to have, and then de- livering aomethlng quite different from eltherl And get away with it, too. Not that this Is an aspect of the biulness peeuliar t» British pro' duetion. It is a game Invented, Introduced, and played here by American distributors, and Para- mount vies with First f<ational as tho leading azponeata of this movieland Indoor sport It has tal<en an Act of Parliament to stop it—supposing ttiat the Film (Quota) Bill does stop it. Showmen havo been fighting block and blind booking with their mouths ever since it was first In- vented . . . and still signing on the dotted line to get ahead of,the other fellow. Theiv irhes the paper WAedule of productions has hatched out a large proportion of alligators. Mid the exhibitor has seen his HMflta eaten before his very eyes, ko haa howled to the heavens over ;th<> iniquity of it, while the parent M the reptiles has shed crocodile tegtrs—and sold him another brood! A New Traffic Problem : But there is a proverb here that ■ays It is possible to drive a coach and four through any Act of Par Ilament. Politicians may legislati' that a man shall not buy something ahead, trade altruists may preach against the evils of block booking, and the Board of Trade may regis- ter all films before they are offered. Still there will be distributors (and tbwr will not all be Araorloaii) who will be blind and deaf when their eaiesmen malce private arrange- ments with exhibitors. Just as tlicre will be showmen who will make ■uch bargain* with the salesmen. Films Without—With Tears Within the last year we have made some good pictures liore. and we have made some films that have made money, even for thw^^agels." "Nell Gwyn," though ballyhooed by J. D. Williams, was not made by British National, Ijut was taken over by it near completion from A. B. Bundy. Who had (laaiMed It and who made a fat profit on the But tills near-film had little oSect on the downward course of British National. "London" was a tarrible picture. "Tiptoes" no better, and with the completion of Herbert Wilcox's fourth effort at Elstree, "Pompadour," the company closed down on him and on itselt ita studio property and other asseu, but not it^ contracts or commit- monts up to the conclusion of "Pompadour," being transferred to British International, a new com- pany with most of the former ex- ecutives. Then Cecil Ilupworth got one of the Xettlefolds to finance "The House of Marney," and United Artists were to release It But the film that Hcpworth made should never have been let out on parole, much leas released. Twenty years ago it would have been stupendous. In the present eta it was merely ■tupld. "The Triumph of the Itat" and PUBLICITY ,N>M 1 ork rroductloDH ftnil .\rtMn WILL A. PAGE Mnvfalr Tlii'ntrr llullilinc 1.1fl WKST 41TII nr.. N. Y. C. l'hi,no ltr>»nl -iliU "nio Pleasure Garden" made money, but stripped of Ivor Novello In the first and the Inspired press boom In the second, they were just two of "them movies," and not so good at that A funny story is behind "The Lodger," whldi waa Hitchcock's third film. The distributors saw It and threw up their hands. Hitch- cock waa let out and went to British National. Then the wise ones were persuaded to show "The Lodger," and the press went crazy over It So crasy that the director was subsequently farmed back by British National at (10,000 a film, whereas up to the time of finishing •The Lodgi r ' lie had been getting (ITS a week! Having got rid ot theac, let us turn to aomo of the more success- ful films, * Tho Top Of British directors with the best record for the past year, both for the merit of his films and for their box office results, Maurice Eivey Is tho top-ilner. Five, successes in one year is pretty good going, and even if the films are not calcula^d to set the United States on Are, they are flrst-rate entertainment for this market, and have made a lot ot money for everybody. The five are "The FltLg Lieutenant" "Had*- molselle from Armentleres," "Kindle Wakes," "Roses of Picardy" and "The Glad Eye." If the latter docs not get into the American market and put Bstelle Brody over . then the lunch-table talk of your Big Noises - when they come here about wanting liriti.sli films when they are up to your standards is pure bunk. It's bunk, anyway, though I preserve an open mind as to its purity. Second Best From the point of view of na tioaal interest mM well aa of the producers' and distributors' bank- roll, Walter Summers Is our next best director. "Ypres," "Zee brugge" and this year "Mens" (all made for release in their respective years on Armistice Day) have made a fortune, eacft one. "Montf' liunkcd In tills market alone to nearly four hundred thousand dol lara. Summers Is still staying with the war stuff and ts completing "The Battles of Coronel and Falk- land Islands," though it Is my opin- ion that the market for war themes Is pretty nearly suffering from shell shock, tliere have been so