World Film and Television Progress (1938)

them are American. The president, annually elected, is this year an Englishman — dapper David E. Griffiths, head of First National Pictures. But since the First National output is not the largest or, at least in the view of some, the most distinguished, he could be described as being rather in the position of a General Franco, a figurehead dominated by his foreign "volunteers." Strong man of the caucus is Generalissimo Samuel Eckman, shrewd chief of MetroGoldwyn-Mayer in England. An American, he is an astute politician, a brilliant strategist. Next at the secret luncheon table are bullnecked Max Milder, also American, chief of Warner Brothers, First National's elder brother, and soft-spoken Murray Silverstone, United Artists' leader. An able negotiator from the United States, Tycoon Silverstone is a mild-mannered little fellow, a tactical genius with a velvet tongue. Vital, energetic, bespectacled Joseph Friedman of Columbia, is a useful addition to the alien brains trust, and last but not least of the American con Sam Eckman A pioneer of British films, he controls the British International Studios at Elstree, the distributing agency, and the Associated British Picture Corporation which not only distributes films but owns over 400 theatres in this country. The third most notable absentee is fiercely independent veteran C. M. Woolf, whose film career was seemingly terminated with his resignation from the GaumontBritish Picture Corporation, but who burst into full bloom again when he formed and look charge of General Film Distributors who now not only handle the GaumontBritish output but also the long list of pictures produced by Universal in Hollywood. Other "non-playing" renters include Pathe and Butchers. The disaffection of Messrs. Harley, Woolf and Maxwell, and the other aforementioned dissentients from the K.R.S. phalange knocks a serious breach in the otherwise iron front; for do not Twentieth Century Fox control all the Shirley Temple pictures, the new Grade Fields series, the famous Darryl F. Zanuck Murray Silverstone tingent, judicial J. C. ("Daddy") Graham lends a benevolent air to the gathering. Of the Englishmen the most notable in forceful obedience to his U.S.A. chiefs is Ralph Hanbury, boss of R.K.O. Radio Pictures Ltd., who, aside from President Griffiths, is the only native-born son of British soil among the upper hierarchy, if we except paid Secretary Frank Hill, curly-headed, pince-nez wearer with the manner of a fussy but self-confident medico — the Signor Gayda or Mussolinic mouthpiece of the Kettner caucus. These then comprise the war council of the renters, high command in their cigarscented and be-waitered G.H.Q. Cognoscenti will note some empty chairs around the luncheon table. Particularly surprising is the absence of gentlemanly Francis Harley, managing director of Twentieth Century Fox, whose company some years ago withdrew from the K.R.S., disputing their policy and methods. Also absent is Scots solicitor John Maxwell, a veritable film jackof-all-trades, since he represents producing, renting and big-time exhibiting organisations. Max Milder J. C. Graham musicals starring Sonja Henie, Alice Faye and that rising young fan idol Tyrone Power.' While to Mr. C. M. Woolf falls the unquestionable pleasure of selling the Deanna Durbin epics which must be among the biggest money-spinners in the current market, as well as the Hitchcock pictures, the Jessie Matthews' musicals, the Will Hay comedies and many other first-class films. Then there are John Maxwell's productions with Charles Laughton as the ace star. None of these films will be subject to the "A" and "B" grading unless the K.R.S. generously decides to label other people's properties as well as its own. Spearhead of the mixed army holding the line against the attack of the K.R.S. is ( I President Ken Nyman. and his able aides-decamp, rotundlv genial C.E.A. General Secretary W. R. Fuller, a rosy complexioned lawyer whose fame as a subtle negotiator has long been recognised throughout the trade, and the London and Home Counties Branch Secretary, Arthur Taylor. But the shock troops are headed by dynamic Arthur Jarratt. Gaumont-British filmtaster and executive : rebel general John Max 79