many of them. All the same, this film Is already booked to a lot over its production cost, and Summers is going on to do "Uallipoli." Tlie Others Tea, w« havo some other direc- tors. Of the "continuous" ones— those regularly at work—perhaps Graham Cutts and Alfred Hitch- cock are alone worth notice. In the last year Cutts has made ' The Tri- umph of the Rat," already men- tioned; "The Rolling Road" (Flora le Breton's first Aim on her return from the States), "The Queen Was in the Parlour," which might be advertised "Sex Appeal in f]very Reel," and "Kasy Virtue." Why the latter subject was chosen for the screen no one knows, for if there's one thing th.at isn't easy, app.irent- ly, in themes used tor the movies, it's virtue! One-a-Year Men Finally the directors who have made one picture, and in a few cases this has been too many. Top of the former Is Manning Uaynes, whose early film, "The Monkey's Paw," was not unsuccessful in America, Some time after the flzzling out of the much-boomed "Daily Express" stunt of putting up (200,000 to make a film, Ilaynes got a contract from Lord Benverbrook to make "Passion Island," which has Just had a trade show, and appears to be worth the 10 months spent on It George Pcnr.aon has done noth- ing this ye.ir except "Huntlngtow- er," and that has not long been started. liarley Knoles has made on'^ film, "The White Shell<," and lias sl.irted on "r,nnd of Hope and fllory," but his work iuis ;if tu.iHy boon done I during this year of r.t27, w hcr'-.^s I (CMntlnued nn I^ase SO* "ABIE'' Wni RETURN London, Aug. 2. Although Anns Nichols' "Abie's Irish Rose" eloaed after a run of II weeks in London, it will reopen here following a provincial tour. William DeUgnemare has decided to bring "Ab a" back Dec. It, re- opening most probably at the Adelphi. WORLD-WIOE COMMENT "Leon Klml>erly and Helen Page are farceurs with a new line of gab and of the kind that brings the most laughter. They ofCer much advice about marriage and what the boy and girl should do to aasure themselves o< happinea* after the knot has been tied. Tho song* are new and tho comedy dean and of the very beat" The International Artists LEON HELEN KIMBERLY and PAGE The World Is Our Market Ubnries ud W London. Aug. 2. "The Vagabond King" seems to have t>een made the target for re- ports of declining griwses througli the ticket iibrnriea. The latter at one time were reluctant to make a second buy for the Kuaaeil Janney American production, despite they were assimilating more seats niglit- iy than they had contr.acted for. The libraries are more amenabi*- now, with the "King's" business in- creasing. That show at the Winter Garden has never fallen below (13.- 000 weekly and holds an average of over (14.000. Too Many Divorces For Ainee's Siccefior $40,000 FUND FOR WHITE'S FAMILY London, Aug. 2. A fund raised privately tor the family of the late Jamea 'Whita has now reached (40,000. It's n testimonial to tho popu- larity ot a leading London Hgure who committed auleida. Nungesser-Coli Benefit Check for $31,186.44 Washington, Aug. t. A check for (31.186.44. covering the Nungesser-Coli benefit at the Roxy theatre, has been received by the French K mb a aa y. It will bo forwarded to France and divided equally between the mothers of the lost aviators. Check waa delivered by Charles H. HoSman, rep r a— ntin g Stanley Mitchell, treasurer of tho fund. Joe Sachs' B. R. London, Aug. 2. Joe Sachs has dug a bankroll from a Maaehaatar eottoa mer- chant It means Joe will agate produce, this time "The Olrl From Cook's,' and in October. Johnny Hudgins May Open Own Paris Cafe Paris, Aug. 2. Jolinny Hudgin.s, the American colored dancing comedian, is con- sidering opening his own cabaret here during the winter. He Is at present with the "Hroadway-Paris" cab.'iret revue .at the Ambasaadeurs. It closes Aug. 15. Hudgins is ii-sted to follow at the Moulin Rouge. Darlo and Irene are due to open t the Ambassadeurs, with Aaron- son's Commanders remaining through tiie season there. Des Holaea, Aug. S. Too. many dlvoreea la given aa tiie reason it was decided Marshall B. Craig, Des Moines man, would not be a favorable auocessor to Atmee McPherson as head of An- gelus temple. Los Angeles, after an- nouiiiu>ni«>nt was made lAst week that Craig waa Mrs. McPherson's "unanimous" clioice. Craig, geheral passenger agent here for the Great Western Rail- road, lias liot-n a friend of Almee's for many > oars. in tiie snnsatlonal Craig divorce trial here a few months ago Mrs. Craig charged that her husband made too many trips to California, also that she had found amber colored hairpins in his automobile. The divorce followed close upon his resignation as direc- tor of the Des Moines Ladles' Band, which came after a oontroveray with several members of that or> gnnization. Cruig again came into some pub- liclty a few weeks ago when ho waS called into court on a charge of not p.'iying the alimony stipulated la tho decree to his divorced wife. Now another divorce from a pre- vious wife has been unearthed in California, which m.akes one too- many so far as his position With Angelus temple is concerned. LONDON Acrobat Suspected Of Automobile Robbery Paris, July 12. Roger Schlochtcl, of Roumanian nationality, well known aa an acro- bat, has been arrested with a party of eight, accused of stealing auto- mobiles. The gang is suspected of having appropriated over SO cars and made a profit of a million francs during the past few months. Schlec!itel h.as appeared at some of the largest music halls. Ho started tho stunt ot driving a car down tho ateps of Moatmartro last year, and diving with an automo- bile into the River Seine. Livreur" Fair HOPKINS TAKES "BALCONT" London, Aug. 2. Charles Hopkins has accepted for production In Now Torfc a play by Naomi Royde-Smltb. ontitled "A Balcony." It was tried out at the Everyman theatre a few months ago, with Ernest Mlltoa te tho leading role. .Milton is tho husband of the au- tlioress. JEAN MITKBAY HERE London, Aug. 1. Jean Murray has been engaged through Jack Potter, representing Charles Dillingham, for the FMdie Dowling show, "Bast Side, West Side." That DIlUngluun-Erlanger pro- duction will probably be spotted at the Globe, New York. Miss Murray sailed on the "Ber- engaria" July 10. THE TILLER DANCING SCHOOLS CI—M S fl—f Formtimg OF AMERICA. Inc. 226 West 72d Street NEW YORK OAUMONT WANTS NADEIX London, Aug. 2. llernard Nadeil, playing Steve Ctiurcliill in "Broadway" here. Is being dickered for by Oaumont. The latter wanU Nadell to play opposite Gladys Jennings In "l*awn," BEVUE'S 2D EDITION London, Aug. t. A second edition of the "Blue .''kles" r^vue will have Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce. Whispering Jack Smith will then retire from tho Show. Paris, Aug. 2. A f.arce by George Amould, ear marked "Le Livrour de cliez Nico- las' ("Nicolas' Delivery Man"), was produced by Kernand lUvers at the Eldorado, under fair conditions. Nicolas is a local wine merchant catering for the middle classes and does a lot of advertising, using the picture of an eccentric porter in uniform for posters. Engaged for "Dafling I.rf>ndon, Aug. 2. Jack Potter sailed Saturday on the "Berengctria," after engaging people for the Dillingham produe- tion of "The Little Darling," duo for the Knickerbocker, New York. In the ca.st will be Ileatrice Liilic, Harold Murray, VIvlenns Segal, Ciiftbrd Wobb and Ula Sharon. HEABH BUYS "WHITE BIBDS" lyondon, Aug. 1. Tom Hearn has paid $10,000 for the production of "White Birds." He will use the equipment to out- flt several ot his touring revuea London. Aug. 2. ITIa Sharon at the Coliseum yes- terday was accorded a good raeap« tlon, but revealed tnsufllclent nov« city to entitle her to the premlero iieadlinc po.sition of I.,ondon's moat important vaude house. At the VIctorla-Palace Val and Ernie Stanton gave their 20 minutes of fast comedy, mostly new here, and got over easily. Joyner and Foster, colore^, also on tiie Coliseum program, and for their English debut had Intricato stepplns, but unpalatable oomedjr for a faaslly audience. "Peggy Ann"—2 Ways I..ondon, Aug. 2| "Peggy Ann." opening at Daly's, is generally praised by the prsw with the exception of Hannaa Swatter in the "Express." Americans just arriving say Lon> don's "Peggy Ann" is a better pro- duction than New York's, but tho adaptation for the English is poor and singing voices not so good. Swaffer said Daly's totally un- Bulted for show which might have liad a chance in another house. EndleXt ll215-« MARY READ Prmid«Bt OWE aiiuajju Huuai. uf u r London. Aug. t. f)f the pii London theatres op- erated liy the Hhubcrts, but one is now open—Winter Garden with "The Vagat>ond King." The closed theatres are Her Majenty's. Oalety, Apollo, Adelphi and Slmftesbunr. Hylten's Band in Paris PariH. Aug. 2. Jack Hylton's lyondou liand has been engaged to open here at the i'lmplre. Dee. 30. AMERICANS ABROAD Paris, July 22. In Paris; ("laronce F. Underwood, Illustrator; Edwin .Muller (.N. Y. editor); Richard Washburn Child, writer; Franclne Larrimore, Leo de Hrwe INDEX Foreign 2-S-t( Pictures 4.1S Picture Reviews K Picture Presentations .,. 10 Film House Reviews .... 22 Vaudeville 23-28 New Acts 20 liurlcMiiue 27 Bills 2«-2» Times .Sriuare 32C Editorials ,.. 32D LIteraU 14 Women's Page ...30-11 Legitimate 32E-S20 Legit Reviews 32L Music 32P-35 .Nigiit (.'lubM 35 Outd'iors 39 Sports 3;ill Obituary 37 Corresiiondcnce 3S-42-87 l-etti r List 87 Inside Vaudeville 24 Inside Pictures , IS Inside Legit IXL News of Dallies tS O. H. Lorlmer (Saturday Evening i Post) i^hlrley Topal. designer; |i Itobert T. Kane, Winifred i^lieehan, ;' John Anderson (N. Y. Evening ' Post). j Walter Batchelor. reported in . Copenhagen, Is returning to New Vork through Paris. l@STUMESl ^PRODUCTIONS PICTURES GOWNS flNOmMIALS^ icHNEIDER—I Faa9 waa ax. ncw vork I